FAITH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

April 2023 Mustard - A Word from Our Pastor

3/28/2023

Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Hello Church! Easter greetings to you all.

Depending on when you are reading this, Easter may or may not have passed. However, the promise of the resurrection is alive and flowing. This is the promise of new life. In Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are promised that we, too, will rise again and that death is not be the final chapter.

However, in the resurrection, we are also promised new life now. A life filled with joy, hope, and love. In the resurrection, Christ makes all things new. You. Me. All of Creation! God breathes new life into all things, and sets all things free to thrive, grow, and love.

This time last year, Eileen and I were welcoming new life into this world. On April 21, 2022, four days after Easter, Luca William Ruppel-Doan was born at 6:32 pm. It was a long and strenuous labor. Eileen had been in labor for nearly 30 hours when Luca was born. Overall, there were no serious complications. However, it was certainly a day to remember!

Nothing that anyone can say can prepare you for that moment. People tell you that it will be one of the best moments of your life. However, it is hard to truly understand what they mean until it happens. When the time came, my whole body was overwhelmed with joy. My heart was overflowing with happiness, and my face was covered with tears. My soul was filled with so many emotions that I found it hard to breathe and to stand. I had not even done any hard work, but the nurses insisted that I sit down. In this moment, God physically brought new life into the world. However, God also brought new life to Eileen and me. Although we could not fully appreciate it yet, God had changed our lives.

Luca has been alive for nearly a year now and a lot of things have changed for us. Our lives are completely different. I no longer can recognize or imagine who I used to be. I am a new person.

Church, this is the promise of the resurrection! God brings new life to each of us and in ways we may not fully comprehend in the moment. This new life may not be some miraculous moment. Jesus may not be physically raising us from the dead like Lazarus. However, God gives us new life in our regular everyday lives because God came to the world as Jesus, a regular everyday human. God has given you new life! However, you may not fully recognize this yet.

So, in this Easter season, I challenge you to recognize this new life. I challenge you to walk in the light of Christ that is the light of life. “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you” (Isaiah 60:1 NRSV)

Alleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!

Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan

April 2023 Mustard Seed - Announcements

3/28/2023

Palm Sunday 58th Anniversary Celebration

On April 2, 2023, we will be celebrating Faith’s 58th Anniversary. Come to a special coffee hour following the worship service. We will be having a special cake and are asking you to bring finger sandwiches to share.

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Easter Breakfast Fundraiser

On Sunday, April 9, we will be having our annual Easter breakfast fundraiser between the 8am and 10:30am services.

A free will offering will be collected.

Come and enjoy food and fellowship as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. See you there!

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Monday night small group meets on Mondays from 7 pm to approximately 9 pm via zoom.
This group is studying “The Believer’s Authority” by Kenneth E. Hagin. Based on the Book of Ephesians, this classic has helped generations of believers learn about exercising authority; breaking the devil's power; and using weapons of spiritual warfare. Anyone interested in joining this bible study just join on zoom, or if you have questions, please contact Gail Achilles

Our Vacation Bible School theme this year will be “Stellar: Shine Jesus Shine” with its outer space curriculum. Gail Achilles is enthusiastically looking forward to her second year as coordinator. The dates for this year are Monday through Friday, July 31 – August 4, 2023, from 9am to 12noon.
We will be needing lots of volunteers to help out in many different ways. Please contact Gail Achilles or the church office to volunteer to help. Thank you Church Family!

Spring Workday is Set for Saturday, April 1
We will need lots of volunteers to help with sprucing up the outside of the church as well as dusting and cleaning windows on the inside of the church. We will be meeting at 9am on Saturday, April 1st. Bring shovels, rakes, clippers, trimmers, blowers and anything else you can think of we might need to get the job done.

Spring Fling Flea Market at Faith
Saturday, May 20, 9 am to 2 pm

Indoor and Outdoor Crafts and Flea Market
Antiques and Collectables Household items
White Elephant items galore! Bake Sale
Kids’ Toys and games Hot dogs/Baked Potato Bar
Books, Videos, Computer games     Coffee/cold drinks

Rain or Shine! Please drop off donations in the Fellowship Hall starting after May 2nd. We need lots of people from the congregation to help price the merchandise the week of May 15th, set-up/clean-up and to work the sales table on the day of the event. Please let Beth Schoening or Janet Hill that you want to help out!

If you wish to rent your own space in the parking lot to sell your treasures, please see Janet Hill for a reservation form. A $20.00 fee will be payable (cash or check to Faith Lutheran Church) on the day of the event. You will need to provide your own table and chairs.

The Social Ministry project for April is God’s Global Barnyard by ELCA Good Gifts
Piglets, chicks, and goats! Oh my! The Social Ministry Project for April is to donate money to purchase animals as part of the ELCA’s God’s Global Barnyard. Look for the tree on the Foyer Table and take home an animal ornament. Then place your cash or check (made out to Faith Lutheran Church with Barnyard in the memo line) into the Barnyard Bin located on the table. At the end of the month, the Sunday School Students will chose the animals that we will donate. We have many options – goat, chicks, rooster, piglet, honey bees, a portion of a cow, or a share of a fish farm. Please look at ELCA Good Gifts (ELCA.org/goodgifts) for more information.
      When a family receives an animal from ELCA God’s Global Barnyard, they will receive an assortment of blessings. They have the opportunity to feed their family as well as sell products for profit. For example, a goat produces milk for nourishment to the family. Excess milk can be sold or turned into cheese for family consumption or sale. This allows the family to improve their own diet and provide money for other needs. So please, contribute to our Barnyard Bin during the month of April. See Debbie Hollenbach for more information.

UPDATES ON PREVIOUS SOCIAL MINISTRY PROJECTS:

February’s Project was ‘SOUP BAGS’ FOR KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY CENTER’S FOOD PANTRY
God certainly is working strongly through you. A Faith Family . . . small but mighty.   Keystone so much appreciates your generosity!
    Our goal was 20 bags, each containing 3 cans of soup and at least 1 box of crackers. Your generosity provided 30 bags or 155 pounds of food!!
    Thank you, Dale & Bryan Foster, for using your muscle and carrying the bags to Sharon’s car.

