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Meet Susan Landphier, FPC’s Newest Admin Team Member
We are excited to introduce Susan Landphier, who joined our administrative team on Monday! As the new face at the front desk, Susan is already making a great impression—greeting guests with a smile, answering phones, and jumping into the rhythms of FPC.
Kristina Maher, FPC’s Business Administrator, shared: “We’ve thrown a lot her way in just a few days, and Susan has handled it all with a great attitude and seems eager to learn more. She’s a great addition to our team.”
In just a few short days, Susan has proven to be a quick learner and a welcoming presence. Her attention to detail, kind personality, and infectious laugh are already a blessing to our staff.
“I love this,” said Pastor Ben, Associate Pastor. “I didn’t realize how much I missed having the light on and a smiling face in the receptionist office space!”
“Susan brings such a sense of warmth to the front office. She’s already making people feel welcome the moment they walk in,” said Pastor Will, Lead Pastor. “We’re excited to watch her grow and develop in this role.”
Video Devotional: An Eye for an Eye: How God Moves the Culture Forward
In a recent Bethel Bible Series Online class, Pastor Jeff discussed how God leads the culture forward. Find out how God leads humanity from the unrestricted revenge of Lamech to the proportionate retribution of Moses to Jesus’ loving your enemies.
Soli Deo Gloria!
“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 | May 11-May 31, 2025
Sundays, Throughout May, 9AM or 10AM – Two Worship Services!
Double the worship, double the blessings! Starting next week, Sunday, May 4, join us at 9AM in the Chapel or 10AM in the Sanctuary. Two services, throughout the month of May!
Mondays, at 1PM – Light Team viewing The Chosen, Season 2
Each Monday at 1PM, 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.
No Meeting on Monday, May 26.
Questions? Please contact Lynda Bennin blbennin@tds.net for more info.
Monday, May 12, 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!
Tuesdays, through June 3 – New 5-Week Bible Study: Psalms – Led by Pastor Will
Name of Study: “Psalms as a Grammar for Faith”
When: Every Tuesday, from April 29-June 3 – 7:30 am start time with hard stop @ 8:30 am
Location: M-N-M’s Coffeehouse, 509 W. Main St., Waunakee
Bible Study Leader: Pastor Will Wilson
Overview: Pastor Will plans to begin preaching a new sermon series around the Psalms beginning in May and concluding in mid-June. Much like we did with our study on Mark, our new study around the Psalms will coincide nicely with his sermons. As we study the Psalms together, Pastor Will is recommending that along with our Bibles, we use a book he’s studied previously from his Baylor days: “Psalms as a Grammar for Faith: Prayer and Praise” by W.H.Bellinger Jr. This book has five chapters and gives good orientation to the Psalter as a whole in a scholarly way that is yet accessible for the layperson. Cost of the book is $29.95 on Amazon Prime. Please know FPC would help offset this cost for anyone who might have interest and/or a need to do so.
Please contact Jim Fitzgerald if you would like to join or have any questions.
Wednesdays, from 7-8:30PM – FPC Men’s Ministry Group
FPC Men’s Ministry Group has started a new video series by Jon Ortberg called “Who Is This Man?” In this five-session video-based study, Ortberg shows how Jesus’ influence has swept over history, bringing his inspiration to the fields of art, science, government, medicine and education. And how his vision for us to lead lives of dignity, compassion, forgiveness and hope continues to inspire and challenge humanity today.
All men are welcome and please contact David Sliwicki david.sliwicki@gmail.com for more info.
Wednesday, May 14 at 11:30AM – New Horizons Potluck and Presentation by Todd Schmidt
Todd Schmidt, Waunakee Village Administrator, will discuss the development plans for Waunakee. Potluck will follow in Fellowship Hall.
If you’d like more information please call Steve Doty at 608-849-4058.
Sunday, May 18, during worship – 2025 Graduation Recognition
During worship on Sunday, May 18, we will be celebrating FPC’s graduates! If you or your student is graduating from high school or college, email info@myfpc.org by noon on Tuesday, May 13, to be included in the recognition.
