Appeal Goal for 2023: Increase Offerings by $60,000

 
 

THE POWER OF FAITH IN UNCERTAIN TIMES

The individuals and families that make up Farmington Lutheran are authentic people who know the ups and downs of life. You have persevered through the pandemic and you remain filled with hospitality, energy, love, and compassion. Together we are motivated by a deep desire for all people to know the love of Jesus and to have a vibrant faith that transforms lives. Our world needs this love and faith to help light up the path forward now as much as ever! Farmington Lutheran Church is poised for this moment.

We don't pretend to know where, exactly, the path forward leads. Instead, we claim God's promises, and the power of faith to see us through times of uncertainty.

WE ARE ON THE WAY

In the past year, partly through the addition of Pastors Kristen and Ben, we have taken important steps forward in ministry:

More adults sharing faith conversations and experiencing spiritual growth through programming like Brewed Theology and Road to Coronation

  • More people feeling God’s love when they experience crisis or loss through our developing care team

  • More service to the community through new ministries like Food on the Fourth

  • More intergenerational worship and serving together through First Wednesday Worship

Our ministry hopes aren't all fulfilled, but we are on the way! Here are some initiatives that you have stated you are hoping for and that can happen in 2023 with your help. Increasing our shared Associate Pastor role from 1.0 FTE to 1.3 is one key tool to make these initiatives happen. Together we will make a REAL difference!

Equipping and Nurturing Youth With a R.E.A.L. Faith

After two years of living with Covid-related restrictions and changes, many youth are feeling frustrated and disconnected. We're listening, and responding by increasing our efforts to help them know they are valued and to equip them with a faith that is R. E. A. L.

R – Rooted
E – Engaged
A – Authentic
L – Lifelong

To accomplish this, we will:

  • Revise the confirmation program by implementing research-backed best practices for nurturing a lifelong faith

  • Revise the sixth-grade year, to be called “PreCon,” to prepare students with a better fit of experiences and learning for their age level

  • Provide a deeper level of integrated learning and growth for 7th and 8th graders

  • Utilize more pastoral leadership and presence in the teaching of confirmation

  • Put more time and energy into developing a vibrant Senior High Ministry

  • Nurture a faith that is transformational for students’ lives and sends them out with a R.E.A.L. faith to make a difference in the world!

You Are Not Alone

Through our listening surveys and ongoing conversations, you shared a deep desire for more connection and support. To make this happen, we will:

  • Form new small groups (formal and informal), so that more people can experience the care of a beloved community. In 2023, we will begin by offering a Grief Group and a Small Group for Moms, with more groups formed with your support.

    • The grief group will provide critical support for people living with loss. It will connect folks with others who have had similar experiences and offer reassurance of God's faithful presence and love.

    • The moms' group will offer moms an opportunity to connect with and encourage each other in their role as mothers. Moms will be able to share stories, develop friendships and grow in faith.

Deepening Community Relationships

This past year we took important steps forward in service to the community. Because of the addition of Pastor Kristen and Pastor Ben, our service ministries have expanded.

  • Food on the Fourth Ministry is happening.

  • The Head Start (pre-school) program has begun renting space in the Education Wing.

  • Riverview Elementary and Dodge Middle School staff have started partnering with our congregation in numerous ways to support learners and educators.

In 2023, we will continue to develop these ministries by putting time into building relationships in the community and responding to the needs of our neighbors. This effort will include having a more visible community presence at events like Farmington Dew Days and the Dakota County Fair.