Events
Serve
Announcements
Give
Get to Know the FPC Elders – Fellowship
Hello my Church Family!
I just want to say how humbled and grateful I am for the trust and faith you have shown by electing me to be your Fellowship Elder, I truly appreciate it.
This role as Fellowship Elder really fits me. I have always enjoyed creating opportunities to have family and friends get together over a meal, game night, some outdoor activities or reason to celebrate. I hope to bring that same opportunity to FPC over the next 3 years, providing ways for all to connect with each other, and build new relationships and support each other.
Now, you must know that I don’t do all this on my own. At home I have my husband Tim (he is a really good idea guy and good at following directions and being my gopher). I am going to need all of you as well to support and help me in my role as Fellowship Elder. Please share your ideas with me of possible events we could do, make treats for the coffee table, be a volunteer to help with events we hold and share your thoughts with me, so I know what works and what’s not. Most importantly, I need a few committed people who can be part of my team to help with the coffee hour and planning and organizing events.
We have a vibrant church, and I look forward to helping it continue to be that way for us and for our community.
Thank you again for your support,
Lisa Lerdahl
Fellowship Elder
Special Announcements
Join us on Sunday, August 16
Please note there will be a short congregational meeting after service on Sunday, August 16, 2026, regarding approval of our new stewardship elder along with a new at-large member for the 2027 nominating committee.
Join Us for Our Next Strategic Ministry Conversation
Over the past several months, Session has been engaged in a strategic planning process to help discern where God is calling First Presbyterian Church in the years ahead. As part of that process, we’ve committed to involving the congregation in meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges that will shape our future.
Many of you joined us for our first congregational strategy meeting this spring, where we focused on Outreach and Community Presence. That gathering was a listening session filled with thoughtful ideas, honest conversation, and creative brainstorming. Your input has helped inform the work that has continued since then and a separate Connector article is coming soon that will provide more detail on what we heard in that meeting.
Our next Strategic Ministry Conversation will take place on Sunday, August 23, at 8:15 a.m., before worship, and this meeting will have a different focus and format.
Rather than beginning with brainstorming, we’ll hear updates from two ministry teams that have been actively responding to priorities identified during Session’s strategic planning discussions.
The Building & Grounds Ministry Team will then provide an update on the care and stewardship of our church facilities, highlight work that has already been accomplished, discuss current and future building needs, and conclude with a 10-minute Q&A.
The Finance Ministry Team will share steps they’ve already taken, explain some of the financial opportunities and challenges facing our church, and answer questions from the congregation during a 10-minute Q&A.
This gathering is an opportunity to better understand the work already underway, learn about the challenges and opportunities facing these important ministries, and ask questions in an open and transparent setting. Your participation helps ensure that, as we continue our strategic planning process, our conversations remain informed, collaborative, and rooted in our shared commitment to Christ’s mission through First Presbyterian Church.
Whether you attended the first strategy meeting or are joining the conversation for the first time, we hope you’ll be part of this important discussion. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday, August 23, at 8:15 a.m., in Fellowship Hall, as together we continue discerning how God is leading First Presbyterian Church into the future.
A Legacy of Faith: Caring for Tomorrow’s Church
This month, we’re taking a closer look at how legacy giving and other forms of generosity work together to strengthen the mission and ministries of our church. Legacy planned giving is an opportunity to invest in the future of our congregation so that generations to come will experience the same welcoming community and vibrant ministries that have enriched our own lives. It complements annual giving, Faith Budget contributions, and other donations that sustain inspiring worship and music, children and youth ministries, missions, pastoral care, and the ongoing operation and maintenance of our church home.
A Lasting Impact
Memorial gifts have long been a meaningful way to honor loved ones while strengthening the church’s ministry. To date, memorial contributions have totaled more than $260,000, with approximately $160,000 dedicated to Family Ministries.
We are deeply grateful for these generous gifts, which have supported a wide range of ministries and related activities. Family ministry, in particular, strengthens relationships, nurtures faith across generations, and builds a caring church community by creating opportunities for people of every age and stage of life to connect, grow, worship, and serve together. This comes to life in the joy of baptisms, where children, families, and the congregation celebrate one of two sacraments and affirm our shared commitment to Christ and nurturing faith for a lifetime. It continues through Vacation Bible School, the annual Fall Kickoff, Family Bingo Nights, professional baseball outings, paint parties, marriage retreats, caregiver support, moms’ groups, family service projects, and seasonal celebrations to name a few. Together, our church family creates lasting friendships, encourages meaningful faith conversations, supports each other through life’s joys and challenges, and fosters a welcoming congregation where children, youth, adults, grandparents, and caregivers all feel connected, valued, and inspired to grow in Christ.
A Gift That Keeps Giving
To keep this going, Legacy planned giving and undesignated memorial gifts are invested in the church’s Endowment Fund, allowing them to continue supporting the church for generations.
One of the unique blessings of an endowment is that the original gift remains invested while a portion of its earnings supports ministry each year. A legacy gift equal to about 10 to 12 times your annual giving can provide approximately the same level of annual support indefinitely through investment earnings, while preserving the principal for the future.
Every gift matters. Together, gifts of every size become a lasting expression of faith and hope.
Leaving a Legacy
More than 20 members and friends of First Presbyterian Church have joined the Legacy Society by sharing their intention to include the church in their estate plans through a beneficiary designation, will, or trust.
These commitments reflect gratitude for God’s blessings and a desire to help future generations experience the same opportunities for worship, fellowship, learning, and service that have meant so much to us.
