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March 2025 Mustard Seed - A Word from Our Pastor

2/25/2025

Greetings Siblings in Christ,

We are now entering into the month of March. The weather will soon begin to change. The air will get warmer. The sun will be out and the green of spring will fill the land. However, not everything will be green. In fact, in March, the green paraments found in our sanctuary will turn from green to purple. On Wednesday March 5, 2025, the season of Lent will begin with Ash Wednesday. Lent is the forty-day season (excluding Sundays) of penitence and preparation for the Three Days of Holy Week and Easter. During this season, one is called into reflection and self-examination, asking ourselves what God is calling us to do. In Advent, the congregation was introduced to the spiritual practice of VOCARE, which is the Latin word that when translated means “to call.” VOCARE” is a regular spiritual practice designed by the Nourishing Vocation Project at St. Olaf’s College. It was designed to help congregations and individuals discern and embrace our multiple vocations so that we can more intentionally live lives of purpose for the common good. “VOCARE” invites ongoing reflection upon values, openness, call, attentiveness, regret, and the experience of the sacred in everyday life.

V – Values: What do I value, and how am I living my values?
O – Openness: To what am I being asked to be open? How do I respond?
C – Call: What voices are calling to me? Which ones do I listen to, and why?
A – Attentiveness: Where am I giving my attention? Does my attention align with my values?
R – Regret: What are my regrets? What insight do I gain from them?
E – Experience the Sacred: When, where, and how have I encountered the presence of the holy in my everyday life?

In Advent, we started our journey by reflecting on and identifying our longings for the Church and the world. We then reflected on how our longings aligned with God’s longings for us. In Lent, we continue this reflection by diving deeper into VOCARE by focusing on the “V” of VOCARE, which stands for “values.” So, throughout Lent, we will ask ourselves: What do I value, how am I living my values, and what does God value? To do this, we will be using a sermon series made by an organization called Church Anew that is entitled “Unbroken: A Living Faith.” This series emphasizes that “faith is passed down from generation to generation - it’s an unbroken line of ancestry that connects us all the way back to Jesus.” So, throughout Lent, we will be asking ourselves what these essential beliefs and values are? To further answer this question, we will also be doing an education series on the life of the Lutheran pastor and theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who was a pastor in Nazi Germany. This study will be in person at Faith at 10:00 am Thursday mornings and over Zoom on Thursday evenings at 7:00pm (more details in a separate section of the newsletter). All are welcome to join this study.

So, as we continue this journey of spiritual renewal by reflecting on our values, let us remember the words of Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I pray that as we continue on this spiritual journey that we fully submit ourselves to God, and trust in what the Lord is doing. I pray that God will continue to open our hearts and minds, so that we can truly live into our callings, to be who Christ has called us to be. Amen.

Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan

March 2025 Mustard Seed - Announcements

2/25/2025

LENTEN OFFERINGS

Lessons from Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a House Divided and a World on Fire – [Thursdays, March 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th; April 3rd and 10th, Location: 10:00 am Faith Lutheran Montgomeryville Adult Forum Room or 7:00 pm Zoom]
Join us this Lent as we explore the life and theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and the lessons we can use as we live at the intersection of faith and civic life today. Bonhoeffer was a Lutheran pastor and theologian living in Nazi Germany, who eventually joined the resistance and was arrested and killed before the end of WWII. This curriculum was compiled by Dr. Lori Brandt Hale, an internationally renowned Bonhoeffer scholar and president of the International Bonhoeffer Society – English Language Section. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania is a partner in distributing to congregations to inspire deeper conversation and discernment about how we live as disciples. All are welcome to join this study. Each session is intended to be an hour long. Please note that the in-person session and the Zoom session on each Thursday will present the same information. Hope to see you all there!
Zoom Information:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85404123462
Meeting ID: 854 0412 3462

Adult Confirmation Opportunity!
Did you go through confirmation when you were younger? Did you know that technically you are supposed to have gone through confirmation to be a voting member? Confirmation, which is now commonly called Affirmation of Baptism, is the time when young people declare for themselves that they will live out the promises made for them by their parents and sponsors in their baptism. In a traditional confirmation program, middle school age students spend two to three years in confirmation classes that are intended to continue, more intentionally, the exploration of faith, faith and life, and faith and the church so that students can make that affirmation of baptism and statement of faith in the hope and trust that God will continue to lead and guide them in all the aspects of their lives now and in the future”(Living Lutheran). However, due to pastoral transition and the pandemic, we realize that some did not have the opportunity to participate in confirmation. We also understand that some Christian denominations do not require confirmation. So, for those adults who would like to participate in the Rite of Confirmation, we would like to invite you to participate in a condensed program. In this program, you would be asked to participate as much as possible in our Lenten Study on Dietrich Bonhoeffer and then come to a separate two hour session on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 1:00 to 3:00pm. You would then confirm your faith on Easter Sunday. If you are interested in this, please contact pastor at [email protected]

Christian Radio keeps the faith going
     88.9 FM WORD -- Contemporary Christian Rock 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!

Understand the Bible in ten minutes a day with plans for every book and guides for every chapter.

Through the Word is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping people around the world to read the Bible, understand it, apply it, and make it a habit. They provide simple yet powerful tools via the web and mobile apps that lead users on a journey to understand the entire Bible, one chapter at a time. TTW combines clear, balanced, and relatable teaching with direct accessibility. Their purpose is God’s calling: to make disciples, equip the saints, and preach the word. (Mat. 28:19, Eph. 4:12, 2 Tim, 4:2)

TTW is the cure for broken Bible habits and lost-in-Leviticus syndrome. Easy to start, easy to keep, easy to share. Go to throughtheword.org or download the app on your phone.

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. This month because of Ash Wednesday falling on the first Wednesday of March they will be meeting on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, this month. For more information or if you need a ride, please talk to
Anna Friedrich. All are welcome!

