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April 2023 Mustard Seed - 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.

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