Please send us:
- Your name
- Your parent’s names
- The school you are graduating from
- Your future plans
- Your senior pic!
Or… fill out this form online here.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
Monday-Thursday, May 19-22 from 9AM-4PM – Sewing Days
Bring your sewing machine and other supplies and work on prayer quilts for the church. Questions? Contact Anne Frihart.
Monday, May 26 – Church Office Closed for Memorial Day
The FPC office will be closed on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.
Friday, May 30 – Red Cross Blood Drive
Help save lives! The blood drive will be held in Fellowship Hall on Friday, May 30, from 11AM-5PM. Click the button below to sign up today!
Save the Date | More Info to come
June 22-24, from 5:30-7:30PM – VBS True North!
At True North VBS, kids will learn that we can trust Jesus in this wild world! VBS is for children from age 4, up to and including 4th grade. Kids will enjoy Bible stories, games, music, crafts, projects and LOTS OF FUN!
Bring your friends and family!
Friday, July 4 – FPC Church Office will be closed
The FPC Church office will be closed for Independence Day.
Opportunities to Serve
Student Choir Opportunity – May 18
Middle & high school Students! Join the choir in singing “Goodness of God” at the May 18th 10am service! All those interested in singing or playing an instrument are welcome. We’ll rehearse May 14, 7pm in the sanctuary. Contact Jamison at JWendlandt@myfpc.org to RSVP or with any questions.
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
- Pasta Sauce
- Chunky Type Soups
- Dinty Moore Beef Stew
- Manwich
- Chicken or Beef Broth
- 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
April Session Meeting
Shepherding the Flock from the April Session Meeting
Pastor Will opened the meeting with all reciting the Lord’s Prayer. The devotion he brought was from Philippians 2:5-11 and an essay from C. Clifton Black (Princeton Theological Seminary) with the theme “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Elders were asked to reflect on what this means to them.
Report of the Clerk
Reviewed the full FPC By-Laws with the group. Discussed plans to review and update elder job descriptions and associated policies and procedures, starting this summer.
Deacons Report:
Continuing ministry with prayer shawls, meals, visiting the homebound and those with special needs, and delivering muffins.
Pastor’s Moment
• Noted that some believe that “Living Faith Together” is the name of our church, given the wording on our outdoor sign. We may want to change the sign eventually to spell out that we are Presbyterian Church.
• Discussed elder training that is planned for new elders and deacons. Expecting to cover Presbyterian history and policy, Presbyterian theology, reformed Presbyterian worship, and church budget and finances. Expecting to meet around six hours on an upcoming Saturday, prior to June. Current elders interested in the training are Emily Bauer, Amy Lewis, Jim Fitzgerald, Julie Cable, and Krista Wallace.
• Had a good meeting with Bill Lehman from the Lutheran Church in Stoughton. Learned more about the relationship between that church and ours.
• The 9:00 a.m. service through Lent was very successful. This early service may eventually outgrow the chapel. Anywhere from 24 to 50 people were in attendance.
• Wrapped up the Mark Bible study on April 15. There will be a one week break and then will continue with a five-week study of the Psalms starting the first week of May. This will conclude on June 3. We’ve had good attendance at the early morning Bible study, with about 12 to 15 people in regularly attending.
• Working with the nominating committee.
• Working on personnel items, particularly open positions.
• Will be taking a six-week preaching break starting in June — off from Sunday, June 22 through the end of July. Guest pastors will be lined up. Abby Wilson may be preaching on Hannah.
Discussion of Student Ministry Job Description
It was proposed that the children and family ministry director be a full-time position and the student ministry director be a part-time position. This was the other way around previously. There were questions on whether student ministry should be full-time or part-time. We should take a long-range perspective regarding how these roles impact church growth and also consider what brings people into the kingdom. The student ministry job description was approved as written, being a part time position.
Discussion of One Service for Summer at 9:00 a.m.
There was an opinion expressed that changing service times is confusing to our members. After discussion, we agreed that our members are adaptable and will adjust. Service times will change to 9:00 a.m. for the summer months. This will run from Memorial Day until Labor Day.
