WELCOME TO FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH. Inviting all people to faith... Come and Worship - Go and Work

Transcription

1 DON T RUSH THE START WELCOME TO FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH Inviting all people to faith... Come and Worship - Go and Work Pastor - Lee Laaveg I Ministers - All Phone Highway Blvd, Spencer, Iowa August 26, 2018 Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost us at: faithlutheran@smunet.net Catch us on the Web: Follow Like us on Facebook! Faith Lutheran Church LCMC Watch us on SMU: 8:30 p.m. and 11:00 a.m.

2 Prelude Opening Song - Joy Of The Lord Welcome Prayer Song - This Is My Father s World *Invocation: We meet in the strong name of our God. We praise you Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen. *Litany: Bless the LORD, O my soul, And all that is within me, bless His holy name. He pardons all our iniquities; He heals all of our diseases; He redeems our lives from the pit; He crowns us with lovingkindness and compassion. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His lovingkindness toward us; As far as east is from west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Bless the Lord, O my soul. *Prayer of the Day Lord God, how wonderful to gather together in your house, and in your Presence! As you know the needs of each person, come by your Spirit to bless us. Draw us close to your heart. Bathe us in grace. Hold us in your strong arms of love. Deepen our faith. Guide us to serve you each day. In Jesus name. Amen. Gospel - Matthew 13:31-32 Children s Message - Dodo & Emu + a Duck Song - Holy Spirit Sermon text - Hebrews 11

3 Sermon - Don t Rush The Start - Dr. Kyle Fever Offertory Song - This Is Amazing Grace (Offering will be received at this time) *Offertory Response - We Are An Offering *Offertory Prayer: Merciful Father, we offer with joy and thanksgiving what you have first given us our selves, our time, and our possessions, signs of your gracious love. Receive them for the sake of him who offered himself for us, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. *Confession of Faith Prayers of the Church Sharing of the Peace *The Lord s Prayer *Blessing *Closing Song - He s Got The Whole World In His Hands - Noisy Band Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God. *Please stand if you are able. A SPECIAL WELCOME TO OUR GUESTS THIS MORNING! Whether you are from across town or out-of-state, your presence is a blessing to us. When the Friendship Pad is passed down the row, please fill it out so we may connect with you. Thank you for joining us today!

4 Gospel - Matthew 13: He told them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. 32 Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches. Sermon Text - Hebrews 11 1 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 4 By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead. 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: He could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. 8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country - a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 19 Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their

5 future. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions concerning the burial of his bones. 23 By faith Moses parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel. 29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient. 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated - 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. August 28 Justin and Laura Heikens August 29 Bill and Donna Frederick Larry and Tracy Coleman Wigen Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday! August 26 - Lora Johnson August 27 - Easton Anderson Marv Schutter August 31 - Jake Hanson Larry Nelson

6 Celebrate Rally Sunday 2018 Everyone, young and old, is invited to join the treasure hunt around our church building! Each child, accompanied by an adult, will have a treasure map to guide their search. If adults do not have a child to accompany them, they can still join the treasure hunt. We all will journey to different stations seeking to discover important truths about the gospel of Jesus. What do stations of bread, fish, juice, rings, and colored chalk have to do with Jesus? On the treasure hunt, you will find out! With each station you will learn more about Jesus. I can t wait to search for treasure, how about you? As part of our special day, we welcome guest speaker Dr. Kyle Fever and his family! Kyle Fever is a family man. He and his wife of 20 years, Laura, have four children, Jaya, Tate, Jude, Stella. Throughout his life, Kyle has sought to experience and share with others what it means to understand the good news of Jesus Christ; and not just "believe" it, but get it deep in our bones and live it organically with every fabric of our being. His great compulsion for understanding Scripture and teaching it to others led him to earn a PhD in New Testament and Early Christian Origins, which he now puts to use in teaching for the church (LCMC), writing, working to help families and individuals live "theologically" every day, and mentoring and journeying with any and all who cross his path and enter their home. Kyle is also a certified LCMC pastor, and wants deeply to see the body of Christ thrive as a living witness to the crucified Lord, and as an alternative to the ways of the world. He and his family enjoy time together in community with others, learning the ways of Jesus. They love the simple life of faith, being active outdoors, making and drinking coffee, listening to and playing music (Kyle plays guitar; Laura sings), and spending time in the kitchen. Faith and good food go together well! Thanks for sharing God s Word today, Kyle!

