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Walking in the Light
While you were away on vacation this summer……
the staff at FPC Waunakee have been busy.
We have been planning and getting ready for this fall.
Planning events and programs takes up a lot of our time and to do it together?
To collaborate? Well……that is a lot more work, but it also unleashes a lot of creativity.
I got a nudge from God way back in January. This nudge was confirmed this summer by the rest of the staff as well as from our new Stewardship Elder Barb Cash. We came up with a unified theme for the fall which comes from John 1: 1-7:
“We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life– this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us– what we have seen and heard we also declare to you so that you also may have fellowship with us, and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
This is the message we have heard from God and proclaim to you, that God is light and in God there is no darkness at all.
If we say that we have fellowship with God while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true;
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.”
The fall theme is “Walking in the LIGHT.”
When we walk in the LIGHT, we have fellowship (kinship) with one another.
There are no “us” and “thems.” There is just us.
There will be a Sermon Series that explores what this “One Another” means as we walk in the LIGHT together. This theme of “Walking in the LIGHT will be woven into our FPC Children’s curricula as well as our Youth programming. And yes, it will be the theme of our Fall Stewardship Campaign. Questions arise:
1. How are we walking in the LIGHT as a congregation, as a disciple
2. What does Walking in the LIGHT look like….sound like….feel like?
3. Where are we seeing God’s LIGHT shining in this darkened world of ours?
4. How are we growing in our own desire to walk in the LIGHT?
I can’t wait to see what the fruit of this time will be, for God is not done with us yet.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
Marriage Retreat Announcement
After dinner on Friday, October 20, to before lunch on Sunday, October 22. Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin. 2 nights, 4 meals, and a deliberate time to reflect on your marriage. $199.00/ couple. (Scholarships are available.) Currently, there is room for a few more couples. We can accommodate more folks if we know in advance.
My wife, Christine, and I have led three weekend Marriage Retreats. We are not experts and have been enriched by all three. We all know that a wedding is just a day, but marriage is an ever-changing process that requires intention and attention. So come away and nurture the relationship you began on your wedding day.
Here are two quotes to think on:
“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on those days when they struggle to like each other.” – Dave Willis
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”- Ursula K. Le Guin
“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
Video Devotional: What I Did on My Summer Vacation
In this episode of Jeff Quinto’s Scriptures for Life, Jeff talks about his summer vacation in Kenya. The first part is about the family’s safari in the Masai Mara. The second part, the devotion, talks about hope in the least likely place, the Dandora Garbage Dump in Nairobi. Please “like” and subscribe so more people will have access to these devotions. Soli Deo Gloria!
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
August 2023
Pastor’s Moment and Report:
- Pastor Glen talked briefly about some of his summer highlights, and asked the Session members talk about one thing we are grateful for.
- Pastor Glen brought forward a proposal titled “Learning How to Have Courageous Conversations.” The purpose of this would be to teach church members how to listen to each other with curiosity and respect. After discussion, the proposal was withdrawn. Discussion points:
- As a church, do we know how to address controversy? Can we talk about controversial topics, but still stay united as a church body?
- The proposed timing for this training (December and January) is a busy time for the church, with Christmas, budget, Annual Report and Annual Meeting.
- Not discounting the need for the training, but would it be better to do this with the new leader? If we do this now, it is a missed opportunity for the new leader?
- Does the proposed trainer (Reverend Allan Hilton) lean too strongly into politics and require people to take a stand on political issues? Session members thought this might be the case, after reviewing the website (www.houseunitedmovement.org).
Consent Box: The following motions were made and approved.
Building and Grounds:
- Approve comprehensive building use plan
Clerk of Session
- Acknowledge completion of the Annual Corporation Report for the WI Department of Financial Institutions
Worship and Music: Erik expressed appreciation for Brian Gade, who filled in at the sound board, and with other technical support for the Sunday service, for several weeks in August. He was also very helpful getting things back online after the August 20 power outage.
Start date for AV upgrades has been pushed back, due to contractor supplies and time. Should get going within the next two months. Looking forward to being able to livestream to the Gathering Place.
Will be training three additional volunteers on communion prep.
Children’s Ministry: Peter noted that this is a quiet time for CM. They are cleaning classrooms and ramping up for the school year.
Building and Grounds: RJ expressed appreciation for Sue Gade’s work on the building use plan, which was approved in this meeting. This is a comprehensive plan that combines several existing policies.
