A great start to the Outdoor Worship Services!
First, a recap:
Last Sunday was an amazing kick-off for outdoor worship at FPC! God exceeded our expectations with weather and attendance. 124 of our FPC family came to worship together and it seemed to go fairly seamlessly overall. Jamie Roberts commented:
As one of the three ushers on Sunday morning, I was overwhelmed by the joy and eagerness of the 124 people who came to worship. Big “Hellos“ and “So good to see you” were the norm, as was the desire to be respectful and safe. Thank you to all who prepared the music, especially the live worship song by Christa Schmeelk, and the sound system!
Jamie Roberts, FPC Member
The pictures posted on FPC’s Facebook page from the outdoor service garnered lots of activity. Within just 24 hours, the photos had 481 “reaches” and 351 “engagements.” This greatly exceeded interest generated in previous posts.
Worshipping God together — through prayer and music— is what makes a church unique and last Sunday, FPC family members of all ages came together once again to worship God in a unique experience!
Communion at next week’s service:
Prepackaged individualized Communion elements will be available at the Outdoor Service on Sunday, September 6. Whether you celebrate at home with elements from your own kitchen, or outside at the church with our prepackaged elements, we are grateful to celebrate together the sacrifice that Jesus made for us on the cross.
Keeping safety in mind:
In an effort to support the continued safety of all who attend in-person worship services, we respectfully ask that anyone who receives a Covid-19 diagnosis after attending a worship service, please contact the church office. Your personal information– including your name–will be kept completely confidential. Thank you for your cooperation and trusting us to handle this information sensitively and responsibly
Join us for this message on August 30 online or at our OUTSIDE WORSHIP SERVICE at 9am THIS SUNDAY!
Shepherding the Flock:
A summary of the August, 2020 Session Meeting
Submitted by: Dianne Larson, Clerk of Session
FPC has begun in-person outdoor worship. Session voted to follow the Dane County rules for religious entities which allows more people to gather as long as physical distancing is maintained. At this time the intention is to continue outdoor worship indefinitely as long as weather permits.
Each Sunday at 8 am Pastor Kirk and Liz Weller, Worship & Music Elder will make a weather decision for holding that morning’s outdoor service. The virtual service will continue to be available online. Session will evaluate when and if it is deemed safe to gather in the sanctuary.
The SRAT team has been working very hard to provide details on how we can safely gather inside the building once we are able to do so. Session will monitor the situation monthly, or more frequently as needed. The Elders have been working very hard to determine what their area is able to do, especially for fall programs.
Saying goodbye to a valued staff member…
Personnel Elder, Doug Brown, announces the departure of John Blandino
Over the past 8 plus years, FPC has been blessed with the time and talents of our Worship Production Coordinator, John Blandino. John has done an amazing job over the years making sure we’ve had outstanding audio visual elements integrated into our weekly services and he has gone above and beyond when COVID-19 required us to go completely online.
For those that don’t know, John lives in the Milwaukee area and unfortunately because of the commute and the increasing technical needs of FPC, John has decided that he is no longer able to meet the growing needs of FPC while maintaining his personal commitments. Therefore, John has submitted his resignation and will be departing the FPC staff team in late September. Please join me in thanking John for his years of service to FPC and in praying for him as he and his family venture forth.
In preparation for life after John, we have started a search for an interim contractor or consultant to help us ensure that we can continue to provide high quality worship productions for our congregation. It is our hope to have a temporary person in place in early September so there will be some time for John to help share his wisdom before his last day. Once we’ve secured an interim, we will start the process of hiring a permanent new Worship Production Coordinator.
If you or someone you know might be interested in either the interim or permanent position please email Nancy Groeneveld at: NGroeneveld@myfpc.org.
Waunakee Food Pantry Requests
The Waunakee Food Pantry is in need of volunteers for their open hours. If you are interested in helping visit http://www.waunakeefoodpantry.org/Volunteer.htm to sign up to volunteer.
Are you heading to the grocery store and would like to buy some items to donate? Here is a list of the Food Pantry’s most needed items:
- Soups – Chicken & Broth
- Canned Dinners – Chef Boyardee, Chili, Sloppy Joe mix, Beef Stew, etc.
- Canned Tomatoes
- Side Dishes – Pasta or Rice
- Jell-O and Pudding mixes
- Boxed Dinners – Tuna Helper, Chicken Helper
- Facial Tissues – Kleenex, Puffs
- Paper Towels
- Cleaning Supplies – Dish Soap, Spray Cleaners, etc.
As always, the Waunakee Food Pantry is grateful for the help and donations from the FPC congregation!
Catch up on the Children’s Moment
Did you miss last week’s Children’s Moment in the service? Or maybe you’d like to watch it again? We will now be making each week’s Children’s moment available in it’s own separate video in the Connector. Enjoy!
Video Devotional: The Valley of the Shadow of Death
Bethel Series Executive Director and FPC member, Rev. Jeff Quinto’s devotion is based on the 23rd Psalm, “The Lord Is My Shepard.” The devotion was given to the class at our annual summer Bethel Series Teacher Training Seminar. This year, for the first time, the seminar was on Zoom.
For Your Calendar:
Stephen Ministry
We know the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyone—raising the level of fear, stress, and anxiety for people all over the world and underscoring the importance of caring ministry. As a Stephen Ministry congregation, we equip and empower lay caregivers to provide high-quality, confidential, Christ-centered care. Our commitment to this ministry is extrememly important during these uncertain times.
If you, or someone you know, could benefit from this ministry, contact the church office.
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