Date	Event
3/21/2008	Food Drive	A total of 2,011 food items and paper products were donated to the Pierre/Ft. Pierre Food Pantry by the congregation of Faith Lutheran during the month of March - marking the first time the congregation has topped the 2,000 mark. The items were brought to the church, where they were sorted, boxed, and labeled. Youth and adult volunteers from the congregation delivered 121 boxes of donated food and paper products to the Food Pantry on Good Friday. The Food Pantry, which is located in the old Pierre City Auditorium building, serves a four-county area. Families in need can purchase items for a minimal price, using vouchers provided through the Pierre Area Referral Service. Faith Lutheran is among the five largest supporters of the Pantry.
2/5/2008	Fat Tuesday - Mardi Gras	Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) is the day before Ash Wednesday. At Faith we have our own version of Fat Tuesday called Mardi Gras. Our Lenten Celebration included games, prizes, food and festivities for the kids and whole family.
10/13/2007	Gift basket assembly for Country Fair	In preparation for the annual Country Fair at Faith Lutheran, a group of creative women gathered in the Fellowship Hall to fill gift baskets with recipes in a jar, kitchen linens and utensils, coffee cups, beverage packets, and other items donated by the congregation. The gift baskets are a popular item at the annual bazaar.
10/7/2007	Lutheran Women‘s Missionary League Sunday	Pastor Terry Borchard was the guest preacher for LWML Sunday at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church. Between services, he and his wife Janet shared a presentation on their mission work in Papua New Guinea. Pastor Terry and Janet Borchard work with the Ipili Bible Translation Project through Lutheran Bible Translators. Ipili is spoken by approximately 26,000 people in the highlands of Papua New Guinea. The Ipili New Testament was typeset in 2007, and in 2008 a dedication celebration is planned in Papua New Guinea. The Faith congregation has supported the Borchards through our Synod‘s "Together in Missions" emphasis.
9/16/2007	Rally Day	Rally Day was a fun, full day at Faith Lutheran. Special music was provided by a quintet of junior and senior high students, Sunday School teachers were installed, 2nd graders received Bibles, attendance awards were handed out to Sunday School students, youngsters learned about the meaning of the Trilogy during the children"s sermon (with the help of an Oreo cookie), and a tasty taco fiesta was shared at noon. The lunch was prepared and served by the Board of Parish Fellowship. The Building Together in Faith Fulfillment Committee prepared and served dirt cake as a reminder of the stewardship campaign underway for the addition to the church.
8/13/2007	August Fun Night	The atmosphere was charged with anticipation; the surroundings festive with colorful decorations; the serving table was loaded with tempting and tasty cuisine; the committees enthusiastically greeted, served, and entertained all who attended.
6/17/2007	Pancake Breakfast	The aroma was enticing and the food was delicious, when LYF members and their families prepared and served a Pancake Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall on Father’s Day. A free will offering taken at the breakfast will be used to help pay for participation in the National Youth Gathering in Orlando, and for other LYF activities.
5/27/2007	75th Anniversary Finale	Sunday, May 27th was one huge celebration at Faith Ev. Lutheran Church, as the congregation observed the grand finale of a year-long 75th anniversary celebration, and made our first offerings for the construction of a Christian Family Life Center. Pastors who formerly served the congregation as vicars and summer church workers participated in the worship services, there was a reception between the morning worship services, a noon lunch was served under the big top in the parking lot, there was an afternoon worship service, and a grand finale reception capped off the day. It was a joy-filled day as the congregation looked back at its 75-year history, and ahead to the construction of a beautiful new facility which will allow the congregation to expand its service to the Lord.
5/26/2007	Picnic Supper	It was a beautiful weekend as Faith Ev. Lutheran Church wrapped up a year-long 75th Anniversary Celebration. A former Pastor, former vicars, sons of the congregation who are serving as Pastors, former Directors of Christian Education, former church secretaries, former custodians, and former members returned home to Faith for the event. On Saturday, May 26th, the Board of Elders kicked off the weekend with a picnic supper for all the special guests under a gigantic tent in the church parking lot. It was a time for getting reacquainted, reminiscing, hugs, and laughter. It was just plain fun!
5/6/2007	Congregational Commitment Event	Hundreds of members of the congregation gathered at the Ramkota River Centre in Pierre for worship, fellowship, food and fun. The entire congregation participated in one gigantic worship service, then broke bread together with a hearty (and complimentary) brunch. While the children went off for fun, games and puppet shows, the adults made their three-year commitments to the Building Together in Faith project. The day ended with the children joyfully releasing balloons.
