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November Mustard Seed 2022 - Announcements

11/2/2022

On Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11am Vicar Ethan Doan will be ordained and formally installed as Faith Lutheran Church’s pastor and will become Pastor Ethan Doan.
    Following the service, there will be a reception in the Fellowship Hall. The service and reception will take place here at Faith.
    If you are planning to attend this exciting step in the life of Vicar Ethan and of Faith Church, please either email janetatfaith@verizon.net or call (215) 368-0240 Janet in the church office so we will be able to plan for the reception accordingly.

This Thanksgiving we will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in the Fellowship Hall. We have applied for Thrivent Dollars to help fund this wonderful event. We will meet at 3:30 pm on Thursday, November 24, 2022, to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings with our church family (and maybe watch some football.) So, if you’re looking for a place to go or just don’t feel like cooking come and join us. Look for the sign-up sheet on the Foyer bulletin board. All are invited! For questions or more information, please see Janet Hill or Mary Lou Foster.

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 November 2, 2022 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.
          You can sign up to sponsor flowers, bulletins or a food basket. The flowers are $35, the bulletins are $10 and the food basket is $25.
          You can dedicate any one of these things to someone special, to celebrate a birthday or in memory of a loved one. You may take the flowers home or they will be given to an ill or homebound member. The $10 for the bulletins is to help cover the cost of making the bulletins and the $25 for the food basket is money donated to “Manna on Main Street” to help feed those in the North Penn area.
          To sign up for a particular Sunday either sign up on the chart on the Foyer bulletin board or call Janet in the church office (215) 368-0240.


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

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.

WAWA Food is back! We are again receiving 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.

Last month’s Fall Scrapbook Fundraiser for Faith Lutheran Church raised $410. Thank you to Chris Jones and Debbie Hollenbach for facilitating this fundraiser!

To Faith Lutheran Church,
   Thank you so much for the beautiful mums which enlightened my recuperation from the hospital.
    I appreciate the kindness shown to me from Chris Jones, my neighbor, your faithful church member.
                                                     -- Geraldine Nelson

"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)

New Sunday School hours will be 9:45 am to 10:25 am
At the conclusion of Sunday School, children ages 6 to 11 will return to attend 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 Worship Service.

This new time will benefit 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

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 reading, studying, and discussing the book, "Messy People - life lessons from imperfect bible heroes," by Jennifer Cowart. It is a six-week study which we will read the first session on Rahab and be ready for our first discussion on Oct 3 from 7 pm to 9 pm. We will finish this study with the sixth session on Daniel, Monday, Nov 14 (we will not be meeting on Halloween, October 31.) If you would like to grow in your relationship with Jesus and fortify your Faith in fellowship, and this book sounds interesting to you, please join us.

Your Sister in Christ, Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

AUDIT – THANK YOU’S
A great big “THANK YOU” to Adam Feldman, Nancy Gansner and Mike Fritzinger for assisting with our 2021 Audit of the church’s books. Kudos for your “stick to it” efforts. We were able to finish our portion in one day.
    Thank you for Anita Halpern for agreeing to assist us. However, covid kept her at home.
    Denise Bailey, our Treasurer, successfully answered the audit teams’ questions at the follow up meeting with finance team members, Debbie Hollenbach and Gary Apgar. Thank you.
Another successful Audit. ---Sharon Hood, Audit Leader

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

SOCIAL MINISTRY – ‘BIRTHDAY CAKES’ FOR KEYSTONE OPPORTUNITY CENTER’S FOOD PANTRY

Your social ministry team is excited to offer you a brand new project for November suggested by Carol Taylor.
We will put together groupings of ingredients for families to make a birthday cake. They include:   aluminum cake pan with lid, one cake mix, one can of Sprite, one container of cake frosting, birthday candles, and generic birthday card.
We can have different variations: Spice cake with root beer; chocolate cake with Dr. Pepper.
Directions: mix together cake mix, can of soda and bake as directed on cake mix. No eggs, oil or water needed.

Thank you for putting your donations in the purple barney bin under the coat rack throughout the month of November.

If you have any questions, please contact Sharon Hood

SHARING CHRISTMAS WITH “Gabriella,” “Sharif,” and “Mark” FROM MARTIN LUTHER SCHOOL as known as GEMMA SERVICESMartin Luther School/Gemma Services “where hope shines” in Plymouth Meeting was founded as an orphanage. It now provides a home, treatment, education and other services for boys and girls, ages 6 to 14, who have experienced past traumas, including abuse, neglect and poverty. All services are provided in a nurturing environment that promotes recovery, resilience and, where possible, families reunited.

Your social ministry team is asking you to support the following children.

     Gabriella (girl)     age   8         Squishmallow stuffed
                                                 Animal (small or medium),
                                                 art set & sketchpad,
                                                 Rubik’s cube

     Sharif (boy)       age     9       Football, Lego set,
                                                 Book about football

     Mark (boy)          age   10          Chess set, car puzzle,
                                                 Model car kit (snap
                                                 together)

I will be shopping for these items with by 9-year-old grandson. They will be on display on Sunday, December 4. After the church service, you will be asked to make your donations toward our goal of $180.

Your Christian love for these children is most appreciated by the School and especially by the children. Surely it brings them great joy and excitement as they unwrap their presents to know that others care so very much. -In Christ, Sharon Hood

UPDATE ON SEPTEMBER SOCIAL MINISTRY PROJECT – AFTER-SCHOOL SNACKS TO MANNA
Thank you so much for your donations of the following for after school snacks to Manna in Lansdale. They are very appreciative of your generosity.
6 cups of apple sauce, 22 packs of cheese & crackers, 16 packs of peanut butter crackers, 70 granola bars, 2 bags of goldfish, 32 packs of rice Krispie bars, 12 packs of raisins, 2 packs of Oreo cookies (vanilla & chocolate), 86 packs of belVita bars.

In Memory…

Roland Koschorreck
February 18, 1935 – October 5, 2022

George Rodenbaugh
May 31, 1937 – October 18, 2022

Please keep the Koschorreck and Rodenbaugh families in your prayers!

