Faith Life Together. Faith Lutheran Church - Volume 2, Issue 5 - May 2018

Faith Life Together Faith Lutheran Church - Volume 2, Issue 5 - May 2018 April Showers...oops, Snows...bring May Flowers! Here s a snapshot of what s happening at Faith in May and beyond. Be sure to turn the pages to learn more about all our activities! On May 1 our church is the location for the first ever Victory House Fashion Show Fundraiser. May 3 is CPR and First Aid Training. The cost of this training is covered by Faith and the Crew Strong CPR Benefit. See page 3 for more information. Leadercast Spencer is hosted at Faith for the first time ever on May 4. We are excited to host this event as a way to bless our community. See page 9 for more information! May 6 will be our opportunity to attend the congregational meeting to discuss issues and vote. See page 9 for the details. Do you like fresh pie? On May 13 the youth are auctioning pies for their summer mission trip. Flip to page 8 to learn more! May 20 is Pentecost, Senior Recognition Sunday, and Sunday School Ice Cream Social! One of our newest members is going to be baptized on May 27. Join us as we celebrate the baptism of Easton Anderson! Another opportunity for family photos is coming up in June! See page 4 to read more! The July Men s Fishing Retreat is being planned now. Turn to page 5! HAPPY SPRING! INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Pastor Lee s Column 2 Birthday/Anniversary Council Minutes 4 6 Eric s Column Calendar of Events 8 10 2018 Confirmands 11 www.faithlutheranspencer.com @flcspencer www.facebook.com/faithlutheranspencer May 2018 - Page

Ministry Beyond our Doors... to Arizona! In April, with the blessing and encouragement of Faith council, I journeyed to Wickenburg, Arizona to Shepherd Canyon Retreat. There, in the high desert of the Southwest, in an area well known for mining, large cattle ranches and cowboys, I spent a bit over a week in ministry for Christ. From the Pastor s I was invited to join a team of leaders, serving as pastoral chaplain, to provide counseling and healing for broken, wounded pastors and full time Christian professionals. This week of healing and restoration included two professional psychological therapists. I provided morning and evening devotions, Sunday worship, and personal pastoral support and prayer. I sat in on their group therapy as well. I felt joy and fulfillment to witness the clients beginnings toward the journey of healing, recovery, and restoration. I know that God s Spirit used me to assist in unlocking pain and bitterness, to share the Word with confidence, and to listen to their hearts and pray for their healing. God gave this vision to Dave and Barb Anderson, who for several decades have travelled all over the United States and around the world, sharing the gospel in music and story. You might remember them from The Other Songbook and Best of the Best Songbook projects. I believe this is a growing and significant ministry for the leaders of Christ s church. Pastor Lee Laaveg May 2018 ~ Page 2

Flowers on the altar on Sunday, May 27, are given by Colleen Rouse. She honors all those at Faith Lutheran we are remembering this Memorial Day. Wrapped In Love Weighted Blankets For Your Information: In order to provide a more secure environment during our worship services, the south entrance door will be locked at the start time of worship services. Thank you for your support of this added security measure. May s work day has been changed! We will meet the second Saturday in May, Saturday, May 12 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Discipleship Room Enjoy coffee and lunch times for fun, fellowship and a Faith mission project! We need those to help with cutting and pressing fabric, marking vertical and horizontal sewing lines, filling pockets with pellets and other needs as they come. So far, we have orders for blankets and lap pillows. If there are more needs, please contact Alice Nielsen at 712-264-0727 or Faith's office at 712-580-4316. First Aid Training Classes Faith Lutheran is happy to host a class designed to prepare participants to provide first aid, CPR, and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely and effective manner. Classes cover adult, child, and infant CPR, how to manage choking as well as recognizing and administering first aid for the most common life-threatening medical and traumatic emergencies. This class is 4 hours in length. Each class requires a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 18 participants. Class dates are: Thursday, May 3, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Monday, May 7, 1:00-5:00 p.m. Friday, May 18, 6:00-10:00 p.m. Sign-up sheets are on the Welcome Center desk. Sign-up deadlines are 4 days prior to each respective class. Funding for this CPR training is made available through Faith Lutheran Church and the CREWSTRONG CPR Benefit held in February. Questions can be directed to our church office - 712-580-4316. May 2018 - Page 3

