Events
Serve
Announcements
Give
Guest Pastor: Rev. Loren Shellabarger
Rev. Dr. Loren Shellabarger is an ordained Presbyterian PC(USA) Pastor serving for the last 13 years in the Midwest. Loren is a ‘third career’ Pastor, having served as an Instructor Pilot in the US Air Force for four years from 1988-1992 and as a project and people manager for various companies, including Texas Instruments and Hewlett-Packard, for 17 years.
Loren’s time in the Air Force was spent at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, where he graduated from Pilot Training in early 1990 and was assigned as a T-38 Instructor Pilot. Loren served as a flight and classroom instructor, accumulating approximately 1,000 flight hours in the T-38.
Upon separating from active duty, Loren went to work for Texas Instruments as a computer programmer, putting his Texas A&M University Computer Science degree to work. His work in IT started with programming and progressed to project management, where he became a certified PMP (Project Management Professional) in 2003. Loren also led various teams both supporting existing systems and developing new systems for TI and other companies. Loren’s last position in IT was at Hewlett-Packard where he worked as the IT Strategy Manager for hardware development.
In 2009, Loren and his family moved from Texas to Dubuque, Iowa, where Loren attended the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary. He graduated in 2012 with a Master of Divinity degree and received a call to two churches in north central Iowa. Loren served there for over six years. During that time, he led the effort to create a greater parish of local churches. In 2018, Loren received his Doctor of Ministry, focusing on understanding the beautiful and moving story found within Scripture. Loren retired from full time pulpit ministry in late 2020.
Loren also teaches both theological and leadership courses for the church through the seminary and through their denomination. Loren and Becky have been married for 36 years and counting! They have adult twin sons whom they love very much.
Video Devotional: Missing the Forest for All the Trees
Nicodemus in John 3:1-12 is a rule follower deluxe, but he misses the point – he misses the forest for all the trees. Jesus tells him he must be “born again.” He doesn’t get it. He takes the metaphor literally. Sometimes I do that. Watch this episode of Scriptures for Life and find out more about our friend Nicodemus and what it means to be “born again.”
Soli Deo Gloria!
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
We exist as a congregation to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known:
- To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ so all may come to know and love Him;
- To nurture His people in joyful faith, fellowship, and commitment; and
- To demonstrate His way of love in service to the world.
We use the Connector to share news of the coming week and beyond, the activities that involve a wide range of ages and interests at FPC.
Coming Events | June 23 – July 13, 2024
Monday, June 24, at 11:30AM – Light Team The Chosen viewing
Season 1, episode 8 of The Chosen will be shown on June 24 at 1PM in the Gathering Place. July and August events will be announced later. Regular Light Team meetings will start again in September.
Contact Lynda Bennin with any prayer requests or joys to share.
Jesus – the Light of the world. We should all “shine on!”
Monday, July 1, at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM for two 20 minute “sits.” For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Judy Fitzgerald.
Thursday, July 4 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Independence Day.
Tuesday, July 8 at 6:30PM and Saturday, July 13, at 10AM –
FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Someone to share ups and downs with, and possibly offer advice.
Are you or were you a caregiver? Let’s lean on each other and learn from each other as a group of Christians. Our FPC group is small but mighty, always welcoming any newcomers. The group is offered once a month. Stop in when you can, you choose to share or listen, it’s up to you. We meet in the Chapel, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential, people can speak freely.
Attendee Lori Phelps has said, “This is my therapy and is so helpful for my mental health as I care for my parents! I walk away with a clearer mind and fresh ideas (an indoor garden kit for my dad! I didn’t know these existed! And a binder for my mom titled, When I start feeling bored, I can…). I’m so grateful for Marcia creating and conducting this group! She is a great listener, and she cares. She’s been through the same experiences so we can talk, laugh, or cry through the ups and downs. I feel like this group is so beneficial but seems to be the best kept secret. We should spread the word for others to benefit too!”
Caregivers (current or previous) – join us any month you can! If you have questions, or if these dates and times won’t work for you, please contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call 849-5683 and leave a message during work hours.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, July 15, from 12:30-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Monday, July 15 from 12:30-5:30PM.
Thursday, July 18, First pitch: 6:05PM – Men’s Ministry Mallards Game Night
The Men’s Ministry has reserved two tables @ 6 men per table for a total of 12 men. Depending on level of commitments we can adjust number of tables up to one week before the game.