November 6th is All Saints’ Sunday, where we remember those who have passed away in the past year. If you would like someone included in the prayers that day, please let Janet in the church office know.

November Mustard Seed 2022 - Council Notes

11/2/2022

Council Notes October 5, 2022

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Melissa Prunkel led Devotions for Christ’s People Called as Leaders of God’s Church-Mysteries of Faith. Minutes of the September regular council meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Denise Bailey reported a small net revenue of $400 and some change. Denise corrected an error on the Statement of Activity Report (Sep. 2022) that was pointed out to her earlier by Janet Hill (Shepherding Ministry Line 06003 should read $0.00 and the $96.89 should be on Line 02006 for ink cartridges). Denise also informed us that she will be attending an audit meeting on Thursday, October 6, 2022; Rich noted that we will discuss audit meeting further in the Finance Report below. With year-to-date income at $82,893.67 (76%) and operating expenses at $72,370.17 (46%) we have a $10,523.50 surplus.

President’s Report: Rich Hollenbach thanked Pastor Bruce Davis for being our Supply and then Bridge Pastor for a total of 16 months, and for getting us through two calls. Rich expressed his appreciation for all the guidance and flexibility in working with Pastor Davis these many months. Rich reported that October 9 is the final date for Pastor Bruce Davis to lead our worship as Vicar Ethan Doan was called on Sunday, October 2, as Faith Lutheran Church’s permanent pastor.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bruce Davis remarked that it was a blessing to worship for and with us. He also congratulated Vicar Ethan Doan and wished for him a great ministry that he had for 43 years. He ended by saying that he will see us this Sunday, October 9.

MINISTRY TEAM REPORTS:

Call Committee: Vicar Ethan Doan was officially Called on Sunday, October 2, 2022, and he Accepted. On behalf of the congregation, council and the call committee, we sent thank you letters to Vicar Ethan Doan for accepting to become our Pastor, to Pastor Stephen Godsall-Meyers (Ret.), representa-tive of the Bishop of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA, who led the voting process on Sunday, October 2, and a thank you email to Pastor Sarah Aasheim our Synod Dean who mediated the entire call process between the pastor candidate, the Synod and our call committee and church council. The Call Committee is officially closed as of October 2, 2022.

Christian Education: Gail Achilles or Janet Hill can provide Vicar Doan with a list of children in the congregation including those of age for Holy Communion and Confirmation. Sunday School is rolling along. We have a total of seven children ages 3 to 5 and ages 6 to 11 who have attended in the month of September: praying for consistent attendance and new students. Monday Night small group (we presently have 8 members) is in full swing guided by the Holy Spirit and God’s scripture as we are reading and discussing the book “Messy People – Life lessons from Imperfect Biblical Heroes.” All who are called to join our study group are welcome. If anyone is interested in a different study, please contact Gail Achilles. I will be happy to facilitate you. Men’s Fellowship group gathers once a month. Vicar Ethan Doan will be setting up a meeting with Gail Achilles regarding Christian Education. There is no adult forum at this time.

Communications: Jack Walls reported that he updated the front sign and would like to announce on the sign about Vicar Ethan Doan being our new permanent Pastor. Jack contacted members of the congregation prior to our congregational vote for a pastor from a list of members that he was given from Janet Hill and Debbie Hollenbach. Vicar Doan requested that he also would like said list so he can reach out to congregational members. Jack will make a mass mailing to the entire congregation (active and non-active members) and add information about our upcoming congregational meetings and Vicar Ethan Doan’s ordination and installation information

Finance: Gary Apgar reported that the prepared Proposed Budget will be a part of the Pledge Packet that will go out to the congregation on Sunday September 25, 2022. Debbie Hollenbach will write an introduction letter to go with the packet and will give a Temple Talk on that day to explain the budget and pledge process. Additional Temple Talks will be planned as needed. Pledges will be collected on and before Commitment Sunday, October 16, 2022. The Finance Ministry Team will meet again on Thursday, October 27 at 7:00PM to marry the pledges with the proposed budget and send their recommendations to the Faith Congregational Council on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.
Audit – Final report at Nov meeting; Denise, Gary, and Sharon will meet Thursday, October 6, to discuss questions that came up during the audit.

Fundraising: Linda Kratz reported the following: pretzel sales on first Sunday of each month; hoagie sale on October 8; scrapbooking on October 14 and 15.

Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk reminded all to check the coffee hour sponsor’s list (posted on door to the music room in the fellowship hall.)

Mutual Ministry: The team consisting of Jack, Chair, and Gail Achilles met with Laura Cooper on Sep 28. Laura is open to all suggestions from the congregation and is happy with everything. The Mutual Ministry team plans to meet with Adam and Janet in the next week.

Nominating Team: The Nominating Team needs to meet to come up with at least 3 people to be voted on to join the Council of Faith Lutheran Church in 2023.
As voted at the 2023 Annual Meeting the Nominating Team is as follows: Adam Feldman – Chair; Anne Hutnyk and Debbie Hollenbach.
The team should begin meeting ASAP and come up with a slate of candidates willing to run for office and presented to the Council in December 2022. (January 2023, at the very latest). This takes time and a lot of prayer.
Council members may serve for 2 consecutive terms and then would need to take a mandatory sabbatical year before being eligible to run again for a seat at council.

Property Team: Vince Hill reported that the invoice for the AC unit repair was sent to the Finance Team.
Regarding Alexis Cooper’s request, Vince will provide automatic soap dispensers in bathrooms and investigate the possibility of constructing a coat rack for the children per Alexis’ suggestion. Our bathroom sinks are new, and it would not be cost effective to replace them with automatic water faucets at this time.

Shepherding: Sharon Hood reported that they will be sending Halloween cards to kids in the congregation.

Social Ministry: For September’s social ministry, Sharon bagged up snacks donated. The following 248 snacks were donated and delivered to Manna: 6 cups apple sauce; 22 packs cheese & crackers; 16 packs peanut butter & crackers; 70 granola bars; 32 packs Rice Krispie treats; 12 packs raisins; 2 bags goldfish; 86 packs biscuit bars; 2 packs Oreo cookies—vanilla & chocolate. Code Blue is October’s social ministry project.

