4/17 Online Worship

You are invited to join us for worship as we celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter. This week we will also be celebrating Rogation Sunday. The word Rogation has its roots in the Latin word that means to ask or petition, and it comes from the ancient introit for the Sunday preceding the Ascension as Rogation Days were traditionally celebrated the week before Ascension Day. In some places the celebrations of Rogation Days were quite elaborate and included processions from the church to and around fields while asking for God’s blessing. Today, Rogation Sunday is most often celebrated around Earth Day (April 22). For this service we will use readings that center on God's creation and our stewardship of creation. We will sing hymns that evoke images of creation. We will offer a blessing of the seeds and for the farmers and gardeners who are beginning their work. We will recognize the work of a local organization, Hearts to … [click here to join...]

God’s Caretakers: Hearts to Harvest

Christ is risen, Alleluia! New life abounds. What once was dead is now alive. We see this truth in the life of Jesus Christ and we see it in creation itself as leaves of spring unfurl from the long dormant winter and daffodils come to full bloom. Driving through countryside, we see farmers patiently awaiting work in the fields. Fertilizer is being spread and soon seeds will be sown. Creation is alive with God’s activity and the planting season will soon be well underway.

As a congregation that is rooted in the land and agriculture of northern Scott County we will celebrate the goodness of God in creation with services of rogation for our on-line and in-person worshiping communities this weekend, April 17^th and 18^th. What is a rogation service? We believe God gives us everything as a blessing. A rogation service is a way to honor God for the gift of creation and to pray for the land, the gift of labor, and the needs of all people. Our service of rogation will also recognize the local ministry of Hearts to Harvest which supports the larger organization of Growing Hope Globally. Because we value God and the good gifts of God’s creation we want to show our appreciation and support for farmers both locally and around the world as they prepare for another abundant growing season to feed our world from our farms to your table.

In between the worship services, we will be hosting a special outdoor Sunday school hour from 9:15-10:15am—weather permitting. All Sunday school families and children of God from the neighborhood and beyond are invited to participate on our front lawn. Special outdoor activities will celebrate the gift of creation as well as local agriculture and farming practices. Dress accordingly and plan to get your hands dirty, as there will be opportunities for children to experience first-hand the beauty and wonder of nature. Come prepared to talk with local farmers and farm wives, see a few animals, and enjoy other experiences celebrating the connection of God’s children with the beauty of creation. God is good.

We thank you in advance for helping us to show our love for the most vulnerable by following our current precautions (face covering, 6ft physical distancing).

Registration for summer camp at Lutheran Lakeside, Spirit Lake, Iowa, is now open. We will be going the week of July 18-23. There is Junior Camp for those who have completed grades 3-5, Confirmation Camp for those who have completed grades 6-8, and High School Servant Trip for those who have completed grades 8-12. Everyone needs to register on the Lutheran Lakeside website (www.lutheranlakeside.com). Faith will pay $150 of the registration fee for every youth registered through Faith.

We also hope that a number of adults will join us on the Adult Mission Trip to camp that same week. Please see Pastor Carrie for more details.

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