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Exciting Summer Updates
Dear FPC Family,
I want to give a few updates on life at FPC over the next several weeks and months. As you know, it has been my practice to take a break from the pulpit in the summer. I love what I do: preaching every week has been the center of my joy in ministry. But having been a pastor for almost a decade, I have found that around this time of year I am ready for a mental rest from the demands of the pulpit. For us preachers Sunday comes every three days, and I am deeply grateful to the Session for allowing me to take this extended break each summer to rejuvenate for the next program year. This Sunday, June 21, will be my last Sunday in the pulpit until August 16th. I have lined up an exciting roster of preachers to keep things going:
- June 28: Odin Ehrets
- July 5: Ben Ehrets
- July 12: Odin Ehrets
- July 19: Devon Reynolds
- July 26: Joe Madsen
- August 2: David Doty
- August 9: Gretchen Lord Anderson
This break from the pulpit coincides with planned study leave to work on my PhD dissertation and with paternity leave as Abby and I welcome our second daughter in mid-July. From July 1 through August 26, I will be out of the office. In my absence, the Session has concurred with my request to appoint Angela (G.R.A.C.E. director) as acting head of staff. She will not supervise the associate pastor or moderate the Session, but aside from those exceptions, she has agreed to serve in this capacity while I am on study and paternity leave. I am grateful. Ben will be on hand to provide continuity in worship leadership and pastoral care.
Speaking of Ben, in the fall of 2024, the Session approved Ben’s request for a four-month sabbatical beginning this September and concluding at the end of this year. I asked the Session to budget 10 hours per week for another minister to help with the congregation’s pastoral care needs during Ben’s absence. I am excited to share that I will be assisted by the Rev. Dr. Kristin Frederich.
Rev. Dr. Kristin Frederich first moved to Waunakee in 1996 – before there was even one stoplight! The family moved from Scotland. There Kristin pastored with the Church of Scotland and studied at Aberdeen University for her Ph.D. in Theology. After relocating, Kristin served as Associate Pastor for Spiritual Formation and Discipleship at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison.
Six years later, Kristin was called by Eastern Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to serve as its Dean of Student Formation and Professor of Theology. After several years, the family found they missed the schools and community in Wisconsin and decided to return to Waunakee. Her sons Joel and Tom graduated from WHS in 2005 and 2007. During this time, Kristin served the First Presbyterian Church of Cambria, Wisconsin for 18 years.
Kristin lives with her husband, Steve Bowie. Their adult children live in Washington D.C., Minnesota and Singapore. They enjoy visits to and from their three grandchildren. Kristin loves to read and to watch her small garden grow. Most of all, Kristin is passionate about serving Christ in His Church. She is really looking forward to meeting you!
Lots of exciting things are happening at FPC. Thank you for your part in making this church a vibrant community that lives faith together.
Gratefully,
Will
Special Announcements
Message from Outgoing Stewardship Elder
Dear Church Family,
In accordance with our plan to lift up the various ways that our donations support FPC, this article highlights the Faith Budget. What is it exactly, you might ask.
When the elders on Session formulate the following year’s budget, each one figures up the cost of materials in their ministry area. An example would be Children’s Ministry. Curriculum for the year, classroom materials, VBS expenses, and more would be considered budgeted expense items. Each ministry goes through the same steps. When adding up all the budgeted expenses across all areas, Session finds there just isn’t enough money in the budget. After whittling down the budget, there are still more expenses than projected revenue. That’s where the Faith Budget comes into play. FPC has been using a Faith Budget for many years to plan for the upcoming period.
Supporting a church’s programs is very similar to supporting Public Radio or Television. The public needs to cover the cost of the programming they have come to rely on. Just as FPC has its annual Pledge Campaign, so does public media, and during the on-air pledge drives, listeners are encouraged to give whatever they choose, even if it doesn’t seem like “enough to make a difference.” This is also true with our own stance on giving to various ministries here at FPC.
Consider the little things that are important to your life; that cup of coffee that kick-starts your day, or various streaming platforms you may be enjoying. Then think of the value of what we have as members and friends of FPC, and give accordingly.
Our annual Pledge Campaign provides the majority of our funding. So far, the Session has been able to defer enough expenses to match congregational giving through May. During the next several months, we have historically seen lower monthly giving, higher expenses, and the need to turn to our modest General Fund cash reserve to cover the funding gap.
To find the new Faith Budget tile, along with the other types of giving we have been discussing, navigate to the donor page for online giving. Checks are also accepted, just write “Faith Budget” in the memo line. We very much appreciate the generous giving FPC has graciously enjoyed over the years. This reinforces our congregation’s Faith for the Future.
Barb Cash
May Shepherding the Flock
To view May’s Shepherding the Flock you can click here or the image.
Monthly Financial Update
In May, revenue was slightly higher than expenses during the month by $2,096. Year to date revenue was $39,136 higher than expenses during the period Jan – May. We anticipate using these extra funds during the summer doldrums where we historically have seen a dip in giving. Please see the fun article in last week’s connector from Barb where Sweetie and Dearie discuss online giving; This article illustrates how gifts can continue even if we can’t make it to church 😊. Thanks for considering.
Also, contributions towards the presbyterian member dues (per capita) have seen a nice bump. These are the $45 per member funds that are sent to the Presbytery for their support of churches, missions, and more. We have currently received 46 payments thus far.
Lastly, please come join us this Sunday 6/14/2026 where we will provide a financial update during the congregational meeting.
“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.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, June 28 – Youth Group Night
📅Date: Sunday, June 28
🕒Time: 7 – 8:30 PM
📌Behind FPC
Water games, campfire, and S’mores provided. Come and leave anytime!
*Youth Group/Student Ministry (7th–12th Grade)
Saturday, July 4 – WaunaBoom
Opportunity to represent FPC at Waunaboom! Sign-up and details coming soon!
Sunday, July 7 – Youth Group Summer Day Out
📅Date: Sunday, July 7
🕒Time: 9AM – 9PM
📌Register here
Please register by July 3rd
*Youth Group/Student Ministry (7th–12th Grade)
Thursday, July 11 – Youth Group Service Project
📅Date: Thursday, July 11
🕒Time: 3:30 – 8 PM
📌Register here
*Youth Group/Student Ministry (7th–12th Grade)
Sunday, August 2 – Vacation Bible School
VBS Rainforest Falls – VBS Rainforest Falls!
📅Date: August 2 – 4
🕒Time: 5:30 – 7:30 PM
📌Participant and Volunteer link is here
We warmly welcome all children. VBS is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends and to connect with their faith in a fun and nurturing environment.
Whether you can volunteer one night or all three, your time and heart will make a big difference. Sign up below to be part of this faith-filled adventure!
Dinner served each evening.
Questions? Please contact Angela Himegarner at angela.himegarner@myfpc.org
Save the Date | More Info to Come
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 – Updated 6/11
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:
- Pasta Sauce
- Bagged White Rice
- Ketchup
- Yellow Mustard
- Vegetable Oil
- Canned Fruit
- Kleenex
- Toilet Paper
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: June 21 – 27
This Week’s Anniversaries: June 21 – 27
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 through September.
Upcoming Music in Worship
June 21
Mary Kay Burton, organ
June 28
Jessica Spicer, flute (church member) & Brooksy Beilke-Skoug, piano
July 5
Ying Wang, pianist
July 12
Ying Wang, pianist
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.
