Seasonal Choir Opportunity
Music is a pillar of worship at FPC and we’re excited to announce an opportunity for our congregation to use their gift of singing! As we’re carefully navigating the waters around Covid safety, we are optimistically announcing the formation of a seasonal choir. The first choir rehearsal would take place in November, possibly Wednesday, November 10. We will be preparing to perform at the FPC Christmas worship services. If you’re interested in being a part of the seasonal choir, send an email to Nancy Groeneveld, Director of Music & Worship Arts in the link below.
Joyful Noise Performing this Sunday!
This weekend at the 8:45 service in the sanctuary, you will enjoy the special music of Joyful Noise. It’s always a treat when Sam Robinson and his band of merry music-makers participate in worship. Don’t miss it!
Together Called Report
from FPC’s Stewardship Elder, Brett Cable
Hello FPC Members and Friends. This past Sunday was Pledge Sunday at FPC and it was a joy to see many of you and to offer our financial commitments for 2022 together. If you brought a pledge to church, or submitted it through mail or email, THANK YOU! Your generosity and love will help sustain the work of Christ that is done through FPC.
In total, we have received 68 pledges for 2022. After Pledge Sunday last year, we had received 51, so we are tracking well ahead of that. Rejoice! Given that we had no in-person services last year, we hoped to be ahead of last year’s pace and set an ambitious goal of 75 pledges by Pledge Sunday. We nearly hit that goal.
Our hope is that by the end of November, we will receive 165 pledges, 6 more than we received in total last year. If you haven’t yet made a commitment to support FPC financially in 2022, please prayerfully consider doing so. You can bring a pledge card to FPC on Sunday, mail it to the office, or email Sue Gade with your pledge – but no bank or credit card details, please.
In recognition of FPC’s commitment to serving the community…
In recognition of our commitment to regularly hosting our own blood drive as well as providing a location for other local organizations to host blood drives, the Red Cross presented this plaque to FPC. Nicole, our contact person at The American Red Cross Wisconsin Blood Services Region, assured FPC that our continued partnership throughout the pandemic has been essential in saving lives through blood donation. Thank you, FPC Family, for making this happen!
Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 30 | 2 – 3 pm
Trunk or Treat is back for year number two and we’re excited to host another fun event for families! Check out the pictures below from last year’s event. From the candy givers to the candy receivers, a great time was had by all. Don’t suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out) this year! You’ll want to show off your creatively decorated car and pass out treats to a line of costumed cuties. Use the link to sign up. We can’t wait to see all the creative costumed vehicles this year!
If you’re not able to participate in person on the 30th, check out our Amazon wish list of items. You could make a purchase and have the items shipped directly to FPC. Or, when you’re out shopping to fill up your own trick or treat coffers, pick up an extra bag of candy for Trunk or Treat. Your donations can be dropped off in the church office Monday through Thursday 10 am-4 pm.
For those who are looking to walk the Trunk or Treat trail, visit the costumed, cars and collect the treats, you are welcome to arrive any time between 2-3 pm on October 30. Look for signs where to park and where the trail begins!
Dog Park Meet-Up
14 FPC-ers met up last weekend at the dog park to hang out with their favorite 4 legged friends. Have a peek at these cute furry faces!
Video Devotional: Living in Harmony with One Another
Reverend Jeff Quinto, Director of The Bethel Series and FPC member, shares that In Romans 12:16-21, the Apostle Paul tells us how to live as Christians in the world. His instruction, given in 57 C.E., should serve as a guide for us in today’s world almost 2,000 years later. Enjoy this video!
THE DEADLINE FOR NAMES IS APPROACHING!
The deacons will be sending out care packages to college students and military personnel. We will send the packages in early November. If you have someone in the military or a college student who could use a little TLC in the form of a care package, please provide their name and address by calling the church office at 608-949-9445 or sending an email through the link below.
All names and addresses must be received by October 31.
October is Pastor Appreciation Month
FPC is blessed with pastors who care deeply about their flock and work tirelessly and with great creativity, day after day, to ensure our spirits are cared for and fed. Let’s all take some time to notice and encourage Pastors Kirk and Ben and send a note or email, make a phone call—or choose whatever means you prefer to express your thanks.
“And now, friends, we ask you to honor those leaders who work so hard for you, who have been given the responsibility of urging and guiding you along in your obedience. Overwhelm them with appreciation and love.”
1 Thess. 5:12-13, The Message
Do you have a name that you’d like to add to the Memorial Roll for All Saints Day? Send the names of your loved ones in an email to Alka VanHaren at avanharen@myfpc.org. Or, find the Memorial Roll table in the lobby in between services on October 31 to fill out a card. The Memorial Roll will be part of the bulletin on Sunday, November 7.
Student Ministry Newsletter
Join us in the youth room on Sunday mornings at 9:45 for connection with others, watching funny videos, and having meaningful discussions about the relevance of God in our lives. Plus, you can also meet up with us on Wednesday nights at 7 pm.
Read this weeks’ newsletter for music, laughs, and upcoming Graceland events.
WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS | October 24, 2021
THIS SUNDAY:
Deepest sympathies and prayers for Ryan Olson (husband of Lynda Ferris-Olson). Ryan’s mother, Cindi Gerber, unexpectedly passed away last week. Prayers for Cindi’s husband Gary, and the family.
Prayers are requested for Helen McVicar as she has a heart valve replacement on October 26th. Please pray for a successful procedure for Helen.
Donna Kopan requests prayers for her sister-in-law, Sue Spiegle. Sue will be having surgery for ovarian cancer. Prayers for a good outcome and recovery.
Ellyn and Kyle Henrekin are happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Lucille (Lucy) Severina Henrekin, born 10/13/2021, weighing in at 6 lbs. 7 oz, 20 inches. Jim and Becky DuBois are the proud grandparents. Congratulations to this precious family!
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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