4/30/2007	Scientific Creationism Program	Brian Young, a nationally known speaker, founder and director of the Nebraska-based Creation Instruction Association, presented a fascinating program on the topic of scientific creation as a foundation for good science, theology and moral living. Young has authored books such as "Doubts About Creation? Not After This!", "Genesis: "Yesterday's Answers to Today’s Problems", and others. He served as a principal and teacher of Christian schools for ten years before becoming a full time evangelist in the Creation ministry. The Creation Instruction Association is a non-profit, tax exempt organization dedicated to the teaching of Scientific Creationism as opposed to the theory of evolution.
4/24/2007	Initial Commitment Event	The Fellowship Hall was bursting at the seams when pace setting leaders of the congregation came together to make their initial stewardship commitments to our Building Together in Faith project. It was an evening of music, food, fellowship, and laughter, as well as serious contemplation. The group prayerfully considered their commitments to the 3-year sustained giving stewardship emphasis for construction of a Christian Family Life Center at Faith Lutheran Church. The Center will contain a large Fellowship Hall, a ground-level Day Care Center (currently housed in the basement of the church), and more classroom space.
4/1/2007	Palm Sunday Services	Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the week before his crucifixion, when crowds spread palm branches and cloaks before him shouting, "Hosanna (Save Us) to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" Palm crosses - lovingly made by members of the congregation using palms donated for 32 years in a row by Pastor Urbach's mother, Berdine Urbach - were pinned on the clothing of every person worshiping at Palm Sunday services at Faith. Following the opening hymn, the Sunday School children marched into the sanctuary and sang a song of praise, waving palm branches. The choir delivered a beautiful anthem, and Pastor Urbach´s children´s sermon focused on the meaning of "Hosanna (Save Us)".
3/31/2007	Global Care Packages	During the month of March, the children of Faith Lutheran collected supplies to help children in southern India who were affected by the tsunami of 2004. Among the items collected: school supplies, combs, toothbrushes and toothpaste, bandaids, combs, and toys. The items were sorted and packaged in zip lock bags, and sent to Lutheran Hour Ministries for shipping to India.
3/30/2007	Food Pantry	A total of 1,940 items were donated to the Pierre/Ft. Pierre Food Pantry by the congregation of Faith Lutheran during the month of March - an increase of nearly 33% from the previous year‘s food drive. The items were brought to the church, where they were sorted, boxed, and labeled. Volunteers from the congregation delivered 102 boxes of donated food and paper products to the Food Pantry on March 30, placing many of the boxes of goods directly on the shelves, which had been nearly bare. The Food Pantry serves a four-county area. Families in need can purchase items for a minimal price, using vouchers provided through the Pierre Area Referral Service. Faith Lutheran is among the five largest supporters of the Pantry.
3/28/2007	Prayer Walk	The Spiritual Nurture Committee met to finalize plans and arrangements for a Prayer Walk at Faith Lutheran the evenings of March 29 and 30. The Prayer Walk was a self-guided tour to several stations in the church. At each station, participants prayed for a specific ministry of the church. The stations included stops in the Preschool, the Daycare, classrooms, the Fellowship Hall, the office area, the Youth Area upstairs, the choir loft, and the Sanctuary. Helpful prayer cards were provided at each station. In addition, prayer request cards were filled out by members of the congregation earlier in the month, and participants prayed for the concerns expressed on the cards.
2/4/2007	Super Bowl Sunday	Members of the congregation and visitors enjoyed the annual "Souper Bowl" Sunday lunch in the Fellowship Hall at noon on Sunday, February 4. Soup was served in edible bowls - there was a large variety of tasty desserts - there were fun door prizes - and, as always, there was plenty of good company and great fellowship.
2/3/2007	Leadership Meeting	Faith. Ev. Lutheran Church is taking the first steps toward a 3-year Sustained Giving Stewardship Emphasis in preparation for the construction of a Christian Family Life Center. The Leadership Team met with advisor David Kuerschner on February 3 to continue planning several special congregational events as part of the awareness phase of the project.
12/3/2006	Festival of the Creche 2006	Faith Lutheran’s fourth annual Festival of the Creche was held on Sunday, December 3rd. Members of the congregation brought their nativity sets from home to display in the Fellowship Hall. A notecard placed next to each set indicated who it belongs to, and provided interesting details about the set, such as where it was purchased, how the family came to own it, where it is displayed each year, and any special memories associated with the set. The congregation also supplied a bounty of homemade holidays breads and cookies which were served throughout the afternoon. The Festival of the Creche also included a time of worship with a Live Nativity, special music from the choir, and the first lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary. The tree was furnished by Dale and Myrna Hartmann. The idea for the Festival originated with Shirley English. The church’s Board of Missions and Evangelism organizes the event each year. The reception was hosted by the Rebekah Circle.
