Potluck Fellowship

December 1

Bring your leftover Thanksgiving pie—or a fresh one—to share with friends on Sunday, December 1 at 9:30 in St. Michael’s Hall. There will be no other faith formation classes that day.

Poinsettias for Christmas

You can help decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias in memory/honor of a loved one or in celebration of a special event. Please click here to complete the online form by Sunday, December 15. The cost is $20, which will be used to purchase flowers and other sanctuary enhancements. You are welcome to take the plant home or give it to someone else to enjoy after December 25.

Advent 2024

Words for the Beginning:

Advent Reminders for New Seasons

Join us Wednesday nights on December 4, 11, 18 for a meal at 5:15 in St. Michael’s Hall and worship at 6:00 in the Sanctuary. A free-will offering for the meal will be received. Printed devotionals are available in the Commons. More information about worship services and events in Advent and Christmas are at faithlc.org/advent.

God's Work. Our Hands.

Ways to Give in Advent

We are collecting gifts for Trinity Center at Luther Park. You can find the list of items needed here. Please deliver new, unwrapped gifts to Faith Lutheran Commons by Sunday, December 8^th. Any items not used for Christmas will be used throughout the year for resident birthday and bingo gifts.

We will also be collecting gifts for our friends at MOSAIC again this year. Be watching for the tree in the Commons when Advent begins on December 1. 

Children Led Worship

December 7 & 8

The children of Faith will be leading worship on December 7 & 8. This includes sharing a skit and taking on various worship helper roles. Any kids who are interested in participating may click here to sign up.

Project Holiday Cheer

December 8

We will be donning our festive attire and heading out to spread Christmas cheer through singing carols to some of our members and at local nursing homes on Sunday, December 8 from 1:00-3:00. If you know of someone in the congregation who could use some extra Christmas cheer this year, please let Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org) know and we will make every effort to carol at their place of residence. 

CFUM Presentation

December 8

Adult Faith Formation meets Sunday, December 8 at 9:30 am in St. Michael's Hall. Come learn all about Children & Family Urban Movement (CFUM), a ministry partner of Faith Lutheran. CFUM seeks to create a community that supports the potential in children, youth, and families, through educational success, healthy living, and community engagement.  

Messiah Concert

December 8

Celebrate and sing along with Handel’s Messiah, presented by the Des Moines Community Orchestra, on Sunday, December 8 at 2:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Church in Des Moines.

Guys' Night Out

December 9

The gentlemen of Faith will gather for food and fellowship on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 pm at Up-Down (500 E. Locust, DSM). RSVP to Tim Tessier and Peter Bissinger at flcgno@gmail.com.

God's Love Made Real

December 10

Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, presiding bishop of the ELCA, will join congregations in Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula on Tuesday, December 10 at 12:00 noon for a regional conversation on God’s Love Made Real. The Rev. Lorna Halaas, bishop of the Western Iowa Synod, will host the online conversation. During this discussion, the presiding bishop will share why God’s Love Made Real is meaningful to her and the future of the church. Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences and ask questions. 

God’s Love Made Real is a movement encouraging the ELCA to create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. “The Spirit is calling us to move together as one church to share the grace and love we experience every day,” said Eaton. 

Join the Zoom meeting! (no registration needed)

Learn more about God’s Love Made Real at lovemadereal.elca.org.

Cookie Walk Fundraiser

December 15

Come support Children & Family Ministry at the Cookie Walk! This event will raise funds for scholarships for Faith Lutheran kids to attend Lutheran Lakeside Camp. Gather on December 15 at 9:30 in St. Michael's Hall to purchase a box for $20, which you will fill with an assortment of holiday cookies. Click here if you'd like to donate cookies or help with the event.

Lessons & Carols

December 15

Faith Music's "A Festival of Lessons & Carols" will occur Sunday, December 15 at 8:15 and 10:30. Come hear the Advent and Christmas story told anew through scripture readings and well-known and lesser-known carols. This beautiful work for choir, congregation, organ, string quartet, and handbells is sure to be a centerpiece of your holiday.

Blue Christmas

December 21

There’s an Advent tradition within Western Christianity of inviting people to come together for the longest night, a night around the time of the winter solstice, when there are more hours of darkness than light. Blue Christmas worship on Saturday, December 21 at 5:00 pm is a time for prayers and laments, to mourn the losses and griefs of the year, to let the tears flow for the hurting places in our own lives, as well as for our country and our world. It is a sacred space to share anguish, to plead with God to remember us, to pray for justice and restoration, to hope against hope, through our doubts and tears and fears, that “God will set things right all over the earth.” 

Christmas Eve Dinner

December 24

Christmas Eve is more fun when we can share in fellowship and celebration around the table, face to face, with one another. Please join us this holy night for a light dinner of soup, bread, salad, and dessert. The meal will be served in St. Michael’s Hall at 6:00 pm. Click here to RSVP or call the church office by Thursday, December 19. If you would like to bring food please contact Pastor Megan Clausen at megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9449.

Christmas Worship Schedule

Mark your calendars and join us for worship the last two weekends of the year. More information is available at faithlc.org/advent. 

Christmas Eve 

December 24 at 3:00, 5:00* & 7:00 pm 

Candlelight and Holy Communion at all three services. 

Christmas Day  

December 25 at 10:00 am 

First Weekend of Christmas 

December 28 at 5:00 pm 

December 29 at 8:15* & 10:30 am 

* = livestreamed at www.faithlc.org

Pastoral Visit and At-Home Communion

If you or someone you know wishes to have a visit by one of the pastors and/or receive Holy Communion, call the church office at 515-225-8334 or email Pastor Eric Carlson at eric@faithlc.org.

Ways to Give

You can make financial contributions to the church in the following ways:

• Place a check or cash in the offering container in worship
• Mail a personal check to Faith at 10395 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325
• Visit the Online Giving page to make a gift online

Thanks for your ongoing support of Faith Lutheran Church's ministries.

Cancellation Policy

During adverse weather conditions, cancellation of Faith Lutheran Sunday worship and activities will be determined no later than 6:00 am on Sunday. Cancellation of congregational activities all other days will be determined no later than 12:00 noon. Information regarding cancellations will be posted with KCCI TV channel 8, Faith’s Facebook page, the church website, and a congregational email. 

Altar Flowers

You can honor a loved one or commemorate a special occasion by sponsoring altar flowers. Click here to sign up for a specific date. Cost is $50 per bouquet. Payments can be made online.