One year, Abby and I visited one of my cousins on my father’s side of the family, who lives in Chattanooga, TN. Before our visit, I had not seen this cousin in at least 25 years. My childhood memories of him are scattered, but I knew he lived on our route back home, so I decided to visit. And I am glad I did. 

On our last evening of the two-night visit, my cousin pulled up a file that had 4,000 pictures of the Wilson family, most of which I had never seen before. These were pictures of my grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, great-aunts and great-uncles, dozens of cousins, and photos of my dad as a teenager. The time frame of these photographs stretched from the mid-40s to the present. It was a treasure to behold. 

I’ve reflected on the experience of looking at pictures of family members taken decades ago, and it has left me with a greater sense of identity—who I am and the people I come from. It reminded me that who I am today did not come out of thin air but is an identity I was born into and passed on from generation to generation. This is also true in the life of faith. 

Reading the Bible can be like looking at a collage of family photos. Our faith identity is not self-constructed, and neither is it a novel invention. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Moses, Joshua, Rahab, David, Mary, Peter, James, and John are more than just historical figures; they are our ancestors in the life of faith. Reading about their lives and histories shapes and informs our identity as a people whose God is the Lord, and their struggles and triumphs are part of our faith family history. 

Why is this important? We can often be flooded with questions of identity and purpose. Who am I, and what is my God-given purpose? The world would have us believe that we have to answer this question by ourselves and for ourselves, as if identity and purpose were matters of choice. That’s not how faith works. Our identity and purpose are given to us. We’re born into it by the power of the Holy Spirit through the waters of our baptism. Thanks be to God.

In Christ,
Will

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.

Food for Kidz will be hosted at a new location this year!
Thank you to Dane Manufacturing for hosting us.

Food for Kidz – October 20
Dane Manufacturing
500 S. Division Street, Waunakee

FPC of Waunakee has 5 tables reserved with 10 people per table for this event from 2:30PM-4:30PM.

Email Allie Devine with any questions ampalmer2@gmail.com

No Meeting on Monday, October 21.

Light team is a small women’s group that emphasizes fellowship with a Bible study. Meetings take place Monday afternoons in the Gathering Place from 1-2:30.

No homework is required and our meetings are open to all. Our time together is enhanced with coffee, tea, and delicious snacks.

The Bible lesson this fall will be a video from Laura Story, “So Long, Normal.” Nothing about life with God is normal. Can we live an abundant, adventurous life in Christ? Who knows? God may have a new adventure for us! Do we need to let go and trust Him?

If you are interested in joining, or would like more information, please email Lynda Bennin.

Name of Study: “Mark”- Abingdon New Testament Commentaries

Start Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Bible Study time: 7:30 am start time with hard stop @ 8:30 am

Location: M-N-M’s Coffeehouse, 509 W. Main St., Waunakee

Bible Study Leader: Pastor Will Wilson

Overview: This 8-week-long Bible Study will meet every Tuesday beginning October 15 and ending on December 3. This in-depth study on Mark lies not in just telling a story about Jesus but in creating conditions under which you will experience the peculiar qualities of God’s good news! The study will focus around the book “Mark”- Abingdon New Testament Commentaries by C. Colin Black, the Bible and general group discussion led by Pastor Will. The book is available on Amazon.com at a cost of $21.67/ea. If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com not later than Monday, October 7 so books can be ordered and we can count you in! In an effort to help offset the cost of each book FPC will help subsidize this cost by paying one-half of the $21.67 total cost ($10.84/ea.) to help share the investment. We look forward to your participation and invite those of you interested in joining us starting on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 am at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse in Waunakee.

A six-week fall session of Heavenly Stretch will begin on Tuesday, October 22 from 5:15-6PM in the Chapel. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. Recommended donation is $5 per session (unless you want to give more!) and will be given to Shelter From the Storm Ministry.

Heavenly Stretch is taught by Lolly Lawrence, who is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She also has certifications in Holy Yoga, chair yoga, and Silver Sneakers Yoga. She currently teaches Wednesday mornings at the Waunakee Village Center. 

All students in 7-12 grade are invited to participate in Youth Group on Wednesdays from 7-8:15PM

Questions?
Email Ezrah at eschmeelk@myfpc.org

Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of  Faith,  Purpose  and Connection.  The group meets on Wednesdays from 7PM to approximately 8:30PM at the church and also plans off-site opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and community service.  All men are welcome.  

Join the group in room 204. Currently we are watching the video series, “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” by Pastor/Christian Author John Ortberg. This six week study takes a look at what a true spiritual life really looks like? What keeps us from living such a life? And how we can pursue it?

If you would like to hear more about our group please stop by and see us. Otherwise please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com for carpooling information and to find out more about FPC’s Men’s Group. All men are welcome to join us!   

Superheros, Skeletons, and Bears, Oh My!

Sunday, October 27, is Costume Day for our spooktacular Sunday School kids and teachers! No need to be scared if a vampire sits next to you in service. (If a Devil sits next to you, you might want to worry!) Cookie Monster will be bringing cookies!

Get ready to strike up some fun! All students in grades 7-12 are invited to our Student Ministry Cosmic Bowling Night, where neon lights, good vibes, and friendly competition collide! Grab your friends and let’s bowl in the dark—it’s going to be an out-of-this-world night you won’t want to miss!

