December 16-17, 2006


Welcome to FaithLinks

The purpose of this e-News is to:

  • Introduce you to Faith Lutheran Church and keep you advised of upcoming events, classes and activities.
  • Assist you in connecting to the many opportunities available for you to get involved.
  • Provide you with useful resources that will assist you on your spiritual journey.

FaithLinks Content Contributions:

Real Stories, Real People
Do you have a faith story to share? Do you have a short story about bumping into God unexpectedly anywhere in the mission field? Do you have a story on how our vision, Bringing Christ to People . . . Building Christ Followers, is being lived out?

These are stories we hear about all the time but we don't intentionally capture and share them. So if you have a story, email us and it may be included in a future FaithLinks. Names and personal information will be kept confidential. Email your stories to semerson@faithtroy.org.


 

 

 



Serving In The Military

Please pray for the following members and friends of Faith who are proudly serving
our country:

Steven Bellant
Brian Blumline
Brent Bohl
Eddie Bryant, Jr.
Scott Cortese
Brian Davis
Thomas Fahey
Dan Gertcher
Michael Glenday
Ben Graves
Sam Graves
John Grennan
Chad Harris
Matthew Horning
Ian Kangas
John Kearney
Dave Krzycki
Brandi Landrum
Brian Landrum
Jay Lange
Brian Marquette
Bryan Nagy
Melissa O’Hara
Stephen O’Hara
Nicholas Oldford
Jessica O'Neal
Eric Onkalo
Daniel Polsgrove
Kelly Polsgrove
Rob Reynolds
Rob Schewe
Nick Spicer
Evan Tatge
Gregory Travis
Greg Wizniuk
Jim Wyss

 



 

   
Churchwide Events
2007 Contribution Envelopes--Ready for Pickup
Envelopes are available for pickup in the Worship Center North Hallway next to the Pastors' Lounge. Please make it a point to pick up your envelopes! One box of envelopes per giving unit. If you do not find yours and if you would like a set (members and regular attenders above confirmation age), sign the sheet on the clipboard at the end of the table. They will be available for pickup the following weekend. Reminder: Contributions received up to and including 12/31/06 and/or postmarked in 2006 will be shown on your 2006 contribution statement. Contributions received after 12/31/06 will be included on 2007 statements.
Christmas Extravaganza for Kids--Grades 5 and Under--December 17
Sunday, December 17. Activities are from 6:00-8:00pm. Join us as we celebrate Christmas with an interactive Christmas walk, puppet show/chalk art, live nativity, family photo opportunity, games, crafts, snacks, train exhibition and more! This is a "free" event and a great opportunity to invite neighbors, family and friends to celebrate with you. For more information or to volunteer for this event, contact Sarah Meier at 248.689.4713, x288 or smeier@faithtroy.org
Christmas Worship Services
No Services Saturday, December 23 & 30
Sunday, December 24: 10:30am (Childcare Available for Birth-Age 5)
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services: 6, 8, 10 pm
(Childcare Available at 6pm for Birth-Age 5)
December 25: Christmas Day 10:30am
December 31: 9:15 & 11am, New Year’s Eve Service: 6pm
Servant Opportunities
Painters
Looking for volunteers to paint 4 children’s classrooms during Christmas vacation and/or in early January. Call Cynthia Brown, 248.689.4713, x223 or cbrown@faithtroy.org
Representative for Lutheran Women's Missionary League
This commitment will only involve attending 3-4 board meetings per year as our representative. You may also enjoy gathering with the other Lutheran women for a time of teaching and fellowship at the spring and fall rallies and/or attending the yearly convention. For more information contact Kathy Briscoe at 248.879.7569.
English Language Instructor
Our English As a Second Language class needs instructors. Contact Cynthia Khan 248.689.4713, x234 or ckhan@faithtroy.org

Ushers and Traffic Control Attendants for Weekend Worship Services
We need help at all three service times in our Worship Center and Parking Lot area. Contact Bob Rourke, Home 248.689.3536 or rtrourke@aol.com
Ushers Holiday Schedule & Sign-up Sheets posted in the Ushers' Room.
We could use additional help, expecially during the Christmas season

