Jump to this week’s announcements!
Blessed to be a blessing
We are heading into Stewardship Season. On Sunday October 16th, as an act of worship, we are asking those present to place their pledge for the coming year in the offering plate on he Communion Table in the front of the church. Others will send their pledges in by mail or to Sue Gade by email. How are we blessed to be a blessing?
Suffice it to say that giving to the church is about time, talent and treasures.
Let’s be clear about the treasure part. 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.
We are not another not-for-profit organization that is soliciting your donation. We are not The Waunakee Ecumenical Board, Second Harvest Foodbank or Port Saint Vincent de Paul. Those are worthy organizations, but they are not the church.
The church is where we are the needy ones; the church is where God opens us more fully to meet God, where we get reoriented to life and how to live a real life- a life not full of how much we make, the status we might enjoy, or the glamor or glitz we have obtained. We are entirely too needy for all of that to satisfy us. Church is the place where we get to become more human and humane, where we get to tell others about the wonders and the hardships that have come our way, offer them to God and find support. Church is where we are accepted for who we are, where we know true love and where we are on equal footing with everyone.
Jesus Christ is the great leveler. We are accepted for our joys as well as our concerns. Church is the place where we can be real- delighting in our gifts and acknowledging our brokenness and our broken world. In other words, church reminds us that Jesus the Christ is at the center of our world and our life.
There is nothing that will ever separate us from Jesus; there is nothing we can do to repay Jesus for his sacrifice on the cross except give back to the Christ our hearts, our lives, our gratitude.
This is the reason we give to the church. Not out of a sense of “have-to”, but out of a sense of “get-to”, of gratitude. We “get to” give our first fruits, our tithe.
From a heart that wants to know Jesus more, that wants to become like Jesus more, that wants to love this world like Jesus does.
This church, this place of worship, is at a crucial juncture.
I am not here asking for money. I am asking us to search our hearts and lives, reorient our finances so that our gratitude to God is shown by how our finances and our worship rhyme.
Church is not just another not for profit organization. It is more- so much more.
It signifies our life in Christ who has given his life for us.
What shall we return to God who has given us everything?
We are blessed to be a blessing.
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.
Prayer Circle: Following Oct. 2 service
This Sunday, immediately following the service, we will be praying for Amy Lewis’ sister Dana, who has been hospitalized for six months with an aggressive cancer that has rendered her quadriplegic and dependent on a ventilator. Dana’s doctors are not offering her much hope that her condition will improve, and she truly needs a miracle. We will be lifting her up in prayers for healing, comfort, hope and peace. Please join us. There is power in prayer.
October 8 – Fall clean-up day!
Looking for volunteers willing to pitch in and help with landscaping the outside of the church and projects inside the church. Rain date will be October 15. If you have any questions, please call RJ Binau, Building and Grounds Elder, at 608-334-8032.
Stephen Minister Training
Stephen Ministry will be conducting training for new Minister 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.
Family Movie & S’more Family Night
On September 23, 2022 some FPC families got together behind the church to enjoy some S’mores and watch the movie “Cars”.
Spreading Our Love-Care Packages for College Students and Military Personnel away from home
We love this time of year! The Deacons send care packages with treats and encouragement to our students and military away from home to let them know FPC is thinking of them and praying for them. If you would like your student or member of the military to receive a care package, please provide a mailing address, and any food allergies, to Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@charter.net or phone 608-235-7899, no later than Friday, October 7. Thanks for spreading our FPC love!
Care Package Stuffings
Could you bake or contribute an item for FPC’s care packages for our students and military personnel away from home? Ideally, you would put 3-5 items in a ziplock type bag to stay fresh, which will also allow us to have a variety in each care package. Contact Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@charter.net or phone 608-235-7899 if you can help. Care packages will be stuffed Sunday, October 9. Thank you for your kindness!
Food for Kidz: Oct 16
Food for Kidz is taking place on Sunday, October 16, and we’re looking for volunteers to fill three tables. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as a family or individual to help put together meals that will be shipped to Ukrainian refugees and food pantries around Dane County. If you’re interested in volunteering, click here for the Sign Up Genius link to learn more and sign up.
Network 56 Kicks off
Upcoming Music in Worship
- October 2 – Joyful Noise Brass Ensemble
- October 9 – Choir
- October 16 – Joyful Noise Instrumental Ensemble
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.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | October 2, 2022
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.
Thanks!
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.
Oct. 9 – Pumpkin Patch Outing
Next Sunday, October 9th from 12:30-4pm, join members of FPC for a fun day at the Enchanted Valley Acres’ pumpkin patch in Cross Plains. First 15 families to sign up will get two free tickets. Check out our Facebook page and sign up today!
Adult Sunday School: Sundays 9am
Anyone is invited to our Adult Education Sunday morning study that meets downstairs in the old Sunday school room closest to the kitchen in Fellowship Hall every Sunday at 9am. Contact Carolyn Harris with questions.
The Light Team Meeting: Mondays Sept. 12-Oct. 3
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 Sept. 12-Oct. 10 The Light Team will be viewing the video of “Follow” by Andy Stanley.
We will start a new video series Oct. 24-Nov. 7 – “How Happiness Happens” by Max Lucado.
Women’s Community Bible Study: Wednesdays Sept. 21-Dec. 21
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
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!
Family Open Gym Game Day: Nov 13
FPC Family Open Gym Game Day! Village Center Gym from 1-3pm on November 13
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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