The Monthly Newsletter of Faith Lutheran Church

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..Music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus, it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity, and other devices.

1 October 2017 The Monthly Newsletter of Faith Lutheran Church P.O. Box Second Avenue North Isanti, MN Phone: (763) Heavenly Sunshine Preschool: (763) Have no fear, little flock, for it is your Father s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. If you would like to receive our newsletter by , please contact Erin at office@faithlutheranisanti.com From Our Pastor The devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God...Music is a gift and grace of God, not an invention of men. Thus, it drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. Then one forgets all wrath, impurity, and other devices. ~ Martin Luther 500 years ago on October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. Because we re approaching the 500 th anniversary of the dawn of the Lutheran Reformation, we ve been hearing sentences like the last one quite a lot this year. But just what does it matter that he did this? What are some things in our experience that are different than they might have been had he decided to keep his pen in his pocket? continued on page 2 Faith Lutheran s Annual Fall Fest Sunday, October 8, 2017 Worship Service: 9:30 a.m. Special Music by The One Anothers Silent Auction: 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Items for the auction will be accepted at the church the week before Fall Fest through Saturday, October 7. All proceeds will go toward Faith Caring Fund and General Fund, to benefit the mission of FLC! Quilt Drawing: 1:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased up to the time of the drawing. You do not need to be present to win. Swedish Meatball Dinner: 11:00 a.m. 1:30 p.m. Swedish Meatballs, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Cole Slaw, Pickled Herring, Buns, Beverage and Pie! Tickets available at the church office: Adults $9 in advance / $10 at the door Children ages 6-10 $6 in advance/ $7 at the door Children, 5 & under Free Family $34 (Up to 2 adults and 4 kids ages 9 & under) Fun for the entire family! Bring your friends!

2 From Our Pastor continued... It s fairly obvious to say that we wouldn t have any Faith Lutheran Churches around, and that we likely would not have any South Isanti Baptist or Common Ground Methodist churches either. Lutherans and Protestants all exist today because Luther was kicked out of the Roman Catholic Church, and yet he and his fellow preachers were able to continue preaching, and out of that preaching grew a distinct church body. Not since the Great Schism of 1054 when the Eastern Orthodox broke away from Rome and the rest of the western church had such a large separation occurred. And in the wake of Luther s success (read not being killed ), others were inspired to, and succeeded in, forming new churches. But the Reformation had other effects on the whole of Christianity. For instance, the fact that we worship in English rather than Latin. Luther insisted that worship was less a performance of rite than a proclamation of God s word of his commands and promises to the people. So, Luther made God speak German to the Germans and he helped William Tyndale make God speak English to the English. With this, Luther also elevated the office of preaching, insisting that it was every bit as important as the Mass (the service of the Lord s Supper) and that preachers needed to take greater care to apply their sermons to the daily lives of the people. All of this had the effect of drawing people into the service as participants, not spectators, in worship. With all of this, I would argue that there was still another, equally important change that was brought on by Luther. That is, Luther taught the church to sing again. In Luther s time, congregational singing was nearly non-existent. Priests chanted the service in Latin, but the people did not sing. Luther wanted to put music back into the hearts on onto the lips of God s people. To this end, he wrote a German liturgy that could be sung congregationally. He also wrote and composed many hymns, a good number of which we still sing today. Luther s conviction that God s people needed to sing has, over time, come to permeate just about every corner of the church. The Catholic Church itself even adopted this attitude over time, and they experienced a sort of hymn renaissance in the middle of the 20 th Century, thanks to which we now sing a number of beautiful Catholic hymns. The reason that this specific reform of Luther s has caught on so broadly is easy to grasp. When I visit people who have fallen deeply into Alzheimer s or dementia, they almost never remember who I am, they often don t remember family members, and they can t tell me with any certainty where they are or how they got there. But when we pray the Lord s Prayer, recite Psalm 23, or when we sing a familiar hymn they are themselves again, if for a moment. There s something about music that takes hold of us and etches itself into our very being in a way that nothing else in this world can replicate. It s because of this power that Luther said that next to the Word of God, music was the greatest treasure in the world. In celebration of the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation, each Sunday in October we ll focus on a different hymn it sparked. And because all congregational music written since the Reformation really has Luther to thank for its existence, we ve got a lot to choose from. We ll tell the story of each hymn, talk about its message, and even learn to sing a little harmony. Each hymn will also set the musical theme for that Sunday. So, come, sing out in faith, and enjoy! - Pastor Clifton Hanson Sunday, October 1: Children of the Heavenly Father by Carolina Sandell Berg. Carolina Lina Sandell is probably the most beloved Swedish Lutheran hymn writer. She is among the best Scandinavian lyricists. This Sunday will feature this hymn along with other hymns in the Scandinavian tradition. Sunday, October 8: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling by Charles Wesley. Wesley is among the greatest hymn writers the church has known in its 2000 years, and he may be the greatest we ve seen since the Reformation. Special Fall Fest musical guests, The One Anothers will play for us on this Sunday. Sunday, October 15: Blest are They by David Haas. Haas is a modern Catholic hymn composer, responsible for at least 3 or 4 songs we sing in worship. This Sunday will feature this and other hymns from the Catholic hymn renewal. Sunday, October 22: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Your Word by Martin Luther. On this Sunday we ll sing this and other Luther hymns. Sunday, October 29: Borning Cry by John Ylvisaker. On this Sunday, we ll sing modern Lutheran and protestant hymns to see how the churches of the Reformation are singing today.

