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Because of You… Faith Comes Alive for Our Children
At FPC of Waunakee, our Children’s Ministry is all about sharing God’s love in ways that are vibrant, engaging, and memorable. Every Sunday, we see the impact your pledges have as children grow in faith, discover their talents, and experience the joy of community. Your generosity makes it all possible, and here’s how it’s changing lives:
DID YOU KNOW, BECAUSE OF YOU…
- Children are excited to learn about God! They love the fun and warmth they experience in Sunday School, complete with games, treats, and even prizes.
- Kids explore their creativity. Through hands-on projects like building, painting, and crafting gifts for others, children learn that God made them unique and kind.
- VBS becomes the best week of the year. Vacation Bible School is a community-wide celebration of God’s greatness, where kids come together with friends for a party filled with faith and fun. They’d have it every day if they could!
- Families gather for special events. Whether it’s Bingo Night (January 29 at 6 PM) with pizza and prizes, or the Children’s Nativity Service (December 22 at 4 PM), our community comes together to celebrate and connect.
- Children receive their very own Bibles. Thanks to your support, every preschooler and 5th grader is gifted a Bible they can keep forever, a treasure that helps them grow in their faith journey.
Our Children’s Ministry wouldn’t be possible without you, and a thriving Children’s Ministry drives growth at FPC. Every pledge supports programs that nurture faith, creativity, and community for the youngest members of FPC. If you haven’t yet pledged, we kindly ask you to prayerfully consider doing so, as we have received less than 75% of the pledges we received last year—every little bit makes a difference.
Together, we’re creating a bright and joyful space where children learn about God’s love and feel part of His family. Thank you for being part of this incredible ministry. With your continued pledges, we can keep inspiring the next generation to know and share God’s love!
With heartfelt appreciation,
Peter Bergmann
Children’s Ministry Elder
Video Devotional: Blessed to Be a Blessing
Pastor Jeff uses the Abrahamic Covenant, Genesis 12:1-3, to highlight how, using “blessed to be a blessing” as a theme, the Bethel Endowment Foundation, led by the Holy Spirit, is doing remarkable things in our world today.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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 | Nov. 24 – Dec. 14, 2024
Sunday, November 24 – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Thanksgiving Service
The All Faith Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service will be hosted by St. John’s this year! Sunday, November 24 at 5PM. Located at 209 South Street, Waunakee. All are welcome! A variety of pies will be served.
Mondays, from 1-2:30PM – Light Team
Light team is a small women’s group that emphasizes fellowship with a Bible study. Meetings take place Monday afternoons in the Gathering Place from 1-2:30.
No homework is required and our meetings are open to all. Our time together is enhanced with coffee, tea, and delicious snacks.
Description of “Anxious for Nothing”: Best selling author Max Lucado explores God’s treatment plan for anxiety found in Philippians 4:4-8. You can discover a life of calm and develop tools for combating the onslaught of anxiety.
No Light Team on the following days
November 25
December 30
January 20, 2025
If you are interested in joining, or would like more information, please email Lynda Bennin.
Tuesdays through December 3 – New Bible Study: Mark – Led by Pastor Will
Name of Study: “Mark”- Abingdon New Testament Commentaries
Start Date: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
Bible Study time: 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: This 8-week-long Bible Study will meet every Tuesday beginning October 15 and ending on December 3. This in-depth study on Mark lies not in just telling a story about Jesus but in creating conditions under which you will experience the peculiar qualities of God’s good news! The study will focus around the book “Mark”- Abingdon New Testament Commentaries by C. Colin Black, the Bible and general group discussion led by Pastor Will. The book is available on Amazon.com at a cost of $21.67/ea. If you are interested in participating in this study please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com not later than Monday, October 7 so books can be ordered and we can count you in! In an effort to help offset the cost of each book FPC will help subsidize this cost by paying one-half of the $21.67 total cost ($10.84/ea.) to help share the investment. We look forward to your participation and invite those of you interested in joining us starting on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 am at M-N-M’s Coffeehouse in Waunakee.
Tuesday, November 26, from 5:15-6PM – Final Heavenly Stretch Class
The final Heavenly Stretch class will be on Tuesday, November 26 from 5:15-6PM in the Chapel. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing. Recommended donation is $5 per session (unless you want to give more!) and will be given to Shelter From the Storm Ministry.
Heavenly Stretch is taught by Lolly Lawrence, who is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. She also has certifications in Holy Yoga, chair yoga, and Silver Sneakers Yoga. She currently teaches Wednesday mornings at the Waunakee Village Center.
