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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...
 
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!
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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.  

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