Proceeds will benefit Hope at the Brick House and Faith First Youth Group.
There will be sloppy joes, nachos and pop for sale. Raffles and 50/50.
Call the church office at 563 391 5726 for more information.
Download our Music Bingo Flyer to give to your friends and family!
Jacob also went on his way, and the angels of God met him. When Jacob saw them, he said, “This is the camp of God!” So he named that place Mahanaim. ~ Genesis 32:1
I have written about many things over the last 13 years, but I’m not sure I have written much about camp. But this month, I want to spend a few moments talking about the Christian Conference Center—the Christian Church (DOC) space in Newton, Iowa. This is the church camp, retreat center, and office space for the Disciples congregations in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, and has been serving the Christian Church since 1967. This camp sits in almost 200 acres of woods and prairie grass and offers so much more than just summer church camp.
Some of you know the Christian Conference Center—intimately. Some of those among us met there, and eventually got married. Some of those among us have counseled camp for decades. Some of those among us have been host/hostess for a weekend, showing guests around, making sure everything is in order. Some of those among us have attended clergy retreats and continuing education events during the coldest time of the year. Some of those among us have spent countless hours volunteering by building, cleaning, sorting, and whatever other odd jobs need done to make the camp what it is. Some of those among us have spent evenings there as campers, enjoying the activities and festivities, and learning what it means to be a follower of Christ among others from various parts of the Midwest.
We have heard from Camden Daily and the Marvin kids in August, as well as Amy and Autumn Dowell and Jim and Sharon Perreault about their experiences at camp this year.
But for those among us who have never been there, let me tell you a little bit more about why this place is so sacred, and loved by so many.
The Conference Center is available for various groups to rent—weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, and so much more. They have hotel-style rooms, bunk cabins, and RV and tent camping available. On the 200+ acres, there are 5 miles of hiking trails, miniature golf, sand volleyball, outdoor swimming pool, fishing, private man-made lake, canoes, kayaks, paddle boats, paddle boards and more. There really is something for everyone!
i want to share some of the things that are taking place on this Holy Ground during 2026: multiple weddings, Pella Men’s Retreat, scrapbooking events, volunteer Saturdays (once a month), multiple quilting groups, multiple Scout groups, family reunions, clergy retreats, graduation parties, Midwest K-9 training, and more.
Just like everything else, it takes money to keep a place like this kept up, beautiful, and relevant. They are always in need of donations (if you are interested, there is a wish list on the bulletin board by the office!).
Later this fall, for the first time ever, the Christian Conference Center will host a fundraising event. Watch for details, as maybe we can get a group together to attend!
My goal is to plan a day, or retreat, next year for us to go as a church and spend some time on this Holy Ground.
On behalf of those whom you have supported to be able to attend camps, THANK YOU. On behalf of the Christian Conference Center, for all of the donations—time, talent, treasure, and other—THANK YOU!
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” ~ Ephesians 3:14-21
Last Friday and Saturday your three delegates and I attended the inaugural Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Online General Assembly, and what an amazing time we had! I gave stats during worship on Sunday, and you will hear from each of the delegates over the coming three Sundays. For now, I just want to share a little from my point of view.
One of the many things I have come to love about the Disciples, is the truly democratic polity they embody. Every ordained or licensed clergy (including chaplains, and other leaders) gets to vote. And every church – yes – EVERY SINGLE CHURCH gets three delegates to vote.
I also love that not every voice agrees. In the spaces in which we gather, the goal is to work toward “unity, not uniformity.” In fact, the identity statement of the Christian Church (DOC) is “We are Disciples of Christ, a movement for wholeness in a fragmented world. As part of the one body of Christ, we welcome all to the Lord’s Table as God as welcomed us.” And what a difference that makes when the outside world believes we must all be uniform or you cannot belong.
This hospitality, unity and not uniformity, allows us to be who God is calling us to be as individuals, while working together. But so often we don’t want to work together, or don’t want to see the other person’s perspective.
