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Faith Mustard Seed
​Monthly Newsletter

May 2022 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Hello Church Family, This month, there are two messages I would like to share.  First, honoring our Mother’s (Happy Mother’s day to my mom Mabel Klumpp, I love you!) 
    A prayer for Mothers:  God created you with all His unconditional love.  He gave you free will to choose your own path or the righteous path from Him above.  So bless and protect Mothers Lord who live according to the Holy Spirit within their heart and soul, and God’s love and blessings to Mothers lost that they find the path of righteousness to live according to this most highly given role.  Moms, Happy Mother’s Day and God Bless!  
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, April 6, and discussed:
  • Update on New Pastor
  • ​Christian Education
  • ​and more committee reports...
Read the Notes

Announcements

See the updates about:
  • Bible Studies
  • May Social Ministry Project
  • National Day of Prayer
Read the Announcements

A Word from the Pastor

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time that Jesus appeared to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.  St. John 21:12-14 
 
Christ is Risen! Christ is Risen indeed! Alleluia!  This is our Easter confession and proclamation through the month of May. Because on the church calendar Easter is not just one day but a whole season that extends for seven weeks. 
Read the Full Letter

April 2022 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Hello Church Family, As we go through the Lenten Season, Holy Week, and culminating with Easter/Resurrection Sunday, our thoughts are on many of God’s promises to us John 3:16 (NIV) in particular:  16”For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”  ​...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, March 16, and discussed:
  • Update on New Pastor
  • ​Christian Education
  • ​and more committee reports...
Read the Notes

Announcements

See the updates about:
  • Bible Studies
  • April Social Ministry Project
  • Spring Workday
Read the Announcements

March 2022 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Hello Church Family:  For my message for March, I want to talk about Ash Wednesday.  Growing up Catholic, we received ashes every year on Ash Wednesday, but I never understood or even questioned the reason behind it...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, February 2, and discussed:
  • Call Committee Update
  • ​Annual Meeting Planning
  • ​and more...
Read the Notes

Announcements

See the updates about:
  • Bible Studies
  • March Social Ministry Project
  • Volunteers Needed
Read the Announcements

February 2022 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Hello Church Family, this month is a month that we have a special day known as Valentine’s Day to celebrate love, so I wish you have a Happy Valentine’s Day!  It is important to remember, however, that God teaches us that we should love everyone all the time. ​..
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, January 5, and discussed:
  • Call Committee Update
  • ​Annual Meeting Planning
  • ​and more...
Read the Notes

Announcements

See the updates about:
  • Bible Studies
  • February Social Ministry Project
  • Volunteers Needed
Read the Announcements

January 2022 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Okay, many of us have resolutions this time of year. Maybe to lose weight, start exercising, drink less alcohol, be more positive-stop thinking I am not good enough-I am too weak-people annoy me in general, be less angry, be more patient, be more kind.  These are all good ideals to strive for a healthier body and mind, but what about our heart and soul.  Our spiritual health....
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, December 1, and discussed:
  • 2022 Budget
  • ​Ministry Team Reports
  • Call Committee Update
  • ​and more...
Read the Notes

Announcements

See the updates about:
  • Bible Studies
  • Social Ministry projects for the year
Read the Announcements

December 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Merry Christmas Church Family and all Christians in Our Creator God’s World!  These words were written at Christmas time, 8 years ago, and I still believe that they apply today since they were inspired by God’s Word in the Book of John, Chapter 3, verses 16 – 21...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 to discuss:
​- New Pastor Call update
- 2022 Budget Review
- Christian Ed updates
..and more!
Read the Notes

Announcements

See the updates about:
  • Christmas Cookie Can Sales
  • Christmas Cantata & Hanging of the Greens Service
  • Martin Luther school Christmas gifts
  • VBS 2022
...and more!
Read the Announcements

November 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Happy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy this scripture acrostic to celebrate the season of Thanksgiving...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 to discuss:
​- Budget for new pastor
- Finances update
- New members
- and more!
Read the Notes

Announcements

Lots going on this fall!
  • Fall Bible Studies
  • Martin Luther school Christmas gifts
  • Christian Education
Read the Announcements

October 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Happy October Church Family,!
​When I first read the Bible from beginning to end three years ago with my Sisters in Christ in Monday night Bible study, I was enthralled by the book of Psalms...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 to discuss:
​- Call Committee Updates
- Christian Education Update
- New Korean Church building use
- and more!