Greetings! You are all invited to our Faith Education Dinner. At this dinner, we will be discussing the books of the Bible. This dinner will be held on the second Sunday of the month, this month, Sunday, March 9,2025, at 5:30-7pm. This dinner is geared toward teens and adults. However, activities will be provided for all ages. Come eat and learn!

4Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7


ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT ALTAR FLOWERS

Beginning in March we will be going to fresh flowers EVERY OTHER week.
Hatfield Flowers and Gifts (215) 822-1530) provides Faith with two lovely flower arrangements to adorn our sanctuary. We’ve noticed that in the past few years, we are not getting sponsors to dedicate and pay for the flowers every week. As the church still has to pay for the flowers, we thought it would be more cost effective to have fresh flowers every other week and use silk flowers on the other weeks. (We have been using silk flowers on Maundy Thursday and other week day services).
    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.

Romans 8:28 (NASB)"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."

Sunday School: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Sunday School hours are at 9:30am during the worship service.
The children will leave worship service after the Pastor-led children’s sermon with one of our teachers, Nancy Gansner, Anna Friedrich, Gail Achilles or Kate Waldman and return to worship service before the rite of Holy Communion.
Please call the Church office 215-368-0240 or email [email protected] to register your child for Sunday School. Any questions or comments, contact Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

We are looking forward in sharing Jesus’ love and word with your Child(ren).

Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

* * * * * * *
Our Monday Night Bible Study group meets on Zoom on Monday nights from 7-9pm. If you would like to grow in your relationship with Jesus and fortify your Faith in fellowship, please join us.

All are welcome to join, please contact Gail Achilles if interested.

Parents’ Night Out (PNO) – Youth Fellowship (YF)

Looking for a night out and a fun, safe place to bring the kids? Well, look no further! We here at Faith Lutheran Church are ready to care for your child(ren) in a safe environment, provide food and fun activities, and share the love of Jesus.

The children will have dinner when they arrive consisting of pizza or chicken nuggets, grape and apple slices with caramel dip, water, 100% fruit juice, then enjoy music, games, crafts, stories, and end the evening with popcorn and a movie!

PNO-YF will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025
from 6 pm to 9 pm.

If interested, please register at www.faithmontgomeryville.org
and click on the PNO – YF tab or call 215-368-0240.

Note: A minimum donation of $5.00 per child is suggested so we can provide future youth events.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Where the Word of Jesus is spoken, heard, and lived

* * * * * * *

Youth Ministry
(ages 12-17)

Looking for somewhere to learn about Jesus with others your age? Join us at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montgomeryville every third Sunday in 2024-25 from 6:00-7:30pm!

Expect to have fun while learning about the Word of God by joining in prayer, devotions and readings at the church. We will also have occasional outings around the area such as mini golf, bowling and more! Our adult support team will provide snacks and beverages during meetings. We hope to see you soon!

In lieu of the regular monthly meeting for March (which was scheduled for March 16 but unavailable for bowling), please join us for fun and fellowship for bowling at Earl Bowl Lanes on March 23, 1:00 pm. The address and phone number are 390 Morwood Rd, Earlington, PA 18918 (215-723-9130). The cost for three games and bowling shoes is $14.00 per bowler. We will provide snacks, like pizza and beverages.

Please let Gail Achilles know by March 2, 2025 if you are interested in bowling and how many by name so we can finalize the number of lanes we will need. Feel free to add a friend.
Hope you can join us!

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;  test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24, New Living Translation

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 will be meeting soon to decide on the calendar for 2025. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please talk to team chairs, Dale and Mary Lou Foster.

Faith Lutheran Church Spring Scrapbook Fundraiser!!
615 Cowpath Road, Montgomeryville
Friday, April 25 (9am-9pm) – Saturday, April 26 (9am – 5pm)
Each person will have their own 8-foot table so that you can spread out and bring lots of supplies and tools. Access to shared Creative Memories punches, border punches and border maker cartridges. Creative memories products -pages and protectors, stickers, card stock, decorative pages, decorative borders, tape runners, peek-a-boo pockets and more will be available to purchase. If you would like to pre-order any particular product, please contact Deb Hollenbach.
Meals to be provided: lunch and dinner on Friday/Baked Potato Bar on Saturday.
Price: $70 for both days/$35 for one day – please specify.

Bonus Day: Thursday, April 24 (1pm-9pm)
Extra time to work on your projects!
No food provided. Price $20.

Please RSVP to Debbie Hollenbach at [email protected]. Payment will be collected when you attend. 20 spots available. Please invite a friend to join us!

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 support Covenant House.
Founded in 1999, Covenant House Pennsylvania (CHPA) is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year--ready at a moment's notice to offer safety and wellness to Philadelphia's most vulnerable youth. CHPA's doors are open to all young people who need help. Covenant House PA builds a bridge to hope for young people facing homelessness and survivors of trafficking through unconditional love, absolute respect, and relentless support. Our doors are open 24/7 in 2 cities across Pennsylvania and our high-quality programs are designed to empower young people to rise and overcome adversity, today and in the future. Some of the underlying causes of youth homelessness are: aging out of foster care, minimum vs. living wage, abuse and neglect, mental health, family dynamics and instability and human trafficking survivors.
       Covenant House Pennsylvania is supported almost entirely through private donations by individuals, foundations, and corporations. Every single donation, no matter how small, can make a real difference to the lives of our youth and young families experiencing homelessness, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
Covenant House Founding Mission Statement: We who recognize God’s providence and fidelity to His people are dedicated to living out His covenant among ourselves and those children we serve, with absolute respect and unconditional love. That commitment calls us to serve suffering children of the street, and to protect and safeguard all children. Just as Christ in His humanity is the visible sign of God’s presence among His people, so our efforts together in the covenant community are a visible sign that effects the presence of God, working through the Holy Spirit among ourselves and our kids.
Faith will be collecting money to support this worthwhile organization. Please contribute to the can in the Foyer. For more information, go to covenanthousepa.org or see Mary Lou Foster.

