April 2023 Mustard Seed
A Word from the PastorAlleluia! Christ is risen. Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
Hello Church! Easter greetings to you all. Depending on when you are reading this, Easter may or may not have passed. However, the promise of the resurrection is alive and flowing. This is the promise of new life. In Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are promised that we, too, will rise again and that death is not be the final chapter. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, March 1, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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March 2023 Mustard Seed
A Word from the PastorWe are now headed into the month of March. There are many things happening this month. We are in the season of Lent. It is Women’s History Month. There are also plenty of religious and secular holidays that will be taking place;...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, February 1, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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February 2023 Mustard Seed
A Word from the PastorI write to you all in a time of reflection. As I am writing this letter, it has been three days since our congregational meeting. A lot was said and discussed at this meeting...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, January 4, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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January 2023 Mustard Seed
A Word from the PastorI have always liked the month of January! The promise of the start of a new year is always exciting for me, and I am sure this year many are ready for the start of 2023. I also enjoy the cold weather. I love breathing in the fresh crisp winter morning air. It is refreshing to me, and I also enjoy walking in the snow......
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, November 30, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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December 2022 Mustard Seed
A Word from the PastorIn the past, Eileen and I most often put up our Christmas tree around November 1st. Yes, you read that right! We do not wait until after Thanksgiving. We instead decorate when we feel ready to. When the time comes, we get out the decorations. We turn on some Christmas music and make some hot chocolate. Some of you may be wondering why we do not wait to decorate. Well, there are a few different reasons.....
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, November 2, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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November 2022 Mustard Seed
A Word from the Pastor 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.
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, October 5, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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October 2022 Mustard Seed
A Word from the Pastor 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. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, September 7, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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September 2022 Mustard Seed
A Word from the PastorSt. 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. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, August 3, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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August 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello 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! |
Council NotesAs there was no Council meeting in July, Council Notes will return in September.
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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A Word from the Pastor Jesus said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat, or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.
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July 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello Church Family, This month we all come together as one in America to celebrate the birth of our Nation. Happy Fourth of July! We will enjoy the family and friend festivities and watching the fireworks light up the night sky in colorful brilliance. Many will fly the American flag proudly and have fun listening and singing patriotic songs. We will also remember with heartfelt gratitude our veterans who fought bravely and the current day soldiers who still fight to keep our land safe, peaceful, and free.
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, June 1, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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A Word from the PastorJust then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” Luke 10:25-28
This has been called Jesus’ creed, two parts of the great commandment that Jesus’ taught and lived; Love God and Love your neighbor. “Do this,” Jesus says, “and you will live.” |
June 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello Church Family,
Pentecost is considered to be a major event among Christians right up there with Christmas and Easter. The first Pentecost written in the New Testament of the Bible occurred 50 days after Easter. God’s presence in the form of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus (who was God in human form) foretold the Apostles, came to them and they were given the wisdom to spread God’s good news as they were baptized in the light of all God’s truth. The Holy Spirit always moving is God’s presence working within us to keep us on His righteous path. Throughout our life, we are never alone. We need only reach out for the wisdom and guidance of God’s Spirit to help us talk the talk, walk the walk, and act in His light. When we do this, our days on earth are joyful and bright. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, May 4, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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A Word from the Pastor“Therefore, the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:24-28
After we celebrate the birthday of the church on the Day of Pentecost, June 5 and the unique name of the Holy Trinity we are given from our baptism to call on God on June 12, this coming month we’ll begin the long season after Pentecost and Trinity. |
May 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello 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! |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, April 6, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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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. |
April 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello 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.” ...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, March 16, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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March 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, February 2, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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February 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello 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. ..
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, January 5, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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January 2022 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryOkay, 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....
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, December 1, and discussed:
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AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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December 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryMerry 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 to discuss:
- New Pastor Call update - 2022 Budget Review - Christian Ed updates ..and more! |
AnnouncementsSee the updates about:
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November 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHappy Thanksgiving!
Enjoy this scripture acrostic to celebrate the season of Thanksgiving... |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 to discuss:
- Budget for new pastor - Finances update - New members - and more! |
AnnouncementsLots going on this fall!
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October 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHappy 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... |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, September 1, 2021 to discuss:
- Call Committee Updates - Christian Education Update - New Korean Church building use - and more! |
AnnouncementsLots going on this fall!