Wednesday – Thursday, November 27-29 – FPC Office Closed for Thanksgiving
The FPC church office will be closed from November 27-29 in observance of Thanksgiving.
Wednesdays, from 7-8:15PM – Youth Group
Youth Group will be taking Wednesday,
November 27 off to celebrate Thanksgiving!
All students in 7-12 grade are invited to participate in Youth Group on Wednesdays from 7-8:15PM
Questions?
Email Ezrah at eschmeelk@myfpc.org
Wednesdays, from 7-8:30PM – Men’s Ministry Meeting
Men’s Group will be taking Wednesday,
November 27 off to celebrate Thanksgiving!
Men’s Ministry is a multi-generational group of men committed to exploring matters of Faith, Purpose and Connection. The group meets on Wednesdays from 7PM to approximately 8:30PM at the church and also plans off-site opportunities for spiritual growth, fellowship and community service. All men are welcome.
Join the group in room 204. Currently we are finishing up a study called “Christian- It’s Not What You Think” by Andy Stanley. Then beginning in early January we will start studying “In the Footsteps of the Savior” by Max Lucado. We hope you can join us!
If you would like to hear more about our group please stop by and see us. Otherwise please contact Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com or David Sliwicki at david.sliwicki@gmail.com for carpooling information and to find out more about FPC’s Men’s Group. All men are welcome to join us!
Sunday, December 1, 10AM Service – Advent begins!
Advent begins on December 1, marking the start of a season filled with hope, anticipation, and joy as we prepare our hearts for Christ’s arrival! Join us each week as we light the candles, reflect, and draw closer to the true meaning of Christmas. Let’s journey together through Advent, embracing the light that guides us to the miracle of Jesus’ birth!
Sunday, December 1, 11:15AM-Noon – Adult Advent Study
Pastor Will will host an Adult Advent Study in the Chapel on each Sunday of Advent around the book “The Forgotten Man of Christmas: Joseph’s Story” by Howard Edington. If interested in attending, please sign up here.
Monday, December 2, at 6:30PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group usually meets in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 6:30 PM for two 20 minute “sits.” For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6 PM to get oriented. For questions, please contact Judy Fitzgerald.
Friday, December 6, at 6PM – Caroling and Cocoa with Kindermusik
Kindermusik will be hosting Christmas Caroling and Cocoa on Friday, December 6 at 6pm in Fellowship Hall.
Come one come all, to the “Decked Fellowship Hall!”
A surefire way to experience the true meaning of Christmas! Family and Friends remembering and celebrating Christ’s birth in song with cup of cocoa!
Sunday, December 8, at 11AM – Cookies and Carols
Cookies and Carols will be Sunday, December 8, during our normal coffee hour after service in the Lobby and Gathering Space. We will be sharing Christmas cookies together with our church family as we listen to carols in the background. Please RSVP here if you would like to bring cookies and drop them off in the Gathering Space Kitchen before service that morning. Thank you!
Sunday, December 8, at 3PM – Theology on Tap at the Schmeelk’s
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic. All Aged 21+ are welcome!
We are getting too big for Octopi!
We will be meeting at the Schmeelks’ Home
500 Hillcrest Dr. in Waunakee.
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info: cschmeelk@myfpc.org
Monday, December 9, at 6:30PM and Saturday, December 14, at 10AM – FPC Care for the Caregivers Support Group
Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Someone to share ups and downs with, and possibly offer advice.
Are you or were you a caregiver? Let’s lean on each other and learn from each other as a group of Christians. Our FPC group is small but mighty, always welcoming any newcomers. The group is offered once a month. Stop in when you can, you choose to share or listen, it’s up to you. We meet in the Chapel, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm, and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential, people can speak freely.
Attendee Lori Phelps has said, “This is my therapy and is so helpful for my mental health as I care for my parents! I walk away with a clearer mind and fresh ideas (an indoor garden kit for my dad! I didn’t know these existed! And a binder for my mom titled, When I start feeling bored, I can…). I’m so grateful for Marcia creating and conducting this group! She is a great listener, and she cares. She’s been through the same experiences so we can talk, laugh, or cry through the ups and downs. I feel like this group is so beneficial but seems to be the best kept secret. We should spread the word for others to benefit too!”
Caregivers (current or previous) – join us any month you can! If you have questions, or if these dates and times won’t work for you, please contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call 849-5683 and leave a message during work hours.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Sunday, December 15, during and after the service –
Christa Schmeelk’s Farewell Celebration
Wednesday, December 18, 7-8:15PM – Youth Group Christmas Party!
All middle and high school students are invited to join us in the FPC Youth Space for an evening of fun, food, and friends. Feel free to dress festively!