Matthew 25:35-45.
“For when you saw me hungry, you fed me.
When you found me thirsty, you gave me drink…”

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)

March 2025 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

2/25/2025

Council Notes February 5, 2025

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach.    Minutes of the January regular council meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Highlights of the January Treasurer’s report: At 8.3% of the year, Member Giving Pledged is on track at 8.57%. Un-pledged Member Giving is up at 12.83%. It is the beginning of the year and minimal additional income has come in and thus we have a $3,361.52 deficit at the end of January. We did get a reduced insurance premium after we completed the Sexual Abuse and Misconduct Prevention Policy documentation. The Treasurer’s Report was approved as written.
Council Elections: Elections for Council Officers and Ministry Team Chair/Liaison for 2025 – see attached worksheet following minutes.
President’s Report: See items in New Business.
Pastor’s Report: Continues to lead worship for both Faith and Jerusalem weekly. Planning joint activities with Grace and Jerusalem.

Ministry Team Reports:
Christian Education:
   Parents’ Night Out – Youth Fellowship (PNO-YF) The next two events are on Fridays, February 14 and March 14, 6pm to 9 pm. The February 14th theme is Valentine’s Day focusing on “God is Love” 1 (John 18 and John 3:16). We will also continue discussing the Fruits of the Spirit emphasizing Love and Kindness (Galatians 5:22-33).
   Young Adult Fellowship (ages 12 to 17) – the next meeting is on Sunday, February 16, 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Due to inclement weather the January 19th meeting was cancelled so our young adults will, in addition to fun and games, will read and discuss the devotion “The Joy of New Beginnings. The Earth is full of His Unfailing Love.” (Psalm 33:5).
   VBS 2025: This year’s VBS, scheduled for Monday through Friday, August 4 to 8, 9 am to 12 noon, is “True North, Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.” An email will be forthcoming in March with more details of VBS stations requiring leaders and assistants and the need for Crew leaders and assistants to make this year’s VBS fun and successful in bringing Jesus to the youth in our community. The email will also note that there will be a meeting for volunteer sign-up and those just wanting more information on Sunday April 6 after Worship Service. Please look into your hearts and volunteer your God-given gifts to this year’s VBS. As noted last year, we had an awesome group of volunteers in 2024!
Fellowship: Mary Lou and Anne are meeting. Will be looking at Facebook events to find possible activities to join.
Hospitality: Fastnacht Sunday is on March 2. Palm Sunday Luncheon.
Long-Range Planning: Coordination with the Nourishing Vocation Project.
Property Management: ArCoNet has decided to pursue other options.
Social Ministry: January - “Hugs for Soldiers” 22 cards were signed to send to soldiers. January – November 2025 - A “noisy can offering (change)” for God’s Global Barnyard will be collected the third Sunday of each month from January through November. In December, the Sunday School children will decide what animals to donate based on how much money is collected.
February – collecting soup and crackers for Keystone Opportunity Center.
Worship & Music: Meeting soon to plan for Lent and Easter.

OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: needs a few changes based on feedback from council review before being sent to the congregation for review. Also seeking guidance from SEPA Synod on the review and approval process. Misconduct Policy – has been updated and approved by insurance company, giving us a lower premium. University Lutheran Church Feast Incarnate – Faith is sponsoring (providing dinner and serving it) on Tuesday, May 27. Pastor, Debbie and Anne to start planning (100 people to feed at 5pm).

NEW BUSINESS
Fresh flowers at worship services – There was a discussion during the Annual Congregational Meeting with action to be taken by Council. The consensus from the Annual Meeting was in favor of changing to every other week for fresh flowers since many weeks were not sponsored. Janet found out that the florist would keep the pricing the same even if we only had fresh flowers every other week. The council voted to approve. If the flowers are not taken home, they may be able to be used a second Sunday, otherwise we would use the artificial flowers!
Meeting with our Thrivent Reps will take place at March’s council meeting.
The Council approved membership for Kate Waldman.
ELCA Candidacy Congregational Support – As Rich is going through this program, he explained that part of the process is for the application fee to be split evenly between the candidate, their congregation, and the SEPA Synod. The $650 portion shows the congregational support of the candidate. The council approved the expense. It will now go to Special Funds to source, but Linda Kratz asked that the funds come from Ruth Mathias’ memorial fund as it would mean a great deal to her.
Faith’s 60th Anniversary is on Palm Sunday, April 13. Planning has started and Bishop Penman is scheduled to attend.
Grace Lutheran Church’s council has reached out to Faith to meet for a fact-finding discussion on what it might look like should the two congregations decide to merge in the coming years. The meeting should take place with the Pastors and officers of each church, and it would be strictly a discussion and no decisions. The council voted to approve the planning of this meeting.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at 7pm. (March 5, 2025, is Ash Wednesday.)

February 2025 - A Word from Our Pastor

2/7/2025

Greetings Siblings in Christ,

As I write this newsletter article, I am sitting here in my house on a cold and snowy January day. It is Sunday January 19, 2025. Overall, it has been a good day. I got up this morning and drove to Faith for our 9:30 a.m. worship service. Unfortunately, due to the afternoon forecast, Jerusalem did not have their 11:15 a.m. worship and we canceled our annual meeting. So, following the service at Faith, I rushed home to beat the storm. I spent the rest of the day doing potty training with Luca, and more excitedly watching the Philadelphia Eagles game. This game the Eagles played against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs. The Eagles ended up winning the snow filled game with a defensive stop in the red zone, beating the L.A. Rams 28 to 22. It was overall a good game, but it sure did have its ups and downs. In certain moments, we thought that the Eagles had the game in the bag, and then in the next moment the Rams would somehow make their way back into the game, narrowing the Eagles lead. It was certainly a game that had our emotions up and down.
After the game was over, I sat down to write this newsletter article for February. In reflection and by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, I was reminded that like this Eagles game, life often has its ups and downs. Life can be emotional. Often, during this time of year, many start getting the seasonal blues. With the sun not shining as often and with the cold weather, it is not hard for us to start feeling down, especially when there are so many things to be worried about or things that cause us fear in this world. This past week, I had multiple people tell me that they have missed the sun. However, even in the darkest of times, there is light. In scripture, we are constantly reminded that our God is with us in these moments when life has us down, and because of this there is hope for the future. This does not mean that we will not have down times, but instead it assures us that we are never alone. God shows us up and that is something that we can take comfort in. At the end of the Eagles game, a commentator highlighted the ups and downs of the game. However, in the end he said, “we will remember this day, because it was good.” Likewise, we remember the ups and downs of our lives, because of the goodness of our God. So, I want to leave you all with the word of Psalm 23:

1The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters; 3he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
4Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil; for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD
my whole life long.
Amen!

Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan

February 2025 - Announcements

2/7/2025

As the weather was poor on January 20th, we will be having another opportunity for you to walk the labyrinth in reflection and prayer on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. The labyrinth is an ancient prayer form rooted in Christian tradition of pilgrimage. For medieval Christians, the labyrinth represented a path to the Holy Land. Unlike a maze, which is a puzzle of many paths from which to choose, the labyrinth is a singular road to the center and back. Following the curved path in a prayerful stance can accompany an inward journey—letting go of barriers and the busyness that stands between us and God. The middle of the labyrinth invites us to center in God, reflecting on God’s presence, truth, and love in our lives. As we remember the journey of the magi this Epiphany, let us too make our journey in reflection as we continue toward a life with God. The labyrinth will be in the fellowship hall and will be open from 1:30pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm. Pastor Ethan will be available at that time for guidance and prayer.

Romans 8:28 (NASB)"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."

Christian Radio keeps the faith going
     88.9 FM WORD -- Contemporary Christian Rock 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!

Understand the Bible in ten minutes a day with plans for every book and guides for every chapter.

Through the Word is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping people around the world to read the Bible, understand it, apply it, and make it a habit. They provide simple yet powerful tools via the web and mobile apps that lead users on a journey to understand the entire Bible, one chapter at a time. TTW combines clear, balanced, and relatable teaching with direct accessibility. Their purpose is God’s calling: to make disciples, equip the saints, and preach the word. (Mat. 28:19, Eph. 4:12, 2 Tim, 4:2)

TTW is the cure for broken Bible habits and lost-in-Leviticus syndrome. Easy to start, easy to keep, easy to share. Go to throughtheword.org or download the app on your phone.

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 5, 2025, this month. For more information or if you need a ride, please talk to Anna Friedrich. All are welcome!

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.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Sunday School: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Sunday School hours are at 9:30am during the worship service.

The children will leave worship service after the Pastor-led children’s sermon with one of our teachers, Nancy Gansner,
Anna Friedrich, Gail Achilles or Kate Waldman and return to worship service before the rite of Holy Communion.
Please call the Church office 215-368-0240 or email [email protected] to register your child for Sunday School. Any questions or comments, contact Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

We are looking forward in sharing Jesus’ love and word                                           with your Child(ren).

Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

* * * * * * *
Our Monday Night Bible Study group meets on Zoom on Monday nights from 7-9pm. If you would like to grow in your relationship with Jesus and fortify your Faith in fellowship, please join us.

Here is the zoom link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89517994658?pwd=2AE3yRc631cCcIP7aNDBRK1WrhIQ1X.1

Meeting ID: 895 1799 4658      Passcode: 478541

All are welcome to join, please contact Gail Achilles if interested.

* * * * * * *

Parents’ Night Out (PNO) – Youth Fellowship (YF)

Looking for a night out and a fun, safe place to bring the kids? Well, look no further! We here at Faith Lutheran Church are ready to care for your child(ren) in a safe environment, provide food and fun activities, and share the love of Jesus.

The children will have dinner when they arrive consisting of pizza or chicken nuggets, grape and apple slices with caramel dip, water, 100% fruit juice, then enjoy music, games, crafts, stories, and end the evening with popcorn and a movie!

PNO-YF will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025
from 6 pm to 9 pm.

If interested, please register at www.faithmontgomeryville.org
and click on the PNO – YF tab or call 215-368-0240.

Note: A minimum donation of $5.00 per child is suggested so we can provide future youth events.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Where the Word of Jesus is spoken, heard, and lived

* * * * * * *

Youth Ministry
(ages 12-17)

Looking for somewhere to learn about Jesus with others your age? Join us at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montgomeryville every third Sunday* in 2024-25 from 6:00-7:30pm!

Expect to have fun while learning about the Word of God by joining in prayer, devotions and readings at the church. We will also have occasional outings around the area such as mini golf, bowling and more! Our adult support team will provide snacks and beverages during meetings. We hope to see you soon!

Where? Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 Cowpath Rd. Montgomeryville, PA 18036 (215-368-0240 Pastor Ethan Doan/Janet Hill, Administrative Assistant) or Gail Achilles, Chair, Christian Education)
When? Third Sunday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm
Dates for 2025: Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 27* (3d Sunday is Easter), May 18, June 22* (3d Sunday is Father’s Day), July 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21.

Please don't hesitate to contact us at the number above, we hope to see you soon!

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 Point out anything in me that offends you,
    and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Psalm 139:23-24, New Living Translation

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 will be meeting soon to decide on the calendar for 2025. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please talk to team chairs, Dale and Mary Lou Foster.