Special Funds: AC Unit Repair bill, Rich reported that this repair bill was approved for payment by the Special Funds team and instructed Denise to pay it.

Stewardship: Jack will put up VANCO information during coffee hour, October 9; Jack will also make an announcement to the congregation on 10/9 to the regarding pledging.

Transportation: Linda Kratz reminded those who need transportation to please call for transportation assistance to and from church, doctor visits, and so on.

Worship & Music: Choir has resumed with practice Tuesday nights at 7pm and singing during worship on Sundays. We will have a Cantata this year.

OLD BUSINESS:

New copier: was delivered and old copier removed.
Parking Request: Council members were thankful to Adam Feldman for researching and editing a form for parking requests. Rich directed Vince to put a check box for the question “Are you insured?” Send revised parking request forms to “Parkers” to be completed and signed by both parties (Owner, Faith Lutheran Church, and parker). We can also include an announcement with the form about our church’s new Pastor. All members of council approved the new form with said corrections.
Food Addicts Request: Their request to meet at Faith Lutheran Church resurfaced again. Council agreed that the best time for cost effectiveness (heating and air conditioning) of the three meeting options requested would be Sunday, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm. They will be notified of this. There is no charge for their meetings, but we will let them know that donations are appreciated and information about our church and its new permanent pastor.

NEW BUSINESS

Vicar Ethan: Official start date – Monday, October 10th (office hours will be on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at this time.) First Sunday, October 16th. Insurance coverage start date October 10th for family coverage.
Discussion with Living Word Lutheran Church council: on sharing a pastor. Our council’s executive team (Rich, Jack, Gail) met with their council’s executive team on Friday, 9/30/22. Pastor Sarah Aasheim and Vicar Ethan were also present. Talks are continuing and we will also look at options for sharing a pastor with other congregations to see if this is doable and equitable for all parties concerned.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 7pm.

November Mustard Seed 2022 - A Word from our Pastor

11/2/2022

If there is one thing you all should know about me, it is that I love fantasy and science-fiction. I am particularly very passionate about Star Trek and the works of Tolkien (i.e. Lord of the Rings, the Hobbit, etc.) On September 1, 2022, Amazon video released the highly anticipated Middle Earth TV series called The Lord of Rings: The Rings of Power. This series is set in the second age prior to the happenings that take place in The Lord of the Rings. There is one storyline that I want to comment on from this series. In the series, there is a group of “small folks” called the Harfoots, the ancestors of the Shire dwelling Hobbits. The Harfoots are a semi-nomadic people who migrate throughout Middle Earth. One of Harfoots, Poppy Proudfellow, shares a walking song that she had learned from her late mother. The lyrics of this song are provided below.

The sun is fast fallin' Beneath trees of stone,
The light in the tower, No longer my home,
Passed eyes of pale fire- Black sand for my bed,
I trade all I've known for the unknown ahead.

Call to me, call to me, lands far away!
For I must now wander, this wandering day,
Away I must wander, this wandering day.
Of drink I have little And food I have less,
My strength tells me no, But the path demands yes.

My legs are so short and the way is so long,
I've no rest nor comfort, No comfort but song.

Sing to me, sing to me, lands far away!
Oh rise up and guide me this wandering day,
Please promise to find me this wandering day.
At last comes their answer,
Through cold and through frost,
That not all who wonder or wander are lost,
No matter the sorrow,
No matter the cost,
That not all who wonder or wander are lost.

This song is simple yet beautiful. It’s about leaving home for the call of “lands far away.” And while Harfoots know that the journey will be difficult, it’s one they walk because they have faith that the destination will make their wandering worth it. It is a song that brings hope for the future. The Harfoots may not know where their wandering will land them, but they know that they must answer the call of the “lands for away.” This plot point reminds me of the Exodus story. The Hebrew people with God’s guidance escaped the oppression of Pharaoh in Egypt and wandered in the desert for 40 years looking for the land promised to them. The Hebrew people faced much hardship as they wandered. They lacked provisions. They were tempted by idols. However, God was with them throughout it all. He provided water when they were thirsty. Gave them manna from heaven when they were hungry. The path was tough and many grumbled but the Israelite continued on. God promised them a land of their own, and there was hope.

They were never actually lost because God was with them. There are many times that we too feel like we are wandering. Things can be rough. However, let us remember God’s promise. The promise made to us in the death and resurrection of Christ. God promises to be in relationship with us, to be present in our lives. As we continue towards the end of the year and to Advent, remember Emmanuel, God is with us. We may wander in our lives and in our faith, but we are never lost. God will guide us as we follow the call, Amen.

--- Vicar Ethan Doan

October Mustard Seed 2022 - A Word from our Pastor

10/1/2022

For this reason, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Do not be ashamed, then, of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel, relying on the power of God, who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace. This grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. For this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher, and for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted to him. Hold to the standard of sound teaching that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Guard the good treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit living in us.” 2 Timothy 1:6-14

As the leaves begin to turn color and fall and the days grow shorter and cooler we may reflect on the seasons of our own lives, especially those of us in our autumn years. St. Paul was reflecting on his life and legacy from a prison cell when he wrote his second letter as an older mentor to his younger partner in ministry, Timothy. We’ll be reading this second letter to Timothy in our Sunday worship this October. Paul writes to encourage Timothy in his faith and ministry, reminding him to “rekindle” God’s spirit of power, love, and self-discipline that Paul passed on to him through the laying on of hands. This wasn’t a transfer of magical powers but sharing the gift of God’s spirit the way we still do when we baptize children, confirm young people, and ordain new pastors. Paul warns that following the way of Jesus will not be easy, comfortable, or profitable. It may involve suffering. But we need not be afraid or ashamed, for our Savior Christ Jesus has abolished death and brought new life to light in our dark and dangerous world. Jesus has done all this through the gospel he lived and taught and gave us by his grace as a gift.