But we are called to do just that—to be in community and learn to work together instead of divide. And once again, the Christian Church reminded me that there is a space where this is practiced. Are we perfect at it? NO. In fact, we may not even be good at it. But we are practicing. And when we don’t behave with radical hospitality, we are invited to seek reconciliation by asking for, and offering forgiveness, as God has forgiven us.
We are far from perfect. We will never be perfect. But I am grateful that we, as Faith First Community Church, are rooted in God’s love and forgiveness, so that we may practice radical hospitality to all God’s beloved.
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
KITCHEN CHRONICLES—The kitchen is FINISHED! It has been four months to the day (March 12—July 12) since we were able to do anything in the kitchen. We are so thankful for all your prayers through this process, as well as the patience of allowing us to use the church kitchen. When I return from vacation, we will have a kitchen blessing and you will be able to come and check it out!
“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished and all their multitude. On the sixth day God finished the work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all the work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all the work that he had done in creation.” ~ Genesis 2:1-3
When we became Faith First Community Church in January of 2024, to make it official, you extended a call letter to me to be your settled pastor. In a pastoral call letter, both denominations suggest offering a sabbatical after about 5 years. That was how the call letter from Faith UCC read. Most of you will remember I took my sabbatical (after 10 years instead of 5) the summer we began worshipping together.
Preparing to be gone for 12 weeks is difficult. I have to make sure everything is covered, so that things don’t get dropped, people continue to get visited, and the ministries and missions of the church don’t stop. It takes a lot of energy.
I had been told by multiple colleagues who have been on sabbatical that the first month you worry about what you forgot. The second month, you are finally able to relax, and the third month you begin the process of getting back into things—even though you try to disconnect for all three months. It just doesn’t happen well.
In our negotiations for my current call letter, I proposed something different. Instead of a sabbatical in the traditional sense, I asked for 7 weeks of vacation a year—4 of which will be taken together.
I made this proposal partly because 4 weeks is easier to prepare for than 12. But mostly, it is because then I am able to allow my body and energy some time to really recharge every year. I believe this will help as I continue to navigate life with neuroendocrine cancer.
I am excited for this time, as I will be spending a few days in Minnesota with my best friend from high school at the beginning of that time, and ending it with our nephew’s wedding (that I get to officiate!).
Jill Pepper will be leading worship and be on call during the time I am gone. I know she will have some amazing things for you, so be sure to join her in worship.
In the meantime, join us as we continue our worship series on prayer. See you on Sunday morning!
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
“Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” ~ Proverbs 3:9-10
Many of us grew up being taught that you don’t ask people how much they make. It isn’t anyone’s business. Because of this, conversations that revolve around money tend to be avoided because, most of the time, they aren’t comfortable conversations.
This is especially true within the church. Speaking about money is difficult. This is part of the reason I continue to make offering time a portion of our worship service. What we, as the Body of Christ, need to remember, is that we are instructed to give a portion of what we have back to God, because God is where we get our treasure from in the first place.
Early on in our marriage, like most people, David and I lived paycheck to just before the next paycheck. I spent many hours crying because I didn’t know how we were going to make ends meet. In that time, we had stopped giving to the church.
I remember when, together, we decided we needed to start giving again. Once we did, it didn’t matter how hopeless we felt about making ends meet in that month, when we intentionally gave to the church, even a little, something would happen, and we would be able to pay all of our monthly bills. The money just…… showed up.
I remember one time David got a bonus check, and we were very excited because we had some unexpected extra money. That Sunday, I was getting ready to leave church to head home, and when I put the car into reverse, there was a loud thunk! and jerk. The tie bar broke, and we had to get the car towed to get it fixed. But….we had the money to pay for it—when just a week earlier, we would have had to borrow some money! (No, it wasn’t how we wanted to use the money, but we don’t always get what we want. But we do get what we need.
To this day, I still marvel at the miracle of giving back to God. God promises that if we joyfully give a portion of our blessings back to God, we will be blessed. This is part of having faith.
