One reason that I am Presbyterian is the richness of our denomination responding throughout history with various affirmations of faith which we call Confessions. These affirmations are housed in PART 1 of our PCUSA Constitution entitled: The Book of Confessions. Fascinating and inspiring documents. The second part of our Constitution is called The Book of Order which is where we find out how to live out our faith as a church body. The phrase “What we say, so we do” is apt. We Presbyterians seek to be consistent in our faith and in our actions. In other words, we seek to be authentic – our words rhyming with our behaviors. 

To give you a taste of one Confession (Affirmation of Faith), the following section is from the Brief Statement of Faith (1983). It speaks about the Holy Spirit. It still rings true for me even though it was written over 40 years ago. 

When you have a quiet moment, I would invite you to slowly read these words. Pause and allow them to wash through you. When it is right, read it through a second time and write down any word or phrase that catches your eye, or your heart. Finally, I would suggest that you read this passage once a day for the next week. What do you notice? What phrase or word stays with you? Then let me know by email greichelderfer@myfpc.org or a short chat what the fruit of this spiritual exercise has been for you. What might God be saying to you, to us?

Blessings. Pastor Glen

We trust in God the Holy Spirit,
everywhere the giver and renewer of life. 
The Spirit justifies us by grace through faith, 
sets us free to accept ourselves and to love God and neighbor, 
and binds us together with all believers 
in the one body of Christ, the Church. 
The same Spirit 
who inspired the prophets and apostles 
rules our faith and life in Christ through Scripture, 
engages us through the Word proclaimed, 
claims us in the waters of baptism, 
feeds us with the bread of life and the cup of salvation, 
and calls women and men to all ministries of the church. 
In a broken and fearful world 
the Spirit gives us courage 
to pray without ceasing, 
to witness among all peoples to Christ as Lord and Savior, 
to unmask idolatries in Church and culture, 
to hear the voices of peoples long silenced, 
and to work with others for justice, freedom, and peace. 
In gratitude to God, empowered by the Spirit,
we strive to serve Christ in our daily tasks 
and to live holy and joyful lives, 
even as we watch for God’s new heaven and new earth, 
praying, “Come, Lord Jesus!”

First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Waunakee is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to join our staff. Duties include, but are not limited to, working with staff and Elders to help recruit and manage volunteer efforts. This position is estimated to require 2-4 hours per week. Pay is negotiable. Position is open until filled. For details or to apply, please contact Doug Brown at dougrbrown1980@gmail.com.

The food pantry is currently in need of the following items. These can be dropped off in the grocery cart at the south entrance of the education wing. The number of clients has increased greatly and your family’s involvement would be much appreciated. Items in need currently:

jello/pudding
granola bars
toilet paper
pasta/rice sides
tuna helper

We love this time of year! 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 phone 608-235-7899, no later than Friday, October 7. Thanks for spreading our FPC love!

Could you bake or contribute an item for FPC’s care packages for our students and military personnel away from home? Ideally, you would put 3-5 items in a ziplock type bag to stay fresh, which will also allow us to have a variety in each care package. Contact Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@charter.net or phone 608-235-7899 if you can help. Care packages will be stuffed Sunday, October 9. Thank you for your kindness!

New Horizons: Annual Cookout will be at Anne and Chuck Frihart’s backyard. They live on Ballweg Road in Dane, which is northwest of Waunakee off of Highway 12. Turn right just past the pedestrian bridge that goes over Hwy 12. 

When: Wednesday, September 21 at 11:30 a.m. come Rain or Shine

Where: 8179 Ballweg Road, Dane, WI 53529 

Cookout and Picnic: 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 at 11:00 a.m. Call Anne and Chuck to get a ride or to offer to be a driver, we can pick you up at the FPC parking lot, or we can pick you up at your home. 

For questions or to share a ride, please call Anne and Chuck: 608-512-3620 or Vicki and 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.

Food for Kidz is taking place on Sunday, October 16, and we’re looking for volunteers to fill three tables. This is a great opportunity to volunteer as a family or individual to help put together meals that will be shipped to Ukrainian refugees and food pantries around Dane County. If you’re interested in volunteering, click here for the Sign Up Genius link to learn more and sign up.