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Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church, Waunakee,
In the letter below, you will read that our Director of Engagement, Christa Schmeelk, after a season of prayer and discernment, has made the decision to resign from her staff role. While this news lands hard for us, we want to give thanks and rejoice for Christa’s five years of faithful ministry at FPC. Christa’s last day on staff will be December 22. On Sunday, December 15, we’ll take time to celebrate Christa and her ministry among us, and we’ll send her back to her role as a member/volunteer with our prayers and love.
In Christ,
Will Wilson
Pastor/Head of Staff
My Dearest FPC Family,
The time has come for me to move out of paid employment at FPC and back to member status. We have journeyed together through the heartaches and joys that came with the pandemic and many pastoral, staff, and elder transitions. There were many peaks and many valleys as Christ led us over the past five years. It has been one of my life’s deepest joys to serve as an employee here, but the time has come for me to rejoin you as a member/volunteer.
You may not have considered this before, but my husband Ezrah (Director of Student Ministry) is in the middle of his seminary program right now. He will eventually be called as a senior pastor – likely around the time that my youngest is graduating high school. Although we love being coworkers, I’m not going to work for him when he receives a call to be a senior pastor- that would not be healthy for either of us! 😊 So, as my midlife decision is upon me, it feels like God is calling me on to something else now, rather than waiting until I’m 50 and starting over in my career as Ezrah starts his new career in a new place.
I’ve received some guidance from a few pastors, and the consensus is that I need to take a couple months off so we can all readjust to my change in status. With that in mind, I’ll come to the Christmas Eve service with my family, and then after attending some other churches in the area for a couple months, I’ll rejoin worship on Sundays at FPC in March as Lent begins. This will give us all some time to adjust to the new normal. My heart and my spirit are ready for some rest and rejuvenation without Sunday staff responsibilities.
Staff/Pastors – Thank you for bringing who you are to the table- through the joys and hardships. Collaborating with you to further the message of God’s love has been like medicine to my heart. You are valued.
Elders/Deacons/Volunteers – Thank you from the bottom of my heart for spending your time on all of the various areas that keep our FPC family connecting to each other and to God. You are truly an inspiration to me.
To all of FPC: It has been my joy and honor to serve this Body of Christ as a staff member, and I look forward to rejoining the pack as a member/volunteer to continue our ministry together, side by side, with the wild and free love of Jesus in us and around us.
Your sister in Christ,
Christa Schmeelk
Video Devotional: Eutychus
The short story of Eutychus in Acts 20, which is just 144 words long, tells an important truth about the God we serve and how God works in the world today.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Coffee, Dessert and Listening with Pastor Will
We’re pleased to announce numerous Listening Sessions during the fourth quarter of 2024. These smaller (5-20 people) settings will allow you to get to know Pastor Will in a more informal way, while also giving Pastor Will a chance to hear what is on your mind – be it hopes, ideas and plans for the future of FPC or nagging questions about Scripture and our place and mission in the secular world.
Most sessions (small S!) will be evening events (after dinner, coffee, dessert and/or snacks served) in the living rooms of PNC members or Session members’ homes, lasting for 90 minutes. There will also be at least two larger sessions at FPC. Participants need only bring open minds and hearts and a willingness to engage on Christian topics.
Signups will occur via SignUp Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849AEAE22A6FF2-51725106-fpclistening
A few ground rules for these sessions:
1. Please sign up for one and only one session.
2. Please no Session (big S) member or staff members – these connections are already being made on a 1-to-1 basis. Deacons, however, are welcome to attend if they have not yet connected with Will.
3. If you have already had a chance to engage with Pastor Will in a small group (non-worship) setting (say Light Team, New Horizons, ministry committee, adult bible study class, etc.) please do not sign up for these listening sessions. These sessions are designed to reach those in our 450-person flock who have not yet had the chance to engage Will on a smaller scale.
4. Home-based sessions shall be capped at eight participants (besides hosts and Pastor Will). We encourage you to join sessions that include members you don’t already know. Get to know some new friends beyond your rock solid FPC support group!
We look forward to this new way to enjoy fellowship while getting to know our new Pastor!
“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.
Coming Events | October 27 – November 16, 2024
Sunday, October 27 – Costume Day at Church!
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!
Mondays, from 1-2:30PM – Light Team
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.
Tuesdays through December 3 – New Bible Study: Mark – Led by Pastor Will
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.
Tuesdays, from 5:15-6PM – Heavenly Stretch
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.
Wednesdays, from 7-8:15PM – Youth Group
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
Wednesdays, from 7-8:30PM – Men’s Ministry Meeting
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!
Saturday, November 2, from 7-8:30PM – Student Ministry Cosmic Bowling Night
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
Sunday, November 3, following service – Pancake and Parfait Breakfast
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!
Monday, November 4, at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group usually meets in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM for two 20 minute “sits.” For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Judy Fitzgerald.
Saturday, November 9, at 10AM and Monday, November 11, at 6:30PM– FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Someone to share ups and downs with, and possibly offer advice.
Are you or were you a caregiver? Let’s lean on each other and learn from each other as a group of Christians. Our FPC group is small but mighty, always welcoming any newcomers. The group is offered once a month. Stop in when you can, you choose to share or listen, it’s up to you. We meet in the Chapel, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential, people can speak freely.
Attendee Lori Phelps has said, “This is my therapy and is so helpful for my mental health as I care for my parents! I walk away with a clearer mind and fresh ideas (an indoor garden kit for my dad! I didn’t know these existed! And a binder for my mom titled, When I start feeling bored, I can…). I’m so grateful for Marcia creating and conducting this group! She is a great listener, and she cares. She’s been through the same experiences so we can talk, laugh, or cry through the ups and downs. I feel like this group is so beneficial but seems to be the best kept secret. We should spread the word for others to benefit too!”
