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Choir Corner
VOL 1, ISS 2 | Sam Shugar, FPC’s Chancel Choir director pro tem
From congratulatory comments from our Worship and Music Elder, Erik Cushman, our clergy (with Pastor Ben now singing in the choir), and from numerous members of our congregation, the project to resurrect our Chancel Choir appears to be on track. Our Easter presentation was a huge success by all reports from the congregation and church staff. What is left to do is to ensure that we don’t backslide during our summer furlough. I pledge to prevent that from happening with every device I can imagine.
The resumption schedule in the fall has not been completed yet, but our plan is, to begin with “Give Us Peace” followed by “Song of Assurance” just to get back in the swing of things.
Not to provide a medical focus to this document, but AARP magazine has reported on their Welfare Team’s new efforts in 2022. Included in Their Global Council on Brain Health (GCBH) 2020 report “Music on Our Minds” was an emphasis on the importance of music to brain health. All types of music from concert programs, to dance parties to singing were identified in the report. With these findings by experts in the field, I am at a loss in understanding why so many among us are unwilling to try a stint in our excellent FPC Chancel Choir. People, it’s good for you, and we have a lot of comradeship and fun while we work at improving our musical talent for the pleasure of our friends in our congregation. A simple email message will get you the warmest welcome to a lifetime of uplifting joy to be found nowhere else in the universe. If you prefer, 1-608-849-4799 will connect you to an answering machine if I am unavailable to take your call. I’ll reach you asap should you leave a call back number. With the training we provide as choral singers, when we meet our maker, it is highly likely that we will be invited to participate in His heavenly choir to spread His joy across His creations. Think about it, but a cautionary note is appropriate. Beware! Choral singing becomes an addiction, but it’s the good kind, not the deadly stuff reported in all forms of media.
With that invitation Choir Corner is on furlough until autumn. Have a great summer.
Missed last Sunday’s service? You can watch the recording here.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
THIS Sunday, May 8 | Between Services
Join us in between services in Fellowship Hall to honor all Mothers with a breakfast.
Shepherding the Flock: April Session Report
Submitted by Lolly Lawrence, Clerk of Session
Approved Children’s Ministry 2022-2023 calendar
Session Clerk received approval for transfer of Justin and Katlin DeMaa.
The Clerk also noted that Bob Bennin and Ed Gyrs will represent Session on the Nominating Committee and that the Interim Pastor Search Committee has had its first meeting.
$191 was raised in the text-to-give for the food pantry. $100 was also raised for the general fund. This was a test of electronic giving. A card with a QR code will be placed in the pews to facilitate electronic giving during services. The Donate page has been redesigned! Check it out at https:’www.myfpc.org/give/treasure/donate
Plans to initiate a capital campaign for the church parking lot expenses are in the works.
Worship and Music is looking for alternatives to assist in scheduling volunteers for greeting/ushering/bulletins/communion prep. We may hire a part-time position or add hours to a current staff member.
Building and Grounds is finalizing bids for the parking lot. B&G is also looking at improving lighting in the Narthex and scheduling a Spring Clean-Up Day.
Student Ministry is continuing to work on the Milwaukee summer mission trip, as well as other adventure and volunteer events for the summer.
Fellowship is continuing to work on Mother’s Day breakfast and Pastor Kirk’s retirement celebration. They are also encouraging sign-up for the Mallard’s game event on June 17.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth continues to work on plans for an October retreat, possibly at Green Lake Conference facilities.
Several items were brought forward for approval from Worship and Music. The following were all approved:
- There will be one Sunday service from May 29 through September 4.
- The summer Sunday service will begin at 9:30.
- Weather permitting, outdoor worship will be offered the third Sunday of the month. The Worship and Music Elder will determine on the Thursday before the third Sunday if the weather will be acceptable to hold outdoor worship. If not the service will be moved indoors. When the service is held outdoors, there will be no indoor service.
- There will be no passing of plates for the offering during the summer. There will be an offering drop box in the Narthex for indoor services, and outside, for outdoor services, as well as a QR code in the bulletin for electronic giving.
- When we go back to two services in the fall, the services will be called “First” and “Second” service. We will no longer use the “Traditional” and “Contemporary” service titles. We will have blended music at the First and Second services. This will allow for a variety of music styles at both services, versus restricting music types to service times.