16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong
to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

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 February is to prepare Soup Bags for the Keystone Opportunity Center Food Pantry in Souderton. We will be collecting food items during the month of February. There will be a poster with post-it notes in the foyer. You know the drill – take a post-it note and buy the item. Place it in the purple bin under the coat rack. On Sunday, March 3rd, the members of the congregation will be asked to help out during coffee hour by packing the soup items into gallon zip-lock bags. We will then donate them to the Food Pantry at Keystone Opportunity Center. Contact: Sharon Hood

Matthew 25:35-45.
“For when you saw me hungry, you fed me. When you found me thirsty, you gave me drink…”

February 2025 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

2/7/2025

Council Notes January 8, 2025

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

Treasurer’s Report: Highlights of the December Treasurer’s report: We finished off the year with half the deficit we expected, this is partly because we budgeted for a full year’s salary for a music director but mostly because the income was over $12,000 higher than we budgeted; We replaced the remaining HVAC units, using the money in our HVAC fund as well as the proceeds from liquidating half of our Merck Stock. The last units were replaced within the last couple of weeks and the final bill will be paid in early 2025; Ended 2024 with a budget deficit of $14,660.26 rather than the planned $32,274.
The Treasurer’s Report was approved as written.

President’s Report: We had a successful Cantata and Hanging of the Greens service and a beautiful Christmas Eve service this year. We have almost completed the replacement of all our HVAC systems in our building. We ended the year with a substantially less deficit than what we had planned but we continued to use our savings to fund our church.

Pastor’s Report: Continues to lead worship for both Faith and Jerusalem weekly. Pastor is away on vacation this week.

Ministry Team Reports:
    Christian Education: Sunday School – Our current teacher rotation until Miss Nancy returns in April 2025 is Miss Anna, Miss Kate, and Miss Gail. Stay warm in the sun and enjoy Miss Nancy; you will be missed. The Bible lesson and teacher for each week is posted on the Sunday school bulletin board located in the hallway.
   Youth Ministry (ages 12 to 17) – will meet on Sunday, January 19, 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Our youth will work on beautifying the fellowship hall and tree for the winter season and will discuss where they experience God’s presence in the cold days of winter.
   Parents’ Night Out – Youth Fellowship (PNO-YF) Our next two events are on January 17 and February 14, Friday, 6 pm to 9 pm. Our January 17th theme is “A New Year growing closer to Jesus through Hope, Renewal, and Joy exploring God’s Winter Wonderland.”
   Monday Night Bible Study (MNBS): Our group met via zoom on Monday, January 6, and chose to study “The Parables of Jesus, Deeper Connections.” We have studied the Deeper Connections of the Life of Jesus and the Prayers of Jesus, and both helped us grow in our faith journey with Jesus Christ. All are welcome to join this study which will officially begin with session 1 the week of January 13 and be followed by a discussion on January 20. Information and zoom link is in the Mustard Seed and Weekly Bulletin.
Fellowship:   Mary Lou and Anne will be getting together to make a schedule and come up with some ideas. Interested in getting some input from other congregation members. Should be getting together within the next couple of weeks. Some ideas were Merrymead Farm and a game night.
Finance: Since there were no revisions made to the original preliminary version of the 2025 Budget, no discussion or vote was required. Inquiry was made into the possibility of getting a Venmo account for the church.
Fundraising: Emily Gallo scrapbooking – 11/29 & 11/30/2024: $250 and Cookie can sale: $300.
Hospitality: The 2025 schedule will be posted on Sunday. Will be coordinating the congregational meeting breakfast.
Long-Range Planning: Coordination with the Nourishing Vocation Project.
Nominating Team: Five current council members will continue into 2025. Three have terms ending, two are eligible for a second term while one is not able to run again-Gary and Linda agreed to run for another term. Two additional positions are open (can have up to nine members, only had eight in 2024).
Property Management: ArCoNet Music Recital on Sunday Feb. 2nd at 6pm in the Faith Sanctuary with practice on Saturday, Feb 1st 10am-4pm. (This was cancelled after the council meeting.)
Property: We were experiencing problems with Furnace #3 for the offices. Rich and Adam spoke and decided not to wait until spring to replace the last two units since we have the money already and IT Landes has the equipment. IT Landes has since installed those furnaces and will come back to hook up the air conditioners on them when the weather is better.
Social Ministry: January - “Hugs for Soldiers” through sending “thinking of you” cards. These will be signed by the congregation on January 12 and then sent. January – November 2025 - A “noisy can offering (change)” for God’s Global Barnyard will be collected the third Sunday of each month from January through November. In December, the Sunday School children will decide what animals to donate based on how much money is collected.
Worship & Music: The full Prayer List will be in the Mustard Seed with a reduced list in the weekly bulletin.

OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: still working on addressing/incorporating council feedback.

NEW BUSINESS
Clarence Harris donated a small freezer to the church when he moved, and it is being used for the Wawa food instead of the kitchen freezer. Linda to send a thank you note to him!
Faith Congregational Meeting, Sunday, January 26, following worship.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 7pm. Voting will take place for officers of the council.

