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Faith or Works?
I once heard a minister say, rather smugly, that Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount teaches us nothing about what we should believe but everything about how we, as Christians, should live. However, on the other hand, the Apostles’ Creed—the minister continued—says everything about what we should believe but nothing about how we should live. The subtext of his argument was that Jesus cared more about actions than beliefs, and that the church should focus on the same. So, which is it? Is the authenticity of one’s faith measured by orthodoxy (correct belief) or orthopraxy (correct action)?
I’m going to be honest: both! I firmly believe that a true belief sincerely held will lead to correct actions. I also believe that when someone practices right actions, there is usually some support of orthodox belief behind it. A 20th-century Lutheran preacher, Paul Scherer, said that Christian preaching should focus on the “indicatives of the Christian faith, where all the imperatives are born.” To speak in the “indicative mood” is to state what is factual, what is true or real. Discourse in the “imperative mood” is instructing someone on what they should do or avoid doing. Scherer’s main point is this: the strength and power of an imperative (what one ought to do) depend on the validity of the indicative (what truly is). Therefore, we should love God because God first loved us. We should feed the hungry because God in Christ “gives us this day our daily bread.”
What about those who emphasize right belief but fall short on the “doing” part? Let me be clear: the “doing” is not a way to earn favors from God. Salvation is a gift of grace through faith and is not an achievement. However, a belief without action is called hypocrisy. Good works apart from faith are possible, but a faith that does not lead to good works is deadly. As the apostle James wrote, “faith without works is dead.” (James 2:17).
Grace and peace,
Will
“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 | June 29-July 19, 2025
Sundays through August 31 at 9AM – Summer Worship Time!
Join us for worship this summer at 9AM in the Sanctuary, now through Sunday, August 31.
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.
Mondays, at 1PM – Light Team viewing The Chosen, Season 2
Each Monday at 1PM, through June 30, the Light Team will be watching Season 2 of The Chosen together.
Come experience the life of Jesus and His disciples in a fresh and powerful way. All are welcome—bring a friend and join us for thoughtful conversation, community, and inspiration each week through June 30.
Questions? Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.
Friday, July 4 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Independence Day.
Saturday, July 12, at 10AM and Monday, July 14, 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!
Thursday, July 17 at 11:30AM – Lunch with the Dining Divas
Join the Dining Divas for a delightful lunch outing!
We’re gathering at The Vintage in Cross Plains on Thursday, July 17 at 11:30AM for great food and even better company. If you’d like to pull up a chair and enjoy some laughs and conversation, please RSVP to Alka at alkadaisy@gmail.com.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Friday, July 25, from 11AM-5PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held in Fellowship Hall on Friday, July 25, from 11AM-5PM. Click the button below to sign up today!
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 10:15-11AM – Historic Organ Recital
Our historic 1891 Schuelke organ will be featured for an organ recital on Wednesday, August 6th from 10:15-11AM 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.
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.
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.
Opportunities to Serve
June Cereal Drive for the Waunakee Food Pantry!
School’s out, and the need is up! With kids home for the summer, breakfast becomes even more important—and harder to keep stocked for families in need. We’re collecting boxes of cereal all month long to help the Waunakee Food Pantry stay ready to serve.
Bring your favorite boxes of cereal any Sunday throughout June and help fill their shelves (and bellies) with love!
We’re Hiring! Join Our Team as Communications Specialist
Part-Time | ~25 hours/week | Flexible Schedule
Do you have a passion for design, and sharing the Good News in creative ways? FPC of Waunakee is looking for a Communications Specialist to join our vibrant and Christ-centered team. This role is vital to how we connect with our congregation and reach out to our community.
Who We Are
FPC exists to know Jesus Christ and to make Him known—through worship, service, and community. We’re seeking someone who shares this mission and brings strong technical and creative skills to support it.
