Announcements
Events
Serve
Give
Bridging Differences
One of the watershed moments for me in my life was when I hired Jim to be the Assistant Director of Port Saint Vincent De Paul which is nestled on the posh eastside of Madison.
You see, we were just so different.
• I was college educated; Jim was street educated.
• I was compassionate with folks; Jim held all accountable.
• I mostly spoke in soft tones; Jim was mostly loud.
• I grew up in a loving two parent household; Jim was kicked out of his home by his mom when he was 14.
• I was from the suburbs of Chicago; Jim was from the inner city.
• I had been given many opportunities in my life; Jim had been given none; he had to make his own opportunities, scrabble to get ahead in life.
• I owned a home and a car; Jim lived in an apartment and got around by bus.
• I had a wife and children; Jim had none.
I can’t even tell you what led me to hire him, except that he was the best candidate at the time. This was a step up for him. It was a step out of my comfort zone for me.
Our first few months were rocky…. They were marked by a lot of strain. He had to get used to me as a supervisor and I had to learn how to listen to him and trust him and his judgments. Eventually, he came to realize that my perspective was worth exploring and that he was not always right.
Eventually, I came to realize that Jim’s perspective was worth exploring and that I was not always right.
Shall I say that over time, we saw more eye to eye? It took a while, but we began to work well together. Sometimes I would be the one holding a resident accountable and sometimes Jim would; the Port, which had been a good place to live, began to be a great place. Jim and I began to understand each other and to trust each other. It was a life-changing experience for me.
During Jim’s and my time together, the Port helped many, many men get back on their feet and take on life in a positive way.
The relationship we forged changed me forever. It helped me see how racism is endemic in our society– which hurts me, which hurts all of us. My racism keeps me from seeing others as God’s children, as my sisters and brothers. My experience with Jim has helped me face my racism. With that honesty, I have begun to heal and deepen; my eyes see others more as my own sisters and brothers.
Jim helped me to confess a truth: There is no longer an “us and them” -only us. When a firestorm like Ferguson happens, if one is hurt, all are hurt. When other flashpoints happen, we realize that as far as we have come (and we have come far on the road called Civil Rights), we have so much more work to do and so much farther to go before we become more like Jesus and judge one another by the content of our character rather than the color of our skin. How can something like Ferguson happen today? This is the brokenness of our world that Jesus entered. He showed us how to live in love. It is up to us to live into that reality of Jesus’ servant love and learn from one another.
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 12 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
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
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.
Music in Worship
September 3 – Ying Wang, piano
September 10 – All That Brass Quartet
September 17 – Mitch Richards, Organist
Coming Events | September 3-23, 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 – 1PM – Light Team Meeting
Light Team will begin meeting on September 11 at 1PM in the Gathering Place.
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
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
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!
Save the Date | More Info to come
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 – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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
Saturday, September 30 at 10AM – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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, 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 – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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.
Saturday, October 14 at 10AM – Care for Caregivers
Calling all caregivers! Caregivers for anyone, whether it be spouse, child, other family member, or a friend. The loved one doesn’t need to be cared for at home, they don’t need to be in a certain age group, as all caregivers are welcome in this group.
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones. We won’t tell you what you need to do, but we will offer resources for you–and sometimes, just talking about your life as a caregiver, how it affects your outlook on life and your outlook on your faith.
We will be meeting in the Chapel. Coffee, tea and ice water will be provided.
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, October 15 at 2:30PM – Historic Organ Presentation and Recital
Ryan Mueller will be the organist for the recital showcasing our historic Scheulke organ. At 2:30pm he will also present a pre-recital lecture on Schuelke and the history of his organ building business in Milwaukee as well as the history of our organ. The concert will begin at 3pm.
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.