January 2025 Mustard Seed - A Word from Our Pastor

12/29/2024

Greetings Siblings in Christ,

I pray that you all had a joyful and peaceful Christmas. I want to take some time to thank everyone for a wonderful Advent and great Christmas. First, I specifically want to thank all the people who participated in the planning and leadership of worship. I appreciate all of you, and the way you have used your talents to further God’s Kin-dom here on earth. Secondly, I want to thank all the members of Faith and Jerusalem. You all have always made us feel so welcomed and loved. It’s hard being so far away from family this time of the year. However, you treat us so well, and we are grateful for you all. You have definitely become family to us. Speaking of family! In January, Eileen, Luca, and I will be taking our annual winter trip back to our homeland of Illinois. We will officially be on vacation from January 1st-10th. We are excited to see our loved ones and to take some time to rest.
    The other day, I saw that the State of Illinois is in the process of reimagining their state flag. Currently, the Illinois state flag is white with the Great Seal of the State of Illinois on it. This seal depicts in profile a bald eagle perched on a rock with wings spread and holding a shield, with a banner in its beak and sunrise over water in the background. The current flag was adopted in 1915. However, now in 2024, the state is holding a contest to reimagine this flag. Why are they doing this? Well, flags often symbolize and reflect the values of a given territory, state or county. They stand as symbols of the past, present, and future. And so, Illinois citizens have been given an opportunity to reflect on who they are now and what their values are as individuals and as a state. 5,000 new flag renderings have been submitted from across the state, and the people have now narrowed it down to 10 designs. These designs all have their own meaning and symbolism. Some reflect the industry and agricultural heritage of the state. Other designs pay tribute to Abraham Lincoln. Then, others pay tribute to the natural beauty of the state, highlighting things like the Mississippi River or Lake Michigan. And so, I wonder which one will win? I wonder which one of these flags best represents the past, the present, and the future of Illinois.
    Like the citizens of Illinois, we as Christians have also been given the opportunity to reflect on who we are, what our values are, and what that means for us as disciples of Christ. In God’s gift of faith, God grants us the opportunity to reflect on this every day and calls us deeper into faith and into discipleship. We are called, both together and individually, into discernment to reflect on our past, present, and future. We are called to listen to God and to listen to the needs of the world. Then, we are to ask ourselves whether our identity and values have changed over time? We are to reflect on our values and how they influence the way we live out our lives. Most importantly, we are called to reflect on how our values align with God’s. And so, this January, we are urged to reflect on this. It is the start of a new year. Thus, it is a new beginning, and this is the perfect time to ask these questions, especially as we have our annual meetings. In Lent, we will dig deeper into these questions together with the Nourishing Vocation Project. However, until then, let us meditate on the words of Paul in 2 Corinthians 3:18: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being changed into his likeness, from one degree of glory to another; for this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”   So, in the likeness of Christ, we become symbols of him, and that is good news! Amen.

    Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan

January 2025 Mustard Seed - Announcements

12/29/2024

On Monday, January 20, 2024, you are invited to walk the labyrinth in reflection and prayer. The labyrinth is an ancient prayer form rooted in Christian tradition of pilgrimage. For medieval Christians, the labyrinth represented a path to the Holy Land. Unlike a maze, which is a puzzle of many paths from which to choose, the labyrinth is a singular road to the center and back. Following the curved path in a prayerful stance can accompany an inward journey—letting go of barriers and the busyness that stands between us and God. The middle of the labyrinth invites us to center in God, reflecting on God’s presence, truth, and love in our lives. As we remember the journey of the magi this Epiphany, let us too make our journey in reflection as we continue toward a life with God. The labyrinth will be in the fellowship hall and will be open from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm Pastor Ethan will be available at that time for guidance and prayer.

OFFICIAL NOTICE
The 60th Annual Meeting of the congregation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2025, following the 9:30am worship service.

2025 Phone Directories will be coming out in February.
Please make sure we have your updated information. During the next month look at your contact information in the directory and let Janet know if there are any changes. Thank you!

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!
  Understand the Bible in ten minutes a day with plans for every book and guides for every chapter.
Through the Word is a nonprofit ministry dedicated to equipping people around the world to read the Bible, understand it, apply it, and make it a habit. They provide simple yet powerful tools via the web and mobile apps that lead users on a journey to understand the entire Bible, one chapter at a time. TTW combines clear, balanced, and relatable teaching with direct accessibility. Their purpose is God’s calling: to make disciples, equip the saints, and preach the word. (Mat. 28:19, Eph. 4:12, 2 Tim, 4:2)
TTW is the cure for broken Bible habits and lost-in-Leviticus syndrome. Easy to start, easy to keep, easy to share. Go to throughtheword.org or download the app on your phone.

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 second Wednesday of this month which will be January 8, 2025. 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)


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.

[16] Always be joyful. [17] Never stop praying. [18] Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sunday School: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church’s Sunday School hours are at 9:30am during the worship service.
The children will leave worship service after the Pastor-led children’s sermon with one of our teachers, Nancy Gansner,
Anna Friedrich, Gail Achilles or Kate Waldman and return to worship service before the rite of Holy Communion.
Please call the Church office 215-368-0240 or email [email protected] to register your child for Sunday School. Any questions or comments, contact Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

We are looking forward in sharing Jesus’ love and word                                           with your Child(ren).

Proverbs 22:6 ESV Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Our Monday Night Bible Study group will be on hiatus until January 6, 2025, when they will be choosing a new study. They meet on Zoom on Monday nights from 7-9pm. If you would like to grow in your relationship with Jesus and fortify your Faith in fellowship, please join us.   Here is the zoom link:
All are welcome to join, please contact Gail Achilles by email [email protected] or text at 267-664-3328 if interested.

Parents’ Night Out (PNO) – Youth Fellowship (YF)
Looking for a night out and a fun, safe place to bring the kids? Well, look no further! We here at Faith Lutheran Church are ready to care for your child(ren) in a safe environment, provide food and fun activities, and share the love of Jesus.
The children will have dinner when they arrive consisting of pizza or chicken nuggets, grape and apple slices with caramel dip, water, 100% fruit juice, then enjoy music, games, crafts, stories, and end the evening with popcorn and a movie!
PNO-YF will be held on Friday, January 17, 2025
from 6 pm to 9 pm.
If interested, please register at www.faithmontgomeryville.org
and click on the PNO – YF tab or call 215-368-0240.
Note: A minimum donation of $5.00 per child is suggested so we can provide future youth events.
We look forward to hearing from you!

Where the Word of Jesus is spoken, heard, and lived

Youth Ministry
(ages 12-17)
Looking for somewhere to learn about Jesus with others your age? Join us at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Montgomeryville every third Sunday* in 2024-25 from 6:00-7:30pm!

Expect to have fun while learning about the Word of God by joining in prayer, devotions and readings at the church. We will also have occasional outings around the area such as mini golf, bowling and more! Our adult support team will provide snacks and beverages during meetings. We hope to see you soon!
Where? Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 615 Cowpath Rd. Montgomeryville, PA 18036 (215-3680-0240 Pastor Ethan Doan/Janet Hill, Administrative Assistant) or (267-664-3328 Gail Achilles, Chair, Christian Education)
When? Third Sunday of the month from 6:00-7:30pm
Dates for 2025: Jan 19, Feb 16, Mar 16, Apr 27* (3d Sunday is Easter), May 18, June 22* (3d Sunday is Father’s Day), July 20, Aug 17, Sep 21, Oct 19, Nov 16, Dec 21.
Please don't hesitate to contact us at the number above, we hope to see you soon!

