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“Courage, I AM. Don’t be afraid.”
And like Peter, we are called to get out of the safe boat and walk towards the Light of the World, The Way, the Truth and the Life, the Bread of Life, the Gate, the Good Shepherd, The Resurrection and the Life, the True Vine.
For we are people who are learning how to walk in the Light together.
We are a church that is learning how to live in harmony with one another.
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
Video Devotional: Crumbs for the Dogs
In this episode of Scriptures for Life, Jeff gives a sermon at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison, WI, on a most remarkable passage in Matthew 15:21-28 when Jesus refers to a Canaanite woman as a dog. Do you remember Jesus talking like that to anyone else? Find out what this means in this video.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Prayers are requested for Kevin Olson
Prayers are requested for Kevin Olson, son of Kay and Keith Anderson. Kevin will be having his fourth open heart surgery on September 27th at St Mary’s Hospital ( Mayo Clinic) in Rochester Minnesota. He will be having an aortic valve replaced along with the replacement of the root of his aorta. Prayers also that his transplanted kidney will stay strong during the surgery.
Kevin and Kay will be in Rochester for two to three weeks following surgery. Below is an address if you would like to send Kevin a card since he will be away from friends and family during this time.
Kevin Olson
c/o Aspen Suites
1211 2nd St Sw
Rochester, MN 55902
Tedd Cash joined the Church Triumphant on September 14, 2023
Tedd D. Cash, aged 85 of Waunakee WI, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at Homestead Living Memory Care, his residence for the past eleven months. Tedd was born January 19, 1938, to Hollie and Bessie Cash in Connersville, IN. He grew up in the small town of Liberty, IN, graduated from Short High School in 1956 and joined the Air Force. He was stationed in Clovis, NM and served part of his four years in Adana, Turkey.
He married Pat Schocke and fathered a son, Michael, during his years in the service, then returned to Indiana where he worked at various jobs and took vocational courses to prepare him for his life’s work as a tool-and-die maker. In 1968 he took the plunge from a stable position at P.R. Mallory & Co. Inc., Indianapolis, to establish his own small firm, Cash Manufacturing Co., making hardware parts for muzzleloading rifles, based in Morristown, IN.
He met the love of his life in 1977 and moved his business to Waunakee, WI, where he and the company prospered and became known throughout the muzzleloading world. Tedd was a gentle and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife Barb, sons Michael (April), Jamie (Jeannine), and daughters Melody (Dan Tollefson), Kathleen (Chad Teubert); brother Samuel (Carolyn) IN, sister Fredrica (Douglas Kirk) FL, and sister Cathy (Lyle Hofer) IN, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Grandchildren are Marcus Cash (Carla), Lena (Sean Templin), LuJuan (Carlton Jones), Chelsie (Bruce Conant), Jonathan Alexander, Raegan Alexander, Kylie Matherne, Brynn Cash, Brennan Cash and Lily Cash, several great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Larry Cash, Larry’s wife Joy and their children, Shawn and Angie.
The family would like to thank the entire dedicated, loving staff at Homestead Living, the caring, committed people at Agrace Hospice, and Pastors Glen Reichelderfer and Ben Ehrets for their prayers and support. Tedd’s Alzheimer’s journey was a bad, bumpy ride, but he is whole and peaceful at last.
A Memorial service was held on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church, 5763 County Hwy Q, Waunakee WI.
“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
Pastoral Nominating Committee Update
The MDP (Ministry Discernment Profile), was submitted on September 7 to the COM (Committee on Ministry), who unfortunately did not approve that version. The PNC met on Tuesday, September 12, and spent a couple of hours modifying it based on the feedback received. The revised MDP was approved by Session at Monday’s, September 18, meeting and has been resubmitted to the COM to review at their October 5 meeting. We are confident this version will be approved and we can begin to receive and review pastoral candidates. We appreciate your support as we work through this process. Please keep us in your prayers.
Book Review: David by Charles Swindoll
Lynda Bennin writes that she and husband Bob both enjoyed the new book David by Charles Swindoll: She says: Dr. Swindoll writes in a format that is easy to read and brings the characters of that time to life. We usually think of David as the giant killer or of his relationship to Bathsheba, but the life of David was much more than that. He lived a life of passion and destiny, chosen by God. We are blessed to have this book in our FPC library.
Order your FPC Shirt (or Hoodie!)
Join in our theme of Walking in the Light this year at FPC! Use the button 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 24 – FPC Choir
October 1 – Ying Wang, Pianist
October 8 – FPC Choir
Coming Events | Sept. 24-Oct. 14, 2023
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.
Mondays thru 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 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.
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 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 so Chuck knows how much meat to cook and we can call you if the weather is too bad for an outdoor picnic.
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.
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.
Friday, October 6 at 7PM – The MOMCo, Mom’s Night Out
Attention all Moms! No matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community! For more information contact Patricia Coley.
Mom’s Night Out
Red & White Winebar
331 E. Main Street, Waunakee
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.
Save the Date | More Info to come
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!
Sunday, October 15 from 3PM-5PM – The MOMCo Monthly Gathering
Attention all Moms!
No matter what season of life you are in, join our mom community for monthly gatherings in Fellowship Hall.
For more information contact Patricia Coley.
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.
Sunday, October 29 at 3PM – Theology on Tap
Join us for a casual gathering that is centered around food/drinks, connection, and conversation on a deep faith topic.
This month’s topic: What does it mean to share our faith?
Contact Christa or Ezrah for more info!
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
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.