January’s Project was Valentine’s Cards
For our January 2023 Social Ministry Project, 45 Faith Valentine Cards were signed by the congregation during Coffee Hours. 45 envelopes were decorated with Valentine’s Day Stickers. The 45 cards were delivered to the Harborview Rehab and Care Center on W. 5th Street in Lansdale to be delivered to Florence Cornwall and 44 other residents of the Long-Term Care Floors. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts to these residents as you signed the cards!

The “Golden Girls of Faith” (Golden Men are welcome too!) will be meeting once a month for lunch, fellowship and prayer at a local restaurant.
They will meet the first Wednesday of the month which will be April 5, 2023, this month.
For more information or if you need a ride, please talk to Anna Friedrich. All are welcome!

April 2023 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

3/28/2023

Council Minutes March 1, 2023
Council was called to order by President Gary Apgar. Gail lead devotions on Servanthood. Minutes of the February regular council meeting was approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: With year-to-date income at $21,117.33 (16%) and operating expenses at $26,032.57 (16%) we have a $4915.24 deficit. The treasurer’s report was approved as written.

President’s Report: The future is bright here at Faith! We are happy to have Pastor Ethan, who is getting comfortable, and are also happy to hear him preach on Sundays! He has started up Adult Forum on Sundays and is meeting with all the Ministry Teams and other groups. Faith is making plans for this year, including continuation of our successful Parent’s Night Out program, Spring and Fall clean-ups, Spring Fling, Vacation Bible School, and more! There is a good vibe happening at Faith.

Pastor’s Report: On February 19, Pastor started supplying at 1 PM service for St Paul’s in Norristown. On February 26, Pastor started a 5-week adult forum on five Faith practices given in baptism. All are welcome. Pastor is in the process of being onboarded to become the Protestant chaplain at Lansdale Hospital. Pastor is away the following dates: March 9 – Anti-racism workshop at seminary; March 13-15 – Educational retreat at seminary; May 5-6 – Synod Assembly; May 8-22 – Vacation.

Ministry Team Reports:

Christian Education: February 24 Parents’ Night Out – There were 11 children (7 from Faith and 4 from the Community) and 5 teacher volunteers. Parents donated $60 to be used for upcoming events. Next PNO is scheduled for March 24!
Fellowship: More detailed information was provided on converting second floor rooms to accommodate an activity room – see Old Business.
Finance: Finance Ministry did not meet this month, but certain actions will need to take place. Since there is a change of Officers on Council, the Authorized Signers of some accounts will need to be updated. The Council president is a signer on the Thrivent Accounts, so Gary Apgar needs to be added to those accounts and Richard Hollenbach needs to be removed. Pastor Doan should be added to the Univest Safe Deposit Box. We also recommend that Pastor Doan be placed on the Thrivent Samaritan Fund in place of the Council President as he is the person that utilizes that fund. Council approved the recommendations.
Fundraising: Alexis has agreed to chair this new team. An email was sent on 24Feb to all those who contribute to this team as well as council. Easter Breakfast fundraiser between services was approved and is to be sponsored by Worship & Music and Council. Linda to ask Alexis to start the sign-up sheet via email. Upcoming Events: April 21-22 and April 28-29 Scrapbooking; May 20 Spring Fling (Beth and Janet leading.)
Hospitality/Fellowship: Coffee Hour Sponsors: March 5 - Golden Girls; March 12 – Congregation; March 19 – Thrivent; March 26 – Congregation. Upcoming Events: April 2 – Palm Sunday Anniversary (Anne and Beth coordinating); April 9 Easter breakfast (Worship & Music and Council sponsoring); June 3 – SEPA Synod “Caring for Friends” Event.
Mutual Ministry: Need to appoint 2-4 members from the congregation to be on the committee; selected by Pastor & President for 2-year term per the constitution (C13.04). Gail volunteered for this role, and Pastor and Gary to meet to appoint other members.
Property Team: April 1 is Spring Workday. Missy to work with Adam on list of needs/tasks for that day. Property Team needs to revisit the scoping of the rainspouts (the cost to rent the equipment has already been approved.) Potholes need to be filled in again on Morgan Street.
Shepherding: Valentine cards were sent to Faith family members who are mostly single, as well as our college students and Friends of Faith. Easter cards will be the next project for the team.
Social Ministry: For our January 2023 Social Ministry Project, 45 Faith Valentine Cards were signed by the congregation during Coffee Hours. 45 envelopes were decorated with Valentine’s Day Stickers. The 45 cards were delivered to the Harborview Rehab and Care Center on W. 5th Street in Lansdale to be delivered to Florence Cornwall and 44 other residents of the Long-Term Care Floors. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts to these residents as you signed the cards! Our generous Family of Faith donated enough soup and crackers to put together 30 bags to be delivered to Keystone Opportunity Center’s food pantry in Souderton. Each bag contained 3 cans of soup and at least 1 box of crackers. Our goal was 20. Additional boxes of crackers were also donated. Coming Up: March – NP Boys and Girls Club snacks; April – God’s Global Barnyard.
Special Funds: On February 8, this team approved taking $221.32 from the Nelson Memorial Fund to purchase 10 copies of “All Creation Sings” supplemental hymnals.

Transportation: Dale provided an update that he has partnered with the Lansdale Boys and Girls Club to donate some of the Wawa donations.
Worship & Music: New hymnals - All Creation Sings, have been purchased and are in the choir room. We will be reviewing and incorporating in the future. Worship Assistant training this Sunday, 3/5/23, following the worship service (will be repeated as needed.)

OLD BUSINESS

Youth Activity Room: More detailed information (email and drawing from Adam on 2Feb23) was provided on converting 2nd floor rooms to accommodate an activity room. After much discussion, it was decided that it was a good idea, but that we should proceed incrementally. The following motion (by Rich) was proposed: The old choir room (the blue room) can be used for a youth activity room on a trial run for 3 months and then be evaluated. It is to be used only during coffee hours (not before church) and only with adult supervision (with child clearances). Food can be taken into the room. The room is to be cleaned before leaving, and all trash should be brought down to the main trash can in the Fellowship Hall. Anne will relay this information to those requesting this.
Constitution Update: Rich has volunteered to lead this task; goal is to have this completed by the end of the year.
Red Cross Blood Drive: May 5 is the date for the Red Cross Blood Drive, 1-6pm. Anne volunteered to be the church representative during the event.
Grass Cutting: After reviewing the 3 options provided by Adam, McCann was chosen for this year’s mowing contract. Subsequent to the meeting, Adam clarified that they will not charge us if we cancel in advance.

