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God Has Chosen You and Me
For those who were not able to be here last Sunday, it was a holy moment. The confirmation class showed us their hearts in so many ways.
It is a testament to how the Spirit is at work in this church and in the world that we have such wonderful young people willing to learn about and articulate their faith.
The seeds that were sown at their baptism, that we and their parents have nurtured, have born much fruit.
This is why we come to church. It is always surprising to see how God is at work. It is in church that we know more fully the fact that there is no one better, no one worse. We may have a lot of money; we may have not so much; yet, in this church, we are joined in a common purpose. We are bound together. We together acknowledge that Jesus is real and present in our lives, that Jesus is the head of our church, at the center of our church. In worship together, we discover more fully that we have a desire to live in concert with how God is acting in our world.
How do we embody how God is acting in our world? We first notice that we have a desire to seek God. In other words, like our confirmands, we acknowledge that we do not have all the answers; we become lifetime learners, lifetime seekers. We seek (NOT create or build!) the Kingdom of God which God is bringing into the world.
Some of us come to church because we are hungry for company– we live alone; for some come to church as a way to practice our faith and monthly to share in a simple meal with my brothers and sisters. For in the sharing of that meal, we encounter Christ again and again.
No matter what our minds tell us about how we have failed; no matter how vehemently our conscience has accused us about all of our wrongdoing,
God has chosen you and me. We get to begin again and again to walk the path guided by the LIGHT of the World. God invites us all to find our place at the table. God has the last word. And that word is LIFE.
So grateful for last week and the blessing of having such a robust ministry to our teens. I wonder what God has for us this week?
Peace,
Pastor Glen
“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 | May 5 – May 25, 2024
Sunday, May 5 during the 10am service – FPC’s annual First Public Communion
FPC’s annual First Public Communion will be on Sunday, May 5 during the 10am service.
Sunday, May 5 – All About FPC
All About FPC – Have you ever wanted to know more about FPC? Are you interested in exploring membership here at FPC? If your answer is yes, then please mark your calendars for Sunday, May 5. We will meet right after church. Lunch is provided. If you need childcare, let us know in advance. We will meet in the Chapel. For more information or to rsvp, talk to Pastor Glen or Elder Wes Ray or email Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org.
Mondays, from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
We are currently watching Season one of The Chosen. The Chosen is a multi-season television drama about the life of Jesus Christ. The first season introduces Jesus and the calling of His initial disciples. All, including men, are invited to watch this wonderful series with the Light Team.
Light Team is open to all women on Mondays @ 1 pm. There will be time for lots of fellowship, treats, and no homework!
May 6: Watch Season 1, episode 3
May 13: Watch Season 1, episode 4
May 20: Watch Season 1, episode 5
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Monday, May 6 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 Pastor Glen.
Wednesdays, through May 29 at 8:30AM – Women’s Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. Meet us on Wednesdays 8:30 – 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall in the lower level of FPC. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
Wednesday, May 8 from 6:30-8:30PM – Purse Bingo with Shelter from the Storm Ministries
Shelter from the Storm Ministries is a ministry supported in part by FPC of Waunakee. Their clients are single homeless mothers and their minor children. They strive to build a community of women with diverse backgrounds and life experiences. SFTSM welcomes women of all faith or any faith into our home.
Join SFTSM on Wednesday, May 8 for Purse Bingo! Doors open at 5PM, and Bingo is from 6:30-8:30PM. Tickets are $30 and will be hosted at The Round Table, 1611 N. Bristol Street, Sun Prairie, WI 53590.
Wednesdays at 7PM – Men’s Ministry
Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of Faith, Purpose and Connection. The group meets year round on Wednesdays from 7PM to approximately 8:15PM at the church and also plans off-site opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and community service. All men are welcome.
Join our Men’s Group on Wednesday evenings from 7-8:30PM in the Gathering Area at FPC (by the fireplace.) We will be going through DVD Video series “The Discipleship Playbook” by Dr. Paul David Tripp which is a 9 session Men’s Bible Study that will share stories & testimonies from several faith based professional football players on what it means to live life as a true disciple!
Our last Men’s group meeting for this session will be Wednesday, May 22nd, just prior to Memorial Day. We’ll look to kick-off our new men’s group session in early September to align with our “All Church Fall Kick-Off.”
Please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmsil.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail for carpooling information and to find out more about FPCs Mens Group. All men are welcome to join us!
Saturday, May 11 at 10AM and Monday, May 13 at 6:30PM –
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.
Saturday, May 18 at 9AM – All Church Spring Clean Up
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference! Join us bright and early on Saturday, May 18th at 9 AM for the All Church Spring Clean Up event. Let’s beautify our church grounds together– from trimming trees to spreading mulch, every hand makes a huge impact. Contact Building and Grounds Elder RJ for more details and be part of this uplifting church-wide effort!
Sunday, May 19 at 3PM – Theology on Tap at the Schmeelk’s backyard
Join Christa and Ezrah’s in their backyard at 500 Hillcrest Drive here in Waunakee. For a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. Please bring your own chair and beverage! (If it rains, meet at Octopi in the back room.) cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Sunday, May 19 at 3PM – MOMCo
Attention all moms, no matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community for monthly gatherings as well as social events. Contact Patricia Coley for more information!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, May 27 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Memorial Day.
