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The Grace of the Sabbath
Which of the Ten Commandments is hardest for you to obey? None of us obeys any commandment perfectly. We all break them, all of them, in one way or another. Yet, one of the commandments I struggle with the most, or at least one that is on my conscience more often, is the fourth commandment: the sabbath. It’s really hard for me to stop and rest, which is what sabbath literally means in Hebrew. It’s hard for most of us. To begin with, we live in a world that says we’re only as successful as what we produce, and a full calendar has become a status symbol. Indeed, in such a world, the concept and practice of the sabbath have become a laughingstock.
While Sabbath might seem foolish, its practice is essential for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. As I once heard a preacher say: “If you don’t take a break, you will break.” For people of faith, the Sabbath is not optional but a command. We are called to “keep the Sabbath” for rest. However, we are also called to observe the Sabbath to remember that God is our creator and redeemer. According to Exodus 20:11, we rest on the Sabbath because God rested on the seventh day of creation. God created during the six days but rested on the seventh. Deuteronomy 5:15 urges us to rest on the Sabbath to remember God’s act of delivering his people from Egypt’s bondage. In both versions of the commandment, the word “remember” appears. So, on the Sabbath, we rest, but we also remember God, our Creator (Exodus 20), and God, our Redeemer (Deuteronomy 5).
The theologian Karl Barth reminds us that humankind’s first full day after their creation was the seventh day, the Sabbath rest day. So, as Barth says, before there was the law, there was grace. Indeed, sabbath rest is a grace we cannot afford to ignore.
With Grace and Peace,
Will Wilson
Special Announcements:
Happy Birthday!
Kay Walstrom and Barb Bakke recently celebrated their 90th birthday at Light Team on Sept. 8!
Happy Belated Birthday!
Worship Service Location Update
Due to the growing number of attendees at our 9AM service, we’ve decided to move from the Chapel to the Sanctuary. This move will ensure everyone feels welcome and has a spot.
We look forward to worshiping together on Sunday.
Let’s Sing!
Thanks to Anne & Chuck Frihart for hosting our Annual Choir Kickoff Gathering.
If you are someone who likes fellowship, fun and “Fa-La-La-ing”, come join the FPC Choir.
We rehearse Wednesday nights from 7:00PM-8:30PM in the Sanctuary. Contact Jamison Wendlandt, Director JWendlandt@myfpc.org
Join Us for the Annual Waunakee Food for Kidz Event! – Spots still available!
We’re excited to announce that FPC is sponsoring four tables at this year’s event on Sunday, October 19, 2025 — and we need your help to make it a success!
We’re looking for 40 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.
🕐 Event Time: 12:00–2:00 PM (yes, it’s before the Packers game 😉)
📍Location: Dane Manufacturing, Waunakee, WI
Ways to sign up:
- Click here to sign up with the names of the people attending.
- Sign up at the Church – there will be a clipboard in the Narthex that reads Food For Kidz sign up
- 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 816-499-3998
Let’s make a difference — together!
FPC Sunday School
Thank you to everyone who has helped kickoff Sunday School season!
The Children’s Ministry team is continuing to ask for volunteers to be Sunday School teachers. The only qualifications are faith in God and a love for children. No need to be a Bible scholar as the curriculum we use at FPC provides a complete lesson plan each week. By using a teacher-team approach the time commitment is minimal and the rewards are outstanding! So please prayerfully consider joining our team and help to bring the word of the Lord to the youngest in our congregation.
For more information, please email Angela Himegarner at angela.himegarner@myfpc.org or call/text Angela at (816) 499-3998.
“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: Sept. 28 – Oct. 4
Monday, September 29 – The Light Team
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
Please note: No meeting on October 6.
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.
Tuesday, September 30 – Coffeehouse Bible Study
All are welcome to join this 7-week 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.
Wednesday, October 1 – 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: – Outside in the fire pit and shelter area (in the event of rain, we’ll meet upstairs in the Youth Group space)
Wednesday, October 1 – Women’s Better Together Group
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
Thursday, October 2 – FPC Quilters Group
Looking to expand your skills or learn a new one? The FPC Quilters Group is meeting weekly.
📌Date: Thursday afternoons
🕛Time: 1 – 2:30 PM
🏢 Where: FPC
All skill sets are welcome. Questions? Contact Anne Frihart at annefrihart@gmail.com
Save the Date | More Info to Come
Saturday, October 11 & Monday, October 13 – 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.
📌Date: Second Monday at 6:30 PM
📌Date: Second Saturday at 10:00 AM
🏢 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!
Friday, October 17 – Blood Drive
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
- Chunky Soups (Campbell’s, Progresso)
- Chicken Broth
- Mandarin Oranges
- Spaghetti Sauce
- Canned Dinty Moore Beef Stew
- 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: Sept. 28 – Oct. 4
This Week’s Anniversaries: Sept. 28 – Oct. 4
FPC Nursery for Ages 3 and under
Nursery Age 3 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
September 28 – Choir & Ying Wang, pianist
October 5 – Choir & Ying Wang, pianist
October 12 – 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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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.