Greetings! You are all invited to our Faith Education Dinner. At this dinner, we will be discussing +the books of the Bible. This dinner will be held on the second Sunday of the month, this month, Sunday, January 12,2025, at 5:30-7pm. This dinner is geared toward teens and adults. However, activities will be provided for all ages. Come eat and learn!

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 will be meeting this month to decide on the calendar for 2025. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please talk to team chairs, Dale and Mary Lou Foster.
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 to put your receipts in the labeled basket outside of the sanctuary. 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.

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.

Social Ministry in January
GOD’S GLOBAL BARNYARD – ELCA “Noisy Can Ministry”
A noisy coin offering is a worship service collection where members donate loose change to a specific cause. The collection is called "noisy" because the coins make a clanging sound as they are placed in the offering bucket.
    On the third Sunday of each month (January 19 to start), you will be asked by our Sunday School children to donate your “loose change” in our collection can for God’s Global Barnyard. The more noise the better.    Of course, paper money is fine too.   This is our continuing Christian love to serve others.
    This collection will continue from January through November. In December, the Sunday School children will be asked what animals to purchase based on your total donations. A variety of animals helps provide ample nutrition and a sustainable source of income for many families.

      In Christ, Sharon Hood & Debbie Hollenbach, Co-Chairs
            Nancy Gansner and MaryLou Foster

Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

An Update on one of December’s Social Ministry Projects  GREAT BIG “THANK YOU” FROM James, Sophia & Kareem from MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL – and ME

What a generous, loving Faith Family you are!! How does one thank such generous people. You have never let the children down at Martin Luther School, aka Gemma Services.
    Because of your generous giving of $220; $191 went to cover the gifts for these children and the remainder of $29 was donated to the School. These additional monies cover other Christmas funding needed either this year or in the future.
    Thank you so much to Vivian Prunkel for helping collect your donations.
    “Santa’s Elf”, Amanda Bryant, from the School again was so grateful for what all of you donated for the children.
    God Bless you and your families in 2024 as generously as you have shared! You have truly followed what God has asked us to do as Christians….love him and serve others.
    There certainly will be a lot of happy faces on Christmas Day!
                             In Christ, Sharon Hood

"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)

In Memory…
Esther Foster
October 5, 1938 – December 5, 2024
Please keep the Foster family in your prayers!

At the request of council, following up from a number of complaints about the cost of providing coffee hours and an emphasis on the desire to spend time time together - we are bringing back Coffee Lites - coffee hour with packaged cookies and less involved foods. The committees will then only be assigned one coffee hour throughout the year and we will only have one elevated coffee hour per month. Coffee Hour Schedule for January: January 5: Congregational Coffee Lite; January 12: Congregational Coffee Lite; January 19: Congregational Coffee Lite: January 26: Annual Congregational Meeting and Breakfast-Council

In an effort to make our prayer list more manageable we are working on a new system in which the full prayer list will be in the Mustard Seed, while the list in the Prayers of Intercession in the Weekly Bulletin will include prayers only for Faith members and immediate family. Please submit requests to Janet in the church office at [email protected], specify whether the need is “ongoing” or “current” and please notify her if and when the name can be removed from the list.
We’ll be trying to trim down our current list, please let the church office know if someone you put on the list needs to remain or be removed. Thank you!

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Matthew 6:33-34, New King James Version

January 2025 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

12/29/2024

Council Notes   December 4, 2024

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

Treasurer’s Report: At 94% of the 2024-year, Member Giving for Pledged & Unpledged Envelopes is at 98% and 128%. Just a reminder that one member gave more than the pledged amount and another member gave the entire year already. November ends with a deficit of $1,441.12 and the current budget deficit for the year is $14,271. The Treasurer’s Report from November was approved as written. Linda to follow-up with Janet with regard to any need for following up on those behind in their pledges.

President’s Report: We had a great combined Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship Service on Tuesday, November 26th with members from Faith, Grace and Jerusalem. We hope to have more joint events in 2025.
We kicked off the Nourishing Vocation Project in worship this past Sunday as we started our Advent journey. Please remember to prepare yourself for worship when you hear the chime 5 minutes before worship.
Rich thanked Council for all their work over the past year.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor continues to lead worship for both Faith and Jerusalem weekly.
Pastor led the Thanksgiving service with Jerusalem and Grace Lutheran on November 26, 2024.
Pastor participated in the planning and attended the Live Nativity at Jerusalem Lutheran Church Sellersville on December 1, 2024. Thanks to all from Faith who participated and attended the event.
Our last Faith Education Dinner was on November 10, 2024. The focus was on the Book of Genesis. Next dinner will be on December 8, 2024, at 5:30pm.
The Nourishing Vocation Project cohort meeting was on November 21st. Next meeting will be in the new year.
The Nourishing Vocation Project began on December 1, 2024, the first Sunday of Advent. Small groups will begin soon. Our theme for Advent is “listening to your longing”.
Pastor attended Bishop Convocation on November 22, 2024.

Ministry Team Reports:
    Christian Education: Sunday School – There will be no Sunday School on December 22.
   Youth Ministry (ages 12 to 17) – will be on December 15. The next meeting is on January 19.
   Parents’ Night Out – Youth Fellowship (PNO-YF) will be on Friday, December 6, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm for ages 3 to 11. Youth 12 and older are welcome to volunteer their help. Our theme this month is Advent: Preparing for the coming of Jesus. Next event is on January 17.
   Monday Night Bible Study (MNBS): The current study will end on December 16, then resume on January 6 when a new study will be chosen

Fellowship: Fellowship Activity for December 14, 2-6pm (see New Business).

Finance: The final version of the 2025 Preliminary Budget will be reviewed at our January meeting.