NEW BUSINESS

Roll Clean-up: The list provided by Janet was reviewed. Some decisions were made, but other decisions will wait until phone calls are made as specified. Linda will update the list with who has which actions.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at 7pm. Will be a hybrid meeting and Gary has devotions.

March 2023 Mustard Seed - A Word from Our Pastor

3/7/2023

Greetings Faith,

We are now headed into the month of March. There are many things happening this month. We are in the season of Lent. It is Women’s History Month. There are also plenty of religious and secular holidays that will be taking place; the most notable being St. Patrick’s Day and the very colorful Hindu festival of Holi. Ramadan, the holy month of prayer and fasting in the Islamic calendar, also starts this month on March 22nd. Then, my new favorite tradition, Tolkien Reading Day, is celebrated this month!
    Tolkien Reading Day is held on the 25th of March each year. The date of the 25th of March was chosen as the date on which the Ring was destroyed, completing Frodo’s quest and vanquishing Sauron. It has been organized by the Tolkien Society since 2003 to encourage fans to celebrate and promote the life and works of J.R.R. Tolkien by reading favorite passages. As some of you may know, I enjoy reading the works of Tolkien and I also quite enjoy the movies. So, in the spirit of Tolkien Reading Day, I would like to share an excerpt with you. This excerpt is not technically from the actual works of Tolkien, but it can be found toward the end of the film Two Towers. However, it is inspired by Tolkien’s words and I believe it resonates well.

Sam: It’s all wrong. By rights we shouldn’t even be here. But we are.
    It’s like in the great stories Mr. Frodo. The ones that really mattered. Full of darkness and danger they were, and sometimes you didn’t want to know the end.
    Because how could the end be happy? How could the world go back to the way it was when so much bad happened. But in the end, it’s only a passing thing, this shadow.
    Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer. Those were the stories that stayed with you. That meant something.
    Even if you were too small to understand why. But I think, Mr. Frodo, I do understand. I know now. Folk in those stories had lots of chances of turning back only they didn’t.
    Because they were holding on to something.

Frodo: What are we holding on to, Sam?

Sam: That there’s some good in this world, Mr. Frodo. And it’s worth fighting for.

I share this excerpt with you all because I believe that there is truth in Sam’s words. There is indeed “good in this world,” and sometimes we need to be reminded of this.
    In the beginning of the Book of Genesis, God creates the world in the six days and rests on the seventh. Throughout these days, God speaks and creates. Then, after each creation, God sees God's creation and it is good. At the end of the sixth day, God looks out over all of creation and sees that it is “very good.” Thus, there is indeed good in this world, and the Bible continually reminds us of this. Throughout scripture we hear stories of darkness, but God gives to the world the light that is Jesus. Through Jesus, we receive the good news that comes to us through his death and resurrection. Then, this good news leads us into discipleship. Throughout the season of Lent, we are called into repentance. We are called to remember our sins. Sometimes, this can lead us to feel bogged down by the darkness and evil of the world. In these instances, remember that there is indeed goodness. In fact, you too are good because God has created you. So, look to the cross. Remember that you're indeed a sinner, but you are also good. May the goodness of the Lord lead and guide you through this season of Lent. Amen.
Peace and Blessing, Pastor Ethan Doan

March 2023 Mustard Seed - Announcements

3/7/2023

FaithNotes...

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     88.9 FM WORD -- Contemporary Christian Rock Music
     91.7 FM -- A mixture of Bible teaching, traditional music
     107.5 FM -- Praise/Gospel Music & Bible teaching
     106.9 FM -- KLOVE -- Contemporary Christian Rock

Check out bibleproject.com They provide videos, podcasts, Bible study, online classes and more, all for free. They are “helping people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.” Check out their website!
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Sunday School hours are 9:45 am to 10:25 am

At the conclusion of Sunday School, children ages 6 to 11 will return to attend the 10:30 Worship Service with their family.

Children 5 and under are welcome to join Gail Achilles, or a teacher substitute, in the church nursery room during the Worship Service.

This time benefits both the children having longer uninterrupted time for their weekly bible lesson and the teachers who will not have to miss Sunday Worship Service.

Any comments or questions, please see Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

As scripture teaches, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

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Adult Forum is back with Pastor Ethan leading. He began his teaching and discussion on February 26th. He will be leading us in discussion about baptism and how it leads us into faithful discipleship. So come join him each Sunday at 9:30am in the Fellowship Hall.

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Show me your ways, Lord, Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

Monday night small group meets on Mondays from 7 pm to approximately 9 pm via zoom.

Zoom Link for Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86310847301?pwd=TlNoaHlCMmVXNHR4MlhaUURmVDM3dz09

This group will be starting a new study in March. Anyone interested in joining this bible study just join on zoom, or if you have questions, please contact Gail Achilles by text 267-664-3328 or email gin4ny@aol.com.

After all, the enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman (or a man) dressed for the occasion wearing the armor of God!

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If anyone is interested in joining an in person coed bible study at Faith Lutheran Church on Friday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm please contact Gail Achilles by texting to 267-664-3328 or email gin4ny@aol.com. Let us help one another grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ

2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

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Parents' Night Out/Youth Fellowship is scheduled for Friday, March 24th, 6 to 9. If you would like to sign up or have any questions, please contact Gail Achilles by texting 267-664-3328 or emailing gin4ny@aol.com.

Our Vacation Bible School theme this year will be “Stellar: Shine Jesus Shine” with its outer space curriculum. Gail Achilles is enthusiastically looking forward to her second year as coordinator. The dates for this year are Monday through Friday, July 31 – August 4, 2023, from 9am to 12noon.
We will be needing lots of volunteers to help out in many different ways. Please contact Gail Achilles or the church office to volunteer to help. Thank you Church Family!

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10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 New International Version (NIV)

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Lord, when did we see you...?
The purpose of the Social Ministry Team is to follow Jesus' commandment to love one another as he loved us. To offer opportunities to our congregation to be good and faithful servants. To share the love and truth of Jesus Christ and to offer hope to all God's children by giving of our time, our money and ourselves to our church, our community, and the world.