7 Installation of Sunday School Teachers, Confirmation Guides, and LifeKids Volunteers We thank these members for their willingness to serve the youth of Faith and the community. Please keep these people in your prayers. Sunday School Teachers Kim Rye, Rachel Simington, Sara Franker, Ruby Nitzel, Korrie Anderson, Kirby Fueston, Syndee Nitzel, Eric Patten Confirmation Guides Mark Vreeman, Brett Eilts, Andrea Crew LifeKids Volunteers Shirley Kooker, Diane Van Kleek, Jason Holt, Garold Becker, Ann Lear, Eric Patten September Sunday School! Intergenerational: September 2 Right Now Media program September 9 African Mission Trip report by Josh and Whitney Smith September 16 Right Now Media program September 23 Regular Sunday School classes will begin Adults during Sunday School beginning September 23 : Christian family, marriage, and parenting facilitated by Joe and Rachel Simington and Kyle and Jamie Rouse Four week class on Prayer videos are shared by Francis Chan. Session 1 The Purpose of Prayer Session 2 The Practice of Prayer Session 3 The Pursuit of Prayer Session 4 The Power of Prayer For more information, please see the September Faith Life Together! REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL TODAY! Ways to register: Online at Contact Ann Lear childrensministry@faithlutheranspencer.com Contact Eric Patten cymdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com The Church Office faithlutheran@smunet.net

8 LifeKids begins this Wednesday, August 29! The free program for children in grades K-5 is each Wednesday afternoon 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. The children enjoy snacks, games, music, Bible stories, and learn life skills. To register, please contact the church or find the online link to registration on our church website - Do you have a heart for children? If so, we d love your assistance on Wednesdays. We can use middle school, high school, and adult helpers. Your help, as your schedule allows, is deeply appreciated. Do you drive a bus? Would you help us with transportation? If you feel led to help with this ministry in some way, please contact Eric Patten, Ann Lear, or the church office at WORSHIP ON WEDNESDAY OUR THEME IS CREATION! Begins this Wednesday, August 29! 5:30 to 6:20 p.m. - Join us for a meal! 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. - Worship with us! A contemporary and youth-led worship service A mid-week worship opportunity for all! WoW! Drama Call! This Wednesday, August 29, the short drama "God's Amazingly Astonishing World!" by Ginny Neil will be performed. ALL ages are invited to participate in many non-speaking roles. If interested please meet in the back of the church at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

9 For more information, please see the display at the back of the church! Please leave your donations in the basket provided or in the yellow Missions Box by the front doors. Celebrating 70 Years Together!! The friends and family of Bill and Donna Frederick would like to honor their 70th wedding anniversary, August 29, with a card shower. Please send greetings to them at : PO Box 103, Webb, IA Faith Lutheran Mission Work Day will be Tuesday, August 28! We invite you to join us on Tuesday from 10: 00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. as we work on quilts, school kits, layettes and enjoy a potluck lunch, main dish is provided! Invitation to Intercessory Prayer On Thursdays, at noon, all people in Spencer and the Northwest Iowa area are invited to the Atlas building, 816 S. Grand Ave., for a time of prayer: to lift up our community, churches, pastors, leaders and other Christian Ministries. We ask God for revival in our area. TEAM Restoration Ministries Lynne Gould, of TEAM Restoration Ministries, is available, by appointment, to visit with clients each Wednesday in Faith s Library. Appointments are available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, PLEASE CALL the TEAM Restoration Ministries office at (TEAM Restoration works with most insurance companies.)