May 1 May 4 May 5 May 7 May 10 May 14 May 15 May 17 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 24 May 27 Birthdays Lisa Bengtson Laura Heikens Bill Knoer Mackenzie Rosendahl Ken Hessenius Carol Wigen Shirley Kooker Katelyn Rye Al Vanderberg Cassidy Hanson Jenn Schuster Dave Simington Blake Clark Chase Kooker Jan Larson Courtney Schwartz Karol Gafkjen Kim Wilson Delaney Weeks Zach Lear May 28 May 31 May 5 May 14 May 15 May 19 May 20 May 27 Eli Franker Luke Johnson Finnegan Jorgensen Silas Jorgensen Blake Rosendahl Anniversaries Murray and Karol Gafkjen Kevin and Sheryl Lee Justin and Christin Lee Ken and Cheryl Hessenius Michael and Sarah Ruhs Jared and Nickie Hansen CAPITAL GENERAL OFFERING YEAR AND ATTENDANCE 2018 BUDGET $352,455 BALANCE GIVING TO DATE REMAINING ATTENDANCE JANUARY $36,316.47 $36,316.47 $316,138.53 180 AVG. FEBRUARY $21,716.79 $ 58,033.26 $294,421.74 183 AVG. MARCH $24,624.28 $ 82,657.54 $269,797.46 197 AVG. APRIL 1-22 $7,847.44 $403,203.17 $249,251.83 276 AVG. THANK YOU FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING FAITH IN 2018! As of April 29, 2018 Year To Date: $7,056.00 Total Giving: $256,364.50 Pledged Remaining $143,635.50 Have you seen Faith s church directory? ARE YOU IN IT? Wish you could be included? OR Your picture is there, however, it s just not right and you wish you could have it re-taken? YOUR WISH IS GRANTED! We will have directory update photography sessions on Friday and Saturday, June 1 and 2! Time slots are available from: Friday - 2:00 to 8:40 p.m. Saturday - 10:00 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. You can sign up by calling the church office at 712-580-4316 or online. Please watch the bulletin for the website link. May 2018 ~ Page 4

New Faith Members On Sunday, April 29, 2018, 27 men, women and children became members of Faith Lutheran Church. They are: Brandon and Mallory Anderson and Easton Rod and Cryss Quanbeck and Emily and Anna (associate) Tim and Pam Egland Dorothy Schmidt Becky Faulkner and Brody Klatt, Logan Klatt and Earrian Kelly Justin and Brittany Spieker and Ellie and Noah Julie Fisher Jonny Hernandez Aaron Stykel and Becky Struthers and Baylie and Harper Brad Krei Cole and Hannah Milbrath Friday to Sunday July 13-15 2nd Annual FLC Fishing Trip! Those that attended last years' fishing event at Okoboji were extremely excited about making this 4-FFFF rated event (Faith, Fishing, Fellowship & Fun) a yearly happening. So, this year we are planning a fully-guided (Hessenius guide service) event to beautiful Lake Oahe in South Dakota for three days' fishing and two nights' stay at a local resort. Lake Oahe, a dammed impoundment on the Missouri River, provides some of the best walleye fishing in the upper Midwest. The views of beautiful Lake Oahe and experience are worth the price of admission and the fishing is just a bonus. Please join us this summer, leaving Friday, July 13th and returning Sunday afternoon, July 15th. We are staying at resort located near the boat ramp for convenience. Sign up early, as space and boats limits us to 11 people for this trip. Cost is extremely reasonable and scholarships may be available if funds are limited. Men and boys age 16 and over are welcome to sign up. Deadline is June 20th. TEAM Restoration Ministries Lynne Gould, of TEAM Restoration Ministries, is available, by appointment, 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 515-238-9010. May 2018 - Page 5

