Are you being called to be a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Minister Training Class Begins the third week in October.
Since 1975, more than 600,000 Stephen Ministers have been equipped to provide care to millions of people. Training to serve as a Stephen Minister is an engaging, energizing experience that features a mixture of presentation, video, group discussion, skill practice, and spiritual growth activities. Is God calling you to stretch your skills and reach out to others by training to be a Stephen Minister?
Stephen Minister training…
- teaches principles and skills that equip you to provide high-quality, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care to others.
- gives you new insight into the thoughts, feelings, and actions of people who are hurting.
- equips you with relational and caring skills you can apply to all aspects of your life.
- helps deepen your faith as the Holy Spirit fashions you into a Christ-centered caregiver.
- builds a special bond of Christian community and camaraderie among all those in your class.
- is highly interactive, engaging, and a lot of fun!
Class Topics include:
- The Art of Listening
- A Process Approach to Caring
- Caring for Those with Depression: The Stephen Minister’s Role
- Ministering to Those Experiencing Grief
- Supervision: A Key to Quality Christian Care
Real Ministry, Real Difference
Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry being used by thousands of congregations to increase care and outreach to hurting people. Through Stephen Ministry, congregations are able to equip and empower a team of laypeople—Stephen Ministers—who provide one-to-one, Christ-centered care to people experiencing grief, unemployment, hospitalization, divorce, financial stress, a terminal illness, or other life difficulties.
For more information about Stephen Minister Training Classes the ministry at FPC, Donna in the church office, Peg Jones at bpjones@tds.net, or Susan Vergeront at 608 577-7086
Return to Indoor Worship: We got the joy!
Hello FPC Worshippers,
Last Sunday I was reminded of the song that I learned many years ago when I attended VBS in my hometown of Ridgewood, NJ. “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart”. My heart was full as I looked out into our masked congregation and felt God’s presence among us. We, God’s Children of all ages, gathered together for worship and praise. Thanks to all of you who attended our 8:45 am service, our Sunday School classes held between services, or our 10:45 am service. Please join us again, or for the first time this Sunday, and experience the joy of worshipping together!
Liz Weller, Worship & Music Elder
Did you read Pastor Kirk’s note to the congregation about returning to the sanctuary in last week’s Connector? Here’s a link to Kirk’s insight into the post-covid world and church worship.
The First Time in History?
Will this Sunday’s second service at FPC (at 10:45) be the first time in history nearly 100 Nigerian Christians come dancing up the aisle of a Presbyterian Church in the United States to help celebrate the birth of a baby?
We think it may be! SO, we want to invite you to take advantage of a very special opportunity this Sunday to be present as two members of our FPC family—Funmi and Karosi Abraham—present their new baby, Eden (Oluwadurotimi) Abraham for dedication to the Lord Jesus in worship.
Funmi and Karosi have invited 80-100 of their “closest” (mostly Nigerian) friends to join us here at FPC for this wonderful, traditional, Nigerian celebration of faith, love, and life.
Come, join us at the second service this Sunday, and help celebrate the message of the much-loved hymn: “In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north, but one great fellowship of LOVE throughout the whole wide earth!”
Pastor Kirk
Video Devotional: Being Faithful in the Little Things
My latest bi-weekly devotion, “Being Faithful in the Little Things,” can be seen at: https://youtu.be/xIRHz7MKLLc
Food for Kids is back this year and FPC is looking for volunteers to fill 2 tables. We’re looking for adults and students to help put together meals that will be shipped to Haiti and food pantries around Dane county. If you’re interested in volunteering on October 10 send an email to Glenn Myers, Mission Elder.
In conjunction with Team Rubicon, FPC is participating in a September donation drive to benefit Afghan refugees. Nearly all Afghan families are arriving with only the clothes on their backs, so needs are immense. Dontations of clothing (including undergarments) for adults and children, hygine items as well as baby care items are requested. Drop off your new or gently used donations in Fellowship Hall during church office hours: Monday through Thursday, 10 am-4 pm
Nursery Coordinator and Assistant Needed
First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee is seeking a part-time (12-20 hours/month) Nursery Coordinator to provide quality childcare for the children of the congregation during authorized church services and functions. Pay rate of $15/hour.
We are also seeking a part-time (10-20 hours/month) Nursery Assistant to work with the Nursery Coordinator in providing quality childcare for the children of the congregation during authorized church services and functions. Pay rate of $10-$12/hour, based on experience.
Please submit an application (or resume) to Patricia Coley, Director of Children’s Ministry, at pcoley@myfpc.org, as soon as possible for best consideration.
MOPS Has Begun!
MOPS had their first meeting of the season last Tuesday night. They are excited to be ministering to Moms of early childhood kids, and soon will begin offering MOPS Next which ministers to Moms of children and teens up to 18 years old. All Mom’s are invited! Contact Patricia Coley for information pcoley@myfpc.org
Student Ministry Newsletter
Join us in the youth room on Sunday mornings at 9:45 for connection with others, watching funny videos, and having meaningful discussions about the relevance of God in our lives. Plus, you can also meet up with us on Wednesday nights at 7 pm.
Read this weeks’ newsetter for music, laughs and upcoming Graceland events.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | September 19, 2021
THIS SUNDAY:
Online Bible Study Offering
Zoom Bible Study is offered every other Thursday: Oct 7, 21, Nov 4, 18 at 7 pm. This study is open to anyone and has no homework! We’ll be reviewing Kim Cash Tate’s “How I study the Bible: 10 essentials. Contact Christa Schmeelk with any questions: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Link to Meeting
Meeting ID: 816 0952 7578
Passcode: fpc
Back to Church Family Fire Pit
Friday, September 24 | 6:30-7:30pm
FPC Backyard
Bring your own chair and meet out back for some fun and connection with other FPC Families. Contact Christa Schmeelk with any questions: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
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.
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