On October 30 we’ll celebrate Reformation Sunday and the particular gifts we offer the church and the world as Lutherans. “Lutheran” was originally a derogatory name, just like “Christian” was first used as a slur. Martin Luther didn’t invent a new church to be named after him. He called his followers “evangelicals”, as Lutherans are still called in Germany. Evangelical, comes from the original Greek word meaning gospel or good news. Following the teaching of St. Paul, our Lutheran faith is focused on sharing the gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, given to all of us and all the world by God’s grace as a free and undeserved gift.

Like St. Paul, Timothy, Martin Luther and all who have followed the way of Jesus, we too have been made heralds to proclaim this good news, apostles sent to share this gospel and teachers to guide others by our loving example. This is not an obligation laid on us, but a gift given to us by God’s grace shown in Jesus Christ, for us to share as freely and generously as God has given the gift of the gospel to us. This month remember the gift of the gospel Jesus gives us and share it with grace.

Hoping to see you every Sunday.    Pastor Bruce +

October 2022 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

10/1/2022

Council Notes September 7, 2002

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Devotions were led by Linda Kratz. Minutes of the August regular council meeting were approved as written.
Treasurer’s Report: Council reviewed the August 2022 treasurer’s report. With year-to-date income at $74,432.32 (68%) and operating expenses at $64,345.06 (41%) we have a $10.087.26 surplus at the end of August 2022. After some discussion about the Food Basket money (which is money donated to Manna on Main Street) all members voted to approve the August 2022 Treasurer’s Report.
President’s Report: Pastor Bruce is our Bridge Pastor until end of September 2022, and we will revisit extending this agreement if necessary. Still waiting on Synod office for preaching date for Vicar Ethan Doan. Rich talked to Pastor Sarah about meeting with Living Word Lutheran Church in Roslyn, Pa, regarding sharing a Pastor. It was suggested to Pastor Sarah to have the Council Executive Team represent council after Rich pointed how difficult it is to have 9 people present all at the same time. We are the calling church with compensating a pastor for 3/4 time and Living Word would compensate for the Pastor 1/4 time. Rich recommended that both churches should have Sunday worship service at the same time and as the calling church we would have the Pastor in person 3/4 Sundays zooming to Living Word’s congregation and Living Word would have the Pastor in person the fourth Sunday zooming to Faith Lutheran’s congregation. The exact details will be worked out and approved by each council.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bruce Davis said that he is happy to stay as our Bridge Pastor as long as we need him. Council thanked him for his service, and his offer to stay on if it becomes necessary.

Ministry Team Reports:

* Call Committee: Gail Achilles, Call Committee Chair, reported that we are waiting on a date from the Synod for the congregational meeting. Sent compensation package (signed by Vicar Ethan on 8-22-22 and Council President Rich Hollenbach and Council Secretary Gail Achilles on 8-21-22) to Synod for their approval and coordination of date for Vicar Ethan to preach and for the congregational meeting

Christian Education: Gail Achilles reported that Melissa Prunkel is stepping down as Co-Chair of Christian Education. Church Council expressed its appreciation of Missy’s past five years servicing this Ministry.

Sunday School: Before Sep 11, 2022, Sunday Worship Services, after announcements, the Sunday school children will come forward and present a cheer with a “Rally Around Our Jesus” poem; last verse read by the entire congregation. Then, there will be an installation of the Christian Education Team including Sunday School Teachers Nancy Gansner, Anna Friedrich, and Gail Achilles, and substitute teachers Anita Halpern and assistant teacher, Leigh Ann Foster. After worship service, we will enjoy waffles, fruit, and ice cream sundaes in the Fellowship Hall. Our Sunday school lessons for ages 3 to 11 will officially begin at 9:45 am to 10:25 am, September 18 through May 21. The children ages 6 to 11 will join their families for 10:30 am worship service and the children ages 3 to 5 are welcome to join Miss Gail or a teacher substitute in the Nursery Room during service.
Monday Night Small Group will be meeting for dinner on September 19 to discuss and choose our first course of study. We will meet thereafter each Monday from 7 pm to 9 pm via zoom starting Sep 26 through May 22 (with the exception of some Mondays near Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.)
Men’s Group has a once-a-month social fellowship dinner meeting.
There is no Adult Forum at the present time..

Communications: Sign – quotations updates: Jack Walls will update this Sunday, September 11, 2022. He will set up a date with Rich sometime this coming week to make a promotional video message. Jack will meet with Janet Hill regarding any web site updates.

Finance: - Janet Hill has sent out and received back the Preliminary Budget Worksheets from the Ministry Teams at Faith. The Finance Team will be meeting on Thursday, September 15th at 7:00PM to put together a preliminary budget. The Preliminary Budget/ Pledge Packets will be available to the congregation on Sunday, September 25 and Treasurer Deb Hollenbach would like to do a Temple Talk on that day to introduce the packets to the congregation. Commitment Sunday has been scheduled for Sunday, October 16th. Sharon Hood reported that the audit is scheduled for September 17, 2022, from 9am to 1pm.

Fundraising: Linda Kratz reported that the money raised at the Ice Cream Sundae Fundraiser on August 12, 2022, is to be advised. There was a scrapbooking proposal from Emily Gallo for 1 to 4 scrapbooking events in 2023. All council members approved Emily’s Scrapbooking proposal.
Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk reported that the Coffee Hour Sponsor list has been updated. There will be football type snacks on cookie can sale day and there will be no coffee hour on Christmas Day since it falls on a Sunday this year. Anne also reported that she will donate this year’s Christmas tree and that it needs to be tagged by November.
Mutual Ministry: Will meet with staff in September.
Property Team: AC Unit Repair $2434.12: Rich stated to Vince Hill to send this invoice to Finance Team and then it will go to Special Funds for payment from a chosen fund. Melissa reported to Vince that the Morgan Street side parking lot has a pothole to be filled. Vince said that he would see that it gets repaired.
Social Ministry: Sharon Hood reported that September’s social ministry project is collecting snacks for Manna. Sharon also reported that the Operation Kid to Kid raised $337.00 to purchase necessary school supplies for Native American Children.
Special Funds: Rich reported that special funds will get the AC Unit Repair invoice of $2434.12 from Finance and coordinate approval.
Stewardship: Jack will make an announcement on 9/18 to the congregation.
Transportation: Linda Kratz reported that Wawa food deliveries have resumed.
Worship & Music: Choir will resume in September, practice Tuesday nights at 7pm.