Paul Behrens opened the meeting with a devotion and prayer. Finance Report was presented by Larry Wigen. Motion to accept the report was made by Lois Christman and second from Courtney Schwartz. Motion was carried by unanimous vote. Matt Essick highlighted Pastor Lee s report in his absence. A congregational forum is scheduled for April 22 nd, following the worship service. Several topics will be discussed as indicated on the agenda. One of the primary topics of the forum is allocation of the remaining funds to collect from the Capital Campaign of Building Faith, Loving People. After much discussion and consideration; the council is going to present to the congregation three choices regarding the use of the funds yet to be collected. Currently the funds to be collected are set to be allocated on a percentage basis with priority going to reducing the mortgage. The current percent of the yet to be collected funds that is allocated to go towards the mortgage is 71.2% with any remaining funds going towards building projects. There are several projects in the works at Faith and without funding, they are at a standstill. Those projects include the construction of offices under the west awning, upgrading sound and lights along with retrofitting the garage. The council is recommending to the congregation to fully fund building projects and pay the mortgage as scheduled in 7 years. More detailed explanation will be presented at the Congregational Forum. There will be a ballot vote at the Congregational Meeting on May 6 th with three choices. 1. Fully Fund the building projects. 2. Change contribution of debt reduction to 25%. 3. Continue with the 71.2% accelerated allocation. A motion was made by Dennis Larson and seconded by Paul Behrens for the council to recommend we fully fund building projects and pay the mortgage as scheduled. Motion was carried. Respectfully submitted May 2018 ~ Page 6

Mission Spotlight... Prayers of the Church May Prayer Partner: China Service Ventures Each month we pray for a different Mission Partner. During the month of May, we will be praying for China Service Ventures. In 1890, a farmer from Iowa, with a clear call to missionary work in China, sold his farm and possessions and left for China with $500 in his pocket. In 1901, he moved his family from a large Chinese city to begin a mission outpost in a much more remote town in the southern Henan Province (about 500 miles west of Shanghai). Over time, friends and churches began sending support. Soon others were sent and joined them in the work. By the time Communism closed China to the work of foreign missionaries in the early 1950 s, 25 missionaries had served in this region, building churches, schools and hospitals. Two of those missionaries were the grandparents of Dr. Paul Martinson, a missionary and teacher at Luther Seminary. Paul and his wife, Ida, and several others had a vision to return to this area in the 1990 s. Missionaries were still not officially welcome in China and Henan Province was one of China s poorest provinces. Paul and others decided their mission would be to improve the quality of life for the rural poor. Today, six percent of the Chinese people identify as Christian and the missionaries are able to give witness to the Gospel through Jesus words, Not to be served, but to serve. This mission effort has been given the name China Service Ventures (CSV) and was formally incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit entity in 2000. They continue God s work in the same province in which they began in 1901. You can learn more at www.chinaserviceventures.org Your support is making a difference - Thank you! Our Mission Partners 1. Abrahamson family 2. Atlas of Spencer 3. China Service Ventures 4. Faith Mission Trips 5. Grand Avenue Community Outreach 6. Ingham Chapel in Wallingford 7. Laborers with Christ 8. LCMC 9. Lutheran Asian Ministries 10. Operation Serve International 11. Reaching the Unreached West Africa 12. World Mission Prayer League Ekka family 13. Wycliffe Bible Translators Louis and Jane Faulstich Faith s Mission Team: Julie Williams, team leader, Donna & Tracy Bengston, Tracy Coleman, Pam Harris and Joan Loring LWR : Kit of the Month: Baby Care Kits Item of the Month: Cloth diapers or flour sack dish towels that can be used for diapers A hands-on-mission we do here at Faith is kits and quilts for Lutheran World Relief. The last Tuesday of each month all are invited to be involved in this mission. We gather to assemble and tie quilts and sew school bags and diapers. We see what the congregation has donated during the month and then assemble the school kits, baby care kits, and personal care kits that we are able to from those donated items. See below for the items needed. Lutheran World Relief was founded in 1945. In 1945, World War II left an estimated one-fifth of the world s Lutherans homeless. Here in the United States, Lutheran churches in at least 20 states mobilized to help in Europe through a new agency called Lutheran World Relief. The recipients of LWR s aid have changed - as has much of our operations - but in thousands of congregations, in millions of offerings and in uncounted prayers, US Lutherans have supported LWR s work ever since. To read the history of Lutheran World Relief go to lwr.org. When we see stories of disasters or great need, our first inclination, as people of God, is to wonder How can I help? These items are an important part of LWR s overall response after a disaster or to a refugee camp. They serve an important purpose: to provide essential items for staying safe and healthy today, so that families can work toward lasting recovery. When you contribute to Lutheran World Relief, you provide the spark for that hope. Clip N Save Shopping List Wide or college ruled notebooks 30 centimeter ruler, can have inches on also Pencil sharpener BLUNT scissors 2-1/2 eraser 16 or 24 ct. crayons Any fabric, mattress pads, blankets for quilts Bath-size towel, dark colored (between 20 x 40 & 52 x 27 ) Bath-size bars of soap Adult-size toothbrush Metal nail clippers Hand towel, dark colored Diaper pins The following can be from 6 to 24 months size & must be new or like new: Cotton t-shirts Receiving blankets Cloth diapers Socks Long or short-sleeved gowns or sleepers without feet or a shirt and pair of pants Jacket, sweater or sweatshirt with a hood or include a baby cap May 2018 - Page 7

