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Blue Christmas
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year” Andy Williams has crooned for us since 1963, and for many, Advent and Christmas are filled with those tidings of comfort and joy. Blue as a liturgical color of Advent is meant to symbolize hope, yet for many the holiday blues means feelings of sadness and depression.
I’ve never seen a study or survey looking at just how many people are super happy, relatively normal, or extra depressed in the Holiday Season, but my experience is that there are a great many in the sad category, including many who are expending considerable energy trying not to appear so. If there were only one, God would care about that person. There are certainly a great many more than one.
Sadness at Christmas comes in many shapes. You’ve experienced the death of a loved one; someone important to you will not be able to make it home; something you’ve been hoping for is showing no sign of arriving; you’re experiencing financial strain; decline in health; you’re very worried about the world; you’re lonely. The fact that the songs, greeting cards, and Christmas specials incessantly declare a joy we’re “supposed” to be feeling only magnifies the strain and makes us feel excluded.
But God’s love includes. God does not send a Savior to the happy and whole so much as to the lost and the broken. The Everlasting Light is meant to shine in dark streets. Not only is Christmas for the hurting too, it’s for them – for us – especially. If you are able to meet the coming of the Christ child with even a flicker of happiness or hope, be thankful. If you are unable to do so, rest assured that on you God’s light shines never-the-less, indeed, all the more.
God’s peace to you and yours,
Pastor Ben Ehrets
Special Announcements:
Change to One Service
Sunday morning worship service will go to one service starting on December 21 at 9:30 AM.
FPC Giving Tree Event
FPC Waunakee Giving Tree Event
Each holiday season, our congregation participates in the Giving Tree Event, sponsored by the FPC Missions Team. This year, we are excited to support two Giving Trees for two wonderful organizations:
- Waunakee Neighborhood Connection (WNC)
- Shelter from the Storm Ministries in Sun Prairie
Each tree will be decorated with ornament gift tags, listing specific items requested for children, young adults, and adults in transition.
Here’s how you can help:
- Select a tag from either tree.
- Purchase the requested gift.
- Place your unwrapped gift in the donation box near the tree.
The Missions Team will deliver all gifts before Christmas, helping spread joy and hope to those in need. Thank you for sharing the spirit of giving this season!
2026 Offering Envelopes
If you requested a box of 2026 offering envelopes, they are available to be picked up on a table in the Narthex near the Sanctuary entrance. If you would like a box of offering envelopes and don’t see one there for you, please fill out one of the forms on that table and place it in either the pledge or offering box, and I will prepare a box for you. You may also send an email to Kristina Maher, Church Business Administrator, at kmaher@myfpc.org to request a box.
Year-End Donations
As the year winds down, if you would like to make a gift that is tax-deductible in 2025, your donation must be received by the church or postmarked by Wednesday, December 31st. If you wish to make a stock donation, shares of stock must be received into the church’s brokerage account by Wednesday, December 31st. Please allow enough time for securities gifts to be processed by starting the process to donate securities by December 12, 2025.
If you have any questions about year-end donations, please contact FPC’s Church Business Administrator, Kristina Maher, at 608-949-9453, or consult with your tax advisor.
Donating Shares of Stock to FPC
Who doesn’t like a win-win situation? That’s what occurs when you donate long-term appreciated stock, mutual funds, or bonds to a nonprofit such as First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee!
You can potentially eliminate paying capital gains tax AND deduct the full fair market value from your taxes if you itemize your deductions. What this means is your donation dollars go farther (the amount that would have gone to the IRS if you had sold the investment are now going to the church) and help FPC carry out God’s work through our ministry areas.
Please check with a professional tax advisor to determine what is best for your personal situation.
FPC has an account through Thrivent that accepts stock donations. Please contact our Church Business Administrator, Kristina Maher, at 608-949-9453 or finance@myfpc.org for directions on how to transfer stock to the church. Please notify the Church Business Administrator if a stock gift is coming our way and what you’d like it to be put towards (i.e. your pledge, Endowment Fund, Pillars & Pathways, etc.).
FPC Wish List
Did you know that FPC has a Session-approved Wish List? It’s a list of things that our ministry areas are looking for but aren’t able to be funded through the church’s regular budget. If you are ever in a position to make a special donation of any amount, please check out our Wish List by clicking here and consider helping to provide an item listed.
