July 2020

Worship in the Sanctuary Begins Sunday, July 19 at 9 am AND Wednesday, July 22 at 6:30 pm

Sign up is required since we are limited to 50 people in the sanctuary.

On Wednesday, July 8, you will receive an email with the link to sign up for one of the services. If you have not been receiving emails from Faith on Wednesdays and Sundays from Janet Hernandez, please contact the office at 632-5562 or faith@faith-online.org so we can get you connected. If you do not have email, we can get you signed up for a service, just call the office.

You will be able to watch the Sunday service live through Facebook at 9 am, or you can watch it on You Tube after the service has been completed and downloaded to Faith’s website (sometime after 10 am on Sunday). The Wednesday service will be the same as the Sunday service.

If you are in a high risk group, please consider the Facebook/You Tube options.

Social distancing will be observed, and face masks are required. If you forget your mask, we have masks at church that we can give you. Please read Jeannie VanderKruik’s message on page 3 with more information about the worship guidelines.

Keep an eye out for your Wednesday email from Faith so you can sign up for one of the weekly services.

Faith’s Website: www.faith-online.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/FaithLutheranOFallon

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Grace and peace to you, Brothers & Sisters,

The time is almost here for Faith to return to in-person worship in our sanctuary! Our council has approved moving forward with worship for groups under 50 beginning July 19. Our plan is to have two worship services available a week – on Sundays at 9 am and Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. We are offering these two times for two reasons:

1. Extra days in between services ensures germs will have time to dissipate. 2. We hope a weeknight option during the summer will be helpful with weekend plans.

Worship will look different. You won’t be returning to the church service that you left in March. There are safety measures we have to take for everyone’s health and well-being, and these may be challenging. But what might be most challenging for folks is…NOT SINGING! All the data suggests that we must refrain from congregational singing, and that is such a sad prospect for many of us who find it life-giving.

While this will be hard, it will also reveal how truly blessed we are at Faith, because we have a staff full of talented musicians! Rosalind, Andrew, Michelle, and Wayland are all committed to being at each worship service and providing both instrumental and vocal offerings on behalf of the congregation. They will be working together to select music and arrangements that will appeal to both traditional and contemporary minded folks. I hope what they are able to offer will be a welcomed into your ears and hearts as we navigate this transitional phase of worship.

As we plan for in-sanctuary worship, I hold fast to the Apostle Paul’s advice to the church in Rome concerning their life in Christ:

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to the God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2

Paul is saying that no matter what our worship service looks like, it is the activities of our heart and soul that offer worship to God. It should comfort us to know that while the liturgy and the hymns bring us comfort, they are not a requirement in our worship. It is what the Holy Spirit is at work within us doing while we worship that brings glory to God.

So, as with all things these last few months, we anticipate a new experience that will look different and not at all “normal.” But let us welcome what it has to offer and look forward to making memories together again inside the walls of Faith. And let us trust that we will proclaim in our worship, both in the sanctuary and online, that Christ is crucified and risen, and we are set free to live as disciples in His Name!

See you soon, Pastor Candice

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“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Know that the Lord is God. It is he that made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” Psalm 100:1-5

Psalm 100 is a hymn of praise which gives witness to God’s love and grace through a call to praise and reasons for praise. These songs were composed for community worship. I know it has been a while since we have been in our sanctuary, but we do have a banner that says, “Make a Joyful Noise”! Praise is a response to what God has done for us! When we “know” God, we have internalized within our whole being that God is our Lord.

This Psalm is one of exuberance…there are no negatives, no sorrows, warnings, or problems in this passage. “It is shouting and singing and knowing and being thankful.” (Morgan, Robert J., 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart, 2010, p. 106)

As I am writing this in mid-June, we are hopeful that by mid-July we will be able to move to Phase II of our “Opening Up Faith Again” Plan. Some of our Phase II Activities would include:

• Worship services will continue to be offered online. • All vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place and refrain from visiting the

church and/or attending in-person church activities. • Small Group/Youth programming and activities may resume with some parameters (watch for

more info on the parameters) • Worship services will resume within the following parameters:

Services will be scheduled to contain less than 50 people in attendance Moderate social distancing practices will be exercised Holy Communion practices will be modified for worship. There will be no “passing of the peace” or traditional offering plate collections Friendship pads will not be used Hard surfaces on pews will be wiped down and common areas sanitized between services Congregating in the common areas is discouraged

• Online Board and Council meetings encouraged.

