FLC Email | 2026.09.23
FLC Weekly Reflection & E-News | 2026.09.23
Brick by Brick: Building Faith Together!
A weekly reflection and a look ahead at Faith Lutheran Church.
A weekly reflection and a look ahead at Faith Lutheran Church.
This Week’s Reflection
Scandalous Grace
Some of the stories that Jesus told to illustrate God’s grace can sound outrageous to us. Theologians and biblical scholars have wrestled with the parables of Jesus for centuries, trying to make them make sense. But perhaps the beauty of these strange illustrations is that they refuse to succumb to our need for logic or neat conclusions. They are wild, confusing, and often scandalous—much like God’s love for God’s people.
On Sun Sept 20, we heard Jesus' parable of the vineyard workers (Matthew 20:1-16) and, indeed, it is one such story that has the power to offend us. A landowner who keeps inviting new laborers to join the workforce, paying them the same amount for different amounts of work? To be sure, this is not a commentary on how to run a business or abide by fair labor practices. Instead, it is a reminder of the scandal of God’s grace.
The kingdom of God functions by its own rules: It is a table where there is always room for more people, and an endless supply of bread and wine. It is a font where all are welcome, where all are invited to splash in the waters of baptism and be named children of God. It is a sanctuary where we find the courage to confess our sins and receive God’s extravagant, scandalous forgiveness. It is a community where love and justice supersede force and greed. It is a safe place where the most vulnerable are the most cared for, and generosity abounds so that all have enough. And it is a kingdom where all are invited to participate. Much like how the landowner hired new laborers until the end of the day, it’s never too late to be welcomed by God’s mercy!
During our worship service on Sunday, we presented Bibles to 14 children of different ages, encouraging them to take a deep dive into God's Word. In addition, Faith Fire Praise Band helped us lift our voices to God in song, especially as we sang together "This is Amazing Grace." The words of Psalm 145 rang true as we reflected on God's unconditional love and care for all people: "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."
Some of the stories that Jesus told to illustrate God’s grace can sound outrageous to us. Theologians and biblical scholars have wrestled with the parables of Jesus for centuries, trying to make them make sense. But perhaps the beauty of these strange illustrations is that they refuse to succumb to our need for logic or neat conclusions. They are wild, confusing, and often scandalous—much like God’s love for God’s people.
On Sun Sept 20, we heard Jesus' parable of the vineyard workers (Matthew 20:1-16) and, indeed, it is one such story that has the power to offend us. A landowner who keeps inviting new laborers to join the workforce, paying them the same amount for different amounts of work? To be sure, this is not a commentary on how to run a business or abide by fair labor practices. Instead, it is a reminder of the scandal of God’s grace.
The kingdom of God functions by its own rules: It is a table where there is always room for more people, and an endless supply of bread and wine. It is a font where all are welcome, where all are invited to splash in the waters of baptism and be named children of God. It is a sanctuary where we find the courage to confess our sins and receive God’s extravagant, scandalous forgiveness. It is a community where love and justice supersede force and greed. It is a safe place where the most vulnerable are the most cared for, and generosity abounds so that all have enough. And it is a kingdom where all are invited to participate. Much like how the landowner hired new laborers until the end of the day, it’s never too late to be welcomed by God’s mercy!
During our worship service on Sunday, we presented Bibles to 14 children of different ages, encouraging them to take a deep dive into God's Word. In addition, Faith Fire Praise Band helped us lift our voices to God in song, especially as we sang together "This is Amazing Grace." The words of Psalm 145 rang true as we reflected on God's unconditional love and care for all people: "The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."
Neighbor to Neighbor Ministry | September 27 | Lidixe Montoya
Come learn about Deacon Lidixe Montoya and the Northwest Synod’s Neighbor to Neighbor Ministry this Sunday, September 27, during worship and Adult Forum.
Come learn about Deacon Lidixe Montoya and the Northwest Synod’s Neighbor to Neighbor Ministry this Sunday, September 27, during worship and Adult Forum.
Blessing of the Animals
Our annual Blessing of the Animals is coming up on Sunday, October 4, and we’d love for everyone in our Faith Lutheran family to participate!
Do you have a pet that you would like to share with the congregation? Send us a photo of your pet along with their name and breed, and we’ll include them in a special slideshow during worship on October 4.