Caregivers (current or previous) – join us any month you can! 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 10, at 3PM – Theology on Tap at Jim & Judy’s
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
Wednesday, November 13 from 8-8:30PM – Student Guatemala Mission Trip
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, November 24 – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Thanksgiving Service
More details to come!
Wednesday – Thursday, November 27-29 – FPC Office Closed for Thanksgiving
The FPC church office will be closed from November 27-29 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Friday and Saturday, December 20 and 21 – FPC’s Live Nativity
Be a part of the wonder of the season at the FPC of Waunakee’s Live Nativity on December 20 and 21! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. This beloved community event relies on the support of dedicated individuals like you. Whether you’re interested in donning a costume, helping with setup/takedown, or preparing or serving food to our hungry volunteers, your involvement will help make this year’s Live Nativity a truly special experience.
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UPS WILL BE OPENING SOON!
Opportunities to Serve
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 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.
Beanie Babies serving in the name of Christ?
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.
Guaranteed to Make You Feel Younger… Volunteer with Children!
We currently need more warm and friendly (and silly) individuals to round out our gold medal Sunday School teaching teams. No experience necessary! Guidance, teacher manuals and materials provided. Sunday School is from 9am-9:50am. Youth volunteers are also encouraged to assist. Help on occasion or on a rotating schedule-you choose. Please consider this important calling by reaching out to our Interim Director of Children’s Ministry Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@myfpc.org. The rewards and smiles are plentiful!
Sunday Job Opportunity – 2 hours/week
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.
Hammers with Halos
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.
Sunday Worship House Manager
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.
Sound Desk Assistant Needed
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
Agrace Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to assist customers and operate the cash register at the Doc Rock Café located inside the Agrace Madison campus or make companionship visits to local Agrace hospice patients in patients’ homes, nursing homes or assisted living centers.
Schedules are flexible, and free training is provided. Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Agrace at (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer to apply online.
Help Needed! The Waunakee Food Pantry is looking for volunteers the last Wednesday of each month
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:
- Canned Beef Stew
- Instant White Rice
- Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Instant AuGratin Potatoes
- Canned fruit (pears, peaches, mandarin oranges)
- Ketchup and Mustard
- Bar soap
- 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.
News and Announcements
Lessons on other ways to give
Here I am, coming to you with more advice on how to give to FPC this Stewardship season, to which we look forward every year at this time! We now have the joy of passing the offering plates again, in addition to online donating—either from our checking accounts (ACH), or from our credit cards, or simply by mailing in our checks.
But, for my first lesson, I want to talk about—wait for it—
Stock Donation!
You may already know more about this than I do, but for those who don’t, I’ll tell you that there are big benefits to both the donor and the nonprofit recipient.
You have decided to donate your 50 shares of IHY (International Hornet & Yellow-Jacket Corp). Since you purchased IHY three years ago, its value has increased significantly, and you have a Capital Gain of nearly $500. Depending upon your tax bracket, your capital gain tax could be almost $100! But since you are donating to a nonprofit like FPC, there is no tax consequence to you as the seller, and the church receives the full value of the stock. Plus, you can deduct the full amount of the donation on your taxes, and, since the recipient is a nonprofit entity, you as an astute investor is not prohibited from repurchasing that same high-performing stock at its current market price, thus giving you a higher cost basis for your portfolio. Something to consider, and for the how-to-do-it portion of Lesson #1, I will refer you to Kristina Maher, FPC’s business administrator, at KMaher@myfpc.org
Lesson #2: In-Kind Giving
Indulge me for a moment and imagine this scenario:
A freak tornado has ripped through the south-west side of Waunakee, and has torn away the roof and one of the corner posts on our beautiful back yard shelter. OUCH! That “ouch” will be felt in a rate increase, probably, by our insurance company, and after getting several quotes, Buildings & Grounds is checking its budget to see what can be done. The word gets out—Houston, we have a problem.
Now imagine hearing the theme song of “The Lone Ranger,” because church member John Q Handyman rides to the rescue and shoots RJ Binau a quick text “Hey, RJ—I’m laid off right now, and I’ve got the time and the skills to take care of this for the church. Being laid off, well, my pledge had to be a little on the skinny side so far, but at least I could save the church money by donating my time and materials—what do you think?”
What I think is, I’m glad that this is only a scenario, but I also think this is a good example of “Time and Talent” giving, and in the case of the donation of materials that would cost $$$, it explains In-Kind Giving.
Study up, friends, that’s enough for this week, and Lesson #3 will be on your desks next Friday.
In His Love,
Barb Cash
Stewardship Elder
This Week’s Birthdays: October 27 – November 2
This Week’s Anniversaries: October 27 – November 2
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
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.
Music in Worship
October 27 – Joyful Noise
November 3 – FPC Choir, Ying Wang, pianist
November 10 – Mary Kay Burton, guest organist
Praise Song of the Week
This week’s praise song Goodness of God, by Bethel Music artist Jenn Johnson, was inspired by the adoption of her son. Johnson recalls, “… out of the blue, we [Johnson and her husband] just felt like the Lord say to us, ‘I have this for you if you want this–like a gift…During the adoption process, I found myself driving on a long country road. I was just singing to the Lord when I recorded a song on my phone about the ‘faithfulness’ and ‘kindness of God’. I wrote and sang most of ‘Goodness of God’ as an overflow of my heart at that moment.” Johnson continues to encourage people to ask the Holy Spirit how they can apply their calling. Maybe through adoption or some other way. In this season of Stewardship we can reflect on all the good God has done in our lives and take pause to question how He might be asking us to do good in the lives of others.
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.
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
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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 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.
