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DAILY discipline for a disciple
One of my hopes for this church is for each of us to value growth in our walk with God. I would like one of our slogans to be: “Come grow with us.”
Growing older is inevitable.
Growing wiser is a gift that is given in the school of hard knocks and prayer.
Read the book of Job if you don’t believe me.
Growing deeper in Christ requires discipline.
It does not matter what discipline we use:
DAILY reading the Bible;
DAILY taking some time in quiet;
DAILY listening to the Bible on your smart phone.
DAILY walking in nature.
Growing deeper in Christ is not for the fainthearted. It requires discipline.
DAILY discipline for a disciple.
Growing a church is a curious subject.
Many books have been written about how to grow a church.
There are all sorts of trendy methods and proposed strategies.
There are even church campaigns and slogans for growth– “Each one, reach one,” “Hope grows here, bring a friend,” “Reaching up and reaching out,” “Large enough to serve you, Small enough to know you.”
However enticing as an all-church campaign is, the fact is that they rarely work.
What does it take for a church to grow? A crucial first step is for the current church goers to grow– grow in our relationship with God and grow in our relationship with each other. Prayer and hard work. Yes, it is a discipline.
It is takes more than just showing up for worship on a Sunday morning.
We are called to be intentional about spending time in the Word and in prayer.
When we do this, we discover that it is God who actually grows us.
Like a plant that needs to be tended and watered, as we spend time in God’s Word, we allow God to do what God is going to do. It is each FPC member’s job to grow.
Oh, once in a while, a church will get someone off the street wondering if this church might be a good fit for them– people searching for a good church home.
So we need to be ready to receive them, to help them find a home here- a place of growth- not just for their children but for ourselves.
It takes more than a good firm handshake and a hearty welcome to grow a church.
The soil needs to be fertile; members need to practice their discipline of growing which waters the seeds of love, the flowers of grace, the aroma of worship.
When my former church made it a goal to take in 50 new members in one year, the membership focused on not just welcoming newcomers, but growing their own spiritual lives. That year, we took in 35 new members. We focused our prayer; we focused our own disciplines; we focused on welcoming and listening to our visitors and our neighbors. In short, we grew. Might we do the same here?
Peace,
Pastor Glen
Marriage Retreat Announcement
After dinner on Friday October 20- before lunch on Sunday October 22. Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin. 2 nights, 4 meals, and a deliberate time to reflect on your marriage. $199.00/ couple. (Scholarships are available.) Currently, there is room for 9 more couples. We can accommodate more folks if we know in advance.
My wife, Christine, and I have led three weekend Marriage Retreats. We are not experts and have been enriched by all three. We all know that a wedding is just a day, but marriage is an ever-changing process that requires intention and attention. So come away and nurture the relationship you began on your wedding day.
Here are two quotes to think on:
“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on those days when they struggle to like each other.” – Dave Willis
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”- Ursula K. Le Guin
“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.
News and Announcements
Guatemala Mission Photos
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 1 is in the books! It was hot and the work was extremely difficult, but God worked through our group to lay the foundation. Why is the foundation so important? … Matthew 7:24-27 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
Day 2 of our build was great! We put the walls up, got some siding on, connected with the family, and played with lots of local children. One of our questions of the day, that you can think about too, was “how deep does your trust in the Lord go?” 
In addition to building today, our group visited the church of the pastor who is sponsoring the family we are building a home for. The pastor, Jorge, has been pastoring in the area for over four years and was excited to show us his church building where they hold weekly worship, Bible studies, and more.
Our FPC Library is a treasure
Many fine books—both fiction and nonfiction—have been collected over the years and are available for you to check out. Click here for a list of some newer books that our library needs, readings that will merit your time and attention. We plan to add to the collection each year. Please consider buying one these titles. Order one if you can, read or peruse it, even write a review to promote it! Do let one of our librarians know if you choose to purchase one of these titles so that we don’t overlap efforts. Audiobooks are great, and e-books are attractive, but paper books can be shared most easily, so we hope to add these important titles to the FPC library for everyone’s benefit. Other donations of Christian books—fiction or nonfiction—are also welcome. Just leave them in the library area with a note that says “Book Donation.” Thank you!
Click here for our list of books on our Amazon wish list
Questions? Call or email Alice Honeywell — 608-692-5496; ajhoneywell@wisc.edu
VBS Registration and Volunteer Sign-up is now LIVE!
Registration is now live! If you hear space calling and want to explore, please register today!
Blast Off Location: FPC
Dates: June 25-27
Times: 5:30-7:30pm
Cost: $30 for the first passenger and $20 for each sibling (includes a space shirt this year)
Stellar VBS to volunteers, come in volunteers… over.
3-2-1… SPACE VBS countdown to launch has begun! Blast off is June 25-27 at FPC.