The Social Ministry project for March is to collect snacks for the North Penn Boys and Girls Club in Lansdale.

The North Penn Valley Boys & Girls Club located in downtown Lansdale has been in operation for more than 55 years. Their Club is open to children not only in Lansdale but in all surrounding communities each day after school. They currently serve 85 to 100 Club members each day. Club members are in the facility till about 6:30 each night which is why snacks are so important to the kids. The Club offers a wide variety of programs to Club members ranging from homework help to cooking, sports, art, and science programs, almost all of which are free to our Club members. An annual membership to the Club is only $25 but that is still a struggle for some families, however, the Club offers scholarship opportunities so that no children are left out.
    Because of their need for snacks, we are asking you to donate individually wrapped snacks such as crackers with cheese, pretzels with cheese, cookies, (no Teddy Grahams please), chips, chewy granola bars, fruit snacks, goldfish, fruit cups in 100% juice (peaches or oranges), pretzels, cookies, cheezits, etc.
    Please put your donations in the purple bin under the coat rack in the Narthex hallway. Thank you!


FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY: The Fellowship Ministry Team at Faith tries to schedule activities for members of the congregation to spend time together to strengthen their bonds outside of the traditional worship service. We also encourage members to bring their family, friends and members of the community to these activities. This strengthens our ties to one another and opens opportunities to meet new people.
The Fellowship activity for March 2023 is:
- March: Friday. March 17 – Pajama/Sweat Pant Movie Night in the Fellowship Hall. Wear your PJ’s or sweatpants, bring a sleeping bag and watch a movie. Appetizers and snacks will be served. (Dale, Adam and Janet)

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"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NASB)
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THE CHOIR IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR FRESH FACES AND HAPPY VOICES to lift their praise to the Lord on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings. Practices are on Tuesdays at 7PM in the choir room (next to the kitchen.) If you have any questions, please see Laura Cooper, Music Director and she will be more than happy to convince you why you should join the choir.  😊

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

March 2023 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

3/7/2023

Council Notes   February 1, 2023

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach.   Minutes of the January regular council meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey reported that for technical reasons there were issues with the Budget vs. Actuals Report. Denise also stated that the Food Basket will be a line item in the liability in/out, and income from memorials will move from Miscellaneous and will be put in the Univest Account; and HVAC donations will have its own line item and will not go into the miscellaneous account. Rich requested that Denise send out the Budget vs. Actuals Report as soon as available (we had it before the end of the council meeting.) The Treasurer’s Report was approved as written. With year-to-date income at $10,997.79 (9%) and operating expenses at $9,930.73 (6%) we have a $1,067.06 surplus.

Minutes of the 58th Annual Congregational Meeting, January 22, 2023 – Council reviewed and approved the minutes. The minutes will be officially approved by the congregation at the 59th Annual Congregational Meeting.

President’s Report: Council members shared their appreciation of Rich Hollenbach for the superior job he did as Council President for the past two years, and Rich expressed his thankfulness of all that we accomplished in the last year.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Ethan reported that from the Worship & Music Meeting he attended that there will be upcoming information regarding Lent/Easter. His family enjoyed their vacation. Pastor Ethan thanked John Taylor for stepping up to sit on council. He also mentioned that Rich and he will also be meeting with Jack Walls to discuss information learned at the Vitality meeting that they recently attended. Pastor Ethan also attended an anti-racism seminar along with other Synod members. Besides accomplishing his pastoral duties for Faith Lutheran Church, Pastor Ethan will be the Protestant Chaplain for 3 to 4 hours per week for Lansdale Hospital. He is also scheduled to be the Supply Pastor at St. Paul’s, Norristown during the last two weeks of February and the first three weeks of March. Reminder he will be away May 8th – 22nd.

COUNCIL 2023 ELECTIONS
Elected new officers and updated the committee chairs / Liaisons for 2023. The new council will be installed on Sunday, February 5th.

   Gary Apgar                      President
   Rich Hollenbach               Vice President
     Linda Kratz                     Secretary
     Denise Bailey                   Treasurer
     Debbie Hollenbach          Asst. Treasurer
     Janet Hill                        Financial Secretary
     Carol Taylor                     Asst. Financial Secretary
     Gail Achilles
     Anne Hutnyk
     Melissa Prunkel
     John Taylor

Ministry Team Chairs & Council Liaisons
Christian Education: Gail Achilles (chair)
Communications: Jack Walls (chair)    Liaison: Gail Achilles
Evangelism/Missions: Doug Renner (chair)   Liaison: Melissa Prunkel
Fellowship: Dale & Mary Lou Foster (co-chairs) Liaison: Anne Hutnyk
Finance: Debbie Hollenbach (chair)     Liaison: Gary Apgar
Fundraising: Chair still needed. Liaison: Linda Kratz
Health Ministries: Nancy Allegrezza (chair) Liaison: Anne Hutnyk
Hospitality: Anne Hutnyk (chair)
Fellowship: Dale & Mary Lou Foster (chairs)   Liaison: Anne Hutnyk
Long-Range Planning: to be determined
Mutual Ministry: Rich Hollenbach and two more to be determined
Property: Paul Prunkel (chair) Liaison: Melissa Prunkel
Property Management: Pastor, President, Secretary
Shepherding: Sharon Hood (chair) Liaison: John Taylor
Social Ministry: Sharon Hood & Debbie Hollenbach (co-chairs)
                                                Liaison: John Taylor
Special Funds: Gary Apgar, Paul Prunkel, Rich Hollenbach,
                                                Chris Jones
Stewardship: Jack Walls (chair) Liaison: Rich Hollenbach
Transportation: Dale Foster (chair) Liaison: Linda Kratz
Worship & Music: Rich Hollenbach (chair)

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

Christian Education: Gail Achilles reported: Sunday School: Besides covering the weekly Bible lessons, the children are learning “The Ten Commandments,” “The Lord’s Prayer,” and “The Apostles’ Creed.” Monday Night Bible Study: still reading and discussing “The Full Armor of God.” Our last night for this study will be February 27 (provided there are no postponements). Parents’ Night Out – Youth Fellowship (January 27, 2023): Twelve children attended (7 children from our church and 5 from the community); parents generously donated a total of $80 which will help with future youth events. Our next parents’ night out is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 6 pm to 9 pm. Sign-up sheets are available on the table right outside the Sanctuary. VBS: is scheduled for July 31 through August 4, 9 am to 12 pm. Note that the dates have changed. If anyone is interested in volunteering for VBS, please contact Gail Achilles or Janet Hill. Although it is a way off, thanks to the volunteers who have stepped up already and claimed their positions.

