Events
Serve
Announcements
Give
Stewardship Planning
Most of you have heard the term “Per Capita” talked about in church, and some of you may have read previous Connector articles about the subject. Some of you have been very familiar with it all your Presbyterian lives, and for others, newer members, for example, it’s a new term.
What does it mean?
It’s a Latin term which strictly means “by head,” or as we would say, “per person.” But knowing that doesn’t really explain what it means to us as Presbyterians. To help get over that hurdle, Session has voted to give it a new name:
Presbytery Member Dues (Per Capita)
Just as a company has a CEO (Chief Executive Officer) who makes decisions that affect the employees of that company, the Presbyterian church is structured in the same way. We “belong” to FPC, but we also join fifty-six other Presbyterian churches in belonging to a larger group called a “Presbytery,” which in this part of the country is John Knox Presbytery. Presbytery anticipates its total budget for administrative and ecclesiastical expenses, then divides that budget amount by the number of members in each of its congregations.
Why do we need to pay dues to Presbytery?
Presbytery’s job is that of governance and support for the churches under its umbrella. When an issue occurs, Presbytery is there to help the session and staff of the affected church. When Pastor Kirk retired, Presbytery arranged for our interim minister. They provided the platform to search for pastors looking to relocate, and guided the PNC (Pastor Nominating Committee) in the process of calling Pastor Will. And now that we seek to increase our membership, Presbytery has people that can direct us along that path.
Is payment mandatory?
No one will go to jail if they don’t contribute their share to Presbytery. But if we, as members of FPC, don’t pay the small “dues” each year, one of two things happens: FPC pays on our behalf, which decreases our General fund balance, or, John Knox Presbytery has a budget shortfall, which results in their inability to help congregations across all of Presbytery’s territory with staff support when situations arise.
How to donate?
Please use the FPC’s donation page found on the myfpc.org website or write a check to FPC, indicating Per Capita on the memo line, then simply mail it to the church office, or put it into the offering plate.
Just as we are grateful for the help that we’ve been given by Presbytery throughout our church’s history, we should be glad to pay the relatively small annual amount to ensure that JKP is well equipped to continue the ministry it was designed to do.
This is my prayer for you, in Christ’s Name,
Barb Cash, Stewardship Elder
Special Announcements
A Mission of Gratitude: 400+ Smiles Delivered!
A massive thank you to the incredible FPC volunteers who joined the Waunakee Ecumenical Board (WEB) on March 28th. Together, we honored the “Salt of Our Churches”—our community members aged 80 and over—by assembling and delivering over 400 Easter Thank You Bags throughout the Waunakee area.
Whether you spent your morning packing bags at Peace Lutheran or driving routes to deliver them personally, your time made a powerful impact. These small tokens of appreciation remind our seniors that they are seen, loved, and valued.
FPC is Hiring for a Worship & Music Director
Please share or direct any interested candidates to our website.
“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 24 – May 2
Tonight – Friday Night Bites
Calling all Ladies ages 12 and up!
Come to “Friday Night Bites” at FPC to mix and mingle and get 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 event 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: 11:30 AM
⛪ 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.
Sunday, May 3 – Life Compass Adult Sunday School
Join us for Session #4 – Finding joy and avoiding lust.
📌Date: Sundays
🕛Time: 10:45 AM
⛪ Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Questions please contact Jim Fitzgerald at nurtureandgrowthelder@myfpc.org
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Monday, May 4 – The Light Team
Calling All Women
Join the FPC Light Team to watch Season 5 of The Chosen
📌Date: Mondays
🕛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, May 6 – 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, May 6 – 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
Thursday, May 7 – Blood Drive at FPC
📌Date: Thursday May 7
🕛Time: 12:30 – 5:30 PM
⛪ Where: FPC – Fellowship Hall
Sunday, May 10 – Mother’s Day Brunch
Mark your calendars. More details to follow.
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 is now live. Click here.
Game starts at 4:05 PM.
Sunday, August 2 – Vacation Bible School
Mark your calendars for VBS
📌Date: August 2 – 4
More details to follow.
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 26 – May 2
This Week’s Anniversaries: April 26 – May 2
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 26
Ying Wang, pianist
May 3
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
May 10
Ying Wang, pianist & Mitch Richards, guest organist
May 17
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!
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
Connect with the Connector!
Submit Your Announcements
To streamline event announcements in The Connector or during worship, please use our new online form.
[Insert link here]
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.
