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Healing Service
“Close your eyes now, if you wish, and breathe deeply. Let us allow God’s gentle presence to enter our hearts as we recall the images of the Good Shepherd.
Let us ask ourselves, “What do we bring for healing today?”
Thus begins the more serious part of the Healing Service that will take place after our Worship Service this coming Sunday.
When our eyes are shut, questions arise; personal questions that are silently asked in our own quiet dialogue with God.
- “What is it that I bring for healing today?
- What is the dark valley through which I walk now?
- What in my life needs a healing touch?
- damages to my body…
- wounds to my feelings…
- injuries to my spirit?
- What are the relationships in my life that continue to need healing?
- Where am I lost?
- How I am I being called to be a healing presence in the life of others?”
Then, when the time is right, we rise and take a seat in the front.
We go up to place before God what God has placed on our hearts.
We go to have the hands of someone who is also seeking healing placed on us.
We go to be prayed over by a fellow traveler who is on the Way.
It is a quiet moment, a holy moment, a healing moment when the presence of God working in our world is tangible.
-Healing can be the throwing away of a crutch, but it can also be receiving the strength we need to forgive an old wound, or an old friend, or the church.
-Healing can be acknowledging our blindness and be surprised by a different future than we had previously imagined.
-Healing in our bodies, our memories might have already taken place and this moment helps seal that realization and leads to a renewed faith. We will hold healing services right after Sunday worship on September 17 and November 26. In our Chapel at 11:15 am. The service lasts about 15 minutes. Pastor Ben and I will be there. I look forward to seeing you there too.
Peace,
Pastor Glen
Marriage Retreat Announcement
After dinner on Friday, October 20, to before lunch on Sunday, October 22. Beautiful Green Lake Wisconsin. 2 nights, 4 meals, and a deliberate time to reflect on your marriage. $199.00/ couple. (Scholarships are available.) Currently, there is room for a few more couples. We can accommodate more folks if we know in advance.
My wife, Christine, and I have led three weekend Marriage Retreats. We are not experts and have been enriched by all three. We all know that a wedding is just a day, but marriage is an ever-changing process that requires intention and attention. So come away and nurture the relationship you began on your wedding day.
Here are two quotes to think on:
“A strong marriage requires two people who choose to love each other even on those days when they struggle to like each other.” – Dave Willis
“Love doesn’t just sit there, like a stone, it has to be made, like bread; remade all the time, made new.”- Ursula K. Le Guin
“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.
News and Announcements
Fall Kick Off: A Heartwarming Celebration of Community, Food, and Music
Last Sunday, FPC of Waunakee welcomed the autumn season in style with our “Fall Kick Off” event. It was a day filled with delicious BBQ by FPC’s very own Wes Ray, potluck items lovingly prepared by various church members, toe-tapping music by the Waunakee Big Band, and the blessing of beautiful weather, making it a memorable gathering for the church community! … Oh, and who could forget the bouncing pastors!?
Beyond the delicious food, captivating music, and beautiful weather, what made this event truly special was the sense of community and togetherness it fostered. Members of FPC of Waunakee, along with neighbors and friends from the broader Waunakee area, came together to celebrate the start of a new season and strengthen the bonds of friendship and faith.
As the Fall Kick Off came to a close, attendees left with full stomachs and even fuller hearts, grateful for the opportunity to come together in celebration. The “Fall Kick Off” event at FPC of Waunakee was not just an event; it was a testament to the power of community, the joy of good food and music, and the beauty of a perfect Wisconsin day. It set the stage for a season filled with warmth, togetherness, and the promise of more memorable moments to come in our vibrant congregation!
A Note from Stewardship Elder: Barb Cash
Haven’t we just enjoyed an amazing time of Fellowship this past Sunday? Sitting in the shade of a big circus-style tent or the sunshine of the loveliest of days, we enjoyed delicious picnic foods of all sorts, crowned by the pièce de résistance, Wes Ray’s sweet-savory, mouthwatering barbecue.
Whether under the canvas or in the light of God’s blue sky, we were royally treated to the nostalgic sound of the Waunakee Big Band, performing in the adjacent shelter. The band members rehearse in FPC’s music room, free of charge, and as a thank you, volunteered their time, treasure, and musical gifts for our enjoyment.