Communications: Gail reported that Jack Walls will continue to update the front lawn sign and coordinate with Janet on our website.

Fellowship: Pastor Ethan mentioned that Bryan Foster approached him about our older youth using a room at church for gathering. Pastor Ethan and council discussed that maybe the Audio-Visual Room (former choir room) could be used. We all agreed that adult supervision would have to be provided and a detailed plan will have to be given council as to who is involved, the agenda of their gathering, when and for how long and then council will vote on approving it. Anne reported that a fellowship meeting was held on January 15 and a preliminary schedule was outlined for the year.

Fundraising: Still looking for someone to chair this committee.

Health: Anne Hutnyk reported that there is an upcoming blood drive, see New Business.

Hospitality: Anne reported that a new Coffee Hour Sheet has been posted on “the door” in the Fellowship Hall and will be in the Mustard Seed, and in the weekly bulletins for the present and the upcoming week.

Long Range Planning: The executive committee will meet and identify new members for this team to start working on the future of Faith Lutheran Church.

Mutual Ministry: Rich as Vice President will work with Pastor Ethan to identify new members for this team for 2023.

Property: Melissa Prunkel mentioned the projects still to be accomplished: the pothole on Morgan St, furnaces, shed, clogged drains, wrapping the ducts above the Sunday School rooms and Fellowship Halls.

Social Ministry: Sharon sent in the report of the Social Ministry Team meeting and the activities planned for 2023.

Stewardship: Jack will continue as Chair and Rich will be the Liaison. They both will be meeting with Pastor Ethan to review items from the recent Vitality seminar.

Transportation: Linda reported Dale is still delivering Wawa donations to the community and fulfilling transportation needs for our congregation.

Worship & Music: Rich reported on two separate items that first, will be setting up a schedule for worship assistant training, and second, asked for approval for the purchase of 1 dozen “All Creation Sings” hymnals for the choir and organist. He will submit the request to Special Funds for approval and coordinate with Janet to order them. The amount is $205 plus shipping and will be pulled from a memorial fund.


OLD BUSINESS

Spring Fling - May 20, 2023 – Rich received the full plan from Beth Schoening. Having discussed the plan with council, he made the motion to approve the Spring Fling. All members of council voted in favor to approve the Spring Fling plans.

NEW BUSINESS

SEPA Synod Assembly - In Person on Friday, May 5th & Saturday, May 6th - Pastor Ethan, Rich, and Gary will be attending for Faith.
SEPA Synod Social Ministry Event, Saturday, June 3rd-

Pastor Ethan explained that Pastor Sarah Aasheim, Dean of Lower Montgomery Conference of the SEPA Synod, approached him about using our Fellowship Hall and our congregational support for this conference wide event run by the Deans of the SEPA Synod headed by the bishop. The “Caring for Friends” event is to provide food and friendship in the greater Philadelphia Area. All conferences will gather food over the months leading up to June and volunteers will gather on June 3rd at Faith Lutheran Church for a short worship service followed by the volunteers putting the food donations in baskets or boxes. Faith Lutheran Church’s Hospitality Ministry can provide drinks and snacks. All council members voted in favor of approving the event take place at our church.

Red Cross Blood Drive - Rich informed us that Red Cross reached out to Nancy Allegrezza, Health Chair, about using the Fellowship Hall for the drive. Missy interjected that we should have Faith Lutheran Church information pamphlets to give out to donors. All council members voted to approve the Red Cross Blood Drive.
Grass Cutting - Rich explained that we are looking for someone new to cut our lawns as the old Landscaper costs are too high cost and they are not flexible. The group that does our snowplowing gave us a quote which is lower; Jack is also looking into his landscaper’s cost. Anne is also seeking a quote from someone she knows. Rich said that the money is in the budget, and once the best deal is found it will be presented to Council.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 7pm.

February 2023 Mustard Seed - A Word from Our Pastor

1/29/2023

Greetings Faith,

I write to you all in a time of reflection. As I am writing this letter, it has been three days since our congregational meeting. A lot was said and discussed at this meeting. We talked about our past but also our future. Our President, Richard Hollenbach, gave a very thought-provoking address.
    He pitched to us what he called “Faith 5.0,” a new version of Faith. In his address, Rich talked about a Synod stewardship conference that he and I attended the day before. The name of the event was “Stewardship Extravaganza: Generosity and Vitality in the NOW Normal.” Rich told the congregation about how this event focused on shifting the Church from a “new normal” mentality to a “now normal” mentality. The pandemic caused congregations to shift into a new normal, but this normal is not new anymore. In essence, we will never go back to what we used to think of as normal.
    The goal of the stewardship conference was to brainstorm what it means to live faithfully in this “now normal.” Rich spoke about how now with Faith having called me as its 5th pastor that it was time to shift our focus to the future. What is our place in Christ’s mission here on earth? What is Faith called to do? This is a very big question. There are so many things that need to be done in this world. Where do we start?
    I was discussing this question with a group of pastors a couple of days ago. One of the pastors said something that stuck with me. She said “God is love. We have to start there and everything else will come from it.” This statement, though very simple, is quite true. We have to start with love! The story of Christ is one grounded in love. We have a God that desires so much to be in relationship with people that God came down, fully human, to earth. God truly loves us, and it is in this love that we too are called to love. In fact, Jesus commands us to.
    In Matthew 22, we get a series of questions asked of Jesus in order to test him. The Sadducees asked Jesus a question about the Resurrection. When the crowd heard Jesus’ answer they were astounded. “When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, an expert in the law, asked him a question to test him. “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (verses 34-40).
    Loving God is the greatest commandment, closely followed by the commandment to love our neighbors. So, let’s start there! Let us love! Then, let us pray. We may not know what the future holds, but God's love will guide us along the right path.

