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Feeling the Pinch?
One of the earliest sermons I can remember was about giving. I believe I was nineteen. The preacher delivered a compelling message that followers of Jesus ought to “give ‘til it hurts.” If Jesus loved me enough to die on a cross for me, should not my response be willing to accept at least some sort of pinch? What is the value of a gift without any level of notable cost to the giver (me)? What does it reveal about my level of trust and commitment if my willingness to give shows only a barely perceptible investment?
College age, I had a lot more expenses than income and plenty of things limited my time. But I did have disposable income, and I did have time. If I gave until I was a little more uncomfortable, wouldn’t that help God’s Kingdom? Offer some relief to people in deep need? Make God happy?
I’ve had a lot of time to think about that. The message of that old sermon had a good point, but it was also incomplete. Guilt is a motivator. Sometimes it can remind us we may have strayed from a better path.
Guilt is a motivator, but not God’s favorite motivator. I preached recently on Romans 12, in which God calls us to difficult things while wanting us to accomplish them with “zeal” (great energy or enthusiasm). Bible passages such as John 15 speak of Jesus teaching us God’s commandments for a surprising purpose: so that our *joy* may be complete! And right on target there’s this one:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Isn’t it interesting that in the same sentence we have the word “should”, but then “not reluctantly or under compulsion”?
We might not always feel zealous and cheerful as we give faithfully. Fortunately, the converse of 2 Cor 9:7 is not true: God does not despise an uncheerful giver. Thank Heaven for this, because this world will give us all too many reasons and times to not feel cheerful.
At the same time, as usual, God invites us to a “still more excellent way.” Cheerful giving, which comes from recognizing God’s astonishing love for us at work in cheerful and uncheerful times, becomes, itself, a bonus blessing. We’re invited to aim for that, and we can ask the Lord to help us get there. If we’re not all the way there yet, or when we sometimes forget, that’s okay, God will be at work in us just the same. There might even be a “pinch” of constructive guilt involved, but, rest assured, those grains mix with munificent mountains of grace and love.
God’s peace to you,
Pastor Ben Ehrets
Marriage Retreat Signup ends October 1
After dinner on Friday, October 20, to before lunch on Sunday, October 22. Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin. 2 nights, 4 meals, and a deliberate time to reflect on your marriage. $199.00/ couple. (Scholarships are available.) Currently, there is room for a few more couples. We can accommodate more folks if we know in advance.
My wife, Christine, and I have led three weekend Marriage Retreats. We are not experts and have been enriched by all three. We all know that a wedding is just a day, but marriage is an ever-changing process that requires intention and attention. So come away and nurture the relationship you began on your wedding day.
Here are two quotes to think on:
“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on those days when they struggle to like each other.” – Dave Willis
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”- Ursula K. Le Guin
“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
September
Session met on September 18, 2023. Here are highlights of the meeting.
Report of the Clerk: Noted that John Knox Presbytery’s annual review of minutes is scheduled for October 24, 2023. A copy of the minutes review checklist was included in the Session packet.
Remove the following from membership:
Stephanie Hamilton
Makenzie Amato
Danielle Weum
Dean and Kris Pavlue
Dean, Kathy and Gary Grosskopf
Alex, Ben and Mike Cordell
Report from the Deacons: David Good attended new deacon training and will do meeting notes going forward. Deacons will be providing assistance with rides to church, Sue Gade checked liability and we’re covered.
Sam Robinson, Intruder Committee Report
- The committee has met 4 or 5 times recently
- Dane County deputies were at FPC on September 8 to do a walkthrough and make preliminary recommendations
- If we aren’t already, we should start locking doors now. Propping doors open is not safe. Planned events should have doors unlocked 15 minutes before the event and 15 minutes after the event is done (or after the beginning of the event, whichever is appropriate).
- We should have house managers during worship services and other events, who keep an eye on who is coming and going and keep an eye out for potential threats. Four people have already volunteered to do this.
