Have you ever wondered:
•how do we identify and share our spiritual gifts?
•how is everyone, from infants through senior citizens, a resource at Concordia?
•imagine being a five-year-old walking down our halls—how would you see our building?
•imagine being a fourteen-year-old in confirmation class—what would you expect?
•imagine you lived in the neighborhood—what sort of neighbor are we?
•will we be doing a “Faith in Action” Sunday again?
•how will we at Concordia make the world a better place?

To begin finding answers, join us for an afternoon of Asset Mapping, Sunday, February 5 from 11:30am – 2pm (February 26 is the snow date). We will start with a substantial snack after worship, do our Asset Mapping, and finish up with a pre-game Super Bowl lunch. (We will have you home in plenty of time for the Super Bowl.) Supervised child care will be provided.

Asset Mapping will be led by Minister of Family Life John Grebe. He brings a wealth of experience and insight to this process (and is a lot of fun, too! Ask him how many rubber chickens he owns).

What happens when the church stops considering its primary location as inside the sanctuary walls? Who will be affected when the church closes its doors for one Sunday and serves the community as an act of worship? Join us on October 16th as we put our Faith in Action.

On October 16th, we will help MARC, Inc move its headquarters and help them better serve their community. MARC, Inc. embraces the philosophy that all people, no matter their disabilities, should live, work, and play in their community, making friendships and contributions consistent with their skills and abilities. On October 16th, Concordia and the community has the opportunity to help this amazing organization continue to grow and serve the disabled community. Join us as we paint 27 offices and clean up the grounds of their new headquarters. The work will be hard but the rewards will be great. Invite your friends and your neighbors and come and share lunch and laughs when we see what happens when we put our Faith in Action.

If you are available to help in any way, please let us know by filling out the form below.

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another,
as good stewards of God’s varied grace”
1 Peter 4:10

Our mission statement calls each of us to the “responsibility to support each other, our neighborhood and the larger community”. One of the ways we can support our community is through MACC. Each week we remember to bring in food for those who don’t have enough; but did you know there are more way we can give to MACC?

Here are a few ways:
• In the pantry – assisting clients, stocking shelves, receiving donations
• In the shelter – overnight supervision and helping with breakfast
• Advocacy department – Answering phones, advocating for clients
• Thrift shop – sorting tagging and hanging clothes
• Gift shop – performing retail functions
• Grounds – mulching, weeding, etc on the main campus

These are only a few ways we can help our community through MACC – if you are interested in learning more, please contact Trisha Taylor, (860) 490-6041 or MomaTaylor04@aol.com

This fall we are looking to put our “Faith in Action”. We are looking to take our faith from the church building and put it into the homes of those who need it. Know of a friend who needs their leaves raked? Have a home-bound friend who could use a few frozen meals? Know someone who has a small project they are unable to complete? Please contact Trisha Taylor, MomaTaylor04@aol.com or 860.490.6041 to learn more. More details and information to follow.

Please help us, help others in need.

Today it is our privilege to recognize, support, and commission our brother Scott Perkins who leaves us to travel to Micronesia as a teacher, mentor and disciple.

Matthew writes:
As you go, proclaim the good news, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Take no gold, no silver, or copper in your belt,
no bag for your journey, or two tunics, or sandals or staff;
for laborers deserve their food.
Whatever town or village you enter, greet it.
Let your peace come upon it.
(Matthew 10.7ff)

Scott, on behalf of Christ’s church,
and those whom you have been called to teach,
we commission you a disciple with unique and challenging work,
a teacher of those hungry for knowledge,
friend to those who have none,
wise counselor,
courageous leader,
and witness to God’s compassion for the poor and needy.

We pray. Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping our brother Scott, who travels far in service of your children in distant places.

Defend and protect him by day and night with your heavenly grace.
Be his strength when his own strength fails.
Give him courage to face the uncertainties and challenges to which he is called.
Grant him wisdom as he leads and teaches all in his care.
Assure him of your constant presence as he serves your people in need.
Accompany him throughout the months of his travel.

We place Scott in your care this day, trusting that you will bless him in this new endeavor, and bring him safely home when his work is ended.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.