Faith Lutheran eNews

Called by Jesus, we worship God and are led by faith to love and serve all people.

October 30, 2026

This Weekend in Worship

All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord's table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that promises of God will be fulfilled and that all tears will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.

Scripture Readings

Revelation 7:9-17; Psalm 34:1-10, 22; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

Click here to read the lectionary scripture commentaries.

Worship Schedule

Saturday at 5:00 and Sunday at 8:15 & 10:30. The 8:15 service will be live-streamed on the church website and will be available during the week.

Nursery

The nursery is in Room 201 and is open Sunday morning.

Prayers of the People

Amy Belvo, Nathan Belvo, Kim Biddle, Mark Brauer, Erika Brown, Mark Duffy, Don Evans, Faith Garnaas, Marshall Grabau, Judy Green, Henry Hall, Twila Haviland, Leah Hughett, Jane Ibsen, Ashley Irvin, William Krossner, Maggie Larson, Lydia Lee, Pastor Andrea Myers, Don Patrick, Susan Sandholm Petersen, Dolores Rudolph, Jane Sawhney, Bob Simons, Curt Steinmetz, George Trumbull, Isaac Ullestad, Piper Vowels, Norma Waage, Nathan Williamson

Condolences to the family of Steve Anderson and Sara Richards on the death of their wife and mother, Deb Anderson, on October 24.

Altar flowers are provided by Pastors Rachel & Jack Mithelman in honor of the Rev. Glen Wheeler and in memory of the Rev. Paul Knutson, mentors and friends.

Worship Helpers

If you are interested in helping with communion, greeting, or other tasks, please click here to sign up to help with upcoming worship services. Contact the church office if you have any questions: office@faithlc.org / 515-225-8334.

Growing in Generosity: All Saints Celebration

October 31 & November 1

Join the celebration on October 31 & November 1. The weekend includes All Saints festival worship on Saturday and Sunday, celebrating All the Saints, presentation of intent for financial gifts to Faith Lutheran in 2027, and brunch on Sunday at 9:15 am. Click here  to learn more and to sign up to help with the brunch.

All Saints Weekend Worship

As we gather for worship on All Saints weekend, we celebrate the communion of the saints: a diverse array of witnesses who remind us of God's continuing faithfulness--past, present, and future. We will remember and give thanks for all the saints of Faith Lutheran Church who have died this past year.

Photos, Candles, and Ribbons

As you enter the worship space that weekend, you are welcome to approach the altar area and light a candle in memory of a beloved saint in your life that has died. We light candles in their memory as a symbol of their baptismal candles and a reminder that they are alive in Christ. You are welcome to bring a photo of your loved one to place around the baptismal font in the Commons. You are also invited to add the names of your loved ones to a white ribbon (found on a table in the Commons). Ribbons will be hung in the sanctuary celebrating the great cloud of witnesses in our midst.

Stewards of Our Resources

Growing in Generosity serves as our stewardship emphasis this fall. You are invited to enter into a time of spiritual discernment and consider your generosity to financially support God's mission through the ministries of Faith and beyond. Intent Cards will be mailed to the homes of members and are also available in the Welcome Center. On October 31 & November 1, the Faith community is invited to place Intent Cards on the altar during the Offering in worship.

Pledge Online

If you'd like to make your pledge online instead, click here to enter your pledge amount. Once you've completed your pledge, you'll be able to set up recurring giving online. Note: entering your pledge does not automatically change your online giving amount for 2027. Contact Erik Ullestad at office@faithlc.org if you have questions.

Sunday Morning Faith Formation

November 1

Sunday Bible Study will meet at 9:30 in the Luther Room. Adult Faith Formation, Little Flock, and Sunday School will take a break to enjoy the Celebration Brunch in St. Michael's Hall. All class will resume next Sunday, November 8. Learn more at faithlc.org/fall.

Faith Life Update

The Faith Life Update is a quarterly report from the Council to the congregation. The latest edition includes a financial update and a letter from the pastors. Click here to read the Faith Life Update or pick up a copy from the Resource Center in the church commons.

Sunday Adult Faith Formation

Southeastern Iowa Synod Update - November 8

Join us for a special presentation by Pastor Dan Kuckuck, Assistant to the Bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod and a member of Faith Lutheran Church. Reflecting on the theme "Peace Be With You," Pastor Kuckuck will share inspiring stories from across our synod, highlighting how congregations are living out Christ's peace in their communities and around the world. Hear stories of our partnership with companion synods in Tanzania, congregations strengthening ministry together, welcoming refugee families, and sharing quilts and prayer shawls with neighbors in need.