OLD BUSINESS

New Copier – Rich reported that we will be getting an upgraded model.
Coffee Hour sponsors are listed in the bulletin each week.
Parking Request: Rich reminded Vince that he needs to present the amended copy of our current agreement with Pinetree Ridge Condominium Association regarding their parking request and send it to council for our approval.

NEW BUSINESS

Wooden Nativity Set: On behalf of the Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Congregation, council will send out a thank you note immediately for this very kind and thoughtful donation. Linda suggested and council agreed that after it is set up for the Christmas holiday that we take a picture of it to send to the donor.
Position descriptions: Council reviewed the position description of the church Admin/Secretary. All council members voted in favor of approving the secretary job description.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at 7:00 PM. Will be a hybrid meeting. Devotions will be led by Melissa.

October 2022 Mustard Seed - Announcements

10/1/2022

FAITH NOTES...

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!

Although our HELPSY bin was removed there are two other bins in our area! We were happy to have to have a bin that accepted clothing and shoes in any condition. If you would like to still donate, the two closest bins are at the Doylestown YMCA, 2500 Lower State Road in Doylestown or at the Maple Glen Exxon, 450 Limekiln Pike in Maple Glen.

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

Hatfield Flowers and Gifts ((215) 822-1530) provides Faith with two lovely flower arrangements to adorn our sanctuary.
          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.

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.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Fall Scrapbook Fundraiser for Faith Lutheran Church Friday, October 14, 2022, 9:00am–10:00pm and Saturday, October 15, 2022, 9:00am-6:00pm $65 for both days or $35 for one day. Please join us for another fun scrapbook event – 2 days of scrapbook time, lunch and dinner on Friday and baked potato bar for lunch on Saturday. You get your own 8-foot table so you can spread out and bring lots of supplies and tools. Deb Hollenbach will be providing an assortment of Creative Memories products for sale. If you would like to order an album or a specific item, please let her know by September 30. There will be 12 x 12 pages, protectors, tape runners, paper packets, embellishments, stickers and more! Check www.creativememories.com to see all products. Contact Chris Jones and Debbie Hollenbach for more information.

For our Fundraiser at Sundae World on Friday, August 12, 2022 we raised $108.76. We received 15% of the sales to those who mentioned Faith Lutheran Church. A delicious fundraiser! Thank you to all who bought ice cream!

WAWA Food is back! We are again receiving 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.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
Sunday School: Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church new Sunday School hours will be 9:45 am to 10:25 am starting on Sunday, September 18, 2022.

At the conclusion of Sunday School, children ages 6 to 11 will return to attend 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 Worship Service.

This new time will benefit 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

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 reading, studying, and discussing the book, "Messy People - life lessons from imperfect bible heroes," by Jennifer Cowart. It is a six-week study which we will read the first session on Rahab and be ready for our first discussion on Oct 3 from 7 pm to 9 pm. We will finish this study with the sixth session on Daniel, Monday, Nov 14 (we will not be meeting on Halloween, October 31.) If you would like to grow in your relationship with Jesus and fortify your Faith in fellowship, and this book sounds interesting to you, please join us.
    Just order the book, get started and join us on October 3.
Your Sister in Christ, Gail Achilles, Christian Education Chair

We will be having a Wawa Hoagie Sale on Sunday, October 9, 2022. It is also a Fundraiser!

The 6-inch hoagies are $6 and the 10-inch hoagies are $8. Order forms are available at church.

Orders need to be in by Sunday, October 2, 2022.

Update on our August Social Ministry Project
For the Operation-Kid-to-Kid project to provide notebooks, pencils, backpacks, and paper for kids on Native American reservations we raised $337. With this project, $1 will help supply a child with the school tools needed for a whole school year! All donations will be sent directly to World Vision, who will purchase and then distribute the school supplies to select reservations. Thank you so much for your generosity!

SOCIAL MINISTRY Lord, when did we see you...?

Here’s the 2022 Social Ministry Calendar. Please be encouraged to participate in those projects which touch your heart! Please contact Sharon Hood or Debbie Hollenbach if you’d like to join this ministry!

   October   Code Blue - Socks, Mittens, Gloves, Scarves
   November Thanksgiving Food Items for Manna
   December Angel Tree Grocery Cards
                     Martin Luther School under Gemma Services

Code Blue - Helping the Homeless in our Community when it gets cold at night!
The Code Blue Shelter is located at Trinity Lutheran Church (Luther Hall), 1000 W. Main St., Lansdale, PA 19446. The shelter is open when the shelter organizers call a Code Blue.
Located at the corner of Welsh Road and Valley Forge Road, Trinity provides a warm shelter, refreshments, and company for those in need on nights declared as a “Code Blue.” Code Blue declarations occur when the outside air temperature falls below 30°.   Those with questions, comments or concerns can contact Mark Lanan at codeblue@trinitylansdale.com or follow “Code Blue Shelter – Lansdale PA” on Facebook.
    Faith will be collecting socks, mittens, gloves and scarves. Please put your donations in the purple bin under the coat rack in the Narthex hallway. For more information see Mary Lou Foster.
    Thank you for supporting this ministry in our community!

The Lunch Bunch group is starting up again with a new name and new facilitator. The group will now be called the “Golden Girls of Faith” (Golden Men are welcome too!) They will be meeting once a month for lunch, fellowship and prayer at a local restaurant.

They will meet the first Wednesday of the month and will be starting on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

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

Announcement!

THE CHOIR IS BACK!

We are always looking for fresh faces and happy voices to lift their praise to the Lord on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings. Practices will be on Tuesdays at 7PM in the choir room (next to the kitchen.) If you have any questions, please see Laura Cooper, Music Director.  😊

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

A note from Carol Taylor:
Dear Church Family,
Update on John, Jr. He is having dialysis 3 times a week at a clinic. He was having problems with the equipment he was using for home dialysis. John is working from home and is able to go places to see family. It’s great to see him getting out of the house. He isn’t on a transplant list at this time but might be in the future.   Many thanks from Johnny, Kathy, John and I for all your prayers. They are working.    Thanks, Carol

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."