Once we know when we will be able to move to our Phase II Plan, details of how our worship will need to be modified to be safe and healthy will be mailed and emailed.

Although our worship together may look a little different for a while, keep Psalm 100 in mind, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.”

Blessings, peace, love ‘n joy, Jeannie VanderKruik, Council President

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Faith's Phased Return Plan, Phase II, Activities

Across: 1. What is the name of Faith's Phased Return Plan? (4 words) 4. __________ will contain less than 50 people in attendance. 7. In Phase II, worship services will continue to be offered __________. 8. All vulnerable individuals should continue to __________. (3 words) 11. Common areas will be __________ between services. 14. Proper __________ must take place after areas are used.

Down: 2. There will be no __________. (4 words) 3. What phase of Faith's Phased Return Plan were we in in June? 5. __________ social distancing practices will be exercised. 6. Congregating in the common areas is __________. 9. The church office may be open __________ hours. 10. Friendship __________ will not be used. 12. Hard surfaces on __________ will be wiped down between services. 13. Online __________ meetings encouraged.

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I am sure you have heard by now that Wendy is retiring on August 31. I imagine you are a little like me and have mixed emotions on this occasion. On one hand, you are filled with joy for Wendy and Jim’s next adventures in retirement. On the other hand, you will miss her cheerful smile and joyful voice in the office. She is always quick with a good hug and uplifting spirit and I will miss that every day!

Change is always hard, and during this time of no hugs, social distancing, and little face-to-face time makes it even harder. But I (we) cannot let Wendy retire without some sort of celebration! Pam Lindsey is going to help us find a way to celebrate all things Wendy, so be on the lookout for more information coming out in the next month. Maybe we should just declare the month of August to be Wendy’s month! Feel free to show Wendy some extra love! Even though we will miss Wendy here in the office every day, she will continue to be a vital part of the life of Faith. She plans on becoming one of our Super Volunteers!

But the office still needs a secretary, so Faith will be accepting resumes for the secretary position. Wendy, along with Executive Committee, is updating the job description. We will post the updated job description on our website and will encourage any interested candidates to read the job description and email their resume and references directly to me (admincoordinator@faith-online.org) no later than July 15. We will then proceed with personnel committee review of resumes, reference checks, and scheduling interviews. The plan is to have someone hired so that training with Wendy may begin on August 17.

As staff, we are keeping more regular office hours, and we ask that you remember to follow safety protocols that are still in place. Please wear a mask, try to chat with us from our doorway, wash your hands and use the hand sanitizing stations around the building, and wipe down tables and touch areas when you are finished in a room. That will help everyone stay healthy and safe.

Also, as more and more groups begin meeting within the church building, please double-check the church calendar (https://www.faith-online.org/calendar) and make sure you let Wendy or I know when your group will be in the building. We are still going to be limited in the number of people in the building at one time, and we have very few spaces that we can safely social distance within our meeting rooms. We will all need to be more diligent on scheduling and sticking to the schedule. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk with me.

Janet Hernandez, AdminCoordinator

Answers to the crossword will be in August’s newsletter.

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Week 22 Financial Status General Fund as of May 31, 2020

2020 2020 Percent of Full 22nd Week Full Year Year Budget GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS ACTUAL BUDGET RECEIVED Envelope Giving: Pledged $232,558.36 $ 517,424.00 44.9% Envelope Giving: Non-Pledged 42,304.60 104,000.00 40.7% Plate Offering 1,078.02 10,000.00 10.8% Total Envelope and Plate 275,940.98 631,424.00 43.7% Other Income * 2,225.90 $ 3,600.00 61.8% TOTAL General Fund INCOME $278,166.88 $ 635,024.00 43.8%

BUDGETED EXPENSES** $251,287.46 $ 593,952.18 Benevolence at 10% 27,594.10 63,142.40 TOTAL Budgeted Expenses $278,881.56 $ 657,095.00

VARIANCE ($714.68) ($22,071.00)

NOTES: The $ 232,558 of Pledged Giving represents over 100% of pledged giving expected through week 22, and includes $5,000 in Prepaid pledges (received in 2019) which have been transferred from Prepaid Pledges Allocated to the General Fund YTD.) Total General Fund Income was 43.8% of the full year expected amount. Our total General Fund Income year to date through week 22 shows a negative variance of (714.68) as compared to “budgeted expenses.”

