WELCOME TO FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Inviting all people to faith ... Come and Worship - Go and Work

Pastor - Lee Laaveg | Ministers - All

Phone: 712-580-4316 2912 Highway Blvd, Spencer, Iowa 51301

September 27, 2020 Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Email us at: office@faithlutheranspencer.com

Catch us on the Web: www.faithlutheranspencer.com | YouTube Live Stream

Follow us @flcspencer

Like us on Facebook Faith Lutheran Church LCMC

Watch us on SMU: Monday @ 8:30 p.m. and Tuesday @ 11:00 a.m.

God’s Man for God’s Plan

Prelude

*Opening Song - “Build My Life”

Welcome

Prayer

Song - “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)”

*Invocation

We meet in the strong name of our God,

We praise You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

*Litany

Lord, we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world;

We are also broken people living in a broken world.

We are often foolish, selfish, and stubborn.

Forgive our sins and fill us again with your Holy Spirit.

We believe in the power of your love and grace through Jesus Christ.

We cling in hope to the truth that you will never leave us or forsake us.

Use our lives as partners in your eternal plans.

Empower us to be faithful servants of Christ.

Give us courage to live for you each day.

We are forgiven! We are loved! We are healed! We are restored! Amen.

*Prayer of the Day

Dear Lord God, you are the God of eternity, and our lives are in your hands. You are

the giver of Life. We depend upon you always. You are our light in the darkness, our

grace in our failures, and our hope in times of trial. Lead us, by your Holy Spirit, to

walk with you by faith in good times and in difficult times. We trust your love. In

Jesus’ name. Amen.

Commissioning of Stephen Ministers

Scripture - Philippians 3:7-14

*Gospel - Luke 4:16-21

Children’s Message

Song - “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”

Sermon Text - Genesis 41:33-57

Reader’s Theatre: “The Dark Place”

Sermon - “God’s Man for God’s Plan”

Song - “Chain Breaker”

*Confession of Faith

Prayers of the Church

*Lord’s Prayer

*Blessing

*Closing Song - “You Never Let Go”

Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.

Thanks be to God.

*Please stand if you are able.

WELCOME!

Our worship service is also found live on YouTube at

www.youtube.com/user/faithlutheranspencer

The church office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Please contact the church office at 712-580-4316 for any questions or concerns.

Scripture - Philippians 3:7-14 7 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake

of Christ. 8 More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of

knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count

them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9 and may be found in Him, not having a

righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ,

the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10 that I may know Him

and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed

to His death; 11 in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I

have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may

lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I do not

regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies

behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the

prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Gospel - Luke 4:16-21 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom,

He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. 17 And the book of

the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the

place where it was written,18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed

me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the

captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, 19 to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord.” 20 And He closed the book, gave it back

to the attendant and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on

Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your

hearing.”

Sermon Text - Genesis 41:33-57 33 Now let Pharaoh look for a man discerning and wise, and set him over the land of

Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh take action to appoint overseers in charge of the land, and let

him exact a fifth of the produce of the land of Egypt in the seven years of abundance. 35 Then let them gather all the food of these good years that are coming, and store up

the grain for food in the cities under Pharaoh’s authority, and let them guard it. 36 Let

the food become as a reserve for the land for the seven years of famine which will

occur in the land of Egypt, so that the land will not perish during the famine.” 37 Now

the proposal seemed good to Pharaoh and to all his servants. 38 Then Pharaoh said to

his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom is a divine spirit?” 39 So Pharaoh said

to Joseph, “Since God has informed you of all this, there is no one so discerning and

wise as you are. 40 You shall be over my house, and according to your command all

my people shall do homage; only in the throne I will be greater than you.” 41 Pharaoh

Pastor’s Ponderings . . .

said to Joseph, “See, I have set you over all the land of Egypt.” 42 Then Pharaoh took off

his signet ring from his hand and put it on Joseph’s hand, and clothed him in garments

of fine linen and put the gold necklace around his neck. 43 He had him ride in his

second chariot; and they proclaimed before him, “Bow the knee!” And he set him over

all the land of Egypt. 44 Moreover, Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Though I am Pharaoh, yet

without your permission no one shall raise his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt.” 45 Then Pharaoh named Joseph Zaphenath-paneah; and he gave him Asenath, the

daughter of Potiphera priest of On, as his wife. And Joseph went forth over the land of

Egypt. 46 Now Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt.

And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh and went through all the land of

Egypt. 47 During the seven years of plenty the land brought forth abundantly. 48 So he

gathered all the food of these seven years which occurred in the land of Egypt and

placed the food in the cities; he placed in every city the food from its own surrounding

fields. 49 Thus Joseph stored up grain in great abundance like the sand of the sea, until

he stopped measuring it, for it was beyond measure. 50 Now before the year of famine

came, two sons were born to Joseph, whom Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera priest

of On, bore to him. 51 Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, “For,” he said, “God has

made me forget all my trouble and all my father’s household.” 52 He named the

second Ephraim, “For,” he said, “God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction.” 53 When the seven years of plenty which had been in the land of Egypt came to an

end, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, just as Joseph had said, then

there was famine in all the lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 So

when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried out to Pharaoh for bread;

and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, you

shall do.” 56 When the famine was spread over all the face of the earth, then Joseph

opened all the storehouses, and sold to the Egyptians; and the famine was severe in

the land of Egypt. 57 The people of all the earth came to Egypt to buy grain from

Joseph, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

1. Are there any circumstances or situations in your life from which you long to be

free? Does your faith in Jesus help?