If you have already remembered First Presbyterian Church in your estate plans, thank you. If you would like to learn more about legacy giving or the Legacy Society, we invite you to reach out. We would be honored to answer your questions.
For more information, please contact Monty Cordell, FPC’s Finance Elder or Kristina Maher, Church Business Administrator, at Finance@myfpc.org or 608-949-9453.
Together, through our faithful giving today and thoughtful planning for tomorrow, we continue building a lasting foundation for the ministry God has entrusted to First Presbyterian Church.
Monthly Financial Update
Please see this month’s high-level summary of our general fund actual revenue and expenses.
In July, revenue was lower than expenses during the month by $18,085. Year to date revenue for the first time this year is lower than expenses by $2,633 during the period Jan – July.
The extra funds received early in the year and cash carry over from last year helped cover the gap. Thanks for all considering and contributing to our faith budget. We have received $6,050 in revenue towards this additional opportunity to give.
See the tile on the donation page or write faith budget on a check if you’d like to contribute towards this. Faith budget giving will help give a boost to the general fund and keep our ministry areas and operations running smoothly.
Also, the number of member contributions towards the presbyterian member dues (per capita) continues to increase. These are the $45 per member funds that are sent to the Presbytery for their support of churches, missions, and more. We have currently received 57 payments thus far (6 more than last month).
“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.
Upcoming Events | August 14 – 23
Wednesday, August 19 – Dining Divas
Join the Dining Divas for an afternoon of fellowship and good food!
RSVP to AlkaVan Haren alkadaisy@gmail.com or sign-up in the Narthex one week prior to the event date.
📅Date: Wednesday, August 19
🕒Time: 11:30 AM
📌Location: El Charro in Waunakee
Wednesday, August 19 – Pizza and Paint Party
Nursery and Sunday School Aged Children and Families please join us for an evening of friendship. No sign up required.
📅Date: Wednesday, August 19
🕒Time: 5 – 7 PM
📌Location: Upstairs of FPC
Sunday, August 23 – Youth Group Night
Join us for a special summer youth group night featuring Capture the Flag: Quad Style!
📅Date: Sunday, August 23
⏰Time: 7:00–8:30 PM
📍Location: FPC Yard
🎉 Open to 7th–12th graders
After the game, we’ll gather around the fire pit for snacks, great conversation, and fun summer stories.
✅ Bring a friend
✅ Wear clothes you can move in
✅ Come ready for a great night together
We can’t wait to see you there! 🎉🔥🚩
Sunday, August 23 – Strategic Ministry Conversation
Please join us for our next Strategic Ministry Conversation
📅Date: Sunday, August 23
🕒Time: 8:15 AM
📌Location: Fellowship Hall
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Monday, August 24 – The Light Team
All women are welcome to join The Light Team for fellowship
📅Date: Monday, August 24
🕒Time: 10 AM
📌Location: M-N-M’s Coffee House in Waunakee
Tuesday, September 8 – M-N-M’s Coffee House Bible Study
Please join us at M-N-M’s Coffee House on Tuesday mornings @ 7:30 A.M., beginning September 8th, with Pastor Will leading us in an 8-week study on 1 John (John’s First Epistle).
If interested in participating, please contact
Jim Fitzgerald @ jmf57022@gmail.com or you can sign up in the Narthex area of church.
Tuesday, September 8 & Saturday, September 12 – Caring for Caregivers
A space for caregivers to gather and connect with each other.
📅Date: Tuesday, September 8 & Saturday, September 12
🕒Time: 6:30 PM and 10 AM
📌Location: FPC – Room 204
Sunday, September 13 – Fall Kick Off
Save the date and join us at the FPC Fall Kick Off!
Join us for great food (Wes Ray’s fabulous BBQ and congregational wide potluck), fantastic music (All that Jazz Big Band) as well as lots of games and fun for all.
Signups coming soon!
Thursday, September 17 – American Red Cross Blood Drive
American Red Cross Blood Drive – Sign up here
📅Date: Thursday, September 17
🕒Time: 12:30 – 5 PM
📌Location: Fellowship Hall
Opportunities to Serve
Sound Desk Assistant
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 – Updated 8/13
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:
- Pasta Sauce
- Bagged White Rice
- Ketchup
- Yellow Mustard
- Vegetable Oil
- Canned Fruit
- Kleenex
- Toilet Paper
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 16 – 22
This Week’s Anniversaries: August 16 – 22
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 Jamison Wendlandt at JWendlandt@myfpc.org
Upcoming Music in Worship
August 16
Beth Wagner, pianist
August 23
Ying Wang, pianist
August 30
Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble, guest musicians & Ying Wang, pianist
When life is hard, you need more than a cute poster.
When you or someone you know is having a tough time in life, trying to handle things like:
• Grief or loss
• Chronic or terminal illness
• Job loss or financial strain
• Loneliness or major life transitions (empty nest, relocation, etc.)
• Divorce or separation
FPC has a group of highly trained caregivers who can help out during these and other difficult situations. Stephen Ministers are members of our congregation who have been carefully selected and trained to support people going through a hard time. A Stephen Minister meets with a person regularly, one to one, just to listen and care and walk with that person throughout that difficult time.
Men are paired with men, and women with women. Stephen Ministers understand reflective listening, healthy boundaries, and strongly support the importance of absolute confidentiality. Since its beginning at FPC in 2016, our Stephen Ministers have helped dozens of people both from FPC and the wider community journey through tough times.
For more information about FPC’s Stephen Ministry, talk to Pastor Ben, any Deacon, or one of FPC’s Stephen Leaders, Kristy Drewry or Jamie Roberts, at anytime.
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.
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.