RJ noted that some of the back-ups in place for power outages didn’t function as expected, with the power outage on August 20. He and his team will review what happened and remediate as needed.
Madison Metals will repair the handrails that were damaged last winter, but they are very busy (scheduling 8 months out). We’re working with them to get on their schedule.
Fall clean-up is planned for September 23. Focus will be on the family area, taking away existing mulch and creating a weed barrier.
Personnel: Amy noted that she and Lolly will meet with Pastor Glen on Wednesday to do his annual review. Feedback on Pastor Glen’s performance was gathered from the full Session. She is also finalizing Glen’s contract.
With the recent meeting to review the EEO statement for the PNC/new pastor search, the question came up of whether FPC has an EEO statement for general use with hiring. Sue Gade will check with her resources to see what applies to, and is recommended for, churches.
The personnel committee will focus on work with the job survey committee to plan for retirements of Sue Gade and Alka Van Haren and create a future staffing plan.
Stewardship: Barb reported on continuing work for this fall’s stewardship campaign, plugging in with the “Be the Light” theme.
Student Ministry: Emily reported that SM is preparing for the September 10 Kick-Off.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth: Scott reported that 11 couples have now signed up for the October marriage retreat. The cut-off date for this will be around 10/1. There is room for up to 20 couples.
Scott brought forward two proposals:
- Men’s small group, which would meet early Friday or Saturday mornings, for one hour, at FPC. It will be initially facilitated by David Sliwicki and Jim Fitzgerald with a goal of having 10-15 participants. Will center discussion around pre-selected faith-based books or videos by Christian authors including John Ortberg, John MacArthur, Tony Evan, Max Lucado, etc.
- 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.
Both of these proposals were approved.
Other AN&SG continuing offerings: Little Talks, Centering Prayer, Theology on Tap, Our Daily Bread devotionals, presentation by Margaret George on August 29.
Mission: Brice reported that work is continuing with Chris Drake on the Missions website. Expect this go live in the next couple of weeks. Also working on directing funds toward disaster relief for Maui and California.
Fellowship: Krista is working with New Member Outreach on the September 10 kick-off event. This is a big project with lots of moving parts. Will be getting a bouncy house and a tent and providing other outdoor family games. Fellowship in the Narthex will be modified on September 10 to encourage people to head outdoors.
Krista is also working on developing updated coffee hour procedures. Also, deep cleaning and organizing the upstairs kitchen.
The Fellowship schedule after 9/10 includes a fellowship activity for every month.
New Member Outreach: Working with Fellowship on planning and preparation for the September 10 kick-off event.
There will be an All About FPC class on September 24. Elders are encouraged to attend for the first part of the class, to introduce themselves and describe their ministry areas.
Cards will be sent to new school district staff.
Finance Report: Alan Roberts reporting that giving vs. pledged for the month of July is at 74% and year-to-date at 102%. General fund income vs. expense is $-6,937.53.
Alan also reported on some activities of the PNC. The Ministry Development Profile (MDP) prior to the Session was approved.
Executive Session: The elders discussed Pastor Glen’s severance, which was not covered in the hiring discussion. It was decided that there will be no provision for severance pay in Pastor Glen’s contract.
Presbyterian Ministers Grilling at Pres House
Last Sunday, FPC’s very own Pastor Glen and other area Presbyterian Ministers grilled at Madison’s Pres House. This was a time to welcome new students onto the UW campus and to get to know others around a shared meal.
Last Sunday, Lori Phelps delivered the Children’s Moment during service. Highlighting the message of “Shine Your Light” and talking about the upcoming Fall Kick Off which takes place this Sunday, September 10.
First Presbyterian Emergency Action Plan- Intruder Committee Formed
Several church members have come together to update the Intruder/Active Shooter portion of our church Emergency Action Plan. Our dear departed Sheldon Schall created the plan back in May of 2019. Pastor Glen asked Sam Robinson if he would take the lead to form a committee and update the current plan to reflect current practices.
Liz Weller, Clare Zaiman-Keen, Pam Knutson, Rick Mueller, Steve Alexander, RJ Binau, Sam Robinson, and Pastor Glen continue to meet along with having a Dane County Deputy provide input to the plan and church building layout. Portions of the plan include informing, updating, and training the Session, staff, and congregation on a yearly basis. The committee has a goal to have the final plan be presented to the Session at their November meeting for their approval.
