One of the privileges of serving as Mission Elder is witnessing the many ways God works through the generosity and compassion of the people of First Presbyterian Church of Waunakee.

Our church is deeply committed to mission, partnering with organizations and ministries that address hunger, housing insecurity, poverty, disaster assistance, health needs, community support, and the sharing of God’s Word. Through our collective gifts of time, talents, and resources, we share Christ’s love with people both near and far.

One of the things I appreciate most about FPC is that we are a tithing church. Through the faithful financial support of our congregation, a portion of every pledged gift helps support mission and outreach efforts. Through these gifts, we support global mission partners and sustain mission efforts within our community.

This year, I have been especially encouraged by the response of our congregation to mission opportunities. Through events such as our Cereal Drive and Fill the Bus school supply collection, FPC members stepped forward to help meet the needs of local families. These efforts demonstrate how much can be accomplished when we come together to serve our neighbors and put our faith into action.

As we look ahead, there are several opportunities to continue sharing Christ’s love through service and giving.

On October 11, our congregation will participate in Food for Kids, a hands-on service event that helps provide nutritious meals for children facing food insecurity. This event offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals and families to serve together while making a tangible difference.

On November 15, we will host Pack the Love Day, an intergenerational service event designed for all ages. Whether you are young or old, there will be opportunities to serve, connect, and make an impact in our community.

As we enter the Advent and Christmas season, our Giving Trees will once again provide opportunities to support individuals and families through thoughtful gifts and needed items. These gifts help brighten the holiday season for those facing challenges and offer a meaningful way to share God’s love with others.

As you consider the coming months, I invite you to reflect on how God may be calling you to participate in mission. Perhaps it is through volunteering at Food for Kids or Pack the Love Day. Perhaps it is selecting a gift from a Giving Tree, donating needed items, supporting a mission partner financially, or committing to pray regularly for those we serve. Each of us has unique gifts, and every act of generosity, kindness, and service helps strengthen our community and extend Christ’s love into the world.

I am grateful for the Mission Committee members who faithfully support and coordinate this work, and I am equally grateful for the generosity, participation, and prayers of our entire church family that make this ministry possible. Together, we continue to bring hope, compassion, and encouragement to our neighbors near and far.

Thank you for being part of this important ministry. I look forward to serving alongside you as we continue to share God’s love through mission.

Grace and Peace,

Leslie
Mission Elder

Please see this month’s high-level summary of our general fund actual revenue and expenses.

In August, revenue was lower than expenses during the month by $3,440.

Year to date revenue for the second time this year is lower than expenses by $6,073 during the period Jan – July. As mentioned last month, the cash carry over from last year helped cover the gap. Thanks for all considering and contributing to our faith budget. We have received $6,100 and two gold coins so far. More about the gold coins in a future article. See the tile on the donation page or write faith budget on a check if you’d like to contribute towards this. Faith budget giving will help give a boost to the general fund and keep our ministry areas and operations running smoothly.

Also, the number of member contributions towards the presbyterian member dues (per capita) continues to increase. These are the $45 per member funds that are sent to the Presbytery for their support of churches, missions, and more. We have currently received 66 payments thus far (9 more than last month). If you haven’t had a chance to contribute towards the Presbytery member dues, it’s not too late. Thanks all for your generosity.

Any questions, please contact Monty Cordell, FinanceElder@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.

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 the FPC conference room

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

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

Please note Youth Group will meet on Sunday evenings moving forward.

📅Date: Sundays
🕒Time: 6:30 – 7:45 PM
📌Location: Meet upstairs in the FPC Youth Space

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 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.

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

Join the Dining Divas this fall!

📅 Date: Thursday, October 15
🕒 Time: Noon
📍 Location: The Cheesecake Factory (near West Towne)

Please RSVP by October 8. We hope you can join us for good food and fellowship!

Join us for a discussion of the FPC Summer Book Club selection, Ashes to Ashes by M.M. Lindvall.

📅Date: Sunday, October 18
🕒Time: 10:45 – 11:45 AM
📌Location: Fellowship Hall

Please mark your calendar and join us for a special opportunity to meet the authors of Ashes to Ashes on Sunday, November 1, from 11:00 AM to noon.

A potluck lunch will follow.

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

American Red Cross Blood Drive – Sign up here

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

Join us for local service project in Fellowship Hall after Sunday morning service on Nov. 15th. 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.

The River Food Pantry is Dane County’s busiest food pantry, serving almost 4,000 people weekly. The food bags FPC assembles will be distributed to children in 20 low-income neighborhoods in Fitchburg and Madison through the River’s Munch food trucks.

Friends of the State Street Family provides hope and help to those experiencing homelessness. Food bags assembled by FPC will be distributed to the homeless in the state street area.

Save the date! Sign up and more details coming soon! This is a family friendly event and a great opportunity for children to get involved!

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