Faith E-news     October 16, 2015 

Quick Notes and Reminders    

Please check the calendar for more information.


Faith Feast Menu October 21 is spaghetti.
Come enjoy fellowship and a filling, healthy meal, all for only $5.00 per person ($4.00 for kids nine and under).
 
Food Pantry Items for October are
1. Peanut Butter
2. Canned Tuna or Chicken
3. Cereal
4. 100% Juice in cans or bottles
5. Baby items
 
                 July Donated Totals were 240 items and $1,002.00

This Week's Ministry Blog
Taking Shape   
 
When I served the church as a mission developer, forming a new congregation of the ELCA in Northeastern Ohio, we learned to listen closely to those who were seeking a new connection to the church. They helped us think about things we took for granted in a new light. Early on our attention was given over to matters of identity, mission and character. With little history behind us, it was exciting to plan for the future and try new things. We quickly learned that the resources of our faith were enough to be the church together in mission.

At times it may have seemed that little was happening but we could still feel the immediacy of the Spirit at work through the simple gifts of worship and welcome. In a high school cafeteria, we made the best of our environment and even found joy in the shared labors that made our gatherings possible. We could see community take shape before our eyes even if it moved slowly. Overtime we came to learn the unfolding, dynamic and surprising gift that it was.

Years later, now in this place called Faith, I am still learning about how the gospel comes alive in the people who gather to worship and serve. I am still learning how the Spirit often works in quiet and undramatic ways. With eyes of faith, we see the many ways we serve through the many gifts among us for the sake of the needs around us.

We have listened to the Gospel of Mark these past weeks in worship and have noticed that the disciples heard the words of Jesus, together as a community of followers. And while it seemed that they mostly struggled to understand, Jesus remained steadfast in his love for them. It was especially hard for them to grasp the call to follow in servant like ways. But overtime both in the presence of Jesus and in his actions the disciples could see the new and promising thing happening for the world.

Sovereign God, you turn your greatness into goodness for all the peoples on earth. Shape us into willing servants of your kingdom, and make us desire always and only your will, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. - ELW, page 50

Pastor Randy
  

Walk for Water and 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. 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, www.ELCA.org/walk4water.

 

Adult Sunday School 
 
Join us on Sunday, October 18, in Messiah Hall, room 203, to view the Animate Bible Study, "Faith is a Quest," led by Pete Bissinger. Whether you drop in for one session or show up for all, this study is sure to bring about some animated conversations about faith.

On Sunday, October 25, Pastor Sarah will discuss the topic of "African Americans and the Lutheran Church in the United States: from the very beginning". Join us as we take a different perspective on Lutheran history for Reformation Day.


Candy, Candy, Candy   

trick_or_treat.jpg Could you bring a bag of candy for our Halloween Party? Due to allergy concerns, we are asking for these kinds: Tootsie Pops, Hershey's PLAIN Chocolate Kisses, Sour Patch Kids, Jolly Ranchers, Pop Rocks, Smarties, Laffy Taffy, and Now and Laters. Please drop your donation off in the bin in the office.   
 

Food Drive Continues until October 25th!

Please continue to return the new red bags with food for DMARC. Donation items in the most need of include: peanut butter, canned tuna or chicken, cereal, 100% juice in cans or bottles, and baby items Thank your for your support.
 

Learn, Laugh and Lunch
 
In celebration of Reformation, Marlene Zenken from Arkansas will be here to present her dramatization of Martin Luther's wife Katharina von Bora at Learn, Laugh and Lunch on Wednesday, October 28. Marlene is the wife of the former bishop of the Illinois Synod of the ELCA. Following the program, lunch will be served. On the menu are sausages, sauerkraut and German chocolate cake. Reservations are required by Monday, October 26. Please make yours by calling Kala at 225-8334 or emailing kalazanoni@faithlc.org. All are welcome! Please invite your friends!
 

An Evening of Sacred Jazz

The Soli Deo Musica Concert Series is pleased to announce our first concert on Monday, October 26, at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Our first concert is going to explore the relationship between sacred music and jazz. Both uniquely American examples of musical genre, sacred music and jazz have intersected on many different fronts to create many memorable musical experiences. This concert will explore these intersections. Come join us for this concert. We will have great vocalists, a wonderful jazz quartet of piano, bass, drums and sax. There will be a free-will offering to help us continue these programs. See you there!
 

Meet M.E. at the Movies   

On Monday, October 19, from 7:00-9:00 p.m., meet Marriage Encounter at the Movies: Facing the Giants, the second movie in the series from the Georgia church that brought Fireproof and Courageous to the big screen. The movies are each stand-alone, so you won't be lost if you missed the first one. The Gathering House will be open from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. if you wish to arrive early or stay a little after the movie. We hope that you will make time for these special movies and for the other events in the Marriage Education Nights at Faith.
 

Craft Night  

Are you crafty or do you want to be? Join with other Faith members on Thursday, October 29, at 6:30 p.m. for Craft Night. Samples of available crafts are displayed on the table in the Commons for you to choose your craft. Please sign-up on the sheet and give your payment to members of the Fellowship Team. Both adult and children's crafts are available. Teachers will be on hand on Craft Night to help with the crafts. Please bring a snack to share, drinks will be provided by the Fellowship Committee. Come for fellowship and fun! Call Jerry Grabau with questions, 224-0138.
 

New Member Class 

This November we'll be having a new members class series on Sundays, November 1, 8 and 15, between worship services from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. in Faith Lights Room. Over the three short sessions you'll learn about the Lutheran way of being Christian, get to know this congregation better, and get to know one another. Even if you are not considering becoming a member at this time, it would be a great opportunity to get better connected! Childcare will be provided in the nursery for all sessions. Please respond to Kala Zanoni at kalazanoni@faithlc.org or 225-8334 if you plan to attend.
 

Baptism Orientation  

Parents who are expecting a new baby or who have new babies are invited to attend a baptism orientation class. The next quarterly session will be held on Thursday, November 5, at 6:30 p.m. here at church. Please sign up for the class by emailing Kala at kalazanoni@faithlc.org or calling her at 225-8334.
 

Hymn Festival at St. James Lutheran Church in Johnston

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! "We Sing the Year 'Round," a Hymn Festival, will be led by renowned composer, musician and director John Ferguson. The 3 p.m. event on Sunday, October 25, will be followed by a reception. St. James Lutheran Church, 5665 Merle Hay Road, in Johnston, is hosting the Hymn Festival in celebration of the recent completion of its organ refurbishment.
 

Children and Family Ministry     

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Halloween Party      

trick_or_treat.jpg Our annual Halloween Party is Sunday, October 25, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in St. Michael's Hall. Come and enjoy games, a black light labyrinth, a puppet show, face painting, and a costume parade!

If you would like to volunteer to plan, decorate or help work this party, signup by clicking here  or contact Rachel at rachelcorpus@faithlc.org or 515-225-8334 ext. 23. If you have an older child who would like to volunteer, please let Rachel know. Silver cord and in-service hours are available.  
 

Youth and Family Ministry     

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  • 9th Grades: Save the date! Our yearly confirmation retreats will take place the following dates: 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.
  • Confirmation Parents: Join our confirmation parent text message list! Joining is easy: Just text message FLCCP to the number 68398!
 

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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.