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This Week's Ministry Blog
Called Anew
Matthew 5:13-20
Seldom have I met anyone in congregational life who would say, "I am the salt of the earth." For one thing it would sound rather presumptuous if not a little strange. But as a pastor I have seen that "saltiness" at work over and over again. It is heartening for sure. It helps us to keep the faith and to live from the center of the gospel. In sharing with others in ministry I have thought to myself many times, "Surely here is the salt of the earth." That saltiness shows itself not only in good work done but also in ways people choose to be present.
As we appreciate the giftedness of others, our idea of what it means to live out the faith is expanded. We can think of new ways we might use what is in us and before us to make a difference for others.
Not always being aware of our own individual contributions indicates the wonder of how God is always at work through us and among us. When Jesus told the disciples that they were salt and light, he was talking to them collectively, as community. So it was both about the individual and about others. He was naming what was already true! This was the starting point! This was recognition of who they were in the company of Jesus. From here he could challenge them to a greater imagination and a deeper participation in the kingdom.
The image of salt conveys what is daily, what is needed, what is zestful. While we may prefer to make the big impact, this part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount reminds us that what we share, even if it seems rather small and mostly inconspicuous, can be significant. The prophet realized this: Then your light shall break forth like the dawn and your healing shall spring up quickly (Isaiah 58:8a).
And so we look around and we take notice of the many and varied ways we share in the gospel today. While we may feel the demand to be doing more, we never lose sight of the work we are called to do daily, in our homes, in our neighborhoods and in the world.
Being in this together is what makes the church alive - full of promise and purpose!
Here in this place the new light is streaming...
Here we will take the wine and the water,
here we will take the bread of new birth,
here you shall call your sons and your daughters,
call us anew to be salt for the earth.
- ELW 532
Pastor Randy
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 This Sunday, February 5, is Scout Sunday.
The Boy Scouts of America designates the Sunday that falls before February 8 (Scouting Anniversary Day) as Scout Sunday, which is the primary date to recognize the contributions of young people and adults to Scouting. We congratulate all the volunteers who are active in Scouting throughout Clive and want to offer a special prayer and word of the thanks to the leaders of Pack and Troop 48 chartered to Faith Lutheran Church. They are always looking for those interested in serving our youth as merit badge counselors, den leaders, committee members, event planners, etc. If you have questions, contact Charter Representative Jeff Westendorf at 515-401-7621 or jpwesten@gmail.com.
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First Tuesday Women's Fellowship
The First Tuesday Women's Fellowship will meet at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 7, at the home of Kathy Hansen, 9825 Oakwood Drive, Urbandale 307-754-9381. The study, Christian Faith and Freedom, will focus on Session Two, "Children of God Through Faith," in the January/February 2017 issue of
Gather
. For more information, call Stephanie Hoff at 278-4003 or email at sah@netins.net.
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Adult Sunday School
During the month of February we will be focusing on learning more about our neighbor's religions. Please join us as we appreciate our differences and celebrate what we have in common. On February 5, Mark Finkelstein from the Jewish Federation of Des Moines will be presenting. On
February 12, JJ Kapur and Gurwinder Kapur from the West Des Moines Sikh Temple will be here.
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New Member Class
A new member class will be held on Sundays, February 5, 12, and 19, at 9:30 a.m. The class will be held in Faith Lights Room and serves as preparation for those who are interested in membership at Faith. There will be an opportunity to review the basics of the Christian faith from a Lutheran perspective, to meet ministry team leaders and staff, and to develop new friendships. New members will be officially received at the worship service at 10:30 a.m. on February 19. If you would like to register for the class, please email Miranda Kurtt at mirandakurtt@faithlc.org or call 225-8334.
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March 5th is the 15th Annual Silent Auction and Spaghetti Lunch Fundraiser
 Members of Faith Lutheran Church can help support our young people through prayer, and participating in the annual Silent Auction and Spaghetti Lunch on Sunday, March 5. We need your help! Part of what makes our auction so successful is the willingness of the congregation to donate items to be auctioned. Woodwork, art, skilled labor and gift certificates are just a few ideas for donation. Prayerfully consider how your passions and gifts can bless our youth ministry by donating new or like-new items and/or services to the auction. Forms are available on the youth bulletin board in the entryway and can be dropped off in the church office. All donations are due by Wednesday, February 22. Contact Jake Bouma with any questions (jakebouma@faithlc.org). Thank you for your continued support.
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Lutheran Day on the Hill
Join LSI and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill in Des Moines on Tuesday, February 21, 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Last year the only legislation seeking to assist refugees across the entire country was passed in our state-in large part due to our advocacy. This day is essential for giving voice to those who are not heard, for seeking social justice and for empowering people to exercise their right and responsibility to be part of the legislative process. Register here: http://lsiowa.org/support/advocate/lutheran-day-on-the-hill/ or contact Pastor Sarah for more information.
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Cooking Club
Cooking Club is meeting on Thursday, February 9, at 6:30 p.m., at the Gathering House. This month will be featuring cherries. Please bring your recipe and a cooked/baked sampling to share. Please attend and invite others.
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Don't Forget to Direct Choice Dollars
Grant funding from Thrivent Financial through its Thrivent Choice program can help support organizations you care about. Don't let Choice Dollars expire. Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have Choice Dollars available have until March 31, 2017, to direct any remaining 2016 Choice Dollars. Help support Faith Lutheran Church. Go to www.Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more. Or call 800-847-4836 and say "Thrivent Choice" after the prompt.
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MLK Day Camp - Rescheduled
The MLK Day Camp was cancelled on January 16
due to the ice storm. Lucky for us, counselors from Lutheran Lakeside camp are coming back to run a day camp for us on Monday, March 13. All children, Prekindergarten through sixth grade, are encouraged to signup for camp at
http://bit.ly/SpringBreakDayCamp
. If you would like more information, please Erika Weber or Andrea Stone.
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Faith Book Club
 Is reading more books one of your New Year's resolutions? Faith Book Club can help! We will meet Tuesday, February 21, at the home of Ann Drummond. Our book is
America's First Daughter
by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray. Looking ahead to the March 21st meeting, we will read
The Trouble with Goats and Sheep
by Joanna Cannon. Faith Book Club meets the third Tuesday of the month. All are welcome! Please contact Sara Broadrick at sbroadrick75@gmail.com or 515-528-6881 for more information or to be added to the email distribution list.
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Did you miss last week's Faith E-news? You can find archived E-news on Faith's website under Archived E-news button on the homepage.
Do you have questions or comments regarding this publication? Please contact Miranda at mirandakurtt@faithlc.org or 225-8334. We welcome your feedback.
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