This year, we have had some unexpected repairs on the parsonage, and we know that sometime before winter, we will have to deal with our boiler that heats the basement because it isn’t working. Both of these are big ticket items. And thankfully, we have the money for them—insurance for almost all of the parsonage kitchen, and money in our maintenance reserve fund for the boiler.
But there are other things that need done as well. The deck on the parsonage needs replaced, as the boards are rotting away. Our custodians of 30+ years have retired, and we will need to not only pay someone new, but the Barclays donated almost 100% of all the janitorial supplies we use in the church, which means the church will have to start paying for them.
And the ministries we do here at the church are not immune to price increases—which means they are needed all the more within our community. Food prices have increased, which means we are receiving less food for the Little Food Pantry; and the meat and cheese for making the weekly sandwiches is more expensive.
We are Faith First Community Church. And when we remain faithful, God provides. But each of us has to do our part. As we move into summer, and people travel more, we want to remind you to continue intentionally share your firstfruit with God. There are many ways you can do that. (If you need help—just ask!)
Unfortunately, as we prepare for our 2027 budget, we are going to have to have some very tough financial conversations. My guess is these will be uncomfortable, and probably stressful (especially for the Board—those who have to lead the conversations). But we are called to be stewards of all that we are given, and the money given to the church is included in that.
But let us not forget—like I said a moment ago—we are Faith First Community Church. We have always lived into that name, and we won’t stop living into it now. Our faith comes first. We will continue to trust that, when we follow God’s instruction to give of our firstfruits, we will be given what we need, and then some.
And for that, I offer God all my thanks and praise!
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven;” ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1
Every summer, from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, we change our worship time from 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. At the March Board Meeting, we had a discussion about keeping the 10:00 a.m. time all year, instead of switching back and forth.
Change can be difficult, especially when we are used to how things are. But nothing stays the same in life. And sometimes, we need to try something different. A good friend recently reminded me that when we are too used to something, muscle memory takes over, and we stop thinking about what we are doing, and just start going through the motions. Sometimes, we have to stretch our muscle memory by changing things up.
So much of our church life is like this. We come to worship, expect that worship to be done in a certain way, and then go home. But what if this certain way has become a stumbling block for us in our faith journey? What if we need to spice things up? Or change things just a little bit? What if we are being called to something new because God has bigger plans for us?
We understand that not everyone likes the thought of worship at 10:00 a.m. year round, for various reasons. We also know there are some who feel that the 10:30 a.m. time is not their favorite.
Yes, this change will cause other changes to happen. Choir rehearsal will have to change.
During the summer, this isn’t an issue, because the full choir isn’t singing. But during the rest of the year, the choir will not be able to rehearse like they do now because Susan will be coming from Grace Lutheran Church (where she plays every Sunday before coming to Faith First) just in time to warm them up before worship begins.
Adult Faith Formation classes will probably stay at the 9:00 a.m. start time. But Children’s Faith Formation classes will begin at 9:15 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.
The Board is asking for a trial period of one year. We will then re-evaluate whether the 10:00 a.m. time for worship is working, or we need to rethink the time.
July 1st will be my 14th year anniversary since I was called to this church. Many, many things have changed since I arrived, and you have always rolled with the punches. I know this will be no different. I just ask that you give it a chance. Again, if after the year, it doesn’t work, we will go back to what we have always done, or try something else!
Thank you for your patience, your grace, and your willingness to try new things. Our Gracious God is always working through us to make heaven on earth. I am so grateful for you!
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
“Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, as well as the cloth that had been around Jesus’ head”. ~ John 20:6-7
Most of you know that we have been dealing with a leak from a broken pipe in the kitchen at the parsonage. Because it was in the wall, and in the back of the lower cabinets, the leak did not present itself until the cellulose insulation thawed out as the temperature got warmer, and trickled down the basement wall, which is where David found it.
