Faith E-news    February 5, 2016  

Quick Notes and Reminders    

Please check the calendar for more information.


Food Pantry Item for February is canned soup

Faith Feast and Faith Night  On Wednesday, February 10, there will not be Faith Feast or Faith Night due to Ash Wednesday. They will resume on Wednesday, February 17.
 
This Week's Ministry Blog
I've Heard it All Before    
 
In worship it seems like we hear the same scriptures over and over. Maybe that's because we all have some trouble listening. 

Luke 9:28-36  
 
On the last Sunday of the Season after Epiphany-and right before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent-the gospel lesson is always an account of Jesus transfigured on the mountain.
 
Although the details vary from Mark, Luke, or Matthew...
Every time, it is the same basic story.
Every year.
 
Jesus, Peter, James, and John go up a mountain.
Jesus prays.
Jesus and his clothes change in appearance (he is transfigured).
Moses and Elijah appear.
 
But the truly interesting thing about this story is what happens next.
 
This painting by Alexander Ivanov, captures the scene at the moment Peter decides to interrupt the moment with, "Hey Jesus, I've got an idea..."
 
What a good lesson for all of us to hear.
 
Every. Single. Year.
 
Jesus is time after time telling us how things are to be as followers, in the kingdom of God, in the new life of the resurrection. Jesus is over and again showing us what this ministry does, and says, who it is for. Jesus is always leading us towards the cross and beyond. Jesus is repeatedly revealing the power behind his words.
 
And the disciples are always interrupting.
 
So, "love your enemies," is a nice idea and all, but it's not really that realistic...
And when it comes to "don't judge," well, you wouldn't say that if you knew what they did...
I know you said, "you give them something to eat," but we've got other bills to pay...
I heard what you said about, "follow me," but first, I have a few other things to do...
I know what you said about suffering, dying, rising...but can't we just stay here?
 
There is a cloud lurking in the background of this painting, foreshadowing what is coming next.
And before Peter will be able get his complete thought out, he himself will be interrupted as a voice from above thunders, "This is my Son, my chosen; listen to him!"
 
Once again, it is time for us to listen up, as well.

Pastor Sarah 
 

Sunday Breakfast
  
The Guys Night Out group will be hosting breakfast from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m., in St. Michael's Hall. Come enjoy breakfast and fellowship. The breakfast is in lieu of Adult Sunday School.
 
 

Sunday School
  
Did you know that one of the largest refugee populations in Iowa is from Burma? Did you also know that many of the families at Crestview Elementary are Burmese? EMBARC (Ethnic Minorities of Burma Advocacy and Resource Center) will join us on February 14, to share about the different ethnic groups of Burma and the refugee experience.


Children's Musical - Ultimate Superstar 


The "Ultimate Superstar" performances are at 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 6 and at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., Sunday, February 7.


Please note that the musical will be in place of the Saturday 5:00 worship service and the Sunday 10:30 worship service.
 

Saying Goodbye to Rachel  

Many of you were in service last Sunday and heard Pastor Randy's announcement that I will soon leave my beloved position here at Faith Lutheran Church. I have accepted the Director of Children and Family Ministry position at Plymouth UCC Church here in Des Moines. My last day at Faith is Sunday, February 28. Though I am excited for this new direction, I am very sad to leave Faith. I have loved each day of my service here and have loved walking alongside your children as they have grown in their love for God. I am very proud of them and the many gifts they bring to our congregation and world. Leaving is not easy and I will miss all of you, the staff, and the overall feeling of love that defines Faith Lutheran Church. Know that I am moving on because I know God is calling me and because I will have the chance to take better care of my family.  In Love, Rachel
 

First Tuesday Women's Fellowship Date Change
 
The date and host of the February meeting of the First Tuesday Women's Fellowship have been changed. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 9, at the home of Joan Strentz, 9306 Greenbelt Drive, Urbandale. The study, Christian Citizenship 101, from Gather will continue with Session Two, "Servant-Shaped Soldiers," in the January/February 2016 issue. For more information, call Susan Petersen at 223-0646 or Stephanie Hoff at 278-4003.
 

February Cooking Club 
  

Please join with Faith members on Thursday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. in St. Michael's Hall for Cooking Club. Bring a dish that includes either chocolate or cherries or both and the written recipe to share with the group. All are invited and welcome.
 

Faith Feast Coordinator Opening
  
We are seeking to fill the position of Faith Feast Coordinator this spring. This person will menu plan, shop and prepare healthy evening meals for 75-100 people on Wednesday Faith Nights. The meal provides an important way to connect for fellowship as we gather for our weekly learning and music ministries. If you are interested please contact Pastor Randy.


Spare Baskets Needed
  
Have any gift baskets laying around empty now that you've consumed all the goodies? The youth would love to have them to package up items for the upcoming Silent Auction benefiting the Mission Trip. All materials and sizes are fine. Please drop them off in the church office by Wednesday, February 24. Questions? Email Jill Waage, [email protected]


Lutheran Day on the Hill
Sponsored by Lutheran Services in Iowa
  
Lutherans from all over the state will gather at the capitol Wednesday, February 17, to meet their legislators and share what we are concerned about for this upcoming legislative session. From clean water to human trafficking to welcome for refugees, there are many issues to which we can speak as people of faith. To learn more about this event or to register, please check out  www.lsiowa.org or contact Pastor Sarah. Can't make it, but still want to participate? Join in the letter writing campaign. Letter writing materials are available on LSI's website, or stop in to St. Michael's Hall and check out the letter writing station. Participants from our congregation will deliver it in person!
 

Children and Family Ministry     

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Mother & Son Dance   

Want to have some fun and raise money for camp scholarships? Buy your tickets now for the annual Mother and Son Dance taking place on Friday, February 19, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. This event is open to the public and all mother and son couples are invited. Couples can be grandmas and grandsons, special neighbors, aunts and nephews...you name it! Enjoy the sparkle and wonder of our winter season at this year's "Snow-Ball"! Each mother (or special friend) will receive a silk rose from her date, dance to a super DJ, play party games, and enjoy yummy refreshments. Tickets are available online , in the church office and before each of the musical performances on February 6 and 7. Want to help with this event? Contact Rachel. 
 

Holy Communion Retreat and Holy Communion for All Ages   

communion We will hold a learning retreat on Saturday, February 27, from 9:30-11:30 a.m., for anyone wishing to celebrate their first communion. Though many of our backgrounds suggest that first communion occurs in the 1st grade year, we encourage anyone who is ready to receive their first communion to do so. Many children start taking communion at a younger age, and there are older kids and adults who would like to celebrate this milestone in their faith as well. If you or your children would like to learn about communion, regardless of whether or not you or your child have received communion in worship, we invite you to this morning retreat. Breakfast will be served. Please let Kala in the office if you plan to attend.
 

Youth and Family Ministry     

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The 14th Annual Silent Auction & Spaghetti Lunch Youth Fundraiser is March 6 

Mark your calendars and join us for our annual mission trip fundraising event for the 50+ youth and adults traveling to the Leech Lake Indian Reservation this July. We are excited to offer another Silent Auction & Spaghetti Lunch on Sunday, March 6, but we need your help! Part of what makes our auction so successful is the willingness of the congregation to donate items to be auctioned. We've had people donate woodwork, art, skilled labor, gift certificates, and so on. Prayerfully consider how your passions and gifts can bless our youth ministry by donating new or like-new items and/or services to the auction.

Forms are available on the youth bulletin board in the entryway and can be dropped off in the church office. All donations are due by Wednesday, February 24. Thank you for your continued support!