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All Saints Day
“From Earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host” is a lush image from the hymn “For All the Saints”.
It describes the welcome all receive when we enter into the Church triumphant. We sing this hymn on All Saint’s Day as we remember those who have died this past year. It is a way to honor our dead brothers and sisters and their faithfulness to the mission of Jesus Christ through this particular expression of Christ’s body.
During a distinct point in the history of FPC Waunakee, they were the ones who invested their time, talents and treasures into this church. They were the ones who pledged their support to keep this church’s doors open so that newer members could be welcomed, could grow deeper in their faith and discover where their gifts and the world’s great needs collide. We are joined to them in this fellowship divine.
This year, we honor these folks. Some of these names are folks who have made a dent in individual FPC members’ lives. We celebrate all of them.
Barb Crawford, Jan Williams, Mary Schmied, Tony Lord, Tedd Cash, Bob Bakke, Jay Reed, Bill Pohlson, Pat Ronspiez, Wayne Peacock, David Eide, Norm Parsons and Penny Holum
Because of their generosity to us, we get to bear witness to the transforming power of Christ in their and our lives as we bring the deliberate and gentle forcefulness of Christ into the world.
Truly, I am thankful for our saints who have gone before us. We have been blessed in countless ways to have had these good people in our midst. To God be the Glory.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
Video Devotional: The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Pastor Jeff talks about the Valley of the Shadow of Death as the original hearers of Psalm 23 would have heard it. This devotion was originally presented to the 2023 Bethel Bible Series Online class. Next year’s online class begins on Zoom on Saturday morning January 6, 2024, at 8:30AM CDT.
“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
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, no experience is required, just a heart for singing! Contact Jamison at jwendlandt@myfpc.org for more information. We look forward to having you!
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!
October Session Report
Report of the Clerk: Alan Roberts and Lolly Lawrence will find a nominee for church treasurer to replace Todd Marquardt, who has served faithfully and with joy in this role for the last 6 years. Todd’s term is up in December. Session thanks Todd for his service and will vote on his replacement in the November meeting.
The clerk noted that several changes have been made to the Constitution. These will be reviewed with JKP and brought to future FPC Session meetings for approval or acknowledgement:
• Electronic meetings now allowed
• Roberts Rules of Order is now the parliamentary authority for congregations
• Session required to reports matters of sexual misconduct of inquirers or candidates
• Anti-racism and harassment policies will be required
• All members of Session must attend boundary training at least every 36 months.
• Family leave set to minimum of 12 weeks paid for all called and installed positions
Special Topic: Patricia Coley attended the meeting to review highlights and challenges around Children’s Ministry:
• Sunday School is seeing 14-29 attendees. Prepping and working with volunteers is challenging, given the fluctuation in attendees. Need 3-5 more volunteers to work with Sunday School
• Kingdom Kids has 4-7 attendees. Last year it was closer to 15, many aged out of the program.
• Nursery has 1-2 babies on a Sunday.
• Fifth and sixth grade numbers are large, compared to last year. Almost doubled in size.
• MomCo (was previously MOPS) was renamed because it doesn’t have to be only for mothers of preschool children. Aiming to reach people outside our congregation. Had 45 in the group, pre-Covid. Now it’s less than 10. Would like to promote more with social media, word of mouth, etc.
Pastor Glen’s Report:
• Worked with Chris on two videos for Stewardship
• Officiated at and planned funeral for Tedd Cash
• Did a baby dedication for an African family, honoring their traditions
• Led Centering Prayer
• Prepping for marriage retreat, 17 couples have signed up, spent about 30-35 hours on prep
• Attended Area 4 Presbyterian Pastor meeting at Covenant
• Met with Lolly to prep for John Knox Presbytery review of Session minutes and practices
• Had a very positive lunch with all staff
• Trying a new process for Care Notes for the congregation
Worship and Music: Fearings completed updates to the AV system. Very much simplified, one button on/off. Brian Gade will be offering training in November.
