Matthew Harper Update

Members and friends of Faith Lutheran Church,  

With deep grief, we share with you that Matthew Harper. Interim Director of the Chancel Choir, suffered what we understand to be a burst brain aneurysm on Wednesday, February 7th. This has caused irreparable damage to Matthew’s brain. There is no hope he will recover, and Matthew’s family is making arrangements for organ donation. Matthew remains on life-support and will be until the donation process can begin. 

We ask for your prayers for Anna and their families as they walk through this valley. Matthew’s siblings, Katie and Jackson Harper-Griffith, have been faithfully involved in Faith’s music ministry as well. We trust that God‘s Holy Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express.  

We will organize care for Anna as a congregation in the days ahead. However, teaching colleagues of Anna and Matthew have organized a GoFundMe Fundraiser to support Anna. Click here to contribute.  

Anna serves as the Interim Director of the Jubilate Bell Choir. Rehearsals for Chancel Choir and the bell choir will continue as scheduled, unless otherwise notified.  

Please reach out to either one of us with further questions.  

The peace of Christ be with you. 

Pastor Eric Carlson & Pastor Megan Clausen

Mission & Core Values Discussions

Sunday mornings

All are invited to participate in conversations about the proposed Mission & Core Values statement on Sundays at 9:30 in St. Michael’s Hall. These sessions will be held each Sunday through March 3.

This Sunday, Pastor Carlson will provide an overview of the process and facilitate a conversation on the third proposed core value: Foster Community, especially as it pertains to the Inclusion Statement as part of the core value.

More information about this statement is available at faithlc.org/council. The proposed draft will be considered for a vote of affirmation at the congregational annual meeting on April 28, 2024. 

Children & Family Ministry Bake Sale

February 10 & 11

Children & Family Ministry is hosting a bake sale during the Children's Musical and would love to have help stocking the shelves. Proceeds will go to the Lutheran Lakeside Camp scholarship fund.

CFUM Meal

February 11

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 provide food or money. You can also sign up through that link to prepare the meals on Sunday, February 11 at 11:30 am. Direct any questions to Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9499).

Shrove Tuesday Fundraiser

February 13

The Shrove Tuesday dinner will be February 13 from 5:30—7:00 pm in St. Michael’s Hall. The menu includes pancakes, eggs, sausage, fruit, and dessert. A free-will offering will support the Sr. High trip to New Orleans this summer for the ELCA Youth Gathering.

Ash Wednesday

February 14

Ash Wednesday worship services will be held on February 14 at 12:00 and 7:00 in the sanctuary. There will be no other Faith Night activities or Faith Feast on Ash Wednesday.

The Seed of Joy

Wednesdays in Lent

Join us for a Lenten experience of community and worship on Wednesday evenings beginning February 21. Faith Feast begins at 5:30 in St. Michael’s Hall, followed by Lenten worship at 6:15 in the Sanctuary. Interactive stations will be available for children of all ages during worship as others remain for meditations on the weekly theme. Our special offerings in Lent will support ELCA World Hunger and the DMARC United Peanut Butter Drive. More info at faithlc.org/lent.

Fill the Fridge. Feed Our Neighbors.

February 18

Bring donations of food to church on Sunday, February 18 and join the God’s Work Our Hands Team at 11:30 in delivering the food to Community Fridges around the metro. Click here to learn more about this project.

Lutheran Day on the Hill

February 19

Join Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill in Des Moines on February 19. Lutheran Day on the Hill is LSI’s biggest advocacy event of the year. Over 150 participants gather at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church to learn about critical issues Iowa children, adults, and families are facing. After learning about advocacy and LSI’s mission in action, the group heads to the Iowa State Capitol to talk directly with legislators. Register at lsiowa.org/ldh. 

Middle School Palooza

March 1

Youth in grades 6-8 are invited for a carnival-themed Middle School Palooza on Friday, March 1 from 6:30—10:00 pm at church. Cost is $15. Click here to register.

Women's Retreat

April 20

Save the Date: the 2024 Women’s Retreat will be Saturday, April 20 from 8:30—2:30 in St. Michael’s Hall. Registration info coming soon!

Endowment Grant Proposal

Grant applications for endowment funds are now open! Grants can be used for scholarships to ELCA schools, extra support for Faith ministries, support for local service agencies, and to enhance the work of the synod. Click here to complete the form by March 31. 

Tanzania Update

Faith Lutheran Church has been in a companion relationship with the Kifula Parish since 2003.  This Companion relationship exists for the purpose of strengthening one another for life and mission within the body of Christ. Through prayer, study, communication, and exchange of persons and resources, it offers mutual benefit for our respective churches.  

Faith Lutheran has maintained an annual gift of bibles for each confirmation class that affirms their baptism at Kifula Parish. This year, the Faith Lutheran Church Council approved a gift of $10,000 from the Kifula Restricted Fund to support the building of a new sanctuary in Kifula. (pictured) 

Faith Lutheran has received a response of thanks from members of the Companion Committee for the contributions and pass along their well-wishes.  

For more information about our partnership, go to www.faithlc.org/kifula. 

SHYG Adults Needed

Are you a caring, authentic, and affirming adult? Do you enjoy getting to know high school students and making a difference in their lives? Have you wanted to get more involved at Faith? Do you have an hour or two to spare on Wednesday evenings? If so, being a SHYG (Senior High Youth Group) volunteer may be the right fit for you! Please email Pastor Megan (megan@faithlc.org) if you are interested in volunteering in this way! 

Nursery Worker Needed

Faith is looking for an additional nursery team member. Hours are typically Wednesdays from 6:00—7:30 and Sundays from 8:00—12:00. Contact the church office at office@faithlc.org if interested. Applicants must be older than 18 years of age. 

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.