Several years ago, Christine and I received shocking but not unexpected news that our good friend Greg, after a long bout with bile duct cancer, had suddenly died. 

Greg was our daughter Molly’s godfather. 

We first met him at Covenant House where he served in many capacities. He had been given a brilliant mind and a compassionate heart- a rare combination. Acerbic and astute, Greg always expected the worst to happen and when it did not, he would be the target of good-natured kidding. We busted his chops a lot. Don’t worry, he could hold his own and then some. Sometimes the repartee flew all night. 

Greg and I did not begin as friends. He and I had more not in common than we had in common. We, at first, did not see eye to eye politically, religiously, or musically. Greg was a Republican, defended the Pope, and adored Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers. 

Me? Not so much. He was a musical comedy man; I loved intense, meaningful plays. 

Our differences ran deep.

What we did agree on was profound. We knew that, in the dailyness of life, we wanted to put our faith into practice. As we stayed in touch over the years, the labels that we so expertly exploited while jesting became meaningless. His diagnosis and subsequent fight with this rare cancer refined our feelings and thoughts. A deep respect grew between us. 

In one of our last visits, a miracle of sorts happened- at least for me. As Greg, Christine and I lingered in our late-night conversation, I realized just exactly how much Greg and I had in common: passion for the many unwanted kids (the throw-aways) left behind by our society, a deep love for Jesus, empathy for our broken church, a keenness for our godchildren, and a gratitude for Christine, our families and friends. It was a conversation that allowed each of us to honestly affirm what was central to our lives and let go of the stuff that did not matter- old wounds, fears about the future, lost opportunities and labels. It was a holy moment with Greg- one that I will not forget. 

This Lent provides each of us with an invitation to take stock, to focus on what is central to our lives, and to let go of the stuff that does not matter- old wounds, fears about the future, lost opportunities and labels. Focusing on Jesus is an opportunity for each of us to sift through our own lives and see with new eyes. 

So come; there is an invitation waiting for you; take seriously the church’s call to come away this Lent and linger a while with Jesus. You will be glad that you did.

Peace,
Pastor Glen

“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.

The Penny War raised a total of $406.06

This came in the form of $83 in currency and $323.06 in coins

• 4,521 pennies
• 607 nickels
• 1,025 dimes
• 556 quarters
• 2 fifty-cent pieces
• 5 one dollar coins

The Winners:
4K/Kindergarten – Peter
First/Second Grade – Isaac
Third/Fourth Grade – Brenna
Fifth/Sixth Grade – Carsten
Most Pennies – Russell

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200

The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. It is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.

3-4-year-old Kingdom Kids now have their own Sunday School class from 9-9:50 am on Sunday, in the Kingdom Kids room.

4k-Kindergarteners will still be upstairs.

Are you familiar with FPC’s FOOF wall? It’s not just a funny name! Take a walk down to the children’s education wing, and there you will see photos of many of our church members, staff and volunteers. This is our FOOF wall – the Faces Of Our Family. 

The FOOF wall is more than just a collection of photos. It helps our members recognize and get to know each other. It’s a useful tool for church leaders and staff. It’s a great connection mechanism within our congregation.  And we need your help to make our FOOF wall current again!

Many of the photos on the FOOF wall were taken years ago while putting together our church directory. Most of us look very different today! Some of us have gotten married or had babies over the past few years. Some of us may be new to the church, and did not have an opportunity to submit a picture for our wall. So we would appreciate your assistance as we update the “faces of our family.”

Do you have a family photo that you used for your Christmas card this year? Or perhaps a picture taken over the holidays? Please take a moment to send the picture to us by clicking the button below.  Thank you!

Our 4K/Kindergarten Bible Presentations will be on March 12. Contact Christa Schmeelk if your 4k/Kindergartner has yet to receive a Jesus Story Book Bible.

Pastor Glen along with retired Pastor Susan, will be leading all who choose to take a deep dive into Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan Woman at the Well. She does not hold back. And neither does He. Jesus forms a unique relationship with her. How might we deepen our own relationship with “the Mystery at the heart of our existence that we call God?”

We hope you’ll join us in the Chapel.

The Light Team is comprised of women who want a chance to meet for fellowship and Bible study. We pray for each other and those in our church family and community. When possible, we extend ourselves in projects to help others. There is no homework and we include humor and laughter! We meet in the Gathering Place on Mondays at 1:00 – 2:30 PM. All are welcome to attend any or all of our sessions. Light Team’s current five week series for “The Longing in Me” by Sheila Walsh is running every Monday from now until March 27.

Please mark your calendars!  FPC will host an organ recital on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 2 PM featuring highly regarded organist Dr. Andrew Schaeffer, Director of Music at the Luther Memorial Church in Madison.  The recital will be dedicated to the life and service of Pat Ronspiez. Pat served as our organist for 46 years. She also played piano and accordion.  

Our church features an historic 1890 Schuelke organ built in Milwaukee and rebuilt by Wahl Organ Builders of Appleton in 1992. You can read about our historic organ here.

A Chicago native, Schaeffer holds degrees from St. Olaf College, Yale University and a doctoral degree from the University of Oklahoma. Andrew’s responsibilities include playing organ for Sunday services, directing the children, youth and adult choirs, various instrumental ensembles and overseeing the general music ministry of the congregation.  He has been at Luther Memorial since 2018. Schaeffer is also editor-at-large of The Diapason, a nationally published organ and church music magazine.

A free will offering will be collected at the recital. FPC will donate 90% of the free will offerings to the Waunakee High School Music Department’s grand piano purchase. The remaining 10% will go towards our church missions.

Parents, mark your calendars for the Easter Trail! Bring your child to Sunday School on Palm Sunday, April 2nd from 9-9:50am so they can walk through the events of Holy week during Sunday School. There will be fun, snacks, and a goody bag to help them celebrate Holy Week!

FPC will host two worship services on Sunday, April 9 for Easter, one at 8 am and another at 10 am. There will be no Children’s Sunday School, Graceland, or Kingdom Kids as volunteers will be spending Easter with their families.

March is Red Cross Month and I thought it would be a great time to personally thank you for all you do for the Red Cross blood drives. Our mission wouldn’t be possible without community heroes like you. 

Our work is powered by 90% volunteers, whose humanitarian spirit continues to advance the lifesaving legacy of our founder, Clara Barton. For more than 140 years since Clara started the American Red Cross, her vision to prevent and alleviate human suffering has never wavered. Generation after generation, people have come together to adapt this timeless mission for their communities’ most urgent needs. Encourage the people in your lives to turn their compassion into action this month! 

The blood that has been collected through your drives has not only saved many, many lives, but also supports the other sectors of service provided by the American Red Cross like humanitarian aid, armed services support, safety and emergency training, and safety education. 

Here’s a quick video highlighting how your generosity and partnership supported the American Red Cross.

Sincerely,
Nicole Rundahl
Donor Recruitment Account Manager