Faith Lutheran eNews - December 22

Faith Lutheran eNews

December 22, 2023

This Weekend in Worship

God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David’s throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel’s greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, “Count me in.” We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, “Count us in.”

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child. Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice. Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people. The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds. Filled with the light that shines in our lives, we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

Scripture Readings for the 4th Sunday of Advent

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Luke 1:46b-55; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Scripture Readings for Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14

Scripture Readings for Christmas Day

Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:8-20

Click here for the lectionary commentaries.

Worship Schedule

Saturday at 5:00 pm; Sunday at 10:00, 4:00, and 7:00; Monday at 10:00

The Sunday 10:00 and 4:00 services will be livestreamed on the church website and will be available throughout 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, Rex Snyder, Nate Stone, Jule Thorsen, Travis Viles

Condolences to the family of Judy Quick on the death of her nephew Chad Gritzmaker on December 12.

Condolences to the family of Paula Bilo-Dickman on the death of her mother Florentina Bilo on December 15.

Condolences to the family of Lynn Haden on the death of her father Al Koch on December 18

We celebrate with the family of Madeline & Grant Jacobsen on the birth of their daughter Annie Jane Jacobsen on November 20.

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.

FLC Staff Greetings

Merry Christmas from the staff of Faith Lutheran Church.

Front: Caitlyn Reinders, Pastor Megan Clausen, Ruth West, Jan Kirk, Jerry Waage

Back: Erik Ullestad, Pastor Eric Carlson, Stephen O'Baker, Kathy Evans

Christmas Worship Schedule

Please note the following worship dates and times the last two weekends of the year.

December 24 at 10:00 am — 4th Sunday in Advent

December 24 at 4:00 & 7:00 pm — Christmas Eve

Candlelight and Holy Communion

December 25 at 10:00 am — Christmas Day

December 30 at 5:00 pm

December 31 at 10:00 am

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

Holiday Office Hours

The church office will be closed for the holidays on December 22, 25, 29, and January 1.

Embrace the Spirit of Giving

God’s mission is to bless, love and, save the world. This is especially evident in this season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Emmanuel (God with us) into our lives once again. As we think about ways in which Faith Lutheran Church participates in God’s mission, we resonate with the spirit of giving through our time, talents, and financial generosity.

As many ponder giving a special gift to charities and other organizations at the end of the year, we ask you to consider a year-end gift to Faith Lutheran Church. An updated website assists members and others to think about multiple ways to give above and beyond regular giving to the General Fund at the end of 2023. You may make gifts with cash, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and life insurance. Employee-matched gifts are another way to have your contribution to Faith Lutheran be worth up to two to four times as much as you currently give. Visit faithlc.org/give for more information.

Every gift given to God’s work through the church is a welcome gift, particularly when it is shared with deep love and gratitude to God. Thank you for your generosity.

Year End Gifts

Financial gifts for 2023 must be postmarked by December 31. If you wish to place a donation in the secure drop box in the church entryway or in the church office, please do so by December 31 at 12:00 noon. Contributions made in worship on December 31 will be considered a 2023 donation.

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.

Luther Park Calendars

The 2024 wall calendars from Luther Park Community are available in the Welcome center. Please limit 1 per household. Thank you!

Coffee with the Council

January 7

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. There will also be informal time to chat with Council members. 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. The Divine Drama picks up on January 3 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.

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.

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.