Several items were brought forward for approval from Personnel. The following were all approved:
- Updated Part-Time Music and Worship Coordinator job description
- Updated Part-Time Church Pianist job description
- A plan to redistribute receptionist duties from Donna Kopan to others
- “Departing Employee Recognition Options” document. In light of recent and upcoming staff departures, it was important to come up with a plan to keep recognition consistent and fair, based on staff position and number of years of service.
- We will not create an Emeritus status for departing staff, nor will we create a hall of staff photos or name rooms or other parts of the building or grounds after departing staff members.
Church Breakfast with Special Guest
Sunday, May 22 | Between Services
At the upcoming Church Breakfast, It is the privilege of the Adult Education and Spiritual growth team to welcome guest speaker, Mr. Jason Johns. Mr. Johns is a US Military Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, former Deputy Secretary for the Wisconsin Department of Veteran Affairs, former commander of the Wisconsin VFW, and is an attorney at law. He will be sharing his testimony and message on coming to faith.
He is a veteran advocate with over 15 years of experience in the veteran service organization and veteran nonprofit community. As a practicing attorney, he has represented veterans in front of the Veterans Administration and U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
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 May 29.
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 Sue Gade in the church office at 949-9445 or sgade@myfpc.org by Monday, May 23. Also, if you are currently serving, please contact Sue to make sure your listing is up to date.
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.
Video Devotional: So That We Might Be Complete
In this video devotion, Rev. Jeff Quinto, FPC member and Executive Director of The Bethel Series shares a look into a Bethel Series class at Trinity Lutheran Church in Genoa City, WI and how they are joyously studying the Bible. You’ll learn what happens when you are engaged in the Bible and what the Bible says about studying God’s Word.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | May 8, 2022
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. Thanks!
Don’t miss FPC’s Night out at the Duck Pond Friday, June 17, organized by the Fellowship Committee! Claim your free game ticket and hat by clicking here or on the image above. Gates open at 5:35 pm and the first pitch is at 6:35 pm. It will be a great way to celebrate Father’s day weekend. Be sure to claim your free ticket by the deadline of Friday, May 17th! Questions? Please reach out to Fellowship Elder Lynda Ferris-Olson. Hope to see you there!
NEXT WEEK!
6th Grade Bible Presentations
Parents of 6th graders! If you would like your student to receive a Bible this year, please email your child’s name to Christa Schmeelk. The Bibles will be presented on Sunday, May 15. Children’s Ministry Sunday. If you aren’t able to attend Children’s Ministry Sunday, let Christa know and she will set up a time for delivery.
Donations Needed:
Cereal, Deodorant, and Toilet Paper
Children and Student Ministries invite you to participate in our May collection drive for the Waunakee Food Pantry. Drop off your donation of toilet paper, deodorant, and cereal at the church. We are also collecting donations outside Waunakee Piggly Wiggly on Saturday, May 21, from 10 am – 2 pm. We need volunteers to sign up for a one-hour time slot. Email Christa Shmeelk if you are available to help at the collection table that Saturday.
VBS 2022: Monumental
June 12-14 | 5:30-7:30pm
Join the VBS Monumental Volunteer team! We need the help of the entire congregation! Adult volunteers, click on the link below to sign up for everything from hall monitors to playing games with kids, to buying glue sticks and helping set up. Also, we need Crew leaders this year! If you are in grades 5-12, you can help guide the children around to their stations. Use the links below to sign up, or find the volunteer table in the lobby this weekend!
Save the Date! Retirement BBQ and Potluck
Sunday, June 26 | 12:00-3:00 pm
Food will be served from Noon – 2 pm
Celebrate Pastor Kirk’s career and time as FPC’s pastor!
Members and friends of FPC, you–and your appetite–are invited to a BBQ and potluck celebration of Pastor Kirk! Come join the festivities, enjoy good company, and help us eat an abundance of smoked BBQ and a variety of salads, side dishes, and desserts. RSVP to let us know you’re coming and how many people will come with you. Your RSVP helps plan the right amount of food! Look for another invitation early this May for a chance to sign up to bring food and/or donate to help cover the cost of the meat we will BBQ.
FPC is looking for someone to help in the nursery. We have one person ready to help, but we need two people to run the nursery. If interested, please contact the church office.
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.
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