Sunday, June 2 following worship – All Church Congregational Meeting
More details and agenda items to come. Stay tuned!
Sunday, June 9-Tuesday, June 11 from 5PM-7:30PM – VBS 2024!
We are bringing back dinner this year! Dinner will be served from 5:00-5:25 p.m.
Look forward to the usual favorites of Opening and Closing with amazing music, silly skits, singing, dancing, Bible Adventures, science experiments, Games, Bible Buddies, and so much more!
Join our dive team! Join us on our underwater journey and help create an unforgettable experience!
Sunday, June 16 during Worship – Pastor Glen and Patricia’s Farewell Celebration!
On June 16th, during worship, we will be celebrating Pastor Glen Reichelderfer and Patricia Coley for their years of service to FPC. Pastor Glen has been our Interim Pastor for nearly two years and a familiar face around FPC for decades. Patricia has been our Director of Children’s Ministry for over four years.
Please join us in giving thanks to Pastor Glen and Patricia for all they have done for us collectively over the years and also to God for bringing them into our lives.
We are collecting Love Offerings for Pastor Glen and Patricia from Wednesday, May 1 until Tuesday, June 11th, as we would like to present them with their gifts at the June 16th worship service. If you would like to contribute, you can donate to their Love Offerings via check (noting “Pastor Glen” and/or “Patricia” in the memo line). You may also donate online at myfpc.org/donate and click FPC’s Donation Page or with the button below.
Thank you, and I hope you will be able to join the celebration.
Opportunities to Serve
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.
Are you someone who is gifted in organizing spaces?
If this would bring you joy, we could use your help with our front office at FPC. Please contact Christa Schmeelk for more information: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Meal Train Volunteers
We need to develop a list of folks in FPC who can make meals for new parents and folks facing surgery, illness, depression, or grief. Would you like to be on the rotating list of volunteers?
Please contact Christa Schmeelk or Deacon Jannina Killian: janninakillian4@gmail.com.
Waunakee Food Pantry: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive
When: Saturday, May 11th
What: Check out product needed by going on the food pantry website. Top 8 needs list and pantry stock items help the pantry financially.
Where: Please put the bag of groceries next to your mailbox that morning
Many Hands Make Light Work!
Need a “porpoise”? Want to make a di”fin”erence? Help us submerge the church into a Scuba Diving Adventure for VBS (Vacation Bible School)! Decorators of all or no skill level wanted! (You could come up with your own ideas, adopt a project of ours, and/or be on the set-up or take-down team! This is something families can also do together.)
The amazing decorations are always a huge part of our VBS charm! We’d love your help, so just dive in by reaching out to Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@charter.net, text at 608-235-7899, or sign up in the church Lobby and Lori will reach out to you. Thanks mates!
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 Patricia Coley to help and please pray for this vital ministry to our littlest ones and their families. pcoley@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
Confirmation Sunday
It’s quite something to hear how the Good News of Christ is made real in the lives and hearts of our teenagers here at FPC. We as adults have so much to learn from our new generation of Christ followers! What a wonderful Confirmation Sunday and Celebration! Thank you to Ezrah Schmeelk and all of their families, and Mentors, and Church family members that have loved and encouraged these Confirmands to reach toward Christ over the years!
Have you ever served our country in uniform?
Each year on the Sunday before Memorial Day we recognize members of our church family who have served in the past, whether discharged or retired, as well as those who are currently serving our country in uniform. This year it will be on Sunday, May 26.
If you were included in our previous listing, you will automatically be included again this year. If you would like to be included in this listing and haven’t been in the past, please contact Chris Drake in the church office at cdrake@myfpc.org by Monday, May 20.
Thank you for the sacrifices you have made and continue to make to protect our citizens and our nation. This is a powerful, annual opportunity at FPC to thank and honor the men and women who offer themselves– in life and in death– for the good of their country.
This Week’s Birthdays: May 5-11
This Week’s Anniversaries: May 5-11
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.
Kingdom Kids
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.
Sunday School – Aged 3 to 6th grade – 9AM-9:50AM
Join us at FPC of Waunakee for an incredible Sunday School experience! Our vibrant program caters to children aged 3 to 6th grade, offering engaging lessons, interactive activities, and a nurturing environment where young faith can thrive. Every Sunday, we’re dedicated to fostering faith, friendship, and fun in a way that leaves a lasting impact on your child’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss out on this enriching opportunity!
Network 56 – Grades 5-6
Network 56 is a group of 5th and 6th graders who hang out together to have fun, put faith to action by serving in the community, and grow healthy, encouraging friendships.
- All 5th and 6th grade students are welcome to attend Network 56 events at any time. Interested participants are notified in advance of each event.
- All events are chaperoned by parents. There is lots of fun and room for everyone to participate.
Student Ministry – Grades 7-12
FPC Student Ministry exists to help students KNOW God, GROW in relationship with Him and each other, and to GO serve others in Jesus’ name.
Students can expect a welcoming environment with caring adult leaders who are there to support and encourage them on their faith journey, regardless of if they are exploring their faith for the first time, a committed follower of Jesus, or anywhere between.
All students are welcome!
Sundays | 9:00–9:50am
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:15pm
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, games, musical worship, meaningful messages and small group discussions, and prayer.
Music in Worship
May 5 – FPC Choir and Ying Wang, pianist
May 12 – Joyful Brass
May 19 – Choir
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
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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.
