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Music of the Season
For me, the Advent Christmas season has always been filled with stirring music.
As an adult, I look forward to taking out and playing my beloved Christmas CDs.
I wait all year for that moment.
As a teenager, I sang a verse of “We, Three Kings of Orient Are” while marching down the long aisle in our annual Christmas pageant. I, then, placed my gift in front of the manger and found my place in the tableau. It was a thrilling opportunity for a young man with a wavery voice to be so regal and so foreign. That song still fills my ears. To think that those learned Magi, those outsiders, were warmly welcomed into the fellowship of those illiterate ones already adoring the Christ Child.
That the doors of that manger were flung wide to the newly arrived who had different clothes, customs, language and culture is a wonder to me. The center that held them enthralled was Jesus. Their outward distinctions just did not matter. “What Child is this?”
As the songs of the season make their way into our ears, they become more firmly rooted in our hearts and in our lives. They help us encounter the reality of the Christ Child again and again. This encounter with the living Christ changes us. It happens in our most unguarded moments – when all the tinsel, lights and ornaments are off our tree, when we do not have to pretend any longer. Those are precious liberating moments – moments that allow our yearning, our hearts and the music of this holy season to guide us.
I wonder what music will ignite each of our hearts? Where will we find the transforming presence of the Christ Child this year? I wonder who the outsiders will be that find their way to our door? May it be so. Let us make room in our lives and hearts for the unexpected blessings that come as we listen to the songs of the season.
May we be discovered by the Holy One in this season as we seek the presence of the Christ Child in our lives, in our church and in this whacked out world of ours. Grace and peace on our journey together.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
Save the Date! ChristCare Small Group Leadership Training
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.
Video Devotional: Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Jesus
Join me on a virtual pilgrimage to the birthplace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. We will be taking an actual pilgrimage to the Holy Land on January 30, 2023, to February 8, 2023. We have only 5 spots left, and you can join us. In the meantime, join me on this virtual pilgrimage. Please like this video and share it with your friends. Merry Christmas! Soli Deo Gloria!
News and Announcements
Candle of Hope
On Sunday Nov. 27 the Light Team lit the Candle of Hope.
Pastor Norm’s mailing address
If you want to send a card (Christmas Greetings or otherwise) to Pastor Norm, please send it directly to his daughter Debbie Kramer at her address- 18271 Rodeo Dr. Sterling, IL 61081-7620. She will make sure that he gets it. Thank you. Pastor Glen
Christmas Books Now Available in Your FPC Library!
Come check out a book for the season! You’ll find our Christmas collection on a table in the Lobby. The rest of the library is also now available for your use. Enjoy browsing, check out a book, and/or write a review if you would like to promote a favorite book to others. Send queries or reviews to Alice Honeywell, ajhoneywell@gmail.com or call her at 608-692-5496.
A paper catalog of our books is also available on the bookcase in the Gathering Place.
Some children’s and young adult books are also in the Gathering Place. Most children’s books are upstairs near the children’s classrooms. Check them out!
Dolls Needed
Once again we were able to send more than 50 dolls to the children of migrant workers, who are cared for by Sister Jean at the House on the Hill daycare / Head Start program in Goshen, NY. In order to continue this mission we need more dolls that we can clean and dress in new clothes for next year. Please place any unwanted or outgrown dolls that would be appropriate for young children in the bins in the Education Wing of the church. (No Barbies please!) Thank you so much.
All Faith Thanksgiving Service
On Sunday Nov. 20, FPC hosted the Waunakee Ecumenical Board’s All Faith Thanksgiving service. The sermon was given by Crossroads United Methodist Church’s Rev. Luis Velasquez. Pie was served following the service.
Advent bags available!
Each child can take an Advent Bag in the lobby containing an Advent Wreath Craft and kids’ devotional about Christmas around the world.
Advent Bible Study
Dear Church,
It is easy to get caught up in the glitz and frenzy in the run-up to Christmas. FPC is offering you an opportunity to “come away” for an hour to ponder and savor the ever-present presence and wonder of our God. What is the meaning of this Advent for you, for me, for our church?