What You’ll Do
- Manage and maintain our website and social media presence
- Design and distribute weekly announcements, bulletins, and digital slides
- Oversee church-wide messaging via email (e.g., Constant Contact)
- Support ministries with brochures, flyers, banners, and more
- Maintain our electronic signboard and church photo wall
- Help produce our Annual Report, Advent mailing, and pledge materials
- Collaborate with staff and volunteers to tell our church’s story with excellence and joy
What You Bring
- A sincere and growing Christian faith
- Experience with WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Organized, self-motivated, and a team player with a heart for ministry
Join FPC Waunakee as Our Full-Time Director of Children and Family Ministry!
Are you a cheerleader for God with a love for working with kids and families? Then First Presbyterian Church (FPC) is for YOU!
As our Director of Children and Family Ministry, you’ll be:
• A fun and positive leader – ready to inspire and build on an already awesome program and community.
• Enthusiastic – leading fun programs and engaging families and volunteers.
• A communicator – sharing God’s love with kids in ways that make them laugh, learn, and grow.
• A multitasker – juggling volunteers, events, and goldfish crackers like a pro.
• A guardian of safety and security – because peace of mind is priceless.
You’ll thrive here if you:
✓ Love working with kids (bonus points if you know how to turn a sticky situation into a teaching moment).
✓ Are organized, self-motivated, and great at delegating.
✓ Believe in the power of teamwork and collaboration with an amazing staff and company culture.
✓ Have a knack for listening, inspiring others, and leading change with a smile.
We’re offering a chance to lead with purpose, grow in your faith, and make a lasting impact. Plus, there’s coffee in the break room and probably some leftover cookies from Sunday school.
Ready to bring your joy, energy, and vision to First Presbyterian Church Waunakee? Let’s build a ministry that kids love and parents cheer for!
Position is 40 hours, full-time, can be hybrid-other than most Sundays. Competitive salary and benefits!
Seeking a Director of Student Ministry to Inspire and Lead
Our Mission: 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.
Job Status: 20-30 hours per week including Sundays, hourly wage, flexible scheduling, onsite or hybrid with Head of Staff Approval
Purpose: To provide leadership, direction, coordination, and support for the church’s program and mission of Student Ministry to reach middle and high school students.
Qualifications and/or Gifts Required:
- This position is to be filled by a committed Christian of strong faith, with dedicated discipleship and a love of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, who is seeking to live a life commensurate with this faith.
- This person should have strong communication skills, a love and concern for students, an ability to relate well to them, and an ability to work well with others in ministry.
- Strong Leader and Team Builder: Ability to recruit, lead and motivate a team of volunteers and staff, embracing innovation and leading change.
- Possesses a desire and ability for collaboration with others within the church, and with others in the community, for continued growth and partnerships.
- A bachelor’s degree is preferred (student ministry, pastoral ministry, ministry leadership, education, human development or equivalent), and/or documented experience in working with teenagers.
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.
Sound Desk Assistant Needed
We invite you to join our dynamic worship team as a Sound Desk Assistant! Play a crucial role in enhancing our Sunday worship services by ensuring a seamless audio/visual experience for the congregation both in-person and at home. Take turns with fellow volunteers and enjoy a unique opportunity to be part of our vibrant worship atmosphere! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact info@myfpc.org
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
Guatemala Mission Trip 2025
This Week’s Birthdays: June 29 – July 5
This Week’s Anniversaries: June 29 – July 5
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
June 29 – Ross Cowing, organ
July 6 – All That Brass brass quintet
July 13 – Jessica Spicer, flute and Ying Wang, piano
July 20 – Ivory and Brass, (Ruth and Paul Heinecke), piano and trumpet/flugelhorn
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
Praise Song of the Week
This week’s praise song, Firm Foundation (He Won’t), by Cody Carnes, is a powerful reminder that Christ is our unwavering rock, the foundation that never shifts, even in life’s storms. In a world of uncertainty, this song reassures believers that God’s love and promises remain steadfast—He won’t fail us. Just as Jesus taught about building our lives on solid rock rather than shifting sand (Matthew 7:24-25), Firm Foundation calls us to anchor our faith in Him. When doubt and trials arise, we can rest in the certainty that our hope is secure. May this song inspire us to live with bold faith, trusting that no matter what comes, God is always faithful.
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!
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
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.
