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A blessing to others
During the Children’s message on October 2, I handed each 5th/6th grader a $20 bill with no strings attached. I asked them to consider how they might spend that money. I told them (I think… that time is rather a blur in my mind) that the expectation for Jewish people of Jesus’ time is that they would give “the first fruits” or 10% (a tithe) of what they earned to support the temple.
The $20 was a free gift. It was up to them to spend this gift as they wanted.
That next Monday, I emailed their parents and asked them to allow their child to make up her/his own mind as to what to do with their newfound gift.
Last Sunday morning, I visited the 5th/6th classroom, curious to hear what had happened. Here is what I found out:
• A couple of the 5th/6th graders gave $5.00 to the church (more than a double tithe), spent $5.00 on themselves and saved $10.00 for later.
• One gave $20.00 to a beloved charity.
• One took the money, went to the grocery store, bought supplies to make two pies, baked the pies and auctioned them off. That one raised over $180.00 (and counting) for a beloved charity, gave a tithe to the church and then spent the leftover money on some treats.
• One put up a lemonade stand, earned well over $100.00 and put that money together with the $20.00 and donated it all to Hurricane Relief.
So many different responses to an unexpected gift.
The money that we earn is a gift. Yes, we have gone to school for the degree or we were hired for a job for which we applied or we knew someone who knew someone, or we have worked hard to build up our reputation as well as a business.
BUT
We have had influential mentors and teachers along the way; God has guided some of us to be in the right place at the right time. For most of us, we look back and are grateful for what we have.
We all have discovered not only is life a gift, but that, like our 5th/6th graders, our money is a gift to be used – some to save, some to spend, some to support worthy causes and some to be given back to the church.
This Sunday is Commitment Sunday. We have been asking each FPC member throughout this Stewardship Season to have a conversation with God about what our pledge might be for this coming year. Financially, it has been a turbulent year. We all know this.
BUT
I also know that out of those conversations with God about what our pledge can be, we discover how blessed we are.
As I said before: As we grow in our Christian faith, giving comes more and more from our hearts in gratitude for what God has provided to us, how God has provided for us. If you are giving out of obligation or out of a sense that you “should” give to the church, then we don’t want your money.
As you bring up your pledge this next Sunday, take a moment to give thanks to God, take a moment to give thanks for our church body and give thanks to God for our 5th/6th graders. How they have blessed us. How might we continue to be a blessing to others?
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Glen
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
FPC Pumpkin Patch Event
Last Sunday, a number of FPC families came together to enjoy an afternoon at Lodi’s Enchanted Valley Acres. Fun was had by all!
A Princess is born!
Flowers and knitted booties were displayed by the Deacons at last Sunday’s service to celebrate the birth of Adeline Genevieve Coley, the new daughter of Patricia and Russell Coley. Adeline was born Monday, October 3 at 5:35pm. Patricia is FPC’s Director of Children’s Ministry.
Reading the Necrology
During Communion on Sunday November 6, Pastor Glen and Pastor Ben will be reading the Necrology (the names of church members who have died this past year). If you would like us to include the name of a recently deceased loved one, please email Alka so their name might be included during this holy moment.
Care Packages sent
Care packages, for college students and military, were packed with love and goodies from FPC to 34 recipients last Sunday.
Our Friendship Pads are back
Our Friendship Pads are back in the pews! We invite you to sign the Friendship Pad and write a note to the office if you wish. Pass it along and pass it back. Pause to greet someone following the service.
Light Team Meeting
Light Team met on Monday, Oct. 10. Lynda Bennin can be seen here leading the meeting. Light Team meets most Mondays in the Gathering Place at 1pm-2:30pm. The Light Team is comprised of women who want a chance to meet for fellowship and Bible study. We pray for each other and those in our church family and community. When possible, we extend ourselves in projects to help others. There is no homework and we include humor and laughter! Join us!
Upcoming Music in Worship
- October 16 – Joyful Noise Instrumental Ensemble
- October 23 – Guest Organist: Mary Kay Burton
- October 30 – Gloria Grys-piano, Jessica Spicer-flute, Mary Kay Burton-organ
SAVE THE DATE: March Organ Recital – Sunday March 19 – 2pm
We are excited to announce that Andrew Schaeffer has agreed to perform an organ recital on Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 2pm. More details to come.
