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All Saints
“From Earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, through gates of pearl streams in the countless host” is a lush image from the hymn “For All the Saints”.
It describes the welcome all receive when we enter into the Church triumphant. We sing this hymn on All Saint’s Day as we remember those who have died this past year. It is a way to honor our dead brothers and sisters and their faithfulness to the mission of Jesus Christ through this particular expression of Christ’s body.
They, during a distinct point in the history of FPC Waunakee, were the ones who invested their time, talents and treasures into this church. They were the ones who pledged their support to keep this church’s doors open so that newer members could be welcomed, could grow deeper in their faith and discover where their gifts and the world’s great needs collide. We are joined to them in this fellowship divine.
Because of their generosity, we get to bear witness to the transforming power of Christ in our lives as we bring the deliberate and gentle forcefulness of Christ into the world.
Truly, I am thankful for our saints who have gone before us. We have been blessed in countless ways to have had these good people in our midst.
To God be the Glory.
Pastor Glen
greichelderfer@myfpc.org
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.
Video Devotional: Work Heartily for the Lord
In this episode of Scriptures for Life, Jeff talks about his family’s road trip to Pentwater, Michigan which included a visit to the most amazing roadside rest area. Soli Deo Gloria!
News and Announcements
Remember: Daylight Savings ends Sunday, Nov. 6th.
Be sure to set your clocks back!
Advent Bible Study
Dear church,
It is easy to get caught up in the glitz and frenzy in the run up to Christmas. FPC is offering you an opportunity to “come away” for an hour to ponder and savor the ever-present presence and wonder of our God. What is the meaning of this Advent for you, for me, for our church?
(Honorably Retired) Pastor Susan and I will be co-leading an Adult Bible Study during the Season of Advent. (First Sunday is November 27th) 9am sharp down in Fellowship Hall.
We will be using as our base the Daily Advent Devotional Book called The Promised One. Copies will be available. Yes, there will be coffee and treats as well.
More importantly, this will be a time to wholistically grow our faith- enriching both our minds and our hearts.
We will listen to the promises of God, ponder what it means to follow the Prince of Peace, discover the Light in the midst of our darkening world and celebrate the One who comes.
As Jesus says, “Come and see”. Come as often as you are able. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Blessings.
Glen Reichelderfer
Susan Vergeront
The process in calling a New Pastor
In the last few weeks, I have been asked by a few FPC Members these questions:
• How long will you be here? (About 18 months)
• What is the process for calling a new minister?
Here is my best answer to that last question. I want to remind you of just one thing…. Step 2 is crucial and needs to “season” every step along the way.
To the question: What, as an FPC member, is my part in this process?
My answer is “pray, pray, pray”. You may also feel called to play a bigger role. So here we go….. here is the process that we will follow:
1. Keep in mind that this is a process. Take a breath. Let’s all practice patience.
2. PRAY, PRAY, PRAY
3. First Milestone: Session approves/appoints a committee (~5 FPC members) to undertake and write the Ministry Information Form (MIF).
They will:
3.1 Review what has happened in the Church’s history. Build on strengths. Answer the question: Where have we been?
3.2 Survey church membership as to FPC’s strengths and the direction they hope to see FPC growing towards in the future.
Where are we now? Where is God calling us to grow and go?