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September 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryAs 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 to discuss:
- Christian Education in the fall - New Korean Church Request - Updates to Health Restrictions & Guidelines |
Announcements
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August 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello Church Family, Hope you are enjoying a lovely summer!
Please enjoy this poem inspired by The Word of God, Psalm 147:4 |
Council NotesCouncil called a special meeting on July 11, 2021 to discuss:
- Duct work repairs - Fire Inspection |
Announcements
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July 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Council SecretaryHello 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, June 2. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Call Committee Update - Ministry Team Reports |
Announcements
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June 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Call Committee ChairHello 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. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, May 5. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- New Sign Update - Call Committee Update - Church Opening Team |
Announcements
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May 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the Call Committee ChairI 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.
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, April 7. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- In-person attendance updates - New Furnace Update - Call Committee Update |
Announcements
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April 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorEndings 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. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, March 3. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- New Furnace Update - Call Committee Update |
Announcements
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March 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorWHAT 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. |
Council NotesCouncil 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 |
Announcements
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February 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorIn 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, January 6. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Ministry Team Reports - Furnace Update |
Announcements
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January 2021 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorIn 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. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, December 2. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Call Committee & Pastoral Search Updates - Online Giving Update - Worship & Music |
Announcements
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December 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorIt’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. |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, October 7. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Mutual Ministry - Stewardship - Church Opening |
Announcements
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November 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorLately, 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....
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, October 7. Read the notes from their meeting including info about:
- Church Reopening - Pledge Packets |
Announcements
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October 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorAt 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!
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, September 2. Read the notes from their meeting here.
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Announcements
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September 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorThe 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.
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, August 12. Read the notes from their meeting here.
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Announcements
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August 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorAs 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...
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Council NotesJuly is Council's Sabbath month, so there was no meeting and no notes!
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Announcements
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July 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorPentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover...
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Council NotesCouncil met on June 4th. Read the notes from this meeting here:
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Announcements
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June 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorCelebrating 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, May 6. Read the notes from this meeting here:
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Announcements
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May 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorBy 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!
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, April 3. Read the notes from this meeting here:
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Announcements
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April 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorDear 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... |
Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, March 4. Read the notes from this meeting and the impromptu meeting on March 17.
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Announcements
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March 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorThis 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, February 5. Read the notes (and also see the list of your council officers and committee liaisons!)
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Announcements
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February 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorFor many years I have participated in programs sponsored by various public libraries like “One City, One Book” or “Everybody Reads”.
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Council NotesCouncil met on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
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AnnouncementsFind out about: Wednesday Dinner Church during Lent, February Social Ministry project, and more!
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January 2020 Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorA 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...
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Council NotesCouncil met on December 4th for Christmas dinner and meeting.
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AnnouncementsAnnouncements |
December 2019 Mustard Seed
Note from the Pastor
While we are still eating Thanksgiving leftovers, the short but deeply meaningful season of Advent begins... (Continue Reading) |
Council Notes
Council met on November 6, 2019
Read the notes of the meeting here. |
Announcements
This month's events:
Pollyanna Christmas Party Cookie Sale & Coverdish Christmas Cantata & Tableau ...and more! |
November 2019 Mustard Seed
Note from the Pastor
One of my favorite Bible stories for time of transition is the story of the Israelites in the wilderness...(Continue Reading)
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Council Notes
Council met on October 2, 2019
Read the notes of the meeting here. |
Announcements
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
I want to divide my letter to you into three parts this month.
First- great ideas!!! Second - Transition Process Third - Education |
Council Notes
Council met on September 11, 2019.
Read the notes of the meeting here. |
Announcements
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
It is important during a congregational transition to be linked to both the ELCA and to the Synod...
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Council Notes
Council met on August 14, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.
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Announcements
Social Ministry Project this month is collection of new socks; Outdoor Movie Night; and more!
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June Mustard Seed
Note from the Pastor
This month’s topic falls under the category of questions that I have been asked. And the topic is saying goodbye.
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Council Notes
Council met on Council Notes May 1, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.
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Announcements
This month's Social Ministry project, Fellowship events, and other important notes!
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May Mustard Seed
Note from the Pastor
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). |
Council Notes
Council met on Council Notes April 3, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.
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Announcements
This month's Social Ministry project, Fellowship events, and other important notes!
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April Mustard Seed
Note from the PastorWhen 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.
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Council NotesCouncil met on Council Notes March 13, 2019. Read the notes of the meeting here.
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AnnouncementsThis month's Social Ministry project, Fellowship events, and other important notes!
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