Children’s Ministry: Peter reported that the team cleaned up and reorganized teacher’s resource room. Completed this big effort in two sessions. More children are getting involved in the service, e.g., candlelighters, which the adult members love to see. Discussed the meaning of bringing the light into, and out of, the sanctuary. Children’s Nativity service is planned for the afternoon of December 17.
Building and Grounds: RJ noted the fall clean-up on September 23 went very well, with about a dozen attendees. The GROW team continues to meet to plan more improvements. Lighting repair was completed in October, exit signs are brighter — thanks to Brian Gade for coordinating. Planning for more lighting and electrical upgrades in 2024, budget permitting. Pricing the proposed changes to the family outdoor area.
Personnel: Amy reported that Sue Gade and Alka Van Haren will both retire on February 29, 2024. Sue Gade’s job description has been updated. We will be posting Sue’s job before the end of the year. There is the possibility for overlap with the new church business administrator and Sue, which would be a good thing for training purposes. Still working with the Personnel team and current staff to determine the strategy for the Pastor’s assistant role, currently held by Alka. Wanted to get the direction established and approved for the church business administrator first. There are many moving parts for 2024 budget, with retirements, Pastor Glen’s interim period ending, and hiring of new senior pastor. Pastor Glen’s contract for the remainder of his interim period has been approved by JKP.
Stewardship: Barb reported on continuing work for this fall’s “Walking in the Light” stewardship campaign. She is planning speakers (including Allie Devine and Milana Lutes), Connector articles, and videos to promote the campaign. Pledge cards will be mailed on October 17. Pledge Sunday will be October 29.
Finance Report: Alan reported that giving vs. pledged for the month of September is at 115% and year-to-date at 103%. General fund income vs. expense is $-32,895.40.
Parking lot fund had contained $75,000, decided to apply $40,000 to pay down the loan, retaining $35,000. Need more pledges for the parking lot fund, still about 50% short of total loan amount. Pledging for this could be a Lenten discipline.
Reviewing the effectiveness of QR codes for giving.
PNC: Alan gave an update. There are a number of candidates that have come in from various sources. The committee continues to meet weekly and is reviewing all candidates for their suitability to take to the next step in the process. Mary Currie and Mark Mathwig are meeting with church staff to discuss what skills and qualities they need in a head of staff.
Student Ministry: Emily reported that the September 24 Pres House dinner went well. 6 students attended, along with Ezrah and Emily. FPC has agreed to host the dinners quarterly, the next one is planned for December 17. Sunday and Wednesday student meetings are going well. Sunday numbers of attendees is consistent with last year (around 22). Wednesday attendance numbers have gone up from around 18 in 2022, to around 28 this year. Looking to expand the SM committee, SM volunteers are established.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth: Scott reported on continuing and upcoming offerings: Centering Prayer, Marriage Retreat, Theology on Tap, Our Daily Bread devotionals, Men’s Small Group, Heavenly Stretch, Women’s Bible study, Advent Bible study and the Light Team.
Planning a breakfast with a guest speaker for April or May. Also, started long-term planning for future retreats, possibly Women’s in 2024, Men’s in 2025, Marriage in 2026.
Mission: Brice said that Food for Kidz involvement from FPC was great, with 5 tables of participants. One of the tables packed the 4 millionth meal!
Giving trees will be up the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Wycliff Bible translators will speak at the morning service on November 19.
Will be directing missions work in the next few months to the Waunakee Food Pantry. FPC will provide volunteers to work at the Waunakee Food Pantry every last Wednesday of the month from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Fellowship: Krista reported that there were almost 40 attendees for What’s Cookin’ at FPC on October 15(Beignets with Sandrine). Planning chili and cornbread cook-off on November 12. Will form a kitchen cleaning team, have determined coffee hosts, creating a sign-up for treats on Sundays, finalizing coffee hour procedure and vendors. There will be a coffee tasting and caroling on December 3, Epiphany potluck on January 7, bingo night on January 31, and Lenten soup suppers on February 14, 21, 28 and March 6, 13 and 20. Will start contacting groups in November and December to put together a schedule for hosts for Lenten soup suppers. Events are also being planned for April, May and June.
