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A prayer for the Reign of Christ
Create a seat of prime priority, mighty Jesus, here in our hearts and in our church.
Make your presence known to the forgotten, the anxious, and the confused.
May your Reign mock what the world holds dear. Open our eyes so that we see that you are good news to those who seek out truth. May we join those who seek truth when we find you walking the streets, or when we break bread or sit by bedsides.
May we find you on the edge of things– crossing borders, visiting those in prison.
Grant us compassion, and, when there is need, open our hearts in welcome.
May we find you among children learning to finger paint– teaching us to enjoy life again.
May we find you with the grieving and wounded– silenced with nothing to say.
May we come alongside them and honor their pain.
May we find you on the wrong side of the tracks, going where we think you should not…. for you choose to lay your head among the lost and the throwaways.
Grant us the gift to see this world through the eyes of those who differ from us.
May we find you unabashedly, joyfully singing songs of justice and peace.
May we find you– the Word that lives– in the desperation of the vulnerable, disturbing our complacency who think we are whole but are so broken.
Unclutter our lives, Lord, give us space, simplicity and thankful hearts.
May we find you laughing at the powerful, unnerving what we treasure, as we watch you welcome into your realm of glory those who have nothing.
O Jesus, reigning in the world in your upside-down way, may we find the courage to stand with you, Ruler of life and Servant of all.
Grant us gratitude for what we have, our daily bread, the gift of life.
We pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. So be it.
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.
News and Announcements
Pastoral Nominating Committee Update
Dear Congregation,
Thank you for all your prayers and supportive words over the last few months.. I provided this update to the Congregation during Sunday’s service and wanted to be sure it was also included in this week’s Connector. The PNC is pleased to share that we have reviewed approximately 40 PDPs (Personal Discernment Profiles) of potential candidates and have invited 3 to a Video interview with the entire PNC in late November/early December. We have already completed a preliminary video interview (with 3 members of the PNC and each candidate), spoken with their references and started background checks. We may still be a few months away from having a candidate preach for the call to FPC, but wanted you all to know that we are progressing forward.
Please keep the PNC and the candidates in your prayers as the Holy Spirit guides us in calling our next Head of Staff.
Wishing you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving,
All the best,
Angela Himegarner
Chair PNC
For your PNC:
Alan Roberts- Vice Chair
Kate Dietry- Secretary
Mark Mathwig
Mary Currie
Travis Serebin
Brice Wallance
BREAKING NEWS – FPC CAN’T HIRE A NEW PASTOR
OK, maybe that was a little dramatic – but it got your attention!
The reality however is that right now FPC can’t afford to hire a new pastor, based on 2024 pledges received so far.
A few key facts:
Only 38% of our giving units
(individuals/households/families – 95 out of 252) have pledged for 2024. Have you?
Total pledges thus far are approximately $360,000:
➢ This represents less than HALF the amount currently needed to operate FPC – it’s staff, ministries and missions.
➢ This amount even falls short of the money needed to maintain our current/continuing staff for 2024 – let alone go out to hire a new pastor and do Christ’s work in the community
If you believe that:
A. FPC is a unique, warm place for walking with Christ and fellowship with a faith family;
B. A strong full-time gifted preacher is a key to growing and learning in faith;
C. FPC’s missions and ministries matter to you – and Waunakee – and the broader world
Now is the time to step up! Don’t be shy. Make your commitment to a new pastor and FPC’s future!
If you need stewardship materials, please contact:
Sue Gade – Church Business Administrator – sgade@myfpc.org or (608) 949-9449
Barb Cash – Stewardship Elder – barb_cash@tds.net or (608) 332-5174
One Night in Bethlehem: Children’s Nativity Service
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.
We are Hiring!
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.
Join the Chorus: Become Part of the FPC Choir!
The FPC Choir will soon start rehearsing for Advent and Christmas Eve! Anyone interested in joining us is more than welcome, and no experience is required, just a heart for singing! Contact Jamison at jwendlandt@myfpc.org for more information. We look forward to having you!
FPC’s Missions Team “Giving Trees” are back!
“Giving Trees” are back!: 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. 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!
Our Live Nativity Signup is now Open
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 will be closed on November 26
The Nursery will be closed on November 26 so volunteers may be with their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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.
No Kingdom Kids on November 26
There will be no Kingdom Kids program on November 26 so volunteers may be with their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.
