This Fall’s theme is “Fall with Purpose.” Here, Pastor Scott Grorud explains the new theme and outlines the new fall schedule, beginning Sun. Sept. 9!
I have long had an irrational fear of falling. I don’t fear heights, if I’m in an airplane or skyscraper where metal or glass stand between me and the great outdoors. But I think that skydivers, bungee jumpers, Olympic platform divers and others who fall on purpose must have a death wish or are just a bubble or two off plumb.
There are times, though, when it makes eminent sense to fall on purpose. If your snowboard is heading toward a cliff or the brakes on your bicycle suddenly fail or you feel faint and start to see purple lights, the safest route you can take is to fall with purpose. It still involves some risk, but much less than your current course.

Faith Lutheran’s theme this autumn is Fall with Purpose and it involves some risks, but they are risks worth taking. Starting on September 9, Faith will begin a new Sunday schedule.
- First Word at Faith (8:00 a.m.) will keep the classic Lutheran liturgy and traditional radio broadcast.
- Everyone is invited to stop in the Faith Center between 9:00 and 9:15 for Common Ground—coffee, treats for children, conversation and perhaps a surprise at 9:09 (check out John 9:9!).
- Digging Deeper at 9:15 will include traditional Sunday School and confirmation classes, along with expanded learning/discussion options for adults. No worship service will be held during Digging Deeper, so that families can both learn (at 9:15) and worship (either before or after) together.
- The Foundation and Sanctuary worship services will both begin about 10:10 a.m. Foundation will be held downstairs in the lower level space. Sanctuary will be upstairs in the sanctuary. At Foundation and Sanctuary, children will have the option of leaving for an extended Faith Seeds (Children’s Church) time during the sermon.
Why is this attempt to Fall with Purpose worth the risk?
Trying something different can breathe new life into your faith. The new schedule offers lots of opportunities to step out of old habits.
Studying the faith is crucial for adult Christians. These days, there isn’t much we can do on an 8th-grade education and Christian faith is no exception. Digging Deeper can help!
Worshiping together as a family is crucial for forming faith in children. Research proves it.
Christianity is being challenged in our culture like never before. Are we equipped to meet the challenge?
The Bible and Christian theology are the most fascinating subjects in the world. (O.K., that’s my own personal reason, but you might just find that I’m right!)

Are we crazy to try to Fall with Purpose? Maybe, but we believe that it is a better choice for Faith Lutheran than staying on our current course. Please come this fall and see if these new opportunities don’t make it well worth the risk to Fall with Purpose.
Grace and peace,