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The Lord is Always Near
The Rev. Fleming Rutledge, an Episcopal priest and theologian, stated in a lecture that she considers herself a profoundly unspiritual person. I was taken aback to hear this from someone who has authored a five-hundred-page book on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who is recognized as an internationally renowned preacher, and has trained numerous preachers across the church to faithfully proclaim God’s gospel with power and conviction. After I recovered from my initial shock, I listened intently as she clarified what she meant by her provocative statement. She explained that she wholeheartedly believes in God’s radical initiative to come to us where we are through Christ’s person, his life, death, and resurrection.
Fleming Rutledge’s declaration of her un-spirituality may surprise us, but she makes a valid point that deserves to be heard and taken seriously. Consider the common language and phrases we often use when discussing our spirituality. The language of proximity is frequently employed, where disciplines like prayer and reading the Bible are done to “get us closer to God.” We talk about going on a “spiritual retreat” to “hear God’s voice.” Many other examples could be mentioned. The underlying message of such statements is that the life of faith resembles a ladder we climb, with each step being a spiritual discipline that brings us one step nearer to God. The problem with this mindset is that the cross of Jesus Christ destroys any idea that we can reach God through our “spirituality.” The incarnation and the cross testify that we have a relationship with God because he has come to us.
We do not read the Bible and pray to “get closer to God” because, in Jesus Christ, the Lord is already near. The Lord is near when the community of God’s people gathers in worship. The Lord is near when the preacher opens the Bible on Sunday morning and says, “hear the word of the Lord.” The Lord is near when we are invited to take the bread and the cup, as we feast on the body and blood of Christ himself. We do not get closer to God because God comes to us through word and sacrament.
If we live in the truth that God comes to us, why do we read the Bible, pray, and practice spiritual disciplines? They remind us that the Lord is near. We don’t read and pray to get to God. Instead, we read and pray to be reminded that, in Christ, the Lord is near to us.
See you in church!
Grace & Peace,
Will
Check Your Inbox – Giving Statements are Here!
Heads up! FPC sent out the 2025 Q1 and Q2 giving statements on Aug. 5
- If we have your email on file, you received your statement via email from notifications@onrealmmail.org with the subject line:
“Please Review FPC Giving Statement.” - The email includes a secure hyperlink to download your statement—no login required. The message will be signed by Monty Cordell, FPC’s new Finance Elder.
- If we do not have your email, your statement will be mailed to your home address – statements were mailed by Thursday, Aug. 7.
- FPC is now using a new church management system to track donations and generate giving statements.
- Please review your statement carefully. If you notice any discrepancies, contact Kristina Maher, Church Business Administrator, at Finance@myfpc.org or 608-949-9453.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of FPC’s mission!
Example Email:
Two Worship Services Starting September 14!
FPC will begin offering two Sunday services starting September 14.
- 9:00 AM – Chapel Service (similar in style to our Lenten services)
- 10:15 AM – Sanctuary Service
If attendance at the 9:00 AM service grows, we’ll move it to the sanctuary to accommodate everyone.
This decision was made with consideration for our musicians, pastors, fellowship volunteers, and Sunday School needs. While we know the new times may not suit everyone perfectly, we appreciate your flexibility and grace as we move forward together.
Seeking Extra Hands
Help Needed!
Looking for a few individuals that can recover torn chair cushions. These pads can easily be removed and new fabric stapled into place. Sewing is not required, just cutting, stretching, and stapling.
Also, in need of someone to refinish our baptismal font.
Please consider helping with these projects. Contact Sheryll Gehrmann if interested in taking this on. Thank you!
“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: August 10-16
Sunday, August 10 from 3-4:30PM – Connect and Reflect
All adults are welcome to join us for a relaxing afternoon of community connection and meaningful conversation at FPC! We’ll gather for a faith-based roundtable discussion (or two!) in a casual, welcoming setting.
🗓 Sunday, August 10 at 3:00 PM
📍 FPC Covered Picnic Area (west side of the church grounds)
This is a great opportunity to check in, catch up, and enjoy time together as we wind down summer and look ahead to fall. You’ll also get a sneak peek at several new adult small group studies launching later this year!