No Sunday School on November 26
Sunday School – Aged 3 to 6th grade – 9AM-9:50AM
There will be no Sunday School program on November 26 so volunteers may be with their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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.
No Graceland Student Ministry on November 26
Graceland Student Ministry – Grades 7-12
There will be no Graceland Student Ministry on November 26 so volunteers may be with their families for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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
November 26 – Ying Wang and Mary Kay Burton
December 3 – FPC Choir
December 10 – Joyful Noise Brass
Coming Events | Nov. 26 – Dec. 16, 2023
November 27-30 from 9:30AM-4PM – Fabric Sewing and Cutting Days
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
Mondays thru Dec. 18 from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
Women of the Bible began on November 13.
No meetings for our fall break on November 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
Wednesdays thru 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 the Conference Room, entering through the west side Education Wing doors. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
Wednesdays at 7PM – Men’s Group
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.
Sundays, December 3-17 at 9am – Adult Sunday School
For the first three weeks of Advent Pastor Glen and Christa Schmeelk will host an Adult Sunday School before Worship at 9am in Fellowship Hall.
Sunday, December 3 at 11am – Carols, cookies, & Coffee Tasting
During our normal coffee hour after service in the Lobby and Gathering Space, we will be sharing Christmas cookies, listening to some of our choir members sing carols, and for those who like coffee- please help us decide which coffee to purchase in the future (we will have a number to sample.) No need to RSVP to attend, but if you know you would like to bring cookies, please let us know:
Sunday, December 3 at 3pm – Theology on Tap at Octopi Brewing
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?” All Aged 21+ are welcome!
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Monday, December 4 at 7PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Wednesday, December 6 at 11:30AM – New Horizons Christmas Carols & Potluck Lunch
New Horizons will be hosting Carols in the Chapel followed by a Potluck lunch in Fellowship Hall at 11:30AM on Wednesday, December 6th.
We hope to see everyone for the fun festivities!
Friday, December 8 at 6pm – Christmas Movie Night, Pizza, and Popcorn!
Families! You are invited to watch “The Star” Christmas movie with us in the Youth Room on December 8! Pizza starts at 6pm, the movie will start around 6:15pm. Come when you can! Friends are welcome, just add them to your rsvp number so we order enough pizza! PJ’s, blankets, and stuffed animals are welcome!
Friday, December 8 at 6pm – Caroling and Cocoa
Kindermusik will be hosting Christmas Caroling and Cocoa on Friday, December 8 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!
Saturday, December 9 at 10AM and Monday, December 11 at 6:30PM – Care for the Caregivers
Caregiving is full of stories and life experiences. Sometimes we need somebody to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Where can one find a Christian place to tell those stories and life experiences? The Care for the Caregiver group at FPC.
The Care for Caregivers group is a small group that meets twice a month; one attends as they have time, feels the need to share, or help others walking this path. We meet in the Chapel monthly, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The group is faith based and includes those who are caring or have cared for another – in person or from afar. The group is for more than the FPC family, the meeting is open to community members that are caregivers. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential so that people are able to speak freely.
Henri Nouwen wrote, “To care is the most human of all gestures; caring expresses and expands our compassion. Care draws us into profound mutuality, both in shared vulnerability and shared gifts.”
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, December 16 from 5pm-8pm – FPC Live Nativity
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!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, December 17 at 4PM – One Night in Bethlehem Children’s Nativity Service
Wednesday, December 20 from 7-8:15PM – Youth Group Christmas Party
All middle and high school students are invited to join us in the FPC Youth Space for an eveniing of fun, food, and friends. Feel free to dress festively!
Sunday, December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship
FPC will host three worship services on Christmas Eve on Sunday, December 24.
10AM – Sunday Worship
4PM – Family Service
7PM – Candlelight Service
Sunday, January 7 at 11AM – Epiphany Brunch Potluck
Following worship on January 7, all are invited to join the Epiphany Celebration which occurs after the 12 days of Christmas. This Three Kings Day celebrates the “Wisemen” part of the Christmas story. We will have a brunch potluck together with some Three Kings activities for kids and everyone can get a piece of the famous “Kings Cake” – if the baby Jesus is in your piece, you will get a prize! RSVP to let us know you are coming.
Opportunities to Serve
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, 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.
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.
Doneta Chorney
608-345-1196
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
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.