(Honorably Retired) Pastor Susan and I will be co-leading an Adult Bible Study during the Season of Advent; Sundays at 9am downstairs in FPC’s Fellowship Hall on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11 and 18. Coffee and treats provided. All are welcome.
We will be using as our base the Daily Advent Devotional Book called The Promised One. Copies will be available. Yes, there will be coffee and treats as well.
More importantly, this will be a time to holistically grow our faith – enriching both our minds and our hearts.
We will listen to the promises of God, ponder what it means to follow the Prince of Peace, discover the Light in the midst of our darkening world and celebrate the One who comes.
As Jesus says, “Come and see.” Come as often as you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Blessings.
Glen Reichelderfer
Susan Vergeront
Children’s Nativity Service
We invite you to attend, and children to participate, in a meaningful and fun re-creation of the Christmas story 4-5pm on Dec. 18. There are opportunities for kids to dress up in costume, sing, or have a speaking part as they choose! Treats afterward. Rehearsals are Sunday Dec. 4, 11, 18, from 9-9:50am upstairs (it’s okay if kids can’t make them all). If kids are interested in participating, email cschmeelk@myfpc.org or click the button below.
Upcoming Music in Worship
December 4 – FPC Choir
December 11 – Joyful Noise Brass
December 18 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | Dec. 4 – Dec. 24, 2022
Dec. 9 – 5:45-7:30 PM – Movie and Pizza Night
Families! You are invited to watch “The Star” Christmas movie with us in the Youth Space. Pizza starts at 5:45pm and the movie starts at 6pm. Come when you can! Please add friends to your rsvp count so we order enough pizza! PJ’s, blankets, and stuffed animals are welcome!
Dec. 11 – 11 AM–3 PM – All About FPC | New Members Class
After the service on Sunday, December 11, there will be a New Members Class held in the Conference Room. A Jimmy John’s lunch will be served.
Mondays – Now–Dec. 12 – The Light Team Meeting
The Light Team is comprised of women who want a chance to meet for fellowship and Bible study. We pray for each other and those in our church family and community. When possible, we extend ourselves in projects to help others. There is no homework and we include humor and laughter! We meet in the Gathering Place on Mondays at 1:00 – 2:30 PM. All are welcome to attend any or all of our sessions. From November 14 to December 12, the Light Team will view the video of “Christmas” by Ann Voskamp.
We will wrap up the year with Christmas celebration and fellowship on Dec. 19
Dec. 14 – 11:30 AM-1:30 PM – New Horizons Christmas Sing Along and Potluck
New Horizons annual Christmas Sing-Along is on Wednesday December 14 at 11:30 a.m. in the FPC Chapel. A Potluck will follow in the Fellowship Hall around 12:30 p.m
Dec. 14 – 7-8:15 PM – Youth Group Christmas Party
All middle and high school students are invited to join us in the FPC Youth Space for an evening of fun, food, and friends. Feel free to dress festively!
Dec. 17 – 5–8 PM – FPC’s Live Nativity
Volunteers are needed to help us bring to life the majestic scene of Christ’s birth in this beloved FPC tradition!
Dec. 18 – 4-5 PM – Children’s Nativity Service
All are welcome to attend and join us for treats afterwards!
Dec. 18 – 2:30 PM – Ying Wang’s doctoral piano recital
Our gifted pianist, Ying Wang, will be giving his doctoral piano recital on Sunday, December 18th at 2:30 in the Collins Recital Hall at the Hamel Music Center on the UW-Madison campus at 740 University Avenue.” We hope that some of church members can support Ying on his special day and help show our appreciation for bringing his amazing gifts to our church!
Now–Dec. 19 – Christmas Giving Tree
FPC’s Missions Team has raised several “Giving Trees” in the lobby this year in support of the following organizations: WEB (Waunakee Ecumenical Board), WNC (Waunakee Neighborhood Connection), Porchlight, SFTS, Patriot Riders, and Support Our Troops. Please check these trees for ways you can help brighten Christmas for these worthy groups and the people they serve. Please mark what your gift is for and send or bring checks, cash, gift cards, or gifts to the church (see individual trees for their preferred type of gifts) by Monday, December 19. Thank you in advance.