This year, we will not be holding the Blessing of the Animals outdoors, so please do not bring your pets to worship. Instead, we’ll celebrate them through the photos you send in, giving our whole congregation an opportunity to see and celebrate the animals that are special to our families.
Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, horse, or another beloved companion, we want to see them! We encourage everyone to participate and help us make this a joyful celebration of God’s creatures and the many ways they bring love and happiness into our lives.
Questions? Please reach out—we’d be happy to help!
Send your pet’s photo, name, and breed to office@faithmarshfield.com by September 27th.
Do you have a pet that you would like to share with the congregation? Send us a photo of your pet along with their name and breed, and we’ll include them in a special slideshow during worship on October 4.
This year, we will not be holding the Blessing of the Animals outdoors, so please do not bring your pets to worship. Instead, we’ll celebrate them through the photos you send in, giving our whole congregation an opportunity to see and celebrate the animals that are special to our families.
Whether you have a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, horse, or another beloved companion, we want to see them! We encourage everyone to participate and help us make this a joyful celebration of God’s creatures and the many ways they bring love and happiness into our lives.
Questions? Please reach out—we’d be happy to help!
Send your pet’s photo, name, and breed to office@faithmarshfield.com by September 27th.
Small Group Opportunities
FALL FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES: Please sign-up in the Gathering Area for one (or more) of the following opportunities to get to one another better this fall....
Men’s Group – Are there any men who are interested in getting together once-a-month for breakfast and Devotions/Bible study?
German Baking – Last year we had a successful Scandinavian Baking event on a Saturday morning that was led by three Faith Lutheran members. This year we have had a request to try a German Baking event. (Black Forest Chocolate Cake or Feffernuts, anyone?)
Dinner Groups – For the past 2 years, we have had several “Dinner for 8” groups meet periodically for food, fellowship and reflection. In fact, some groups are still meeting! This is an opportunity to meet fellow worshippers in a relaxed setting and make new friends.
Men’s Group – Are there any men who are interested in getting together once-a-month for breakfast and Devotions/Bible study?
German Baking – Last year we had a successful Scandinavian Baking event on a Saturday morning that was led by three Faith Lutheran members. This year we have had a request to try a German Baking event. (Black Forest Chocolate Cake or Feffernuts, anyone?)
Dinner Groups – For the past 2 years, we have had several “Dinner for 8” groups meet periodically for food, fellowship and reflection. In fact, some groups are still meeting! This is an opportunity to meet fellow worshippers in a relaxed setting and make new friends.
GLOW Host of the Day - Sign Up Now!
Help make Sunday mornings welcoming and run smoothly!
We are looking for volunteers to serve as a GLOW Host of the Day throughout the upcoming year. This is a simple but important way to support our GLOW families, teachers, and volunteers each Sunday.
As a GLOW Host, you may:
We're looking for friendly, organized individuals who enjoy helping others and creating a welcoming environment for children, families, and volunteers.
A small role that makes a big difference in helping our Sunday mornings run smoothly!
Interested in helping? Sign Up Now or reach out to Justin with questions.
We are looking for volunteers to serve as a GLOW Host of the Day throughout the upcoming year. This is a simple but important way to support our GLOW families, teachers, and volunteers each Sunday.
As a GLOW Host, you may:
- Welcome students and families as they arrive.
- Assist with student check-in and check-out.
- Help teachers with printing, copying, or gathering materials.
- Help gather supplies teachers may need during the morning.
- Provide general support in the Education Office.
We're looking for friendly, organized individuals who enjoy helping others and creating a welcoming environment for children, families, and volunteers.
A small role that makes a big difference in helping our Sunday mornings run smoothly!
Interested in helping? Sign Up Now or reach out to Justin with questions.
Trunk or Treat at Faith Lutheran Church!
Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening of Halloween fun! Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy creatively decorated trunks, candy and treats, games, activities, and plenty of smiles.
Want to be part of making the evening a success? There are several ways you can help!
Decorate a Trunk
Bring your creativity and decorate your vehicle to hand out candy to our trick-or-treaters.
Donate Candy
Help us make sure we have plenty of treats for everyone! Candy donations are welcome.
Volunteer
Help with games, activities, setup, cleanup, or other areas throughout the evening.
Interested in decorating a trunk, donating candy, or volunteering? Reach out to Justin or Michelle to sign up or learn more!
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate Halloween with us!