11/19/2006	Faith Lutheran’s continuing 75th Anniversary Celebration	As part of Faith Lutheran’s continuing 75th Anniversary celebration, Pastor Nabil Nour of Redeemer Lutheran in Armour was the guest preacher at the November 19th, 2006 worship services. A Palestinian who is originally from Haifi, Israel, Pastor Nour is the 2nd Vice President of our South Dakota District. Pastor Nour both understood and appreciated the two choral anthems which were sung in Hebrew. Pastor Levi Willms taught the young people of the congregation a song about joy during the children’s sermon.
11/19/2006	Annual LYF Oatmeal and Ice Cream Feed	The Faith Lutheran LYF and Cordell Costar teamed up once again to prepare and serve the annual LYF Oatmeal and Ice Cream Feed on November 19, 2006. Between worship services, the Fellowship Hall was filled with smiling faces for the event. A free will offering provided funds to assist the LYF with summer trips, including the Synod’s 2007 Youth Gathering in Orlando in 2007.
9/17/2006	75th Church Anniversary/Salute To Vietnam Veterans	September 17, 2006 marked the day Faith Lutheran celebrated its 75th church anniversary and also gave tribute to the men and women who fought in the Vietnam War, as well as those who served our country in all wars and conflicts. The festive day giving all glory to God was highlighted with several events and special people. The photos in the gallery for this event show the following: Processional; Pastor Jonathan Strand, former Vicar visited; Men/Women of the armed forces were acknowledged; Clara Hirsch, a member of Faith for all 75 years, was present with her son Jerry; Terry Tople, a Vietnam Veteran who was awarded two purple hearts shared this remembrance box with us; Pastor Michael Kumm, a Vietnam Veteran and a son of the parish preached for the event. Pastor Kumm serves on the faculty of Concordia Seminary in St. Louis; Pastors Kumm, Urbach and Willms are positioned beneath the SD Districts banner. Our SD District is celebrating its 100th Anniversary; Our choir, bells, organ, piano and brass were part of the festive music; The altar was adorned with flower arrangements; Food and fellowship marked the day. The food committee served 520 people in the big top; Gwen Rothenberger, a former member, enjoyed the day of fellowship; Many guests, members and Veterans shared a festive meal.
6/16/2006	Vacation Bible School 2006	Vacation Bible School was enjoyed by over 150 children grades pre-K through 4th grade during the week of June 12 - June 16. The theme was Treasure Cove. Each day children discovered a new treasure which was related to our only real treasure, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. During the week the children enjoyed the band Captive Free, puppet skits, Chester, bible stories, crafts, games and a concert presented by Captive Free during the evening of Thursday, June 15. Following the concert children and parents enjoyed rootbeer floats.
6/4/2006	Installation of Officers	Church officers for 2006-2007 were installed at the June 4 services.
6/4/2006	Day Of Pentecost	On Sunday, June 4 - the Day of Pentecost - Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church officially began the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the church. South Dakota District President Rev. Vernon Schindler delivered the sermon at both services. During the proceedings of the service: Larry Coyle, President of the congregation, presented a check to Rev. Schindler from the congregation in the amount of $6,050 to support the District’s 100th anniversary. The gift will help provide scholarships for seminary students, and missionary services in Ghana. Jan Larson and Anita Marso presented a $903.55 check to Rev. Schindler on behalf of the LWML to support the District’s 100th anniversary. The money was set aside for this purpose from the 2005 Country Fair at Faith Lutheran. The men’s ensemble sang a song of praise under the direction of Karen Lindbloom. Pastors Schindler and Urbach and Vicar Hofacker led the service of worship to God in song and the Word.
6/4/2006	Burning The Mortgage	On Sunday June 4th, Faith Lutheran Church officially began celebrating its 75th anniversary with the burning of the 1996 mortgage - 15-1/2 years ahead of schedule. The $441,803.85 mortgage was for construction of the new sanctuary, office space, and remodeling of the former sanctuary for use by the Faith Lutheran preschool. It is the first time our congregation has been debt free since the building of our 1961 church at 714 N. Grand Avenue. Thanks to generous gifts from the congregation, a total of 187 advance payments were made on the mortgage, saving nearly $264,000 in interest. Pictured: At the first service, President Urbach watches as congregation president Larry Coyle and Lari Ott, immediate past president of the Board of Stewardship, burn mortgage papers. At the second service, congregation president Larry Coyle and Chad Heinrich, representing the board of Stewardship, truly set the papers ablaze.
5/7/2006	Church Debt Retired	Congregation President Larry Coyle announced on May 7, 2006 that the congregation had paid off its loan, making the church debt free for the first time since 1961. The construction loan was paid off 15.5 years ahead of schedule, saving the congregation over $260,000 in interest. Also pictured: Pastor Brad Urbach, and Vicar Peter Hofacker.