☀️ Please bring a comfortable lawn chair. Cold beverages will be provided.
Interested? Please RSVP to Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com
Monday, August 11 at 6:30PM – FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
Caring for others can be rewarding—but also overwhelming and isolating. That’s why FPC’s Care for Caregivers group exists: to offer emotional, mental, and spiritual encouragement for those supporting aging parents, loved ones with chronic illness, or individuals with disabilities.
Whether you’re a current or former caregiver, you’re invited to join us for drop-in style meetings—no pressure to share, just come as you are.
📍 Room 204 at FPC
If these times don’t work for you, let us know—we’d love to connect.
Questions? Contact Marcia Chase at marchase@icloud.com or call/text (334) 444-6610 (leave a message during work hours).
Remember: You’re not alone, and it’s okay to take time to care for yourself too!
Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30PM – Men’s Ministry Dinner
All men are invited to join FPC Men’s Ministry for dinner on Wednesday, August 13 at 6:30 PM at The Lone Girl Brewing Company. Come enjoy great food, fellowship, and plenty of laughs!
Weather permitting, we’ll gather on the rooftop patio. If not, we’ll meet indoors.
Please RSVP/Questions via email to David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com
Thursday, August 21 at 5PM – Dinner with Dining Divas
The Dining Divas are heading out for an evening of delicious food and fabulous fellowship—and you’re invited!
📍Join us for dinner at Biaggi’s in Greenway Station
🗓 Thursday, August 21 at 5:00 PM
It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable night: good friends, great conversation, and classic Italian cuisine.
RSVP to Alka at alkadaisy@gmail.com to save your seat at the table!
Friday, August 22, from Noon-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Give the Gift of Life – Donate Blood!
Join us for our upcoming Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall on Friday, August 22, from 12:00–5:30 PM hosted by the Waunakee Ecumenical Board. Your donation can make a life-saving difference for someone in need.
🩸 Click the button below to sign up and help save lives!
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Monday, September 1 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Labor Day.
Sunday, September 7 – Fall Kick-Off
Mark your calendar for FPC’s annual Fall-Kick Off on Sunday, September 7 from 10:30AM – 12:30PM.
Watch for a volunteer sign-up sheet and details.
Sunday, September 7 – Sunday School Open House
In addition to the Fall-Kick Off, Sunday School will have an open house from 10 – 10:30AM for interested families. There will be more information in the coming weeks, however, if you are interested in either signing up a child(ren) please fill out this form to get started.
If you are interested in teaching Sunday School, please contact Peter Bergmann at ChildrensMinistryElder@myfpc.org
Mondays, Beginning September 8 – The Light Team
Calling All Women – The Light Team Returns This Fall!
Join the FPC Light Team as we kick off a new six-week Bible study series by Susie Larson, beginning Monday, September 8. Together, we’ll explore how to live each day in a way that honors God and strengthens your spirit.
🗓 Mondays, September 8 – October 20
🕐 1:00 – 2:30 PM
📍 The Gathering Place at FPC
Please note: No meeting on October 6.
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.
Opportunities to Serve
Sound Desk Assistant
Director of Children and Family Ministry
Director of Student Ministry
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:
- Toilet Paper
- Cereal
- Knorr Pasta or Rice Sides
- Chicken Broth
- Bagged Red Beans
- Snack Pack Pudding
- Ketchup
- Ritz type Crackers
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: August 10 – 16
This Week’s Anniversaries: August 10 – 16
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
Nursery Age 3 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 8:45 – 10:00 AM throughout the month of August, is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Music in Worship
August 10 – Ying Wang, piano
August 17 – Sonia Driskill, harp and Brooksy Beilke-Skoug, piano
August 24 – Mary Kay Burton, organ
August 31 – Beth Wagner, piano/organ
September 7 – Choir & Ying Wang, piano
September 14 – Choir & Ying Wang, piano
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.
Tryg Knutson – 608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf – 715-360-5962
FPC Stephen Ministry is here for you!
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Connect with the Connector!
Submit Your Announcements
To streamline event announcements in The Connector or during worship, please use our new online form.
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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.