Read the Notes

Announcements

Lots going on this fall!
  • Adult Forum picks up again
  • Monday Night Bible Study
  • Finance Committee News
  • Sunday School updates
  • ​Social Ministry for the month
Read the Announcements

September 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

As we enter September for me it always seems like a new beginning.  A fresh start.  A renewal of sorts.  I can remember on Pentecost Sunday 7 years ago when my husband Ernie and I became members of Faith Lutheran Church...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 to discuss:
​- Christian Education in the fall
- New Korean Church Request
​- Updates to Health Restrictions & Guidelines

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Bible Studies this fall!
  • How to support Haiti
  • Upcoming Blood Drive
  • ​Altar Flowers
Read the Announcements

August 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Hello Church Family, Hope you are enjoying a lovely summer!
​
Please enjoy this poem inspired by The Word of God, Psalm 147:4
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council called a special meeting on July 11, 2021 to discuss:
​- Duct work repairs
​- Fire Inspection
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Restrictions lifting
  • Social Ministry Project for the month
  • Interested in a retreat?
  • ​...and more!
Read the Announcements

July 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Council Secretary

Hello Faith Family, I am Gail Achilles, staying connected to you through the Word of God!  To all Americans, I hope you have a spectacular Fourth of July celebration! I know many of us commemorate this holiday with the love and respect...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, June 2. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
​- Call Committee Update
​- Ministry Team Reports
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • July Movie Nights!
  • Technology Volunteers Needed
  • ​Church Opening Update

Read the Announcements

June 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Call Committee Chair

Hello Faith Family,
This is Gail Achilles, staying connected straight from the Bible and my Jesus loving heart!  I want to wish all the Fathers a wonderful, Happy Father’s Day.
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, May 5. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- New Sign Update
​- Call Committee Update
​- Church Opening Team

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Faith Family Picnic - June 6th!
  • Technology Volunteers needed
  • Lectors & Worship Assistants Need
Read the Announcements

May 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Call Committee Chair

I am Gail Achilles and am grateful for this opportunity to speak to you today.  I walked into Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church seven years ago and found my home where the word of Jesus is spoken, but not just from the pulpit but each and every one of you touched me by your love for Jesus, and your actions shine His light.
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, April 7. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- In-person attendance updates
- New Furnace Update
​- Call Committee Update
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Faith Family Picnic - June 6th!
  • Technology Volunteers needed
  • Adult Forum
Read the Announcements

April 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

Endings and Beginnings
​
At the March 3, 2021 Church Council, I announced that my last Sunday serving as the Designated Pastor at Faith would be Easter Sunday and my last day of service would be Wednesday, April 8, 2021 which will enable me to say farewell to the children who attend Wednesday Sunday School as we are not meeting the week before during Holy Week.
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, March 3. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- New Furnace Update
​- Call Committee Update

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Technology Volunteers needed
  • Adult Forum
  • Sunday school
Read the Announcements

March 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

WHAT IS LENT?
LENT 
is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is preparation through prayer, repentance, charity and self-denial for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the suffering and death of Jesus, ending with Easter Sunday and the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, February 3. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Council Officer Elections
- Forward Together in Faith Grant
​- New Furnace Quotes

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Annual Meeting Notes
  • Monday Night Bible Study
  • Sunday Morning Bible Study
Read the Announcements

February 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

In John’s gospel, Jesus’ public ministry begins with his recruiting disciples. We read in John’s story that Phillip, a new disciple, is so impressed with Jesus he invites a friend Nathanael to “come and see.” “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote.” So begins the story of the gospel, a story in which we too belong...
Read the Full Letter