Pledge Drive Update
While I have faith that those who haven’t pledged yet will step up, full transparency says that as of week five, we are down significantly, by $27,480 as compared with last year’s fifth week. Let’s spread the word to keep those pledges coming so FPC can continue its amazing work!
– Barb Cash
“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: December 7 – 13
Sunday, December 7 – FPC Advent Study
Pastor Will Wilson will lead a four-week Advent study on Mary, the Mother of Jesus in the FPC Chapel.
📌Date: Sundays through December 21
🕛Time: After 10:15 AM service – lasting 45 min
🏢Where: FPC Chapel
In “The Real Mary,” Scot McKnight presents a compelling portrayal of Mary, challenging misconceptions and advocating for a deeper understanding of her role in Christianity.
If interested in participating, please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com to reserve your place and to ensure we order enough study books.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Monday, December 8 – The Light Team
Calling All Women
Join the FPC Light Team for a four-week study series by Lee Strobel. Sessions include:
1. Setting the Record Straight
2. Beneath the Fake News
3. Mind-Boggling Proposition
4. The Prophetic Fingerprint
📌Date: Mondays
🕛Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
🏢 Where: The Gathering Place at FPC – Please enter through South Entrance Door #4
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.
Wednesday, December 10 – Men’s Group Study
All men are invited to join this weekly men’s multi-generational fellowship group and discussion study.
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7 – 8:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC – Large Conference Room
Contact Jim Fitzgerald @ jnj57012@gmail.com with questions.
This faith based study and discussion is led by Jim Fitzgerald and centers around men navigating everyday life challenges we are faced with by sharing our faith/life experiences together while in turn helping men build on their spiritual growth, community support and leadership development.
Wednesday, December 10 – Youth Group
All middle school & high school students are invited to join us for fun, fellowship, and snacks! We’ll celebrate and discuss the role Jesus has in our lives!
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7 – 8:15 PM
🏢 Where: – Upstairs in the Youth Group space
Christmas party December 17 – No Youth Group Dec. 24 or 31
Wednesday, December 10 – New Horizons Christmas Sing-Along
RSVP email coming December 7
📌Date: Wednesday, December 10
🕛Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
🏢Where: FPC – Fellowship Hall
Friday, December 12 – Dining Divas
All women are welcome to join the Dining Divas for Lunch!
📌Date: Friday, December 12
🕛Time: Noon – 2 PM
🏢Where: Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano – 1611 Aspen Commons, Middleton
To RSVP email Alka Van Haren at alkadaisy@gmail.com
Saturday, December 13 – Care 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.
📌Date: Saturday at 10:00 AM
🏢 Where: 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). View note below about resource fair.
Remember: You’re not alone, and it’s okay to take time to care for yourself too!
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14
The Annual Live Nativity is back on Saturday & Sunday from 5 PM – 8 PM.
Please complete the sign-up form if you’re interested in your child participating.
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Sunday, December 21 – Children’s Nativity Service
Children’s Nativity Service will be 9:30 AM on December 21 in the Sanctuary.
Please complete the sign-up form if you’re interested in your child participating.
Please complete this sign-up form if you are a youth-group member.
Christmas Eve Service
Christmas Eve Schedule:
December 24: 4 PM – Communion with music by Ying Wang and Joyful Noise
December 24: 7 PM – Music by Ying Wang, Choir and Yahara String Quartet
FPC Office Closed
The FPC administration office will be closed December 24 – 26 in observance of Christmas.
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
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:
- Canned Chicken
- Bagged White Rice
- Strawberry or Grape Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Fruit (Peaches, Pears, Mandarin Oranges)
- Canned Peas
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: December 7 – 13
This Week’s Anniversaries: December 7 – 13
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 – 11:30 AM throughout the month and is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
*No Sunday School or Nursery on December 28.
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 Sam Robinson at srobinson@myfpc.org or 608-850-9450.
Upcoming Music in Worship
December 7
9AM – Beth Wagner, pianist
10:15AM – Choir & Ying Wang, pianist
December 14
9AM – Beth Wagner, pianist
10:15AM – Ying Wang, pianist
December 21
9:30AM – Ying Wang, pianist
December 24
4PM – Music by Ying Wang, pianist and Joyful Noise
7PM – Music by Ying Wang, pianist, Choir and Yahara String Quarte
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.
Jill Umlauf – 715-360-5962
FPC Stephen Ministry is here for you!
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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.