- Will provide recommendations for first aid and increase visibility for defibrillator kits
- Staff received some training recently. Sheldon Schall’s previous plan was reviewed.
Pastor’s Moment and Report (Pastor Glen):
- 17 couples have signed up for the marriage retreat
- Collaborative planning with all staff continues
- Thanks to Wes Ray and Krista Wallace for organizing a fantastic kick-off picnic event on September 10
- The last of the “Small Talks” have been put on video
- Recommends reading of The Connector. Trying to get fresh content published, with a different lead article every week (e.g., recent article by Patricia Coley).
- Attended Board of Pensions retirement webinar, PCUSA webinar, and a Pres House student welcome event with Presbyterian pastors grilling a meal for students.
- Completing last sets of names to review for membership status
- Planned Advent worship, through baptism Sunday
- Planning on May 31, 2024 as last day at FPC. Fully expecting that a new pastor will be hired by March 31, 2024 and Pastor Glen could leave then. If that is not the case, can stay on until May 31. Would like to have summer of 2024 free, so will not stay on beyond May 31.
Pastor’s Moment and Report (Pastor Ben):
- Will attend required Presbyterian personal boundary training (2 sessions)
- 15 attended the healing service on September 17
Worship and Music: AV updates could begin the week of September 25. The new choir director is on-board and choir will be singing at the September 24 service.
Children’s Ministry: Recent activities were movie and camp-out night on August 25 (35 attendees) and Sunday School open house on September 10. Working on a family movie night, Childrens’ Sermon sign-up, and Kingdom Kids/Nursery sign-ups. 5th and 6th grade Bible presentation is planned for October 1.
Building and Grounds: RJ noted that the handrails on the south side of church have been repaired, sooner than expected. Working on fall clean-up, planned for September 23. Also addressing emergency preparedness, after some emergency lights didn’t work during a recent power outage.
Putting together a revised plan for the play space on the west side of the building. Have approval from original donor to proceed. Will get quotes to include in the 2024 budget.
Brought a proposal to augment the work of the current cleaning staff. The building is cleaned every Friday morning. We could use some additional cleaning done earlier in the week (e.g., on Monday morning after Sunday service) and to pick up some other things that the cleaning crew is not contracted to do. James Ketchum (already on staff) will have his duties and job description expanded to include these additional duties, which should be completed in about 4 hours a week.
Finance Report: Alan Roberts reporting that giving vs. pledged for the month of August is at 71% and year-to-date at 98%. General fund income vs. expense is $-27,537.49.
Alan is beginning to plan for the financial impacts of upcoming retirements with Amy (Personnel).
There will be a first blush review of the budget in November with an aim to finalize in December. Must be complete by January of 2024, in time to be presented at the annual meeting. The CPI increase was 3.7% and this should be used as a boundary for budget increases. Anything beyond that will be given scrutiny and trade-offs will be sought.
Personnel: The personnel committee will focus on work with the job survey committee to plan for retirements of Sue Gade and Alka Van Haren and create a future staffing plan. Committee members are meeting with staff to get a variety of perspectives. The committee will meet the week of September 25 to formulate a recommended approach for plan, job descriptions and timing for office admin staff hiring. Both Sue and Alka will retire early 2024.
Stewardship: Barb reported on continuing work for this fall’s stewardship “Walking in the Light” campaign. She is planning speakers, Connector articles, and videos to promote the campaign. Pledge Sunday will be October 29
Student Ministry: Emily reported that SM’s focus for the year is bringing in more students. Will use a greater amount of the budget toward student missions.
Will be hosting dinner at Pres House on September 24 and December 17. Our students will be involved with preparation and serving the dinner. This leads to good interaction between the college age students and our students.
