Poinsettias for Christmas

You can help decorate the sanctuary with poinsettias in memory/honor of a loved one or in celebration of a special event. Please click here to complete the online form by Sunday, December 17. The cost is $15 for a small pot and $25 for a large pot. You are welcome to take your plant home or give it to someone else to enjoy after December 25. 

Lessons and Carols

December 17

The Music Ministry will be presenting the annual Lessons and Carols services on December 17 at 8:15 and 10:30, featuring special music by the Chancel Choir, Jubilate Bell Choir, and organ.

Cookie Walk

December 17 at 9:30



Let us do your holiday baking for you! The Cookie Walk fundraiser will take place on December 17th from 9:30 - 10:15 am in St. Michael's Hall. All money raised will support Lutheran Lakeside scholarships for Faith Lutheran campers. Click here if you'd like to help with this event.

YFM Christmas Parties

December 17

Youth & Family Ministry parties will happen on Sunday, December 17. Come for food, fun, and fellowship. There will be crafts, games, and snacks.

7th & 8th graders will meet in the Gathering House from 1:00—3:00. Please bring a fun gift ($10 max) for a gift-exchange. Boys will exchange with boys, and girls with girls.

High Schoolers will meet in St. Michael’s Hall from 5:00—7:00. Bring a fun gift to exchange ($10 max).

RSVP to Pastor Megan at 641-831-9499 or megan@faithlc.org. 

7th Stage Social Gathering

December 17 | 4:00 - 6:00

The next 7th Stage Social Gathering is Sunday, December 17 from 4:00—6:00 pm at the home of Steve & Cheryl Hamilton (4115 Plumwood Dr, WDM). RSVP via email (the7thstageflc@gmail.com) or text (515-491-9638). Attendees are asked to park across the street from the Hamilton's home.

The “7th stage” refers to the time of middle adulthood when people come together to nurture positive changes that will benefit others.

Faith Stitchers & Memory Garden Volunteers

December 18 at 12:00

The Faith Stitchers and Memory Garden volunteers will gather on Monday, December 18 at 12:00 at the home of Mary Ellison – 13221 Rocklyn Drive, Urbandale. Please RSVP if you plan to attend: mary_ellison@hotmail.com or 515-321-8616.  

In Light & Darkness

December 20

This Advent season, we are reminded that God is God of light and darkness. Join us December 20 for a meal at 5:30 and worship at 6:15 in St. Michael’s Hall. A free-will offering for the meal will be accepted. Click here for the meal menu.

Christmas Worship Schedule

Please note the following worship dates and times the last two weekends of the year. More information is available at faithlc.org/advent.

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 

Christmas Eve Soup Supper

December 24 at 5:30

Christmas Eve is more fun when we can share in fellowship and celebration around the table, face to face, with one another. Please join us this holy night for a light dinner of soup, bread, salad, and dessert. The meal will be served in St. Michael's Hall on Christmas Eve at 5:30 pm. Click here to RSVP. If you would like to bring food please contact Pastor Megan Clausen (megan@faithlc.org or 641-831-9499). 

Holiday Office Hours

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

Churches Beyond Borders

Advent Cycle of Prayer

The leaders of the ELCA, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada and The Episcopal Church have released the Churches Beyond Borders 2023 Advent Cycle of Prayer. The church leaders contributed prayers for the four Sundays of Advent, focusing on the themes truth, justice, peace and hope, especially for churches impacted by the war in the Holy Land, and for lifting up Palestinian Christian communities and ministries and the congregations and institutions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Click here to download the Advent resource.

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.

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. 

CFUM Fundraiser



Faith’s partnership with Children & Family Urban Movement is part of our God’s Work. Our Hands ministry. You have an opportunity to support CFUM’s year-end fundraiser. Click here to donate!

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.