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The Great 50 Days
This week Pastor Will and I were asked how long the Easter decorations should remain up here at the church. You might be wondering the same thing regarding Easter decorations in your home. Good news: there’s no rush!
Easter Sunday is one very special Sunday, but one that begins a whole Church season. Known as “the Great Fifty Days”, and liturgically decorated in white, Easter continues through seven weeks, ending at Pentecost. Rather than rushing past the resurrection, the Church takes time to contemplate and enjoy it. We revel in the hope and consider how life from here on is a wonderfully new life of hope and victory.
After His resurrection, Jesus remained on earth for forty days. During this time, He appeared to His disciples and others many times, of which the Bible says it records only a few. These encounters moved the disciples from fear and confusion to renewed faith and understanding. It was a time of teaching, encouraging, and preparation for what would come next: forming the Church and spreading the Good News to every corner of the Earth.
After forty days, Jesus ascended into heaven. The remaining ten days of the Easter season reflect a time of waiting and prayer, as the disciples trusted in His promise that they would receive power from on high. Jesus said he would send “the advocate” (aka paraclete, aka the Holy Spirit) which would be the new way God could be with everyone all the time.
That Holy Spirit arrived on that first Pentecost Sunday brining the power we use to live and share the grace, mercy, and peace of our resurrected Lord.
All that to say: it’s okay if you there’s still a few eggs around the house or yard that haven’t been found – well, plastic eggs – and at least some of your Easter decorations not only may, but probably *should*, remain on display in your homes, outward signs that in our hearts we’re allowing this continuing Easter celebration to transform us into a people who are risen, rising, and one future day fully raised through Christ.
Pastor Ben
Special Announcements
Congregational Listening Session
The Session warmly invites all members of the congregation to participate in a listening session on Sunday, April 19. Please click here to review our priorities and more details about this upcoming session.
Monthly Financial Update
As a reminder, Before, during and after on congregational meeting, several folks were very interested in our financial condition.
We have decided to include a high-level summary of our general fund actual income and expenses. When the actual income is even or higher than our actual expenses, we are in good shape. This chart shows year to date (YTD) through March.
Income exceeded expenses by almost $15k during the period Jan – Mar.
FPC is Hiring for a Worship & Music Director
Please share or direct any interested candidates to our website.
To read the latest Shepherding the Flock click here.
“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 | Weekly Connector: April 19 – 25
Sunday, April 19 – Congregational Listening Session
Monday, April 20 – The Light Team
Calling All Women
Join the FPC Light Team for an engaging conversation of Apostle Peter and the Last Supper – Part 2
📌Date: Monday
🕛Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
⛪ Where: The Gathering Place at FPC – Please enter through South Entrance Door #4
The Light Team is a welcoming group of Christian women who gather for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and special projects—with plenty of laughter and no homework required!
Have questions? Contact Lynda Bennin at blbennin@tds.net
Wednesday, April 22 – Men’s Study Group
All men are invited to join this weekly men’s multi-generational fellowship group and discussion study.
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7 – 8:30 PM
⛪ Where: FPC – Large Conference Room
Contact Jim Fitzgerald @ jnj57012@gmail.com with questions.
This faith based study and discussion is led by Jim Fitzgerald and centers around men navigating everyday life challenges we are faced with by sharing our faith/life experiences together while in turn helping men build on their spiritual growth, community support and leadership development.
Wednesday, April 22 – Youth Group
All middle school & high school students are invited to join us for fun, fellowship, and snacks! We’ll celebrate and discuss the role Jesus has in our lives!
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7 – 8:15 PM
⛪ Where: – Upstairs in the Youth Group space
**No Youth Group on April 29**
Friday, April 24 – Friday Night Bites
Calling all Ladies ages 12 and up!
Come to “Friday Night Bites” at FPC to mix and mingle getting to know other women from FPC.
Play “Human Bingo” and “Speed date“ sharing quick stories and laughs. There will be a short welcome and maybe even a craft.
Bring your favorite snack food, five pieces – one for you and four to share. It can be a sweet treat or a savory one. FPC will supply the beverages.
Please RSVP by April 20 using evite link
https://evite.me/rc537y9BaU
📌Date: Friday
🕛Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM
⛪ Where: FPC Gathering Space
Hosted by Krista Wallace & Jamie Roberts, contact 585-760-9621
Sunday, April 26 – Life Compass Adult Sunday School
Join us for Session #3 – Getting Unstuck from Anxiety & Guilt.