**Budgeted expenses are not realized expenses but are estimates based on every line item in the budget being fully expended, with expenses spread out evenly per week throughout the year. (The Treasurer’s report shows actual expenses paid by month and year-to-date in 2020.)

*The Other Income category above includes Building Use fees, Checking Account Interest, Credit Card awards, Thrivent Choice Dollars, and transfers from Allocated Funds to the General Fund at start of year.

BUILDING FUND 20/20 (Space for Grace) Pledge Period 05/06/18 to 06/05/22 Total Pledge Commitments made (includes all “additional pledges” 2019): $2,980,493 B.F. Pledged Giving received May 6, 2018 through May 31, 2020 $2,089,192 B.F. Pledged Giving percentage of total received through May 31, 2020 70 %

Respectfully Submitted, Jan Mikkelson, Financial Secretary

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Continued on the next page

May 31, 2020 Treasurer’s Report

* Includes allocated transfers, building use, Thrivent, interest, credit card awards, etc. ** Includes Specials such as Building Fund, Flower Fund, Traditional Music, Love Fund, etc.

***PPP: Faith Lutheran Church was approved for the federal Paycheck Protection Program Loan. The church received $92,490 on April 17. This will be used for payroll (Faith Staff and PYC staff) and church utility costs.

May PPP Use – Faith: $30,519.89; PYC: $11,850.67; May Total: $42,370.56; Balance: $31,703.11

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS BALANCE as of May 31, 2020: Carrollton Bank Checking $ 29,401.62 Carrollton Bank CD (Endowment) 47,026.44 Carrollton Bank Money Market 144,932.59 Fidelity Investment 232,265.52 Insured Cash Sweep (ICS)*** 1,605,704.01 TOTAL $2,059,330.18

May 2020 YTD 2020 % Budget

Budgeted Income Received (Plate/Envelope/Prepaid/Stock Gift)

48,127.78 275,940.98 43.7%

Additional Income Received* 1,113.94 10,560.60

Total Budgeted Income $49,241.72 $286,501.58 45.1%

Board Budget Expenses (Discretionary) 5,144.54 32,039.25 47.1%

Salary/Utility Budget Expenses (Fixed) 48,461.03 199,990.87 37.4%

Benevolence (Synod/Local) Expense 4,812.81 27,594.32 43.7%

Total Budgeted Expenses $58,418.38 $259,624.44 39.5%

Budget Income/Expense Variance -($9,176.66) $26,877.14

Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)*** 30,519.89 44,357.25

Revised Variance $21,343.23 $71,234.39

Special Offerings Received (Designated and Restricted allocated funds)**

$77,191.83 $453,739.72

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Be careful around the construction areas!

Drive down to our entrance on Jamestown Road to enter our parking lot. If you have any concerns or questions, contact the Building Committee via email at: bldgcmte@faith-online.org.

Continued from page 7 FUND ACCOUNTS BALANCE as of May 31, 2020 Benevolence $ 9,288.78 Building Fund 20/20 1,559,155.09 Endowment Fund 47,026.44 General/Budget Fund 81,294.59 Unrealized Gains/Losses 9,064.22 Paycheck Protection Program 31,703.11 Allocated Funds (restricted/designated) 321,797.95 TOTAL $2,059,330.18

BUILDING FUND STATUS AS OF May 31, 2020 May 2020 Building Fund Contributions $ 68,138.33 May 2020 Money Market/ICS Interest 162.03 May 2020 Mortgage Transfer 2,194.67 May 2020 Building Fund Expenses 1,575.00

Pledge Period Began May 2018 / First Bank Mortgage Payoff September 2018

Respectfully submitted, Susan Carlson, Treasurer

Balance – 05/31/2020 $1,559,155.09

Income $2,368,980.37 Expenses $809,825.28

Start Balance as of 5/1/18 $193,564.32 Capital Campaign $37,050.00

Pledge Period (since 5/1/18) $2,102,957.40 Architect/Builder Cost

$495,140.52

Money Market Interest $26,370.62 Miscellaneous $3,777.36

Mortgage Budget Transfer $46,088.03 Mortgage Payoff $273,857.40

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“Doing Anything is Better than Doing Nothing” By Michelle Rose

Before I got pregnant, I had started a blog on health, fitness, and weight loss. I quit writing during my pregnancy as I had fallen back into bad habits of both eating poorly and inactivity. Just recently I decided to start writing again as I’m working on making better health choices. One of the areas I’m struggling the most with right now is a matter of fitness, as having two very needy little ones and no childcare at the gym has made figuring out what to do incredibly challenging. Yet something I’ve had to remind myself is anything is better than doing nothing. Yes, I used to lift heavy weights, exercise over an hour a day, etc., but that’s simply not where I am right now. So I can either keep doing nothing, or I can do something simple. Go up and down the stairs a few more times a day. Take a walk around the block. Take a minute to do some squats.

