How are your local clergy doing? For many of us, we are doing ministry activities in ways we never imagined. Despite an empty sanctuary, I am witnessing an engaged and invigorated ministry field. People are participating in new and exciting ways. Clergy are relying on technology to communicate...
Ministry is vibrant and alive at Faith, even as we remain physically distant. We celebrate God’s Spirit leading us this past week. 1,000 people joined Faith on-line streaming and many more listened on the radio on Easter as we joyfully celebrated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ...
Hello Faith! On Tuesday, April 14, 2020, your Faith Lutheran Church Council Members connected digitally to get caught up with the work of the church. With the challenge of the world around us, there is still work that needs to be done concerning the business of the church. These are the...
Patrick and Jacqueline Bencke are ELCA missionaries, sponsored by Faith, serving in Japan. The Lord is risen! Alleluia! I have been craving this word, “Alleluia,” throughout this year’s Lenten season. Perhaps more than the word, I have been craving a reason to say...
Dear Faith Supporter, This is different, isn’t it? This Easter will be memorable for what it doesn’t have: the church gathering together. There is genuine grief amongst us. One choir member texted me after a Livestream of our Wednesday night service: “I just need to let you...
This year’s Palm Sunday breakfast was a little different. Since we couldn't gather at church, students served from home. Here are a few of the reviews from the students that made breakfast. They clearly had a good time and delicious food was enjoyed by all humans (and...
These are extraordinary times and Faith is providing extraordinary ministry! Ministry at Faith looks very different from what we were doing just a few weeks ago. But ministry is continuing to happen! We are adapting, responding and re-imagining the ways that we connect and share...
During this time of stay-in-place orders, it is hard to know how to help. Especially when the ways that we can help are very different from what we might normally do. Here are some thoughts of how to stay connected and serve your neighbor in Christ’s love. Stay home. Our bishop...
May we find comfort today in God’s ability to reach us, hold us, and rescue us. “He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.”2 Samuel 22:17-18 We have all...
Pastor sits down at his computer on Wednesday afternoon, March 10. Oh look, my article for the Forest Lake Times is due by Friday. I’ll write another article about the coronavirus from the church’s perspective! Everyone, please wash your hands, stop shaking hands, and use lots...