Finance
Alan Roberts and his team have been tracking donation methods for the past 3 months. Giving via check in significantly higher than giving by credit card or EFT. They will work with stewardship to find ways to motivate our members to move to electronic giving, to reduce administrative work and level out income throughout the year.
General fund balance is $56,888.65. Income versus expense for the general fund only, is -$24,232.99. Income versus expense for all funds is $190,129.75. Note: All funds includes the $225,000 land sale.
Percent of pledges given versus pledged for the month of March was 88%, and 103% year to date.
Building and Grounds
RJ Binau provided an update on the parking lot and some concerns stated by members about the condition of the parking lot. There are also concerns related to the condition of the building, because it is starting to show its age and there are areas that need to be maintained/repaired. Bernie & Sheryll Gehrmann, Ed Schlappi and Steve Sash have worked on identifying building and grounds projects. Bernie and Sheryll Gehrmann presented a package of nine projects for building and grounds. These were prioritized in order of severity and need.
The first three items are:
• Complete parking lot, $27,000: Cut broken edge, lay foundation, extend driveway to the west for turnaround
• Sealcoat parking lot, $22,000: Sealing needs to be done 12 months after new asphalt is installed. This would caulk cracks and reseal. Striping is included.
• Grade water issue on east out to the road, $1450.
Any of these projects could cost more if issues are found after the project is started. E.g., may need more drainage work or create a firmer base for new asphalt.
Session gave the green light to start with the three items noted above. For the time being, these pay out of the capital improvement fund. Stewardship will initiate a building and grounds campaign for the amount needed to complete all nine projects brought forward by the building and grounds team.
Note: Other projects include power washing the building; placing door blinds in the Education Wing and Fellowship Hall; complete LED light replacement; complete the west landscaping project, including concrete paths to the shelter; replace flooring in the Fellowship kitchen area.
Alan Roberts will approach the trustees for the endowment for a $50k matching amount for the building and grounds campaign. (The endowment fund contains proceeds from the land sale.)
Building and grounds completed a furnace fix for $600. They are planning the B&G clean-up day on April 26. Also, session approved playground rules signage to be placed in the family area playground, to limit FPC liability.
Children’s Ministry
Working on organization and preparation for VBS.
Worship and Music
We are seeing some people attending the 9 a.m. services who had not been attending the 10 a.m. service, including visitors.
Personnel
Amy Chavez reported that her team is working on staff check-in meetings; filling open positions for the administrative assistant, CFM director and student ministry director; and completing all performance reviews for all staff (with Pastor Will) in the next month or so.
Session approved a four month, fully-paid sabbatical for Pastor Ben Ehrets. He will receive regular salary and benefits through this sabbatical. Their proposed sabbatical timeframe is September 1 through December 31 of 2026.
Stewardship
Barb Cash reported that they are continuing to work on ongoing plans for upcoming campaigns, including determining the best approach for either a parking lot campaign or a building and grounds campaign.
Student Ministry
Emily Bauer reported that confirmands, mentors, elders and pastors will gather for dinner on April 26 at FPC. Confirmands will share their testimonies and there will be time for open discussion.
Guatemala participants gathered on April 6 to meet the leaders, discuss what to expect, and answer questions. Larry Keen will donate hardhats and safety glasses for the trip. Determining best date for commissioning the group.
Sunday school and Wednesday night youth group are proceeding as planned. Fall plans will be discussed soon.
Adult Nurture and Spiritual Growth
Jim Fitzgerald reported that there was a combined Adult Sunday School study during Lent around Max Lucado’s He Chose the Nails. The men’s small group began a new six- week video series, Not a Fan, on April 2. The team is also evaluating options to offer a follow-up Centering Prayer workshop during fall of 2025 and is extending the Tuesday morning Bible study to offer a five-week study on Psalms. Looking ahead, the team will begin to discuss several church-wide events to bring forward for 2025 and 2026, including a woman’s speaker breakfast and a men’s event as well.