You may be thinking … this is a church newsletter. What does health and fitness have anything to do with faith? I believe the same concept applies to our faith walk. Maybe your relationship with Christ is struggling. You don’t pray anymore, you’ve stopped watching the weekly sermon, you aren’t reading your Bible. You’re reading this article, so that means you’ve at least taken one step towards deepening your faith.

Just remember that doing anything is better than doing nothing. If you’re struggling to read your Bible, or having trouble blocking time to read a chapter, sign up for a daily verse reading to text your phone. Getting even just a little scripture in your heart is better than none, and you can spend the day pondering the words of that verse.

Struggling with prayer? If you don’t say a blessing before your meals, take a minute to do so. Before you go to bed, take a moment to thank God for the day. When you wake up, take a moment to pray for the day to come.

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and good faith habits take time just like everything else we do in life. Just start by dedicating one or two minutes a day to God, and before long, you’ll find that turns in to 5-10 minutes, and maybe eventually an entire lifestyle of faith.

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Happy Summer Everyone! I’ve been learning a new song by Tom Hunter on my ukulele and it includes the words:

“We’ve been waiting for you to come to this place. Waiting for you to come to this place. Wherever you’re from, we’re glad that you’ve come. We've been waiting for you to come to this place.

And if you like to play, we’ve been waiting for you And if you like to smile, we’ve been waiting for you Wherever you’re from, we’re glad that you’ve come We’ve been waiting for you to come to this place.”

If you’re feeling sad, we’ve been waiting for you. If you’re really sad….I could hold you.

We are looking ahead to when we reopen and how we will create a safe place for the children to return to. Yes, we will be putting some important precautionary procedures in place and will ramp up our cleaning and disinfecting but even more importantly we will make sure the children return to a place where they are celebrated and enjoyed for who they are, as they are, and right where they are. Switching from months at home to the preschool environment may open up some struggles for the children. We will be ready to do what they need most...in an environment of PLAY! They will learn all that they need through this and the foundation will be laid so that when they go on to “Big School”, they will be ready for the “academics.”

We are preparing our “place”… a place of play, of wonder and childhood...a place of friendships and relationships…a place of faith, safety and trust. Please support us through your prayers, as we get ready to return to the place of PYC.

Sincerely, Kim Lloyd, Director

Playground Use The PYC playground is a great place to visit with your young child, and you are welcome to enjoy it when the preschool is not in session. A few housekeeping notes if you do use it: • Make sure the toys are put away (including trucks, sand toys, wheel barrows, balls,

dinosaurs, etc…) • Make sure the sandbox is covered well—this is to keep unwanted animals from visiting. • Feel free to pull any random weeds growing in the mulch and pick up any large branches. • Make sure to close the gate when you leave.

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Looking for Donations Clear face shields for staff; paper towels, small containers of hand sanitizer. Thank you!

Sensory Garden Update

Work has continued on the sensory garden and we are excited to see it progress. Coming soon: water play station, nature art center, “Garden Shed” playhouse, sitting spots, and some beautiful plantings (these may have to wait on cooler weather….as we will be putting in perennials). We hope that the Faith family will also enjoy this area when PYC is not in session. (We only ask that you make sure to put things “away” before you leave…including any rocks or other natural materials.)

Happy Summer everyone. We are looking toward Fall and into next year for youth and intergenerational events. The Ladies Tea for this year may happen in late fall, but may wait until next year. The Men's Tailgate will hopefully happen in September - more details to follow on this as we do more planning this summer.

NEXT summer, the ELCA Youth Gathering is in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We plan to tack on some days ahead of the Gathering to do mission work in northern Wisconsin, near Jenny's hometown of Luck. The Gathering is quite a costly experience for each person, so we'll start fundraising for this in the near future. We plan to rent a large passenger van to drive the kids and take a few other vehicles. We find taking all the kids on one large vehicle(s) is easier to get to work sites. While in Minneapolis, we can do our own sightseeing and not be dependent upon crowded busses or mass-transit.

