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A Spirit-Filled Church
In case you didn’t already know, Presbyterians have often been the target of jokes. I’ve heard them all: It’s easier to cool down a Baptist than to warm up a Presbyterian; Presbyterian worship is so cold you could skate down the aisle. A longer joke about Presbyterians that I find particularly funny involves a Presbyterian church service during which a man started responding to the preacher with vocal affirmations: “Amen,” “Hallelujah,” “Praise the Lord.” The rest of the congregation was a little unsettled. Finally, an usher quietly moved down the side aisle where the man was seated, leaned over, and whispered, “Calm down.” The man replied, “I can’t help it. I’ve got religion.” The usher then said, “Well, you didn’t get it here!”
These jokes about Presbyterians are somewhat funny and somewhat truthful. However, I do admit that they make me a little uncomfortable because the subtext is that Presbyterians lack the Spirit, or at the very least, an authentic expression of Christian piety. Here, I ask myself, what are the visible signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a community of faith? Since the beginning of 2026, I’ve been reading through Acts. The Spirit of God we see in Acts doesn’t manifest itself primarily through ecstatic or emotionally charged experiences, but rather by enabling people to bear a bold witness to Jesus Christ. Indeed, the Holy Spirit empowered Peter, Stephen, Paul, Barnabas, and many others to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ in synagogues, market squares, and even in the very epicenters of intellectual power (such as in Athens, Acts 17:16-34). The Holy Spirit worked through Peter to heal a man begging for alms at the temple gate (See Acts 3). The Spirit gave Paul the courage to break the barriers of race and religion when he preached the gospel to the Gentiles on his missionary journeys.
When we talk about having the Spirit, we must do so through the lens of Scripture. Biblically speaking, the Spirit’s presence among Christians is manifested primarily through their proclamation of the gospel, deeds of service to others, and faithfulness to God in worship.
A Spirit-filled church, according to Acts, is a church that preaches Christ crucified and risen. A Spirit-filled church is one that welcomes all, strangers and friends alike. A Spirit-filled church is one that ensures that hungry people are fed, that children are educated, that the naked are clothed, that widows are cared for, and that the sick are able to find healing. A Spirit-filled church is one that preaches the gospel and practices what it preaches.
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!
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.
Pledge Drive Update
Please click here to view a pledge message from Finance Elder, Monty Cordell
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
“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 23 – 30
Sunday, January 25 – Life Compass Adult Sunday School
Join us for Session Three – Build a Good Offense
📌Date: Sundays
🕛Time: 10:45 AM
🏢 Where: FPC Large Conference Room
Questions please contact Jim Fitzgerald at nurtureandgrowthelder@myfpc.org
Wednesday, January 28 – 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 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: 12:30 PM – 5:30 PM
🏢 Where: – Fellowship Hall
Save the Date | More Info to Come
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 – 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 – 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
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.
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: January 25 – 31
This Week’s Anniversaries: January 25 – 31
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 25
Ying Wang, pianist
February 1
Ying Wang, pianist & Choir
February 8
Ying Wang, pianist & Mitch Richards, guest organist
February 15
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.