2. Do you believe that God has a plan for your life, and how do faith and obedience

affect this plan being fulfilled?

3. Where do you derive your sense of value and self-worth?

4. What do you think the phrase “with great freedom comes great responsibility”

means?

5. In what ways does the story of Joseph foreshadow the story of Jesus?

Discipleship Course | Today, Sunday, Sept. 27

10:30 a.m. | SON Room | In Pursuit of Jesus

Jesus is one of the most talked about figures in history. Some love Him. Some hate Him. Many are simply indifferent. Find out more about Him and His impact on this world.

Episode 2: Singapore! Singapore is a city in a garden, an economic powerhouse, and a place where community thrives through food, friendship, and faith including all of the world’s major religions.

Pick up your passport. It’s time to pursue Jesus.

Stephen Ministers

Commissioned Today!

Nine Stephen Ministers will be commissioned here at

Faith! These very gifted people will bring strength to our

congregation by giving one-to-one care to those who are

grieving, need long-term care, or want a caring person to

walk alongside with through life. They have answered a special call to use

their gifts to follow in Jesus’ caring footsteps. Let us celebrate the completion

of their 50 hours of training for this ministry, and thank God for their

generous response to His call. Let’s keep the success of their ministry always

in our prayers.

The Stephen Ministers to be commissioned are:

Del Brockshus, Roger and Vickie Godfredsen, Laura Heikens, Bill Nitzel, Heidi

Skadeland, Dave and Barb Solberg and Cheryl Stueven

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with

all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5

BIBLE PRESENTATION, OCT. 4!Bibles are presented to the

Sunday School Children in

Pre-school, Kindergarten,

2nd and 6th Grades.

Happy Birthday

to ...

September 27

Madelyn Edie

Steve Johnson

September 30

Nancy Heckathorn

Keith Van Kleek

Ellie Spieker

Happy Anniversary

to ...

October 1

Jerome and Kristine

Christianson

Wednesday, 9/30

Crossing the

Jordan

5:30 p.m.

WoW! Community Meal

(Tater Tot Casserole)

6:30 p.m.

WoW! Worship service

and Confirmation

Faith Youth - grades 6-12 - are invited to

Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp’s

Outreach Night!

Sunday, October 4 | Block Party/Kickball

Cost is $4 (for the meal)

RSVP is required by the Camp.

Please contact Brittany Spieker

at 712-260-4273 by

4:00 p.m., Thursday,

October 1, if you want to

attend!

October’s edition of Faith Life Together is available on the bulletin tables, the Welcome Center Desk or

in the Devotionals Box outside!

Take one home with you TODAY!

Job opening

Communications

and Technology

Director

We’re looking for a

Communications and

Technology Director at Faith!

Do you have the

communication and

technology skills to help our

church move forward?

If you or someone you know

is interested, please find the

job description on the

church website homepage

www.faithlutheran

spencer.com

Apply using the online form

and attach your resume.

Job applications will be

received through September

30, 2020.

Thank you

Final 1st Communion Class

Sunday, Oct. 11 | 10:30 a.m.

The Library

In March, the First Communion class was suspended due to COVID-19.

The final lesson will be taught on Sunday. Oct. 11.

Then, 1st Communion for these students will be on Sunday, Oct. 18, with a

brunch to follow at 10:30 a.m. for students, families and teachers.

Cross-generational Event!

Hayride and Fall Celebration

October 11

Joe and Rachel Simington’s

Farm

Amazon Shoppers -

Consider Supporting Faith!

We take pride in our community and

want to support our businesses! Still,

there are times when we look to

online vendors. If you are an Amazon shopper,

please consider supporting Faith Lutheran.

Logon to smile.amazon.com using your current

login information | Choose a charity to support –

Faith Lutheran Spencer

Shop as normal. Up to 0.5% of each qualified

purchase is sent to Faith!

Try it today!

Frauds and Scams Fraudulent text messages are happening more often. The message

seems believable and yet ... not so much.

Do not click on the link in the message. Instead, report the message

by forwarding it to your phone carrier at 7726. Each phone carrier

will recognize this as a spam report and will ask you to then send them the phone

number the message is associated with. Reply to the phone carrier message with the

phone number associated with the spam text.

Questions? Please call the church office at 712-580-4316!

Congregational Forum

Sunday, October 18 | 10:30 a.m.

We welcome open discussion about any subject.

Dialog will also include Faith’s overall ministry, LifeKids, and our

working partnership with Zion Lutheran Church of Ruthven.

We look forward to good communication together.

SUNDAY BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS Please submit all bulletin announcements to the church office

each Thursday by 10:00 a.m. Call the office at 712-580-4316

or email the information to office@faithlutheranspencer.com

Thank you!