We had one main event that happened during the month of April that was a milestone for the life of any youth CONFIRMATION SUNDAY! On Sunday, April 29 th, we had seven youth profess faith in Jesus Christ! The seven kids who boldly professed faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior are Carson Weeks, Chase Kooker, Raul Ortiz, Sydney Schwartz, Allison Piercy, Ashley Vreeman, and Sophie Behrens. This is a huge moment in their faith journey. Each one of these kids had three years of Confirmation Class. After learning about the core beliefs of what it means to be a Christian, each one professed faith and want to live a life following the Lord. Praise Jesus! If you see these kids, encourage them on their faith journey and continual life of following Christ and walking with the family of believers. Summer is just around the corner! Now that warm weather has finally come, I want to take a moment to talk about summer activities on the horizon for the children and youth at Faith. SEEK FIRST! Day Camp 2018, also known as Vacation Bible School, will be held on June 11 th - 14 th. This year s theme is SEEK FIRST, based on Matthew 6:33. We are teaming up with Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp to host this awesome event! Camp goes from 9:00am- 2:00pm Monday through Thursday, and held at the First Congregational Church in Spencer. For Information and Registration stop by the youth bulletin board near the Welcome Center! Also, if you would like to make a donation, stop by the VBS donation board and grab a sticky note, which lists an item you can donate. YOUTH MISSION TRIP! From July 29 th to August 4 th the high school youth will serve on a mission trip through Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp, Colorado. For the first three days the kids will serve in an urban immersion experience in Denver, working through several mission organizations in the city serving those in need. On Wednesday afternoon, we will head to camp up in the mountains for team building and adventure. Adventures will include a trial hike, low ropes course, and white water rafting, along with the camping experience up in the mountains. We will travel home on August 4 th. Our hopes and goals for the trip are to learn more about effective methods of helping impoverished situations, to serve others, grow stronger as a team, and experience a mountaintop adventure. We hope that the trip transforms us as followers of Christ, and spiritually grows our faith. It should be a fun experience for all! Eric Patten From the Desk of Eric Patten Sunday, May 13 Sunday, May 20 Pie Auction - Buy a pie for mom on Mother s Day! Fundraiser for youth mission trip to Colorado, July 29 - August 4 Senior Recognition Sunday and Sunday School End-of-Year Ice Cream Social June 11-14 Vacation Bible School at First Congregational Church (1212 1st Ave. West, Spencer) with Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp Counselors. 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday thru Thursday. Bring your lunch and your Bibles! Registration forms are at the back of the church. May 2018 ~ Page 8

Congregational Meeting On April 29 Exciting and significant matters are being presented for the congregation s action. Each member s opinion, voice, and vote is vitally important. The meeting will discuss and vote on the following: Fund allocation of the Building Faith... Loving People capital campaign. Through member s generosity, many wonderful things have already been done. Roughly $150,000 pledged gifts are yet to come in. The vote will determine the will of the people on how to direct these pledged gifts toward the projects or needs waiting to be funded. These projects include: Building mortgage [$150,000 remaining]; Offices and storage [$60,000 to $70,000]; Sound system and lighting [$70,000]; and Garage retrofit [$100,000]. Because the comprehensive need for facility development and the mortgage debt is greater than the monies pledged in the capital campaign, the council seeks to know the congregation s will on proceeding with some form of loan to move forward on these facility projects sooner. In addition to the projects/needs named above, the plans to expand LifeKids to a Monday through Friday program would raise the need to install bathrooms in the north end of our facility. The cost of this would be approximately $60,000. Therefore, the comprehensive funding needs for our future are significantly greater than the monies pledged to come in through the capital campaign. So, the second vote will be whether the congregation supports pursuing a loan to finish these important projects. Communication Team is proposed to be removed from our constitution as a ministry team. This was initially shared with the congregation at the January annual meeting. The meeting will review again the sequential developments which bring us to this position. The results will be according to the congregation s will through the vote. All these matters have been shared previously through the Building Faith... Loving People capital campaign, through the 2018 Strategic Plan which was presented and passed at the January meeting, and at the forum on Sunday, April 22 nd. These votes seek the congregation s power and authority to proceed, and to know when and how to proceed. Again, every person s voice and vote is important. May 2018 - Page 9

