At FPC of Waunakee, our Children’s Ministry is all about sharing God’s love in ways that are vibrant, engaging, and memorable. Every Sunday, we see the impact your pledges have as children grow in faith, discover their talents, and experience the joy of community. Your generosity makes it all possible, and here’s how it’s changing lives:

DID YOU KNOW, BECAUSE OF YOU…

• Children are excited to learn about God! They love the fun and warmth they experience in Sunday School, complete with games, treats, and even prizes.
• Kids explore their creativity. Through hands-on projects like building, painting, and crafting gifts for others, children learn that God made them unique and kind.
• VBS becomes the best week of the year. Vacation Bible School is a community-wide celebration of God’s greatness, where kids come together with friends for a party filled with faith and fun. They’d have it every day if they could!
• Families gather for special events. Whether it’s Bingo Night (January 29 at 6 PM) with pizza and prizes, or the Children’s Nativity Service (December 22 at 4 PM), our community comes together to celebrate and connect.
• Children receive their very own Bibles. Thanks to your support, every preschooler and 5th grader is gifted a Bible they can keep forever, a treasure that helps them grow in their faith journey.

Our Children’s Ministry wouldn’t be possible without you, and a thriving Children’s Ministry drives growth at FPC. Every pledge supports programs that nurture faith, creativity, and community for the youngest members of FPC. If you haven’t yet pledged, we kindly ask you to prayerfully consider doing so, as we have received less than 75% of the pledges we received last year—every little bit makes a difference.

Together, we’re creating a bright and joyful space where children learn about God’s love and feel part of His family. Thank you for being part of this incredible ministry. With your continued pledges, we can keep inspiring the next generation to know and share God’s love!

With heartfelt appreciation,
Peter Bergmann
Children’s Ministry Elder

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.

Light team is a small women’s group that emphasizes fellowship with a Bible study. Meetings take place Monday afternoons in the Gathering Place from 1-2:30.

No homework is required and our meetings are open to all. Our time together is enhanced with coffee, tea, and delicious snacks.

Description of  “Anxious for Nothing”: Best selling author, Max Lucado, explores God’s treatment plan for anxiety found in Philippians 4:4-8. You can discover a life of calm and develop tools for combating the onslaught of anxiety.

No Light Team on the following days
November 25
December 30
January 20, 2025

If you are interested in joining, or would like more information, please email Lynda Bennin.

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

Start Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Bible Study time: 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: This 8-week-long Bible Study will meet every Tuesday beginning October 15 and ending on December 3. This in-depth study on Mark lies not in just telling a story about Jesus but in creating conditions under which you will experience the peculiar qualities of God’s good news! The study will focus around the book “Mark”- Abingdon New Testament Commentaries by C. Colin Black, the Bible and general group discussion led by Pastor Will. The book is available on Amazon.com at a cost of $21.67/ea. If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com not later than Monday, October 7 so books can be ordered and we can count you in! In an effort to help offset the cost of each book FPC will help subsidize this cost by paying one-half of the $21.67 total cost ($10.84/ea.) to help share the investment. We look forward to your participation and invite those of you interested in joining us starting on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 am at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse in Waunakee.

A six-week fall session of Heavenly Stretch will begin on Tuesday, October 22 from 5:15-6PM in the Chapel. 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. 

The FPC church office will be closed from November 27-29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Youth Group will be taking Wednesday,
November 27 off to celebrate Thanksgiving!

All students in 7-12 grade are invited to participate in Youth Group on Wednesdays from 7-8:15PM

Questions?
Email Ezrah at eschmeelk@myfpc.org

Men’s Group will be taking Wednesday,
November 27 off to celebrate Thanksgiving!

Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of  Faith,  Purpose  and Connection.  The group meets on Wednesdays from 7PM to approximately 8:30PM at the church and also plans off-site opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and community service.  All men are welcome.  

Join the group in room 204. Currently we are finishing up a study called “Christian- It’s Not What You Think” by Andy Stanley. Then beginning in early January we will start studying “In the Footsteps of the Savior” by Max Lucado. We hope you can join us!

If you would like to hear more about our group please stop by and see us. Otherwise please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com for carpooling information and to find out more about FPC’s Men’s Group. All men are welcome to join us!   

Pastor Will will host an Adult Advent Study in the Chapel on each Sunday of Advent around the book “The Forgotten Man of Christmas: Joseph’s Story” by Howard Edington. If interested in attending, please sign-up here.

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

Come one come all, to 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!

Cookies and Carols will be Sunday, December 8, during our normal coffee hour after service in the Lobby and Gathering Space. We will be sharing Christmas cookies together with our church family and as we listen to carols in the background. Please RSVP here if you would like to bring cookies and drop them off in the Gathering Space Kitchen before service that morning. Thank you!

Bring a friend and join Network 56 for a day of bowling and pizza, Sunday, December 8 starting at 11:30am at Waunabowl in Waunakee.

Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. All Aged 21+ are welcome!

We are getting too big for Octopi!
We will be meeting at the Schmeelk’s Home
500 Hillcrest Dr. in Waunakee.

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

Be a part of the wonder of the season at the FPC of Waunakee’s Live Nativity on December 20 and 21! 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.