Conscience and Conversation - Nov. 15. & 22

The ELCA has begun a churchwide reconsideration of "Human Sexuality: Gift & Trust," the social statement adopted in 2009. Join Pastor Carlson for a two-week series exploring why this review is taking place and the content of the reconsideration. Whether you are familiar with the social statement or are hearing about it for the first time, this session will offer helpful background and encourage thoughtful conversation grounded in faith, Scripture, and respectful dialogue.

Click here to check out the full Fall calendar.

Faith Night Activities

November 4

Wednesday night is Faith Night! It starts with Faith Feast at 5:15, featuring a menu of baked ziti, garlic bread, salad, mixed vegetables, and dessert. Activities for all ages begin at 6:00, including Giggles & Grace, Kids' Hour, Confirmation, Rejoicing Spirits, and Adult Faith Formation. Chancel Choir rehearses at 7:00 and Sr. High Youth Group meets at 7:15. Visit faithlc.org/fall for more information.

Wednesday Adult Faith Formation

Pastor Carlson will facilitate a conversation on the book of Romans on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 through November 18. The apostle Paul writes a letter to believers in Christ living in Rome. Unlike other letters to congregations he founded or to people he brought to faith in Jesus, Romans is an exception to this pattern because Paul did not establish the church that met in that city. He longs to meet these believers, but this has not happened yet. Mark your calendars for this deep dive into the book of Romans!

Fall Clean-Up Day

November 7

You are invited to join in the fall clean-up efforts on the church grounds on Saturday, November 7 from 8:00 - 12:00. There will be indoor and outdoor projects. Silvery cord hours for high schoolers are available.

Family Ministry PIck-Nic

November 8

Join us Sunday, November 8 from 4-6 pm at Fox Creek Park and Pavilion (522 NE Westgate Dr., Waukee) for a potluck and pickleball tournament. This is a great chance for youth in grades 6-12 and their families to have some fun and get to know one another. Younger or older siblings are welcome! Sign up here: (Faith Lutheran Church: Faith Family Ministry 6-12 grade Pick-Nic). Contact Pastor Megan with any questions! (megan@faithlc.org or 641.831.9499)

Come to the Table First Communion

November 8

Sunday November 8 from 11:30 - 3:00 is the Come to the Table event for First Communion. This is for anyone in 3rd grade or otherwise specified by parents. Sign up here for lunch and learning.

Why We Do What We Do in Worship

In recent weeks, Faith Lutheran has explored the meaning and purpose behind many of the elements of Lutheran worship. From gathering together to hearing God's Word to sharing in Holy Communion and being sent out to serve--each part of worship helps shape a life of faith.

These teachings have been gathered into a printed booklet, Why We Do What We Do in Worship, which is now available in the church commons. Whether you're revisiting the series or seeking a deeper understanding of Lutheran worship traditions, this resource offers an opportunity to explore how God meets the gathered community through Word, Sacrament, prayer, and song.

DMARC Holiday Boxes

Help make Thanksgiving brighter for families in need! The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) is preparing at least 1,000 holiday food boxes and needs volunteers to help pack and distribute them. Special weekend shifts beginning November 7 are available for families with children of all ages, making this a wonderful opportunity to serve together. Many hands make light work this holiday season! Click here to learn more and sign up to volunteer.

God's Work. Our Hands.

Show You Care with Underwear

In the month of October, the God’s Work. Our Hands. Team is asking for donations of new or gently used men’s socks and underwear. The need for these items is great as the winter months approach. Donations will be collected in the church commons and delivered to Clive Community Services. Thanks for your generous support of our most vulnerable neighbors!

Pastoral Visit and At-Home Communion

If you or someone you know wishes to have a visit by one of the pastors and/or receive Holy Communion, call the church office at 515-225-8334 or email Pastor Eric Carlson at eric@faithlc.org.

Ways to Give

You can make financial contributions to the church in the following ways:

Place a check or cash in the offering container in worship
Mail a personal check to Faith at 10395 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325
Visit the Online Giving page to make a gift online

Thanks for your ongoing support of Faith Lutheran Church's ministries.

Altar Flowers

You can honor a loved one or commemorate a special occasion by sponsoring altar flowers. Click here to sign up for a specific date. Cost is $50 per bouquet. Payments can be made online.

Please provide information for the eNews or bulletin announcements to office@faithlc.org by Tuesday at 12:00 noon.