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Quick Notes and Reminders
Please check the calendar for more information.
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Food Pantry Item for January is juice in cans or plastic bottles
Faith Feast Menu - Wednesday , January 13, will feature breakfast.
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This Week's Ministry Blog
A Voice of Splendor
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 Isaiah 43:1-7 and Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
I portaged along a rushing stream that emptied into a deep pool into the lake below. As I made my way I could hear my grandson talking to his dad. They were catching fish from the canoe at the edge of where the current slowed. There was something about their exchange that made me stop to listen. For a good while their voices carried across the water and up into the woods to where I came to rest. Their words joined the sounds of the wind blowing through the red pines that towered above us.
These weren't just any words. They were the kind of words that in my memory now defined the trip. They spoke deeply of the very nature of how we form and nurture relationships.
The prophet Isaiah spoke words of great promise. They showed a way forward, filled with regard and delight: I have called you by name, you are mine... Because you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you. They weren't just any words but ones that form a sense of belonging with an awareness of being God's sons and daughters.
It's usually during the early weeks of a new year, and in the season of Epiphany when I begin to plan my next wilderness canoe trip. I start pouring over the maps. Much of where I decide to go next is determined by where I have been on past trips, who will be going with me and just how challenging I want it to be. I have learned over the years that it's the splendor, like voices across the waters that keep me coming back. Such moments cannot be planned. But they always seem to put the inconveniences of rain, wind and cold in their proper place.
The beginning of Jesus' ministry was marked by his baptism and the voice from heaven, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." With such clarity and blessing Jesus began his work. Whenever we begin anew, the promise of our baptisms are there so we might trust the Spirit at work, leading, guiding and forever forming the persons we are called to be!
Pastor Randy
The voice of the Lord is upon the waters...
The voice of the Lord is a voice of splendor.
- Psalm 29
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Sunday, January 10, Doug Johnson, President and CEO of Lutheran Services in Iowa, will share about LSI's ministry and the upcoming "Lutheran Day on the Hill."
On Sunday, January 17, Brady Campbell will lead the Animate Faith Study on the topic of Salvation: Abundant Life Now, featuring Shane Hipps. Each session of the Animate series offers a video with a well-known Christian thinker and a lively discussion. Join us!
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 Cancer Support Group will meet at the church Sunday, January 10, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Jan Stegeman, R.N. and Barbara Cavallin, Ph.D. are the facilitators. Anyone who is dealing with cancer, has a friend or relative who is, or is dealing with the loss of a loved one from cancer, is encouraged to come for this inspirational, compassionate, uplifting time of devotion, information, sharing, caring and prayer. If you have any materials that you would like to share with the group, please bring them and join us.
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Marriage Education Nights Update
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 Please note that the Monday night events will not take place during January, February, or March. Because of the low attendance, they are looking for dates that work with more people. If you are interested in this activity, but had a conflict with the dates, please let them know your preferences for the future. If you are interested in a regular Marriage Encounter, either a single weekend or four evening sessions, let them know your availability and they will try to set dates accordingly. You can contact them at cime.nme@mchsi.com or call Peggy Steinbronn at 321-5445.
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Save the Date - Women's Retreat
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Save the date for Faith's Annual Women's Retreat on Friday evening April 8, and Saturday April 9, at Faith. There will be food, speakers, and will expand on the Making Connections theme; giving attendees more opportunities to connect and reconnect with other women of Faith and guests. Tentative topic: Let It Go...Let God Grow. Cost and registration information will be coming in the next few weeks.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper and Talent Show
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On Tuesday, February 9, a free will offering Pancake Supper will be served from 5:00-6:00 p.m. with a talent show following from 6:00-7:00 p.m. All ages are invited to sign up with their brief act (5 minutes or less). Email Pastor Sarah or sign up on Sign-up genius. And what does Shrove mean? If you come we promise to tell you.
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Iowa Interfaith Exchange 2016
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Expand your religious horizons at a new half-day conference on Sunday, January 31, from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Drake University's Olmstead Center. The Iowa Interfaith Exchange is a gathering of people from all faiths and belief systems, coming together to find our commonalities and share our differences. Peter Manseau, author of One Nation, Under Gods, will deliver the keynote address, and six breakout sessions featuring state and local speakers will also be available. Registration is $25, and students pay only $10. To find more information on breakout sessions and to register online, go to iowainterfaithexchange.org. The Iowa Interfaith Exchange is co-sponsored by the Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) and Drake University.
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Children and Family Ministry
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January Parents' Night Out - CANCELLED
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The January Parents' Night Out Friday, January 8, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. is CANCELLED.
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If your child is not in school on Monday, January 18, consider dropping them of at our annual Day Camp from 8:00-4:00. This camp is open to PK-6th grade, with older children invited to attend as helpers. This year's theme is Star Wars and Beauty Shop. Cost is a free will donation. Proceeds from this camp will go toward scholarships for children wishing to attend Riverside or Lakeside Church Camp this summer. Please respond to Kala if your children will attend so that we can plan for staffing, activities, and food by Friday, January 15.
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Save the Date - Mother-Son Dance
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Are you ready to boogie? Have you heard of a Daddy-Daughter dance? Now it's time for mothers and sons to have a chance to celebrate in a winter wonderland. Moms, grandmas, and aunts: grab your sons, grandsons, and nephews - young and old - and have some fun at this year's Mother-Son Dance: "Snow-Ball"! On Friday, February 19, enjoy dancing, contests, snacks, punch, and a photo booth from 6:00-8:00p.m. here at Faith. Tickets are $25 per couple and $5 more for each additional child. Tickets for Faith's Mother-Son Dance can be purchased on our website under Quick Links/Payment for Events, in the church office and at all performances of the Children's Musical on February 6 and 7.
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Youth and Family Ministry
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Youth Mission Trip Meeting - It's required!
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 This is a reminder that there is a required informational meeting for all registered and potential mission trip participants and parents scheduled for this Sunday, January 10 at 11:30 a.m. in St. Michael's Hall at Faith. Even if you haven't registered yet but are thinking about participating, please come!
If you misplaced or didn't receive the mission trip info letter, a digital copy is attached, which includes links to the registration form and online payment page.
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