Coffee Hour after Worship on Sundays at Faith

10/2 Property Team (Tacos) – Vincent Hill
10/9 Hoagie Sale/Coffee Hour-Beth Schoening
10/16 Congregation Coffee Hour
10/23 Social Ministry-Sharon Hood/Debbie Hollenbach
10/30 Octoberfest-Pumpkin/German Themed - Congregation

    Thank you to all those that pitch in to set up and clean up the kitchen on Sundays!

September 2022 Mustard Seed - Announcements

8/31/2022

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

At Monumental VBS, which was held August 8 – 12, 2022, we learned that God loves us no matter what; God is with us wherever we go; God is in charge; God is stronger than anything and that God’s love is surprising! We have nothing to fear!

This year we had 26 children, 13 youth volunteers and 16 adult volunteers.
We thank you all for blessing us with your presence this week!

We especially thank Gail Achilles for her enthusiasm, her tenacity in recruiting volunteers and for sharing her love of God with us all. We would not have had a Vacation Bible School this year with Gail.
Thank you!

Monday Night Bible Study will be starting up on Monday, September 19, 2022 at 7pm. This first night they will be meeting at a local restaurant to decide on a topic to study. In the future weeks they will continue to meet on zoom. For more information, please see Gail Achilles. All are welcome!

Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church Christian Education Program
Rally Day

You are invited to Rally Day
at Faith Lutheran Church

We will kickstart our Christian education Program at
10:30 am Worship service on Sunday, September 11
Followed by Waffles and an Ice Cream Bar in the
Fellowship Hall
Our Christian Education program for ages 3 to 11 will begin the following Sunday, September 18, 2022
Our teachers are Nancy Gansner, Anna Friedrich, and Gail Achilles
Classes are held during Worship Service in the Church’s Sunday School Room
The children will leave worship service after the Pastor-led children’s sermon and return to worship service before the rite of Holy Communion, and after reflection the teachers will lead the children back to Sunday School until service is over and at that time the children will meet their parents at Fellowship Hall.
Please call the Church office 215-368-0240 or email faithmont@verizon.net to register your child for Sunday School.
Any questions or comments, contact Gail Achilles, Christian Education Co-Chair by text 267-664-3328 or by email gin4ny@aol.com.
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.

************
The Lunch Bunch group is starting up again with a new name and new facilitator. The group will now be called the “Golden Girls of Faith” (Golden Men are welcome too!) They will be meeting once a month for lunch, fellowship and prayer at a local restaurant.

They will meet the first Wednesday of the month and will be starting on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

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

************
Announcement! Announcement!
THE CHOIR IS BACK!
I am so pleased to announce that starting in September, we will be reconvening the choir!!! Unfortunately, in our two-year lapse, we have lost a lot of members. We are looking for fresh faces and happy voices to lift their praise to the Lord on Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings. Practices will begin Tuesday, September 13th at 7PM in the choir room (next to the kitchen.) If you have any questions, please drop me an email at lacoop2002@yahoo.com or a call at 267-421-9351 and I will be more than happy to convince you why you should join the choir.

Love in Christ, Laura
Laura Cooper, Music Director

************
SOCIAL MINISTRY
Lord, when did we see you...?

Here’s the 2022 Social Ministry Calendar. Please be encouraged to participate in those projects which touch your heart! Please contact Sharon Hood or Debbie Hollenbach if you’d like to join this ministry!

September After School Snacks for Manna
   October     Code Blue - Socks, Mittens, Gloves, Scarfs
   November Thanksgiving Food Items for Manna
   December Angel Tree Grocery Cards
                     Martin Luther School under Gemma Services

SHARING “AFTER SCHOOL” SNACKS - MANNA, LANSDALE During the month of September, your Social Ministry Team is asking for your donations of “After School” snacks for these less fortunate children.

Manna has suggested healthy granola bars. These might include Nature Valley, Bel Vita, etc. These need to be individually wrapped.

Please place them in the Barney bin under the coat rack.

Your continued support of our on-going projects is greatly appreciated.
                   In Christ, Sharon Hood, (215) 822-2579

1 Timothy: 6:18 (Paul’s Final Instructions) Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need; always be ready to share with others.

************
WAWA Food is back! After over 8 months we are again receiving 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.

************
Unfortunately our HELPSY bin was removed! The representative from the company tells us that they are expanding into the Mid-West and needed to free up 300 bins. Apparently even though we filled the bin it wasn’t as much as other locations, so Faith’s bin was one of the 300 removed. We are sad to see it go as it not only provided $600 a year for the church but it was good for the environment in that they accepted clothing and shoes in any condition.

************
Hatfield Flowers and Gifts ((215) 822-1530) provides Faith with two lovely flower arrangements to adorn our sanctuary.
          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.

************
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.

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

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

************
Coffee Hour after Worship on Sundays at Faith
9/4 Congregation Labor Day Coffee Hour
9/11 Rally Day – Waffles and Ice Cream
9/18 Congregation Coffee Hour
9/25 Christian Education – Melissa Prunkel

    Thank you to all those that pitch in to set up and clean up the kitchen on Sundays!

************

Amazon Smiles on Faith Lutheran Church!
Another great fund-raiser for Faith Lutheran Church that will cost you nothing (and help us a whole lot, we hope). Many of you have already heard of Amazon Smile. Whenever you purchase something from Amazon Smile, be sure to have Faith Lutheran Church set up as your charity of choice. The church will then receive a portion of the value of your order at no cost to you. (Since we began this fundraiser in October of 2020, we’ve made $20.20 in 2020 and $44.44 in 2021.   Thank you!) Here is a direct link so that the charitable proceeds come to Faith: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-1675520

************
If you shop at Redner’s, please save your receipts. Anna Friedrich turns them in and the church receives a monetary donation from Redner’s. All you need to do is either bring your receipts to church or call Janet at the church office and someone will come and pick them up. Thank you to those who bring in their receipts and to Anna who does the paperwork to receive this donation!