All church members should know that, in order to be successful, the updated plan will require church members to step up and volunteer for key positions of the Safety Team.
FPC’s Summer office hours
Monday – Wednesday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday – Admin Staff working remotely from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday – Office Closed
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
September 10 – All That Brass Quartet
September 17 – Mitch Richards, Organist
September 24 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | September 10-30, 2023
Sunday, September 10 at 11AM-2PM – All Church Fall Kickoff Celebration!
Join us for amazing fun, food, and friends! Featuring…
• Wes Ray’s Award-Winning Sizzling BBQ
• Waunakee Big Band
• Mouth Watering Church Potluck!
• Laughter and Friendship! Bring a friend!
Schedule of Events:
9-2pm: All Church Ministry Fair in Church Lobby.
9-10am: Sunday School Open House (Upstairs)-Parents and Kids Invited!
Grade 7-12 and Adult Sunday School Begins!
10-11am: Service in the Sanctuary with Back to School Blessing
11-2pm: Outdoor BBQ Potluck with Big Band, Yard Games and Bouncy House!
Monday, September 11 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.
Sunday, September 17 at 11AM – Healing and Wholeness Service
A Short Service for Healing and Wholeness will be held in the Chapel right after Worship on Sunday September 17. Since the days of the early church, Christians have used the laying on of hands and anointing with oil as a sign of the working of the Spirit. This short service allows us to bring our memories, our physical troubles, our psychological wounds to God and seek healing. We do this with one another as we walk together in the LIGHT. All are welcome to this special, uplifting Service.
Sunday, September 17 at 3PM – Theology On Tap
Monday, September 18 – 1PM – 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 in the six-session small group study beginning Sept. 18. This group welcomes all ladies wishing to engage in fellowship and Christian study – with no homework!
Light Team will begin meeting on September 18 at 1PM in the Gathering Place.
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Thursday, September 21 at 1PM – FPC Quilters Meeting
Interested in Quilting?
Join us for our monthly meetings in the Gatherings Space 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
Saturday, September 23 at 9AM – FPC Fall Clean-Up
Embrace the spirit of togetherness and join us for an invigorating day of community camaraderie at our Fall Clean-up event! As the vibrant colors of autumn surround us, let’s come together to prepare our cherished FPC grounds for the upcoming winter. Come help us make an impact as we ensure our church remains a welcoming haven for all seasons!
Sunday, September 24 from 11:15AM-1PM – All About FPC Class
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, September 24. We will meet right after church. Lunch is provided. If you need childcare, let us know in advance. We will meet in the Chapel. Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen or Elder Wes Ray. Or contact the church office.
Monday, September 25 at 6:30PM and Saturday, September 30 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 Chapelmonthly, 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.
Wednesday, September 27 from 11:30AM-1PM – New Horizons Cookout
New Horizons: Annual Cookout will be at Anne & Chuck Frihart’s backyard. They live on Ballweg Road in Dane, which is north west of Waunakee off of Highway 12. Turn right just past the pedestrian bridge that goes over Hwy 12.
When: Wednesday, September 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: 8179 Ballweg Road, Dane, WI 53529
Rain or Cold Weather Alternate Venue: If it is raining or too cold, we will meet at FPC Fellowship Hall … (Anne’s home is not big enough for an indoor picnic.) Please make sure you RSVP (see below) so we know how to reach you on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning if we need to switch to FPC Fellowship Hall because of the weather.
Cookout and Picnic Potluck: Meat and drinks will be provided. For those who are able, please bring a side dish, snack or dessert to share. Grandchildren are also welcome to come.
Car Pooling will be available, leaving FPC at 11:00 a.m. Call Anne or Steve to get a ride or to offer to be a driver … We will meetup at FPC or we can pick you up at your home.
For questions or to carpool or share a ride, please call Anne & Chuck: 608-512-3620 or Vicki & Steve: 608-849-4058.
New Horizons is a gathering of First Presbyterian Church members and friends over 55 (guests of any age are always welcome).
We are making plans for the rest of the school year and we invite your input.
Please RSVP below so Chuck knows how much meat to cook and we can call you if the weather is too bad for an outdoor picnic.
Friday, September 29 from 12:30PM-5:45PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, October 2 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.
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.
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!
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. The cost is $199.00/couple. From after dinner on October 20 to before lunch on October 22 at the lovely Green Lake Conference Center. (Signup here) Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen
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.
Opportunities to Serve
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.