We’re thrilled to welcome Joe Madsen as FPC’s new Director of Student Ministry!

Joe grew up in Lester Prairie Minnesota, in a family of nine kids. He earned a degree in Elementary Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead and had the pleasure of teaching elementary school for eight years.

Joe has always loved working with kids and cherishes watching them take hold of new knowledge and grow. He’s married with three children, and says his most enjoyable job is being a dad. In his free time, Joe enjoys sports, spending time with family, and being outdoors.

Please join us in celebrating Joe as he steps into this important ministry role, guiding and inspiring the youth of FPC!

In the sermon on Sunday, I shared portions of an article by former atheist and Dutch politician, Ayeen Hirsi Ali, entitled Why I Am Now A Christian.  You can find the article at this link here.

The portion I quoted is cited by George Van Kooten, Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at Cambridge, in his lecture Church and Gospel after the Fall of Secularism: Contours of a New Transept. You can find that lecture summarized here, and at the bottom of the page you can download the lecture in it’s entirety here.

Grace and Peace, Will

A six-week series of Heavenly Stretch will run every Thursday starting October 16 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. 

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.

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.

All interested Adults looking for a relaxing afternoon of FPC community connection along with a reflective discussion around a faith-based topic…or two! 
Join us for an afternoon of fellowship and fun outside in the FPC covered picnic area (weather permitting), located on the west side of the church grounds. It’s the perfect opportunity to check-in and catch-up with one another as we move ahead into the Fall/Autumn season! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon together with good friends along with some great and inspiring conversation!  

📌Date: Sunday, October 12
🕛Time: 3 – 4:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC – Covered Picnic Area (weather permitting)

Please plan to bring a comfortable lawn chair if you would like. We will provide cold bottled water & lemonade.

Please RSVP to Jim Fitzgerald at jnj57012@gmail.com if you have interest in joining us! 

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: 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!

Calling All Women

Join the FPC Light Team for a Bible study series by Susie Larson. Together, we’ll explore how to live each day in a way that honors God and strengthens your spirit.

📌Date: Mondays, through October 20
🕛Time: 1:00 – 2:30 PM
🏢 Where: The Gathering Place at FPC

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.

All are welcome to join bible study with Pastor Will Wilson leading an in-depth discussion on Elijah & 1 Kings. 

📌Date: Tuesday mornings at 7:30 AM
🗓: Runs through October 22
🕛Time: 7:30 AM
🏢 Where: M-N-M’s in Waunakee

Contact Jim Fitzgerald @ jnj57012@gmail.com with questions.

This study will focus on the Biblical text of Elijah & 1 Kings along with additional reading from study resource hardcover book, 1 and 2 Kings (The NIV Application Commentary) by August H. Konkel. 

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

Are you navigating the joys and challenges of motherhood in all its forms? Whether you’re expecting your first child, raising little ones, or preparing to launch a teen into the world, you are warmly invited to join a new community of women in the Waunakee area.

Together, we’ll create a supportive, non-judgmental space where compassion and connection are at the center. This group is more than a “Moms Group”—because we are more than just moms. We’ll explore the many layers of our lives with wholehearted acceptance, sharing stories, questions, and wisdom as we grow together.

Facilitated by Kristin Hall Sliwicki, FPC member and recently retired Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, alongside co-leader Becca Gottwald, FPC member, Sunday School teacher, and busy mom of a preschooler, this group is designed to meet you where you are.

📌Date: Wednesday evenings
🕛Time: 7:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC

Come as you are—with your heart, your hopes, and your honest self. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Questions? Contact Kris Hall Sliwicki at 847.567.1448

Looking to expand your skills or learn a new one? The FPC Quilters Group is meeting weekly.

📌Date: Third Thursday
🕛Time: 1 – 2:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC

All skill sets are welcome. Questions? Contact Anne Frihart at annefrihart@gmail.com

Give the Gift of Life – Donate Blood!

Join us for our upcoming Blood Drive hosted by the Waunakee Ecumenical Board. Your donation can make a life-saving difference for someone in need.

📌Date: Friday, October 17
🕛Time: 12 PM – 5:30 PM  
🏢 Where: Fellowship Hall

 Sign up here.

We’re looking for just 10 volunteers to help pack meals for children and families in need. This is a beloved tradition that brings our community together for a great cause. All family members (ages 5 and up) are welcome to help.

🗓: Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
🕐 Event Time: 12:00–2:00 PM
📍Location: Dane Manufacturing, Waunakee, WI

Ways to sign up:

1. Click here to sign up with the names of the people attending.   
2. Sign up at the Church – there will be a clipboard in the Narthex that reads Food For Kidz sign up
3. Simply contact Angela Himegarner and she will sign you up.

For questions or to sign up, reach out to Angela Himegarner at angela.himegarner@myfpc.org or call/text 816-499-3998

📌Date: Tuesday, October 21
🕛Time: 5PM
🏢Where:1847 at Stamm House, 6625 Century Ave Middleton

 To RSVP email Alka Van Haren at  alkadaisy@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. Toilet Paper
2. Cereal
3. Chunky Soups (Campbell’s, Progresso)
4. Chicken Broth
5. Mandarin Oranges
6. Spaghetti Sauce
7. Canned Dinty Moore Beef Stew
8. 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.

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.