For more information, contact Bob Rourke, 248.689.3536 or email rtrourke@aol.com

Worship & Tech Ministry: Looking for Volunteers
Worship: Handbell Ringers Needed! Contact Arlene Kolb at 248.689.4713, x218 or akolb@faithtroy.org
Worship Leader Vocalists (especially men). Instrumentalists (keyboard, bass guitar, drums, guitar, all string, wind and brass instruments) Please contact: Dan Arndt at darndt@faithtroy.org or 248.689.4713, x236.
Tech: Sound Engineer, Power Point, Video and Lighting Design.
Please contact: Gary Richard at grichard@faithtroy.org or 248.689.4713, x241.

FaithKids--Children’s Ministry:
Set-Up Crew
You would be responsible for setting up 1 or 2 rooms each weekend every other month. Can be done Friday after school or Saturday. Contact Carol Zachrich at 248.689.4713, x406 or czachrich@faithtroy.org
Sunday Mornings and Wednesdays Nights: Adults and teens needed to work with kids on Sunday mornings and/or Wednesday nights. Contact Cynthia Brown, 248.689.4713, x223 or cbrown@faithtroy.org

DivorceCare 4 Kids Volunteers
FaithKids is looking for people interested in teaching or assisting the next session (starts in January) of Divorce Care 4 Kids. This is a wonderful curriculum to support children whose parents are going through divorce. Classes are Tuesday nights from 7:00pm-9:00pm. Contact Sarah Meier, 248.689.4713, x288 or smeier@faithtroy.org for more info.
Are You A Good Listener?
We need people with care and compassion, who want to share the love of Christ with others in our Stephen Ministry, a lay caring ministry. For more information, contact Parish Nurse, Catherine Lick, at 248.689.4713, x217 or click@faithtroy.org

Daytime/Evening Prayer Chain
We need Prayer Warriors for the Prayer Chain. The team operates through a "phone chain" and we pray three to four times a week for people with emergency or critical issues. Contact Church Office, 248.689.4664, or Chuck Niehaus, 248.879.9406, for more info or to join the team.

Book Store Assistants
Contact Connie Belanger, 248.689.4713, x286 or cbelanger@faithtroy.org for info or to volunteer in Book Store.
FaithKids Children's Ministry

Sunday Morning FaithKids
No FaithKids Classes December 24 and December 31. Classes resume January 7, 2007.
Wednesday Night FaithKids

A night of fun and faith for kids, 6:30-8:00pm. New and fun classes start January 10, 2007 with a brand new craft class called "Quilling", as well as "Games.com", "Desserts, Sweets & Treats" "Tech Arts" and a "Kids Choir" class that will prepare to lead worship in February.

Preschool and Parent/Grandparent & Tot Has Openings for Winter Session
We are now enrolling for the Winter Session. Preschool classes for 3 or 4 year olds. Parent/Grandparent & Tot, 2 year olds and a parent or grandparent to experience school together. Classes are Mondays, 9:00-10:15am or 10:15-11:30am. The Application/Information Packet can be downloaded from our website www.faithtroy.org/children and click on Preschool or contact eschmidt@faithtroy.org for more information.
"Ready, Click, Grow Your Family"
Offers lots of faith-related resources for Mealtimes, Games, Memory Makers, Family Faith Adventures and more. Click on "Children" on Faith's web site at www.faithtroy.org and go to "Parenting".
Special Needs for TenderCare Ministry
We have a need for some new items for our TenderCare Ministry. If you are interested in donating an item, please visit www.target.com and go to
“gift registry” and select the “baby registry”. Enter First Name: Cynthia;
Last Name: Brown; State: MI for a list of what’s needed. If you shop at local stores, please indicate that a purchase is being made from the registry so there are no duplicates.

Clothing Donations for Tendercare
We need "gently-used" clothing for boys or girls, all sizes infant to 5T, especially underpants sizes 3, 4 or 5. Place in Room 4 marked "Tendercare"

Registration for Sundays and Wednesdays
New families or families needing to update your information should complete a registration card and turn it in to the church office or the children's check-in desk. Cards may be downloaded from www.faithtroy.org or picked up at church.

