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Giving Back What God Has Given Us
Dear Friends,
Many years ago, when we wrote checks whenever we weren’t using cash, I wrote my weekly pledge check to FPC, entered and subtracted the amount in my checkbook register, and paper-clipped it to my calendar, to be ready for Sunday. Somehow, something happened that caused me to miss church on that following Sunday, and of course, the check didn’t make it to church either. The next week the same thing happened, and seemed to keep happening. Who can remember the reason? I guess I was not as regular in my attendance back then, but that’s beside the point.
But what I realized was, that because I had written those checks and subtracted them from my balance, the money was, in effect, “gone.” I didn’t miss it. We lived on what was left, according to the check register. I recalled that my father had used a system of envelopes in his top dresser drawer. After cashing his paycheck, each of those envelopes received its proper budget amount, with 10% coming off the top of the stack. Our family lived on what was left…a full 90%.
I could go on and on, explaining my primitive budgeting system, but I won’t. Here is my message—GOD IS FAITHFUL TO PROVIDE. I see it in my own tithing, and I saw it in my family as I grew up. I highly recommend a full 10% tithe. Take it off the top. The Lord will multiply our gifts for His Kingdom work, and He will still provide what we need.
This coming Sunday is Pledge Sunday. It isn’t too late to pray for wisdom in your giving choices!
“For all things come from Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.” 1 Chronicles 29:14
Barb Cash, Stewardship Elder
Special Announcements:
Reminder – Daylight Savings is Approaching!
Remember to set your clocks back on Sunday, November 2nd!
Waunakee Food for Kidz Event – Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Waunakee Food for Kidz Event this past weekend.
The event was extremely impactful, and a total of 323,126 meals were packaged and delivered to seven food pantries in Dane County!
Picture Directories are Here
For those of you who had your picture taken for the directory, you can pick up your free directory in the narthex on the back counter.
There are two boxes and they are in alphabetical order with a name label on the back.
Please only take the directory assigned to your name.
Help Needed: Sunday Collection Counter
We are looking for a volunteer to assist with counting the Sunday offerings. This commitment would take approximately 45 min – 1 hour every other week, during regular church office hours.
We also have a few other volunteer opportunities available within the finance committee. If you’re interested in helping out, we’d love to hear from you! Please reach out to Monty Cordell FinanceElder@myfpc.org.
Support our Students & Military Members with Care Packages
Each year, the Deacons send care packages filled with treats and encouragement to students and military members—reminding them that FPC is thinking of and praying for them.
Here’s how you can help:
Submit a Recipient
Send the name, mailing address, and any food allergies of your student or military member to Brian Wolhaupter at FPC.carepackage@gmail.com or text FPC followed by the info to 920-220-9580.
Donate Treats & Goodies
Homemade baked goods (3–5 pieces in a sealable bag) or sundry items like cough drops, chapstick, gum, beef sticks, candy, tissues, fun socks, etc. are welcome.
Join the Assembly Team
Help pack care packages after worship at 11:30 AM on Sunday, November 9.
View more details in this week’s bulletin insert.
“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 | Weekly Connector: October 26 – November 1
Monday, October 27 – The Light Team
Calling All Women – New Series Begins
Join the FPC Light Team for a Bible study series by Margaret Feinberg. Together, we’ll explore how to Respond to Hardship and Why it Matters.
📌Date: Mondays
🕛Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
🏢 Where: The Gathering Place at FPC – Please enter through South Entrance Door #4
The Light Team is a welcoming group of Christian women who gather for fellowship, Bible study, prayer, and special projects—with plenty of laughter and no homework required!
Have questions? Contact Lynda Bennin at blbennin@tds.net.
Wednesday, October 29 – Men’s Group Study
All men are invited to join this weekly men’s multi-generational fellowship group and discussion study.
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC – Large Conference Room
Contact Jim Fitzgerald @ jnj57012@gmail.com with questions.
This faith based study and discussion is led by Jim Fitzgerald and centers around men navigating everyday life challenges we are faced with by sharing our faith/life experiences together while in turn helping men build on their spiritual growth, community support and leadership development.