3/31/2006	Food Pantry Donations	A total of 1,456 items were donated to the Pierre/Ft. Pierre Food Pantry by the congregation of Faith Lutheran during the month of March. The items were brought to the church, where they were sorted, boxed, and priced. Volunteers from the congregation delivered 87 boxes of donated food and paper products to the Food Pantry on March 31. The Food Pantry serves a four-county area. Families in need can purchase items for a minimal price, using vouchers provided through the Pierre Area Referral Service.
11/27/2005	Creche Festival	Faith Lutheran’s third annual Festival of the Creche was held on Sunday, November 27th, the first Sunday of Advent. The idea for the Festival originated with congregation member Shirley English. The church’s Board of Missions and Evangelism organizes the event each year. Members of the congregation brought well over 100 of their own Nativity Sets from home. A notecard placed next to each set indicated who it belonged to, and provided interesting details about the set, such as its origin, how the family came to own it, and any special memories associated with the set. Members of the congregation furnished homemade holiday breads and cookies, which were served throughout the afternoon. The Festival of the Creche also included a time of worship with a Live Nativity, special music from the choir, and the first lighting of the Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary.
11/17/2005	Forever Young Thanksgiving Meal	The Forever Young group held its annual Thanksgiving Dinner in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, November 17. The group enjoyed a feast of turkey and all the trimmings, along with a potluck of tasty salads and desserts.
11/13/2005	Youth Band Preview	A new Youth Band at Faith performed for church services for the first time on Sunday, November 13. The group played and sang for Special Music, as well as during the Offering. The group was organized by and plays under the direction of Vicar Peter Hofacker.
10/30/2005	Oatmeal and Ice-Cream Fellowship	Cordell Costar and the LYF served up the third annual Faith Oatmeal Feed between services on Sunday, October 30. Members of the congregation had a tasty breakfast of oatmeal topped with ice cream and fruit. Through free will donations, the event raised money to support LYF activities. In addition, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will provide supplemental funds.
10/15/2005	Country Fair 2005	The weather was perfect and turnout was tremendous for the Country Fair sponsored by the Faith Lutheran LWML on Saturday, October 15. The annual bazaar features baked goods, homemade candy, crafts, sales of used items in "Grandma’s Attic", and a delicious noon meal. Funds raised at the event are dedicated to missions, community organizations, and church needs. Mission projects which will benefit from this year’s Country Fair proceeds include Hurricane Katrina victims, the South Dakota 100th Anniversary Mission Project, Angel Flight, Women’s Prison Ministry, Pierre Area Referral Service, and the Make a Wish Foundation. Within the church, Country Fair funds will be used for LWML periodicals, Day Care, Preschool, LYF, seminary students, goodie boxes for college students, the first "Trunk and Treat" project on Halloween, kitchen supplies, and the Delegate Fund for the National LWML Conference.
9/18/2005	Top Ministry of Music Award	Karen Lindbloom, minister of music at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, this week received an Award of Distinction in the 2005 Ministry of Music Awards program conducted by the National Religious Music Week Alliance. The award honors Karen for developing and maintaining one of our nation’s finest worship music programs." Awards of Distinction are given in two categories: large congregations (1000 or more) and smaller congregations under 1,000. Announcement of the awards coincides with the celebration of National Religious Music Week, September 18-24. The National Religious Music Week Alliance, founded in 1995, conducts the annual awards program to focus credit upon the work of religious music directors everywhere. "Our aim is to recognize outstanding men and women for exemplary work in developing religious music programs within their places of worship," said Kevin Samblanet, chairman of the awards committee. "By focusing on the accomplishments of these leaders, we hope to encourage and support the work of all choir directors, music directors and ministers of music throughout the country." Karen has been a veritable "rock" in the music life of our parish. Her contributions to our worship experience have been monumental. She is truly one of God’s most humble servants.
6/19/2005	Vacation Bible School 2005	Faith Lutheran hosted Kingdom of the Son - A Prayer Safari Vacation Bible School June 13th-18th. The theme of the VBS program was the Lord's Prayer. An average of 132 children in grades Preschool -5th enjoyed learning about the Lord's Prayer and how much God loves them. Chirsts love was shared with the children throughout the week by 50 teachers and helpers. The Captive Free band assisted again this year leading the children in singing high-energy upbeat praises to the Saviour! Offerings shared went to Uganda for the Global Care Packages mission.