Atlas of Spencer

Evening

6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 12

All-Day

LifeKids

Monday,

Oct. 12

Happening at Faith in October ...

Curious what Foster

Care is and what the

qualifications are?

Find out more on

Thursday, Oct. 8

6:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Foster Care

Orientation Meeting

7:40 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Must be registered

prior to attending.

Register at

lifekidsspencer.com

YEAR BALANCE

GIVING TO DATE REMAINING ATTENDANCE

JULY $21,895.50 $195,311.17 $200,052.83 31

AUGUST $28,142.00 $228,858.17 $166,505.83 69

SEPT. 1-6 $ 4,464.00 $233,322.17 $162,041.83 89

SEPT. 7-13 $ 8,651.58 $241,973.75 $153,390.25 83

SEPT. 14-20 $ 6,073.00 $248,046.75 $147,317.25 93

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20: YOUTUBE LIVE-STREAMING COMPUTERS - 40

Thank you for generously supporting Faith Lutheran in 2020!

2020 GENERAL OFFERING

AND ATTENDANCE

BUDGET: $395,364.00

“Whatever you do in word or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving

thanks through Him to God the Father..”

Colossians 3:17 (NASB)

Online giving provides the

ability to donate on

our website. After creating

an account, you are able

to give a donation or schedule a series

of donations directly from your

checking or savings account or

by using your debit or credit card.

If you have enjoyed this convenience of online giving last year, now is a good time

to check your giving status in your online account. The gift scheduled may have

expired. Take a moment today to verify the gift schedule and amount.

If you have not tried online giving,

now is a good time to start! Go to:

http://bit.ly/33RXUbH and follow the instructions.

If you have questions or need help,

please contact the church office at 712.580.4316.

Looking for something to put in the offering plate?

“I Gave Online” cards are available on the Welcome Center.

Thank you to today’s . . .

Worship Leader Eric Patten

Instrumentalist Denise Laaveg

Vocalists Brett and Jolynne Eilts

Scripture Reader Randy Enge

Children’s Message Pastor Lee

Reader’s Theater Heidi Skadeland, Brett & Jolynne Eilts, Evan Nielsen

Prayers of the Church Justin Spieker

Altar Prep Denise Laaveg

Camera Cindy Tigges

Lead Tech Lori Krei

Fellowship Jim and Joan Unrau

Greeters/Ushers Troy and Anne Rosendahl

Next Sunday, October 4

Worship Leader Eric Tigges

Instrumentalist Denise Laaveg

Vocalists Brittany and Ellie Spieker

Scripture Reader Nancy Ketcham

Children’s Message Evan Nielsen

Prayers of the Church Gary Klett

Altar Prep Denise Laaveg

Camera Cheryl Stueven

Lead Tech Lori Krei

Fellowship Jim and Joan Unrau

Greeters/Ushers Jim and Lisa Carpenter

Pastor: Lee Laaveg

pastor@faithlutheranspencer.com

Church Administrator: Lori Krei

churchadmin@faithlutheranspencer.com

Outreach & Stephen Ministry Director:

Eric Patten - eric@faithlutheranspencer.com

Custodian: Rich Stueven

custodian@faithlutheranspencer.com

Technology Director: Lori Krei

techdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com

Office Assistant: Cheryl Stueven

office@faithlutheranspencer.com

LifeKids Director: Radina Jansen

director@lifekidsspencer.com

Worship Director: Denise Laaveg

worshipdirector@faithlutheranspencer.com

Faith Lutheran Church Staff:

Faith Lutheran

Church Videos

on SMU

Each week our

worship service is

broadcast on SMU

Channel 3 on Monday

and Tuesday. The

service may also be

viewed on the SMU

website. A handy link

is provided below.

https://bit.ly/3aj4jyq

Happy 10th Anniversary, Faith!

This Week at Faith!

Today - Sunday, September 27

9:00 a.m. Worship : Stephen Minister Commissioning and

In-house worship and live stream on YouTube

10:30 a.m. Fellowship

Children’s Sunday School

Discipleship Course - SON Room - In Pursuit of Jesus

Monday, September 28

3:30-5:30 p.m. LifeKids After School Program

6:00-9:00 p.m. Foster Parenting Class

Tuesday, September 29

3:30-5:30 p.m. LifeKids After School Program

Wednesday, September 30

1:00 p.m. Staff meeting

3:30-5:30 p.m. LifeKids After School Program

5:30 p.m. WoW! Community Meal (Tater Tot Casserole)

6:30 p.m. WoW! Worship service

Confirmation

Thursday, October 1

3:30-5:30 p.m. LifeKids After School Program

4:00 p.m. Registration deadline for IOLBC Outreach Night

Contact Brittany Spieker @ 712-260-4273

Friday, October 2

3:30-5:30 p.m. LifeKids After School Program

Saturday, October 3

7:30 a.m. Men’s Bible Study

Upcoming Events!

October 4 Worship and Bible Presentation

IOBLC Outreach

October 18 Worship and First Communion Celebration

Congregational Forum

Please contact the church office (712-580-4316) for a current calendar of events.

Or, check the online calendar at www.faithlutheranspencer.com/events