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday May 6 8:00 a.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal 8:15 a.m. Prayer time 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School Congregational Meeting May 13 - Mother s Day 8:00 a.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal 8:15 a.m. Prayer time 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School Pie Auction May 20 - Senior Recognition Sunday & Ice Cream Social 8:00 a.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal 8:15 a.m. Prayer time 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Sunday School Mission Team Meets May 27 8:00 a.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal 8:15 a.m. Prayer time 9:00 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship May 7 1:00-5:00 p.m. CPR training 5:30-8:00 p.m. Common Sense Parenting May 14 5:30-8:00 p.m. Common Sense Parenting May 21 5:30-8:00 p.m. Common Sense Parenting May 28 Memorial Day Office closed May 1 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 6:30 p.m. Victory House Fashion Show & Banquet May 8 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting May 15 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting May 22 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting May 29 1:00 p.m. Staff Meeting 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mission Work Day May 2 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Team Ministries 3:30 p.m. LifeKids 5:15 p.m. Properties Team 5:30 p.m. Executive Team 6:00 p.m. Worship Vocalist Reh. 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 7:00 p.m. Worship Team 7:30 p.m. H.S. Youth May 9 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Team Ministries 1:30 p.m. Women s Bible Study 3:30 p.m. LifeKids 6:00 p.m. Worship Vocalist Reh. 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 7:30 p.m. H.S. Youth May 16 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Team Ministries 12:30 p.m. LifeKids 6:00 p.m. Worship Vocalist Reh. 6:30 p.m. Confirmation 7:30 p.m. H.S. Youth May 23 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Team Ministries 3:30 p.m. LifeKids 6:00 p.m. Worship Vocalist Reh. 6:30 p.m. Confirmation (last day) 7:30 p.m. H.S. Youth (last day) May 30 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Team Ministries 6:00 p.m. Worship Vocalist Rehearsal May 3 8:30 a.m. Coffee Group 1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry (Loopy Ladies) 5:30 p.m. Children s Ministry 6:00-10:00 p.m. CPR Training May 10 8:30 a.m. Coffee Group May 17 8:30 a.m. Coffee Group 1:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry (Loopy Ladies) May 24 8:30 a.m. Coffee Group May 31 8:30 a.m. Coffee Group 6:30 p.m. Youth Ministry May 4 7:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Leadercast May 11 May 18 6:00 0 10:00 p.m. CPR Training May 25 May 5 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study 9:30 a.m. Altar Prep May 12 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wrapped In Love Work Day May 19 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study May 26 7:30 a.m. Men s Bible Study THIS CALENDAR IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE! For more up-to-date information, go to Events on our website www.faithlutheranspencer.com May 2018 ~ Page 10

Through Confirmation, a baptized person affirms Christian belief and is admitted as a full member of the church. On April 29, we celebrated with seven of our youth as they publicly professed their faith in Jesus Christ. May 2018 - Page 11

Faith Lutheran Church 2912 Highway Blvd E Spencer, IA 51301 Sending your Tithes and Offerings to Faith Lutheran is as easy as clicking your mouse! Visit our church website www.faithlutheranspencer.com/on-line-giving/ Click the SimpleChurch Giving button, follow the instructions Questions? Contact the church office. Pastor: Lee Laaveg pastor@faithlutheranspencer.com Faith Lutheran Church Staff: Church Administrator: Lori Krei office@faithlutheranspencer.com Technology Director: Lori Krei techdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com Office Assistant: Cheryl Stueven office@faithlutheranspencer.com Director of Children & Youth: Eric Patten cymdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com Worship Director: Denise Laaveg worshipdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com Custodian: Rich Stueven custodian@faithlutheranspencer.com Email us at: faithlutheran@smunet.net www.faithlutheranspencer.com Like us on Facebook! Follow us at: @flcspencer Faith Lutheran Church LCMC Watch us on SMU: Mondays @ 8:30 p.m. I Tuesdays @ 11:00 a.m. May 2018 ~ Page 12