It wasn’t until we found the leak, got a plumber to come to the house, and he opened up the wall, that we found we were going to need more extensive repairs than just a fixed pipe. By opening the wall, it exposed the truth of what was happening. And once that truth was found, we were unable to ignore the damage, and are faced with having to get the proper testing for asbestos, lead paint, and mold, tearing out the cabinets and counter top, and then opening more of the wall to find out exactly the amount of damage that was done by one little 3/4 inch slit in a copper pipe.
The truth is like that. Once it is out in the open, it can’t be ignored. Oh, we can try and sweep it under the rug, or hide it in a closet, but good luck with that. Eventually, someone will “trip” over the rug, or open the closet, and the truth will be exposed. Truth is tricky like that.
Oftentimes, the truth hurts. Or, at the very least, it stings. But it always finds a way of coming to the surface, and you know what? The truth will set you free!
Don’t believe me? Have you ever done something in your life—or said something to someone—that you didn’t want anyone to find out?
Maybe it was because you didn’t want to take the blame (even though you deserved to take it). Or maybe it was because the truth made you feel ashamed. Or maybe the truth proved you were wrong about something, or someone, and you didn’t want to believe it—be it good or bad.
What happens when you try to hide, or try to run away from the truth? How do you feel? Do you feel lousy? How do you sleep when you try to hide the truth? Are Guilt and Anxiety constant companions during this time?
But what happens when the truth comes out, and you have to face the consequences?
While it may sting for a little while, don’t you feel better having let it go? With the truth in the open, you don’t have to hide anything anymore, you don’t have to lie anymore, you don’t have to keep things bottled up anymore.
On that dark day we call Good Friday, Jesus was led to Golgotha—made to carry his own cross—and then nailed to it until he suffocated and took his last breath. And he did this willingly—because he knew the truth. He knew that his suffering would save humanity—for the rest of time. He knew the truth about how God’s Love covers everyone’s sins—if they but repent—if they turn back toward God and leave their old, sinful ways. (Which, by the way, must also be done willingly!)
Some 2000+ years later, we have the luxury (unlike the disciples and Jesus’ followers) of knowing this Truth. We know that in the midst of the valley of death, new life will rise again.
No matter what you are going through, remember that Truth. And remember that sharing the truth, even though it may sting, in the long run, will bring you new life.
God’s Truth— Love wins, and the unearnable Love of God is for everyone—no matter who, no matter what, no matter where. Go forth and spread that truth, don’t hide it!
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.” ~ Matthew 3:16
The Bible is filled with symbols, common objects, numbers and elements which represent deep spiritual truths.
Examples are:
Water for the Holy Spirit as well as for life Fire for purification or judgement
Light for God
Oil for the Holy Spirit and anointing
Bread for the life sustaining living Word of God Cross for salvation
Rainbow for God’s covenant Dove for the Holy Spirit Lamb for Jesus
Today, we use symbols to help us remember the Word of God. We use bread to symbolize the body of Christ, juice to symbolize the blood Jesus shed on the cross. We use water to remind us of our baptism, and that we are named and claimed by God.
During our Ash Wednesday Service of Ashes, those who attended received a rock. Biblically, a rock symbolizes strength and permanence, something we can rely on not to move.
But we received these rocks as symbols of the burdens we carry through our life. Some picked their rocks so they could fit in their pockets, keeping them close.
Some picked larger rocks to display in places they could see them. I picked mine—larger but not too large, so I could carry it with me in my bag back and forth to the church, or in my purse when I was going some place. It is heavy enough for me to remember it is always present.
What I have noticed, is that when I put my bag down, the relief I feel from not carrying it around anymore.
Each of our life journeys look different, and we carry different burdens. Some we have to carry, but many we do not. Through our conversations and our worship this Lenten Season, we will contemplate what burdens we are meant to carry, and what burdens we are not meant to carry. Here’s a hint, in case you don’t already know:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30.
So often we place unnecessary pressure or expectations on ourselves to be perfect, to know everything, to act a certain way, or live a certain way. But the reality is, those are not what we should be focusing on. All they do is cause undue stress, anxiety, and burdens. Instead, what we should be concentrating on is following God’s path, loving with grace and mercy, because God first loved us, and offers us grace and mercy. When we do, our burdens will become lighter, and we will live in the peace God created us to live in in the first place.