New Member Outreach: Wes reported that Live Nativity will run on December 16, for 3 hours. Will plan dinner. Sign-ups are open for volunteers to help with Live Nativity.
Penny Holum
It is with a heavy heart that we share the news of Penny Holum’s passing this last week. Penny was a cherished member of our church family for many years. Our prayers go out to her husband, Dan, during this time. If you would like to offer your condolences and support to Dan, please consider sending a card to him. Your kind words and gestures will be greatly appreciated as we come together to remember Penny and support one another during this time.
Dan Holum
900 Highland Court
Prairie du Sac, WI 53578
Saluting Service and Sacrifice
By: Elder Scott Legwold
Greetings, members of FPC. On Sunday, November 12, we will commemorate the service of our nation’s veterans, following the US National Veterans Day on November 11th. Veteran congregation members are welcome to wear their uniforms to the Sunday worship service if they wish.
Here is some background on why our nation honors its veterans: the USA is home to 19 million veterans, with Wisconsin having 326,288 veterans at the start of this decade.
Looking back, Wisconsin sent 91,379 soldiers to the Civil War, with 77,375 in the infantry, 8,877 in the cavalry, and 5,075 in the artillery. They fought in every major battle of the Civil War. 3,794 were killed in action or mortally wounded, 8,022 died of disease, and 400 were killed in accidents. The total mortality was 12,216 men.
During the Spanish American War, 5,469 Wisconsinites served, and we lost 134 soldiers during the war — 2 to combat and 132 to tropical diseases.
In World War I, 122,215 Wisconsinites served in the US armed forces, and 3,932 gave their lives for their country.
During World War II, 332,200 Wisconsinites served in the armed forces, and 8,390 Wisconsinites died while another 13,000 were wounded. Today, 4,399 are still living veterans.
During the Korean War, 132,000 Wisconsinites served with 729 who died.
In the Vietnam Conflict, 165,400 Wisconsinites served, and 1,239 died.
During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, 10,400 Wisconsinites served, and 11 died.
In the Iraq and Afghanistan Operations, 34,792 served, and 127 died.
One hundred and five years ago, the deadliest war the world had ever known came to an end. Millions of people perished, both on and off the battlefield, and it led to significant changes in four empires: the Russian, German, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian. The First World War was so horrific that it was believed to be the war to end all wars. This is why the cease-fire, which commenced at 11 a.m. local time on November 11, 1918, was originally commemorated.
But, of course, World War I did not end all wars. In fact, it sowed the seeds for the Second World War.
Perhaps because the original Armistice Day did not lead to lasting peace, our focus on this day shifted from a historic armistice that ended World War I to the men and women who put on the uniform of our nation’s military forces. As much as we long for peace and guard our nation to ensure it, we must always be prepared to bring our nation’s might to bear against those who threaten our liberties and those of our allies.
Whether on active duty or in the reserve component, each service member joins an organization larger than themselves and takes an oath to serve in peace and in war, possibly at the cost of their life but certainly at a cost to their families. The sacrifices borne by our nation’s veterans from all the Armed Forces paved the way for the freedoms and prosperity we enjoy today as a nation.
We may have our differences in this country, but we are truly the most blessed nation in the world thanks to the service and sacrifice of those who have worn this uniform.
Over the past five decades — and certainly over the past twenty years — we have seen generations of veterans who volunteered to wear the uniform. Every generation of Americans has had its citizens who have been willing to serve. They represent the very best of those generations, and we’re fortunate that such men and women lived.
