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Have patience with me; God isn’t finished with me yet,” is a well-worn Christian meme that can pull an “Amen!” from even the Frozen Chosen. One can receive it in sermons, hear it in songs, see it with road construction images on tee shirts. Paul’s greeting in Philippians 1:6 reads: “Rest assured that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
I recently heard a talk on rhetoric that included the nugget that any message suggesting a person change is often heard defensively: “So you don’t like me as I am?” In our relationship with God, there’s some element of that; we all sin, all fall short of God’s glory. But we should also remember God’s unconditional love can be inviting us to a better way. Being an improving, more faithful version of yourself is invariably a healthier and more joyful version of yourself.
So how are those New Year resolutions coming along? I’ve been asking informally, and it seems clear some people enjoy making resolutions while others, for various reasons, are less enthused. I simply encourage consideration. It’s not too late for New Year resolutions; it’s not too soon to be putting together personal Lent disciplines (begins Feb. 18).
Grace, mercy, strong self-esteem, and humility can all be involved in knowing I’m loved as I am, and also that working on self-improvement is not condemnation so much as happy opportunity. God loves us enough to suggest ways that are better.
God’s peace to you,
Pastor Ben
Special Announcements
Message from Stewardship Elder, Barb Cash
To view the entire message please click here.
Student Winter Retreat
If your student is interested in registering for the Winter Retreat that runs January 30 – February 1, please contact Student Ministry Elder Emily Bauer at studentministryelder@myfpc.org
Registration can be found at www.lgyc.org and use Group Code: FPCAB2026
Shepherding the Flock
To view December’s Session notes, please click here.
Lost & Found
Are you missing glasses, hats, mittens, cups etc.? Please check the lost and found bin located in the Narthex.
“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: January 16 – 23
Sunday, January 18 – Life Compass Adult Sunday School
Join us for Session Two – Recognize Toxic People
📌Date: Sundays
🕛Time: 10:45AM
🏢 Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Questions please contact Jim Fitzgerald at nurtureandgrowthelder@myfpc.org
Monday, January 19 – Church Office Closed
Please note the Church Office will be closed on January 19 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Wednesday, January 21 – 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, January 21 – 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
Wednesday, January 28 – Bingo & Pizza
Friday, January 30 – Blood Drive
The American Red Cross will host a Blood Drive at FPC! Please consider donating.
📌Date: Friday, January 30
🕛Time: 12:30PM – 5:30PM
🏢 Where: – Fellowship Hall
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 9:30AM Service
🏢 Where: – Sanctuary
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.
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
- Creamy Peanut Butter
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Canned Tuna
- Canned Fruit (Peaches, Pears, Mandarin Oranges)
- Canned Chili
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: January 18 – 24
This Week’s Anniversaries: January 18 – 24
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
January 18
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
January 25
Ying Wang, pianist
February 1
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
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.