Coming Events | October 16-29, 2022
Oct. 1-17 – WNC Winter Coats & Accessories Drive
Oct. 19 – 4pm – Waunakee Boo Bash!
Come join the Children’s Ministry at the Waunakee Boo Bash, Wednesday, October 19 between 4-7pm in the Waunakee Public Library Parking Lot! This is a community wide Trunk or Treat so come in costume and find our “Fruit of the Spirit” Trunk! We need donations of fruity candy like Skittles or Starburst, so please bring your donations by Sunday, October 16 to Christa Schmeelk. Click here for details!
Oct. 23 – 11:30am – Network 56 Bowling & Pizza
Bring a friend and join Network 56 for a day of bowling and pizza, Sunday, October 23 starting at 11:30am at Rude’s Lanes in DeForest.
Sundays – 9am-9:50am – Adult Sunday School
All adults are invited to join this Sunday morning study. The class meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. in the room closest to the kitchen in Fellowship Hall. Contact Carolyn Harris with questions.
Sundays – 9am – 4K-6th grade Sunday School
Each week we are learning about the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Come join us to learn more and have some fun together!
Sundays – 9am – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join us each week for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Sundays – During Service – Kingdom Kids
During the worship service kids can leave the worship service after the Children’s Moment and need to be picked up in room 202 after the service is over.
We offer Kingdom Kids for 3-year olds – kindergarten. Kingdom Kids offers a fun, unique time for children to explore their faith and form positive relationships with peers.
Mondays – Oct. 24-Nov. 7 – The Light Team Meeting
The Light Team is comprised of women who want a chance to meet for fellowship and Bible study. We pray for each other and those in our church family and community. When possible, we extend ourselves in projects to help others. There is no homework and we include humor and laughter! We will be meeting in the Gathering Place @ 1 – 2:30pm on the following Mondays. All are welcome to attend any or all of our sessions. From Oct. 24-Nov. 7 The Light Team will be viewing the video of “How Happiness Happens” by Max Lucado.
We will start a new video series Nov. 14- Dec. 12 – “Christmas” by Ann Voskamp. And wrap up the year with Christmas celebration and Fellowship on Dec. 19
Wednesdays – Sept. 21 – Dec. 21 – Women’s Community Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the community at large and all are welcome. The first 12 weeks will be “12 Women of the Bible”. Meeting Wednesday 8:30am-10:00am in the Conference Room, enter through the Education Wing doors. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net
Wednesdays – 7pm-8:15pm – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join us in the upstairs youth room for a time of connection, games, message, meaningful small group discussion with students your same grade, and prayer.
Opportunities to Serve
Stephen Minister Training
Stephen Ministry will be conducting training for new Ministers starting at the end of October. Our ministry of listening and caring is looking for compassionate individuals who want to help those who are needing assistance. Contact the office with interest, or connect with any of the three Stephen Ministry Leaders: Doneta Chorney, Tryg Knutson or Jill Umlauf.
Help Wanted: Part-time Volunteer Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Waunakee is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to join our staff. Duties include, but are not limited to, working with staff and Elders to help recruit and manage volunteer efforts. This position is estimated to require 2-4 hours per week. Pay is negotiable. Position is open until filled. For details or to apply, please contact Doug Brown at dougrbrown1980@gmail.com.
Time For Prayer | Tuesdays at 4:30 pm | Gathering Space
Do you believe in the power of prayer? Join us at Time for Prayer on Tuesdays at 4:30 pm in the Gathering Space at church. We gather to lift up concerns for this world, our country, our church and our own personal requests. All pray-ers welcome! When we don’t feel like praying out loud, we say “praying silently.”
For the past 18 years, Time for Prayer has lifted up thousands upon thousands of prayers. With Jesus in our midst, we lift up what is on our hearts, and know that our prayers are heard and will be answered. Come join us, and be blessed.
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.
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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 comes out at 4pm every Friday. The deadline for submissions is Noon, the Wednesday prior.