September 2022 Mustard Seed - Council Notes

8/31/2022

Council Notes August 3,2022

Council was called to order by President Rich Hollenbach. Anne Hutnyk led devotions. Minutes of the June regular council meeting were approved as written.

Treasurer’s Report: Council reviewed the June and July 2022 treasurer’s reports. With year-to-date income at $66,160.11 (61%) and operating expenses at $57,530.04 (37%) we have a $8,630.07 surplus at the end of July 2022. Denise Bailey, Treasurer, reported that net revenue for June was a deficit of $1,200 and some change (Rich remarked that Property insurance of $1,785 was paid out in June adding impacting the deficit) but that we were back in the black for July’s net revenue. All members voted to approve the June 2022 and July 2022 Treasurer’s Reports.

President’s Report: Rich reported that Pastor Bruce’s contract as our Supply Pastor has been extended through September 2022. Rich also reported that he and Gail had a meeting with our Dean, Pastor Sarah on Tuesday, August 2, to discuss the compensation packages for Vicar Ethan Doan, our Pastoral Candidate.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Bruce Davis said that he was grateful to have had this time with Faith Lutheran Church and was happy for the extension through September 2022. He also remarked that he would be presiding over a dedication for VBS this Sunday, August 7. He stated that he was happy to have had the time off last weekend to have family time to celebrate his 70th birthday.

Ministry Team Reports:

* Call Committee: On June 2, 2022, the Call Committee received the Rostered Minister Profile (RMP) for Vicar Ethan Doan from Pastor Sarah Aasheim, Dean, Lower Montgomery Conference, Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod, ELCA. Since that date and after reviewing Vicar Ethan Doan’s RMP, the call committee had two (three-hour) interviews one on June 7 and then one on June 22 with Vicar Ethan. After much prayer and discernment, the Call Committee unanimously voted on July 12 to move Pastor Candidate, Vicar Ethan Doan, forward to meet with Church Council. Some of the reasons included that during the time spent with Vicar Ethan, we found his candor and his openness to share and his ability to listen and respond with heartfelt, Jesus-inspired answers and comments very appealing and informative of the kind of Pastor he could and would be. We were also impressed that he asked us some very good questions and, in our back, and forth conversations we could tell that he took the time to get to know us and had read our Ministry Site Profile (MSP) previously. We also enjoyed his sermons and were spiritually fed. Vicar Ethan’s willingness to meet all members of our congregation where we are at with Jesus’ love and understanding, and with respect and dignity, made a big impression on making this decision. He accepted that same day to continue in the process with Faith Lutheran Church. Vicar Ethan Doan met with Church Council on July 27, 2022, and after questions were asked and answered and much conversation, Council voted 8 to 1 to move forward with Vicar Ethan Doan. Vicar Ethan Doan accepted to take the next steps forward to hopefully become Pastor of Faith Lutheran Church. Gail Achilles, Call Committee Chair.

Christian Education: Vacation Bible School 2022 Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness (Aug 8 through 12; 9 am to 12 noon). On Sunday, August 7, at the beginning of Worship Service (9:30 am), Pastor Davis will preside over a dedication for our upcoming VBS by joining forces under God of our Volunteers, our Congregation, and the children of our church and in the community, and the service that Jesus, our most Holy Teacher and Servant, calls us to do. We have approximately 30 children enrolled and about 27 volunteers. Thank you for your support!!!

Rally Day will be Sunday, September 11, 2022.  Before September, Missy and Gail will send an email to parents of children ages 3 to 11 to inform them of Rally Day and registering for Sunday School.

Sunday Bible School will start the following Sunday, September 18 during 10:30 worship service after “Children’s Sermon.”  Sunday School Teachers include Anna Friedrich, Nancy Gansner, Anita Halpern when needed, and Gail Achilles.
We have decided to end Wednesday Whirl Bible School on zoom.  Since we have a staff of teachers on board in person for Sunday Bible School, there is no longer a need to offer Wednesday Whirl Bible School on zoom.  We praise God that we could offer these virtual lessons for the past two years.
Monday Night Small Group will reconvene on September 19 to discuss what we would like to study.  New members are always welcome!

Catechetics:  Missy and Gail will be forming a letter to email out to all members of our congregation with children to get the names of those who need instruction for communion and confirmation.  We would like to get catechetics started this fall.

Communications: Jack Walls reported that there have been no updates to our website. He proposed that Rich Hollenbach, Council President, and himself make a video statement before Rally Day to reach out to non-attending members and update them on church happenings. Jack plans to make direct calls to congregational members as well. He will also communicate in all church media that Faith Lutheran Church will be returning to a 10:30 am Worship Service starting on September 4.

Sign – quotations: Jack will have the sign updated by this September, and then change it periodically.

Finance: The Finance Team did not meet this month, but these are the updates. In June of 2022, Giant stopped accepting checks to pay for the Giant Gift Cards that we sell for Fundraising. They will only accept on-line orders that are paid for via credit card. The Fundraising Team has a dedicated account and it is desirable to keep an easy and clean audit trail. Janet Hill applied for and received a debit card from Univest for the Fundraising Account. This will be used to purchase the Giant Gift cards. It will be kept in the safe. Reminder that the Audit Team needs to review our 2021 books. Sharon Hood will be overseeing the 2022 audit this September.

Fundraising: Besides scrapbooking, people need to plan and run with the ideas for fundraising. Vince Hill reported that Dale Foster texted about having an ice cream social on a Saturday afternoon. If we did this some members suggested having a donation jar available. Also, God willing, if we make it to the meet and greet stage for our pastor candidate Vicar Ethan Doan, Missy suggested we have a congregational hoagie sale and take orders prior to the meet and greet and delivery date of hoagies would be the date of the meet and greet. Rich, once he gets a date confirmed will communicate it so the events can be planned.
Hospitality/Fellowship: Anne Hutnyk suggested that during announcements before Sunday worship service, we should announce who is on the list for providing the food for the next Sunday’s fellowship. Anne to coordinate with Janet on this addition to announcements. (Note: food donors for the present week as well as the following week are already listed in the bulletin. Perhaps we should all read the bulletin.)
Mutual Ministry: Will meet with staff in September.
Property Team: Vince Hill reported that they sold 13 SRECs from solar panels for a total of $525.00 which was put in the General Fund.
Social Ministry: Sharon Hood reported that June’s social ministry was collecting Men’s personal items; July was our Sabbath month and August’s social ministry is this year’s VBS Monumental fundraiser “Operation Kid to Kid” to collect funds for Native American children to purchase school supplies. Missy will make an announcement about August social ministry this Sunday, August 7.
Transportation: Linda Kratz reported that Wawa food deliveries have resumed.
Worship & Music: Pastor Bruce agreement through September 2022; Choir will resume in September; Worship Service will move back to 10:30am starting September 4th.