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, January 6. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Ministry Team Reports
- Furnace Update

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • 2021 Phone Directories
  • Lector & Worship Assistants
  • Adult Forum
  • ​Amazon Smiles
Read the Announcements

January 2021 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and we have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 

The Wise Men from the East are most well-known for their expensive and exotic gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. But before they gave what they had in their hands, they gave Jesus their hearts.  They gave themselves in worship first. What was true then is still true today. The Lord wants our lives, our worship, before He wants our gifts.
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, December 2. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Call Committee & Pastoral Search Updates
- Online Giving Update
​- Worship & Music

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Annual Congregational Meeting
  • 2021 Directories
  • Christian Education
Read the Announcements

December 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

It’s that time of year again. With the annual “Black Friday” shopping frenzy approaching, many of us are turning our attention to thinking about buying Christmas gifts for family and friends.  Of course, this year will be different. There will be limited Christmas gatherings and meals. The shopping malls will be ghost towns but the cyber world will be humming with ‘special offers’ and ‘fabulous bargains.”

However, my own attention has turned to a whole different world of gifts that I might consider giving this year.
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, October 7. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Mutual Ministry
- Stewardship
- Church Opening
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Christmas Eve service plans
  • December Social Ministry
  • Easy Fundraising Opportunity!
Read the Announcements

November 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

Lately, I’ve already been thinking about ‘the holidays.’ About this time every year, I begin to exchange emails with the folks that I’ve been spending Thanksgiving with for nearly 25 years to make arrangements about what dishes we’ll be preparing for the annual feast. Most years, I bring the pies and the corn pudding and make the giblet gravy when I get there – as I excel in all those delights. But this year will be different....
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, October 7. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Church Reopening
- Pledge Packets

Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Finance Committee News
  • Martin Luther School Christmas Gifts Fundraiser
  • Amazon Smile
Read the Announcements

October 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

At this time of year, we ‘normally’ would be gearing up for the Fall – at school and at church but, of course, we are living in anything but ‘normal’ times! First, for everyone and anyone connected with the venture we simply call “school” – all of our collective thoughts and prayers go out to you!
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, September 2. Read the notes from their meeting here.
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Sunday School Wednesdays
  • Changes to Memorial Funds
  • Movie Night on October 9
Read the Announcements

September 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

The apostle Peter is perhaps one of the most well-known characters in the New Testament. What makes Peter so compelling is we know so much of his story. It speaks to me of the power of telling our own story specifically as it relates to our faith. 
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, August 12. Read the notes from their meeting here.
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Sunday School Wednesdays
  • Notes on Reopening
Read the Announcements

August 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

As sometimes happens in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, we hear of ‘heroes’ who are brave and perform mighty deeds of courage like the young David facing and defeating Goliath – against all odds...
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

July is Council's Sabbath month, so there was no meeting and no notes!

Announcements

  • Outdoor Movie Night - August 14
  • Building announcements
  • Staying connected
Read the Announcements

July 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover...​
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on June 4th. Read the notes from this meeting here:
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Reopening the church building
  • Virtual VBS!
  • New check request form
  • Updates on the transition process
Read the Announcements

June 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

Celebrating these important major festivals is Important because they mark the major turning points in the Christian story. They orient us toward what is central, even crucial, about the Christian faith...
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, May 6. Read the notes from this meeting here:
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Annual church family picnic
  • VBS - what will it look like?
  • Ways you can help
  • ...and more
Read the Announcements

May 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

By now, I hope that you’ve all received the “Introducing Pastor Mary” letter and information about my previous ministry experience.  Even people with the most active imaginations I’m certain would have never imagined meeting under such extraordinary circumstances as we now find ourselves experiencing!
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, April 3. Read the notes from this meeting here:
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Shepherding Ministry
  • Ways to help the community
  • Preliminary info about VBS
  • ...and more...
Read the Announcements