Nominating Committee
Jim said the Nominating Committee is making good progress. Most roles have been filled. Turning focus to filling the 2026 nominating committee. Also discussing how to support the transitions from the current elder to the incoming elder. Session approved rescinding Emily Bauer’s resignation from the role as Student Ministry elder. She will complete her term.
Missions
Julie Cable reported that her team has been reviewing where FPC is called to give amongst the various Presbyterian mission offerings:
• Presbyterian mission support
• Special offerings, which include One Great Hour of sharing, a Pentecost offering, a Peace and Global Witness offering, and a Christmas Joy Offering
• John Knox Starfish Campaign
In April, the team will be working on the WNC toiletry drive. The WNC director will speak to the congregation in May. June will highlight the Waunakee Food Pantry and in August we’ll see a weeklong event for Love Dane coordinated with other Dane County churches.
Mission donations in April included $2500 to Porchlight, $3000 to student missions, and $1000 to Presbyterian mission support.
Fellowship
The Wednesday night Lenten dinners were resounding success. We saw upwards of 70 to 80 attendees at these dinners. Continuing to work on forming a new fellowship team.
New Member Outreach
April 27 is the next quarterly “All About FPC” meeting. Elders were reminded to attend.
Thank you for your support
We’re just one week into our Pillars and Pathways campaign, and we’re already seeing the impact of your generosity. This past Tuesday, the church building was power washed for the first time in years—a fresh start to many exciting improvements ahead!
But there’s still much to do. From small projects like replacing stained ceiling tiles, to larger ones such as updating the flooring in the Fellowship Hall kitchen, every gift helps us care for the spaces where we worship, serve, and gather as a church family.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us!
If you haven’t had the opportunity to pledge yet, please consider doing so by clicking the button below. Thanks again!
Spring Cleanup thank you
THANK YOU to all that helped with Spring cleanup, your hard work has beautified our church grounds and is greatly appreciated! The group was small but mighty!
We still have a few “adopt a spot” areas that we need to fill, please reach out if you are able to help.
This Week’s Birthdays: May 11 – 17
This Week’s Anniversaries: May 11 – 17
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.
The Nursery will be OPEN on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.
Music in Worship
May 11 – 9AM – Beth Wagner, guest pianist
May 11 – 10AM – Ying Wang, Joyful Noise Brass & Ross Cowing, guest organist
May 18 – 9AM – Beth Wagner, guest pianist
May 18 – 10AM – FPC Choir & Ying Wang
May 25 – 9AM – Beth Wagner, guest pianist
May 25 – 10AM – Ying Wang & Joyful Noise
Guest Organist: Ross Cowing
Ross Cowing is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the former Director of Music and Arts and Organist at First United Methodist Church in Madison, where he served for over 30 years..
His career in music education spanned 37 years, teaching instrumental music in the Waunakee School District. Ross began playing the organ at the age of 12 and has held positions at several Wisconsin churches, including United Methodist Church in North Freedom, First United Methodist in Baraboo, Emmanuel United Methodist in Baraboo, and Peace Lutheran in Waunakee, where he served as organist and music director for 17 years.
A passionate supporter of the arts, Ross is also active in musical theatre and has accompanied productions for University Theatre, Four Seasons Theatre, Children’s Theater of Madison, Edgewood High School, Oregon High School, and House Theatre Madison.
Ross is married to Julie, a fellow retired music educator. They have two children, Sarah and Brian, both of whom hold music degrees. Sarah is the Production Coordinator for Pittsburgh Opera, and Brian is the Artistic Director of Children’s Theater of Madison.
Praise Song of the Week
This week’s praise song, Living Hope, by Phil Wickham is more than just a song—it’s a heartfelt declaration of the gospel’s power to transform lives. Born from a simple voice memo and shaped into a collaboration with Brian Johnson, the song takes listeners on a journey from despair to redemption, reflecting the truth that Jesus has conquered sin and death. Wickham emphasizes that worship is not just singing but encountering God’s presence and being transformed by His truth. Living Hope serves as a reminder that no matter our struggles, our hope is secure in Christ. Let this song be a declaration of faith—an anthem that strengthens our souls and encourages us to live daily in the assurance that our Savior lives.
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.