OLD BUSINESS New Copier – Rich reported that the new copier is coming and will be delivered when it comes into the vendor.

NEW BUSINESS

Parking Request: Council had much discussion on a recent request from the Pinetree Ridge Condominium Association to have parking spaces for commercial vehicles. Pinetree already has a standing agreement with Faith Lutheran Church to register resident’s vehicles to assigned parking spots in the back of our parking lot. Council could not agree to commercial vehicles citing that it may take up too many spaces and open to other community requests to park RVs and such. Vince proposed that he will make an amended copy of our current agreement and send it to council for our approval.
Position descriptions: Council voted on the updated position descriptions for the Music Director and Sexton. All council members voted in favor of the updated position descriptions for Music Director and Sexton.
Proposal for Holiday Bazaar: Beth Schoening requested to have the holiday bazaar this year. She has some volunteers lined up. After much discussion, Council felt that our priority is with calling a new pastor and the associated events is enough for the fall and made a counter proposal of a tentative approval for a one-day Spring Fling event in April or May of 2023. Before final approval is given, a complete plan from start to finish and who will be running it must be presented to council by January 2023.

Next Meeting: Wednesday, September 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM. Will be a hybrid meeting. Devotions will be led by Linda.

September Mustard Seed 2022 - A Word from our Pastor

8/31/2022

St. Paul writes: “I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:12-17

This September we return from vacations and our Sunday worship returns to 10:30 am to begin a new school year and a new program year together at Faith Church. You also continue your search for a new pastor to lead you in your lives in faith. This is a good time to ask yourself a question posed every morning when you look in the mirror, “who are you?” and more importantly, “whose are you?”

This is the question St. Paul asks in writing the first of two letters to Timothy, his younger partner in ministry. Paul poses the question to Timothy by remembering who he was before the voice of the Risen Jesus stopped him and spoke to him on the road to Damascus. Paul recalls he was “a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a man of violence” who had “had acted ignorantly in unbelief.” Paul once thought he was doing God’s will by persecuting Christians. While Paul thought he could save himself by persecuting others he had no need for Jesus. When he finally saw himself as a sinner too, he realized    “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,” just like him. Until we see ourselves as sinners, who have separated ourselves from God and from others, we have no need for Jesus to save us.

When Pope Francis was elected in 2013 a reporter asked him who he was and his first response was, “I am a sinner.” We face ourselves as sinners every Sunday when we begin our worship with the confession and forgiveness of our sins. Jesus offers himself to us in Holy Communion saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, shed for you and for all people for the forgiveness of sin.” On our own we are lost and lonely sinners but thanks to the grace, mercy, and patient love of Jesus Christ, like Paul and Timothy before us, we are made part of a new creation and members of his living body, the church. So, Paul can begin this portion of his letter to Timothy writing, “I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because he judged me faithful and appointed me to his service.” in spite of his past sins. So, we can be grateful to our Lord Jesus Christ who strengthens us, judges us faithful and calls us to his service. We are not just sinners, but beloved children of God called to serve others.

While I was learning to preach at seminary in Philadelphia, I also learned to pray on retreats to Mount Saviour Monastery outside of Elmira NY. It became my spiritual home where I still retreat to pray. They are a small Benedictine community that welcomes everyone, even Lutherans, to share in their work as shepherds and in their discipline of praying the Psalms seven times each day. One of their brothers, David Steindl-Rast has a Ph.D. in psychology from Cornell. He delivered a Ted Talk that got millions of views online and created a website: gratefulness.org, based on his simple observation. People are not grateful because they are happy but are happy because they are grateful. People who are grateful for all that God has given them are more likely to be happy even in difficult circumstances.

I am grateful to continue serving as your Bridge Pastor & this September, I encourage you to be grateful like St. Paul, for sharing in the grace, mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ who calls us into the service of God and our neighbors.

Hoping to see you every Sunday.

                                Pastor Bruce +

August 2022 Mustard Seed - Notes from the Council Secretary

8/17/2022

Hello Church Family, This month we will be sharing the Word of God at Vacation Bible School with the children in our church and our community the week of August 8 through 12. Please pray along with me:
Oh, Almighty Creator, we pray for our Congregation, our volunteers and the children attending this year’s Vacation Bible School and their families and friends to grow in a stronger, deeper, and closer relationship with you. With your spiritual guidance, help us serve you, glorify you, and walk in Your righteous path that you so graciously and lovingly provide us. We love you Lord and thank you for Your “Monumental” presence and love. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!

God’s Rainbow of Love
(written by Gail Achilles, 1-21-21)
How Glorious is the World You made;
The order and the care You gave.
The sky, the sun, the moon, the stars,
The Mountains, valleys, near and far.
The oceans and rivers filled with living creatures.
Animals of every kind;
Plants, trees, flowers,
Beauty all around.
You gave us all the things we need to
Live a life that could succeed.
Not with riches, gold, and silver,
But with Love that flows
Like an endless river.
Your forever love is the greatest
Gift You gave us
To have for ourselves and one another.
The beautiful rainbow across the sky is the reminder
Of Your promise for all to live in Your love
And spread it near and far, below and above.
God’s Rainbow of Love is all we need to
Live in peace and harmony!
Praise you Lord for the Greatest Gift of all: Your Love!

Your Sister in Christ, Gail
Gail Achilles, Call Committee Chair and Council Secretary

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