Wednesday, October 29 – Youth Group
All middle school & high school students are invited to join us for fun, fellowship, and snacks! We’ll celebrate the new school year and the role Jesus has in our lives!
📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7 – 8:15 PM
🏢 Where: – We’ll meet upstairs in the Youth Group space
Thursdays, October 30 – Heavenly Stretch
A six-week series of Heavenly Stretch will run every Thursday through November 20, from 5:15-6PM in room 305. Bring a mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Enter through the south education wing door. Recommended donation is $5 per session (unless you want to give more!) and will be given to Shelter from the Storm Ministry.
Heavenly Stretch combines slow stretching movements with scripture, prayer and Christian music. It is meant to be meditative and worshipful, and a way of praising God with our bodies. (Mark 12:30, Romans 12:1)
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 at the Waunakee Village Center.
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Sunday, Nov. 2 – Costume Contest
November 2 is Costume Day.
We look forward to seeing all the Children and Adults dressed up.
Saturday, Nov. 8 & Monday, Nov. 10 – Care for Caregivers
Caring for others can be rewarding—but also overwhelming and isolating. That’s why FPC’s Care for Caregivers group exists: to offer emotional, mental, and spiritual encouragement for those supporting aging parents, loved ones with chronic illness, or individuals with disabilities.
Whether you’re a current or former caregiver, you’re invited to join us for drop-in style meetings—no pressure to share, just come as you are.
🕛Time: Saturday – 10 AM | Monday – 6:30 PM
🏢 Where: Room 204 at FPC
If these times don’t work for you, let us know—we’d love to connect.
Questions? Contact Marcia Chase at marchase@icloud.com or call/text (334) 444-6610 (leave a message during work hours). View note below about resource fair.
Remember: You’re not alone, and it’s okay to take time to care for yourself too!
Sunday, November 9 – Book Discussion
Book Discussion – author Max Lucado
📌Date: Sunday, November 9
🕛Time: 3 PM
🏢Where: FPC Gathering Space
We have many of Lucado’s books available at our church libraries! Please feel free to check them out!
Contact Clare Zaiman-Keen if you have questions.
Tuesday, November 11 – The Dining Divas
📌Date: Tuesday, November 11
🕛Time: 11:30 AM
🏢Where: El Charro Mexican Grill Waunakee – 1336 Montondon Ave.
To RSVP email Alka Van Haren at alkadaisy@gmail.com
FPC Office Hours
The FPC office will be closed November 26 – 28 for Thanksgiving.
Friday, December 5 – Musical Pathway Foundation
MPF Annual Caroling & Cocoa
📌Date: Friday, December 5
🕛Time: 6PM
🏢Where: FPC – Fellowship Hall
Opportunities to Serve
Sound Desk Assistant
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.
Help Create a Safe & Welcoming Space on Sundays
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!
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.
Volunteer Opportunity – Waunakee Food Pantry
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:
- Toilet Paper
- Cereal
- Strawberry Jam
- Chicken Broth
- Bagged Red Beans
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Canned Fruit (Peaches, Pears, Mandarin Oranges)
- Canned Vegetables (Beans, Peas, Corn)
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
This Week’s Birthdays: October 26 – November 1
FPC Nursery for Ages 4 and under
Nursery Age 4 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9 – 11:30 AM throughout the month and is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Music in Worship
October 26 – Joyful Noise & Ying Wang, pianist
November 2 – Choir & Ying Wang, pianist
November 9 – Ying Wang, pianist
November 16 – Choir & Ying Wang, pianist
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!
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Connect with the Connector!
Submit Your Announcements
To streamline event announcements in The Connector or during worship, please use our new online form.
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Questions or feedback? Email: communications@myfpc.org
The Connector is printed weekly and available at the Connection Corner. To receive a mailed copy, contact the church office to join the homebound list.
Deadlines: Submissions due by noon Wednesday. The Connector is published Fridays at 4 PM.