Volunteer. Think about that for a moment. Some things were paid for outright, of course, like the tent, the pork, the picnic ware, to name only a few. But it takes people, working together for the benefit of all, in order to put on an event like this, which was pulled together in very short order by the Fellowship and the New Member Outreach committees.
But that’s not all! Added to the picnic itself, this day was also about the Sunday School Kick-Off as well as all the opportunities FPC gives for people to “Plug In.” Colorfully decorated tables arrayed in the Narthex highlighted each of these opportunities, with church members standing by to answer questions. They volunteered their time to help showcase all that our church provides for the people of God to come together.
And the key to all this is…we couldn’t have done it without You!
The financial pledges we prayerfully make each year go to support every aspect of life here at FPC, and this event is a shining example of what a portion of your contribution provides, and there are many others.
Without your Time, Treasure, and Talent, we might have just sat in the grass and sipped on bottled water that we brought ourselves, with maybe a package or two of peanuts to pass around. No, it was you who answered the summons of the Fellowship Committee and brought hot-dishes, salads, fruit, and desserts galore. Church members plugged in to cover all parts of this event, whether it was setting up the tables or taking them down, arranging donated food and paper products or clearing them away, not to mention paying for the rental of the tent and the Bouncy House, and for those who erect and dismantle them.
Isn’t it great that we can share times like this with each other and with others whom we might have just met? When we offer our time, our abilities, or our financial contributions, we not only enjoy each other’s company and that of new friends, but we become more invested in the life of FPC. Only because you give!
Order your FPC Shirt (or Hoodie!)
Join in our theme of Walking in the Light this year at FPC! Use the QR Code below to order your shirt or hoodie (or sign up for a shirt at the Student Ministry Table in the Lobby.) All Orders must be submitted by Sunday, September 24. Payments will be accepted online or by check marked “Tshirt order.”
*If you have questions, email Ezrah Schmeelk, Director of Student Ministry, at: eschmeelk@myfpc.org
First Presbyterian Emergency Action Plan- Intruder Committee Formed
Several church members have come together to update the Intruder/Active Shooter portion of our church Emergency Action Plan. Our dear departed Sheldon Schall created the plan back in May of 2019. Pastor Glen asked Sam Robinson if he would take the lead to form a committee and update the current plan to reflect current practices.
Liz Weller, Clare Zaiman-Keen, Pam Knutson, Rick Mueller, Steve Alexander, RJ Binau, Sam Robinson, and Pastor Glen continue to meet along with having a Dane County Deputy provide input to the plan and church building layout. Portions of the plan include informing, updating, and training the Session, staff, and congregation on a yearly basis. The committee has a goal to have the final plan be presented to the Session at their November meeting for their approval.
All church members should know that, in order to be successful, the updated plan will require church members to step up and volunteer for key positions of the Safety Team.
FPC’s office hours
Monday – Wednesday – 10:00am – 4:00pm
Thursday – Admin Staff working remotely from 10:00am – 4:00pm
Friday – Office Closed
Nursery is open
Nursery Age 2 and Under – Room 200
The Nursery is available on Sundays from 9:00 – 11:00 AM, is staffed by church volunteers who love children and want to share God’s love with them.
Kingdom Kids
3-year-olds through Kindergarten will be dismissed after the Children’s message during Sunday service.
Sunday School – Aged 3 to 6th grade – 9AM-9:50AM
Join us at FPC of Waunakee for an incredible Sunday School experience! Our vibrant program caters to children aged 3 to 6th grade, offering engaging lessons, interactive activities, and a nurturing environment where young faith can thrive. Every Sunday, we’re dedicated to fostering faith, friendship, and fun in a way that leaves a lasting impact on your child’s spiritual journey. Don’t miss out on this enriching opportunity!
Network 56 – Grades 5-6
Network 56 is a group of 5th and 6th graders who hang out together to have fun, put faith to action by serving in the community, and grow healthy, encouraging friendships.
- All 5th and 6th grade students are welcome to attend Network 56 events at any time. Interested participants are notified in advance of each event.
- All events are chaperoned by parents. There is lots of fun and room for everyone to participate.
Graceland Student Ministry – Grades 7-12
FPC Student Ministry exists to help students KNOW God, GROW in relationship with Him and each other, and to GO serve others in Jesus’ name.
