Dear FPC Family,

We are a church family, and staff change brings challenges. Please know that your pastors and session are available to you. 

We are diligently working with all of the dedicated student ministry volunteers to support our students and their families as well as our ongoing, weekly student ministry programs, such as Wednesday night youth group, confirmation, and Cocoa & Conversation on Sunday mornings. We’ve also received several questions regarding the status of the Guatemala mission trip. We are actively working out those details and will share more information as soon as possible. I want to be thoughtful about what is best for our students and adult leaders who have signed up to participate. As soon as we have more information, we will actively share with those signed up for the mission trip.

Grace and Peace,
Will

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.

Beginning on Monday, March 3, the Light Team will start a six-week series on “The Last Days of Jesus.” Walk with Jesus this Lenten season as He prepares His disciples for His death. This series includes historical and cultural background, a closer look at Biblical text, and then applying the lessons to your life. All women are invited to join for connection time. Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.

Name of Study: “Mark”- Abingdon New Testament Commentaries

When: Every Tuesday, through April 15 – 7:30 am start time with hard stop @ 8:30 am

Location: M-N-M’s Coffeehouse, 509 W. Main St., Waunakee

Bible Study Leader: Pastor Will Wilson

Overview: After taking a short break over the Advent season, we wanted to let you know we will resume the second half of our 8-week study (chapters #9-16) on Mark’s Gospel led by Pastor Will Wilson at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse starting on Tuesday February 25, 2025 @ 7:30 a.m. Our 8-week study will conclude on Tuesday, April 15^th during Holy Week.

Please contact Jim Fitzgerald if you would like to join or have any questions.

Mark your calendars and join us in the Sanctuary at 6PM on Wednesday, March 5, for a meaningful Ash Wednesday service. This sacred time of worship marks the beginning of Lent, inviting us to reflect, repent, and renew our hearts in Christ. Come experience prayer, scripture, and the imposition of ashes as we set our focus on the journey to Easter. Don’t miss this opportunity to start the season with faith and community!

FPC Men’s Ministry Group has started a new video series by Max Lucado called “In the Footsteps of the Savior” – This is a six-week study as described on the video summary page:   “You and your small group are invited to come with Max through Capernaum, Galilee, Caesarea by the Sea and more.  As you learn more about the places where Jesus walked, you will come to understand Jesus himself, where he came from and why he went where he went.  You will better understand his humanity and his divinity with an enriched vision of life clarified for you.” All men are welcome and please contact David Sliwicki david.sliwicki@gmail.com for more info.

A six-week Lenten session of Heavenly Stretch will begin on Thursday, March 6 from 5:15-6PM in room 305. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. Recommended donation is $5 per session (unless you want to give more!) and will be given to Shelter From the Storm Ministry.

Heavenly Stretch is taught by Lolly Lawrence, who is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She also has certifications in Holy Yoga, chair yoga, and Silver Sneakers Yoga. She currently teaches Wednesday mornings at the Waunakee Village Center. 

Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, March 7, from 12PM-5:30PM.

Starting on Sunday, March 9, we’re offering a special 9AM service during the Lenten season—everything you love about a typical Sunday service, just in a shorter, 45-minute format. It’s a beautiful way to reflect, worship, and prepare your heart as we journey toward Easter.

The 9AM service will be held in the Chapel, but if attendance calls for it, we will move to the Sanctuary.

We will also continue to offer our traditional service format at 10AM in the Sanctuary, so you can choose the worship experience and time that fits you best.

Beginning on Wednesday, March 12 and continuing each Wednesday throughout Lent, through April 9, join us in the Sanctuary for Midweek Manna from 6-6:30PM—a brief, meaningful time of worship and reflection. Featuring a Lenten message and communion, these services provide a sacred pause to refocus and renew as we journey toward Easter. Be nourished by God’s word and presence in the middle of your week.

Afterward, stay for Lenten Dinners from 6:30-7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall, hosted by various FPC ministries. Enjoy delicious meals, warm fellowship, and spiritual reflection as we nourish body and soul. Bring friends, family, and neighbors—everyone is welcome! Whether you come for the food or friendships, you’ll leave blessed. Let’s walk this season together!

