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Discover Centering Prayer
Contemplative Outreach of Madison is presenting an Introduction to Centering Prayer here at FPC Waunakee on Saturday October 28th from 8:30am-12:30. This will be the last time an Introduction to Centering Prayer will be offered at FPC while Pastor Glen is here.
What is Centering Prayer? Well, it is a daily prayer practice-20 minutes of silence with God. It is a method of prayer that moves us beyond a conversation with Christ to communion with Christ. It is a rich and fruitful discipline.
Several years ago, I, Pastor Glen, asked people to write about how they got started in the practice of Centering Prayer. Here is what my friend Karon wrote:
About five years ago, the winds in my life blew harder than my “roots” were prepared to sustain. And, I knew it.
My assistant was diagnosed with cancer. Treatment put her on disability. At the same time my 13-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease. I scrambled to keep up on work, cook a weekly hot dish for my assistant, coordinate efforts to care for her, and be a very attentive mother, while venturing into a medical arena that I had little experience or knowledge of. Can you spell “s-t-r-e-s-s”?
My life is very full in the best of times. Now it was on overload, as was I. My life felt like chaos as I canceled meetings and booked doctors’ appointments.
I knew I needed quiet, but I had no idea how to structure those times.
The Centering Prayer workshop somehow came to my attention. It was a good day and met some immediate needs in my soul.
It has now been three years. My assistant has recovered from her cancer. My son’s health is stable.
I continue to learn and grow in the practice of Centering Prayer. As I learn to be quiet I am better able to serve others. As I return to rest in God in the midst of my practice, I learn to return to God at other times in my day. As I learn to let thoughts, feelings and distractions go in prayer, I learn to let them go in life as well.
Centering prayer has given me deeper roots so I might bear more fruit in the Lord (and to endure the whirlwinds better).
If this intrigues you, come and see what Centering Prayer is all about on Saturday October 28th here at FPC Waunakee. We will meet from 8:30am- 12:30pm.
I have been actively practicing Centering Prayer since 2005. It has made a huge difference in my life. Brochures are scattered throughout the church. Or just talk to me.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
Reading the Necrology
During Communion on Sunday, November 5, 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 (avanharen@myfpc.org) so their name might be included during this holy moment.
Video Devotional: Forgiveness – Who Needs It?
How many times are we told to forgive others – 7 times – no Jesus tells us 77 times! Who needs forgiveness? Find out in this sermon given at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, WI. Please like and subscribe to this channel so more people will have access to these video devotions. A new Bethel Bible Series Online class begins January 6, 2024. For more information, click here.
Soli Deo Gloria!
“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
What Stewardship Means to Me
By: Barb Cash
When I hear the word “Stewardship,” I think of taking good care of what we are given. I think of protecting our resources, using water wisely and not leaving the tap running while brushing our teeth, turning off lights when we leave the room…we can all think of things we’ve been taught over the years. It means managing all types of resources available to us so they will be around for future generations.
Wikipedia defines Biblical stewardship as “Utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.”
Two of the examples the Bible points to are Noah and Joseph. Noah, when God directed him, shepherded pairs of animals, male and female of every species (except the unicorn, as the Irish Rovers will tell you!) onto the ark to save their kind for future generations.
And Joseph, despite violence against him by his brothers, used his God-given abilities and stewarded the land’s bounty against a time of widespread famine, for the benefit of all—even his brothers.
I also think of a Bible story we’re familiar with, Matthew 25: 14-30. It’s the parable of the master who gave “talents” to his servants to steward while he was gone. You’ll recall that the first two servants invested wisely and returned to the master two-fold what they had been given, while the third servant accomplished no good with his portion, but hid it away. God expects us to use what He has given us to further His Kingdom.
This third example prompts me to consider our stewardship of each other, as well as our money offerings. Wise use of our gifts includes the protecting and nurturing of human resources as well, bearing with, encouraging, welcoming, forgiving, fellowshipping with, one another, in other words, walking in the Light with each other. The more points of contact members have with each other; think mission work, committee involvement, choir, in other words, multiple plug-in outlets, the more togetherness we enjoy, and the brighter the light.