    God’s Peace, Blessing, and Love be with you all,
                                      Pastor Ethan Doan

February 2023 Mustard Seed - Announcements

1/29/2023

Christian Radio keeps the faith going
     560 AM WFIL -- Christian teaching all day long
     88.9 FM WORD -- Contemporary Christian Rock Music
     91.7 FM -- A mixture of Bible teaching, traditional music
     107.5 FM -- Praise/Gospel Music & Bible teaching
     106.9 FM -- KLOVE -- Contemporary Christian Rock

Check out bibleproject.com They provide videos, podcasts, Bible study, online classes and more, all for free. They are “helping people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus.” Check out their website!

Do you shop at Giant?
If you do, you can buy Giant gift cards from the church. A $50 card costs you $50. How does the church make money? Well, when Faith purchases $1,000 worth of cards from Giant, they only charge us $950 (a 5% discount.) So, when we sell those cards to you, the church makes $50. It adds up…

Please keep the stamps coming!
It’s a continuing need! Thank you for all your contributions. It really helps!

Hatfield Flowers and Gifts (215) 822-1530) provides Faith with two lovely flower arrangements to adorn our sanctuary each Sunday.
   You can sign up to sponsor flowers, bulletins or a food basket. The flowers are $35, the bulletins are $10 and the food basket is $25.
    You can dedicate any one of these things to someone special, to celebrate a birthday or in memory of a loved one. You may take the flowers home or they will be given to an ill or homebound member. The $10 for the bulletins is to help cover the cost of making the bulletins and the $25 for the food basket is money donated to “Manna on Main Street” to help feed those in the North Penn area.
            To sign up for a particular Sunday either sign up on the chart on the Foyer bulletin board or call Janet in the church office (215) 368-0240.

The “Golden Girls of Faith” (Golden Men are welcome too!) will be meeting once a month for lunch, fellowship and prayer at a local restaurant.
They will meet the first Wednesday of the month which will be February 1, 2023, this month.
For more information or if you need a ride, please talk to Anna Friedrich. All are welcome!

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”  Psalm 46:10 New International Version (NIV)

We received the following email from Amazon Smile:
”In 2013, we launched AmazonSmile to make it easier for customers to support their favorite charities. However, after almost a decade, the program has not grown to create the impact that we had originally hoped. With so many eligible organizations—more than 1 million globally—our ability to have an impact was often spread too thin.

We are writing to let you know that we plan to wind down AmazonSmile by February 20, 2023. We will continue to pursue and invest in other areas where we’ve seen we can make meaningful change—from building affordable housing to providing access to computer science education for students in underserved communities to using our logistics infrastructure and technology to assist broad communities impacted by natural disasters.

To help charities that have been a part of the AmazonSmile program with this transition, we will be providing them with a one-time donation equivalent to three months of what they earned in 2022 through the program, and they will also be able to accrue additional donations until the program officially closes in February.”

Parents' Night Out/Youth Fellowship is scheduled for Friday, February 24, 6 to 9. If you would like to sign up or have any questions, please contact Gail Achilles

Faith’s Transportation Initiative
If you need a ride to church on Sunday or you are interested in providing a ride to church to someone, please contact Dale Foster.

We currently receive donations of WAWA Food through the Food Donation Connection. We may receive anything from sizzlies, to breakfast burritos, to lunch sandwiches, to muffins, to sweet treats, to hot dogs...anything they didn’t sell the day before and have now frozen. If you are in need of some supplemental food or know of someone who is, please let either Janet Hill in the church office or Dale Foster know and we will make sure you receive some Wawa food.

Technology Volunteers
We are looking for a few volunteers who are willing to learn and help with the technology behind our virtual and in-person worship services. Each week we host our Zoom meeting for worship as well as running the video cameras and sound system in the sanctuary. Over the past few years we have refined this process and it’s running very smoothly now. But it’s being managed by the same few people every week and we are looking to train others to share in this responsibility. We have engaged a professional to help review our processes and to provide training and want to have other volunteers participate. Please contact Rich Hollenbach, if you are interested.

Sunday School hours are 9:45 am to 10:25 am
At the conclusion of Sunday School, children ages 6 to 11 will return to attend the 10:30 Worship Service with their family.

Children 5 and under are welcome to join Gail Achilles, or a teacher substitute, in the church nursery room during the Worship Service.

This time benefits both the children having longer uninterrupted time for their weekly bible lesson and the teachers who will not have to miss Sunday Worship Service.

Any comments or questions, please see Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

As scripture teaches, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

Monday night small group meets on Mondays from 7 pm to approximately 9 pm via zoom.

Zoom Link for Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86310847301?pwd=TlNoaHlCMmVXNHR4MlhaUURmVDM3dz09

Our current study is on the book “The Full Armor of God” by Darlene Schacht. We began Chapter 1 on Monday, January 16. In Ephesians Chapter 6, Paul arms believers by laying out the full armor of God. Every piece from The Belt of Truth to The Sword of the Spirit is a vital part of our defense against the enemy. That fight you had with your husband (or wife…) that rift between family members… those doubts you had about your faith… that temptation that led you astray… the real enemy there was Satan and his army of angels. If we hope to live a victorious life, we must be fully protected and ready to stand our ground at all times. This 7-part study will lead you toward a deeper walk with the Lord, and a greater defense of your faith. The paperback book is available on Amazon for $11.99.  Anyone interested in joining our bible study just join us on zoom, or have questions please contact Gail Achilles
After all, the enemy always fails miserably when he meets a woman (or a man) dressed for the occasion wearing the armor of God!

If anyone is interested in joining an in person coed bible study at Faith Lutheran Church on Friday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm please contact Gail Achilles Let us help one another grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 3:16 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

THE CHOIR IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR FRESH FACES AND HAPPY VOICES to lift their praise to the Lord on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings. Practices are on Tuesdays at 7PM in the choir room (next to the kitchen.) If you have any questions, please see Laura Cooper, Music Director, and she will be more than happy to convince you why you should join the choir.  😊

Lord, when did we see you...?
The purpose of the Social Ministry Team is to follow Jesus' commandment to love one another as he loved us. To offer opportunities to our congregation to be good and faithful servants. To share the love and truth of Jesus Christ and to offer hope to all God's children by giving of our time, our money and ourselves to our church, our community, and the world.