Stay tuned for more information as we ramp our planning back up.

In Christ, Eunice Peterson YFF Board Chair

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Faith’s helping ministries continue to provide help during this pandemic and stay-at-home order.

Are you in need of some spiritual care?

Doreen Klages faith@faith-online.org Prayer requests

Janet Hernandez admincoordinator@faith-online.org Stephen Ministry

Pastor Candice pastorcandice@faith-online.org Pastoral virtual visit

Are you feeling concerned about your bills?

Janet Hernandez admincoordinator@faith-online.org help with rent/mortgage and utilities

State of IL (800) 244-5631 or https://www2.illinois.gov/ides/Pages/default.aspx

unemployment

State of IL https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=33698

Food stamp and emergency financial help

State of IL Call4Calm

Text “TALK” to 552020 or “HABLAR” for service in Spanish to the same number 552020.

Call4Calm is a free emotional support text line where you can speak with a mental health professional.

Are you feeling food insecure?

Loaves of Love, Hanna Loehr, coordinator

faith@faith-online.org Meals delivered to homes for those recuperating from sickness or surgery. Meals dropped off at the door for no-touch delivery.

Community Meals At Faith's Fellowship Hall door Monday evenings 5-6:30pm for drive thru meal

O'Fallon Food Pantry 618-624-7040 Drive thru grocery pick up on: Monday 9am-12pm, Tuesday 9am-3pm, Friday 9am-3pm

I have other needs not listed above

Help with essential errands such as pick up medicine or groceries

https://bit.ly/34WKIDb Fill out this form and we will connect you with a volunteer who can help you.

I need help but it is not listed above

https://bit.ly/34WKIDb Fill out this form and we will see if we can find a volunteer for you.

I’m doing well and would really love to help others

I can help https://bit.ly/2RWToEz Fill out this form and we will connect you with those who need help.

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COVID Recovery Team Update

The COVID Recovery Team was established two months ago to study and recommend guidelines for safe worship and mission activities for Faith. We have studied guidelines from various levels of government and other churches. We prepared a three-phased Return Plan for Faith which match federal and state guidelines. On May 30, Illinois implemented Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan and we, in turn, recommended to the Executive Committee to implement Phase I of our plan which allows for meetings of ten or less persons following social distancing guidelines.

In addition to reviewing government information, we wanted to reach out to the congregation to determine our member’s concerns and feelings about returning to worship in person. A survey was developed and sent out. We have received nearly 150 responses, and really appreciate folks taking the time to complete the survey. The results will be used by our team and church leadership in defining future actions. The results will also be posted on our website for all to review.

We worked with Pastor Candice to develop the guidelines for the Drive-In Worship Services, which were well attended. Following the first service, we reviewed some lessons learned and adjusted the service times and parking process. Our team also looked at the possibility of holding outdoor worship outside of cars, but decided that, due to hotter weather and logistical challenges, this was not practical.

With changes in state guidelines coming the end of June, we plan to start sanctuary worship on July 19. Attendance will be restricted to less than 50 people per service, so we will be implementing a signup process like the Drive-In Worship. There will be special seating arrangements to meet social distancing guidelines. We are discussing experimenting with different service times and varieties of music. Much more information will be coming out to the congregation concerning this worship service.

Based on the survey response for opening the sanctuary for reflection and prayer, we are developing plans to offer this to any members that desire this opportunity. Again, we will likely need a signup process to ensure proper separation and schedule building opening times.

This pandemic has thrown everyone a curve, but the people of Faith have pushed through to continue the mission. I want to give a special thanks to the other members of the team: Becky Ahlvin, Susan Carlson, Mike Engel, and Pastor Candice.

Steve Frederickson, COVID Recovery Team Chairperson

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Vision 20/20 Building Update

Greetings everyone. While it rained too much in May, we continued to make progress on the building. The following is a breakdown of activities since my last update.

1. Josh Goodman, our Farnsworth architect, conducted his end of month site visit on June 2. His report included updates for the work in progress: • Underground rough-in of electrical and plumbing • City Inspections (regular site visits as construction occurs) • Prep for concrete pour week of 6/8 (note: pouring was to start on June 9, but it rained!