📌Date: Sundays
🕛Time: 10:45 AM
⛪ Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Questions please contact Jim Fitzgerald at nurtureandgrowthelder@myfpc.org
Monday, April 27 – The Light Team
Calling All Women
Join the FPC Light Team for an engaging conversation and lunch at M-N-M’s Coffee House.
📌Date: Monday
🕛Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
⛪ Where: M-N-M’s Coffee House
The Light Team is a welcoming group of Christian women who gather for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and special projects—with plenty of laughter and no homework required!
Have questions? Contact Lynda Bennin at blbennin@tds.net
Wednesday, April 29 – Men’s Group Study
All men are invited to join this weekly men’s multi-generational fellowship group and discussion study.
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7 – 8:30 PM
⛪ Where: FPC – Large Conference Room
Contact Jim Fitzgerald @ jnj57012@gmail.com with questions.
This faith based study and discussion is led by Jim Fitzgerald and centers around men navigating everyday life challenges we are faced with by sharing our faith/life experiences together while in turn helping men build on their spiritual growth, community support and leadership development.
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day Brunch
Mark your calendars. More details to follow.
Thursday, May 7 – Blood Drive at FPC
📌Date: Thursday May 7
🕛Time: 12:30 – 5:30 PM
⛪ Where: FPC – Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 17 – Confirmation Sunday
Mark your calendars. More details to follow.
Sunday, June 14 – Faith and Family Night
Sign up link will be available in the near future.
FPC will be offsetting the cost so people will pay $15 and FPC will cover $15. Registration will take place online with a link provided by the Mallards.
Game starts at 4:05 PM.
Opportunities to Serve
Sound Desk Assistant
Worship & Music Director – New
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.
Help Create a Safe & Welcoming Space on Sundays
FPC is looking for caring, observant volunteers to serve as House Managers during Sunday services. This role helps ensure a safe and welcoming environment by monitoring the building and surroundings during worship.
If you’re calm under pressure, attentive to detail, and enjoy supporting others behind the scenes, we’d love to have you on the team!
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.
Volunteer Opportunity – Waunakee Food Pantry
Serve & Support Our Community – Volunteer or Donate!
We’re looking for volunteers to help distribute food from 4 – 6 PM the last Wednesday of each month to help serve our community. It’s a great way to connect with others and make a meaningful impact.
👉 Interested? Fill out the volunteer form on the FPC website or contact Sheryll Gehrmann for details
Unable to volunteer? Here’s the list of items most-needed this month:
- Canned Chicken
- Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Dinty Moore Beef Stew
- Canned Chili
- Ketchup
- Pancake Mix
- Pancake Syrup
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
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
This Week’s Birthdays: April 19 – 25
This Week’s Anniversaries: April 19 – 25
Bethel Bible Series
FPC Nursery for Ages 4 and under
Nursery Age 4 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9 – 11:00 AM throughout the month and is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Attention Young Musicians
If you sing, play piano, organ, a string, woodwind or brass instrument and would like to sing or play a song during a church service, we’d LOVE to hear you!
You could play a prelude or a piece during a Sunday morning service. Please contact Sam Robinson at srobinson@myfpc.org or 608-850-9450.
Upcoming Music in Worship
April 19
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
April 26
Ying Wang, pianist
May 3
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
When life is hard you need more than a cute poster.
If you are having a tough time with:
• Dealing with family problems
• Chronic or terminal illness in your family
• Grief
• Loneliness
• Divorce recovery
FPC has a group of Stephen Minister Caregivers trained to walk with you through these problems. They help you think things through, find resources available, look for a Biblical view of the problem, pray for you and with you if you wish. The 50 hours of training have provided them with an understanding of reflective listening, boundaries, and the importance of absolute confidentiality.
Since its beginning in 2017, Stephen Ministries helped hundreds of people both from FPC and the wider community journey through tough times. If you want more information, you can talk to a pastor, a deacon, or one of the active Stephen Ministers listed below.
Jill Umlauf – 715-360-5962
FPC Stephen Ministry is here for you!
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Questions or feedback? Email: communications@myfpc.org
The Connector is printed weekly and available at the Connection Corner. To receive a mailed copy, contact the church office to join the homebound list.
Deadlines: Submissions due by noon Wednesday. The Connector is published Fridays at 4 PM.
