The Week Ahead
Sunday, January 23
8:00 a.m. - Worship Service
9:30 a.m. - ABC/SS/YBS
10:45 - Worship Service
5:30 p.m. - Grief Share Support Group
Tuesday, January 25
5:30 p.m. - YCC
7:00 p.m. - PR/AD Meeting
Wednesday, January 26
6:30 p.m. - Fall AIC
7:00 p.m. - Adult Bible Study
Thursday, January 27
Women's Bible Study Cancelled
6:00 p.m. - Handbell Rehersal
7:00 p.m. - Ministry Fair Planning
Saturday, January 29
10:00 a.m. - Basketball: Lakers @ SJB
2:00 p.m. High School Open Gym
5:30 p.m. - Worship Service
Sunday, January 30
8:00 a.m. - Communion Service
9:30 a.m. - ABC/SS/YBS
10:45 - Communion Service
5:30 p.m. - Grief Share Support Group
Calendar Subject to Change
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TREASURE
(Weekly Need = $22,400.00)
Unified Offering: $12,215.00
Faith Forward: $760.00
Total Given: $12,975.00
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CONGREGATIONAL ASSEMBLY - RECAP |
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
At our congregational assembly this past Monday, January 17th, we gathered to discuss two topics.
- Line of Credit (LOC) Increase
- Current state of our ministry - both church and school.
First, I would like to thank all 70 of the Faith family that attended.
Second, the overwhelming majority of the conversation focused on our current ministry, reasons why we might be in this situation and potential options to help us move forward successfully.
We discussed and acknowledged that the LOC increase is a patch/temporary fix to help make sure we can pay our called workers and suppliers for the rest of the fiscal year. After lengthy discussions, the decision to increase the LOC was approved.
Several potential options were discussed to help financially improve our situation. SCRIP, Consolidating the school with other churches, Illinois Invest in Kids, etc.
We also discussed current activities to increase member engagement via shepherding, evangelism, etc. While those activities are active, they are scaled down considerably from pre-COVID activity. We hope to pick up the activity soon.
We spent some time discussing the current situation regarding our called workers and the call that has been accepted by Carrie to Green Bay, the calls currently held by Sara and Craig, and Pastor Hermanson's retirement. Given all the moving parts, there was consensus that prior to extending any calls, the Parish Council would present several scenarios to show what staffing would look like with varying levels of offerings, tuition, etc. Those will be shared and discussed at the next meeting.
I will be sending out a communication regarding the next meeting shortly.
As I have mentioned before, it is going to take all of us to move forward successfully.
I look forward to seeing you all at our next meeting. It's time to pick up your shovel.
Blessings on your day.
Mark Kohl
Presiding Elder
847-406-8953
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NEXT CONGREGATIONAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY 31st |
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Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We will be meeting again on Monday, January 31st at 6:30pm at the church.
There are two topics that will be addressed.
- Request to engage our District President to begin discussions on placing a call to fill the vacancy that will be open upon Pastor Hermanson's retirement. If approved, we would begin discussions with him and provide our desired skills, strengths, etc. That would lead to him providing us a call list.
- Review and discuss multiple staffing scenarios based on offerings, tuition, enrollment, etc. The Parish Council has been working on those since our last meeting and intends to send them out prior to the meeting so you will have a chance to review.
We would like to have a decision on the desired scenario our Faith family feels is the most appropriate to move us forward. However, it is possible that we will not come to a decision and more work will need to be done. That is ok too.
As we work through these challenges, I ask that we keep our eyes focused on Christ and encourage one another just as Paul encouraged the Thessalonians in 1Thessalonians 5:10-12. "He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
I look forward to seeing all of you at the meeting on January 31st at 6:30pm.
Bring your shovel.
Blessings on your day,
Mark Kohl
Presiding Elder
847-406-8953
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NEW USHER SCHEDULE LINK UNDER "HELPFUL LINKS" IN PNN |
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ATTENTION USHERS - A link to the usher schedule can now be found at the bottom of the digital Parish News and Notes in the HELPFUL LINKS section. If you scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter and click on the "USHER SCHEDULE" link you will find the new schedule for February 2022 - June 2022. A hard copy of the schedule will continue to be mailed to your home and will be arriving later this week, however this permanent link is now also available to you for your reference.
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GRIEF SHARE SUPPORT GROUP - SUNDAYS 5:30 - 7:00 PM |
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WEDNESDAY NIGHT ADULT BIBLE CLASS at 7 PM |
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THURSDAY MORNING WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY CANCELLED |
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Our Thursday morning Women's Bible study will be cancelled for this Thursday, January 27 due to Pastor Hermanson being out of town. This bible study will resume February 3. |
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New 3rd Quarter Chapel Offering is Roma Bulgaria |
The Roma Bulgaria Ministry was the chosen mission for the third quarter. Our 7th and 8th graders set a goal of $700 for this mission. Offerings for January 19 were $28.79. Total given for 3rd Quarter is $28.79.
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See The Anchor newsletter linked below for more information and other events and activities at Faith Lutheran School.
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From the Halls of Shoreland:
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SAVE THE DATE!
Shoreland’s 50th Anniversary and Hall of Fame Dinner & Auction is on Saturday, March 26th! Plan to attend a night of gratitude for blessings of the past 50 years and looking ahead as we continue to serve our Savior through Christian education.