3.3 Survey the greater Waunakee Community as to where Waunakee is growing and what challenges might be on the horizon.
3.4 Other information gathering as needed.
3.5 Synthesize the information.
3.6 After robust discussion, write a preliminary DRAFT of the MIF.
3.7 Present it to Session for tweaks and approval. (See #2)
4. Second Milestone: Session approves the MIF. (See #2)
5. Third Milestone: Committee on Ministry of the John Knox Presbytery (COM) reads (tweaks) and approves MIF and the formation of a Pastoral Nominating Committee (FPC PNC). (See #2)
6. Fourth Milestone: Session appoints/approves the FPC PNC which is comprised of some current MIF Committee members and some new members (~5-7 folks) so that there is some continuity and some new perspectives. (See #2)
7. Fifth Milestone: The FPC PNC begins to receive Personal Information Forms (PIF) from the national PCUSA database as well as self-referrals from ministers interested in this church. (Network, Network, Network… “I know someone who knows someone”.) THIS IS AN ALL-CHURCH ENTERPRISE!!!! (See #2)
8. The FPC PNC sorts through the PIFs (Dossiers)- looking at written materials as well as videos using the lens of the MIF. (See #2)
9. The FPC PNC whittles the candidate pool down to ~3 candidates and takes a deep dive- checking references and doing in person or Zoom interviewing.(See #2)
10. The John Knox Presbytery COM gets involved in checking references and giving advice throughout steps 9, 11, 12. (See #2)
11. Negotiation about the compensation package happens. (Some candidates drop off at this time- just saying). (See #2)
12. Sixth Milestone: When there is an agreement, the candidate is presented for COM’s approval by the FPC PNC and then to Session (Session does not approve or disapprove). (See #2)
13. Candidate is presented to the church for a vote (Generally after preaching during a worship service). (See #2)
14. Seventh and Final Milestone: Congregation votes and then there is the transition to the new Pastor (Head of Staff). (See #2)
I hope this is clear…..If you have any questions, please talk to me or email me.
Secondly, if you want to be considered for the MIF Committee or want to nominate someone to be on the MIF Committee, please contact me greichelderfer@myfpc.org or 608.949.9461. We need a few good people for this first crucial step.
Thank you for praying as WE go through this process.
Peace, Pastor Glen
Happy Birthday Pastor Ben!
Pastor Ben’s birthday was October 7th. Happy belated Birthday Pastor Ben!
Don’t forget to create your THANKFUL TREE this November!
Don’t forget to create your THANKFUL TREE this November! Gather some sticks from your yard into a vase, cut leaves out of paper (or any shape!) and all through November, write something you are thankful for each day on a leaf. If you aren’t feeling super creative, google “thankful tree,” click “shopping,” and you can purchase one. Or, you can create a THANKFUL PUMPKIN by writing on the pumpkin each day in sharpie. Another option would be to have a notebook and create a GRATITUDE JOURNAL by having everyone write down something in the notebook each day. However you decide to do it – let’s make this entire month one of thanksgiving and gratitude!
Reading the Necrology
During Communion on Sunday November 6, Pastor Glen and Pastor Ben will be reading the Necrology (the names of church members who have died this past year). If you would like us to include the name of a recently deceased loved one, please email Alka (avanharen@myfpc.org) so their name might be included during this holy moment.
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. There will be opportunities to dress up in costume, parts to sing, and parts to speak if they choose! We are very excited to start working on this. Rehearsals will be during Sunday School: 9-9:50 AM on Dec. 4, 11, 18 (and it’s okay if they don’t make them all!). The Nativity Service (children’s performance) is Sunday, December 18, at 4:00 PM.
Upcoming Music in Worship
- November 6 – The FPC Choir
- November 13 – Joyful Noise Woodwinds
- November 20 – The FPC Choir
Coming Events | Nov. 6 – 19, 2022
Nov. 4–Dec. 10 – Christmas Giving Tree
November 4 through December 10 you will find small Red envelopes for Christmas Giving Trees in your Church’s gathering area as well as other Waunakee Community Churches. You are invited to take an envelope and insert a monetary donation so WEB can purchase Gift Cards for the Families in Need. Return the Red envelope for the Giving Tree to your church location by December 10th.
This year, WEB is supporting over 120 families through this annual program sponsored by the Waunakee Ecumenical Board, a partnership of our local churches, businesses, schools and social workers working together to benefit our community.