Fundraising: Holiday Bazaar: $2,750.47;
Scrapbooking: $250;
Linda checked with Janet, but she didn’t have feedback on how the outside vendors did at the Bazaar.
Next year we need to make sure the Cookie Can Sale is the same Sunday as the Hanging of the Greens.

Hospitality: Coffee hour sponsors were reviewed. Planning session will be on December 8th to schedule 2025 including coffee lights (less food).Thanksgiving had 18 people attend in person and two meals delivered to Laura & Alexis.

Long Range Planning: Coordination with the Nourishing Vocation Project.

Mutual Ministry: Met with Pastor Ethan on November 10th.

Nominating Team: Five current council members will continue into 2025. Three have terms ending, two are eligible for a second term while one is not able to run again-Gary and Linda agreed to run for another term. Two additional positions are open (can have up to nine members, only had eight in 2024).

Property Management: Musician (AcCoNet) Rental (see new Business).

Property: IT Landis started replacing the sanctuary units on Monday, December 2, and is expected to complete the work by the end of this week.

Shepherding: Sharon needs to talk to Beth Schoening about her taking over this ministry.

Social Ministry: December – The Angel Tree will be placed on the foyer desk as previously. Instead of collecting money for Grocery Gift Cards for the Congregation, the scope will be enlarged a bit to collect monetary donations that will be placed in the Pastor’s Discretionary Account. These donations can then be used to purchase grocery gift cards as well as provide a source of funds for other needs such as paying a heating bill, a car repair, or another need of our congregation members. Pastor Ethan will have discretion to use the money has needed with Council Executive Team oversight.
December - The congregation will be asked to support the purchase of gifts for three (3) children from Gemma Services, aka Martin Luther School in Plymouth Meeting.
January - “Hugs for Soldiers” through sending “thinking of you” cards. These will be signed by the congregation on January 12 and then sent.
January – November 2025 - Our team is asking for permission to have a “noisy can offering” for God’s Global Barnyard the third Sunday of each month from January through November. In December, the Sunday School children will decide what animals to donate based on how much money is collected.

Worship & Music: We had a great turnout at our joint Thanksgiving Worship Service on Tuesday, 11/26/2024 with folks from Faith, Grace and Jerusalem attending.
The Hanging of the Greens will be on 12/22 – Cantata will be “Sing with Us the Christmas Story”.
The Christmas Eve Service will be at 8:00 pm (instead of 7:30).
We will be implementing a new version of the prayer list. All will be noted in the Mustard Seed, but only those with current need within the congregation will be included during the service. See the notices posted in the Mustard Seed and bulletin.

OLD BUSINESS
Constitution Update: still working on addressing/incorporating council feedback.
HVAC replacement proposal: Will now be covered under the Property Team Report.

NEW BUSINESS
Faith Christmas Party on December 14 – Just after the meeting, Beth called to say it would need to be cancelled due to lack of interest.
Abuse/Safety Management guidelines Update – paperwork has been submitted to the insurance company.
Musician Rental (ArCoNet) Proposal – A musical education organization has reached out to us in hopes of renting space in our building for lessons. They have outlined their needs and have offered to pay $1000/month. Discussion was held regarding the cost to heat/air condition the space. Linda moved to welcome the program to rent the space if they 1) provide insurance confirmation, 2) provide schedule and rooming needs to Adam, and 3) note that adult forum is not available the first Wednesday of the month. Gary seconded the motion, and council voted to pass the motion.
Pastor’s Housing Allocation – the Council voted to approve $22K of Pastor’s annual salary as the housing allocation.

Important Dates: January 17: PNO/YF.    January 19: Youth Ministry.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 7pm.

December 2024 Mustard Seed - A Word from Our Pastor

12/3/2024

In my last newsletter article, I announced that Faith and Jerusalem would be beginning our participation in the Nourishing Vocation Project this coming Advent. As I mentioned in that article, the Nourishing Vocation Project is a program of spiritual renewal and discernment, sponsored by St. Olaf College and funded through the Lilly Endowment’s Thriving Congregations Initiative. This project aims to help congregations discern their vocation, i.e., what God is calling them to do. Thus, in Advent, we will prepare for this journey by listening to our longings, our hopes, and our joys for the future as we embark on this process.

So, my question is “what are you longing for?” As human beings, longings are nothing new to us, and we long for so many different things. In the winter, we long for a new spring day. In the summer, we long for the cool crisp fall. In other instances, we long for stuff like our favorite foods. However, sometimes, our longings are deeper. One might long for a loved one who is gone, or one may long for the end of a conflict, or for the comfort of one's home. On the other hand, one might long for a particular emotion or feeling, for happiness, love, joy, or hope. Even the people of the Bible had longings. Adam and Eve longed for the garden. The Hebrew people longed to see the promised land. Mary and Martha longed for their brother Lazarus. The disciples longed for Jesus after his death. Paul longed to see the Church at its most faithful. No matter who you are or when you are, we all long for something, and we have these longings because these things bring us comfort and peace. However, the questions are what do we do with these longings, and how do these longings affect who God has called us to be?

This advent, I invite you to reflect on these questions and on your own longings. For in Advent, we wait for perhaps our greatest longing. We wait for the coming of our lord and savior Jesus Christ, for God sends the answers to our longings in the birth of Jesus for all people in a manger in Bethlehem, and so we await his coming again at the end of the age. However, in the meantime, let us wait in preparation and longing for the coming of our Savior! And let us “prepare the way of the Lord” and “make his paths straight” (Luke 3:4), so that all may know of his coming, of the joy and peace that he brings!

And so, I want to leave you all with the words of Psalm 42:1-2:

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
so pants my soul for you, O God.
My soul thirsts for God,
for the living God.

This advent, I pray that you all may find the longings that you seek, but more importantly that you find peace and comfort in our lord and savior Jesus Christ as we await his final coming. I pray that this peace and comfort may also give you guidance and lead to love and to serve the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Peace and Blessings, Pastor Ethan Doan

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