Students can expect a welcoming environment with caring adult leaders who are there to support and encourage them on their faith journey, regardless of if they are exploring their faith for the first time, a committed follower of Jesus, or anywhere between.
All students are welcome!
Sundays | 9:00–9:50am
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, Bible discussion, and prayer.
Wednesdays | 7:00-8:15pm
In the upstairs youth room
(Sept-May)
7th-12th Graders, join us for a time of connection, games, musical worship, meaningful messages and small group discussions, and prayer.
Music in Worship
September 17 – Mitch Richards, Organist
September 24 – FPC Choir
October 1 – Ying Wang, Pianist
Coming Events | Sept. 17-Oct. 7, 2023
THIS Sunday, September 17 at 11AM – Healing and Wholeness Service
A short service for Healing and Wholeness will be held in the Chapel right after Worship on Sunday September 17. Since the days of the early church, Christians have used the laying on of hands and anointing with oil as a sign of the working of the Spirit. This short service allows us to bring our memories, our physical troubles, our psychological wounds to God and seek healing. We do this with one another as we walk together in the LIGHT. All are welcome to this special, uplifting Service.
THIS Sunday, September 17 at 3PM – Theology On Tap
Mondays, Sept. 18-Nov. 6 from 1PM-2:30PM – Light Team Meeting
What On Earth Am I Here For?
Good question! The Light Team will have answers to that question after listening to Rick Warren’s book with that exact title in the six-session small group study which goes until November 6. No meeting on Oct. 2.
This group welcomes all ladies wishing to engage in fellowship and Christian study – with no homework!
Light Team will begin meeting on September 18 at 1PM in the Gathering Place.
Email Lynda if you’d like to join Light Team at blbennin@tds.net
Wednesdays thru May 29 at 8:30AM – Women’s Bible Study
The Wednesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Group is made up of women from the surrounding community at large. All are welcome. 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.
Thursdays thru Nov. 2 from 6:30PM-7:15PM – Heavenly Stretch
Heavenly Stretch, yoga for Christians, will meet Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:15 in the FPC Chapel. This will be an 8-week series, open to FPC members and friends, and the community. It will start on September 14 and continue through November 2. The series will have a Christian-based theme and weaves prayer, scripture and scripture-based meditation into the physical practice of yoga. It will be led by Lolly Lawrence, who is a certified yoga teacher.
Thursday, September 21 at 1PM – FPC Quilters Meeting
Interested in Quilting?
Join us for our monthly meetings in the Gatherings Space of FPC Waunakee! Meetings consist of a good deal of socialization, quilt “Show & Tell,” and discussion of any quilting problems/questions that might come up. The group also has one or two “Sewing Days” events each year and works on Prayer Quilts for the FPC Deacon’s Prayer Shawl & Quilt Ministry.
Meetings take place on the third Thursday of each month from September to May, with the exception of January when we take a break.
For more details email Anne Frihart at annefrihart@gmail.com
Friday, September 22 at 6:30PM – Outdoor Movie and S’mores
Friday, September 22 at 6:30pm, we will watch “Minions: The Rise of Gru.” We’ll have s’mores and water – please bring your own chair! If it is raining, we will watch in the Youth Space.
Sunday, September 24 from 11:15AM-1PM – All About FPC Class
Have you ever wanted to know more about FPC? Are you interested in exploring membership here at FPC? If your answer is yes, then please mark your calendars for Sunday, September 24. We will meet right after church. Lunch is provided. If you need childcare, let us know in advance. We will meet in the Chapel. Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen or Elder Wes Ray. Or contact the church office.
Monday, September 25 at 6:30PM and Saturday, September 30 at 10AM – Care for the Caregivers
Caregiving is full of stories and life experiences. Sometimes we need somebody to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Where can one find a Christian place to tell those stories and life experiences? The Care for the Caregiver group at FPC.
The Care for Caregivers group is a small group that meets twice a month; one attends as they have time, feels the need to share, or help others walking this path. We meet in the Chapelmonthly, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The group is faith based and includes those who are caring or have cared for another – in person or from afar. The group is for more than the FPC family, the meeting is open to community members that are caregivers. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential so that people are able to speak freely.