Growing up in Westminster Presbyterian in Madison, children had small envelopes for their weekly offering. My father took care of filling our little envelopes with coins. We were not required to use any of our allowance. Maybe that’s why I came late to the party! As we sat in church, waiting for the heavy plates to pass along the pew, I looked at the writing on the envelope. There was a line about “Per Capita Apportionment,” whatever that meant. I never asked; I was a child, and I had other things on my mind.
And maybe some of you have wondered about it too. Just as we as individuals need each other, FPC doesn’t exist alone. Each church needs the strength of belonging with the other churches of the Presbytery, the Synod, and the General Assembly. We are relying on the help of Presbytery currently, in the process of finding our new Pastor. I could get very detailed about Per Capita, but to put it simply, think of it as the yearly
offering that churches, Presbyteries, and Synods make to our General Assembly for its yearly budget. This year’s Per Capita amount is $35.15, and for 2024 it will be $36.30. If we all pay our allotted share, it won’t have to be taken out of FPC’s budget.
It is a privilege to bring our tithes before the Lord. Walking up to place our pledge cards in the box is a solemn, but joyful, moment. Let’s all enjoy this together on Stewardship Sunday, October 29, 2023, shall we?
THE TALK (WITH REAL, LIVE PASTORS)
Your Pastoral Nominating Committee (PNC) has moved to a new step in our search process – initial online interviews with several pastoral candidates over the next two weeks. Does this mean our new pastor is right around the corner? No – candidates may have others options they select, or we may not find the right fit in this initial round of online interviews. Even with one or more good fits, the process of sermon reviews, in-person interviews and reference checks will still take more weeks and months. This process works on the Holy Spirit’s timeline, not a Gant chart!
The good news is that from here forward we will be rapidly engaging both candidate matches provided by PC-USA and promising self-referred pastors to assess and interview them directly. Please pray that the Spirit moves your PNC to make good choices, and pastoral candidates to discern the benefits of -20 winter nights in Waunakee (it makes the snow crackle!).
– Alan Roberts
For your PNC:
Mary Currie
Kate Dietry, Secretary
Angela Himegarner, Chair
Mark Mathwig
Travis Serebin
Brice Wallace
A Note of Thanks from Barb Cash
I would like to thank the entire congregation and all the staff here at FPC for the tremendous outpouring of love and support during the time of Tedd’s decline and ultimate passing. Your asking about him, and about how I have been doing, and your cards, gifts, and presence have filled my spirit fully—thank you!
I also wish very much to thank our wonderful Deacons for the gift of the lovely quilt which Beth Mueller brought to me last week—what a surprise! Knowing that it was prayed over by you all makes it extra special. The colors and the pattern are beautiful and it will be put to good use! Again, my thanks to you!
With Love,
Barb Cash
Last Sunday was cookin!
Last Sunday, Sandrine led a hands-on class on how to bake beignets from Cameroon!
FPC participated in Food for Kidz
On Sunday, October 8 FPC sponsored 5 tables and provided nearly 50 volunteers. One of our tables even got to pack the 4,000,000th meal for the organization! All meals were being donated to help people in Haiti, Ukraine and right here in Dane County!
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
October 22 – Diane Robinson, vocalist
October 29 – Joyful Noise
November 5 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | Oct. 22 – Nov. 11, 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.
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
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.
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 started on September 14 and will 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.
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 – 10AM – Costume Day at Church
Sunday October 29 is Costume Day! Kids (and anyone!) are encouraged to dress up. (Be sure costumes are appropriate and not offensive. No weapons (toy, imitation or real) are allowed.)
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!
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!
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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
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!
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.
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.
Care Packages for College Students and Military
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 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 text/phone 608-235-7899, no later than Friday, October 27.
One (or more) ways you can help…
PROVIDE CARE ITEMS:
Bake some homemade goodies (always their favorite). Ideally, you would prepackage 3-5 goodies in a ziplock type bag to stay fresh. Or contribute items; cough drops, chap stick, gum, beef sticks, tissues, hand warmers, etc. Contact Lori Phelps if you can provide items or baked goods.
PROVIDE COOL WHIP CONTAINERS:
Drop off any size empty cool whip containers to the Connection Corner in the Lobby (we’ll use them for packing).
HELP ASSEMBLE CARE PACKAGES:
Help the Deacons stuff care packages after service at 11am on Sunday, October 29.
Thank you for spreading your FPC love!
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.