Location: Warner Park, Madison WI
Cost: $42 per person which includes game ticket (reserved table in the Duck Blind) along with an all you can eat food buffet and soft drinks (adult beverages not included)
For more information, or to RSVP, please email David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com
Sunday, July 21, at 3PM – Theology on Tap
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. If you have any questions contact Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Summer Schedule:
Sunday, July 21 at 3pm
Schmeelk’s backyard – 500 Hillcrest Drive
Sunday, August 18 at 3pm
Bennins’ Condo – 5240 Bishops Bay Parkway, #112
Friday, July 26, from Noon-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, July 26 from Noon-5PM.
October 18-20 – Women’s Retreat
Ladies! Join us October 18-20 (7pm, Friday evening- 11am, Sunday Morning) at the Green Lake Conference Center. Our speaker Natalie Handley will be speaking on Creative Embodied Faith: Discovering Christ in our midst by exploring a variety of spiritual practices that involve movement, creativity, and other every day activities that will help connect us to Christ. We are excited to offer this opportunity to the women of FPC (and their friends and family!) on this special Women’s Retreat weekend. Join us as together we create this safe and sacred time together to explore creative connections with ourselves, each other, and with God.
Opportunities to Serve
A Note from the PNC: Welcome Will to Waunakee!
Imagine with me for a moment. You’ve taken a new job. You’re leaving your home and the people you’ve known, and you’re traveling nearly a thousand miles to get there. Oh, wait a minute! You and your spouse also have a brand-new baby, which is a blessing indeed, but doesn’t make moving any easier.
Now, imagine that your new employer has funded all your moving expenses…you not only realize how eager they are to have you on board, but you breathe a sigh of grateful relief at the welcome you’re already receiving!
This is what we can all do, together, with a generous Love Offering, to give a great big welcome to Pastor Will, his wife Abby…and little “Guess Who?”
Love offerings will be collected from now through July 30. Please use the button below to donate today. Thank you!
Hammers with Halos
Want to help others with minor household repairs, maintenance or yard work? Contact the church office or any of the Deacons. Your name will be added to a call list and you may be contacted to see if you can help when a request is received.
We’re Hiring: Children’s Ministry Director
We are hiring a Director of Children’s Ministry! We are seeking a 3/4 time (30 hours/week) professional who is eager to create, manage, and administer our successful children’s Christian programs. The position offers flexible scheduling and a hybrid work model with a blend of onsite and work-from-home. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more or applying (candidates don’t have to be a member of the church), please check out the full job description here.
To apply, please click the button below to complete the job application (fillable pdf) and email the completed application along with your resume to the Church Business Administrator Kristina Maher.
Sunday Worship House Manager
FPC of Waunakee is seeking dedicated volunteers to fulfill the role of “House Manager” during our Sunday services. This position involves ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation by monitoring our facilities and surroundings. Volunteers will be attentive and proactive, keeping an eye out for any potential concerns that may arise. We value a calm and composed demeanor, as well as strong communication and observational skills. If you are passionate about contributing to a secure and peaceful worship experience, please consider joining our House Manager team.
Sound Desk Assistant Needed
We invite you to join our dynamic worship team as a Sound Desk Assistant! Play a crucial role in enhancing our Sunday worship services by ensuring a seamless audio/visual experience for the congregation both in-person and at home. Take turns with fellow volunteers and enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of our vibrant worship atmosphere! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Christa Schmeelk at cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Agrace Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to assist customers and operate the cash register at the Doc Rock Café located inside the Agrace Madison campus or make companionship visits to local Agrace hospice patients in patients’ homes, nursing homes or assisted living centers.
Schedules are flexible, and free training is provided. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Agrace at (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer to apply online.
Volunteers and Subs needed in the Nursery
Our Children’s Ministry needs more monthly volunteers and subs in the Nursery. We are still building our foundation in this Ministry and we need more folks- teens and adults. Please consider contacting us to help by emailing childrensministry@myfpc.org or call the Church Office.
Last Wednesday of each month – 4-6pm – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our FPC church has been given the opportunity to serve families at the Waunakee Food Pantry one time per month. It will always be the last Wednesday of each month from 4-6:00pm. This is a great way to connect with fellow members, while serving families in the Waunakee area. If you are interested, please stop by the Mission table after church to learn more.
