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We’re Given the Gift of Christ’s Strength
Last Sunday, I shared a story about the sturdiness of Psalm 27, which, I think, is worth sharing again. Below is an excerpt of last Sunday’s sermon, which includes the story I shared.
I am all about sports and having a good time, but here’s the deal: spending all the time on the road going to and from ball games, while fun, will likely not be the thing that will help any child survive the crisis moments that will inevitably come their way, at some point, sooner or later. When “little Johnny” is a grown man, and he’s at the doctor’s office, and he has just been diagnosed with a terminal disease, in that moment, he’s not going to be thinking about all the tournaments his team won or lost. In that moment, little Johnny’s going to need a better priority. He’s going to need Jesus Christ.
When Rolf Jacobson was in high school, he had to have both legs amputated to save his life from cancer. Today, Rolf is an Old Testament professor at Luther Seminary, but back then he was just a scared high school kid. He says he never feared dying. He did fear what would become of his LIVING—-would he be able to have meaningful work? Could he care for himself? Would he find someone to marry? Would he be able to have kids?
In the midst of this fear, Psalm 27 increasingly became the center of his faith. About a year ago, Rolf was at his favorite Mexican restaurant with his kids when their waiter approached their table. This guy was HUGE—football player huge—and as he reached down to hand out menus, he had this prominent tattoo on his arm that read: Psalm 27:1. Just that: Psalm 27:1. Rolf asked him what that was about. All he said was: “Really bad childhood.” What Rolf went through with cancer, what got this huge waiter through the bad childhood, it was not how many games they won at tournaments, it was not how well they had scored on tests, it was not how many fish they caught, it was only the sturdiness of Psalm 27:1: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
This is the gift we receive when our loyalties are in the right place: we’re given the gift of Christ’s strength to survive the storms of life. Amen.
Grace and Peace,
Will
Special Announcements
Giving Statements Sent January 20
- If we have your email on file, you’ll receive your statement via email from notifications@onrealmmail.org with the subject line:
“Please Review FPC Giving Statement.”
The email will include a hyperlink to download your statement—no login required. The message will be signed by Monty Cordell, FPC’s Finance Elder.
Below is an example of what the e-mail will look like.
- If we do not have your email, your statement will be mailed to you.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support of FPC’s mission!
2025 Annual Report Available
A separate email was sent on Jan. 29 to FPC members with the 2025 Annual Report. If you did not receive it, you can also access the report here.
Stewardship Message
Your dedication to stewardship and leadership is truly inspiring! While we celebrate this generosity, it’s also important to ensure our giving complies with the legal and tax rules that allow FPC to retain its 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Here’s what you need to know:
- Donations to FPC must transfer full control to FPC leadership. This means once your gift is given, it becomes the responsibility of the Session and Endowment Trustees to steward it wisely.
- Donations must be intended for FPC’s mission and goals. Contributions cannot be earmarked for direct transfer to other organizations.
For example, if you want to donate to Food for Kidz or the UW Carbone Cancer Center, we encourage you to give directly to those organizations. Checks sent to FPC with instructions to “pass through” to another nonprofit cannot be processed as such under U.S. tax law.
New Gluten Free Communion Available
We have new gluten free communion elements for those needing or preferring them. When coming up to receive the elements, the center station will have pre-packaged elements that are gluten free. Please take the elements back to the pew to open and consume them and make sure to dispose of the packaging when you leave the sanctuary.
“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: Jan 31 – Feb 6
Sunday, February 1 – Annual Congregational Meeting
Please join us after the 9:30 service for FPC’s Annual Meeting.
📌Date: Sunday, February 1
🕛Time: After 9:30 AM Service
🏢 Where: – Sanctuary
Sunday, February 1 – Life Compass Adult Sunday School
Join us for Session Four – Create a Good Defense
📌Date: Sundays
🕛Time: 10:45 AM
🏢 Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Questions please contact Jim Fitzgerald at nurtureandgrowthelder@myfpc.org
Sunday, February 1 – Connect and Reflect
All interested Adults looking for a relaxing afternoon of FPC community connection along with reflective discussion around topical faith based areas we experience in life. In this month’s topic, we’ll discuss “How do we share our Faith with Family & Friends”?
📌Date: Sunday
🕛Time: 3:00 PM
🏢 Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Please RSVP to Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com if you have interest in joining us!
Monday, February 2- The Light Team
Calling All Women
Join the FPC Light Team for an engaging conversation of “What Happens Next” by Max Lucado
📌Date: Monday
🕛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, February 4 – 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, February 4 – 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
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Tuesday, February 10 – Bible Study: John 1
We’ll be starting a new 8-Week Bible Study. Pastor Will is leading this study of John’s Gospel which will coincide with his Lenten sermon series through Easter Sunday.
📌Date: Tuesdays
🕛Time: 7:30 AM
🏢 Where: M-N-M’s Coffee House
Pastor Will suggests we consider using the book “Interpreting The Gospel And Letters Of John- An Introduction” by Sherri Brown & Francis J. Moloney for use as an additional study reference. This accessible, comprehensive and up-to-date book is available on Amazon for $20.64 for those interested in purchasing.
Wednesday, February 18 – Ash Wednesday
Please join FPC at 7PM for Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.
Wednesday, February 25 – Midweek Manna and Lenten Dinners
Join us each Wednesday during Lent in the Sanctuary for a brief time of worship and reflection from 6:00–6:30 PM.
Afterwards, stay for our Lenten Dinners in Fellowship Hall from 6:30–7:30 PM.
All are welcome to come for one or both parts of the evening.
📌Date: Wednesdays
🕛Time: 6 – 7:30PM
🏢 Where: Sanctuary & Fellowship Hall
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
- Sloppy Joe Sauce
- Dinty Moore Beef Stew
- Canned Chili
- Ketchup
- Pancake Mix
- Pancake Syrup
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
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: February 1 – 7
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 – 11:00 AM throughout the month and is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
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
February 1
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
February 8
Ying Wang, pianist & Mitch Richards, guest organist
February 15
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
February 22
Ying Wang, pianist & Joyful Noise
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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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.
