Update from the Worship Elder
I am deeply humbled by how many people offered their time and talents during the transition period. Several people came up to me with smiles on their faces when they heard Pat Ronspiez playing the organ. And Audrey Manning did an amazing job singing, playing the piano, and leading us in song.
We have recently recorded two services and you can access them via the FPC website: “Watch the Sunday Service”. They are simple in nature and some of the music and interaction with the audience may not be picked up. We expect to have this audio issue rectified once we re-install the “drop” mics that had been removed. The latter will pick up more of the congregation singing and accompanying musicians. Our objective has been to provide a clean and “no-frills” video to allow our congregants that cannot physically worship in person–enjoy the ministry at home.
We are in the process of removing many of the cables and cords that snaked across the main chancel platform as well as some of the instruments that have not been used for a while. I noticed that from some pews, one could not view the pianist or organist. The goal is to remove the trip hazards/distractions and allow for our focus to be upon the people ministering to us, the area around the Lord’s Table, and the cross. The pulpit and lectern shall be returned to their previous spots.
For those that have asked about the differences in the services, I can say that we expect the music in the first service to rely more on the hymnals and the music in the second service to be more “current” or “contemporary” in nature. Thankfully, we have several people that have offered to help in planning the music and I am excited about what is to come! In the months ahead, we will have Joyful Noise playing a few services, congregants leading us in song and a choir sitting behind the Lord’s Table—ready to sing praises. We also expect to have lyrics presented on the screens for those that find that easier to follow.
Lastly, in March, you can expect to see the return of ushers (handing out bulletins and offering plates), as well as ways to “give” via mobile phone, and the physical offering of wine (grape juice) and bread during communion. Exciting times ahead!
Erik Cushman
FPC Worship Elder
Joyful Noise Announcement
The Joyful Noise will be playing at both services on Sunday, March 6. Diane Robinson, wife of Director Sam Robinson, will be singing in the services as well. Sam hopes that folks will see that music is still alive at FPC!
Celebrating a Long-distance Birthday
In staff meeting this week, we celebrated Janna Leslie’s birthday long-distance! Thanks to Ezrah Schmeelk for helping us connect with her on the big screen so to sing happy birthday to our only Tennessean staffer. It was a fun morning. Hope you felt the love, Janna, even though you’re not with us in Waunakee!
Volunteer for the Easter Trail
On Saturday, April 16 from 11 am – Noon Children’s Ministry is hosting a walk-through experience of the Easter story. To make this event a success, your help is needed! Below you’ll find links to the Amazon Wish List for supplies as well as a link to sign up to be a volunteer.
Student Ministry Newsletter
In this week’s newsletter, see some pics from Wednesday night when our group was playing crab soccer in the hallway and students spending time together and discovering for themselves what the Bible says about friendship.
Also, included for the lulz:
Get your Daily Bread!
New regular-sized Daily Bread for March/April/May are ready for pick up outside in the tote by the front door, and also inside by the front door and south door in the education wing. Large print versions will be available soon.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | February 20, 2022
On March 20 & 27 our children’s ministry teachers will enjoy time off to spend Sunday with their families. We’ll be back to our regular schedule on April 3.
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. Thanks!
Looking for Families to Greet and Usher on Sundays!
This is a fun and easy way to serve and connect deeper with your church family. When you sign up, our Worship Elder, Erik Cushman, will contact you with directions and answer any questions you might have. Sign up for whatever Sunday fits in your schedule:
In the Lobby THIS Sunday
Stop at the Lent table:
Pick up a free devotional book for adults and a Lent countdown sticker sheet for kids and families.
Project Connect
During Lent, you can be matched with another family or individual in our church that might need some TLC. You can send cards, drop off a care basket, pray for them – whatever might help them feel loved, cared for, and connected deeper to their family of faith. Email Christa Schmeelk, Director of Family Ministry, for more information or to let us know that your family is interested in participating in Project Connect during March and April.
40 Bags in 40 Days
This is a forty-day period (coinciding with the 40 days of Lent) where you go through your home and declutter one area or one “bag” a day. This year, the 40 Bags in 40 Days™ Challenge starts on March 2 and finishes on April 16 (with Sundays off.) During Lent people often talk about giving up something. This Challenge allows us to take away the clutter from our homes and simplify our lives. Living with less stuff and excess leaves more room for Jesus in our hearts and minds.
If you’re interested in participating, email Christa Schmeelk, Director of Family Ministry.
Stuffed Animal Day
NEXT SUNDAY February 27
FPC Children’s Ministry Theme Day–February 27 Stuffed Animal Day–Bring your favorite stuffed animal to Sunday School. We look forward to meeting and learning with our stuffed friends!
PreK/K Bible Presentation
Sunday, March 13
If your child has not received a Jesus Story Book Bible and they will be graduating from 4k this June (or maybe your child is new and they are under age 7), we’d love for your child to receive an age-appropriate Bible this year! Send an email to Christa Schmeelk, Director of Family Ministry.
FPC’s next blood drive is on Friday, March 18 from noon to 5 pm. Click here to make an appointment and then add it to your calendar.
FPC is looking for someone to help in the nursery. We have one person ready to help, but we need two people to run the nursery. If interested, please contact the church office.
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!