Henri Nouwen wrote, “To care is the most human of all gestures; caring expresses and expands our compassion. Care draws us into profound mutuality, both in shared vulnerability and shared gifts.”
If you have questions, or if these dates and times won’t work for you, please contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call 849-5683 and leave a message during work hours.
Wednesday, September 27 from 11:30AM-1PM – New Horizons Cookout
New Horizons: Annual Cookout will be at Anne & Chuck Frihart’s backyard. They live on Ballweg Road in Dane, which is north west of Waunakee off of Highway 12. Turn right just past the pedestrian bridge that goes over Hwy 12.
When: Wednesday, September 27 at 11:30 a.m.
Where: 8179 Ballweg Road, Dane, WI 53529
Rain or Cold Weather Alternate Venue: If it is raining or too cold, we will meet at FPC Fellowship Hall … (Anne’s home is not big enough for an indoor picnic.) Please make sure you RSVP (see below) so we know how to reach you on Tuesday night or Wednesday morning if we need to switch to FPC Fellowship Hall because of the weather.
Cookout and Picnic Potluck: Meat and drinks will be provided. For those who are able, please bring a side dish, snack or dessert to share. Grandchildren are also welcome to come.
Car Pooling will be available, leaving FPC at 11:00 a.m. Call Anne or Steve to get a ride or to offer to be a driver … We will meetup at FPC or we can pick you up at your home.
For questions or to carpool or share a ride, please call Anne & Chuck: 608-512-3620 or Vicki & Steve: 608-849-4058.
New Horizons is a gathering of First Presbyterian Church members and friends over 55 (guests of any age are always welcome).
We are making plans for the rest of the school year and we invite your input.
Please RSVP below so Chuck knows how much meat to cook and we can call you if the weather is too bad for an outdoor picnic.
Friday, September 29 from 12:30PM-5:45PM – Red Cross Blood Drive
Monday, October 2 at 7PM – Centering Prayer
The Centering Prayer group will meet in the Chapel on the first Monday of each month at 7pm for two 20 minute “sits”. For those who want to “learn by doing,” please come at 6:30 to get oriented. For questions, please contact Pastor Glen.
Save the Date | More Info to come
Monday, October 9 at 6:30PM and Saturday, October 14 at 10AM – Care for the Caregivers
Caregiving is full of stories and life experiences. Sometimes we need somebody to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Where can one find a Christian place to tell those stories and life experiences? The Care for the Caregiver group at FPC.
The Care for Caregivers group is a small group that meets twice a month; one attends as they have time, feels the need to share, or help others walking this path. We meet in the Chapel monthly, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The group is faith based and includes those who are caring or have cared for another – in person or from afar. The group is for more than the FPC family, the meeting is open to community members that are caregivers. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential so that people are able to speak freely.
Henri Nouwen wrote, “To care is the most human of all gestures; caring expresses and expands our compassion. Care draws us into profound mutuality, both in shared vulnerability and shared gifts.”
If you have questions, or if these dates and times won’t work for you, please contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call 849-5683 and leave a message during work hours.
Sunday, October 15 at 11AM – What’s Cookin’ at FPC?
The Lengue Family invites you to join them in learning how to cook Beignets from Cameroon! Sandrine will be teaching us how to make Beignets- this will be hands on, and we’ll get to eat them too! Please join us after church on Sunday, October 15 for a simple pizza & salad lunch in the Fellowship Hall where we will connect with each other and learn what’s cookin’ at FPC together!
*There will be a gluten free table – please note in your rsvp if you would like to be at that table.*
CANCELLED – Sunday, October 15 at 2:30PM – Historic Organ Presentation and Recital
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our Fall Organ recital. We are looking at dates for a Spring 2024 recital. Stay tuned!
