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Continued Life Planning
Last week I wrote here about funeral planning, suggesting it was a gift to leave behind for loved ones, and encouraging that getting started could be as simple as leaving a preference for even just one thing, perhaps a favorite hymn or two. It brought enough of a reaction to be worth a part two.
Have a will. Update it every five years or so. Find a lawyer you trust. It costs to have a will prepared, but so often costs in more important ways to not have one. It’s smart to think about this from as young as 18. If you have children, have a plan for how they would be taken care of. Talk to the right people. I still occasionally have folks having their children baptized who believe having godparents (Presbyterians don’t even have godparents exactly – separate topic) means they would automatically become the child’s caretaker. That doesn’t happen if you haven’t made legal arrangements.
Please be an organ donor. Jesus left me all of himself. I’d love for any part of me to be used to help someone else; particularly when I’m no longer making use of it.
It’s a new day when it comes to the material things we leave behind. My son is not going to want our furniture or even my super awesome comic book collection (although our potential future daughter-in-law might want some of it, which is only part of why she’s a keeper!) But you likely have assets and sometimes family treasures that are meaningful to people. I have watched a crazy number of siblings tragically disown each other because Mom didn’t say who gets the Hummel with the boy and the fishing pole or specify what should be done with the saltshaker collection.
Do I need to explain “be fair”?
Consider talking all of this out with your kids so that you aren’t just making assumptions about what might or might not have strong sentimental value to them. Fair does become complicated if there’s one child who did a lot more to help take care of you, and that’s a whole other sticky wicket. You won’t be able to control everyone’s reactions, but you can make an effort and do what you can.
If you can be charitable with some of what you leave behind, excellent. If that can include a gift to your congregation, thank you.
Remember, all plans fail if no one knows about them. Leave them in three or more places people will know to look.
Funeral planning is an uncomfortable subject, but one that can bring and share peace of mind. We are able to consider our options connected to the time we’ll shrug this mortal coil because we have a gracious savior who has made a wonderful plan, and an eternal inheritance, for us on the other side.
God’s peace to you,
Pastor Ben
Share Your Bountiful Harvest
Starting this Sunday July 27, please bring your bountiful harvest from your garden to share/swap with others. There will be a table located between the Narthex and the gathering space.
Mark Your Calendar: New Worship Times
If you attended worship on Sunday, you probably heard Pastor Will announce that FPC will be offering two services starting on September 14. The Worship and Music Committee worked hard to gather information from staff and Session to brainstorm what would be best for FPC. After much deliberation between both the committee and the Session, Session approved a 9AM and 10:15AM service starting September 14. The 9AM Service will be held in the chapel and have the same feel as it did during lent. If at any point we outgrow the chapel, the 9AM service will be moved to the sanctuary. The most important things we considered were the needs of the musicians, pastors, fellowship volunteers and Sunday school. While the times of the two services won’t please everyone, we hope for some flexibility from the congregation in changing the worship times again! – Amy Lewis, Elder of Worship and Music
Seeking Extra Hands
Help Needed!
Looking for a few individuals that can recover torn chair cushions. These pads can easily be removed and new fabric stapled into place. Sewing is not required, just cutting, stretching, and stapling.
Also, in need of someone to refinish our baptismal font.
Please consider helping with these projects. Contact Sheryll Gehrmann if interested in taking this on. Thank you!
“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: July 27- August 9, 2025
Sundays through September 7 at 9AM – Summer Worship Time!
Join us for worship this summer at 9AM in the Sanctuary, now through Sunday, September 7. New time coming September 14.
Come enjoy a meaningful time of worship, music, and community—all before your summer day gets going! We can’t wait to see you there.
Thursday, July 31, from Noon-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held in Fellowship Hall on Thursday, July 31, from Noon-5PM. Click the button below to sign up today!
Wednesday, August 6, from 10-11AM – Historic Organ Recital
Our historic 1891 Schuelke organ will be featured for an organ recital on Wednesday, August 6 from 10 – 11AM as part of The Organ Historical Society national convention in Milwaukee.
Bruce Bengsten, longtime organist at Luther Memorial Chapel in Madison, will be the recitalist. Beginning organ study in Salem, Oregon, at the age of 11, he earned degrees in organ performance at Southern Methodist University and Valparaiso University, winning state and national competitions during his college years. Bruce has been featured in concerts in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Europe. He continues to play services and concerts, accompany vocalists/instrumentalists, teach organ lessons, and is a member of the Organ Historical Society, the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians, and the American Guild of Organists. He assists in playing for Masses at Our Lady of Guadalupe Pastorate (currently at St. James Church) in downtown Madison.
Milwaukee convention attendees will be bused to our church for the recital and also be taken to other churches in the Madison area for other recitals and viewing of historic organs.