Sunday and Wednesday Classes
Children up through Grade 5 are invited to attend both programs held at 9:15am and 11:00am Sundays and from 6:30-8:00pm on Wednesdays.
DISCOVERY (Children through Age 5) A solid start with Jesus will give kids the basics of a lifetime of faith. ADVENTURE (Kindergarten-Grade 2) Kids will get to discover who God is as they explore the life of King David.
CHALLENGE (Grades 3-5) Children will initially meet in a large group and then will be sent to elective classes.

Home Schooling
New to home schooling? Got questions or need some information? Call Loretta Werner, 586.731.1456.
Family, Marriage, & Parenting

Couples Retreat 2007--"For Better OR For Best"--Weekend of January 26-28
(Friday, 6:00-7:15pm through Sunday at 1:00pm. Location is Best Western Valley Plaza Resort in Midland MI.) Faith's Couples' Retreat will inspire and equip you to grow in your marriage and in your relationship with God. Registration on weekends after all services in the Gym and in Church Office weekdays. Registration fee $100/couple due at time of registration--includes retreat materials, Saturday breakfast and lunch and Sunday breakfast. Contact: Dennis and Cindi Martens, 586.725.2926.
2=1 Preparation for Marriage Class--January 7-April 1
Enrichment classes for couples engaged or considering engagement and marriage. Cost: $30 per couple. Sundays, January 7-April 1, 9:15-10:30am, Room 13. Must pre-register, contact Harry Krupsky, 248.689.4664, x207 or hkrupsky@faithtroy.org
Faith Firesiders Camping Schedule
For information and reservations, call Randy Jackson, 586.979.5432.
Jan. 20--January Jaunt (Mystery)
Feb. 23--Frolic in Frankenmuth
March 17--Pot Luck at Faith, Room 13.

Women
A Woman's Heart--Winter Session runs January 3-February 14
Wednesdays, 9:30-11:30am,"The Fingerprints of God: Recognizing God's Touch on Your Life". An interactive Bible Study by Jennifer Rothschild. Come to know the owner of God's tender touch on your life. Registration $5 at the Women's table after services December 10 and 17 or contact coordinators: Pat Maslowsky at 248.398.6812 or jimbopat1@yahoo.com or Judy Eason at 586.992.3592. (Study guide, $11.95 + tax, available at Faith's Bookstore.) Free childcare available.
Moms in Prayer
Moms of preschool-college students (including homeschool) are invited to pray for their children, teachers, staff and schools. Meets two Friday's a month, through May 4, 9:30-11:15am. Contact Shelly Hunsanger 2483375.5181 or hunsahines@yahoo.com
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)--1st & 3rd Tuesday of every month
Meets at 9:15 to 11:15am, Room 16. Support for moms while educating and encouraging them in Biblical values. $20 Registration fee, $5 per meeting. Childcare available at no cost. Contact Andrea Dewey, deweyzoo@wowway.com, 248.545.1114 or Rachel Zaretti, mzaretti@comcast.net, 248.740.1938.
Women’s Cardio Blast--Tuesday Evening & Thursday Morning Classes
A high-low class, includes muscle toning with weights and bands with a devotion and prayer time. Tuesday evenings, 6:00-7:00pm and Thursday mornings, 9:00-10:00am in Gym. Get your tennies, comfortable clothes, 5 lb. weights, mat or towel and join us. Contact Barb Hoppe at bahoppe@hotmail.com
Stretch & Grow Bible Study--Thursday Mornings right after Cardio Blast
Following the Thursday morning Cardio Blast a biblically based study of Max Lucado's book, "Joy in the Morning" will be held from 10:00-11:00am in Room 13. Study Guide for the class available for $7.99 at Faith's Bookstore. Contact Kim O'Hara at 586.268.9582 or kmohara56@aol.com to register.