6/12/2005	Special Sunday: Enter the Gate of the Lord With Thanks And Praise	This special Sunday fit Pastor Urbachs Sermon well as we entered the gate of the Lord with thanks and praise. Some highlights were joyful singing, a classy Fellowship hosted by our Board of Missions and Evangelism following the 9:00 service, the dedication of our two new Banners: One banner--I am the Vine--was dedicated in honor of Vic and Dorothy Young and Red and Bea Westall. The other banner--I am the Bread--was dedicated in memory of Marian Kopplin, Chet Hiller and Helen Swift. The Don Wharton concert was delightful. The universal thought… lets have him come back soon. With the Fellowship Hall and Preschool room full we had a marvelous noon meal and a fine dessert bar. A bit after 1:00 Larry Diehm turned that big bucket on and with scores of people looking on we watched 3/4 of the station quickly fall to the ground. Four marvelous hours of worship, prayer, fellowship, music and God's rich goodness.
5/7/2005	Join Hands Day	Volunteers from Faith Lutheran Church joined the Hughes County Thrivent officers to plant petunias in flower boxes along the highway at the north and southwest ends of Pierre, in front of downtown businesses, and other locations in Pierre. Supplies - along with treats at Pier 347 after the planting was completed - were purchased with Join Hands Day funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
3/25/2005	Food Pantry Donations	Each year during the month of March, Faith Lutheran collects food for the Pierre/Ft. Pierre Food Pantry. Members of the congregation bring their donations to the church, where they are sorted and boxed. This year, volunteers from the congregation took 88 boxes of donated food and paper goods to the Food Pantry, then priced them and stacked them on shelves. Faith Lutheran is one of the largest supporters of the Pierre/Ft. Pierre Food Pantry, which serves people from a four-county area. The donated products can be purchased by families in need for a minimal price, using vouchers provided through the Pierre Area Referral Service.
3/25/2005	Good Friday Potato Dinner	Youth from the congregation gathered at the church at 10 a.m. on Good Friday to scrub and wrap potatoes, decorate, and set tables in preparation for the Good Friday Potato Dinner hosted each year by the Faith Lutheran LYF. The dinner was followed by a song fest at which members of the congregation could request their favorite hymns, and Good Friday Worship Services.
3/20/2005	Palm Sunday Morning Service	Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem in the week before his crucifixion, when crowds spread palm branches and cloaks before him shouting, Hosanna (Save Us) to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! Palm crosses - lovingly made by members of the congregation - are pinned on the clothing of every person worshiping at Palm Sunday services at Faith. Following the opening hymn, the Sunday School children march into the sanctuary waving palm leaves, and sing a song of praise.
3/13/2005	Prayer Circle Fellowship	Members of Faith Lutherans five Prayer Circles gathered at the church on March 13 for a time of fellowship, and to review calling procedures. Later, Pastor Urbach also met with the captains of the five circles. Members of a Prayer Circle enter into serious prayer when called by a Prayer Circle coordinator, Pastor Urbach, or a church member regarding a need. Participating in a Prayer Circle enriches a persons life as a member of the congregation in several ways: it is a way to be prayerful for a particular person or situation, to be more involved in the life of the congregation, to be more aware of who the members of the congregation are, and to become more caring of others.
11/28/2004	Creche Festival	Faiths second Festival of the Creche took place November 28, the first Sunday of Advent. The idea for the Festival originated with Shirley English, and was promoted by Faiths Board of Missions and Envangelism. Members of the congregation brought nativity sets from home. A card placed next to each creche noted who it belongs to, and provided interesting details about the set, such as its history, what it is made of, or why it is special to that family. Many members of the congregation baked homemade holiday breads and cookies, which were served by Rebekah Circle. The Festival of the Creche closed with a moving service, at which Faiths choir shared Advent anthems.
10/16/2004	Country Fair	The Faith Lutheran LWML sponsored the annual Country Fair at Faith Lutheran on Saturday, October 16. Hundreds of people from the community and the area flock to the Country Fair each year for baked goods, homemade candy, crafts, white elephant items, tasty caramel rolls for breakfast, and a delicious noon lunch. Funds raised at the fall bazaar are dedicated to missions, community organizations, and church needs.
9/19/2004	Korean War Veterans Honored	On Saturday, September 18th the State of South Daktoa dedicated a Korean War Memorial at Capital Lake. Twenty Six Thousand South Dakotans served in this war and there were 180 deaths from South Dakota. It was estimated 20,000 people watched the morning parade and attended the afternoon Dedication which included a flyover, fireworks and 40 bands playing together. Under the theme, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save", Faith Ev. Lutheran Church too honored Korean War Era Veterans on Sunday morning with two patriotic services, receptions, a noon meal under the Big Top Tent in which nearly 500 were fed an All-American meal of chicken, potato salad, baked beans, cake and ice cream. The preacher for the Sunday was Major David Gunderson, Pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Yankton, SD and a South Dakota Army National Guard Chaplain. The days festivities ended in the church while we listened to the Baumann Brothers share a wonderful patriotic concert. Korean War Era Veterans from throughout the state joined the congregation for this event.