Your VBS decorating team is on a mission: To make an OUT OF THIS WORLD experience! Can you help us create the most cosmic galaxy ever? Imagine church filled with planets, stars, moon rovers, astronauts, space shuttles, mission control boards, and comets-oh my! Equipped to shine Jesus’ bright light! Whether you can build rockets, cut out stars, help with set up, or have leftover space party decorations at home you’d like to give us, we’ll take anything and everything. We have plenty of SPACE for you on our decorating crew. If you can help, contact Lori Phelps (lori.phelps@charter.net, 608-235-7899), Sheryll Gehrmann or Cheri Brisky to be a shining star!
Nursery is open all summer
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Kingdom Kids this summer
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service throughout the Summer.
Guest Vocalist: Ethan Keenan
This Sunday, June 18, Ethan Keenan will be our special vocalist during worship. Don’t miss it!
Ethan Keenan is a 2023 graduate of Waunakee Community High School where he sang in the Concert Choir. He recently performed the role of “Rolf” in Waunakee’s production of “The Sound of Music.” Ethan is proud to lift his voice in praise today singing the two pieces he performed at the District & State Solo & Ensemble contests this spring. Ethan will begin his military service in the Navy beginning in July.
Summer Music in Worship
June 18 – Mary Kay Burton, organist; Brooksy Beilke, piano accompanist for Ethan Keenan vocalist
June 25 – Ruth and Paul Heinecke, piano/vocals and trumpet/flugelhorn
July 2 – Second Century Brass Quintet
July 9 – Blue Skies Saxophone Ensemble
July 16 – Roxanne & Alan Fauque, piano/vocal and Saxophones
July 23 – First Pres. Praise Band
July 30 – Mary Kay Burton, organ/piano and Diane Robinson, vocalist
August 6 – Mitch Richards, organist
August 13 – Sydney Ray, vocalist; Ying Wang, accompanist
August 20 – Ying Wang, piano
August 27 – Natalie and Derek Handley, vocals/guitar/cello
Coming Events | June 18 – July 8, 2023
Sundays – During Service – Kingdom Kids
During the worship service kids can leave the worship service after the Children’s Moment and need to be picked up in room 202 after the service is over.
We offer Kingdom Kids for 3-year olds – kindergarten. Kingdom Kids offers a fun, unique time for children to explore their faith and form positive relationships with peers.
Wednesday, June 21 from 7-8PM – Student Ministry Fire Pit and Game Night
Incoming 7th-12th grade students are invited to a Student Ministry Fire Pit and Game Night on Wednesday, June 21 from 7-8pm. Friends welcome!
Thursdays – 7PM – Zoom Bible Study
Online Zoom Bible study every week on Thursday night at 7pm. Contact Carolyn Harris for info pondgirl7989@aol.com
Saturday, June 24 at 3PM – Theology On Tap at Octopi Brewing
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic.
June’s topic: Is Busyness Godliness?
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Everyone 21 and older is welcome – including friends!
Monday, July 3 at 7pm – Centering Prayer Group
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing”, please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, July 23 at 1PM – Children’s Ministry Hike at Indian Lake
Meet in the main Indian Lake parking lot. Text Christa if you have a question on weather or can’t find it on the day of: 608-208-3265
Friday, August 25 at 6PM – Children’s Ministry Summer Fun Night!
Summer Family Fire Pit, Outdoor Movie and for those who desire – a Campout at FPC! Bring your own dinner to cook over the fire at 6pm (like hotdogs!) and we’ll provide the s’mores. The movie will start at 7pm, and for those who would like to camp, please RSVP to Christa: cschmeelk@myfpc.org– and she’ll get you the details.
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 – FPC Marriage Retreat
Pastor Glen and his wife, Christine, will lead this event at the Green Lake Retreat Center. Cost is $199 per couple for 4 meals and 2 nights’ lodging. Contact Pastor Glen or Christa Schmeelk for more information.
Saturday, October 28 – 8:30AM-12:30PM – Introduction to Centering Prayer
The next offering by Contemplative Outreach of Madison’s Introduction to Centering Prayer. This will be the last offering while Pastor Glen is at FPC Waunakee. Those who are new to this practice are welcome as well as those who want to deepen their practice.
Opportunities to Serve
Singers Needed for Patriotic Concert
Singers who would like to perform with the Waunakee Community Band’s Patriotic Concert will rehearse on Tuesdays, June 20 and 27. Come to the Waunakee High School at 6:00 p.m. and enter at Door 27. The concert will be on Thursday, June 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the Gazebo in Village Park.
Agrace: Hospice Volunteers Needed in Dane County:
Volunteers are needed to assist customers, operate the cash register and sort donations at the Agrace Thrift Stores in Madison, pack donated merchandise in donors’ homes, or make companionship visits to local Agrace hospice patients in patients’ homes, nursing homes or assisted living centers.
Agrace will host volunteer orientation Tuesday, July 18, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at its Madison campus. Pre-registration is required. Call (608) 327-7163 or visit agrace.org/volunteer to fill out an application.
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
Doneta Chorney
608-345-1196
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
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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.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.