Friday and Saturday, December 20 and 21 – FPC’s Live Nativity
Be a part of the wonder of the season at the FPC of Waunakee’s Live Nativity on December 20 and 21! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. This beloved community event relies on the support of dedicated individuals like you. Whether you’re interested in donning a costume, helping with setup/takedown, or preparing or serving food to our hungry volunteers, your involvement will help make this year’s Live Nativity a truly special experience.
Sunday, December 22, 4PM – Children’s Nativity Service
Hello FPC families! We need to find out how many kids are interested in participating in a Children’s Nativity Service this year. Please fill out one form per child. There will be opportunities to dress up in costume, parts to sing, and kids can help narrate the story or even share a musical talent! The only rehearsal will be during Sunday School: 9-9:50am on Sunday, December 22. Performance is December 22, at 4:00 p.m.
Monday, December 23 at 1PM – Light Team’s Christmas with the Chosen
Experience the first Christmas through the eyes of Mary and Joseph. Follow the young couple as they take the long road to Bethlehem and prepare for Jesus’ birth.
Tuesday, December 24, 4PM & 7PM – Christmas Eve Worship Service
FPC will host two worship services on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, December 24.
4PM – Candlelight Service with Communion
7PM – Candlelight Service
Tuesday – Thursday, December 24-26 – FPC Office Closed for Christmas
The FPC church office will be closed from December 24-26 for Christmas.
Wednesday, January 1 – FPC Office Closed New Years Day
The FPC church office will be closed January 1 for New Year’s Day. Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 5, following worship – Epiphany Celebration!
We are hosting an Epiphany Celebration during our fellowship time after service in the Lobby. Come enjoy some “King’s Cake” and see if you find a baby Jesus in your piece! Epiphany occurs after the 12 days of Christmas. This “Three Kings Day” celebrates the “Wisemen” part of the Christmas story. Kids can pick up an Epiphany Activity bag as well! All are welcome!
Opportunities to Serve
Hurricane Helene
FPC Mission Team is exploring forming a mission trip to help with disaster relief to areas affected by Hurricane Helene, if you are interested or want to know more, please contact Julie Cable or Sue Halweg. Thank you!
Join the FPC Choir
Join the FPC Choir as we begin our preparations for Advent and Christmas Eve. Singing in the choir is a wonderful way to center yourself on Jesus’ birth and is fun too! Anyone is welcome to join anytime, but November 20th will be the first rehearsal for Advent and Christmas Eve. The choir will rehearse from 6:30-8:30pm on Wednesdays between then and Christmas Eve, with the exception of November 27th when we take a break for Thanksgiving. Anyone interested or who has questions can contact Jamison at jwendlandt@myfpc.org.
Join us in bringing Christmas cheer to FPC!
Help decorate for Christmas on November 24, from 1-3 PM. Volunteers can reach out to Lynda at lyndaferris@gmail.com. Let’s make the season bright together!
Beanie Babies serving in the name of Christ?
Below you will find a list of items that need to be collected to help make the January Guatemala trip successful. You may ask, “Why stuffed animals?” or simply think it’s a nice gift for needy children, but really it is so much more than that. One of Outreach for World Hope’s most impactful missions is to identify and help starving children. Each child who comes to the distribution center is promised a stuffed animal or toy. Having an abundance of stuffed animals helps to ensure the children come and Outreach for World Hope can identify those most at risk of starvation and intervene before it’s too late.
Needed items:
• New or gently used children’s clothing size 2T & up
• Jeans/pants preferred over shorts
• Lightweight children’s shoes
• Infant clothing/hats
• Baby receiving blankets
• Small toys
• Small stuffed animals (size of beanie babies)
• Dum Dum suckers
• Acetaminophen/tylenol 325mg
• Ibuprofen
• Generic tums
• Fiberfill/scrap matting
Please place all donation items in the suitcases by the mission table by January 5th.
Guaranteed to Make You Feel Younger… Volunteer with Children!
We currently need more warm and friendly (and silly) individuals to round out our gold medal Sunday School teaching teams. No experience necessary! Guidance, teacher manuals and materials provided. Sunday School is from 9am-9:50am. Youth volunteers are also encouraged to assist. Help on occasion or on a rotating schedule-you choose. Please consider this important calling by reaching out to our Interim Director of Children’s Ministry Lori Phelps at lori.phelps@myfpc.org. The rewards and smiles are plentiful!