Children & Youth Youth Ministry Team Meeting: Tuesday, October 3 at 6:15 p.m. Confirmation Trip to Luther Seminary: Friday, October 6, leaving FLC at 9 am.

, 6:30-7:30 p.m. KKC (age 3 grade 6) Confirmation Classes (grade 7-8) NEW! Senior High Youth Group (grade 9-12) NEW!

You can also text @faithfams to 81010 from your cell phone and you'll be automatically signed up. Confirmation is on Reformation Sunday, October 29!

3 Children & Youth Youth Ministry Team Meeting: Tuesday, October 3 at 6:15 p.m. Confirmation Trip to Luther Seminary: Friday, October 6, leaving FLC at 9 am. Students being confirmed October 29 and 3rd year confirmation students should attend Confirmands will meet at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 28 for breakfast, photos, and to go over details for Sunday., 6:30-7:30 p.m. KKC (age 3 grade 6) Confirmation Classes (grade 7-8) NEW! Senior High Youth Group (grade 9-12) NEW! Parent Group Sunday School: Following 9:30 Sunday worship services, the kids get together for songs and Bible story lesson while parents visit at Coffee Hour! Remind Reminder! If you haven't already done so, please sign up for our text messaging group at People often check their texts more quickly than their s or items on the church's Facebook page, so we're hoping that this new tool can help us communicate more efficiently. You can also to from your cell phone and you'll be automatically signed up. Confirmation is on Reformation Sunday, October 29! These students will be confirming their faith: Brooke Hogie Laina Hooper Hunter Melander Andrew Milz Join us for this great celebration! We will also celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation! The B-I-B-L-E...Yes, That s the Book for Me! On Rally Sunday, September 10, five second graders received Bibles, along with a bear-ful of honey from Sunrise Apiaries! How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! (Psalm 119:103) L-R: JJ Larson, Eva Almos, Rylan Eslinger, Kaden Hansen, Braeden Sonneson, Pastor Cliff Who: Youth currently in grades 8-12 and adult chaperones (age 21 or older) What: 30,000 Lutheran teens in one space! When: June 25-July 3, 2018 (including travel time) Where: Houston, TX Why: Awesome and fun opportunity to serve, learn, and grow in faith. And...30,000 Lutheran teens in one space! Baptized in the Faith August 27: Mira Lynn Dahlstrom Benjamin Walbridge October 1: Teiran Mae Marie Schoenrock October 15: Easton Dillon Mohs How: Talk to Pastor Cliff, sign up and get an information sheet on the youth bulletin board. $75 deposit is due by October 15. Total cost (including registration, transportation, room, food): $875-$1015 per person *We can apply for scholarships and fundraise.* Participants will need to attend monthly planning meetings and be committed to fundraising. You should totally be there!

