Faith Lutheran is committed to teaching the Word of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Come and worship with us as we share the GOOD NEWS with all who would listen. See what we believe and practice as an LCMS congregation.
Sunday School and Adult Bible Classes
The Education Hour starts at 10:00 am. The children meet in the sanctuary for their opening and then go to classes. Adults can choose between Cody Shuffield and Deacon Bart Shrum co-teaching the Large and Small Catechisms (Cypress) or Pastor Matt doing a survey of "Acts" and how the early church flourished. (Cedar)
Whether its headlines in the paper, or the text crawl at the bottom of the TV screen, we know much has already been said and written concerning the Nov. 2nd election. Some of you may look forward to the culmination of our modern American exercise of democracy; probably more of you are glad for the commercials to cease and the calls to stop. It will be interesting to see who is elected and what initiatives pass or fail depending on the vote of we, the people. I trust your vote will be among them. Its our collective choice, but also a privilege and responsibility to vote as Christian citizens in every election.
In our congregational circle, we have an election of our own this month. On Nov. 30th, 7 pm, the voters will meet and elect officers as well as consider the proposed budget for 2011. These are not small matters, but at the same time, I dont think God is holding His breath as to see what will happen. He already knows the outcome of this election too. He knows how to put the right people in the right places. This arrangement isnt something He orchestrates only in church leadership but in the church as a whole.
This brings to me to a point of wonder. In Lutheran theology, the doctrine of election doesnt have anything to do with politics, but refers to the idea of how we are chosen as the elect. Jesus says, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit (John 15:16). Peter greets the believers as the elect exiles (1 Peter 1:1). Paul writes that God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). I mean, come on, this is a significant election result!
And what about life after the election? Could Gods choosing be the only election where the action taken after it will match the promises made before it? Christ really is coming and the Great Commission is not up for a vote. What is going to a vote is the best way to function as a churchnot for our sake, but for the sake of those who dont yet know theyre chosen too.
Want to tell the rest of the congregation, and others, about whats happening in your committee or group? Try one of these:
Sunday Bulletin: Submit your announcement in writing to the church office secretary (Diane) by Wednesday noon for the following Sunday. Dianes email address is faithchurchoff@comcast.net.
Monthly Newsletter: Submit your article to the church office secretary (Diane) by the 20th of the month of the month prior to publication. E.g. If you want it in the April newsletter, Diane needs to have it by March 20.
Church Council Agenda Item: Submit the agenda item by the Sunday before the church council meeting. Please include a brief description of the issue or item, how much time you want, and who will speak to council.
Web Site: Submit your item, photo, or article you want included in the web site to webmaster@faithlutheranlacey.org. If you dont want to write that down, go to the web site, click on the Contact Us button, and click on Webmaster.
WELCOME SUNDAY Please join us for either worship service on November 7 as we officially welcome our newest members and friends.
QUARTERLY GIVING STATEMENTS
Giving statements through the end of the third quarter (September 30) have been printed and put in mailboxes. Please review your statement and report any errors or inconsistencies to Gene Hansen. If you didn't get a statement and want one, please see Gene. If we catch any errors now life will be less confusing when the yearly statements are printed.
COMMUNITY CENTER The Rainier Court floor will be installed starting November 9 and will take almost 2 weeks. A group of volunteers painted the walls a "mocha" color from the floor up 15 feet to cover up existing ball marks and such and make it easier to clean in the future. As the building becomes more functional, we create more possibilities for groups to use it. In November Lacey Parks and Rec is using our center for a K/1st grade basketball team as is a church volleyball league. This is in addition to the many meetings already taking place. We're close, folks! Can you help us finish the floor? You can give in the offering and designate it as "floor fund." Speak to Campus Manager, Sally Henry, 489-2516, shenry125@hotmail.com, for more information. Thank you!
FAITH FLOOR-WARD - UPDATE Have you seen the bulletin board lately? More than half of the envelopes have been taken. We have raised more than $6,000! We are getting close to our goal of new floor for Rainier Court. Entire stretches of envelopes are gone and in their places are thank you notes from students who look at the board every day with great excitement. Faith Floor-ward will conclude October 31. If you have yet to take part, simply take an envelope of your choice. The number on the envelope is the dollar amount you choose to give. All gifts are tax-deductible, like your regular offering. we really are "floored" by your support! Thank you!
COUNCIL ELECTIONS It is nearing time to select the officers and board chairs for 2011 for the church council. Please prayerfully consider serving. You can nominate yourself or someone else. If you nominate someone else please be sure they have agreed to stand for the position. Nomination forms are available at the Info Center in the Fellowship Hall. Please give your nominations Rodney Olson or put them in his mailbox.
TWO YEAR OLD CHILDCARE - UPDATE 2 The program has begun and there are still openings. Please contact Sharon Avery for more information.
SCRIP Need some ideas for birthday parties for kids? Scrip is available for Chuck E. Cheese (8%) and Gymboree (13%). Need gift ideas? You can use the Disney (2%) scrip for clothing, entertainment, and to shop on line. There is also the Children's Place (12%) or Toys R Us (1.5%). We have Pet Smart (4%) scrip for your canine or feline kids too.
Look for Carolyn Todd-Wilson after the early service and Kristi Conley after late service who will be selling scrip on hand and accepting orders.
CHOIR REHEARSAL Choir meets on Thursdays at 7:00 pm. Everyone interested in singing with the choir please be there ready to sing. Practice will end promptly at 8:30 pm. Let Lisa Theisse know if you will need childcare or a ride. (360) 455-8103 or (360) 349-3437
Please consider adding your name to the Prayer Chain or E-Prayer Chain You too can contribute to the power of prayer and make a difference in someone's life. contact Diane Kennedy to be added to either or both lists: 491-3552 or faithchurchoff@comcast.net.
Are you, or do you know of, military families who are part of Faith (church, school, or childcare)? A new ministry is in the works at Faith to better care and support military families, especially during deployment. This is part of our mission -- to raise up families of Jesus Christ. Since duty assignments change frequently, please contact Diane in the church office, faithchurchoff@comcast.net with the latest information. Thank you!
USE OF CAMPUS FACILITIES
As more and more groups and individuals use our many campus facilities, particularly the Faith Community Center, it becomes more important to make sure they are scheduled. Schedule your room use by contacting Sally Henry at shenry125@hotmail.com.
THE WORD OF GOD Listen to a narration of the Bible by clicking here to go to the player. Select the New Testament book and starting verse. Then click the play button. Thanks to Cody Shuffield for finding this wonderful resource.
Notes and Other Stuff