Sunday Job Opportunity – 2 hours/week
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Waunakee is a thriving church looking for two adults to care for our littlest ones (ages 0-3yrs) in our Nursery on Sundays, from 9:30am-11:30am. Job share/rotation will also be considered. Pay is $23/hr, and you can bring your own children or grandchildren with you. Strong candidates will have a Christian faith, self-motivation, love of children, warm personality, and attention to safety and cleanliness.
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 Christa Schmeelk at cschmeelk@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:
- Mayonnaise
- Pancake Syrup
- Instant Mashed Potatoes
- Chicken & Beef Broth
- Refried Beans
- Strawberry or Grape Jelly
- Hamburger or Tuna Helper
- Cereal (Don’t need any Cheerios)
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
FPC’s Wish List
Did you know that FPC has a Session-approved Wish List? It’s a list of things that our ministry areas are looking for but aren’t able to be funded through the church’s regular budget. If you are ever in a position to make a special donation of any amount, please check out our Wish List by clicking here and consider helping to provide an item listed. Thank you!
Love from FPC
Last week, FPC shipped out 28 care packages to our college students and military members, filled with love, prayers, and goodies to remind them they are cherished by their church family. These packages are a tangible way to show how proud we are of their hard work and dedication, whether in their studies or serving our country. Each one was packed with care and includes a heartfelt note, reminding recipients that God is always with them, offering peace, strength, and guidance. Through these small gestures, we hope to bring comfort, encouragement, and a reminder of the love and support waiting for them at FPC. If they ever need us, we’re just a phone call away. These care packages symbolize our gratitude and connection as a church family, no matter the distance.
Holiday Decor Blessings
Last year, a generous church family donated beautiful evergreen arrangements and wreaths to enhance FPC’s Christmas decorations, bringing festive cheer to our church. After the holidays, the decorations were carefully dismantled, stored with photos for reference, and preserved for future use. Thanks to the incredible talent and dedication of Margaret Meyer, these centerpieces have been lovingly rebuilt and transformed into lasting treasures we can enjoy for years to come. Her artistry and care are a true blessing to FPC. Thank you, Margaret, for sharing your gifts with us and helping make our celebrations even more special!
This Week’s Birthdays: November 24 – 30
This Week’s Anniversaries: November 24 – 30
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
The nursery will be closed on Sunday, December 1 to give our wonderful volunteers time to enjoy
Thanksgiving with their families!
Nursery Age 3 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Music in Worship
November 24 – FPC Choir; Ying Wang, pianist
December 1 – Mitch Richards, guest organist and Sam Robinson, Alto Saxophone
December 8 – FPC Choir; Ying Wang, pianist
December 15 – FPC Praise Band (Brett & Jason Cable, Greg Tardiff)
December 22 – FPC Choir; Ying Wang, pianist
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 at 4PM – Ying Wang, pianist
Christmas Eve, Tuesday, December 24 at 7PM – FPC Choir, Ying Wang, Joyful Noise & Yahara String Quartet
Praise Song of the Week
This week’s praise song, 10,000 Reasons, also known as Bless the Lord, was written within an hour according to songwriter, Matt Redman. Set to friend Jonas Martin’s melody, the text comes from Psalm 103. Redman offers this as well, “The title’s ‘10,000 Reasons’ is a declaration of the countless motivations we have to praise Him. With anyone else, it would be an exaggeration, but with Jesus, it’s an understatement. The core message of the song is this: if we ever find ourselves unable to think of a reason to thank or praise God, then the disconnect is on our side, not His. We live each day in the midst of an endless stream of His goodness, kindness, and holiness—each of which underscores how utterly worthy He is of our highest devotion.” As we go into this next week of Thanksgiving, let us devote our time and efforts to recognizing the ways in which God has granted us all of who He is and what we have.
Stephen Ministry at FPC: Providing God’s Care to Hurting People
What is this ministry about?
Extensively trained and supervised Stephen Minister Caregivers provide high-quality, one-on-one confidential Christian care to anyone in need. They provide weekly visits and ongoing support as long as the care receiver needs. Should the care receiver have needs that are beyond the scope of a Stephen Minister Caregiver, they are referred to professional caregivers.
What kind of care is offered from a Stephen Minister?
- CRISIS CARE – For people experiencing change(s) that significantly challenge their ability to cope.
- FOLLOW-UP CARE – After the crisis event.
- CHRONIC CARE – For a person whose situation is unlikely to change.
- PREVENTIVE CARE – Providing care before a crisis occurs.
- SUPPORTIVE CARE – Care for the caregiver.
How can I find out more about this ministry?
Call the church office at 608-949-9445, or reach out to a pastor or deacon. Stephen Minister Caregivers don’t replace the care of pastors and deacons. They carry it a step further.
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
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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.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.