Sundays – Now–Dec. 18 – 9:00-9:50 AM – Adult Sunday School
Adult Advent Study led by Pastor Glen and Pastor Susan called “The Promised One.” Each Sunday of Advent in Fellowship Hall.
Wednesdays – Now–Dec. 21 – Women’s Community Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. This fall we are exploring “12 Women of the Bible.” Meet us on Wednesdays 8:30 -10:00 AM in the Conference Room, entering through the west side Education Wing doors. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
Dec. 24 – 4 PM – Family Christmas Eve Service
Dec. 24 – 7 PM – Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Featuring the FPC Choir and Joyful Noise. Communion will be available in the Chapel after the service.
Sundays – 9 AM – 4K thru 6th grade Sunday School
December 4, 11, and 18, we will be learning about the Christmas Story and practicing for the Children’s Nativity Service. All are welcome, even those not participating in the Nativity Service!
Come join us to learn more and have some fun together!
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1, as our volunteers take some time to be with their families.
Sundays – 9 AM – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join us each week for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Youth Sunday School on Sunday, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1.
Sundays – During Service – Kingdom Kids
During the worship service kids can leave the worship service after the Children’s Moment and need to be picked up in room 202 after the service is over.
We offer Kingdom Kids for 3-year olds – kindergarten. Kingdom Kids offers a fun, unique time for children to explore their faith and form positive relationships with peers.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Kingdom Kids on Sunday, Dec. 25 or Jan. 1 as our volunteers take some time to be with their families. There will still be a Children’s message during those services.
Wednesdays – 7:00-8:15 PM – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join the fun upstairs in the Youth Room for a time of connection, games, message, meaningful small group discussion with students your same grade, and prayer.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no Youth Group on Wednesday, Dec. 21 or 28.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Dec. 25 – 10 AM – Christmas Morning Service
Please join us for a Christmas Morning service. Feel free to come in your pajamas, and everyone will get a chocolate bar!
Dec. 26–Jan. 2 – FPC Office will be closed
Jan. 8 – Bethel Bible Series Bible Study
Dear Members of FPC, we have the opportunity to offer you the Bethel Bible Series Bible Study starting on Sunday January 8th at 9am. There will also be an online opportunity starting on Saturday January 7th. Please let Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth Elder Scott Legwold know if you would like to participate in either Bible Study (please email him at scott.legwold@gmail.com). We are prepared to conduct the in person Bethel Bible Series Bible Study starting on January 8th at 9am in our classrooms at FPC. Thank you.
Jan. 8 – 11:30 AM-1 PM – Epiphany Potluck and Fun
FPC Children’s Ministry and MOPs are partnering to host an Epiphany Celebration – which occurs after the 12 days of Christmas. This “3 Kings Day” celebrates the “Wisemen” part of the Christmas story. We will have a potluck with 3 Kings activities and the famous “Kings Cake” – if the baby Jesus is in your piece, you will get a prize! Join us for Food and Fun!
Wednesdays – Jan. 25–Mar. 1 – 6:30-8:30 PM – ChristCare Small Group Leadership Training
FPC Waunakee is a congregation that reaches in and reaches out. We care for one another, help one another grow in faith, and equip one another for meaningful ministry. Then we carry the love we have received out into our world to bring Jesus’ care to people who are lonely and searching.
Healthy small groups are an excellent tool for those tasks. On January 25th our church will begin a six-week training for small group leaders. To sign up for this wonderful and enriching experience use this link below…. or contact Pastor Glen greichelderfer@myfpc.org. We want to support and nurture healthy small groups here at FPC.
Jan. 28, 2023 – 8:30 AM–12:30 PM – Intro to Centering Prayer
Pastor Glen will be hosting “Intro to Centering Prayer” in the Gathering Place on follow-up meetings will be held from 6:30-8pm on Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 21.
