Faith Lutheran eNews

January 5, 2024

This Weekend in Worship


The feast of Epiphany concludes the Christmas season with a celebration of God’s glory revealed in the person of Jesus Christ. In Isaiah and Ephesians, that glory is proclaimed for all nations and people. Like the light of the star that guided the magi to Jesus, the light of Christ reveals who we are: children of God who are claimed and washed in the waters of baptism. We are sent out to be beacons of the light of Christ, sharing the good news of God’s love to all people.


Scripture Readings for Sunday

Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12

Click here for the lectionary commentaries.


Worship Schedule

Saturday at 5:00 and Sunday at 8:15 and 10:30. The Sunday 10:30 service will be livestreamed on the church website and will be available during the week.


Nursery

The nursery is located in Room 201 and is open Sunday morning.


Prayers of the People

Joyce Coon, Fallon Cortum, Cael Elmore, Kyle Elmore, Becca Feeken, Marigold McMahan, Ron Nielsen, Bob Simons, Nate Stone, Jule Thorsen, Travis Viles


We celebrate with Kate Thomas and Erik Schmidt on the birth of their son, Soren Thomas Schmidt, on December 25.


Condolences to the family of Kathy & Don Evans on the death of Kathy's mother, Myrtle Haats, on January 1.


Worship Helpers

Are you interested in helping with communion, greeting, or other tasks, please click here to sign up to help with upcoming worship services. Contact the church office if you have any questions: office@faithlc.org / 515-225-8334.

5:30 - 6:15

Faith Feast Meal

Menu at faithlc.org/faith-feast


6:15 - 7:15

Nursery, Giggles & Grace,

Kids Club, Children's Musical Rehearsal, Confirmation (Gr. 7-8),

Adult Faith Formation


6:15 - 8:30

Sr. High Youth Group (Gr. 9-12)


7:00 - 8:30

Chancel Choir

Children's Classes (PreK-Gr. 6)

Opening in Room 106

Classes in Rooms 102-105


Pointed Questions (Gr. 7 - 12)

Meet in The Point


Adult Faith Formation

St. Michael's Hall

Click here for upcoming topics

More information is available at faithlc.org/winter

Prayers for Perry



“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications." – Psalm 130:1-2


The Faith community mourns the tragedy that occurred in Perry on Thursday morning. We pray for all those affected by this horrific incident, trusting that God hears our cries and is present with those who suffer.

CFUM Meal


Faith Lutheran serves dinner to 150 people at the Children & Family Urban Movement Supper Club. Please consider donating money, preparing the meal on Sunday, January 7, or delivering the meal on Tuesday, January 9. Click here to sign up..

Coffee with the Council

January 7 at 9:30


Join members of the Faith Lutheran Church Council for coffee and conversation on Sunday, January 7 at 9:30 in St. Michael’s Hall. This is an opportunity to hear highlights of the Council’s work as we continue to grow in God’s mission. Continental breakfast will be served. Free-will donations will be accepted.

Adult Faith Formation

The Divine Drama



Wednesday night Adult Faith Formation meets from 6:15—7:00 pm in St. Michael’s Hall with a focus on the New Testament and the forgiving grace of God who came to us in Jesus Christ to rescue us from sin and restore us to a right relationship with God and each other. All are welcome, even if you didn’t attend the fall sessions. Click here for more information.

Mission & Core Values


The Faith Lutheran Church Council in 2022 entered into a time of discernment around the question, “What is God calling us to in the future?” In June 2023 a task force was appointed by the Council. They’ve completed their work, and now it’s time for all Faith members to engage in conversation around God’s mission and Faith’s purpose and core values. Click here to read the proposed Mission & Core Values statement and learn about upcoming opportunities for conversation on Sunday mornings.

Ladies' Night Out

January 16 | 6:30 - 8:00


The women of Faith Lutheran will gather on Tuesday, January 16 from 6:30—8:00 pm in St. Michael’s Hall. During this time we will plan future gatherings for 2024. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Click here to sign up.

Peace Not Walls


The Southeastern Iowa Synod provides a great deal of in-depth information about the Israel—Hamas conflict. Many of these resources have been provided by the synod’s Peace Not Walls working group, of which Faith member Rev. Jack Mithelman is a part. Visit seiasynod.org/pnw2023 to begin or continue your study of this struggle. 

Director of Music Ministry Search Update


The Search Committee has completed the first round of interviews with four candidates for the position of Director of Music Ministries. The committee will discern next steps and proceed with further interviews in early January. Applications remain open until the position is filled. Click here for more information. Members of the Search Committee are: Neil Hansen, Matthew Harper, Trudi Holst, Matt Huth, Susan Ihnen, Trish Jordahl, Melissa MacGregor, and Pastor Eric Carlson

Jubilate Bell Choir Interim Director


As of January 1, Anna Harper began serving as the Interim Director of the Jubilate Bell Choir. Anna and her husband, Matthew, joined Faith in January 2023. They have both loved being part of the Chancel Choir and Jubilate Bells over the last year and a half! Anna is an instrumental music teacher at South Middle School in Waukee.

Thanks to Stephen O’Baker, who served as the Interim Director of the bell choir for the fall season. 

Greetings from Tanzania


We received this message from Anderson Mockray in the Kifula Parish in Tanzania: “The Mockray family wishes all the members of Faith Lutheran Church a very Merry Christmas.” Learn more about Faith’s partnership with Kifula at faithlc.org/kifula.

Poinsettias


We have an abundance of beautiful poinsettias that are free for the taking! Stop by the church this weekend to take a plant or two home with you.

Holiday Gifts


Thanks to everyone who so generously supported our holiday gift initiatives with Mosaic Homes and Trinity Center at Luther Park. Your kindness provided a very Merry Christmas for many in our community.

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 WHO 1040 AM radio, KCCI TV channel 8, Faith’s Facebook page, the church website, and a direct email to the congregation.

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.

Please provide information for the eNews or bulletin announcements to office@faithlc.org by Tuesday at 12:00 noon.
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