Events
Serve
Announcements
Give
A Very Big Transition
I encourage you to pray for the young people in our congregation, community, and in your life as they make the transition from summer to school, a transition that brings about emotions that include joy, anxiety, and everything between. In addition to praying as the Spirit leads you, I invite you to pray the prayer I’ve included below in “A Prayer for Young People,” written by two of our own students, Milana Lutes and Finn Schmeelk, for the most recent Confirmation Sunday worship service.
May each of you feel God’s loving presence in the various transitions that you are experiencing in life.
Ezrah Schmeelk
Video Devotional: Praying Fervently
Jonah prays the most fervent prayer from the belly of the great fish. The prayer he prays is a psalm. Find out how you can access the Psalms when things seem hopeless and unfair in this episode of Scriptures for Life.
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.
Coming Events | September 1 – 21, 2024
Monday, September 2 – FPC Church office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed Monday, September 2, in observation of Labor Day.
Sunday, September 8 – Fall Kick Off with BBQ Potluck, All that Jazz & Welcome Pastor Will!
Sunday, September 8 – Sunday School Open House
Hooray! It’s almost back-to-Sunday-School time! We are looking forward to our classrooms being filled again with children laughing, learning, and feeling God’s love!
Sunday School kickoff is Sunday, September 8, and is for kids ages 3 years-6th grade, 9am-9:50am. The first day is a fun meet-and-greet (or dance) open-house-style morning. Parents and children are encouraged to stop in classrooms to meet teachers and get a welcome-back surprise! Can’t make it the first day? No worries, kids are always welcome to come any Sunday throughout the whole year. Friends are always welcome too!
While we believe parents are the first educators of their children knowing God, we also believe He is working through us at FPC to share the knowledge of the Bible and teachings of Jesus with your children. We are blessed to have every child walk (usually run) through our classroom doors to come learn more about God. We teach in a fun and friendly way, and the children seem to love it!
You can register your child(ren) here, or we can help you register when you arrive! Thank you for bringing your children. It is our pleasure shepherding them in their faith journey! Any questions? Contact Interim Children’s Ministry Director Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@myfpc.org or 608-949-9445.
Don’t forget: the fun continues on September 8 with the open invitation to the all-church potluck, band, bouncy house and yard games from 11:30-1:30!
Mondays, starting September 9, 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 first meeting will be Sept. 9 with an emphasis on fellowship and getting back together after the summer break. 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.
Monday, Sept. 9 at 6:30PM and Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10AM –
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.
Monday, September 9, at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM for two 20 minute “sits.” September’s Centering Prayer session will be held on the second Monday due to Labor Day. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Judy Fitzgerald.
Wednesdays, starting September 11, 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 the Gathering Space by the fireplace. At our first meeting of the fall, we will be wrapping up the DVD Video series “Love Does” by Bob Goff, which we started in late spring.
We will have a table set up at the September 8th Fall Kick Off Event hosted by FPC. So 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!
Sunday, September 15, at 3PM – Theology on Tap at Octopi Brewing
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!
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Future Meeting Dates
October 13
November 10
December 8
Sunday, September 22, during service – 5th/6th grade Bible Presentation
Get ready for a special moment during our Sunday, October 13 worship service! Network 56 will proudly present our 5th and 6th grade Sunday School kids with their very own Bibles. This milestone marks an important step in their faith journey, and we can’t wait to celebrate it with the entire congregation. Join us as we witness these young hearts receiving the Word of God, a moment they’ll cherish for years to come!
Save the Date | More Info to come
Friday, September 27, from 12:30PM-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, September 27 from 12:30PM-5:30PM.
Sunday, October 6, following worship – All About FPC New Member Class
All About FPC – Have you ever wanted to know more about FPC? Are you interested in exploring membership here at FPC? If your answer is yes, then please mark your calendars for Sunday, October 6. We will meet right after church. Lunch is provided. If you need childcare, let us know in advance. We will meet in the Chapel. For more information or to rsvp, talk to Elder Wes Ray or email Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org.
Friday, October 18, from Noon-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held down in Fellowship Hall on Friday, October 18 from 12PM-5:30PM.
Sunday, October 20, from 2:30-4:30PM – Food for Kidz
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
Opportunities to Serve
Join the FPC Choir!
Have a heart for singing? Not sure, but willing to give it a try? Looking for some musical fellowship? The FPC Choir will be kicking off the Fall Semester on September 4th and would love to have you join us! We sing two Sundays a month and rehearse most Wednesdays and are flexible if you can’t sing every time. We combine a spirit of gladness with a heart of worship. Anyone interested in learning more can reach out to Jamison Wendlandt (jwendlandt@myfpc.org) and he would be more than happy to connect!
