God's Work. Our Hands. Fall Service Day

September 10 | 11:30 - 3:30

Faith will be celebrating the ELCA's 10th anniversary of God's Work. Our Hands. on Sunday, September 10. The work day kicks off with lunch in St. Michael's Hall at 11:30, followed by projects at various sites in the community. Everyone will come back together at church at 3:30 for dessert and fellowship. A free-will donation and bake sale will be the only fundraiser to support ongoing GWOH activities throughout the year. Click here to sign up for a project. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for all ages and abilities.

God's Work. Our Hands. Bake Sale

September 9 & 10

The Outreach Team at Faith (AKA - God's work. Our hands. Team) is having a good ol' fashioned bake sale to raise funds for our outreach projects throughout the year. This includes, but is not limited to the CFUM (Children & Family Urban Movement) meal we provide each month, work we do with Mosaic, projects with DMARC Food Pantry, LSI, and Clive Community Services.

We are taking donations of baked goods to sell on Saturday, September 9th from 4:30-5pm and Sunday, September 10th from 9:15-10:15 am and 11:30 am -12:30 pm.

Please wrap your baked goods individually or in groups of half dozen, dozen, or two dozen. We are looking for bars, cookies, cupcakes, pie, or mixes in baggies. If your items contain nuts/peanuts please indicate on the package.



Deliver your goods to the Commons at Friday, September 8th from 10am - 2pm or Saturday, September 9th from 2-4:30 pm. Please click here to sign up for the type of baked good you plan to bring. Contact Pastor Megan with any questions (megan@faithlc.org or 641.831.9499).

Program Year Registration

Sign up for Wednesday Faith Night and Sunday School ministries at faithlc.org/fall.

Check out the 2023-24 Calendar and Milestones overview and add these important dates to your family planner.

Faith Night begins Wednesday, September 13 with Faith Feast at 5:30 and activities at 6:15. Sunday School classes begin on Sunday, September 17.

Faith Feast begins September 13



Faith Feast is the Wednesday night meal which kicks off programming for the evening. The meal is served from 5:30 - 6:15 in St. Michael's Hall during the program year. There's a recommended free-will donation of $5 per person. Vegetarian and kid-friendlier options are available. Contact Chef Jerry (jerry.waage@gmail.com) if you have other dietary considerations.

Visit faithlc.org/faith-feast to see upcoming menus. Click here if you'd like to help serve the meal.

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.

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 beginning Tuesday, September 12. 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.