The Book of Hebrews challenges us to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). I’ve attempted to run two marathons and completed only one. As I reflect on the race I finished, I see that the lessons I learned from running also apply to our lives of faith. I would like to share just three of them with you.

1. The Race Requires Nourishment

A marathon requires that one’s body be adequately nourished both before and during the race. In the weeks leading up to my marathon, I ate a regular diet of red meat to build iron. Iron is the mineral that carries oxygen from the lungs to all the other parts of the body. Good oxygen flow is a must when you’re running 26 miles!  During the race, runners consume extra calories in the form of energy packets and drinks at various intervals to keep their bodies strong throughout the race. Our souls need regular nourishment so we can maintain our energy and stamina to keep running. We are nourished with the bread and cup of Christ’s body and blood, and we are nourished with the preaching of the word.

2. It Is Good to Have A Crew

Marathon runners will often have a “crew.” These are people who make sure the runner is prepped for the race and okay during it. The crew will organize food, provide first aid when in need, and offer encouragement.

Like running a race, spirituality is never supposed to be lived in isolation. We need one another to be our best selves and the best Christians we are called to be. Every Sunday we profess our belief in the “communion of saints,” which testifies that while our relationship with God is personal, the community of believers always cultivates and nourishes it.

3. Get Some Rest

Marathons are exhausting! Training for a marathon is exhausting! The body needs rest during training and after the race. Two weeks before my marathon, I completed a 20-mile run, but in the days leading up to the race, I ran no more than three miles per run. The body also needs rest before race day. Likewise, after the race, I didn’t run at all for more than a week because my race-ravaged muscles needed time to replenish and rebuild.

As with running, our souls need to find rest. We keep sabbath because it is a commandment, but also because without it we will wear out. I’m reminded of the phrase, “If you do not take a break, you will break.” People who never take a moment to just be in God’s presence, without trying to do anything, are not spiritually healthy people. 

Let us keep running, and by God’s grace, we will win the race!

Grace and Peace,
Will

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.

Meet father-daughter authors Madeline Lindvall and New York Times best-selling author Michael Lindvall as they share the writing journey and the inspiration behind their book Ashes to Ashes.

📅Date: Sunday, November 1
🕒Time: 11 AM – Noon
📌Location: Please meet in the Sanctuary for the Q&A with the luncheon in Fellowship Hall.

We look forward to sharing conversation, fellowship, and insights from this meaningful book!

Please note this was moved to Sunday

Come hang out, watch a movie, enjoy snacks, and spend time with friends.

Students in 7th – 12th grade are welcome to join Youth Group for fellowship and faith exploration.

📅Date: Sunday, November 1
🕒Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
📌Location: Meet upstairs in the FPC Youth Space

Please join us at M-N-M’s Coffee House on Tuesday mornings @ 7:30 A.M with Pastor Will leading us in an 8-week study on 1 John (John’s First Epistle).

📅Date: Tuesdays
🕒Time: 7:30 AM
📌Location: M-N-M’s Coffee House

If interested in participating, please contact
Jim Fitzgerald with any questions or you can sign up in the Narthex area of church.

Contact Jim Fitzgerald at NurtureAndGrowthElder@myfpc.org with any questions.

All women are welcome to join the Waunakee Community Bible Study.

This is held weekly on Wednesdays at 8:30 AM and follows the Waunakee School District Schedule.

📅Date: Wednesdays
🕒Time: 8:30 AM
📌Location: Meets in Room 204

Email any questions to bstell122515@tds.net

All men are welcome to join us for a 5-week session on “When Your Way Isn’t Working” by Pastor/Author Kyle Idleman.

Our study will focus on the scripture found in John 15:5, where Jesus tells his followers; “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can’t do anything”.

Instead of going it alone in life we are to stay connected to Him!     

📅Date: Wednesdays
🕒Time: 7 PM
📌Location: Meets in the FPC conference room

Contact Jim Fitzgerald at NurtureAndGrowthElder@myfpc.org with any questions.

Join us Thursday evenings for a relaxing yoga flow, led by FPC Elder Lolly Lawrence.

📅Date: Thursdays
🕒Time: 5:15 – 6 PM
📌Location: Meets in the FPC Youth Space Upstairs



Questions? Contact Lolly Lawrence ClerkOfSession@myfpc.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meets weekly on Thursdays at 7 PM in Fellowship Hall.

Adult Sunday School Class (Life Compass) is focused around the “Gospel in Life” by Timothy Keller.

📅Date: Sundays
🕒Time: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
📌Location: Meets in Room 204

Contact Jim Fitzgerald at NurtureAndGrowthElder@myfpc.org with any questions.

Students in 7th – 12th grade are welcome to join Youth Group for fellowship and faith exploration.

📅Date: Sundays
🕒Time: 6:30 – 7:45 PM
📌Location: Meet upstairs in the FPC Youth Space

All Christian women are welcome to join in fellowship and faith discussion.

📅Date: Mondays
🕒Time: 1 PM
📌Location: The Gathering Space at FPC

Care for caregivers involves providing emotional support, practical resources, and self‑care strategies to help those who assist loved ones with daily tasks, medical needs, and long‑term conditions.

📅Date: Second Tuesday of the Month
🕒Time: 6:30 PM
📌Location: Room 204

Please contact Marcia Chase with any questions. marchase@icloud.com

Join the Dining Divas this fall!

📅Date: Thursday, November 12
🕒Time: Noon
📌Location: Olive Garden

Please RSVP by November 5. We hope you can join us for good food and fellowship!

Text Alka to RSVP or with questions: 608.692.6731

Care for caregivers involves providing emotional support, practical resources, and self‑care strategies to help those who assist loved ones with daily tasks, medical needs, and long‑term conditions.

📅Date: Second Saturday of the Month
🕒Time: 10 AM
📌Location: Room 204

Please contact Marcia Chase with any questions. marchase@icloud.com

Please join us for a local service project!

The mission committee invites all to join in packing food bags to donate to two local non-profit organizations – The River Food Pantry, and Friends of the State Street Family.

This is a family friendly event and a great opportunity for children to get involved!

📅Date: Sunday, November 15
🕒Time: Following Service
📌Location: Fellowship Hall
✏️Sign Up here!

Any questions please contact Allison Tardif at allisonmtardif@gmail.com

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. 

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!

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:

1. Pasta Sauce
2. Bagged White Rice
3. Instant Mashed Potatoes
4. Strawberry Jelly
5. Vegetable Oil
6. Canned Corn
7. Kleenex
8. 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.

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.

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 Jamison Wendlandt at JWendlandt@myfpc.org