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED
The international student program is expanding and we are in need of additional hosts! For the 2022-2023 school year we will need new host families for new students from around the globe. Some kids from South America and Europe may only be here for a semester or a year. Others from the far east may stay longer than one school year. All of our hosts receive a monthly stipend. Please contact Julie Uher at uherj@slhs.us if you would like to serve Jesus in this way!
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Martin Luther College is now accepting applications for the positions of System & Network Administrator, Education Office Administrative Assistant, Women's Tennis Head Coach, and Early Childhood Learning Center Substitute Teachers.
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SHORELAND MUSIC FESTIVAL REGISTRATION |
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The festival will happen at Shoreland Lutheran High School on Saturday, March 5, 2022. Registration and fees deadline is February 11. This year's festival will include solo and small ensemble entries in the band and string instruments, vocal, and piano. We will not be doing any larger ensembles like junior choirs or handbell groups this year.
The informational letter below is in pdf format. It contains an active link to a Google Form that will allow parents, students, and teachers to register and pay for the festival.
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ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS |
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Hey High School Students, on Saturday January 29th, we will have a fellowship get together at Faith's gym at 2:00. We can do various activities in the gym. If you do not want to do anything in the gym, games would be provided in the school library. We will also take time to talk about future activities. See you on Saturday.
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WANTED: INTERCESSOR WITH THE KING! |
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Did you know Faith has a prayer ministry? Prayer ministry is focused on equipping, enabling, and encouraging Faith members in their prayer life.
If you are like me, you may have a great desire to help out at church but are limited often by time or distance. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” I am looking for individuals who would like to be a part of our Prayer Team at Faith. Such an individual would be willing to take the needs of our brothers and sisters to God our King in regular prayer. Such a task can be done in the time and place of your choosing as a part of your regular prayer life.
I am also looking for an individual(s) who would be able to assist in moderating prayer requests received through our website at faithantioch.org. This is a relatively light administrative task but does require an individual to be regularly available to review and forward applicable submissions to the individuals on the Prayer Team via email.
Please contact me for more information.
If you cannot be a watchman
Standing high on Zion’s wall,
Pointing out the path to heaven,
Offering life and peace to all,
With your prayers and with your offerings
You can do what God demands;
You can be like faithful Aaron,
Holding up the prophet’s hands.
Tim Meiselwitz
Deacon of Special Ministry
847.363.6117 (voice or text)
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WANTED: CHILD CARE WORKERS |
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Bible Class and Sunday School have been back in full swing this fall. Prior to Covid, child care was regularly provided to enable parents with young children to participate. This service was such a benefit to my family for many years. I am looking for individuals to help restart this effort in 2022.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 10:42, “Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink because he is my disciple—Amen I tell you—he will never lose his reward.”
There are typically 1-2 service opportunities each week on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, but individual commitments can vary. The hope is that “many hands make light work.” A small stipend is available to help defray travel expense.
Please contact me for more information.
Tim Meiselwitz
Deacon of Special Ministry
847.363.6117 (voice or text)
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TELLER VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED |
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Faith is still in need of a few more offering tellers. Both men and women are welcome to volunteer (due to best practice procedures couples cannot be on the same team). For more information please email Tim Anderson at finsec@faithantioch.org or Jeremy Lohman at ministrysupport@faithantioch.org.
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FAITH SPOTLIGHT - CHRISTIAN DORST |
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Name: Christian Dorst
Role(s) at Faith: Lead Musician for Sunday School and Youth Leader
One word that describes me? Approachable
What is your favorite food?: Tacos, but I do enjoy trying different types of ethnic food.
Why Faith and Faith School? My wife Carrie was called to Faith to be a teacher. While she serves in her various roles, I can also use my gifts and abilities to serve God’s kingdom as well. I enjoy working with the youth and helping them on their faith journey (no pun intended). I have had the opportunity to coach basketball at Faith, help out with VBS, do music with Sunday School, and work on fellowship activities with the high school youth. Faith has generously given me the opportunity to do what I enjoy and help out all of Faith’s children!
What was the best advice that you have ever received? “Even though you were just confirmed, your faith journey isn’t over. In fact, it is just beginning”.
Interest and Hobbies: Taking time to play on my guitar, collecting and admiring sports and historical memorabilia, spending time outside on nice days, enjoying time with friends and family.
Favorite Bible verse: Matthew 25: 35-40 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
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Prayers for Kim Denikas and Howie Kamholz, who are having surgery this week and Nanette Rutledge, mother of Scott Rutledge, put on hospice care.
Prayer of thanksgiving for Bill and Linda Rullman on their 54th Wedding Anniversary.
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PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Lord Jesus, you have promised to fill all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. But my old sinful fresh constantly craves my own self-righteousness and the false righteousness that the devil and this world offer or the self-indulgence that cares little about what you say is right. If your righteousness does not feed my soul and cover over me, I will certainly starve in my sins and die eternally. Bless me with a heart that always seeks first your kingdom and righteousness and a faith that longs for your salvation and for a life of obedience. Let my soul hunger and thirst only for you, because I do "not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." Amen
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TRUTH
We are currently streaming our regular 8 AM Sunday morning worship service and our 7 PM midweek Advent service over our radio station WFEL 99.9 FM and through our Faith website. Additional holiday services will also be streamed over the airwaves and through our website. Being able to count attendees worshipping over the air-waves is impossible for man but not for our gracious, Heavenly Father. It is to him we give our praise.
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.” John 4:23
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Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
Office/School Location:
1275 Main St. Antioch, IL 60002
p: 847-395-1660
f: 847-589-0519
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