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I’ll Fly Away – Part 1 of 2
On some of our recent very cold days, you might have called, “Lord, rapture me now!” But, if you’re Presbyterian – or Lutheran, or Catholic, or Reformed – there’s a complication: we don’t subscribe to the doctrine of a Rapture, the idea that God will come and snatch up the faithful to depart the Earth for a long time before Christ’s full return.
Rapture is principally a doctrine held by Evangelical Christians, though our culture, with things like the Left Behind book series, has widely latched on. We have beloved folks in the congregation who come from an Evangelical background and I don’t want to come across with the theological vibe equivalent of a cook going hysterical over someone breaking the spaghetti, so let the first thing I quote from the Presbyterian 1978 “Eschatology: The Doctrine of Last Things” be “We believe that there is room for a variety of opinion concerning end-times.”
That said, Presbyterians are among those who say the Bible doesn’t point to a Rapture, which was only first conceived of in the 1700s (thank you Cotton Mather!) and refined in the 1840s. You’d think it comes from Revelation, but in fact it begins with 1 Thessalonians 4:16 talking about the dead in Christ and then the faithful being “caught up in the clouds” to meet Jesus.
But the context of that passage is more like being at the Super Bowl and having all the Seahawks fans go out to join the team in the parking lot to come running into the stadium together for the big game, not like all the fans going home with the team to Seattle to one future day return for Super Bowl DCCXXXVIII.
I’m going to “Part 2” this in two weeks, including discussing why I think it matters. Feel free to come ask me questions (or yell at me if that helps!) in the meantime.
God’s peace to you,
Pastor Ben
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.
“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: February 7 – 13
Sunday, February 8 – Life Compass Adult Sunday School
Join us for Session Five – Speak the Truth
📌Date: Sundays
🕛Time: 10:45 AM
🏢 Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Questions please contact Jim Fitzgerald at nurtureandgrowthelder@myfpc.org
Monday, February 9 – The Light Team
Calling All Women
Join the FPC Light Team for an engaging conversation of “Imagine the God of Heaven.”
📌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.
**No Light Team February 16, 23 and March 2**
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.
Tuesday, February 10 – Care for Caregivers
Note: instead of Monday this has been moved to Tuesdays going forward. The Saturday meeting will stay the same.
📌Date: Tuesday
🕛Time: 6:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC – Room 204
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones.
Contact Marcia Chase at marchase@icloud.com with questions.
Wednesday, February 11 – New Horizons Lunchables
All are welcome to join the New Horizons group for a fellowship and lunch.
📌Date: Wednesday
🕛Time: 11:30 AM
🏢 Where: El Charro Mexican Grill in Waunakee
Contact Steve Doty at Dotysteve2@yahoo.com to RSVP or with questions.
Wednesday, February 11 – 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 11 – 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
Saturday, February 14 – Care for Caregivers
📌Date: Saturday
🕛Time: 10 AM
🏢 Where: FPC – Room 204
The purpose of the group is to meet in a safe place, where there is no judgment, to discuss and pray for you as a caregiver and for your loved ones.
Contact Marcia Chase at marchase@icloud.com with questions.
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 8 – 14
This Week’s Anniversaries: February 8 – 14
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 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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Connect with the Connector!
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.