Praying Grandmothers
Meets for fellowship, praise and prayer Wednesdays, 10:30am-1:00pm in Ushers' Room. Contact Marilyn DeLoose, 586.725.4623 or marilynd@talkamerica.net

Personal Retreats at Manresa
Spend a day away with the Lord -- close to home! (Visit www.manresa-sj.org to view facility.) Private room, 9am-4pm, includes lunch. Cost. $25.For dates and more information contact retreat coordinator: Connie Cowper, rcowper656@aol.com (248.821.2455).
Open Hearts
Be a part of this wonderful "ongoing" outreach to the Urban Community by contributing the following items and placing them in the wire basket located in the Gym Alcove: Towels, washcloths, twin bed linens, Bibles, disposable diapers, socks, hygiene items (soap, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothbrush, etc. hotel-size included).
Men

Tuesday Morning Bible Study
6:15-7:15am, Room 13. Join us every Tuesday as we study the Book of Nehemiah and share in times of prayer and worship.

Job Seekers Encouragement Group--Next date January 13
Meets every 2nd Saturday of the month, 10:00-12 noon in Room 2. Contact Ken Fuhrman at 248.680.0542 or kfuhrman7531@wideopenwest.com

Men’s Small Groups -- Open to All Men
Meets Tuesdays at Faith, 7:00-8:30pm in Ushers' Room. Contact Dave Piziali, at 248.391.9478 or dgpiziali@juno.com
Meets 2nd & 4th Tuesdays at Bob Manoni's home in Troy
Contact Bob at 248.680.0566 or rm2@dcx.com
Prayer & Praise Meets Every Saturday Morning
8:00-9:00am in the Small Conference Room and we go out for breakfast afterwards.

"Breakfast of Champions"--January 6
Saturday, January 6, 8:00-10:00am. Speaker: Ray Scott, former professional basketball player, Pistons coach, 1974 NBA Coach of the Year and Director of Development at Lutheran Children & Family Services. Topic: "Together We Can". Tickets are $7.00 and are on sale weekends after services in the Gym and weekdays at the Church Office. Open to congregation, family and friends.
For More Ministry Info Or To Get Involved
Contact Larry Patton, 248.689.4713, x404 or lpatton@faithtroy.org

Singles (Age 35 - 55)

Contact 248.689.4713, x401 or semerson@faithtroy.org to get on our mailing list.
Thursday Night Volleyball & Game Night
7:30-10:30pm. Meets at Woodside Bible Church, 27300 Hoover, Warren. For more info contact Carolyn, 248.652.4706.

Issues & Action

See our I&A bulletin board and visit our I&A Table.
"The Nativity Story" Review
A review of "The Nativity Story" movie can be found on our web page at the Issues & Action bulletin board outside Room 11/12.  The movie, rated PG,  will be a meaningful addition to your family's Christmas celebration this year. (suitable for all but small children)
Merry Christmas
It's okay to say it brochures which clarify misconceptions about religious expression (especially in the public schools) are available at the I&A bulletin board.
Addresses of those from Faith who are serving in the military are available at the I&A bulletin board.  Remember them in your prayers and send a greeting for Christmas.

DSM College (High School Seniors through Age 23) and
Relevant/Young Adults
(Age 23 - 29 single/married)

Contact Eric Ferrell at 248.689.4713, x230 or eferrell@faithtroy.org. Check out www.faithtroy.org/youngadults for details.
Encounter-- DSM College Bible Study/Teaching--December 17
Sunday Nights, Student Center, 7:30pm. Café opens at 7:10pm. Join us this weekend as the Encounter meets for the last time. See "Watershed" below for what's next.
Relevant Bible Study Met For The Last Time
Our 2nd and 4th Friday night study met for the last time this past weekend. See "Watershed" below for what's next.
Juarez Mission Registration Meeting--December 17
Sunday, December 17. Trip dates are February 24-March 3, 2007. Visit damascusministries.com/college for more details or contact Eric for more information.
Ice Skating at Campus Martius--January 13
Skating followed by dinner at Detroit Breakfast House & Grill. Skating $7, Rental $3, Dinner $10-20. Meet at Faith at 1pm, return by 6pm. Sign-up at faithtroy.org/relevant under “Events” or contact Eric.
Watershed--Starts January 21

Starting Sunday, January 21, will be a new weekly worship gathering for both DSM College and Relevant Young Adult Ministries (18-29 year olds). We will meet 7:30pm in our newly renovated Chapel, doors open at 7:00pm. Visit either faithtroy.org/relevant or damascusministries.com/college for more details.