The following SM events were approved:
- October 27 ice skating at The Ice Pond in Waunakee
- November 9 bowling at Waunabowl
- January 19-21, 2024 winter retreat at Lake Geneva Youth Camp and Conference Center
- June 18-23, 2024 mission trip with City on a Hill in Milwaukee
Any amount subsidized by FPC for these events will be covered by Student Ministry special funds. The SM Mission budget will cover some expenses for the City on a Hill mission trip, including transportation and van insurance.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth: Continuing and upcoming offerings: Centering Prayer (training on September 11), Book Group (Sabbath as Resistance: Saying No to the Culture of Now), Marriage Retreat, Little Talks, Theology on Tap, Our Daily Bread devotionals, Men’s Small Group, and Heavenly Stretch.
Mission: Brice reported that Wycliff bible translators will visit in November. A $5000 contribution was made, through PCUSA, for disaster assistance relief in Maui.
The FPC mission website is completed. This will allow members to find who we support, and provide mission volunteer opportunities.
Missions work in the next few months will be directed to the Waunakee Food Pantry, Food 4 Kids, and continuing communication with the congregation to increase their involvement with missions.
Fellowship: Krista reviewed some findings from the September 10 kick-off event. For sign-ups, found a strong preference for paper sign-up sheets, with 95% of volunteers signing up at the volunteer table and 5% online. Had plenty of coverage for food. Some volunteers said that their assignments were easier than expected, which could improve future volunteerism. Fellowship will plan more events, more activity, with more volunteers.
Beginning to plan and promote the next “What’s Cookin’ at FPC?” event for October 15, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learning to cook beignets. Pizza and salad will be served.
Krista is also working on getting more members involved in the Fellowship committee, developing a coffee hour team, and deep cleaning the basement kitchen.
New Member Outreach: Worked with Fellowship on planning and preparation and food for the September 10 kick-off event.
Live Nativity will run for two nights this year, December 16 and 17. Will plan dinner for one or both evenings.
Updates from the PNC: Alan reported on some activities of the PNC. The Presbytery requested improvements to the MDP. The PNC is formulating interview questions. In addition to the John Knox Presbytery church/candidate matching system, committee members and Pastor Glen will start working their networks to spread the word to find interested candidates.
- Presbytery recommended changes to improve the MDP. Even though this was a bit of a setback, it did give the committee an opportunity to highlight some of the cool and unique things about FPC, Waunakee, the Madison area. The revised MDP was approved in the Session meeting. We expect the Presbytery to approve the revised MDP the first week of October.
- The PNC is feeling like they are ahead of schedule. Our posting should go out to the Presbytery’s matching system on October 8. We should get 25 candidates by mid-October. By the end of October, they’ll decide next steps on those 25 candidates (keep, hold, drop). After we go through the first set of 25 candidates, we’ll move to the next set of 25 … and so on until we are satisfied with our candidate pool.
- There are also connections and referrals coming in outside of the Presbytery’s matching system. We aren’t required to have all of our candidates come through the national PCUSA CLC referral process.
Last Sunday, the FPC Choir’s first performance of the autumn season, led by our new Choir Director, Jamison Wendlandt, was amazing! The audience was treated to an awe-inspiring performance of “Open Our Eyes Lord.” This wonderful song of praise touched the heart and stirred the soul.
Nursery is open
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 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
October 1 – Ying Wang, Pianist
October 8 – FPC Choir
October 15 – Joyful Noise Woodwinds
Coming Events | Oct. 1 – 21, 2023
Mondays thru Nov. 6 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. No meeting on Oct. 2.
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, October 2 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.
Thursdays thru Nov. 2 from 6:30PM-7:15PM – Heavenly Stretch
Heavenly Stretch, yoga for Christians, will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:15 in the FPC Chapel. This will be an 8-week series, open to FPC members and friends, and the community. It will start on September 14 and continue through November 2. The series will have a Christian-based theme and weaves prayer, scripture and scripture-based meditation into the physical practice of yoga. It will be led by Lolly Lawrence, who is a certified yoga teacher.
Friday, October 6 at 7PM – The MOMCo, Mom’s Night Out
Attention all Moms! No matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community! For more information contact Patricia Coley.