This Lenten season, join us for a five-week Adult Sunday School series from March 16 to April 13 at 9 AM, as we journey through He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. Together, we’ll reflect on the profound gifts Christ gave us through his crucifixion—gifts of grace, love, and sacrifice, symbolized by the cross, the thorns, the nails, and the empty tomb. Through powerful video sessions and meaningful discussions, we’ll be reminded of God’s whisper: “I did it just for you.”

Calling all quilting enthusiasts! Our monthly quilters’ gatherings are a perfect blend of creativity, connection, and purpose. Meetings feature plenty of socializing, a fun “Show & Tell” of our latest quilt creations, and helpful discussions to tackle any quilting challenges or questions.

In addition to sharing tips and inspiration, our group supports FPC’s Deacon’s Prayer Shawl & Quilt Ministry by crafting heartfelt Prayer Quilts to bless those in need. We also host one or two Sewing Days each year for extended fellowship and focused quilting projects.

Whether you’re an experienced quilter or just curious to learn, all are welcome. Come for the creativity—stay for the community! Contact Anne Frihart for more information.

Join us for our Maundy Thursday worship service on Thursday, April 17, at 7 PM in the Sanctuary. This meaningful service invites us to reflect on the Last Supper, Jesus’ command to love one another, and His journey to the cross. Through Scripture, prayer, and communion, we remember Christ’s sacrifice and the depth of His love. Come and prepare your heart for Easter as we worship together.

Maundy Thursday, observed during Holy Week, commemorates the night Jesus shared the Last Supper with His disciples before His arrest. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “commandment,” referring to Jesus’ words in John 13:34: “A new command I give you: Love one another.” This night also reminds us of Jesus humbly washing His disciples’ feet, demonstrating servant-hearted love.

Celebrate the joy of Easter with us on Sunday, April 20! We will offer two worship services at 8 AM and 10 AM in the Sanctuary as we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is a time of hope, renewal, and victory over sin and death—come and worship with us as we proclaim, “He is risen!” Both services will feature uplifting music, Scripture, and a message of resurrection hope. Invite your family and friends to join us for this special morning of celebration!

It’s time for our new directory! It will not be complete without you!

Follow these steps to make your appointment:

1. Visit www.ucdir.com
2. Enter Church code: WI393 (wi as in Wisconsin)
3. Enter the password: photos (all lowercase)

We will offer three photo session dates:
April 22 or 23.

Everyone photographed will receive a complimentary 8×10 portrait. Additional portraits will be available for purchase on the day of the photo session.

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. 

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.

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 info@myfpc.org

Did you know that the food pantry serves ~200 families each month?  Our church has a long history of supporting the Waunakee food pantry.  Our FPC church has been given the last Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm to distribute food.  This is a great way to connect with fellow members and serve the community.  If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer form on the FPC website, or talk with Sheryll Gehrmann for more details.

Unable to volunteer? Here’s the list of items most needed this month:

1. Toilet Paper
2. Kleenex
3. Mandarin Oranges
4. Canned Peaches
5. Pasta Sauce
6. Strawberry Jam
7. Ketchup
8. Cereal

The pantry is always looking for paper grocery bags as well.  Items can be placed in the shopping cart at the entrance by the Education wing.

Nursery Age 3 and Under – Room 200

The Nursery is available on Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.

This week’s praise song, House of the Lord, was written by Phil Wickham during the frustrations of the 2020 pandemic, realizing that the true house of the Lord is the community of believers rather than a physical building. The song’s verses reflect who God is, what He has done, and the believer’s identity in Him, emphasizing that joy is found in Jesus regardless of circumstances. Leading corporate worship nationwide, Wickham uses his powerful voice to passionately share the truths he’s learning. His latest album, “Hymn of Heaven,” celebrates God’s majesty and the unstoppable love of Jesus. “House of the Lord” underscores that believers, empowered by their faith, are the true church, called to impact the world for God’s kingdom.