Nov. 13 – 1:00-3:00 PM – Family Game Day
Join FPC’s Children’s Ministry at the Waunakee Village Center Gym for a Family Game Day on Sunday, November 13 at 1-3 PM. Come with your family (no drop offs please). There will be prizes and snacks, relay races, basketball, racket sports, open gym play and more! Come for 15 minutes or the full 2 hours. Please let us know that you are coming; use the button below:
Nov. 19 – Thanksgiving Food Baskets
The Waunakee Ecumenical Board is sponsoring their annual Thanksgiving food basket distribution to needy families in Waunakee. Your family is invited to help deliver food baskets with food for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to needy families in the Waunakee community. We need help delivering baskets on Saturday, November 19th!
Deliveries will begin at about 9:00am from the side of St John’s School enter at 303 South St use the driveway between the Elementary School and St John’s Church. Volunteers will help put Thanksgiving food boxes in your vehicle and provide directions for delivering. If you have 30 minutes or 2 hours, your help is appreciated! This is a great family service project for the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Sundays – 9:00-9:50 AM – Adult Sunday School
All adults are invited to join this Sunday morning study. This class meets every Sunday at 9 AM in the room closest to the kitchen in Fellowship Hall. Contact Carolyn Harris with questions.
Sundays – 9 AM – 4K thru 6th grade Sunday School
Each week we are learning about the Fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-23
Come join us to learn more and have some fun together!
Sundays – 9 AM – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join us each week for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Sundays – During Service – Kingdom Kids
During the worship service kids can leave the worship service after the Children’s Moment and need to be picked up in room 202 after the service is over.
We offer Kingdom Kids for 3-year olds – kindergarten. Kingdom Kids offers a fun, unique time for children to explore their faith and form positive relationships with peers.
Mondays – Oct. 24-Nov. 7 – The Light Team Meeting
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. From October 24 to November 7, the Light Team will view the video of “How Happiness Happens” by Max Lucado.
We will start a new video series Nov. 14- Dec. 12 – “Christmas” by Ann Voskamp. And wrap up the year with Christmas celebration and Fellowship on Dec. 19
Wednesdays – Sept. 21 – Dec. 21 – Women’s Community Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. This fall we are exploring “12 Women of the Bible.” Meet us on Wednesdays 8:30 -10:00 AM in the Conference Room, entering through the west side Education Wing doors. Contact Beth Stellmacher for more info: bstell122515@tds.net.
Wednesdays – 7:00-8:15 PM – Graceland Student Ministry
7th-12th Graders, join the fun upstairs in the Youth Room for a time of connection, games, message, meaningful small group discussion with students your same grade, and prayer.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Nov. 20 – 6 PM – All Faith Thanksgiving Service
You are invited to join your friends and neighbors to participate in an All Faith Thanksgiving Service for God’s many blessings, sponsored by the Waunakee Ecumenical Board, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Enjoy the music of our community church choirs as they sing together at the service.
The service will be on Sunday, November 20, held at 6:00pm at First Presbyterian Church, 5763 County Rd Q, Waunakee. After the Service will be a time of fellowship with pie and coffee in the lower level. Worshippers are asked to bring an uncut pie to be served after the service. Join us for a time of worship, thanksgiving and fellowship! This year’s service is hosted by First Presbyterian Church. Please note that the All Faith Thanksgiving Service is on the Sunday evening before Thanksgiving to accommodate busy holiday schedules and still allow our community to come together in Thanksgiving and recognize our Blessings.
All are Welcome! Worshippers are invited to bring non-perishable food items to the service for the Waunakee Food Pantry.
Dec. 17 – 5–8 PM – FPC’s Live Nativity
Jan. 28, 2023 – 8 AM–1 PM – Intro to Centering Prayer
Pastor Glen will be hosting “Intro to Centering Prayer” from 8am-1pm in the Gathering Place on Jan. 28, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 21.