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 Interim Director of Children’s Ministry Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@myfpc.org or call/text 608-235-7899. The rewards and smiles are plentiful!
We’re Hiring: Nursery Coordinator
FPC of Waunakee has a part-time position available Sunday mornings 9:30am-11:30am (job sharing considered). Main responsibilities include love and care for our littlest ones, absolute compliance with safety policies and cleanliness, and supervision of Nursery assistants. Additional fun may include Bible stories, activities, music, and crafts. With assistant, oversee 2-10 children ranging from ages newborn-2 years. Pay is competitive, and you can bring your own children or grandchildren with you to play on Sunday mornings! Christian faith, self- motivation, love of children, and warm teaching spirit essential!
Apply soon by emailing resume and cover letter to info@myfpc.org or to request an application.
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:
1. Toilet Paper
2. Bar soap
3. Cereal
4. Ritz type crackers
5. Canned Tuna
6. Ketchup & Mustard
7. Pancake Mix
8. Canned fruit (pears, peaches, mandarin oranges)
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
August 2024 Session Meeting
Pastor’s Moment
Pastor Ben Ehrets provided an update on his activities from July-August:
- Supported land sale discussions. Visited some people related to this.
- Enjoying working more closely with staff and being in the loop. Coordinating and brainstorming with core staff.
- Attending meetings and assisting with worship planning and Christian education.
- Graveside service for Donald Macleish
- Prayer circle for Jerry Ronspiez
- Blessing of a child – Steve and Barb Sash’s great-granddaughter.
- Other care visits for those who are ill.
Pastor Sue Ann Melrose
- Recounted her time with FPC, since starting work with the ministry information team in June of 2023, followed by work with the PNC
- Will preach on August 25
- Will visit on September 8 for fall kick-off
- She wishes FPC well as she moderates her last session meeting with us
Special Topic – FPC Finance 101 Presentation to Session
Kristina Maher presented information to build elders’ understanding of finance terms used at FPC and the reports/processes related to FPC’s finances and budget.
Session approved (no discussion needed):
- Musical Pathways music lessons contract for 2024-2025
- Andrew Schaeffer organ recital at FPC, for the Organ Historical Society National Convention, on August 6, 2025
- Removal of Funmi and Karosi Abraham from membership rolls, as they moved to KY.
- Student Ministry’s ice-skating night and bowling night, dates TBD.
Finance Report
Alan Roberts reported that given vs. pledged for July was 93% and year-to-date is 99.65%. Income vs. expense for all funds is -$31,759.73. Income vs. expense for the general fund is -$62,975.84. Reminder that we went into 2024 with a faith budget of approximately -$100,000.
Looking for a new trustee to replace Karosi Abraham.
Initiated a new working relationship with Thrivent to help manage investments (e.g., receipt of stock).
Session approved modification of Pastor Will’s terms of call to show a housing allowance of $3,100 monthly, $37,200 annually.
Alan also gave an update on what’s happening with the new pastor’s arrival. Pastor Will and family will need help moving around the end of August. They found a home in Sun Prairie. Pastor Will has his preaching schedule planned through Easter. The PNC will help with onboarding related to getting to know the congregation. Personnel and Pastor Ben will provide other onboarding support. Deacons and Fellowship will work on providing/coordinating meals for the first couple of weeks that the Wilsons are here.
Mission
Christa Schmeelk reported for Julie Cable, who was on vacation. “Fill the Bus” ended on August 19. Christa Schmeelk delivered several carloads of donations from FPC. This was seen as a very positive partnership with Waunakee Neighborhood Connection, local churches and Love Dane to collect back-to-school essentials for students in the Waunakee School District. Would like to do this again in 2025. We also participated in a Love Dane project to provide groundskeeping assistance (weeding and mulching) at local schools.
Our participation in the “Awaken Dane” outreach is also underway.
Stewardship
Barb Cash reported that the theme for the 2024 stewardship campaign will be “God Leads, We Follow.” She is firming up the week-by-week schedule for the campaign, through October.
Discussed how to communicate finance updates to the congregation. Currently, the clerk provides highlights of session minutes monthly, in the Connector, under the “Shepherding the Flock” heading. These highlights always include the finance report for giving vs. pledged, and expenses vs. income. Barb will direct those who requested finance updates to this article in the Connector.
