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FPC family! This is for you!
Shortly after I became a mom, I began rocking a 1999 forest green Dodge Grand Caravan. It played the AM radio only and had a tape deck that worked sporadically if I pounded on the side of the console in a very specific way. The only tape that my lovely van would play with consistency was entitled “Stu Bear” – which was a children’s story written to explain the concept of stewardship.
I probably listened to this tape 5,000 times during those first few years of motherhood. I’m not even kidding. On about the 3,000th time through, this children’s book opened up an entirely NEW way to think about tithing, giving, and using my spiritual gifts, and it was encompassed within a new word to me – Stewardship.
The children in the story take Stu Bear home and teach him about stewardship – gathering food for the food bank, visiting a skilled nursing facility, taking care of God’s world, taking care of their own bodies, giving money, and more. The thesis of the short children’s book is this: “Stu Bear learned that helping other people, sharing the things we have, and taking care of ourselves and our world are all about stewardship. Stu Bear learned that good stewardship is helping, sharing, and caring. Good stewardship is saying thank you to God.”
Armed with my new understanding of stewardship, my family piled into the green van and moved to Waunakee 11 years ago to join an amazing Church Family – and I mean this literally! With exactly ZERO relatives within 700 miles – you are indeed family. You have shared your tomatoes, your tools, your home, your cabins, your vacations, your meals, your pies, your bread, you have taught my children Sunday School, babysat my children, supported me through my time as a young mom, and now as a mom of teenagers. You have allowed me to pray with you and support you as a Deacon, as a Stephen Minister, and through your giving, you have provided a place for me on FPC’s Staff. You have encouraged me and allowed me to encourage you! You have reached out with cards during sickness and times of grief, you share your spiritual victories and family hardships and allow me to be me – warts and all. What I have experienced at FPC is the full gamut of what the word stewardship means…. A deep exchange of helping each other, sharing the things we have, and supporting each other as we take care of ourselves, each other, and our world.
As we think about Stewardship this month, we aren’t just thinking about giving money, one and done. Stewardship is the fleshy and physical help of weeding, of cooking, of our presence. It’s allowing each other to be encouragers and to receive encouragement, to be each other’s spiritual family. It’s supporting those in need and the health longevity of our church. It’s the emotional support, the connection and exchange of ideas and love. It’s allowing you and me to be ourselves so we can truly belong to each other- and all of this within and because of the wild and free love of Jesus.
Through the hardships and victories, your sister in Christ,
Christa Schmeelk
Click here to read “Stu Bear” in the PCUSA digital archives!!! You know you want to!!
Video Devotional: Paul’s Personal Greetings to Christians in Rome
In the final chapter of Romans, Paul greets Christians in Rome, naming 27 people and two families even though he has never been to Rome. Find out what this tells us about the diverse nature of the early Christian Church.
This devotion was originally given as part of a Bethel Bible Series Online class. If you would like to take the Bethel Bible Series online, our next class starts on Saturday, January 6, 2024. For more information, email blessed@bethelseries.org.
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
Highlighting the Stewardship Theme
How often had she said that to me? “We need each other.” I had struggled with a problem on my own, sure that I could figure it out myself. I had asked the Lord to help me, to show me what I was looking for. It was a private issue, and I didn’t want to ask anyone, since it would show a side of me that I didn’t want to reveal. I was determined to sort this out myself.
Then, in conversation with my sister, I blurted it out, as I knew I would. I bared my troubled soul to her, and, godly woman that she is, with supreme kindness and wisdom, helped me see a different side of the issue, and I thanked her. “That’s why we need each other,” she said, as she had said so often in the past.
Here we are now, in the first week of Stewardship season, and I felt a bit unsure as to how to write this article on our theme, “Walking in the Light.” Again, and again, I asked the Lord to show me what to say, and I thanked Him in advance for doing what I trusted Him to do. The Bible makes many references to the importance of our interactions with each another. Romans 12:16 says, “Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are.”
The phrase “one another” stood out to me. We need one another…we need each other. 1 John 1: 7 says, “but if we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
A symbol we’ve probably all seen came to mind then, the triangle with husband and wife at the two bottom points and Christ at the top. As is, the three positions are about as far from each other as they can be, but as the two in the lower corners begin to walk in the light of Jesus, that is, climb up those slanting sides of the triangle, not only do they draw nearer to the pinnacle, Jesus, they also draw nearer to each other.
Husbands and wives, strangers and friends, those who think like we do and those who don’t, sisters and brothers, all combinations are invited to put themselves at the bottom angles of the triangle and climb up the sides to Jesus, and become closer to each other in the process.
Barb Cash
Stewardship Elder
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 Eugenia said:
If you had told me some years ago, that sitting in silence would be a part of my daily prayer practice, I would likely have responded, “What for?” or “What a waste of valuable, potentially productive time.”