My friends, you are not the only one in this crazy and chaotic life who has burdens. All of us carry them. I pray you will join us this Lenten season as we walk this journey of self reflection together. Maybe together we can work on letting go of those burdens that we no longer need to carry. May it be so.
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ” ~ Matthew 5:14-16
My family and I take several supplements daily, one of them being Vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important to the body. If the body is short on Vit. D, the body cannot absorb calcium properly to help maintain strong bones. It also supports immune health, and keeps muscles and brain cells working.
You can get Vit. D through some foods, mainly fish, like salmon, mackerel, and sardine (YUCK!). But the best way to get Vit. D is by sunlight. Unfortunately, given our geographic location on this planet, we can go several days, to even weeks without seeing the sun.
The sun affects us in more ways than just Vitamin D. If you are like me, the lack of sun can seriously affect your mood. Depression can set in, tempers can get dangerously short.
I can’t imagine living close to the Arctic Circle where they can get no sun at all in a 24 hour period for 60-67days every winter!
When the sun shines, I love facing it, with my eyes closed, of course! I love just standing in place, soaking up the warm rays, and allowing it to spread through my body. (Our dog, Nala, loves doing that as well!) The light warms my body, both inside and out.
The light of God shines on us in the same way—bright and warm. And it is always present, even when we can’t see or feel it.
Our world is gray and cloudy—mostly metaphorically speaking. It is filled with violence, hate, oppression, and fear. We can go days and days without seeing anything bright.
As people of God, we are called to be the light of the world. When the gray seems to blanket us like a thick fog, we are to shine. So, when you don’t feel or see the light of God, BE that light. DO something kind—smile at someone who isn’t expecting it. Look people in the eye when you talk to them. Call or text a friend or family member and tell them you are thinking of them. Send a card, or letter, or email. It doesn’t take much to be the light in the world. Just keep it simple!
Oh! And just in case I haven’t told you lately, or you need to hear it again—YOU ARE ENOUGH! GOD LOVES YOU, AND SO DO I!
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” ~ Isaiah 60”1
Most of us know the first verse of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” But did you know there were three more verses?
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are. Up above the world so high, like a diamond in the sky. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.
When the blazing sun is set, and the grass with dew is wet. Then you show your little light,twinkle, twinkle all the night.
Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.
Then the traveler in the darkthanks you for your tiny spark.
How could he see where to go if you did not twinkle so? Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are.
As your bright and tiny spark lights the traveler in the dark, though I know not what you are, twinkle, twinkle, little star.
Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are.
The author wonders what the star actually is. Scientifically, we know that stars are massive bodies of superheated gas—mostly hydrogen and helium-which generate their own light and heat by nuclear fusion at their centers. We also know there are an uncountable number of stars which fall against a dark backdrop-the vastness of space.
In this season, we talk about light a lot. We intentionally add lights to Christmas trees and the outsides of our homes and properties. We have experienced the northern lights in our part of the country more this year than ever before.
Jesus was born as the Light of the World. Emmanuel broke into the darkness of a violent time, as an innocent baby, in order to shine the Light of God in the dark places.
After Jesus’ birth, the Magi followed a great star—we call it the Star of Bethlehem– from the far east to Bethlehem in order to find the new King.
One of the most interesting things about light is that you have to have darkness in order to see the light. Think about being in a room that is totally void of light. If you were to shine a tiny, pinpoint size flashlight in the room, you would see it because it is in stark contrast to the darkness that is already there.
Light is very important. We, like Jesus, are called to be the light to the world. To shine God’s love and light in all the shadowed places.
As we prepare to begin yet another year, where can you shine your love and light? You can’t tell me there isn’t a small space that needs your light and love! With your light, and my light, and everyone’s light, we can change what is happening in our world! We can shine bright and bring hope and joy to all who need it—one tiny flicker at a time.
Always Peace,
Pastor Heidi