One of Jesus’s all-star disciples was Peter. Peter was the first to confess that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. Peter was with Jesus at the transfiguration. Peter is the one whom Jesus called the rock. Peter was one of the first witnesses of the resurrection. Peter was one of the leaders of the early church. As one writer has put it, Peter’s significance in the history of the church can hardly be overestimated.

How did Peter, an apostle who had a monumental impact on Christianity, come to encounter Jesus? Someone invited him. In the Gospel of John, we read that Peter’s brother, Andrew, told Peter, “We have found the Messiah.” Then John says that Andrew “brought [Peter] to Jesus.” From that moment on, Peter’s life changed forever. It all started with Andrew bringing Peter to Jesus. 

You and I have the opportunity to bring people to Jesus, and it all starts with a simple invitation. If you’ve been around me over the past few weeks, you’ve heard me talk a lot about inviting someone to church. It can sound intimidating, even scary, especially for us Presbyterians. But it doesn’t have to be. My hope is that you’ll reach out to someone in your circle and offer a simple, low-stakes invitation to a service or event at FPC, a church where, as I like to say, Jesus is the main attraction. 

Inviting people to church might sound scary. I get that, but what’s fascinating is that studies show 80 percent of non-churched people are likely to say yes to attending a church service if a friend, family member, or neighbor simply invites them. We might fear that an invitation could offend someone. Scott McConnell of Lifeway Research, who conducted the study, said, “The reality is, most unchurched people are not offended when a friend talks to them about faith. The fear is often greater in the Christian than in the person they’d be talking to.”

Please think about two people you could invite to church before the end of this year.

On the second Sunday of November, November 8, we will pray over the first names of the people you will bring forward and place in a basket at the front of the sanctuary during the last hymn.

We will pray that God will open the hearts of those invited, so that when you extend the invitation, they will say yes to Christ’s voice calling them to himself through your invitation.  You never know how a simple invitation might transform someone’s life. Just ask Peter.

Gratefully,

Will

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.

Adult Sunday School Class (Life Compass) continues with week two of the 8-week study focused around the “Gospel in Life” by Timothy Keller.

📅Date: Sundays
🕒Time: 10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
📌Location: Meets in Room 204

Contact Jim Fitzgerald at NurtureAndGrowthElder@myfpc.org with any questions.

All Christian women are welcome to join in fellowship and faith discussion.

📅Date: Mondays
🕒Time: 1 PM
📌Location: The Gathering Space at FPC

Please join us at M-N-M’s Coffee House on Tuesday mornings @ 7:30 A.M with Pastor Will leading us in an 8-week study on 1 John (John’s First Epistle).

📅Date: Tuesdays
🕒Time: 7:30 AM
📌Location: M-N-M’s Coffee House

If interested in participating, please contact
Jim Fitzgerald with any questions or you can sign up in the Narthex area of church.

Contact Jim Fitzgerald at NurtureAndGrowthElder@myfpc.org with any questions.

All women are welcome to join the Waunakee Community Bible Study.

This is held weekly on Wednesdays at 8:30 AM and follows the Waunakee School District Schedule.

📅Date: Wednesdays
🕒Time: 8:30 AM
📌Location: Meets in Room 204

Email any questions to bstell122515@tds.net

All men are welcome to join us for a 5-week session on “When Your Way Isn’t Working” by Pastor/Author Kyle Idleman.

Our study will focus on the scripture found in John 15:5, where Jesus tells his followers; “I am the vine, you are the branches. If you remain in me, and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can’t do anything”.

Instead of going it alone in life we are to stay connected to Him!     

📅Date: Wednesdays
🕒Time: 7 PM
📌Location: Meets in the FPC conference room

Contact Jim Fitzgerald at NurtureAndGrowthElder@myfpc.org with any questions.

Join us Thursday evenings for a relaxing yoga flow, led by FPC Elder Lolly Lawrence.

📅Date: Thursdays
🕒Time: 5:15 – 6 PM
📌Location: Meets in the FPC Youth Space Upstairs



Questions? Contact Lolly Lawrence ClerkOfSession@myfpc.org

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meets weekly on Thursdays at 7 PM in Fellowship Hall.

American Red Cross Blood Drive – Sign up here

📅Date: Friday, October 30
🕒Time: 12 – 5 PM
📌Location: Fellowship Hall

No Youth Group on Sunday, Oct. 25 due to service project.

Come hang out, watch a movie, enjoy snacks, and spend time with friends.

Students in 7th – 12th grade are welcome to join Youth Group for fellowship and faith exploration.

📅Date: Friday
🕒Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
📌Location: Meet upstairs in the FPC Youth Space

Meet father-daughter authors Madeline Lindvall and New York Times best-selling author Michael Lindvall as they share the writing journey and the inspiration behind their book Ashes to Ashes.

📅Date: Sunday, November 1
🕒Time: 11 AM – Noon
📌Location: Fellowship Hall

A potluck lunch will follow.

We look forward to sharing conversation, fellowship, and insights from this meaningful book!

Please join us for a local service project!

The mission committee invites all to join in packing food bags to donate to two local non-profit organizations – The River Food Pantry, and Friends of the State Street Family.

This is a family friendly event and a great opportunity for children to get involved!

📅Date: Sunday, November 15
🕒Time: Following Service
📌Location: Fellowship Hall
✏️Sign Up here!

Any questions please contact Allison Tardif at allisonmtardif@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. Pasta Sauce
2. Bagged White Rice
3. Ketchup
4. Yellow Mustard
5. Vegetable Oil
6. Canned Fruit
7. Kleenex
8. Toilet Paper

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 – 11:00 AM throughout the month and is staffed by church staff and volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.

If you sing, play piano, organ, a string, woodwind or brass instrument and would like to sing or play a song during a church service, we’d LOVE to hear you! 

You could play a prelude or a piece during a Sunday morning service.

Please contact Jamison Wendlandt at JWendlandt@myfpc.org