Faith E-news May 26, 2016

Quick Notes and Reminders

Please check the calendar for more information.

Office Volunteers' Lunch

Join us at Cool Basil this Wednesday, June 1, at 11:30 a.m. for lunch. All are welcome! Please make a reservation with Kala at 225-8334 or kalazanoni@faithlc.org.

Food Pantry Item for May is diapers, pull-ups, and formula

This Week's Ministry Blog
Pervert

It's not what you think.

Galatians 1:1-12

In the first chapter of Paul's letter to the Galatian churches, Paul launches into an angry attack against "some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ."

While the word has taken on a certain connotation in the past century or so, "pervert" literally means to "turn away." For much of history, this word had the sense of turning away from or inverting a religious truth. In this case, Paul argues that the perverts are turning away from the gospel and causing others to do the same.

While Paul has proclaimed that the gospel sets us free from the law, his opponents argue that certain laws still apply. Their perversion is turning, twisting, redirecting the gospel so that it still fits with a certain status quo (in this case the practice of circumcision). And rather than boldly living in to the brand new reality made possible through the gospel of Christ, the people have been readily giving in to the pressure to conform.

This problem is not a historical artifact. It is a real and on-going struggle for Christians. The temptation to pervert the gospel is all around us.

Too many times, we ourselves are the perverts.

The gospel says: God's love is a gift freely given to you.

And we say: But there must be something you have to do or must say to get this love.

The gospel says: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

And we say: Still, we have to draw the line somewhere. There have to be some sins worse than others, some sinners not worthy of God's love.

The gospel says: There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female, for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

And we say: Maybe in the life to come, but not here, not now. People need to know their place.

The gospel says: It is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me.

And we say: As long as Christ doesn't change me too much, or ask me to do anything that makes me feel uncomfortable.

Paul's words still speak to Christians of today.

And today, as much as ever, we may need the vitriol and venom in his letter to catch our attention-turning us away from all those perversions that distract-and back to the gospel of Christ.

Pastor Sarah

VBS - Needs You!

We are excited to announce that we have over 100 campers registered for VBS! We need more crew leaders and kitchen helpers! You do not need to have children in VBS to volunteer. Please sign up to be a part of this awesome week at Faith. Please go to http://bit.ly/FLCsignup and click on Faith Lutheran VBS 2016 to sign up. Haven't signed up for camp yet? Go to http://bit.ly/2016_FLC_VBS. Start the summer off earning your silver cord hours. Contact Michelle Zimmerman at michellezimmerman78@gmail.com for more information.

Afghan Squares for LSI Refugees

The Faith Stitchers found interest in afghan squares for LSI refugees at Lutheran Services of Iowa in Des Moines. A group of stitchers took squares, yarn, knitting needles, and crochet hooks to LSI early in 2016 to support this project. Ten or more refugees are already stitching them into blankets. The Stitchers will continue to meet with them once a month to help them as needed and to teach those who want to learn to knit or crochet. If you would like to help, please bring knitted or crocheted 8-inch squares to the office or donate acrylic yarn. If you want directions for the project, check with Mary Ellison at mary_ellison@hotmail.com or Diane Harms at dianeharms@mchsi.com.

Dinner Before VBS!

Meals before VBS will be catered by Hy-vee and will be served at Faith from 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. We need to get a count of how many kids and adults plan to eat at church so we may order properly. The cost is $5 per meal for ages 4 and up, and $3 for children under three years old. Please fill out this form and return it with your payment to the church office by Friday, June 10.

Children and Family Ministry

VBS - June 12-16

Summer is fast approaching and so is Vacation Bible School! Are you ready to follow Jesus, the light of the world, in an underground adventure? Not only is registration free this year, but you are encouraged to reuse your t-shirt from past years. If those shirts are too small, feel free to swap them out for a bigger size or order a brand new orange shirt when you register (http://bit.ly/2016_FLC_VBS). The deadline for a new t-shirt is Friday, May 27. Contact Andrea and Erika for more information at cfm@faithlc.org.

Parents, don't forget to sign up to help! There are many different volunteer opportunities available. Contact Michelle Zimmerman at michelle_havens@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

Youth and Family Ministry

Youth Mission Trip

On July 9-12, 2016, 38 youth and 8 adults will be spending a week at the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in Minnesota.

* Save the Date: Next Meeting is Tuesday, June 21, at 6:00 p.m. for all participants and parents.

Cup Fundraiser for Mission Trip

The youth will be selling these beautiful 16 ounce insulated cups (with straw) bearing the Faith logo! Get one for only $10.00 each and fill it with your favorite cold beverage all summer long!

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.

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.