Mom’s Night Out
Red & White Winebar
331 E. Main Street, Waunakee
Monday, October 9 at 6:30PM and Saturday, October 14 at 10AM – 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.
Wednesdays start October 11 – Men’s Group
Join our Men’s Group on Wednesday evenings from 7-8pm starting October 11th 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.
Sunday, October 15 at 11AM – What’s Cookin’ at FPC?
The Lengue Family invites you to join them in learning how to cook Beignets from Cameroon! Sandrine will be teaching us how to make Beignets- this will be hands on, and we’ll get to eat them too! Please join us after church on Sunday, October 15 for a simple pizza & salad lunch in the Fellowship Hall where we will connect with each other and learn what’s cookin’ at FPC together!
*There will be a gluten free table – please note in your rsvp if you would like to be at that table.*
CANCELLED – Sunday, October 15 at 2:30PM – Historic Organ Presentation and Recital
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Fall Organ recital. We are looking at dates for a Spring 2024 recital. Stay tuned!
Sunday, October 15 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.
Thursday, October 19 at 1PM – Quilters Meeting
Interested in Quilting?
Join us for our monthly meetings in the Gatherings Space of FPC Waunakee! Meetings consist of a good deal of socialization, quilt “Show & Tell,” and discussion of any quilting problems/questions that might come up. The group also has one or two “Sewing Days” events each year and works on Prayer Quilts for the FPC Deacon’s Prayer Shawl & Quilt Ministry.
Meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month from September to May, with the exception of January when we take a break.
For more details email Anne Frihart at annefrihart@gmail.com
Friday, October 20 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Blood Drive at FPC
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 – FPC Marriage Retreat
About a year ago, Jack Von Rutenberg came into my office and welcomed me back here to FPC Waunakee. As we chatted that morning, he asked if my wife and I would be willing to lead another Marriage Retreat? He told me that he and Tammy had attended the previous FPC marriage retreat some 20+ years ago. It seems that retreat had a great impact on their marriage. If you are anything like Christine and me, you rarely make time to focus on your marriage. The hustle and bustle of our culture just does not allow us much time to make our marriages the center of attention. That is why we have felt the need to offer this time away. The cost is $199.00/couple. From after dinner on October 20 to before lunch on October 22 at the lovely Green Lake Conference Center. (Signup here) Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen
Save the Date | More Info to come
Saturday, October 28 – 8:30AM-12:30PM – Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday October 28 8:30am-12:30pm for the next offering by Contemplative Outreach of Madison’s Introduction to Centering Prayer. This will be the last offering while Pastor Glen is at FPC Waunakee. Those who are new to this practice are welcome as well as those who want to deepen their practice.
Sunday, October 29 at 3PM – Theology on Tap
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 does it mean to share our faith?
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info!
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.
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!
Opportunities to Serve
Sunday, October 8 from 3PM-4:30PM – Food for Kidz Volunteer
Sign up your family for October 8, 3:00-4:30pm at Waunakee High School.
Volunteers Needed for Agrace Adult Day Center
Volunteers are needed to provide companionship to clients at the Agrace Adult Day Center located at 1702 W. Beltline Highway. Agrace will host an orientation for new volunteers on Thursday, October 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Agrace Madison campus. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer and fill out an application.
Agrace Offers Grief Support Group Options in October
In October, Agrace grief support specialists are offering in-person and virtual group grief support options:
• Bridges meets October 4 and 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and October 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Agrace Grief Support Center.
• Bridges (virtual) meets Wednesday, October 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., via Zoom.
• Journey Through Grief (virtual) meets Mondays, October 16 to November 20, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., via Zoom.
• Young Adult meets Thursday, October 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Agrace Grief Support Center.
• Spouse/Partner Loss meets Thursdays, October 19 to December 14 (excluding Thanksgiving), from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pre-registration is required for all groups. For details, fees or to register, go to Agrace.org/Volunteer, email griefsupport@agrace.org or call (608) 327-7110.
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.