Friday, October 20 at 12PM-5PM – Waunakee Ecumenical Board Blood Drive at FPC
Friday, October 20 – Sunday, October 22 – FPC Marriage Retreat
About a year ago, Jack Von Rutenberg came into my office and welcomed me back here to FPC Waunakee. As we chatted that morning, he asked if my wife and I would be willing to lead another Marriage Retreat? He told me that he and Tammy had attended the previous FPC marriage retreat some 20+ years ago. It seems that retreat had a great impact on their marriage. If you are anything like Christine and me, you rarely make time to focus on your marriage. The hustle and bustle of our culture just does not allow us much time to make our marriages the center of attention. That is why we have felt the need to offer this time away. The cost is $199.00/couple. From after dinner on October 20 to before lunch on October 22 at the lovely Green Lake Conference Center. (Signup here) Questions? Talk to Pastor Glen
Saturday, October 28 – 8:30AM-12:30PM – Introduction to Centering Prayer
Saturday October 28 8:30am-12:30pm for the next offering by Contemplative Outreach of Madison’s Introduction to Centering Prayer. This will be the last offering while Pastor Glen is at FPC Waunakee. Those who are new to this practice are welcome as well as those who want to deepen their practice.
Saturday, November 11 at 10AM and Monday, November 13 at 6:30PM – Care for the Caregivers
Caregiving is full of stories and life experiences. Sometimes we need somebody to walk with us, someone who is experiencing the same path of caregiving. Where can one find a Christian place to tell those stories and life experiences? The Care for the Caregiver group at FPC.
The Care for Caregivers group is a small group that meets twice a month; one attends as they have time, feels the need to share, or help others walking this path. We meet in the Chapel monthly, once on the second Monday of the month at 6:30pm and once on the second Saturday of the month at 10:00am. The group is faith based and includes those who are caring or have cared for another – in person or from afar. The group is for more than the FPC family, the meeting is open to community members that are caregivers. The discussions held in the meetings are confidential so that people are able to speak freely.
Henri Nouwen wrote, “To care is the most human of all gestures; caring expresses and expands our compassion. Care draws us into profound mutuality, both in shared vulnerability and shared gifts.”
If you have questions, or if these dates and times won’t work for you, please contact Marcia Chase, marchase@icloud.com or call 849-5683 and leave a message during work hours.
Sunday, November 12 from 11:30AM-1PM – FPC’s Chili & Cornbread Cook-off!
We can’t wait to be with our Church Family for this fun event! Please RSVP below if you are planning to bring Chili or Cornbread. There will be judges and prizes! If you don’t have a chili or cornbread to enter – please rsvp for salad or fruit or dessert! Come to compete- or just eat!
Opportunities to Serve
Saturday, September 23 at 9AM-Noon – FPC Fall Clean-Up
Embrace the spirit of togetherness and join us for an invigorating day of community camaraderie at our Fall Clean-up event! As the vibrant colors of autumn surround us, let’s come together to prepare our cherished FPC grounds for the upcoming winter. Come help us make an impact as we ensure our church remains a welcoming haven for all seasons!
We’ll be restoring “Alice’s Garden” on the north side of the building! Bring your gloves, trowels, rakes if you have them. All experience levels welcome: children through master gardeners!
Sunday, October 8 from 3PM-4:30PM – Food for Kidz Volunteer
Sign up your family for October 8, 3:00-4:30pm at Waunakee High School.
Volunteers Needed for Agrace Adult Day Center
Volunteers are needed to provide companionship to clients at the Agrace Adult Day Center located at 1702 W. Beltline Highway. Agrace will host an orientation for new volunteers on Thursday, October 19, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Agrace Madison campus. Pre-registration is required. To register, call (608) 327-7163 or visit Agrace.org/Volunteer and fill out an application.
Agrace Offers Grief Support Group Options in October
In October, Agrace grief support specialists are offering in-person and virtual group grief support options:
• Bridges meets October 4 and 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., and October 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., at the Agrace Grief Support Center.
• Bridges (virtual) meets Wednesday, October 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., via Zoom.
• Journey Through Grief (virtual) meets Mondays, October 16 to November 20, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., via Zoom.
• Young Adult meets Thursday, October 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Agrace Grief Support Center.
• Spouse/Partner Loss meets Thursdays, October 19 to December 14 (excluding Thanksgiving), from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Pre-registration is required for all groups. For details, fees or to register, go to Agrace.org/Volunteer, email griefsupport@agrace.org or call (608) 327-7110.
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.
Doneta Chorney
608-345-1196
Tryg Knutson
608-622-9539
Jill Umlauf
715-360-5962
Want to receive an email notification when the weekly Connector is updated? Sign up here!
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 is available in print at the Connection Corner in the Lobby for those who would like a printed copy.
The Connector comes out at 4 PM every Friday. The deadline for submissions is noon, the Wednesday prior.