Saturday, August 9, at 10AM and Monday, August 11, at 6:30PM – FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
In the journey of caregiving, the road can often feel lonely and overwhelming. Recognizing this, FPC’s Care for Caregivers was created as a haven for those who provide care to others but often may forget to care for themselves. The monthly meetings are dedicated to providing emotional, mental, and spiritual encouragement to those who care for aging parents, family members with chronic illnesses, or loved ones with disabilities.
If you’re a caregiver (current or previous), consider attending a meeting. The meetings are drop-in style. Newcomers are always welcome. You can choose to share or just listen. Meetings are in Room 204, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. If one of these times does not work for you, please let us know. To learn more, contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call/text at cell # (334)444-6610 and leave a message during work hours. Or just drop in to a meeting.
Remember: You’re not alone, and it’s okay to take time to care for yourself too!
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Sunday, August 10 from 3-4:30PM – Connect and Reflect
All adults looking for a relaxing afternoon of FPC community connection along with a reflective roundtable discussion around a faith-based topic…or two!
Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun outside in the FPC covered picnic area, located on the west side of the church grounds, on Sunday, August 10 at 3PM. It’s the perfect opportunity to check-in and catch-up with one another as we start winding down summer and begin planning our fall activities!
Look forward to a relaxing afternoon together with good friends, great conversation and an opportunity to get a “sneak peek” and to learn more about several new and interesting adult small group studies we’ll be kicking-off later this fall.
Please plan to bring a comfortable lawn chair. Cold beverages will be provided.
Interested? Please RSVP to Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com
Thursday, August 21 at 5PM – Dinner with Dining Divas
The Dining Divas are heading out for an evening of delicious food and fabulous fellowship!
Join us for dinner at Biaggi’s in Greenway Station on Thursday, August 21 at 5PM. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable night—good friends, great conversation, and Italian cuisine!
RSVP to Alka at alkadaisy@gmail.com to save your seat at the table.
Friday, August 22, from Noon-5:30PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held in Fellowship Hall on Friday, August 22, from Noon-5:30PM. Click the button below to sign up today!
Monday, September 1 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Labor Day.
Sunday, September 7 – Fall Kick-Off
Mark your calendar for FPC’s annual Fall-Kick Off on Sunday, September 7 following service. More details to come!
Mondays, Beginning September 8 – The Light Team
Calling all women!
Light Team starts on Monday, September 8 with a six week study from Susie Larson. We’ll explore how God can help us live out each day in a way that honors Him and strengthens you. We’ll gather in the Gathering Place on Mondays from 1 – 2:30PM.
This series will conclude on October 20. Please note no meeting on October 6.
The Light Team is comprised of Christian women that want a chance to meet for extended fellowship and Bible study, including special projects and prayer. There is no homework but plenty of humor and laughter!
Any questions, contact Lynda Bennin at blbennin@tds.net
Opportunities to Serve
Sound Desk Assistant – New!
Director of Children and Family Ministry
Director of Student Ministry
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.
Sunday Worship House Manager
FPC of Waunakee is seeking dedicated volunteers to fulfill the role of “House Manager” during our Sunday services. This position involves ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for our congregation by monitoring our facilities and surroundings. Volunteers will be attentive and proactive, keeping an eye out for any potential concerns that may arise. We value a calm and composed demeanor, as well as strong communication and observational skills. If you are passionate about contributing to a secure and peaceful worship experience, please consider joining our House Manager 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.
Help Needed! The Waunakee Food Pantry is looking for volunteers the last Wednesday of each month
Did you know that the food pantry serves ~200 families each month? Our church has a long history of supporting the Waunakee food pantry. Our FPC church has been given the last Wednesday of every month from 4-6 pm to distribute food. This is a great way to connect with fellow members and serve the community. If you are interested, please fill out the volunteer form on the FPC website, or talk with Sheryll Gehrmann for more details.
Unable to volunteer? Here’s the list of items most needed this month:
- Toilet Paper
- Cereal
- Knorr Pasta or Rice Sides
- Chicken Broth
- Bagged Red Beans
- Snack Pack Pudding
- Ketchup
- Ritz type Crackers
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
Session Meeting: June 17, 2025
Link to view Session Meeting Notes
This Week’s Birthdays: July 27 – August 2
This Week’s Anniversaries: July 27 – August 2
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
Nursery Age 3 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 8:45 – 11:00 AM throughout the month of May, is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Music in Worship
July 27 – Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble (led by church member Dennis Bear)
August 3 – Ross Cowing, organ
August 10 – Ying Wang, piano
August 17 – Sonia Driskill, harp and Ying Wang, piano
August 24 – Mary Kay Burton, organ
August 31 – Beth Wagner, piano/organ
September 7 – Choir & Ying Wang, piano
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.
Tryg Knutson – 608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf – 715-360-5962
FPC Stephen Ministry is here for you!
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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.
The Connector is available in print at the Connection Corner in the Lobby for those who would like a printed copy.
Contact the FPC Church office if you would like to be added to our home bound mailing list and receive the printed version of the Connector each week.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.
