More information is available at faithlc.org/fall

Memory Garden Thanksgiving & Groundbreaking

September 17 at 9:15

All are invited to participate in the Memory Garden Service of Thanksgiving and Groundbreaking on Sunday, September 17 at 9:15 am. We will give God thanks for the sacred space the current garden has provided for 30 years and all those who have cared for it. Then, members of the council and Columbarium Committee will break ground as we prepare for the renovation of the space beginning early October. The Memory Garden renovation needs to be completed before we order the columbarium, which will be installed in 2024. The plants in the current Memory Garden will be repurposed around the Faith Lutheran property. 

The Council approved a loan to cover the remaining funds needed to break ground before winter and the potential of higher costs in the spring. However, we are still in need of donations to repay the loan. We only have $22,000 to go! Please consider contributing to the Memory Garden Renovation by giving online or by check made out to Faith Lutheran Church with “Memory Garden” in the memo line.  

Additionally, you can make an appointment with a member of the Columbarium Committee to reserve a niche in the columbarium. Contact the church office at 515-225-8334 or office@faithlc.org. To learn more about this project, visit faithlc.org/columbarium and stop by the display in the church commons. 

The Divine Drama

Adult Faith Formation

Wednesday night Adult Faith Formation begins September 13 from 6:15—7:00 pm in St. Michael’s Hall. The Divine Drama outlines the biblical storyline from creation to Jesus the Messiah. Pastor Carlson will lead participants through the complete Biblical Narrative in 16 sessions, focusing on 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. Visit faithlc.org/adultministries for more information.

SHYG Parent Night

September 17 at 5:00

All senior high students and their parents are invited to SHYG Parent Night on September 17 from 5-7 pm. We will have a potluck and talk about SHYG for the coming year. Sign up here! Come and learn about the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans in July 2024 also! Contact Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org or 641.831.9499) with any questions. 

ELCA Youth Gathering



The ELCA Youth Gathering is a triennial event attended by tens of thousands Lutheran youth and adults from across the U.S. who share a common commitment and faith in Christ. It includes five days of incredible faith formation, worship, study, fellowship, service, and play. Any Faith student (or friends of Faith students) currently in grades 8–12 is eligible to participate in the 2024 Youth Gathering, which is scheduled for July 14–21, 2024.

Click here to complete the online registration form.

Click here to read the invitation letter for more information.

Ladies' Night Out

September 28 | 6:00 - 8:00

Women of Faith will meet for dinner at Cool Basil in Clive on Thursday, September 28 at 6:00 pm. Click here to learn more and RSVP.

Be the Light Book Club

This group will discuss the book “Start with Hello” by Shannan Martin the last Thursday of the month beginning September 29 at 7:00 in The Point. Email or text Pastor Megan to sign up (megan@faithlc.org / 641-831-9499). More information is at faithlc.org/bethelight. 

Planning for the End of Life

October 2, 9, 16

Pastor Carlson will facilitate a three-week series focused on honoring and planning for the end of life. Topics include funeral planning, what to do with your possessions, and leaving a legacy. A day (10:00 am) and night (6:30 pm) class will be offered both weeks in Room 205 on October 2, 9, and 16.

Family Fall Fest

October 15 | 4:00 - 6:00

This is an event for all ages in Faith Lutheran's north parking lot on October 15 at 4:00 pm. Activities will include a bounce house, pumpkin decorating, making s'mores, and other fall activities. A chili cook-off will be part of this event, raising funds for Lutheran Lakeside Camp scholarships. Click here to sign up to provide food or help out with this event.

Altar Guild Invitation

The Altar Guild is a group of people who prepare communion elements, adjust paraments, and light candles near the altar prior to worship services. New members are needed and welcome! Serving on the Altar Guild is a commitment of one worship service every other month, and you can indicate your availability. If you are interested in learning more or would like to join the Altar Guild, contact Cheryl Hamilton at 515-988-1056 or cheryl.hamiltondm@gmail.com.  

Calling All Musicians

All musicians, regardless of experience, are cordially invited to participate in the Chancel Choir and Jubilate Bell Choir.

The Chancel Choir is a vocal ensemble for adults. The choir rehearses Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 pm and sings approximately three times a month at Sunday morning services and other special events during the year. All are welcome! If you have any questions, please reach out to Interim Director, Matthew Harper, at harpma7@gmail.com.

The Jubilate Bell Choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 6:00-7:00. The bell choir plays in worship approximately once a month. Whether you have played bells or not - you are welcome! Contact Interim Director, Stephen O’Baker, at stephenobaker@outlook.com.

Vision & Core Values Task Force

The Faith Lutheran Church Council has appointed a task force to aid the congregation in discerning where God is calling us now and in the future. The task force’s work is to consider a new mission/purpose statement and establish 5-7 Core Values. While congregational purpose answers the question "Why do we exist?", Core Values grow from the roots of the congregation's purpose for existence. Core Values address the question "Who are we?" in the community and what shapes our core practices. 

The task force will be reporting to the council and create opportunities for the congregation to engage in conversation around God’s mission, Faith’s purpose and core values. More details about these conversations together will be announced soon.  

The task force members are: Ken Cheyne, Paul Kolsrud, Becky Lachenmaier, Casey Miller, Laurie Politzer, Justine Stemper, Jill Waage and Pastor Eric Carlson. 

College Student Addresses

A new school year means new addresses for college students and young adults ages 18-22. Please email young adult contact info to Pastor Megan at megan@faithlc.org or click here to complete the online form.

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.