However, it did happen later in the week) And, his general observations from the site visit: • Plumbing and electrical rough-in continues at Kitchen • Gravel backfill in place at previous excavations • May construction was slowed by rain (12 of 20 work days for a whopping 60% of days

available)

2. If you recall from my last update, I mentioned our concern that we may experience up to a 90-day delay in steel materials. While it is still possible we may have some specific types of steel delays, R&W has been able to successfully procure the roofing steel. They have the metal roof deck at a storage facility in Kentucky. This is extraordinarily good news. The steel is scheduled to be transported to O’Fallon by the end of June, resulting in an advancement of the schedule by about 30 days! While this does not fulfill all of our steel needs, it is important because it means we can get the roof completed without delay and get the building enclosed.

3. As a result of the steel arrival, R&W was able to work up a master schedule using a standard MS Project predecessor/successor relationship plan. I do not want to get anyone too excited, but the schedule for completion is January 11; so, we could, and that is a big maybe depending on a lot of things going well, have some Christmas activities in the new fellowship hall.

4. We received the official Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) permit on May 12. This is a big deal - IDOT approval was key to being able to do the electrical work and excavating.

5. We reviewed, approved, and our congregational president signed Change Order (CO) #3 documentation. This was a small but important change order. CO #3 is for the nine plumbing drains in the kitchen that were omitted when originally priced out. We were pleased that the cost came in much less than we anticipated. We had thought it could be around $20K, but it is less than $4K.

In closing, we continue to make progress even though we lost 60% of the work days due to rain in May. As always, we remain vigilant in our mission. Stay healthy.

Jim Curtis, Project Manager Continued on the next page

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These pictures were taken on June 2 and reflect the site progress. View them larger on Faith’s website.

NOTE: Notice the new roof going on the Fellowship Hall to the right!

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Please note, the Synod will accept donations after June 25. Thank you!

Dear Council President, The C/SIS Mission Support Committee wants to thank your congregation for supporting ministries beyond your congregation. During these trying times, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed here in the C/SIS Synod through ministry of the ELCA, and in the whole world. Thank you for your support? If

there is a way our committee can be helpful to your congregation in the areas of stewardship or mission support, please let us know.

Lee Maki, Central/Southern Illinois Mission Support Committee

Community Meals

Community Meals continues to offer “drive-thru” free meals each Monday night in July from 5-6:30 pm. Please spread the word or come by to pick up a meal for someone who could benefit from a helping hand.

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First United Methodist Church, O’Fallon

Men’s Book Club Wed., August 12 - 7 pm Fellowship Hall OR Zoom

Join Kevin Eiler for a comparative study of the following two books:

Hillbilly Elegy by J. D. Vance, and My Vanishing Country by Bakari Sellers

Both books are memoirs. One writer is white, the other black. One is conservative, the other liberal.

Women’s Book Club Tuesday, July 28 - 7 pm Fellowship Hall OR Zoom

Read Sticks & Scones by Dianne Mott Davison, and join our discussion.

August 25: Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.

Janet Hernandez: 632-5562 or email at admincoordinator@faith-online.org.

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(Please notify the church office if any of these names can be taken off the list.)

Health Concerns Dennis Buske, Alison Gill, Ross Hall, Ruth Harrison, Jeffrey Melanson, Walt Marvich, Carmen Zambelli, Mark Courtney, John Puricelli, Jean Baker, Emme Lankheit, Sandra Allen, May Curran, Don Holmgren, Carolyn Brown, Michelle Middendorf, Linda Cipfl, Herb Halwachs, Rachel & Polly Markus, Marie Mitchell, Kristin Walker, Dan McFarlane, Jordan Brown, Louise Peterson, Joy Meese Bussard, Daniel Adkins, Marge Guilleman, Connie Frisbee, Shawna Atwood, Alden, Jackie Mitchell, Marlene Austen, Tommy Henry, Douglas Austen, Patricia McDonnell, Donna Beck, Kathleen Pritchett, Ron Goessman, Janet Middendorf, Jacob Benedick, Loretta Oliver, Pat Hrasky

Grieving Mike McCoy & family, loss of mother Pastor Candice Wassell & family, loss of grandfather Jenny Roberts, loss of aunt Family & friends of Sara Mae Hinchcliffe Bill Brunner & family, loss of brother Mike Cokenour & family, loss of mother Christen Reinert & family, loss of sister Don Schafer & family, loss of aunt Denise Knolhoff & family, loss of brother-in-law Gail Buck & family, loss of brother-in-law Leigh Meyer & family, loss of father Becky Filkins & family, loss of mother Family & friends of Lois Stroh Donna Beck & Family, loss of sister Tristan & Bethany Claxton, loss of mother Chris Cooper & family, loss of grandmother Stacie Dichsen & family, loss of brother Robert Snyder & family, loss of brother Barbara Curtis & family, loss of father

