Faith E-news November 13, 2015

Quick Notes and Reminders

Please check the calendar for more information.

Faith Feast Menu November 18 is turkey dinner.

Come enjoy fellowship and a filling, healthy meal, all for only $5.00 per person ($4.00 for kids nine and under).

Out-to-Lunch Bunch Meet at Biaggi's in West Des Moines this Thursday, November 19, at 11:30 a.m. for lunch with friends from church. Please make a reservation by contacting Kala at 225-8334 or kalazanoni@faithlc.org.

Food Pantry Items for November are Whole Grain Pasta and/or Spaghetti Sauce in plastic jars

This Week's Ministry Blog

Psalm 16:7-8
7I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
8I keep the LORD always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

After confirmation class the other night, I especially felt grateful for the opportunity to share in the teaching ministry of the church. My words could have echoed the Psalm, I will bless the Lord who gives me counsel; my heart teaches me night after night. The more I teach, the more I become aware of the on-going nature of learning. In many ways it is in the teaching moments when we can see the connections between our faith and daily life, regardless of our ages.

While it is hard to measure the effectiveness of any one class time there is the realization that all of this somehow adds up and makes a difference. You hear it in the questions and see it in the interactions; you feel it in the kindnesses and sense it in the quiet ponderings. In my teaching time, I feel as if I am sharing in this wonderful task that has defined the mission of the church from its beginning.

I can easily say that I learn much by being in the company of our children and youth. As a grandpa I am especially mindful of how they give varied expressions of a hope that draw us into the newness we come to know through the love of God. In our tradition we treasure the way that words carry promise and invitation. There is an enduring quality about this so we naturally and gladly give ourselves over to those things that pass on the faith and serve a greater hope for all things.

This is the same spirit that accompanies our life of stewardship at Faith. By participating in the mission of the church we are strengthened in a good hope as our sights are lifted toward new horizons. And the joy of this comes because it touches the chord of our human need to share, to be present for others and to contribute to something beyond ourselves. While this may not always be stated in the routines of our programs it still remains and the very character of congregational life is strengthened. Our witness - what we say and what we do then take on integrity, a wholeness fitting to the very gift of the gospel.

Pastor Randy

Gracious God, your goodness surpasses everything else. Uphold us day after day, and teach us night after night, that we may follow in the path of life and be filled with resurrection joy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. - ELW, Leaders Desk Edition, Augsburg Fortress

Responding to God's Grace

In worship this weekend we celebrate God's wonderful grace by offering our commitments of financial support for 2016. If you forget to bring your commitment with you this weekend cards will be passed out prior to offering and time provided for you to consider making a commitment of support for 2016.

Rather than walking to the front of the sanctuary with our commitment cards, we will simply place our cards and weekly gifts in the offering plate as it is passed during offering time.

We are joyous as we embrace what God has in store for Faith! Thank you!

Adult Sunday School

On Sunday, November 15, attend to view the Animate Bible Study "religion: spirituality is not enough" featuring Lillian Daniel led by Beth Carlson in Messiah Hall 203.

"The Songs of Advent: Why we don't sing Joy to the World on Thanksgiving weekend?" Join Dr. David Johnson in Messiah Hall 203 to discuss the importance of Advent hymns and ask the question, "Why do some of these Advent hymns fall into obscurity?"

Thanksgiving Worship and Meal

On Sunday, November 22, at 5:00 p.m., we will gather in the sanctuary to give thanks for God's abundant blessings in our lives and in the life of Faith Lutheran Church through a worship service of song and Word. After worship, we will move to St. Michael's Hall for a delicious meal of turkey soup. Please join us!

Learn, Laugh and Lunch

On Wednesday, November 18, at 11:00 a.m., Pastor Randy Olson presents Taking Shape: Reflections on Congregational Life. Seeing the many ways we serve through the many gifts among us for the sake of the needs around us. On the menu for lunch are a chicken and pasta casserole, cranberry side dishes, and pumpkin pie. Reservations are required by Monday, November 16. Please make yours by calling Kala at 225-8334 or emailing kalazanoni@faithlc.org. All are welcome! Please invite your friends!

Nursery Help Needed

Would you like to serve our church and earn a little money? We are looking to hire a nursery worker. The hours are Wednesday nights from 5:00 to 7:15 p.m. during the school year, Sunday mornings from 8:00 to 11:30 a.m. all year, and for events as scheduled. The pay is $10.00 per hour. You must be a church member for at least six months and pass a background check. If interested, contact Rachel at rachelcorpus@faithlc.org. Immediate hire.

Messiah Hall Art Gallery - The Des Moines Camera Club

November 14, 2015, to February 13, 2016

Established in 1943, The Des Moines Camera Club has been dedicated to the pursuit of photographic excellence for more than 70years. The club provides activities for those who wish to share, learn, or improve their photographic skills.

Beginning this weekend, several members are sharing their beautiful photography with our church community. Photographers displaying their work in this exhibition include Shane Abbitt, Deb Shoning, Paul Grillo, Penny Adam and Diane Michaud Lowry. Please walk through the Messiah Hall Art Gallery and enjoy their work.

Children and Family Ministry

Cookie Exchange

Come to the Cookie Exchange on Friday, December 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in St. Michael's Hall. Bring two dozen cookies to share plus 8 to 12 for tasting. We will have dinner together first, then walk around the cookie table to fill our containers with delicious cookies! Don't forget to bring your Tupperware! Bring your daughters, aunts, grandmas, godmothers, and anyone you think would enjoy this event! Please let Kala know if you plan to attend.

Youth and Family Ministry

We Need Your Help for Fall Clean-Up Day

This Saturday, November 14, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. will be our annual fall clean-up day. We will be raking leaves and doing general cleaning work around the church and duplex property. Confirmation students can count this as an in-service activity. Please click here to sign up.

2016 Youth Mission Trip Registration

Registration is now open for the 2016 mission trip to Minnesota's Leech Lake Indian Reservation! Any Faith student (and their friends) currently in 9th through 12th Grades are eligible to participate in the Leech Lake mission trip, which is scheduled for July 9 through 15, 2016. As in the past, we're partnering with the mission organization YouthWorks! to offer an eye-opening experience in the Leech Lake Reservation, which is surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest. Students and adults alike will have unique opportunities to witness to God's love in Christ through hands-on service projects like assisting with home improvement projects, providing children's programs, and maintaining community gardens. To register, you must go to www.faithlc.org/youth-mission-trip to fill out the appropriate forms.

Archived Faith E-news

Did you miss last week's Faith E-news? You can find archived E-news on Faith's website under Archived E-news button on the homepage.

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