8/8/2004	Ladies August Fun Night	Approximately 75 were in attendance and 15 tables were set at the Ladies August Fun Night. Vicar Jon Strand and his parents, Pastor Paul and Connie Strand, were in attendance. Those gathered enjoyed many wonderful salads, much laughter and fellowship, dinner music provided by Tom Johnson on guitar, and a very moving and informational presentation by Tom Martin who has recently returned from Iraq.
8/2/2004	Preschool Open House	On Sunday, August 1st the Board of Early Childhood Education , represented by Brad Schultz chairman, sponsored an open house for our Preschool. Honored was Donna Gohl for her 25 years at Faith Preschool. Faith Lutheran Preschool began September 1978 . The following picture is comprised of Jan Larson, Kay Huxford, Donna Gohl, Mae Erickson, Julie Linn.
6/18/2004	Vacation Bible School 2004	Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Corinthians 15:57 Those powerful words were the theme and Faith Lutheran Church was the location for 2004 Son Games Vacation Bible School. The approximately 140 children who participated met one of God's most valuable players, Paul, and through his adventures, they learned what it meant to be a member of God's team. The children played outdoor sports, designed team flags and pins, made gold-medal crafts, sang songs led by the talented Captive Free group, and learned the best coach ever is Jesus. The six Captive Free band members shared their faith in Jesus through song, puppet plays and example. The week was fun for all. Many teachers, kitchen helpers and others donated support for this important week.
5/1/2004	Join Hands Day	These photos are from a Join Hands Day project on Saturday, May 1 at Betty's Place, a residential facility in Pierre operated by Capital Area Counseling. Volunteers from the Faith Lutheran LYF and Board of Education, along with the Hughes County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans gathered together to wash windows, pull weeds, trim grass, fill two new planters with dirt, plant flowers, and assemble new patio furniture. Residents of the facility also pitched in. The patio furniture, planters and flowers were purchased through funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.
2/1/2004	A "Mammoth" momment	Faith Lutheran Preschool received a $500.00 grant from Walmart for new carpeting which will be purchased this summer. Our Tuesday-Thursday session is holding our "mammoth" check in front of the mammoth we assembled during our "Dinosaur Days" at preschool. Our mammoth will be up the entire month of February - come and see it! Thank You Walmart!
12/7/2003	Advent Banner and Paraments, Altar Vases	This morning we dedicate to the Glory of God a new Advent Banner and Advent Paraments. The beautiful Banner is given in loving memory of Beth Rupkalvis by her children: Larry Rupkalvis, Betty Herron, Renee Osterkamp, Brenda Worthy, Jean Lucas and Duane Rupkalvis. We thank them for the beautiful piece of ecclesiastical art. The new Advent paraments are a gift in loving memory of Andrea Urbach by Pastor, Jonathan, and Anna and Jennifer. Andrea served in the Altar Guild her entire 29 years at Faith, so new Blue paraments are very appropriate. We were thankful for the children of Beth for providing the matching banner. Beth asked without fail how Andrea was, two special souls. We thank the Rupkalvis and Urbach families for their special remembrances. New Altar Vases – We are most grateful to Sandy & Marrill Bales for a new set of Altar Vases. We are most grateful for the act of kindness. They do so in thanks for God"s goodness to their family. Thanks Sandy & Marrill
11/30/2003	Creche Festival	Faith‘s first Festival of the Creche took place November 30th, the first Sunday of Advent. It was the idea of Shirley English and was promoted by Faith‘s Board of Missions and Evangelism. Many members baked fresh homeade holiday breads and cookies that were served by Rebekah Circle. In this first ever Festival at Faith 98 striking Creche‘s were very attractively displayed. The Creche displays were filled with many family stories of interest. It was estimated nearly 250 viewed the display of creche‘s. The Festival of the Creche had a closing service in which Faith‘s choir shared three wonderful Advent anthems. During the reading of Luke 2 and Matthew 2 a living chreche formed in the chancel. It was comprised of LYF Angels, Father/Son shepherds, three distinguished wiseman and yes, a Mary and Joseph with one of Faith‘s newest babies thoughtfuly named Joshua. During the closing anthem the Christmas tree was lit for the first time. The beautiful 17 foot tree is decorated with angels dontated by the families of Faith. Already the Board of Missions and Evangelism is planning next year‘s 2nd annual Festival of the Creche.