July Birthdays

Jul 1 Kari Green Jul 4 Roger Klages, Arthur

Dahlstrom, Austin Bossart Jul 5 William Tippit, Maureen Sauer Jul 6 Lisa Sedlacek, Karen Boschert Jul 7 Traci Joyce, Cameron Dey,

John Knoebel Jul 8 Gwendolyn Frisse, Mandy

Lairmore, Mia Torres Jul 9 Dana Doerfler Jul 10 Zelda Woitzel, Erin Sedlacek,

Susan Carlson Jul 11 Karen Dormer, Claire Rittel Jul 12 Vicki Fager, Martha Dey Jul 13 Del Fulcher Jul 15 Thomas Whatley, Leslie

Fulcher Jul 16 Michael Pritchett, Candice

Wassell, Greg Wunder Jul 17 Ron Dormer, Margaret

Swanson, Hadyn Hawkins, Patty Rensing

Jul 19 Nan Horton, Ryan Hinton, Victoria Dowling

Jul 20 Paulette Schafer Jul 21 Morgan Barnett Jul 23 Rick Buck, Jackson Meyer Jul 24 Gary Best Jul 25 Josh McClung Jul 27 Jennifer Ord Jul 28 Kassi Frederickson, David

Lunning Jul 29 Kenda Wunder, Jennifer

Williams Jul 30 Margaret Guilleman Jul 31 Bill May, Carol Bandre

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July Anniversaries

Jul 1 Tim & Lisa Ryan – 20 years Jul 2 Doug & Carrie Schultz – 15 years Jul 4 Floyd & Jean Fultz – 14 years Jul 5 David & Sharon Schisler – 56 years Jul 9 Chris & DeAnn Totzke – 15 years Jul 9 Joseph & Jenny Heimbuecher – 32 years Jul 12 Dave & Penny Cooper – 34 years

Dear Friends,

Though this has been a strange year, I have had some of the most precious moments of my time at Faith happen during these last few months. Sunday School over Zoom is not the same as in person classes, but I cannot tell you how much joy being together with the little ones on Sunday mornings has brought me. I have been leading the Summer Sunday School lessons each week and it has been an absolute pleasure. So many fun stories and thoughtful ideas have been shared.

Moving forward, summer Sunday School for the Littles (Preschool-2nd grade) will be at 11:30 am for the rest of the Summer, and the Bigs (3rd-5th grade) will be at noon. We had some confusion with times changing depending on if we had drive-in worship, so hopefully this stops any confusion about start times for classes.

The Zoom Summer Reading Program was a huge success and we had a wonderful time entering the world of Narnia and hearing about the four siblings who joined a magical lion to stop an evil witch. It is an epic tale for sure that everyone should hear or read! We are going to continue the program in July with Prince Caspian, it involves the same four children, but this time they are entering Narnia 1300 years in the future! All are welcome to join us! I do have to share that even my mom enjoyed the program and would listen in while she was at work! The Prince Caspian reading will start on Monday, July 13. The time has been changed to 3:45 pm, don’t miss it!

Peace, Jenny Roberts, Youth Director

Jul 18 Ed & Chrissy Malare – 33 years Jul 19 Marc & Jill Eccher – 17 years Jul 21 Keith & Renée Ballard – 30 years Jul 23 Peter & Stacie Dahlstrom – 9 years Jul 24 Fred & Diane Schmitt – 10 years Jul 25 Andy & Stacie Dichsen – 28 years Jul 26 David & Betsy Layfield – 34 years Jul 28 Erik & Ashley Reichert – 6 years

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Sunday Worship at 8, 9:30, and 10:45 am Sunday School at 9:30 am

Faith Lutheran Church 520 E Highway 50 O’Fallon IL 62269

Church Office Hours Monday - Friday

9 am - 3 pm 618-632-5562

www.faith-online.org faith@faith-online.org

Ministers: People of Faith Assoc. Pastor:

Rev. Candice Wassell

Newsletter articles due by 3rd Sunday of the month

Newsletter Editor: Diane Riling

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