Faith Lutheran eNews

May 3, 2024

This Weekend in Worship


The image of the life the risen Christ shares with us is the image of friendship. We are called to serve others as Jesus came to serve; but for John’s gospel, the image of servanthood is too hierarchical, too distant, to capture the essence of life with Christ. Friendship captures the love, the joy, the deep mutuality of the relationship into which Christ invites us. The Greeks believed that true friends are willing to die for each other. This is the mutual love of Christian community commanded by Christ and enabled by the Spirit.


Scripture Readings for Sunday

Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

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, Becca Feeken, Maggie Larson, Pam McMahon, Dick Neils, Mel Peterson, Jeanie Snyder, Nate Stone, George Trumbull, Travis Viles


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.

Baccalaureate Sunday

May 5


This Sunday we will celebrate Faith’s high school seniors who are preparing for graduation. The Baccalaureate service will occur at 10:30 am. Learn more about these students at faithlc.org/seniors. Congratulations to all who are celebrating this milestone! 

  

Kaden Bertrand, Tag Booth, Anna Eastin, Brynn German, Campbell German, Matthew Hammerand, Nate Hammerand, Ally Klinefeldt, Brady Kurtt, Drew MacGregor, Nick Meyer, Gabe Morales, Christopher Petersen, Abby Princehouse, Ciera Rodriguez, Mia Tessier, Vivian Tessier, Anna Thompson, Matthew Thompson, Noah Trannel 

New Purpose Statement


The congregation voted to adopt the following Purpose Statement at the annual meeting held Sunday, April 28th. “Called by Jesus, we worship God and are led by faith to love and serve all people.” 


While God already has a mission to bless, love, and save the world, a congregational purpose statement answers the question as to why we exist here and now. The command Jesus gives us is for all time: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34)  


Living our baptismal covenant invites us to consider how that love is expressed: “to serve all people following the example of Jesus.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, page 236).  


As a church whose unity is in Jesus Christ, every day is an opportunity to experience God’s unconditional love and be that love in our world. This is what it means to be a disciple. We look forward to all the ways Jesus calls us into discipleship so we might be the church together.  

Inclusion & Same-Gender Marriage

A Conversation


The Faith Lutheran Church Council has engaged a process to consider the proposed Mission & Core Values document. The document includes God’s Mission, a Purpose Statement for Faith Lutheran Church, and five core values.


An Inclusion Statement of Welcome is included under the core value of Foster Community. The Faith Lutheran Council provided listening sessions in January – April for congregation members to provide feedback, of which the Council has studied and discerned next steps. One aspect of further action includes a follow-up sessions in May that will provide deeper conversation of inclusion – primarily what it means for our pastors to officiate same-gender weddings at Faith Lutheran.


Join Pastor Carlson for this two-week series:


SESSION 1

Sunday, May 5 at 9:30 am and Tuesday, May 7 at 6:30 pm (Identical sessions)

This session will focus on the ELCA’s policies and resources providing for same-gender marriage.


SESSION 2

Sunday, May 12 at 9:30 am and Tuesday, May 14 at 6:30 pm. (Identical sessions)

The session will look at varying approaches to the interpretation of scripture at consider texts that deal with human sexuality.

CFUM Supper Club

May 12 & 14


Did you know Faith Lutheran feeds 150 children and families each month through Children & Family Urban Movement's (CFUM) Supper Club? You can be part of it! Sign up here to prepare the food on May 12 or deliver the meals on May 14. Direct any questions to Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9499).

Created to Be Free: A Celebration

May 19



On Sunday, May 19 we will share in a celebration and kick-off our summer/fall theme: Created to Be Free. Festival worship is at 8:15 and 10:30 featuring all music ensembles. Brunch will be served at 9:15. Free-will donations will be received. Click here to sign-up to help with the brunch. 

 

Visit faithlc.org/created-to-be-free for more information about the theme and events happening in the months ahead! 

CFM Day at the Park

May 19


Children and families will gather at Greenbelt Park in Clive on May 19 from 4:00 - 6:00 pm. There will be lawn games and kickball as well as sandwiches and other refreshments. Please bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A free-will donation will be accepted to offset costs. Click here to RSVP.

Anna Thompson Recital

May 21


Anna Thompson will present a senior recital at on Tuesday, May 21st at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church.  The program will consist of solo works for violin accompanied by Stephen O’Baker, along with several small group performances with friends and fellow musicians. A dessert reception will follow. The congregation is invited.

Ladies' Night Happy Hour

May 29


Bring a friend and join the women of faith for snacks, conversation, and practicing joy on Wednesday, May 29 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. There are prizes for people who bring friends! Please bring an appetizer or dessert that reminds you of a favorite memory. We will share our memories with each other while we gather. RSVP to Pastor Megan by Monday, May 27 (641-831-9499 or megan@faithlc.org).  

Habitat for Humanity: Faith Builds

July 31 - August 3



We have an exciting opportunity to help with Habitat for Humanity Faith Buids. We will join Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity as we put Faith into Action and create a pathway to affordable homeownership. Participation in the 2024 Faith Build is a meaningful way for us to make an immediate impact where we live, work, and worship. Connection between other congregations will be a highlight of this year’s build, as we will work with small groups from more institutions. If you are 16 and over you can volunteer! We need a team of 6 so please email Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org) by Wednesday, May 29 if you are interested in participating.  

Vacation Bible School

June 9 - 12


Children from Faith Lutheran and St. John's Lutheran are teaming up for the week of VBS. The morning session for Pre-K and kids entering Kindergarten is Monday - Wednesday from 9:30 - 11:30 am. The evening session will be fore PreK - 6th graders on Monday - Wednesday from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. A kick-off for all ages will be June 9 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. Visit faithlc.org/vbs to learn more and sign up today!

Middle School VBS

June 10 - 12


Save the date! June 10-12 from 1:00 - 5:00 pm.

All students entering 6th - 8th grade next fall are invited to spend a few days in fellowship, serving others, doing art, playing games, and growing in their faith. Registration info will be coming soon. Contact Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9499) with any questions.

Summer Sprouts

June 19 - August 14


Faith Lutheran Children and Family Ministries invites parents and children (6 and under) to Summer Sprouts on Wednesdays between June 19 - August 14 from 9:30 - 11:00 am on the church playground. This is a time of fellowship and connection for the grown-ups and play for the kids. Older siblings are welcome but will be asked to stay off the playground. There will be stories, snacks (coffee for the adults), art, and play. Bring your friends! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Some Seeds of Faith teachers might even make some guest appearances throughout the summer! Rain location will be Room 106 near the preschool. Call, text, or email Pastor Megan with any questions (641.831.9499 or megan@faithlc.org).

Memory Garden & Columbarium


Contractors continue to put the finishing touches on the Faith Lutheran Columbarium, which arrived last week. Spring planting will soon begin in the newly renovated Memory Garden. We have $20,000 to go to reach our goal of funding the entire project. Please consider making a contribution to help reach the fundraising goal. You can give online at faithlc.org/columbarium or by check made out to Faith Lutheran Church with “Memory Garden” in the memo line. If you would like to reserve a niche, contact the church office at office@faithlc.org or 515-225-8334.

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.

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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