September 2024
Greetings Siblings in Christ,
Summer is nearly over! Where did the time go? I can’t speak for everyone, but I’m fairly certain this is how I’ve felt every mid-August in my memory. Except perhaps when I was in elementary school and truly excited to return to school. I looked forward to seeing my friends again and I missed learning. Summers seemed long back then! Can you imagine?
Thinking back over the past months I recall some exciting happenings took place this summer. The Third Wednesday Community Cookouts (Triple B) started strong in May and continue through September 18th. Many thanks to each of you who show up to set-up, attend, and clean-up! Some of our neighbors are also pitching in, giving us a chance to get to know them better! When you attend be sure to chat with anyone you haven’t already met.
The FLCOC Buy Nothing experiment was initiated in conjunction with the monthly Cookouts. Church members donate gently used items they no longer need to add to these shop-free evenings. Neighbors and friends can “shop” the items and take whatever they like. Neighbors can contribute items also. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to clean out my closets, but I’ve taken some useful pieces as well! This addition to FLCOC’s Third Wednesday Community Evenings will be evaluated by the church council to determine the outcomes of the experiment and whether it should continue in 2025.
The Wildfire Every Meal SHINDIG in June was attended by almost 200 people from the Wildfire Congregations and ultimately raised $15,000 for our Every Meal program at Forest, Lakeview, and Meadow Lake Schools! With a total program cost of $71,000 annually, the semiannual fundraising events are critical to continuing this Wildfire collaboration of feeding children who struggle with food insecurity. Each meal bag contains enough food for four people at a cost of just $6, or $368 per student each school year. SHINDIG 2025 will be on June 25th! Save the date for an evening of music, games, and great food for this excellent cause!
In July, Karina Vincent represented FLCOC in the Wildfire group that attended the triennial Gathering of ELCA youth in New Orleans. With the theme, “Created to Be…” youth ages 14 – 18-years-old participated with thousands from all over the United States in worship, service, bible study, and theological exploration. Thanks to everyone who supported Karina’s attendance through the Lenten Soup Suppers and the Annual Plant Sale! Ask her about the trip and her experiences!
August 11th was the first organized Wildfire social event. About forty folks from the various Wildfire congregations gathered in St Paul for the Saints game! The Wildfire planning team will be meeting in September to consider future events, but we can support our collaborative by attending events at the Wildfire churches: Cross of Glory, Elim, Faith Lilac Way, Holy Nativity, House of Hope, St James, and Valley of Peace in addition to FLCOC. Our next opportunity is the Oktoberfest event at House of Hope on Saturday, September 14th, 3pm – 8pm. Hope to see you there!
To this day I love to learn. Here are some opportunities coming this Fall:
Confirmation classes will begin on October 13th and meet the second Sunday of each month through May. Students meet for three hours per session which includes lunch, bible study, spiritual practices, life application, and creative expression. Friends are welcome! We’ll celebrate Confirmation Sunday on June 8, 2025.
Beginning September 25th a Wednesday evening hybrid learning opportunity will be offered at 6:30pm through October 30th with Pastor Colin on Zoom and Deacon Kirsten in the Conference room at church. The After Party: Toward Better Christian Politics, 2024, by Curtis Chang and Nancy French will be our topic of study. Written in response to the frequently asked question, “With all the political division and broken relationships we’ve seen in recent years, is this just the way it is from now on?” In this election season, “LET A BIBLICAL VIEW OF HUMILITY AND HOPE GUIDE YOU THROUGH THE HOW AND WHAT OF COMPLEX POLITICAL CONVERSATIONS.” Everyone is invited to join us on Zoom or at church for this important conversation.
Through the month of September we’ll be collecting unused home-medical supplies for Global Health Ministries. Their mission,“Helping the Hands that Heal” is accomplished by gathering and shipping useful donated health care equipment and supplies to countries where such materials are not available or are very expensive. Donated items must be less than eight months from date of expiration. Here’s a list of suggestions:Ace bandages, Dressings (gauze, bandages, Band-Aids), Gloves (surgical and exam), Sterile syringes/needles, Orthopedic supplies (braces, slings, supports, prosthesis), Patient care (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches), Tongue depressors, Cotton tipped applicators, cloth Gowns, Lubricating jelly, Bath towels and washcloths. Please bring items to the church office. Global Health Ministries cannot accept: Liquids (cleaners, medical solutions, medications), Pharmaceuticals, or plastic disposable items.
One last item: SAVE THE DATE! Trunk-or-Treat ! October 31st!
See you at church,
Deacon Kirsten Kessel