Quick Notes and Reminders
Please check the calendar for more information.
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Food Pantry Item for July is Whole Wheat Crackers.
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This Week's Ministry Blog
To Travel Lightly
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Mark 6:1-13
The twelve were sent out by Jesus to do the work of ministry. And they were to bring nothing on the journey except a staff. Why so little? They would need to depend on the hospitality of others to get their work done. There would be mutuality, interdependence and even vulnerability to such an approach. We can imagine what that going forth must have felt like. Most of us would prefer a little more control and comfort. Hospitality seems like a good idea when we are the ones extending it but to trust in the hospitality of others puts us in an entirely different position.
But there had to be much wisdom in the way Jesus sent out the twelve. Perhaps the best kind of service is grounded in the willingness to receive from others. In this way our work is not simply our own. We realize that love comes to us so we may share it. Genuine love is greater than our mere determination, initiative, best efforts and projects.
To travel lightly in this world is to make room for relationships and community, wonder and gratitude. It's worth pondering. What does it mean for us individually and as a congregation to follow in such a way? Does the gospel daily move to the forefront so our true priorities can shine forth in our hearts and lives?
The twelve must have felt both the gift and the responsibility that went with being sent. To go forth with a message of hope and healing would not be easy but clearly they were not going alone. The One who sent them would be the One to sustain them, lift them up and love them. And so it is with us, we are the church together called into service, and always held in the love of Jesus.
God of the covenant, in our baptism you call us to proclaim the coming of your kingdom. Give us the courage you gave the apostles, that we may faithfully witness to your love and peace in every circumstance of life, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. - ELW
Pastor Randy
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The Annual Budget Meeting is Sunday, July 19, at 11:30 a.m., in St. Michael's Hall. The reports will be available at the Welcome Center and on the website on Saturday, July 11.
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Storytelling and Video Skills Needed
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Do you have a passion for storytelling through video? A small team is being mobilized this summer to create an engaging video about our connection as a community of faith and service. To learn more about this, please contact Tom Penningroth at penningroth.tom@gmail.com or the church office.
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Summer Marriage Encounter Event Dates
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The next Marriage Encounter event will take place July 27, 29 and August 3 and 5. These four evenings from 6:45 to 9:45 p.m. offer the whole Marriage Encounter program in less time than a full weekend. Check the community bulletin board in the entryway, the revolving kiosk in the Commons, or the Welcome Center for more information and brochures. See also www.marriage-encounter.org/Affiliates/cime.htm or call Kent and Jeannette Babcock at 278-8458.
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 Peter and Jane need your help in locating artists, photographers, quilters, etc. who would like to exhibit their work with us in the Messiah Hall Art Gallery. Brena, Peter and Jane have been able to fill the space over the last several years with the works of many talented folks, but after August 15, we will have empty walls in our gallery. If you would reach out to your friends and family and come up with some referrals, we'll follow-up and care for the detail surrounding scheduling and installation. Exhibitors do not need to be church members. Contact Jane or Peter Larson at larson1657@gmail.com or call Jane: (515) 419-1657 or Peter: (515) 343-4570.
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Stephen Ministry Opportunity
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Stephen Ministry, a program that equips laypeople to do caring ministry, continues to be an active part of Faith's ministry to those in need. Why Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry trains people in the basic skills necessary for helping others. Through lecture, discussion, and experiential learning, people learn everything from how to be an effective listener to specific techniques for ministering to people in crisis. A training class for those who are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister will occur this fall. Now is the time to become involved. Our congregation will reap many, many blessings through our involvement in this ministry of care. If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, please contact Pastor Randy at 225-8334.
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Youth & Family Ministry
Check the website for more information.
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