My parents taught me to “say my prayers.” And “say” them I did, more often than not, for the first 39 years of my life (I still do). But gradually, through the help of friends, books, and the nudging of the Holy Spirit, I began to notice that my prayer time was very focused on my own agenda. I began to long to know God. Having heard of the Centering Prayer practice and I knew that it would call me to stop talking—at least for a little while, to stop enlightening God with my plans (!).
After a few months of including Centering Prayer in my daily time with God, I noticed that I was relaxing on the inside. I felt less need to organize my life (and that of others!). I grew less easily offended, better able to take correction, and much less worried about big or small things before me. I second-guessed myself less often; I became less critical of myself and of others. My relationship with God seemed to “grow up.” I thought less of my own opinions and found more trust in God’s faithfulness. My faith in God deepened dramatically. I still have a ways to go in each of these areas, but the changes were clear. Sometimes it was painful, but this was the healing work of the Holy Spirit.
And then the best part: the love. I began to recognize myself as a beloved child of God and to feel more love for God, for myself, and for others. As John of the Cross said, “When all is said and done, it is all about love.”
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
Last Sunday, Network 56 presented Bibles. This heartwarming moment showcased the church’s dedication to nurturing the spiritual growth of young members in the church. By providing these Bibles, FPC of Waunakee not only offered a valuable resource but also fostered a sense of belonging and faith within their lives. It was a meaningful event that reflected the church’s mission to positively impact the lives of the FPC’s young people.
Nursery is open
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 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 8 – FPC Choir
October 15 – Joyful Noise Woodwinds
October 22 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | Oct. 8 – 28, 2023
Monday, October 9 at 6:30PM and Saturday, October 14 at 10AM – 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.
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. No meeting on Oct. 2.
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 starting October 11th 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 will start on September 14 and 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.
Sunday, October 15 at 11AM – What’s Cookin’ at FPC?
The Lengue Family invites you to join them in learning how to cook Beignets from Cameroon! Sandrine will be teaching us how to make Beignets- this will be hands on, and we’ll get to eat them too! Please join us after church on Sunday, October 15 for a simple pizza & salad lunch in the Fellowship Hall where we will connect with each other and learn what’s cookin’ at FPC together!
*There will be a gluten free table – please note in your rsvp if you would like to be at that table.*
CANCELLED – Sunday, October 15 at 2:30PM – Historic Organ Presentation and Recital
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Fall Organ recital. We are looking at dates for a Spring 2024 recital. Stay tuned!
Sunday, October 15 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.
Thursday, October 19 at 1PM – Quilters Meeting
Interested in Quilting?
Join us for our monthly meetings in the Gathering Place of FPC Waunakee! Meetings consist of a good deal of socialization, quilt “Show & Tell,” and discussion of any quilting problems/questions that might come up. The group also has one or two “Sewing Days” events each year and works on Prayer Quilts for the FPC Deacon’s Prayer Shawl & Quilt Ministry.
Meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month from September to May, with the exception of January when we take a break.
For more details email Anne Frihart at annefrihart@gmail.com
Friday, October 20 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Blood Drive at FPC
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 – FPC Marriage Retreat
About a year ago, Jack Von Rutenberg came into my office and welcomed me back here to FPC Waunakee. As we chatted that morning, he asked if my wife and I would be willing to lead another Marriage Retreat? He told me that he and Tammy had attended the previous FPC marriage retreat some 20+ years ago. It seems that retreat had a great impact on their marriage. If you are anything like Christine and me, you rarely make time to focus on your marriage. The hustle and bustle of our culture just does not allow us much time to make our marriages the center of attention. That is why we have felt the need to offer this time away.
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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
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!
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.
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!
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 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!
Volunteers Needed for Agrace Adult Day Center
Volunteers are needed to provide companionship to clients at the Agrace Adult Day Center located at 1702 W. Beltline Highway. Agrace will host an orientation for new volunteers on Thursday, October 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Agrace Madison campus. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer and fill out an application.
Agrace Offers Grief Support Group Options in October
In October, Agrace grief support specialists are offering in-person and virtual group grief support options:
• Bridges meets October 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and October 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Agrace Grief Support Center.
• Bridges (virtual) meets Wednesday, October 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., via Zoom.
• Journey Through Grief (virtual) meets Mondays, October 16 to November 20, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., via Zoom.
• Young Adult meets Thursday, October 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Agrace Grief Support Center.
• Spouse/Partner Loss meets Thursdays, October 19 to December 14 (excluding Thanksgiving), from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pre-registration is required for all groups. For details, fees or to register, go to Agrace.org/Volunteer, email griefsupport@agrace.org or call (608) 327-7110.
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.