Students

Middle School
(Grades 6-8) For info contact Pat Williams, 248.689.4713, x246 or pwillliams@faithtroy.org
Ground Floor--Sundays, 9:15am, Room 16
Series:" 24": 12/17 Reading About God. (No class December 24 and December 31.)
2nd Floor--Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm, Student Center--No classes 12/20, 12/27 & 1/3
Class resumes Wednesday, January 10. Students will be challenged to grow with Jesus in small groups each week.
Kalahari Winter Retreat--February 20-22
Indoor water park, great lessons and more! Cost $130. Space is limited, sign up fast!

High School
(Grades 9-12) For info call Dave Frank, 248.689.4713, x250 or dfrank@faithtroy.org.
The Road--Sundays, 9:15am, Student Center
Join us at the Road Sunday morning, 9:15am.
Topic: "7 Deadly Sins". (No class December 24 and December 31.)
Bible Study--Wednesdays, 6:30pm, Student Center
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm in the Student Center. Join Greg Pickard for a great night of fun and learning and then "Hang Out" at Starbucks afterwards.
Small Groups
We have eight High School Small Groups. if you are interested in joining one, contact Dave Frank.
Halo Tournament--December 27
2:00-8:00pm in the Chapel. Bring a team or show up as an individual and join a team. YOU MUST SIGN UP with Dave Frank, 248.689.4713 x250 or dfrank@faithtroy.org

60 Plus

Bible Study and Luncheon--Next date January 3
First Wednesday of the month, 12noon-2:00pm, Gym. Luncheon followed by Bible Study, led by Harry Krupsky, Minister of Family Life. Lunch of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy provided. Suggested side dishes to bring: Sweet & sour cabbage, hot vegetables, salads and left-over Christmas cookies. (Also, bring a winter scarf to wear.) For information contact Arlene Kolb, 248.689.4713, x218 or akolb@faithtroy.org
Small Group Bible Study--Next meeting January 12
2nd & 4th Friday of each month, 10:00am, Room 13, leaders: John and Isabell Domm.
Small Group Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study
Meets every Tuesday, 1:00-3:00pm in Room 13. Leaders: Carl Paschen and Gary Pieper.

Sports

Men's Monday and Thursday Early Morning Basketball
Every Monday and Thursday, 6:00-7:45am. Pick up game. Everyone welcome!
Women’s Cardio Blast--Tuesday Evening & Thursday Morning Classes
Minimize stress to joints while maximizing your aerobic conditioning. This is a high-low class and includes muscle toning with weights and bands. Devotion and prayer time included. Meets Tuesday evenings 6:00-7:00pm and Thursday mornings 9:00-10:00am in Gym. Get your tennies, comfortable clothes, 5 lb. weights, mat or towel and join us. Contact Barb Hoppe at bahoppe@hotmail.com (Click here to see Women's Ministry for Stretch & Grow Bible Study on Thursdays right after Aerobics!)

Urban / Missions

Mission Outreach
Porto Alegre, Brazil Mission
If you are interested in learning more about mission work or are considering participating on the Brazil team, contact Gary or Joann Luxon at 248.585.0436.
Local Outreach
Motown United Ministries: Dry Soup, Brownie, Cookie & Cornbread Sale—Sunday, December 17 in Gym
All proceeds benefit the Detroit Rescue Mission, MCrest (Macomb County) and various groups helping the homeless. Each mix is $6 and makes a great Christmas gift. For information contact Patti Jacques, 248.651.2616 or pjacques@wideopenwest.com
Clothing Collection for Macomb County Jail--January 7-14
Help those trying to change their lives. There is a need for shoes (all kinds), sweat pants, and sweat tops. Extra large sizes are specially desired. Faith will be collecting these items from January 7-14. Drop off items at the table in the Gym. Contact Carol Townsend, 586.977.1643 or ctownsend@aptnet.com
We are in need of books (no hard-covered books) and current magazines. Bring donations to Church Office marked "Jail Ministry".