Worship and Music
Amy Lewis reported that music staff is looking forward to working with the new W&M committee. Session approved allowing Jameson Wendtland to fund-raise for the choir, with Christmas and Easter flowers. Session also OK’d having Amy’s team determine how to reinstate passing of offering plates.
Children’s Ministry
Peter Bergman noted that they have found a qualified candidate for the Children’s Ministry director. Continuing to find volunteers for the nursery. Very focused on the kick-off for Sunday school, wrapping up finding teachers. Established the structure for Sunday school for this season.
Building and Grounds
RJ Binau reported that new tables have been delivered and his team is working on finding homes for the old tables. The new railing was installed, connecting the fellowship hall parking lot to the main parking lot. Thanks to Bernie and Sheryll Gerhmann and an anonymous donor who paid for the railing to be manufactured and installed. Also gearing up for fall clean-up, date TBD.
RJ Binau and Lolly Lawrence provided a brief update on the status of the land sale to Don Tierney.
- We are continuing with the offer/counter-offer process.
- Don Tierney will pay for closing costs and the land survey
- We agreed to let Tierney do some leveling of land and planting of trees ahead of the closing, since the heavy equipment needed to do this is currently working in the area.
- The most recent counter-offer was signed and delivered back to Tierney’s team on August 12. All necessary proposed language from our lawyer was incorporated.
- Tierney now needs to get approvals from Westport and Waunakee, before the sale can proceed.
Student Ministry
Emily Bauer noted that fall and winter plans have been established. Have a strong group of volunteers, some are returning and some are new. Christa is leading the students’ worship team again this year.
Sunday school this fall will be led by Ezrah, following the same format as last year.
Had great turnout and positive feedback from the students on summer activities.
Session approved allowing Student Ministry to continue planning the mission trip for the summer of 2025.
Adult Education
Jim Fitzgerald noted that this ministry area will oversee and support seven FPC weekly groups, including a second Adult Sunday School class (a new 5-week contemporary study), in addition to three other small groups that meet monthly. Seeking ways to increase communication and promotion of ANSG programs and increase engagement and participation from the FPC community. Finalizing fall curriculum, working on the Women’s Retreat weekend, and the Men’s Group will be assisting Pastor Will and family with their move.
Fellowship FUN Team
Krista Wallace and her team are currently working on the Fall Kick-Off Event, planned for September 8. Wes Ray will provide BBQ. This will also be a welcome for Pastor Will. There will be a Sunday school students rally, where students will meet their teachers. Sunday School classes will start the following week. All That Jazz will play as a thank-you for allowing their practices to take place at FPC. Getting sign-ups for volunteers for food and setup/cleanup. Have assigned leads to manage key areas for the kick-off. Krista Wallace is the overall lead.
New Member Outreach
Wes Ray reported that there will be two new members coming to the September meeting. Next “All About FPC class” will be held on October 6. Will start work on Live Nativity after completing work on the fall kickoff.
Personnel
Amy Chavez reported that her team has the following activities underway:
- Improve performance review template
- Update volunteer background check policy
- Complete FPC staff salary survey ahead of 2025 budget process
- Still looking to fill Nursery Coordinator role
- Onboarding plans for Pastor Will
Reminder that Pastor Ben is on vacation October 3-17
Session approved the hire of Melissa Hathaway to be the new Children’s Ministry Director. Melissa has held several positions in Children’s and Youth ministry, both locally and out-of-state. Her most recent job was in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, for a very large church (11k members), but she has also worked in the area for churches the size of FPC. Melissa is from Waunakee originally and is happy to have the opportunity to return to work with FPC and be closer to her family. She was recommended by a church member, has a bachelor of science in education from Edgewood College, and is extremely well-qualified for this ministry position.
Thank you from Jerry Ronspiez
Dear church family,
I’d like to thank you for your continued prayers and visits during my cancer journey. Thank you also for the cards of encouragement and 80th Birthday wishes.
I love and appreciate you all!
Jerry Ronspiez
We filled the bus!
100 Binder pouches, 200 boxes of crayons, 300 glue sticks, 400 pens, 500 pencils and much much more!
Thank you to all at FPC, at Crossroads United Methodist Church and all the community members who helped Fill the Bus for students in need in our district with Waunakee Neighborhood Connection!!
This Week’s Birthdays: September 1 – 7
This Week’s Anniversaries: September 1 – 7
FPC Nursery for Ages 2 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
September 1 – Roxanne & Alan Fauque, piano & saxophones
September 8 – FPC Choir, Ying Wang, pianist and Joyful Brass
September 15 – Ying Wang, pianist
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
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.