February’s Social Ministry Project is:
‘SOUP BAGS’ FOR KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY CENTER’S FOOD PANTRY

Super Bowl Sunday is coming up in February. Your social ministry team is using it as a theme for our February’s collection of “Souper Bags”.
    Please place soup & crackers in the Barney Bin. We will put bags together with (3) cans of soup and (1) box of crackers. Our goal is 20 bags. They will be donated to the Food Pantry at Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton.
    Once you decide what to donate, please take post-it notes off our poster in the foyer so we can keep track of your donations.
    Thank you for contributing to our “super bowl” of soup (lots of soup). Perfect for a cold winter’s dinner.
                                         Sharon Hood, Co-Team Leader

Update on November 2022 SOCIAL MINISTRY PROJECT – “BAKE A BIRTHDAY CAKE”
Thank you so much for your generous donations for the (20) bags of “Bake a Birthday Cake” for the Food Pantry of Keystone Opportunity Center.
    Each bag contained a baking pan, cake mix, can of soda, icing, candles and birthday cards.
    As always, Keystone Opportunity Center is so appreciative of your donations. It is so heartwarming to drop off the items.                                    Sharon Hood, Co-Team Leader

Show me your ways, Lord, Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5)

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY: The Fellowship Ministry Team at Faith tries to schedule activities for members of the congregation to spend time together to strengthen their bonds outside of the traditional worship service. We also encourage members to bring their family, friends and members of the community to these activities. This strengthens our ties to one another and opens opportunities to meet new people.
The Fellowship Team met on January 15th and came up with the following activities for 2023:
- February: Sunday, February 19 – after worship - Fastnacht Coffee, tea, cocoa and donuts in Fellowship Hall. Karaoke too. (Janet)
- March: Friday. March 17 – Pajama/Sweat Pant Movie Night in the Fellowship Hall. Wear your PJ’s or sweatpants, bring a sleeping bag and watch a movie. Appetizers and snacks will be served. (Dale, Adam and Janet)
- April: Faith Anniversary Luncheon on Palm Sunday, April 2. Sandwich and Salad Luncheon. (Hospitality Team and Anne) Easter Egg Hunt for the children (Beth)
- May:   Saturday, May 20, Spring Fling – flea market (Beth, Janet and Anne)
- June: Sunday, June 4. Faith Family Picnic at Spring Valley Park. Hamburgers, hot dogs and sides following the 9:30 Service. Games and activities for both adults and children.   (Janet)
- June: Iron Pigs Baseball Game at Coca Cola Park. (Sharon and Marc Erskine)
- July: Sabbath Month
- August – August 11 - Friday Night Movies on the big screen in the parking lot. (Dale & Adam)
- September: September 23 – 2pm Special Guest Julie Henning-more information to follow. (Sharon)
          Bowling – (Anne)
- October: Sunday, October 1 - Octoberfest - German themed foods (Anne)
       Sunday, October 29 – Halloween Themed Foods & Pumpkin Painting (Beth)
- November: Sunday, November 12 Bingo and Wii etc. Games after Worship (Dale & Adam)
       Thursday, November 23 in Fellowship Hall - Faith Family Thanksgiving Dinner. (Mary Lou & Janet)
- December: Sunday, December 3 Soup Luncheon and Finger Sandwiches (Anne)

See you on February 19th when we have donuts, coffee, tea etc. and karaoke following the 10:30am worship.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 1:3)

We are in need of Greeters (greeting people at the door before worship), Lectors (reading the lessons and psalm) and Worship Assistants (reading the prayers and few other passages) for our Zoom worship. If you would like to volunteer or would like more information, please call Anna Friedrich.

“For I am certain that nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below--there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (GNT)

If you shop at Redner’s, please save your receipts. Anna Friedrich turns them in, and the church receives a monetary donation from Redner’s. All you need to do is either bring your receipts to church. Thank you to those who bring in their receipts and to Anna who does the paperwork to receive this donation! Please note that when bringing in your receipts we need the entire receipt. Please do not tear off the bottom. Redner’s will not accept the receipt if the bottom is torn off.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24-26)

February 2023 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

1/29/2023

Council Notes   January 4, 2023

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Rich led devotions on Christ’s People Called as Leaders of God’s Church – Living a Life of Gratitude. Minutes of the December regular council meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s Report was approved as written. With year-to-date income at $115,358.45 (106%) and operating expenses at $113,492.19 (72%) we have a $1,866.26 surplus.

President’s Report: We accomplished a lot in 2022: Calling Pastor Ethan Doan, approved our position descriptions, increasing our giving and returning to most of our pre-covid functions albeit a few new one (e.g., zoom.) For 2023: new Council next month with all new officers, need to work on the update to the Constitution for Faith, review all the Committees/Teams and the membership roll clean-up.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Ethan reported that in the past month of December, the funeral service for Klara Campbell, Hanging of the Greens, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Worship Services were well attended and all went smoothly.
Pastor Ethan has attended ordinations and installations and has a Lower Montgomery Conference Meeting on January 4. Pastor Ethan and Gail Achilles (Christian Ed chair) had a confirmation meeting on Dec 7. One parent and son attended, and we had a general discussion. Pastor Ethan is forming an outline for Confirmation to send to families of those of age for confirmation. Pastor Ethan is also making plans to bring back Adult Forum. Pastor Ethan stated that he will be meeting with each Ministry team. Melissa Prunkel brought up the fact that we need to update our Emergency Plan and Emergency Preparedness. Pastor Ethan agreed, and he will also research procuring a defibrillator to have on hand. Pastor Ethan will be away January 11th-18th and May 8th-22nd.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

