Quick Notes and Reminders
Please check the calendar for more information.
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Food Pantry Item for May is diapers, pull-ups, and formula Office Volunteers' LunchWe going over to Latin King this coming Wednesday, May 4, for lunch at 11:30 a.m. All are welcome! Please make a reservation with the office at 225-8334 or mirandakurtt@faithlc.org.
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This Week's Ministry Blog
Words That Flow
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There's a lot in these words from John and they are all part of a much larger discourse of Jesus. It can be a challenge to unpack such things and find some take away, something to focus on and to remember for a while. Perhaps a phrase or an idea gets our attention and we think about its meaning and discover a new word for the day. Last night was our last evening of confirmation class for the season and I thought about all the words we shared over the past months. And I wondered what would stay with the class going forward.
I know that there have been words of faith shared with me throughout the years and some still find their way into my thoughts. Some were challenging, some were comforting and some were inspiring. They were words that came from mentors and teachers, friends and family - they always came from a place of care. On occasion I can find myself using an expression I heard from them. And the expression seems to be the perfect words needed at the time.
Some words linger and reemerge in timely fashion and we can count these words as words that are from the stream of a faithful witness throughout time. And maybe in our moments of humility and wisdom we recognize that the words we keep and the words we share flow from that same stream that carries the renewing gift of the gospel.
Jesus reminded his disciples that they would find a good help from the Spirit with the words that matter. The teaching and understanding was not to be completely left to them. There is a learning that happens with the Spirit that gives shape to relationships and community. It is meant to be a joyful kind of thing that brings the needed energy to carry love into action.
On this weekend of Confirmation when promises of baptism are affirmed and celebrations of faith happen, we can be mindful of the Spirit that still moves among us and within us. We all can find a good encouragement to bring the words that will build up the faith, foster care and make for joy.
Pastor Randy
In Christ called to witness, by grace we will preach
the life giving gospel; God's love we will teach.
By grace may our living give proof to our praise
in costly compassion reflecting Christ's ways. - ELW 575
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Sunday School and VBS Kick Off
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 On Sunday, May 1, Sunday School will be held in St. Michael's Hall. We will kick off VBS registration and celebrate the end of an awesome year. Join us for the release party of the VBS music! You can register your camper, sign up to volunteer, purchase CDs, and swap/donate old t-shirts and purchase new one.
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Welcome Faith's New Council Members
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Our 2016-2017 Council members are being installed this weekend. The Council members are:
John Sorensen, President
John Bunz, Vice President
Renee Wood, Secretary
Nate Stone, Treasurer
Brad Clark, At-large
Hope Johnson, At-large
Judy Akre, At-large
Congratulations, and thank you for your willingness to serve Faith in these leadership roles.
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Messiah Hall Art Gallery
Artist Meet and Greet
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Krister Strandskov, a student at Grandview University, combines his passion for traditional photography and imaging with his desire to work with his hands. Please stop by the Messiah Hall Art Gallery Sunday, May 1, to see his stunning works and say hello.
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 As of Wednesday, 142 members had completed the survey. Thank you!If you (or someone else in your household who is 16 years old or older) has yet to complete the Church Assessment Tool, please use this link, https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Faithlutherancliveia , to take this survey to help Faith's leaders learn more about where we should go NEXT.
One specific question that a few members have asked about the survey: Why do questions mention only the senior pastor? First, this survey is not intended to serve as a performance review for any staff member. The survey is intended to see the big picture and trends within our population and to gauge our congregation's energy and interests. Second, part of the benefit of the survey is that our results will be benchmarked against other congregations. In order to compare results, the consulting company, Holy Cow, said the survey questions needed to be worded exactly like those posed to other congregations, which meant that questions about pastors referred specifically to the most senior ordained staff member who has supervisory responsibility for staff.
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Construction Has Been Approved
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Our new spaces have passed official inspection and are approved for use. The furniture for the Kifula Music Center was installed on Thursday and Seeds of Faith preschool had the opportunity to use Room 106 during the inclement weather at the end of the week. Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible!
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Save the Date for I-Cubs Game and Tailgate
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Save the date for the I-Cubs game on Sunday, June 5, at 1:08 p.m., with tailgating starting at 11:30 a.m. We will be selling tickets in the Commons starting May 8. The cost is $11 and includes a ticket to game and tailgate. Watch for more details.
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Children and Family Ministry
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Youth and Family Ministry
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SURGE is a local, two-night service-learning event (think "mini mission trip") with home base at the Gathering House. Students and adults alike will have opportunities to witness God's love in Christ through hands-on service projects throughout Des Moines, while also enjoying fellowship with their peers. All Faith students currently in grades 6-8 are eligible to participate in SURGE, which is scheduled for June 13-15 (Yes, that's during VBS. SURGE will be the only 6-8 grade programming during VBS, but they can still volunteer as helpers). The event will begin the evening of the 13th and end on the morning of the 15th. Please check the website for complete details and registration.
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- College Retreat: Registration is live for the College Retreat in Steamboat Springs, CO from July 28-August 1. It's open to all current college students and costs $200/person. Much more information is available online at http://bit.ly/FLCcollegeretreatFAQ, including an itinerary and registration information.
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