Mar. 19, 2023 – 2 PM – Organ Recital
Please mark your calendars! First Presbyterian 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, WI. The recital will be dedicated to the life and service of Pat Ronspiez. Pat served as organist here for 46 years. She also played piano and accordion.
Our church features an historic 1890 Schuelke organ built in Milwaukee, WI and rebuilt by Wahl Organ Builders of Appleton, WI in 1992.
Dr. Andrew Schaeffer is the Director of Music at Luther Memorial Church, Madison, WisconsinA 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.
Opportunities to Serve
FPC Choir – Joy to the world, the Lord is come; let earth receive her King!
Ever consider singing in a choir? As we enter a holy season filled with beautiful music, now is a great time to check out the FPC Choir. We will start learning songs for Advent and Christmas Eve on Wednesday, November 30. Rehearsals are Wednesday nights from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM in the Sanctuary. Upcoming rehearsals are 11/30, 12/7, 12/14 and 12/21. In addition to Christmas Eve, the Choir will also sing Sunday mornings on 12/4 and 12/18. Unsure if you are a Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Bass? No worries, we can help and welcome all ability levels. Come enjoy a great fellowship of singers! Contact Choir Director, Liz Weller with any questions: eweller245@gmail.com
Joyful Noise – “Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord!”
Make A Joyful Noise Unto The Lord! The Joyful Noise, FPC’s instrumental ensemble, is preparing for the 7 PM Christmas Eve service. If you play a wind, percussion or string instrument, no matter what age or skill level, please consider playing with us! We will rehearse every other Thursday from 7-8/8:30 PM in the Music Room on 11/10, 11/22 (just one Tuesday), 12/8 and 12/22. The Woodwind Ensemble will play during worship on Sunday, November 10 and our Brass Ensemble on Sunday, December 11. We welcome middle and high school students to play with us!! Contact Sam Robinson through his church email: srobinson@myfpc.org.
Calling Vocalists and Instrumentalists (Piano, too!)
If you would like to sing or play an instrument at a Sunday service, please contact Sam Robinson srobinson@myfpc.org, or 608-949-9450. We will be planning the Sunday music calendar for January through May soon. You are welcome to sing or play a special song or two, no matter what your skill level is. We have open dates when the Choir and Joyful Noise are not playing and would like to fill those with students and adults from our congregation whenever possible.
PC: Project Connect
This Advent season… Make connections… Be a helper… Be a listener… Be a blessing to others.
Starting November 18, interested individuals and families will be paired with seniors or people with caring needs to build multi-generational relationships. Examples of activities: help seniors put up Christmas decorations, read to those with poor vision, drive together through FPC’s Live Nativity, provide a ride to Sunday service, and many more.
To sign up or for more information, please contact:
Kristy Drewry at 608-772-6527, kristinedrewry@gmail.com, or Christa Schmeelk, cschmeelk@myfpc.org, by November 7, 2022.
Help Wanted: Part-time Volunteer Coordinator
First Presbyterian Church (FPC) of Waunakee is seeking a part-time Volunteer Coordinator to join our staff. Duties include, but are not limited to, working with staff and Elders to help recruit and manage volunteer efforts. This position is estimated to require 2-4 hours per week. Pay is negotiable. Position is open until filled. For details or to apply, please contact Doug Brown at dougrbrown1980@gmail.com.
Time For Prayer | Tuesdays at 4:30 pm | Gathering Space
Do you believe in the power of prayer? Join us at Time for Prayer on Tuesdays at 4:30 PM in the Gathering Space at church. We gather to lift up concerns for this world, our country, our church and our own personal requests. All pray-ers welcome! When we don’t feel like praying out loud, we say “praying silently.”
For the past 18 years, Time for Prayer has lifted up thousands upon thousands of prayers. With Jesus in our midst, we lift up what is on our hearts, and know that our prayers are heard and will be answered. Come join us, and be blessed.
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.
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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 comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is Noon, the Wednesday prior.
