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Message to the Congregation
Scam emails continue to circulate, falsely posing as me and requesting assistance, money, gift cards, or other suspicious actions. Please be assured: I will never ask you—or any church member—for cash or financial help.
If you ever receive a message that appears to be from me but seems unusual or suspicious, please double-check the sender’s email address. When in doubt, reach out to me directly through a known and trusted contact method.
Thank you for staying vigilant and helping protect our community.
Grace and peace,
Will
Special Announcements:
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.
Financial Update
For a mid-year snapshot, our actual regular income is about the same as last year at this time, reflecting God’s provision and your unwavering support. Our corresponding actual spending is slightly lower, by 5%. Expenses for 2025 are higher than income by 12%, although we continue to remain solvent by using a carryover cash balance to supplement general income, as planned. We anticipate revenue and expenses will increase during the last half of the year. We continue to make careful decisions aligned with our mission, mindful of each dollar as a resource for service. Our priority remains that general funds are directed to the areas where they are needed most.
Please consider electronic donations if you have not already. There is information on the FPC website and in the pews. Also, consider giving any one-time donations, IRA distributions, and/or stock at the beginning of the year to help improve cash-flow.
Please contact the church office with any questions.
Youth Group Listening & Brainstorming Session
We want to hear from YOU about the future of our youth ministry. Join Pastor Will, Larry Keen, and other church leaders for a special Listening & Brainstorming Session.
Date: Wednesday, August 27, 7PM
Location: FPC Youth Space (upstairs)
Share your ideas, hopes, and vision for what our youth program can become. Bring your voice, your creativity, and your passion!
Pizza & snacks will be provided. All middle & high school students are welcome!
Sunday School Teachers – FPC needs your help!
The Children’s Ministry team is looking for volunteers to be Sunday School teachers. The only qualifications are faith in God and a love for children. No need to be a Bible scholar as the curriculum we use at FPC provides a complete lesson plan each week. By using a teacher-team approach the time commitment is minimal and the rewards are outstanding! So please prayerfully consider joining our team and help to bring the word of the Lord to the youngest in our congregation.
For more information, please email Elder Peter Bergmann at peter.bergmann@myfpc.org or call/text Peter at (608) 658-0901.
New Women’s Group – Better Together!
Are you navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood in all its forms? Whether you’re expecting your first child, raising little ones, or preparing to launch a teen into the world, you are warmly invited to join a new community of women in the Waunakee area.
Together, we’ll create a supportive, non-judgmental space where compassion and connection are at the center. This group is more than a “Moms Group”—because we are more than just moms. We’ll explore the many layers of our lives with wholehearted acceptance, sharing stories, questions, and wisdom as we grow together.
Facilitated by Kristin Hall Sliwicki, FPC member and recently retired Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, alongside co-leader Becca Gottwald, FPC member, Sunday School teacher, and busy mom of a preschooler, this group is designed to meet you where you are.
We’ll begin meeting Wednesday evenings from 7:00–8:30 PM at FPC, with flexibility as we shape the group together. Our first few gatherings will focus on building relationships and identifying the topics that matter most to you.
Come as you are—with your heart, your hopes, and your honest self. We can’t wait to welcome you.
Adult Small Groups at FPC – Fall Opportunities
This fall, FPC Waunakee is offering a rich variety of Adult Small Groups designed to foster meaningful connection and spiritual growth. Whether you’re looking for a Men’s or Women’s group, a Co-ed Connection group, or a Bible or Christian study group, there’s a place for you.
Join us for engaging fellowship and thoughtful discussion as we deepen our understanding of Scripture, Theology, Church History, and Christian Living. Both new and returning groups will be available – please click here to view the complete list.
Come grow in faith and community—there’s a group for everyone.
“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 24 – Sept. 8
Heads Up – Parking Lot Maintenance
FPC’s parking lot will be undergoing some much needed maintenance on August 27 & 28.
Aug. 27 – South-side of the upper and lower parking lot will be sealed and striped. Anyone needing to access the building can park on east side off the front entrance or employee north side.
Aug. 28 – The east and north side will be sealed and parking switches over to the south side.
Monday, September 1 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed on Labor Day (Monday).
Sunday, September 7 – Fall Kickoff
Mark your calendar for FPC’s annual Fall Kickoff on Sunday, September 7 from 10:30AM – 12:30PM.
The FPC Fall Kickoff is quickly approaching and we need your help!
RSVP and Volunteer sign-up sheets will be available in the narthex. You can also sign up online here.
Sunday, September 7 – Sunday School Open House
In addition to the Fall Kickoff, Sunday School will have an open house from 10 – 10:30AM for interested families.
Sunday School begins Sunday, September 14 at 9AM. If you are interested in either signing up a child(ren) please fill out this form to get started.
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.
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Monday, Sept. 8 & Saturday, Sept. 13 Caring for Caregivers
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.
Second Monday at 6:30 PM
Second Saturday at 10:00 AM
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!
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 24 – 30
This Week’s Anniversaries: August 24 – 30
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
Nursery Age 3 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 8:45 – 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.
Music in Worship
August 24 – Mary Kay Burton, organ
August 31 – Beth Wagner, piano/organ
September 7 – Choir & Ying Wang, piano
September 14 – Choir & Ying Wang, piano
September 21 – Choir & Ying Wang, pianist
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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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.