6/1/2003	Circuit Bible Camp Tents	A matching fund grant from Thrivent helped the Pierre Circuit Bible Camp purchase one of four new tents for Circuit Bible Camp which will be held at Sheridan Lake, July 14th – 17th. On the following picture, Faith's Thrivent Service Tam of Mary Heidelberger, Allan Urlis and Renee Knapp present the check to Vicar David Brinkmeyer and Pastor Robert Hines. Pictured left to right back row: Pastor Robert Hines, Vicard David Brinkmeyer, Allan Urlis, Front row left to right: Mary Heidelberger and Renee Knapp
5/25/2003	Senior Recognition Sunday	Senior Recognition – On Sunday May 25th at Faith Lutheran Jacob Shoup and Senior Sheridan Cronin provided special music. Pastor Urbach had a "Feeding of the Little Lambs" that was a special message for the graduating Seniors. The Berea Circle hosted a congregational reception for the Seniors following the 8:20 service in which the Seniors sat together and communed as a class together.
4/26/2003	Holy Week	The younger Sunday School children sing joyous songs on Palm Sunday. The Altar Guild prepared the Sanctuary for Easter Sunday. The Lutheran Youth Fellowship youth and parents prepare the Annual Good Friday Dinner. The monies raised from the Lenten Coffees, Good Friday and Easter Breakfast will help to send LYF youth on their annual Summer trip. The trip this year is to St. Louis. Thrivent Financial for matched a portion of the monies with a gift of $250.00. The Easter Tree was strikingly beautiful. The Elders took the top 8 feet of last years Christmas tree that had been decorated with Easter Eggs. During the Sundays of Lent Pastor Urbach used the Easter tree with different ornaments made by Sunday School classes such as butterflies, lambs, lilies crosses and crowns to tell the Passion story of Jesus. Each week Pastor noted how the Easter tree got more brown and how the needles kept falling off. "It is dying", the kids would note. But Easter brought new life to the tree. It was sprayed white and the Altar Guild added beautiful lily blooms, white lights, ribbons and Easter Eggs made by our Sunday School children for the 2002 Christmas tree in the Fellowship Hall. The dying Easter Tree took on a remarkable and stunning look for a marvelous Easter morning and childrens message. We think it is the worlds first and only "Easter Tree", at least that we have seen.
4/1/2003	Pierre Food Pantry Gifts	March was Pierre Pantry month for Faith Lutheran Church. In addition to the generous outpouring of food from the congregation a total of $181.00 was raised at the Oatmeal Ice Cream Fund Raiser which was presented to Shellie Patterson, a Pantry Coordinator from Bob Shoup representing our Board of Missions and Evangelism.
3/4/2003	Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras	Fat Tuesday (Shrove Tuesday) is the day before Ash Wednesday. At Faith we have our own version of Fat Tuesday called Mardi Gras. Our Lenten Celebration included games, prizes, food and festivities for the kids and whole family.
2/9/2003	Swimming Fun	Many from the congregation and friends enjoyed the "warmth" of the indoor pool on this cold February Sunday afternoon.
2/3/2003	The Immanuel Congregation Pietermaritzburg has its own Minister again !	The following article appeared in a synodical publication in Pietermaritzburg. Reverand Karl Bõhmer was Faith Lutheran’s Vicar during 2001/2002: President Ahlers officiated at the installation. We also appreciated the fact that many of the ministers, who so faithfully served our Congregation during the nearly two years that we were without a minister, were present at the installation. Our Church was filled to capacity for the occasion, as most of our members were present, as well as many friends from Greytown, Kirchdorf, Our Saviour’s, Wartburg and even members from Congregations from further afield supported us in Pietermaritzburg. Rev. Bõhmer’s Sermon was based on the passage of Scripture from Matthew 11 verses 2-4. His Sermon is well summarized by his closing paragraph: "In this time of advent, may the Word of God also reshape our thoughts and expectations of our Messiah, and redirect our eyes to Christ, the lamb of God, who carried the sin of the world. Amen." The ladies from our congregation prepared a delicious lunch and the brass band members of the Congregations present, rounded the Sunday off with the performance of many of our favourite Christmas Carols and other hymns, under the baton of Vicar Chris Johannes. Ulrich Gõhring Pictured in the next picture are: The ministers l. to r. Siegfried Kõhne, Werner Kõhne, Karl Bõhmer, Eckart Schroeder, President Peter Ahlers, Allan Harlos, Helmuth Eggers.
