It is Sunday July 19^th at about 3:37pm. I am in our sanctuary joyfully presiding at Erin and Bill Esbeck’s wedding. I have finished my homily; Bill and Erin are saying their vows; my cell phone goes off. Luckily, it is on vibrate –a mere annoying buzz in my front pants pocket. I shut it off. I have my cell on because my father-in-law, Frank Hall, has been admitted into Hospice Care during the previous week. 

When my cell goes off, I quickly think, “It is one of my daughters’ calling me at a bad time.” Then I think, “No, I bet Frank has just died.” I turn my attention back to the vows.

Erin and Bill exchange rings and light the unity candle. I pray, bless, pronounce them married, and watch them process down the aisle. It is always a holy moment full of wonder to see two people walking down the aisle newly joined together. It is a moment meant to be savored and celebrated. So I do.

Then I catch the eye of the pianist and tell them that I must go. I leave the sanctuary, check my voicemail (Frank has indeed died), bid farewell to Erin and Bill, call my friend Wayne for a ride, doff my robe, grab my Presbyterian book of prayers and head out to where Frank’s body is. 

Wayne and I arrive just a little behind my daughter, Caitlin, and my wife, Christine, and join the hospice nurse and my other daughter, Molly, in Frank’s room. Molly had the privilege of being with her grandpa when he died. We listen as Molly recounts the end of Frank’s life. In the stillness that overcomes us, we drift into remembrances. I remember when this faithful Roman Catholic man first met me, a prospective Presbyterian minister, and warmly greeted me. Others remember some of the more human and humorous moments. It is a comfort to be all together with Frank’s body before it is taken away by the funeral home. 

Before he goes, I open up my prayer book to the section called “Prayer at the Time of Death” and we pray one of my favorites. 

“Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Frank. 

Acknowledge we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your flock, a sinner of your own redeeming. 

Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace and into the glorious company of the saints in light. AMEN”      

Now, did you wonder about the truth to the words “the company of the saints in light”? Well, four days before he died, in the presence of Christine and the Hospice nurse, Frank, who had been silent for a day, suddenly spoke these words out loud, addressing his deceased wife: “Wow, Miriam, what a crowd!” At that moment Frank was “in between” this world and the next. Frank was seeing clearly what we are only able to see dimly- the great welcoming presence of love. 

So where was God’s presence that day? God was blessing Bill and Erin’s marriage, God was welcoming Frank home, and God was with us when we sat and prayed. Those moments are a blessing to me. Thanks be to God.

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.

It’s that time of year to start thinking about the Children’s Nativity Service! There will be opportunities to dress up in costume, parts to sing, and kids can have a speaking part if they choose! We will have rehearsals during Sunday School:
9-9:50am on December 3, 10, 17
(It’s okay if they don’t make them all.)
Performance/Service is December 17
at 4:00 p.m.

Our long-time Church Business Administrator, Sue Gade, is retiring early 2024. We are currently looking for talented, faithful candidates as we look to fill this position. If you know someone skilled in bookkeeping and accounting, please share the link to our Job Opportunities webpage on the church website.

For questions, please reach out to Amy Nelsestuen,
Personnel Elder, at 608-347-3786.

Look for them starting Sunday, November 19th: WEB, Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, Porchlight, Shelter From The Storm, Patriot Riders and Support Our Troops. The monies the WEB receives this year will be used to buy gift cards for Waunakee area school children, the names of which have been provided by the school counselors.  In lieu of, Missions will also accept gifts, monetary donations, or store gift cards for their trees which can be mailed or dropped off at the church by Monday, December 18th.  All donations should be marked Attention Missions Team. Thank you in advance!

Be a part of the wonder of the season at the FPC of Waunakee’s Live Nativity on December 16th! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. This beloved community event relies on the support of dedicated individuals like you. Whether you’re interested in donning a costume, helping with setup/takedown, or preparing or serving food to our hungry volunteers, your involvement will help make this year’s Live Nativity a truly special experience. Sign up now to be a part of this meaningful tradition and share the joy of the season with all of Waunakee. Let’s create cherished memories together!

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.

3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.

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 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.

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!

We can’t wait to be with our Church Family for this fun event! Please RSVP below if you are planning to bring Chili or Cornbread. There will be judges and prizes! If you don’t have a chili or cornbread to enter – please rsvp for salad or fruit or dessert! Come to compete- or just eat!

We will be starting Women of the Bible on November 13!

No meetings for our fall break on November 20 and 27.

This group welcomes all ladies wishing to engage in fellowship and Christian study – with no homework!

Light Team will begin meeting at 1PM in the Gathering Place.

Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net

Join our Men’s Group on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm in the Gathering Area at FPC (by the fire place.) We will be going through “Life Lessons from John” by Christian author Max Lucado. We are excited to foster meaningful connections and find some service projects to work on together. 

Attention all Moms!

No matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community for monthly gatherings in Fellowship Hall.

For more information contact Patricia Coley.

You are invited to join your friends and neighbors to participate in an All Faith Thanksgiving Service for God’s many blessings, sponsored by the Waunakee Ecumenical Board, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving.

Enjoy the music of our community church choirs as they sing together at the service.  The service will be on Sunday, November 19, held at 6:00pm at FPC.  After the Service will be a time of fellowship with pie and coffee in the lower level.  Worshippers are asked to bring an uncut pie to be served after the service.

Join us for a time of worship, thanksgiving and fellowship!  This year’s service is hosted by Christian Life Assembly of God Church.  Please note that the All Faith Thanksgiving Service is on the Sunday evening before Thanksgiving to accommodate busy holiday schedules and still allow our community to come together in Thanksgiving and recognize our Blessings.   All are Welcome!  Worshippers are invited to bring non-perishable food items to the service for the Waunakee Food Pantry. 

Bring your sewing machine and other supplies and work on Prayer Quilts for the church, other items to be donated (cat beds, baby quilts, place mats, tote bags), or your own project. OR, leave your machine at home and come to help cut fabric into rectangles that will be used as a children’s activity on the January 2024 Mission Trip to Guatemala.

Questions? Email Anne Frihart at annefrihart@gmail.com

Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. This month’s topic: “What drives us to say yes or no?”

Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org

Kindermusik will be hosting Christmas Caroling and Cocoa on Friday, December 8 at 6pm in Fellowship Hall.

Come one come all! in the “Decked Fellowship Hall!”

A surefire way to experience the true meaning of Christmas! Family and Friends remembering and celebrating Christ’s birth in song with cup of cocoa!

Join us for a heartwarming and enchanting experience as FPC of Waunakee presents its annual Live Nativity on December 16th from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as our dedicated cast members bring the story of the Nativity to life, complete with live animals and festive carolers. This beloved community tradition promises an evening of wonder and joy, perfect for families, friends, and neighbors alike. Come together with us to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. We can’t wait to share this wondrous evening with you at our Live Nativity!

Our FPC church has been given the opportunity to serve families at the Waunakee Food Pantry one time per month, starting in November. 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.