Christian Education: Gail Achilles reported that Sunday School resumes on January 8, 9:45 am to 10:25 am for ages 3 to 11.   We thank Miss Nancy for being a fantastic Sunday School teacher and wish her a well-deserved vacation. Miss Nancy will return to us in April 2023. Miss Anna and I will continue with Sunday School lessons each week.   Please Note: Any Parent who desires the following for their child(ren):   Baptism, First Communion around age 10 or older (who are ready to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior), and children around the age of 12 and older for Confirmation instruction should contact Pastor Ethan Doan. Also, any adult interested in Baptism and/or First Communion, and/or Confirmation please contact Pastor Ethan Doan. Pastor Ethan can be reached by email faithmontpastor@yahoo.com; church office 215-368-0240; cell 217-820-3001. Monday Night Small Group resumes on January 9 at 7 pm to approximately 9 pm via zoom. Our study is on the book “The Full Armor of God” by Darlene Schacht. Parents Night Out/Youth Fellowship:  Faith Lutheran Church hosted two parents’ night outs/Youth Fellowship. On Friday, December 2, 2022, from 6 pm to 9 pm eight children attended and were led and supervised by Anita Halpern, Beth Schoening, Chris Jones, and Gail Achilles. Anna Friedrich joined our teachers on December 9 for a fun night with the eight children from the previous week and four more making it a total of 12. Through the generous donations from parents, we netted $140 after reimbursement for expenses. These monies will be posted in the budget under Youth Fellowship to use for youth programs. Council took a motion to approve future Parents’ Night Out/Youth Fellowship events. All members of council voted in favor to approve.   Our next Parents’ Night Out/Youth Fellowship is scheduled for January 27, from 6 pm to 9 pm. Sign-up sheets will be on the table right outside the sanctuary. 2023 Vacation Bible School: Leading up to VBS, I will continually contact people to see who is interested in volunteering to help with this year’s VBS scheduled for Monday through Friday, August 7 to 11, 2023, 9am through 12pm. I will also coordinate with Pastor Ethan and Janet Hill regarding ordering this year’s VBS program.

Communications: Jack Walls reported that the front sign and the website will be updated.

Fundraising: Linda Kratz reported that the cookie can sale generated $350. Thanks to all the bakers and the buyers for making this fundraiser possible.

Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk reported that she and Janet are working on a schedule for coffee hours for food contributions.

Nominating Team: Adam Feldman sent a report that states John Taylor agreed to run for a 3-year term on council. The nominating team are still looking for someone to run for a 3 year term and a 1 year term.

Property: Pastor Ethan reported that Vince Hill provided Pastor with a new chair to fulfill a previous Property Team action. Missy will inform Paul, the new Property Team Chair, that a pothole on Morgan Street needs to be addressed.

Social Ministry: Social Ministry – November Project – “Bake a Birthday Cake.”   After asking the congregation to donate cake mixes, 12oz. cans of soda, birthday candles, birthday cards and baking pans: twenty (20) sets were put together in 2.5-gallon bags. They were donated to the Food Pantry of Keystone Opportunity Center in Souderton.

Stewardship: Pastor Ethan, Rich, and Jack will be attending a “Vitality and Generosity” Seminar on January 21 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Lansdale.

Transportation: Linda reported that Dale is feeding the needy in the community with WAWA food donations and fulfilling our congregational member’s transportation needs.

Worship & Music: Rich reported that the team will be meeting after Worship Service, January 8, to make plans for Lent/Easter.

OLD BUSINESS

Verizon FiOS upgrade -

Rich explained that in the long run it will be cheaper to buy new equipment and have a payment decrease of $50.00 a month. Church Council took a vote to approve the FIOS VOIP conversion. All church council members voted in favor to approve. When we have the invoice, it will go to Special Funds team for approval of the costs.

Spring Fling -

May 20, 2023 – Rich informed us that church council will get a fully detailed plan from Beth Schoening and Janet for our February meeting and then we can vote on full approval. For now, church council took a vote for tentative approval. All church council members voted in favor tentatively for the May 20, 2023, Spring Fling.

Artificial Christmas Tree -

Adam sent church council a report that an anonymous donor is providing Faith Lutheran Church with a 10-foot artificial Christmas Tree from Balsam Hill valued at $1,649. Council is so appreciative and grateful for the gracious and generous act of this donor. Thank You!

NEW BUSINESS

Annual Congregational Meeting planning -

Sunday, January 22, 2023, following worship in Fellowship Hall & Zoom – Rich informed us that Council will do coffee hour, which Anne will coordinate. 2023 Budget final – Now that we have the actuals costs for Pastor Ethan’s benefits, we will update the budget with those numbers. Rich reminded us that only congregational members who are physically present can vote on passing the budget.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 1, 2023, at 7pm.
Will be a hybrid meeting.

January 2023 Mustard Seed-A Word from Our Pastor

12/27/2022

When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  - Matthew 2: 10-11

I have always liked the month of January! The promise of the start of a new year is always exciting for me, and I am sure this year many are ready for the start of 2023. I also enjoy the cold weather. I love breathing in the fresh crisp winter morning air. It is refreshing to me, and I also enjoy walking in the snow.
    My birthday also falls in the month of January. It is on January 16th to be exact, and this was particularly a good day to have a birthday especially when I was growing up. The reason why it was a good day was because it always fell around Martin Luther King Jr. Day. King’s birthday is on January 15th, but the holiday is always observed on the 3rd Monday of the month. So, for young Ethan, this meant that I always had a day off around my birthday. Sometimes, this even meant that I did not have school on my birthday. It was a sweet deal.
    However, this “sweet deal” distracted me from the real reason why we recognize and celebrate MLK Jr. Day. As I got older, I realized that MLK Jr. Day was way more important than my birthday. It was not just a free day off from school.
    MLK Jr. Day serves many purposes. Its first purpose is to recognize and honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The second purpose is that it focuses on the issue of civil rights. Then lastly, it calls people into public service. January now has a different meaning to me. It is not just about my birthday. January is now a reminder of a radical love and our call into to it.
    The civil rights movement was about recognizing all people as human beings. It was about showing love to all people. It was about recognizing those who are oppressed and the those who live on the margins. Our society today still struggles to do this. Our world and our country are still so polarized, but we must act. We as Christians are called to participate in this radical love. We are called to be present.
    In January, Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany. Epiphany is a church festival celebrated every January 6th that commemorates the coming of the Magi to Bethlehem. On their way, King Herod stops them and asks them to “bring him word” of the Child for he was secretly frightened. Jesus, the Christ child, is revealed to the magi. The magi, who are pagans and people of color, having been warned in a dream do not go back to Herod, but rather return to their country by another route. Their actions are acts of civil disobedience and political activism. They chose to go against King Herod and instead side with the Holy Family. Thus, in many ways, January is a reminder for us that we are called into this love. We are called to go against oppressive powers and into activism. We are called to be present with all people.
    How can we as people of God be more like the magi and live into the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.?

Peace and Blessings,  Pastor Ethan Doan

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