April 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

Dear Friends,
As I am writing this, we are all in the midst of the coronavirus lock down. It has changed all of our lives in ways we could not have imagined just three weeks ago...
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, March 4. Read the notes from this meeting and the impromptu meeting on March 17.
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Donations for LWR
  • Shepherding  Ministry
  • Pajama Night
  • Sight & Sound Trip
  • ...and more!
Read the Announcements

March 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

This month we begin our yearly journey through Lent.  As I was beginning to prepare for the season, I started to think, maybe Lent is, or could be, a kind of Spiritual New Year...
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, February 5. Read the notes (and also see the list of your council officers and committee liaisons!)
Read the Notes

Announcements

  • Donations for LWR
  • Shepherding  Ministry
  • Pajama Night
  • Sight & Sound Trip
  • ...and more!
Read the Announcements

February 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

For many years I have participated in programs sponsored by various public libraries like “One City, One Book” or “Everybody Reads”.
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Read the Notes

Announcements

Find out about: Wednesday Dinner Church during Lent, February Social Ministry project, and more!
Read the Announcements

January 2020 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

A friend of mine shared that on New Year’s Day his parents had a tradition of sitting together with the past year’s calendars and appointment books and reviewing the year that was ending. Then, they prayed...
Read the Full Article

Council Notes

Council met on December 4th for Christmas dinner and meeting.
Read the Notes

Announcements

Announcements

Read the Announcements

December 2019 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

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​
While we are still eating Thanksgiving leftovers, the short but deeply meaningful season of Advent begins... 
​(Continue Reading)

Council Notes

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Council met on November 6, 2019
​Read the notes of the meeting here.

Announcements

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This month's events:
Pollyanna Christmas Party
Cookie Sale & Coverdish
Christmas Cantata & Tableau
​...and more!


November 2019 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

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​One of my favorite Bible stories for time of transition is the story of the Israelites in the wilderness...(Continue Reading)

Council Notes

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Council met on October 2, 2019
​Read the notes of the meeting here.

Announcements

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Fun things coming up, including...
Holiday Bazaar
Thanksgiving Meal at the Church
Pollyanna Christmas Party
​...and more!


October 2019 Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

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I want to divide my letter to you into three parts this month.
First- great ideas!!!
Second - Transition Process
​Third - Education

Council Notes

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Council met on September 11, 2019.
​Read the notes of the meeting here.

Announcements

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LOTS of things going on this fall, including:
Crop Walk, Oct 6
Fall Work Day, Oct 12
Game Night, Oct 19
Hoagie Sale
Bazaar Planning
...and more.


September Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

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It is important during a congregational transition to be linked to both the ELCA and to the Synod...

Council Notes

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Council met on August 14, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.

Announcements

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Social Ministry Project this month is collection of new socks; Outdoor Movie Night; and more!

June Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

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This month’s topic falls under the category of questions that I have been asked.  And the topic is saying goodbye. ​

Council Notes

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Council met on Council Notes May 1, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.

Announcements

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This month's Social Ministry project, Fellowship events, and other important notes! 

May Mustard Seed

Note from the Pastor

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This month’s article will be the first in what I hope will be a series of articles addressing questions and concerns from you! This one addresses the “sharing of the peace”.  
​And the concern that has
been raised if it has become a distraction (some say yes, some say no), and what is the purpose (originally and for us now). 
Read more

Council Notes

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Council met on Council Notes April 3, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.
Learn More

Announcements

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This month's Social Ministry project, Fellowship events, and other important notes! 
Learn More

April Mustard Seed

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Note from the Pastor

​When I lived in Upstate New York I loved travelling South to visit my Delaware relatives in April. We may have had a few warm days by then, and there might be a crocus or two, but it was still pretty gray and wintery upstate.
Read more
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Council Notes

Council met on Council Notes March 13, 2019​. Read the notes of the meeting here.
Learn More
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Announcements

This month's Social Ministry project, Fellowship events, and other important notes! 
Learn More
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