10 LCMC 18TH ANNUAL GATHERING October 7-10, 2018 HyVee Hall, 730 3rd Street, Des Moines, IA It is time for us to gather again at Annual Gathering and Convention, to connect again with our brothers and sisters across the association and around the world. Our gatherings are unlike any other church meeting you have ever been to before! Our theme this year is, Growing Up building on Ephesians 4: You can learn more about registration on the LCMC website at Early bird registration ends September 1. GENERAL OFFERING AND ATTENDANCE 2018 BUDGET $352,455 YEAR BALANCE GIVING TO DATE REMAINING ATTENDANCE JUNE $28, $159, $192, AVG. JULY $22, $182, $169, AVG. AUGUST 1-5 $ 5, $187, $164, AUGUST 6-12 $ 6, $194, $158, AUGUST $ 4, $198, $153, THANK YOU FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING FAITH IN 2018! CAPITAL CAMPAIGN YEAR TO DATE TOTAL GIVING PLEDGED REMAINING $62, $298, $101, Faith Lutheran Church Staff: Pastor: Lee Laaveg - pastor@faithlutheranspencer.com Technology Director: Lori Krei - techdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com Office Assistant: Cheryl Stueven - office@faithlutheranspencer.com Worship Director: Denise Laaveg - worshipdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com Church Administrator: Lori Krei - office@faithlutheranspencer.com Director of Children & Youth: Eric Patten - cymdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com Custodian: Rich Stueven - custodian@faithlutheranspencer.com

11 Thank you to today s Worship Leader Instrumentalist Vocalists Scripture Reader Children s Message Message Prayers of the Church Nursery Camera Computer Sound Lead Tech Fellowship Hosts Greeters/Ushers Offering Counters Gary Klett Denise Laaveg, Kevin Skadeland, Jared Hansen Joy Kelsch, Dennis Larson, Kirby Fueston Julie Fisher Dodo & Emu + a Duck Dr. Kyle Fever LaVonne Clark Kyle and Jamie Rouse Kevin Swancutt Cheryl Stueven Del Christman Lori Krei Steve and Lora Johnson, Stan and Jodene Jongma Set up: Lora Johnson Elmer and Marge Nielsen, Steve and Jean Oleson Jolynne Eilts, Kay Iversen, Lori Krei Next Sunday, September 2 Worship Leader Del Brockshus Instrumentalist Denise Laaveg, Kevin Skadeland, Jared Hansen Vocalists Ross and Beth Brockshus, Lisa Buchan Scripture Reader Jean Oleson Children s Message Nancy Ketcham Prayers of the Church Joe Simington Nursery Eric Patten Altar Prep Lora Johnson, Pam Harris Communion Servers Duane and Pam Harris, GA Darnell, Denise Lovitt Prayer Intercessors Al and Carla Vanderberg, Randy Enge, Bill Nitzel Camera Becky Simons Computer Kay Iversen Sound Kristine Christianson Lead Tech Lori Krei Fellowship Hosts Jim and Lisa Carpenter, Paul and Kris Behrens Set up: Kris Behrens Greeters/Ushers Doug and Courtney Schwartz, Kim Rye, Julie Williams Offering Counters Larry Wigen, Becky Simons, Lori Krei

12 T HIS WEEK AT FAITH Sunday, August 26 8:00 a.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal 8:15 a.m. Prayer Time - All are welcome! 9:00 a.m. Worship - Dr. Kyle Fever Installation of Sunday School Teachers, LifeKids helpers and Confirmation guides and helpers Fellowship - Immediately following Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School Rally Day Tuesday, August 28 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mission Workday 1:00 p.m. Staff meeting Wednesday, August 29 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Christian Counseling (Make appointment at ) 3:30-5:30 p.m. LifeKids 5:30-6:20 p.m. Meal 6:30 p.m. WoW! Worship Confirmation 7:00 p.m. Worship Vocalist rehearsal High School Youth Group Worship Scheduling meeting Thursday, August 30 8:30 a.m. Coffee Group - All are welcome! 6:30 p.m. Youth Ministry meeting Saturday, September 1 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study Sunday, September 2 8:00 a.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal 8:15 a.m. Prayer Time - All are welcome! 9:00 a.m. Worship Fellowship - Immediately following Worship 10:30 a.m. Large Group Sunday School Monday, September 3 - Labor Day Office closed