4 Exciting News! Faith's Church Council has decided to move forward with the purchase of a new organ to be paid for out of the established organ fund and by money designated to Faith through the Thrivent Choice program. This decision was made after all reasonable attempts to repair the current organ were unsuccessful and the Worship and Music Committee along with other interested church members shopped a few different options. The purchase will be made without spending general fund money or taking on any debt. If all goes according to schedule, we should have a new organ in place before Christmas! Thank you to everyone who gave input in this process. We hope that the new organ is a wonderful blessing to this congregation for years to come. October Mission of the Month Lions Club Christmas Project From Every year, the Isanti Lions Club rallies the community and organizes gift and food collections for the less fortunate. We Serve hundreds of families every year providing them with food for holiday dinners and gifts for the children. If you would like to donate, or would like to be considered as a recipient, contact the Isanti Lions Club for more information. We respect people's privacy and dignity every step of the way. To contribute to this project, you can write MOM on your offering envelope or check. YTD Finances as of 9/22/17 Total Income 93, Total Expenses 100, Net Income If you would like to see a summary of your financial contributions to date, you can request one from the church office! Thinking Outside the Plate If you use online/automatic bill pay through your bank, you can also use it as a way to give offerings! 2017 FLC Council President: Sue Larson (2018) Vice President: Ron Schleif (2019) Secretary: Kathy Smith (2019) Joel Bazey (2020) Dan Johnson (2018) Carol Kruse (2020) Denise Roetzer (2019) Harold Pedersen (2020) Cindy Weiss (2018) Sheryl Christensen (2018) Kaylee Irlbeck (2018) Youth Advisors: Kaycee Lenox, Keagann Olson, Isabella Richardson Council meetings are every 3rd Tuesday at 7 pm in the FLC library. Anyone is welcome to attend. Council meeting minutes are posted on the upstairs hallway bulletin board. **Property Committee needs people willing to help with periodic building and grounds projects! If there are specific things you like to do, please let us know!** Sunday School and Kingdom Kids Club need teachers and assistants both regular and substitute! Choir meets s at Community Dinner - every third Thursday, to help prepare and serve the meal, and clean up Coffee Hour - serving refreshments after services Note: We have a standing order for cookies from Herman s Bakery delivered to Isanti Mobil on Saturdays. Eldercare Ministry for those who would be interested in visiting homebound congregation members. Contact the church office regarding these opportunities! Opportunities for Fellowship Lectionary Bible Study in FLC library: every at 10 am Coffee Hour: every Sunday after the 9:30 am service Fellowship Breakfast: second Saturday at 8 am Knit and Crochet in the FLC Library: second Saturday at 9:30 am Community Dinner: third Thursday at 5:30 pm Friday Fun at the Creamery: third Friday at 9 am Martha Circle: Evening Bible/book study fellowship at Rendezvous Coffee in Isanti (Date to be determined watch for it in the bulletin!) That was the best sermon on giving I ve ever heard! Let s get together!

5 October 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Service/Baptism/ Communion 9:30 am Coffee Hour/ Sunday School 10:30 am 2 3 Youth Ministry Team Meeting 6:15 pm Property Committee 7 pm 4 Bible Study 10 am 5 Worship & Music 7 pm 6 Confirmation Trip to Luther Seminary leaves FLC at 9 am 7 Set Up for Fall Fest 8 Fall Fest! Service 9:30 am Silent Auction 9 am to 1 pm Swedish Meatball Dinner 11 am to 1:30 pm 9 10 Finance 11 No Bible Study Pastor Cliff at GracePointe 12 Praise Team 7 pm Fellowship Breakfast 8 am Knit & Crochet 9:30 am in FLC library Social Ministry 7:30 pm 15 Service/Baptism/ Communion 9:30 am Coffee Hour/ Sunday School 10:30 am Council Meeting 7 pm 18 Bible Study 10 am 19 Community Dinner 5:30 pm Praise Team 7 pm 20 Friday Fun at the Creamery 9 am Service 9:30 am Coffee Hour/ Sunday School 10:30 am Bible Study 10 am 26 Praise Team 7 pm Confirmands meet for breakfast and photos at 9 am Signe Reistad Piano/Vocal student recital 29 Reformation Sunday! Service/ Communion/ Confirmation 9:30 am Coffee Hour/ Sunday School 10:30 am th Anniversary of the start of the Reformation! 1 (Nov) Bible Study 10 am 2 Worship & Music 7 pm 3 4 Acolytes: Kaycee Lenox & Alina Ellis Communion Assistant: Cindy Weiss

Heavenly Happenings at Heavenly Sunshine Preschool

year, with 35 students and 3 teachers all excited to play

We have already baked apple crisp, tried a science

Isanti library site, and made lots of new friends!