News and Announcements
Farewell Pastor Glen and Patricia!
Last Sunday, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Pastor Glen and Patricia, who have been a tremendous blessing to FPC during their time with us. Their dedication, compassion, and spiritual guidance have touched the lives of many in our congregation. We have cherished every moment spent with them, and their presence will be deeply missed. As they embark on their next journey, we send them off with our love and best wishes. We are grateful for the impact they have made and the memories we have shared. May God’s grace continue to guide and bless them in all their future endeavors.
Thank you Note from Patricia Coley
Dear FPC,
I want to first say a huge thank you for your support and belief in me through these 4+ years. Thank you for embracing my 3 kids as they have helped in so many elements of Children’s Ministry. I truly have enjoyed and felt blessed by the FPC church family. Working and learning with your children has been an amazing experience! I will miss my weekly chats with them before Sunday School, their unique perspectives and questions during lessons, and their enthusiasm for music and fun activities! I have felt so honored to be a part of FPC’s rich history and hope I have laid a path for the next person to continue to grow this program!
I will end with the verse that was highlighted in my 4th grade bible that has always guided me “those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength. They will rise on wings like eagles; they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Thank you!
God Bless,
Patricia Coley
SCAM ALERT: Fake emails from Pastor Glen
In recent weeks, there have been reports of individuals receiving fraudulent emails purportedly from “Rev. Glen Reichelderfer,” asking for a favor. The content of these emails typically requests the purchase of gift cards under the guise that Pastor Glen is busy or currently in a meeting and doesn’t have time to purchase the gift cards himself.
It is imperative to note that our Pastors do not and will not ask you to purchase gift cards.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that these emails do not originate from Pastor Glen’s official MyFPC.org email address. Although the scammer has not directly compromised Pastor Glen’s official email account, they have attached his name to a Gmail.com email address in an attempt mislead recipients.
It is crucial to exercise caution and vigilance when anyone asks you to purchase gift cards through email.
Mayday! Mayday!
Numbers do not look good at all! The May financial report is in. At month’s end, our cash balance is only $22,000. If we don’t feed that starving animal pretty soon, like in two weeks, the General Fund will be empty and we’ll have to borrow from the bank by July 6. I ask you, is this the kind of church we want to be?
What’s a poor Stewardship Elder to do? Am I gonna have to call my enforcer friend Beano Bates to come and put the squeeze on youse guys?
Don’t we say we trust in the Lord to provide? Don’t we affirm that we are His hands and feet in the world? Let’s get with the program! We can do this!
Need help around the house?
The Deacons provide a ministry of sharing time and service to others called “Hammers with Halos.” This ministry is intended to be a short term or occasional way of helping out someone in need, not a long-term solution. Minor household repairs or maintenance, yard work or other small tasks are things that we can help with! Write it in the friendship pad, contact the church office or any of the Deacons and they will share the need with Beth Mueller, the current Deacon in charge of the program.
This Week’s Birthdays: June 23 – 29
This Week’s Anniversaries: June 23 – 29
FPC Nursery for Ages 2 and under
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Guest Musicians: Ivory & Brass: Ruth and Paul Heinecke
This Sunday, June 23, Ruth and Paul Heinecke will be our guest musicians. You won’t want to miss it! Arrive at FPC around 9:45AM to hear all of their beautiful Preludes.
Paul (trumpet) and Ruth (piano) Heinecke have been playing sacred and secular music together for close to 50 years. They’ve been musically active in their home churches all of their married life. Living in Mount Horeb, Ruth is a retired piano teacher, accompanist and judge, and Paul is semi-retired from school sales and jazz band directing, but they both still greatly enjoy sharing their music with others. Paul is also the director of the Madison area “All That Jazz” big band.
Music in Worship
June 23 – Ivory & Brass: Ruth & Paul Heinecke
June 30 – Second Century Brass Quintet
July 7 – Jessica Spicer, fluist
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
Connect with the Connector!
In an effort to streamline the process for submitting requests for event announcements in the Connector or spoken during the worship service, Communications has developed this easy-to-use online form to share all of your important information.
Click the link below to check out the form and if you have any feedback or questions, please send an email to communications@myfpc.org.
The Connector is available in print at the Connection Corner in the Lobby for those who would like a printed copy.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.