Mar. 19, 2023 – 2 PM – Organ Recital
Please mark your calendars! First Presbyterian will host an organ recital on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 2 pm featuring highly regarded organist Dr. Andrew Schaeffer, Director of Music at the Luther Memorial Church in Madison. The recital will be dedicated to the life and service of Pat Ronspiez. Pat served as organist here for 46 years. She also played piano and accordion.
Our church features an historic 1890 Schuelke organ built in Milwaukee and rebuilt by Wahl Organ Builders of Appleton in 1992.
A Chicago native, Schaeffer holds degrees from St. Olaf College, Yale University and a doctoral degree from the University of Oklahoma. Andrew’s responsibilities include playing organ for Sunday services, directing the children, youth and adult choirs, various instrumental ensembles and overseeing the general music ministry of the congregation. He has been at Luther Memorial since 2018. Schaeffer is also editor-at-large of The Diapason, a nationally published organ and church music magazine.
Opportunities to Serve
Help with the FPC Coffee Hour
Every Sunday after service FPC hosts a coffee hour for socializing and fellowship. Please consider volunteering for a shift or two, to help setup and/or take down the coffee supplies. Thank you!
Shelter From The Storm Ministries – Needs Volunteers
Shelter From The Storm Ministries, located in Sun Prairie, is currently in need of crews that can clean rooms and prepare them for their next residents. They currently have 3 rooms vacant and they are in the process of interviewing new families to move in. A crew of 4 people volunteering to clean one room usually takes 2-4 hours and they are extremely flexible on dates/times. For any questions or to sign up, please contact Pastor Kent Van Horn from Shelter From The Storm Ministries – kent.vanhorn@sftsm.org – (608) 535-0067.
Thank you
Your FPC Mission Team
FPC Choir – I’m Gonna Sing When the Spirit Says Sing!
You’re invited to sing with the Choir for the 7 pm Christmas Eve service! We rehearse every Wednesday night from 7:00 PM-8:30PM in the Sanctuary. Upcoming rehearsals are 12/7, 12/14 and 12/21. In addition to Christmas Eve, the Choir will also be singing on Sundays: 12/4 and 12/18. Unsure if you are a Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass? No worries, we can help and welcome all ability levels including middle and high school students!! Come enjoy a great fellowship of singers! Please contact Choir Director Liz Weller with any questions: eaweller245@gmail.com
Joyful Noise – “Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord!”
The Joyful Noise is our instrumental ensemble and is preparing for the Christmas Eve service at 7 pm. If you play a wind, percussion or string instrument, no matter what age or skill level, please consider playing with us! We rehearse every other Thursday from 7-8/8:30 in the Music Room on 11/22 (Tuesday), 12/8 and 12/22. Our Brass Ensemble will play on Sunday, Dec. 11th. We also welcome middle and high school students to play with us!! Contact Sam Robinson at church: srobinson@myfpc.org
Calling Vocalists and Instrumentalists (Piano, too!)
If you’d like to sing or play an instrument at a Sunday service, please contact Sam Robinson srobinson@myfpc.org 608-949-9450. We have open dates on our music calendar for January through May. You are welcome to sing/play a special song or two, no matter what your skill level is. We have open dates when the Choir and Joyful Noise are not playing and would like to fill those with students and adults from our congregation whenever possible.
Time For Prayer | Tuesdays at 4:30 pm | Gathering Space
Do you believe in the power of prayer? Join us at Time for Prayer on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM in the Gathering Space at church. We gather to lift up concerns for this world, our country, our church and our own personal requests. All pray-ers welcome! When we don’t feel like praying out loud, we say “praying silently.”
For the past 18 years, Time for Prayer has lifted up thousands upon thousands of prayers. With Jesus in our midst, we lift up what is on our hearts, and know that our prayers are heard and will be answered. Come join us, and be blessed.
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
Connect with the Connector!
In an effort to streamline the process for submitting requests for event announcements in the Connector or spoken during the worship service, Communications has developed this easy-to-use online form to share all of your important information.
Click the link below to check out the form and if you have any feedback or questions, please send an email to communications@myfpc.org.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is Noon, the Wednesday prior.