6 Heavenly Happenings at Heavenly Sunshine Preschool We have had a fantastic start to our preschool year, with 35 students and 3 teachers all excited to play and learn! We have already baked apple crisp, tried a science experiment with leaves, made leaf-rubbings, visited the Isanti library site, and made lots of new friends! Big thanks to Ron Schleif for bringing in rock to fix our playground entrance! We have definitely been enjoying the playground with the summer-like weather we ve had! We are looking forward to our fall field trip to Windmill Acres! Happy Fall to all! Leaf Scientists Making Observations! Above: Hanging out with our friends! Below: Making leaf-rubbings! Baking Apple Crisp for Snack!

Sunday Morning Volunteers United in Marriage August 26: Elizabeth Martinez & James Frederiksen September 23: Jenna Arthur & James Wigren September 23: Nicole Kallman & Ethan Eklund September 30:

Irlbeck October 8: Erin Olson October 15: Jenny Reinhard October 22: Chris Bridston October 29: Erin Olson If you would like to be added to either of these rotating schedules, contact the office!

7 Sunday Morning Volunteers United in Marriage August 26: Elizabeth Martinez & James Frederiksen September 23: Jenna Arthur & James Wigren September 23: Nicole Kallman & Ethan Eklund September 30: Courtney Fritz & John Fulkerson Readers: October 1: Joyce Johnson October 8: Kathy Smith October 15: Dawn Holmquist October 22: Jackie Shaefer October 29: Rick Bridston Nursery: October 1: Kaylee Irlbeck October 8: Erin Olson October 15: Jenny Reinhard October 22: Chris Bridston October 29: Erin Olson If you would like to be added to either of these rotating schedules, contact the office! Youth Ministry Update from Pastor Cliff: Last month I proposed in my newsletter article that we begin working toward hiring a ministry worker who would take on the task of coordinating our children and youth ministry programs, and work along side me and our volunteers in those programs. So far, two families have come forward to financially support the creation of this position. We still need others to join them in order to put this plan into action, but we are well on our way to our goal. The tentative plan is to create a roughly 15 hour per week position with a salary of $12,000 per year. For the first two years this position will be funded by pledges like those coming from the families I mentioned above. But our congregational giving as a whole will need to rise to support this position after that two years has passed. Please pray for the young people of our church as we continue to work out the best way that this congregation can help provide for their instruction in the Christian faith. Have A Laugh, Little Flock Did you know? You can listen to Pastor Cliff s sermons, and find all kinds of helpful information, by visiting You can also find us on Facebook! Facebook.com/faithlutheranisanti Check it out!

POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 3 ISANTI, MINN Current Resident Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. Sunday School & Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. 6:30-7:30 p.

8 Faith Lutheran Church Home of Heavenly Sunshine Preschool 109 Second Avenue NW P.O. Box 87 Isanti, MN (763) Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 3 ISANTI, MINN Current Resident Sunday Services 9:30 a.m. Sunday School & Coffee Hour 10:30 a.m. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Service with Special Music 9:30 am Silent Auction 9 am-1 pm Swedish Meatball Dinner 11 am-1:30 pm Oct. 29: Confirmation & Reformation Sunday

If you would like to receive our newsletter by , please contact Erin at

If you would like to receive our newsletter by , please contact Erin at June 2017 From Our Pastor The Monthly Newsletter of Faith Lutheran Church P.O. Box 87 109 Second Avenue North Isanti, MN 55040 Phone: (763) 444-9201 Heavenly Sunshine Preschool: (763) 444-7527 www.faithlutheranisanti.com