Join us for a fun, family-friendly evening of Halloween fun! Come dressed in your favorite costume and enjoy creatively decorated trunks, candy and treats, games, activities, and plenty of smiles.
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- 5:30–7:30 PM
- Faith Lutheran Church, 207 S Cherry Ave, Marshfield, WI
- FREE & OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Want to be part of making the evening a success? There are several ways you can help!
Decorate a Trunk
Bring your creativity and decorate your vehicle to hand out candy to our trick-or-treaters.
Donate Candy
Help us make sure we have plenty of treats for everyone! Candy donations are welcome.
Volunteer
Help with games, activities, setup, cleanup, or other areas throughout the evening.
Interested in decorating a trunk, donating candy, or volunteering? Reach out to Justin or Michelle to sign up or learn more!
Bring your family, invite your friends, and come celebrate Halloween with us!
FLY Italian Spaghetti Dinner
Join us for a delicious evening of food, fun, fellowship, and entertainment hosted by FLY Youth Ministry!
Dinner Pricing
Your Meal Includes:
Silent Auction & Raffle Baskets
While you're enjoying your meal, be sure to check out our silent auction featuring a variety of raffle baskets!
Would you like to help? If you or someone you know would be interested in donating a basket for the silent auction, please reach out to Justin. We'd love to include your donation!
Do You Have a Hidden Talent?
Do you have a hidden talent or a talent you'd love to share with everyone? We would love to have you be part of the entertainment for the evening!
Whether you sing, play an instrument, perform a special skill, tell jokes, or have something unique to share, we'd love to hear from you!
Interested in participating or have questions? Reach out to Justin for more information.
Come enjoy a great meal, support FLY Youth Ministry, check out the raffle baskets, and stay for an evening of fun and entertainment!
Join us for a delicious evening of food, fun, fellowship, and entertainment hosted by FLY Youth Ministry!
- Saturday, November 7, 2026
- 5:00–7:00 PM
- Faith Lutheran Church
Dinner Pricing
- Adults (13+): $10
- Youth/Children (6–12): $7
- Children 5 & under: FREE
- Carry-out is available at the same pricing!
Your Meal Includes:
- Spaghetti with or without meatballs
- Garlic bread
- Salad
- Beverage
- Dessert
Silent Auction & Raffle Baskets
While you're enjoying your meal, be sure to check out our silent auction featuring a variety of raffle baskets!
Would you like to help? If you or someone you know would be interested in donating a basket for the silent auction, please reach out to Justin. We'd love to include your donation!
Do You Have a Hidden Talent?
Do you have a hidden talent or a talent you'd love to share with everyone? We would love to have you be part of the entertainment for the evening!
Whether you sing, play an instrument, perform a special skill, tell jokes, or have something unique to share, we'd love to hear from you!
Interested in participating or have questions? Reach out to Justin for more information.
Come enjoy a great meal, support FLY Youth Ministry, check out the raffle baskets, and stay for an evening of fun and entertainment!
CYBER FRAUD WARNING & REMINDER
Please remember: Faith Lutheran Church will never ask you to purchase gift cards, send money, or provide gift card numbers or other financial information by email or text. We want to remind everyone to be cautious when receiving unexpected messages that appear to come from church staff or Pastor Heather. Before responding, check the sender’s email address carefully. Pastor Heather’s official email address is pastor@faithmarshfield.com. If a message seems suspicious, do not reply or click on links. Use your email provider’s “Report Phishing” feature instead. If you have responded to a fraudulent message or experienced financial loss, contact your bank or card provider immediately. You may also report the incident to local authorities and at ic3.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov. Please notify the church office as well so we can assist and monitor for additional scams. When in doubt, stop and verify before you act.
Please remember: Faith Lutheran Church will never ask you to purchase gift cards, send money, or provide gift card numbers or other financial information by email or text. We want to remind everyone to be cautious when receiving unexpected messages that appear to come from church staff or Pastor Heather. Before responding, check the sender’s email address carefully. Pastor Heather’s official email address is pastor@faithmarshfield.com. If a message seems suspicious, do not reply or click on links. Use your email provider’s “Report Phishing” feature instead. If you have responded to a fraudulent message or experienced financial loss, contact your bank or card provider immediately. You may also report the incident to local authorities and at ic3.gov or reportfraud.ftc.gov. Please notify the church office as well so we can assist and monitor for additional scams. When in doubt, stop and verify before you act.
Worship Songs for this Upcoming Sunday
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