Saturday, November 2 from 7-8:30PM at Waun-A-Bowl, 301 S. Century Ave., Waunakee There is a cost of $5 per person

Just like pancakes upon pancakes, layer upon layer, this church has blessings upon blessings! As a celebratory close to stewardship season, FPC will host a pancake and parfait breakfast following service on November 3. Come celebrate together!

Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. All Aged 21+ are welcome!

We are getting too big for Octopi!
We will be meeting at Jim and Judy’s House on November 10 at 3pm: 1126 Quinn Drive, Waunakee.

Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org

Future Meeting Dates
December 8

The FPC church office will be closed from November 27-29 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Hurricane Helene’s widespread destruction weighs heavily on all of us. Entire neighborhoods have been wiped out, and countless families are without shelter. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is responding through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). Emergency grants have already been distributed, and National Response Team members are on the ground.

It will take years to recover. After initial needs are addressed, PDA will remain — providing emotional and spiritual care and long-term recovery to address unmet and ongoing needs.

The needs for the response will be great. God’s people are called on to stand in the “GAP” — Give. Act. Pray.

GIVE: Donations can be made online here, by texting HELENE24 to 41444, by calling (800)728-7228, ext. 5885, or mailing a check to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700

ACT: Assemble emergency cleanup buckets (visit pcusa.info/heart).

Learn how you can help families affected by Hurricane Helene. Stay informed and like us on Facebook.

PRAY: God of grace and compassion, May your Spirit move in this, your creation, bringing peace amid the turmoil and breathing hope into the places that feel broken. May your Spirit continue to be the quiet but constant reassurance that you are with your children and creation, even in the darkest moments, guiding us toward healing and restoration.

Spread some FPC love! Each year on behalf of the congregation, the Deacons send care packages with treats and encouragement to our students and military to let them know FPC is thinking of them and praying for them. 

One or more ways you can help…

• 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 or text/phone 608-235-7899, no later than Friday, November 8. 

• You could bake some homemade goodies (always their favorite). Ideally, you would prepackage 3-5 goodies in a ziplock type bag to stay fresh. 

• You could contribute items such cough drops, chap stick, gum, beef sticks, tissues, hand warmers, Bucky Badger socks, etc. Contact Lori Phelps if you can provide items or baked goods. Drop box is in the Lobby.

• You could help stuff care packages after service at 11am on Sunday, November 10.

Below you will find a list of items that need to be collected to help make the January Guatemala trip successful.  You may ask “why stuffed animals?” or simply think it’s a nice gift for needy children but really it is so much more than that.  One of Outreach for World Hope’s most impactful missions is to identify and help starving children. Each child who comes to the distribution center is promised a stuffed animal or toy. Having an abundance of stuffed animals helps to ensure the children come and Outreach for World Hope can identify those most at risk of starvation and intervene before it’s too late.

Needed items:

• New or gently used children’s clothing size 2T & up
• Jeans/pants preferred over shorts
• Lightweight children’s shoes
• Infant clothing/hats
• Baby receiving blankets
• Small toys
• Small stuffed animals (size of beanie babies)
• Dum dum suckers
• Acetaminophen/tylenol 325mg
• Ibuprofen
• Generic tums
• Fiberfill/scrap matting

Please place all donation items in the suitcases by the mission table by January 5th. 

First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Waunakee is a thriving church looking for two adults to care for our littlest ones (ages 0-3yrs) in our Nursery on Sundays, from 9:30am-11:30am. Job share/rotation will also be considered. Pay is $23/hr, and you can bring your own children or grandchildren with you. Strong candidates will have a Christian faith, self-motivation, love of children, warm personality, and attention to safety and cleanliness.

Want to help others with minor household repairs, maintenance or yard work? Contact the church office or any of the Deacons. Your name will be added to a call list and you may be contacted to see if you can help when a request is received. 

FPC of Waunakee is seeking dedicated volunteers to fulfill the role of “House Manager” during our Sunday services. This position involves ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation by monitoring our facilities and surroundings. Volunteers will be attentive and proactive, keeping an eye out for any potential concerns that may arise. We value a calm and composed demeanor, as well as strong communication and observational skills. If you are passionate about contributing to a secure and peaceful worship experience, please consider joining our House Manager team.

We invite you to join our dynamic worship team as a Sound Desk Assistant! Play a crucial role in enhancing our Sunday worship services by ensuring a seamless audio/visual experience for the congregation both in-person and at home. Take turns with fellow volunteers and enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of our vibrant worship atmosphere! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Christa Schmeelk at cschmeelk@myfpc.org

Did you know that the food pantry serves ~200 families each month?  Our church has a long history of supporting the Waunakee food pantry.  Our FPC church has been given the last Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm to distribute food.  This is a great way to connect with fellow members and serve the community.  If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer form on the FPC website, or talk with Sheryll Gehrmann for more details.

Unable to volunteer? Here’s the list of items most needed this month:

1. Canned Beef Stew
2. Instant White Rice
3. Sloppy Joe Sauce
4. Instant AuGratin Potatoes
5. Canned fruit (pears, peaches, mandarin oranges)
6. Ketchup and Mustard
7. Bar soap
8. Knorr Pasta & Rice Sides

The pantry is always looking for paper grocery bags as well.  Items can be placed in the shopping cart at the entrance by the Education wing.

Nursery Age 3 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.

This week’s praise song is Firm Foundation by Cody Carnes. Carnes shared the inspiration behind the song, saying: “In such a shaky season, it was burning in my heart to write a song that declared what Jesus teaches us in Matthew 7. It says, Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” As you go through this next week, remember who your hope is built on as you listen to this song!