12/24/2002	Celebrating Christ's Birth	The Sundays of Advent & Christmas were joyous days. What started as an idea in Pastor Urbach's children's message this paster EAster bloomed into a Christmas tree filled with Easter Eggs brought by the families of Faith from all over the country, as "Easter is the rest of the Christmas story." The Advent Banner with Advent's theme of "Come Lord Jesus, Be Our Guest . . ." gave birth to the Christ Child's arrival on the Banner Christmas Eve. Karen Lindbloom, Faith's director of music, designed and created the Banner. The 17 foot Black Hills Pine, cut by Dale Hartmann, not only was filled with Easter Eggs but suddenly on the 23rd of December burst forth with thousands of small pine blooms, "Behold a branch is blooming . . ." The Sunday School chidlren handcrafted all the beautiful eggs on the Fellowship Hall tree. The oval-egg shaped Nativity scene in the Fellowship Hall window was created and hand painted by Mike Braley. Is it any wonder the Christmas Eve sermon hymn was "Jesus Christ Is Risen Today?" Yes indeed, "Easter is the rest of the Christmas story . . ."
11/1/2002	Reformation Sunday	Many enjoyed reformation Sunday with much fellowship and laughter.
10/1/2002	Youth Hayride	The youth of the congregation enjoyed laughs on a hayride on a lovely autumn day.
6/17/2002	Vacation Bible School	The theme this year for VBS was built around the Godzwerkus Circus School. At Godzwerkus Circus School, about 170 children learned that God works in us to accomplish His purposes. With Him, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26 NIV®). Captive Free, a band comprised of enthusiastic for Christ teens, shared their talents and love with the children throughout the week.
5/7/2002	Faith Choir - Raises Voices To Praise God	When Faith Choir gathers for rehearsal and worship, members feel and experience the reality of God’s presence. They lift their praise to Him as an offering of worship. Our choir would whole-heartedly agree that first and foremost they are worship leaders; their job is to proclaim and respond to the Word. That is the choir we see on Sunday mornings. There is also the “other” choir; the partnership, the great friendship that is shared. Faith choir is a family that has grown out of a sense of belonging. Everyone knows everybody by name and misses anyone absent. Each member feels special and important. It is fellowship in the greatest sense of the word. I’d like to introduce our members—all dedicated, diverse, fun-loving Christians. They’re all ages and come from all walks of life with different levels of abilities and talent. Each does their share. Herein lies the miracle—when 38 individuals join hearts and voices, they become one unit, an ensemble. One never knows what a rehearsal might bring - the photos on the following pages were taken the night the choir surprised Choral Director Karen Lindbloom to her “Happy Birthday” celebration. Jeanie Schweigert has been the dedicated accompanist for the choir for many years and is truly appreciated! On an unseasonalby cold and blustery May rehearsal night, the choir surprised co-choir member Clara Shelbourn to a Hawaiian Night Out. All choristers dressed in tropical apparel making the outdoor chills less abrasive and creating a warm and fun time of sharing and honoring a friend and wonderful lady. The value in singing is to enable us all—by emotions, insights, and aesthetics—to become more aware of God within us. Faith Choir invites all with the desire to join in this special fellowship opportunity.
4/28/2002	Confirmation	21 Eighth Graders were received as Communicant Members. They were Amanda Jean Clark, Psalm 18:28 Byron Andrew Crowe, Romans 4:5 Logan Christopher Dahl, John 3:5 Jamie Lea Dykstra, Acts 4:12 Karae Jaryn Englehart, Numbers 6:24-26 Debra Sue Gannaway 1 John 5:14 Caitlin Marie Hepper, Psalm 37:6 Torri Lee Ice, 1 Peter 4:16 Dustin Michael Jordan, Matthew 6:33 Weston Carl Dennis Kayser,Philippians 4:13 Jessica Ann Larson, Psalm 30:5 Clayton Oliver Theodore Lee, Philippians 4:13 Jessica Kristine Lenz, Psalm 26:8 Bradley James Merriman, Matthew 21:22 Nicole Natalie Nagle, Psalm 9:2 Austin Douglas Neilan, John 3:16 Stephen James Nelson, Matthew 6:33 Dustin Lee Ortbahn, Romans 8:28 Tyler Allen Peterson, Matthew 28:19 Adam Dale Schultz, 1 John 1:9 Amelia Frances Irene Wulf, John 20:29
12/16/2001	Savior of the Nations	Our 3rd through 8th grades perform a wonderful Christmas program.
12/16/2001	Children's Christmas Program	Our Children Answer the Questions: Who-What-Why-Where?
12/1/2001	Deck the Halls	Thank you to all who helped decorate the Church for the Christmas season.
9/16/2001	70th Anniversary Celebration	The weekend of September 15-16 was an enormous celebration of thanksgiving for the State of South Dakota, the Community of Pierre/Ft. Pierre and Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church. On Saturday, the community dedicated the WWII memorial and on Sunday, our Church celebrated its 70th Anniversary!
8/5/2001	The Improved Church Campus	Much has been accomplished this past year to enhance the safety and usability of the parking lot and to add beauty to the campus.