Hello FPC families! We need to find out how many kids are interested in participating in a Children’s Nativity Service this year. Please fill out one form per child. There will be opportunities to dress up in costume, parts to sing, and kids can help narrate the story or even share a musical talent! The only rehearsal will be during Sunday School: 9-9:50am on Sunday, December 22. Performance is December 22, at 4:00 p.m.

Experience the first Christmas through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. Follow the young couple as they take the long road to Bethlehem and prepare for Jesus’ birth.

FPC will host two worship services on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, December 24.
4PM – Candlelight Service with Communion
7PM – Candlelight Service

The FPC church office will be closed from December 24-26 for Christmas.

The FPC church office will be closed January 1 for New Year’s Day. Happy New Year!

We are hosting an Epiphany Celebration during our fellowship time after service in the Lobby. Come enjoy some “King’s Cake” and see if you find a baby Jesus in your piece! Epiphany occurs after the 12 days of Christmas. This “Three Kings Day” celebrates the “Wisemen” part of the Christmas story. Kids can pick up an Epiphany Activity bag as well! All are welcome!

FPC Mission Team is exploring forming a mission trip to help with disaster relief to areas affected by Hurricane Helene, if you are interested or want to know more, please contact Julie Cable or Sue Halweg. Thank you!

Join the FPC Choir as we begin our preparations for Advent and Christmas Eve. Singing in the choir is a wonderful way to center yourself on Jesus’ birth and is fun too! Anyone is welcome to join anytime, but November 20^th will be the first rehearsal for Advent and Christmas Eve. The choir will rehearse from 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays between then and Christmas Eve, with the exception of November 27^th when we take a break for Thanksgiving. Anyone interested or who has questions can contact Jamison at jwendlandt@myfpc.org.

Help decorate for Christmas on November 24, from 1-3 PM. Volunteers can reach out to Lynda at lyndaferris@gmail.com. Let’s make the season bright together!

Below you will find a list of items that need to be collected to help make the January Guatemala trip successful.  You may ask, “Why stuffed animals?” or simply think it’s a nice gift for needy children but really it is so much more than that.  One of Outreach for World Hope’s most impactful missions is to identify and help starving children. Each child who comes to the distribution center is promised a stuffed animal or toy. Having an abundance of stuffed animals helps to ensure the children come and Outreach for World Hope can identify those most at risk of starvation and intervene before it’s too late.

Needed items:

• New or gently used children’s clothing size 2T & up
• Jeans/pants preferred over shorts
• Lightweight children’s shoes
• Infant clothing/hats
• Baby receiving blankets
• Small toys
• Small stuffed animals (size of beanie babies)
• Dum Dum suckers
• Acetaminophen/tylenol 325mg
• Ibuprofen
• Generic tums
• Fiberfill/scrap matting

Please place all donation items in the suitcases by the mission table by January 5th. 

First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Waunakee is a thriving church looking for two adults to care for our littlest ones (ages 0-3yrs) in our Nursery on Sundays, from 9:30am-11:30am. Job share/rotation will also be considered. Pay is $23/hr, and you can bring your own children or grandchildren with you. Strong candidates will have a Christian faith, self-motivation, love of children, warm personality, and attention to safety and cleanliness.

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 Christa Schmeelk at cschmeelk@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. Mayonnaise
2. Pancake Syrup
3. Instant Mashed Potatoes
4. Chicken & Beef Broth
5. Refried Beans
6. Strawberry or Grape Jelly
7. Hamburger or Tuna Helper
8. Cereal (Don’t need any Cheerios)

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.

Last week, FPC shipped out 28 care packages to our college students and military members, filled with love, prayers, and goodies to remind them they are cherished by their church family. These packages are a tangible way to show how proud we are of their hard work and dedication, whether in their studies or serving our country. Each one was packed with care and includes a heartfelt note, reminding recipients that God is always with them, offering peace, strength, and guidance. Through these small gestures, we hope to bring comfort, encouragement, and a reminder of the love and support waiting for them at FPC. If they ever need us, we’re just a phone call away. These care packages symbolize our gratitude and connection as a church family, no matter the distance.

Last year, a generous church family donated beautiful evergreen arrangements and wreaths to enhance FPC’s Christmas decorations, bringing festive cheer to our church. After the holidays, the decorations were carefully dismantled, stored with photos for reference, and preserved for future use. Thanks to the incredible talent and dedication of Margaret Meyer, these centerpieces have been lovingly rebuilt and transformed into lasting treasures we can enjoy for years to come. Her artistry and care are a true blessing to FPC. Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your gifts with us and helping make our celebrations even more special!

The nursery will be closed on Sunday, December 1 to give our wonderful volunteers time to enjoy
Thanksgiving with their families!

Nursery Age 3 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.

This week’s praise song, 10,000 Reasons, also known as Bless the Lord, was written within an hour according to songwriter, Matt Redman. Set to friend Jonas Martin’s melody, the text comes from Psalm 103. Redman offers this as well, “The title’s ‘10,000 Reasons’ is a declaration of the countless motivations we have to praise Him. With anyone else, it would be an exaggeration, but with Jesus, it’s an understatement. The core message of the song is this: if we ever find ourselves unable to think of a reason to thank or praise God, then the disconnect is on our side, not His. We live each day in the midst of an endless stream of His goodness, kindness, and holiness—each of which underscores how utterly worthy He is of our highest devotion.” As we go into this next week of Thanksgiving, let us devote our time and efforts to recognizing the ways in which God has granted us all of who He is and what we have.