Faith Impact

Looking for ways to make an Impact in someone else’s life? Visit the web site to learn about the Faith Impact Ministry and opportunities to help others. The website has been updated to reflect current Celebrations and the impact that was made. We encourage you to take a look and see what’s been going on. Click on the Celebrations link on the website. Feel free to view the Opportunities link, too, and get an idea of the ministry needs.

Health & Care / Support Groups

Blood Pressure Screenings
2nd and 4th Sundays, 10:15-11:00am, Altar Care Room.

Life Net Support Group Ministry:
First Place: A Christian wellness and weight loss ministry. Orientation meeting, Tuesday, January 16, 7:00pm, Room 20.
DivorceCare: (experiencing divorce): New session begins January 9. Meets Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm in Room 13.
GriefShare (for people grieving the loss of someone close). New session begins January 9. Meets Tuesdays, 7:00-9:00pm in Room 2.
For more info, contact Catherine Lick, RN, Parish Nurse, at 248.689.4713, x217 or click@faithtroy.org
H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endure) Breast Cancer Support Group Provides spiritual and emotional care. 1st & 3rd Thursday of every month, 7:00-8:30pm, Room 13.

Bible Studies
Sunday AM Bible Study
Meets Sundays, 9:15-10:15am in Room 2. Freedom, Fulfillment and Faith in the books of Galatians, Hebrews and Philippians. Instructor: Tim Townsend.
Bring the Bible to Life--Wednesdays
Resumes January 10, 2007. Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00pm in Room 11-12. A new way to read the Bible. Chapter, Verse and Key Word approach, beginning with the book of Matthew, will open your heart and mind to God's Word like never before. Instructor: Harry Krupsky.
3 Solas Cafe--Next session is January 10-February 28--Sign up now
A comfortable place to learn about Christ. If you're pursuing membership, or if you're a leader, a volunteer, or a member and want to learn more, or if you're exploring Christianity and have some questions..., this 8 week class is for you! Register for January session, email 3Solas@faithtroy.org

Other Adult Bible Study Opportunities
Men's Bible Studies. Click here to see the men's section.
Women's Bible Studies. Click here to see the women's section.
60+ Bible Studies. Click here to see the 60+ section.

FaithGroups

FaithGroup Leaders Meeting--January 13 or January 15
Quarterly meeting for all small group leaders and apprentices. Choose from either the Saturday, January 13, 9:00am-12noon meeting or the Monday, January 15, 6:30-9:00pm meeting. As always, food will be provided. RSVP by contacting Don Hanney, 248.689.4713, x300 or dhanney@faithtroy.org
Right here, in the middle of a big church experience...
YOU can find a caring group of friends who not only know your name, but share your concerns and support you in your spiritual walk. Join us for relationships that are real and a real place to fit in. Contact Don Hanney: Phone 248.689.4713, x300 or email dhanney@faithtroy.org

Other
Prayer Group--Next meeting is January 9
We meet Tuesday, 7:00pm, in the Conference Room. Everyone is welcome to come any Tuesday. Contact: Flo Fidler, 586.677.0085.
Membership Information & Questions
Contact Rob Higgins, 248.689.4713, x282 or email Rob at rhiggins@faithtroy.org

Food Pantry--Tuesdays, 5:00-6:30pm in Room 2
(Financial donations needed to purchase bulk food. Place in the offering basket, label "Food Pantry". Pantry Open Tuesdays. Temporary food assistance to members/friends of Faith. Needs: Tuna, macaroni & cheese, cereal, beef stew, pork & beans, side dishes, jello, rice-a-roni, toilet tissue. Coordinators: Jim and Roxanne Priest, 248.879.8661.

Video Library
Video Library is located in the alcove next to the Gym and open on Sundays only from 10:30am-12:30pm. Check out videos after both services.

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