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Reformation
Martin Luther, the faithful and learned Augustinian monk, did not mean to start a revolution the morning of October 31, 1517, when he calmly nailed 95 points of contention up on the door of the Castle Cathedral in Wittenberg Germany. All he wanted to do was to discuss some issues that bothered him. Because of that simple act, the world turned upside down.
The 95 theses were a public list of propositions and questions which were meant to shape an academic debate. Nailing these on church doors was how academics publicized such an event. No tweeting. No Facebook invites. No large newspaper ads. No e-mail blasts. Just a simple monk doing his best to engage others around issues he thought were vitally important. Just to give you a taste… here is #86.
“Why does not the pope, whose wealth is to-day greater than the riches of the richest, build this one church of St. Peter with his own money, rather than with the money of poor believers?”
As Maxwell Smart would say, “It’s the old flea-biting-the-elephant trick.”
Somehow this flea (Martin Luther) caught the attention of the Pope (elephant) by biting him right on his most sensitive spot – his money belt.
Now there is much to be said about why then? why Luther?
It was a complicated time filled with political and church upheaval and intrigue.
A fascinating read.
The plain and simple fact was that the world as they knew it was ripe for change and Luther happened to be in the right place with the right sensibilities.
One of his major contributions, besides his insistence on Grace alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone, was the fact that Luther had the desire to translate the Bible into understandable German so that common people would be able to read it. Up until that point, the Bible was in Latin and only the very learned could read and study it.
The Bible in German led to more and more people owning their first book for it enabled the printing press folks to have their first best seller.
Luther’s translation sold 5000 copies in the first two months alone.
Also, it led to more and more people wanting to become literate.
They wanted to read the Bible themselves.
Further, it helped the German language to become standardized.
Luther’s translation congealed the various dialects of the then spoken German into one voice, one dialect. He wanted not a formal tone to the translation but a more “spoken” tone, an easier tone so that the people from all regions could understand. Luther also wanted it to be reasonably priced so that it was affordable.
Thus, Luther’s translation was widely read.
That is why we spend time each year remembering this date in history, because it was on this date that this unlikely monk sparked the fire of social and political change across Europe. That moment is still felt by us 505 years later.
Luther’s core teaching, that the Bible is the central source of religious authority and that salvation is reached through grace and not deeds, shaped the Protestant trajectory away from the authoritative, corrupt and deed-demanding Roman church and led it to reform itself through the Council of Trent.
We are a church that is still open to reform. As John Calvin said: “The church is reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God.”
Luther’s simple act turned the world upside down. Thanks be to God.
Grace and Peace,
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: Do Everything in the Name of Jesus
This episode of Scriptures for Life uses Colossians 3:17 and the parable of the Good Samaritan from Luke 10 as a guide to how we should be charitable to each other.
News and Announcements
Trunk or Treat 2022 – Fruit of the Spirit
FPC’s Fruit of the Spirit trunk at the Waunakee Boo Bash last week was so much fun!
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.
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 QR code or link below:
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!
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.
Guest Musician: Mary Kay Burton
Mary Kay Burton is a native of Decatur, Illinois. She has a B.Mus.Ed. from Millikin University and an M.S.M. from Boston University. She has taught every grade from kindergarten through college. She was chair of the music department of The Park School, Brookline, MA, and has taught at Columbus School for Girls, Columbus, OH, and The Latin School of Chicago. She began playing the organ when she was fifteen in her home church. Since then, Mary Kay has served many denominations. Currently, she is the permanent substitute organist at Christ Presbyterian Church in Madison. She is married to the Rev. Dr. Larry Burton. They have two children and six grandchildren. Mary Kay and Larry moved to Madison three years ago to be near their Madison grandchildren.
Upcoming Music in Worship
- October 30 – Gloria Grys-piano, Jessica Spicer-flute, Mary Kay Burton-organ
- November 6 – The FPC Choir
- November 13 – Joyful Noise Woodwinds
Coming Events | Oct. 30 – Nov. 12, 2022
Sunday Oct. 30 – Costume Day
Hey Kids (and kids at heart!) –
This Sunday, October 30, is Costume Day, so wear your costumes to church and Sunday School if you are interested.
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.
Thursdays – 7:00 PM – Joyful Noise Instrumental Ensemble
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.
Save the Dates (more information coming soon):
Saturday, November 19 – WEB Thanksgiving Food Basket Delivery
Sunday, November 20 at 6 PM – WEB All Faith Thanksgiving Service at FPC
Saturday, December 17 at 5-8 PM – FPC’s Live Nativity
Sunday, March 19, 2023 at 2 PM – Organ Recital – We are excited to announce that Andrew Schaeffer
has agreed to perform an organ recital in dedication to our beloved Pat Ronspiez. More details to come.
Opportunities to Serve
Stephen Minister Training
Stephen Ministry will be conducting training for new Ministers starting Nov. 4. Our ministry of listening and caring is looking for compassionate individuals who want to help those who are needing assistance. Have some interest or questions? Contact the church office, or connect with any of the three Stephen Ministry Leaders: Doneta Chorney, Tryg Knutson or Jill Umlauf.
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
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.
