Faith E-news        September 18, 2015 

Quick Notes and Reminders    

Please check the calendar for more information.


Faith Feast Menu September 23   
                               Mac-n-cheese

Food Pantry Item for September is canned fruits and vegetables.
                               July Donated Totals were 179 items and $560.00

 
This Week's Ministry Blog
On the Way  

Mark 9:30-37

The disciples preferred to change the subject when Jesus predicted the passion. Three times in Mark Jesus plainly talked about it and this time they chose to argue about who was greater among them, a rather odd response. Just what were they hearing? Jesus followed up with further instruction, "Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all." Now that turns things around as it always does. And it didn't make it any easier for them.
 
The discussion of who was the greatest came from a lack of understanding along with some fear to ask. The arguing turned out to be a good way to distract from the main thing - the depth of Jesus' love for the world. Their discussion clearly kept the focus upon themselves and apart from the work going forward. It indicated where they felt most comfortable.
 
It's interesting that Jesus asked them what they were arguing about on the way. He understood that their conversation was a window into their fears. When it comes to matters of faith it can be a real challenge to keep the main thing before us. Like the disciples it's easy to get side tracked by making comparisons and seeking status. Jesus cares about our fears because they can hold us back and hinder our service to the needs of others.
 
How do we hear the question of Jesus, "What were you arguing about on the way?" And how does the question invite us back to the center? What are the fears in our lives that need to be addressed by the reassurance of God's love and faithfulness? How are we led into the vibrancy of vocation and the life of discipleship?
 
You never know where you will be met by grace. Understanding of faith and encouragement to follow can happen in many ways. The life of the church invites us into a journey of listening, sharing and serving. I am reminded in my work that we are connected through a community in mission, always learning, always growing, always grateful.
 
Pastor Randy
 

Will My Gift Make a Difference?
 
"What if a modest gift to the capital campaign is all I can afford?" The RenewingFaith team reminds us that it is the spirit in which a gift is given, not the amount, that matters most. Many more pledges, of all sizes, are needed for this campaign to be a full success. Your commitment to Faith's future is deeply appreciated-every gift matters! 
 

Seeds of Faith Fundraiser with Granite City
All Day-Monday, September 21

Enjoy a day off from cooking and support Seeds of Faith. All day Monday, September 21, Granite City Food and Brewery will donate 12.5% of your total bill to the preschool when you present the fundraising flyer. Flyers can be found on the Seeds of Faith Facebook page or in the church office. Please invite family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers so we can get the word out on this great opportunity to raise money for the preschool! Don't forget to bring your flyer and wear your Seeds of Faith or Faith t-shirt if you have one. Thanks for your support! Hope to see you there!
 

Rise Up Tour 
 
On Saturday, October 17, at 7:00 p.m., Faith will be hosting the Rise Up Tour concert featuring Agape*, Rachel Kurtz, and Joe Davis. This tour is a follow up from the amazing 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit that inspired the artists to go on tour to raise money for the ELCA World Hunger's Walk for Water. The pre-show at 6:00 p.m. includes a Walk for Water simulation to experience just how difficult is it to get clean water for people around the world. There will also be music, games, snacks, and prizes! Because of the generous donations from local churches, there is no cost to attend the concert. A freewill offering will be collected to support the Walk for Water. For more information visit, ELCA.org/walk4water.

Guys' Night Out

 
Guys Night Out is heading to Saints Pub and Patio in Waukee (not West Des Moines). Join them on Monday, September 28, at 7:00 p.m. Please let Dave Eppert (710-8558) or Tim Tessier (707-0880) know if you will be attending by sending a text. Hope to see you there!
 
 
 

Time for Picture Directory Photo Update  
 
It is time to get the photo directory updated. If you missed the last photo session or if you have joined in the last two years, we would like to get your photo added to our directory. LifeTouch will be here on Wednesday, October 14, from 1:00-8:00 p.m. You will receive a free 8x10 photo just for having your portrait taken. You can schedule your photo session by using this link or you can contact Miranda in the office. All members who have a photo directory will get an insert with the new photos to add to their book.
 

Seeds of Faith Cookbook Fundraiser
 
Seeds of Faith Logo We need your help gathering recipes for the preschool's 2015 cookbook! Please take a moment to share a few of your family's favorite recipes with us! You can submit them online at bit.ly/SOFrecipes or pick up recipe forms in the church office. Please turn in all recipes by Friday, September 25. You do not need to be a preschool family to participate. If you would like to purchase a cookbook (or several), they are being sold between now and September 25 for $10 each. This is one of the preschool's biggest fundraisers so we would appreciate any support from our congregation. Order forms can also be picked up and returned to the church office. Please make checks payable to Seeds of Faith. Cookbooks will be delivered in early December and make wonderful Christmas gifts!
 

Sundays in September
 
In September we'll be RenewingFaith in worship and during the Sunday School hour (9:15-10:15 a.m.). The following Sundays will feature continental breakfast and opportunities for all members to engage their faith in an active, fun way.

September 20: RenewingFaith Through Stewardship - Adults will gather in St. Michael's Hall for an update of the Renewing Faith Capital Campaign. Take a tour of the unfinished spaces, and learn about the upcoming changes.

September 27: RenewingFaith Through Service - Adults will gather in St. Michael's Hall as the participants of the ELCA Youth Gathering share about their experiences. Learn about how you can serve others in the coming year. Join in and help out with a hands-on service activity.
 

Children and Family Ministry     

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Youth and Family Ministry     

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  • 8th, and 9th Grades: Save the date! Our yearly confirmation retreats will take place the following dates: 8th Grade: October 16-17; 9th Grade: December 4-5. Retreats run Friday evening until Saturday late afternoon. Be on the lookout for more information via email and snail mail.
  • 9th Grade: Don't forget to be on the lookout for an adult to serve as your confirmation mentor for the coming year! Once your mentor is on board, please instruct him or her to fill out the information form here → http://bit.ly/FLCmentor15
  • Senior High: Save the date! Faith is hosting a Lutheran College Fair on Sunday, October 11, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. During the event, you'll talk with representatives from the 41 Lutheran colleges and universities and learn why the Lutheran college experience is unlike any other! The event is free to attend, and there is no need to pre-register.
  • Confirmation Parents: Join our confirmation parent text message list! Joining is easy: Just text message FLCCP to the number 68398!
 

Archived Faith E-news

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Do you have questions or comments regarding this publication?  Please contact Miranda at mirandakurtt@faithlc.org or 225-8334.  We welcome your feedback.