After the Vietnam conflict, military service was no longer a legal obligation for people of a certain age, but veterans will tell you they felt an obligation to serve our nation. Some did so for only a short season, while others made a career of 20, 30, or 40 years or more in uniform. All deserve our undying respect and gratitude as citizens of this great nation.
It is for this reason that we set aside a day to acknowledge those who put on the nation’s uniform and put their lives at risk for the sake of our country. Not to glorify war but to honor those who put their country and their fellow service members ahead of themselves. Deep down, we recognize and appreciate the values and qualities our veterans possess. These values and qualities built our nation from 1775 going forward, and they keep our nation strong and free today.
Recognizing Lynda Bennin
Monday, October 23 was a special day as many came together to celebrate Lynda Bennin’s remarkable 15 years of dedicated service with the Waunakee Food Pantry. The event was a joint effort by the Waunakee Ecumenical Board, long-time volunteers of the Waunakee Food Pantry, and the Light Team, showcasing the collective gratitude for Lynda’s unwavering commitment to helping those in need. Throughout her 15-year journey, Lynda has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the pantry fulfills its mission of providing essential food and support to those in need. The celebration served as a heartwarming reminder of the power of community and the profound difference one person’s dedication can make in the lives of many.
Theology on Tap
Last Sunday, the FPC of Waunakee hosted another engaging gathering of their small group, “Theology on Tap.” This unique event brought together members for an afternoon of fellowship over appetizers and a selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The focal point of the discussion was the thought-provoking topic, “What does it mean to share our faith?” As attendees sipped on their drinks, they engaged in a lively conversation about the various ways in which individuals interpret and practice the act of sharing their faith. It was a moment of intellectual and spiritual reflection, fostering a sense of community and dialogue within the group.
If you’d like to take part in the next “Theology on Tap” meetup, contact Christa Schmeelk.
Dedicated Deacons
Last weekend, the some of our dedicated Deacons were busy assembling thoughtful care packages for FPC family members who, among other things, are currently away at college or serving our nation away on military deployment. Their selfless efforts reflect the strong sense of community and support that FPC fosters, ensuring that those afar remain connected and loved by their church family.
Nursery is open
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.
Graceland 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
November 5 – FPC Choir
November 12 – Praise Band
November 19 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | Nov. 5 – Nov. 25, 2023
Sunday, November 5 from 1-3PM – Family Game Day at Village Center Gym
Join FPC’s Children’s Ministry at the Village Center Gym for a Family Game Day! Sunday, November 5, 1-3pm. Come with your Family! (No drop offs.) There will be Prizes and Snacks; Relay races; Basketball; Racket Sports; Open gym play and more! Come for 15 minutes or the full 2 hours!
Mondays thru Dec. 18 from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
What On Earth Am I Here For?
Good question! The Light Team will have answers to that question after listening to Rick Warren’s book with that exact title in the six-session small group study which goes until November 6.
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
Monday, November 6 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.
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.
Saturday, November 11 at 10AM and Monday, November 13 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.
Sunday, November 12 from 11:30AM-1PM – FPC’s Chili & Cornbread Cook-off!
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!
Wednesday, November 15 at 11:30AM – New Horizons Lunchables
New Horizons will be getting together at the RODESIDE GRILL on November 15 at 11:30 am for a Lunchables event.
The Rodeside Grill is located just off Highway 19, just past the intersection with the Interstate highways. Its address is 6317 Rostad Circle, Windsor WI 53598.
If you plan on coming, please RSVP to the emailed announcement when you get it. Or, you can let Anne Frihart know at 608-644-9294 or 608-512-3620. Also, if you would like a ride, please let Anne know.
Hope to see everyone at the Rodeside Grill on November 15!
Sunday, November 19 from 3PM-5PM – The MOMCo Monthly Gathering
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.
Sunday, November 19 at 6PM – Waunakee Community All Faith Thanksgiving Service
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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
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 – Caroling and Cocoa
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!
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!
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.
