Living Faith Weekly News (Week of April 26, 2026)

Kay Michaelson
Apr 27
5 min read

Updated: Apr 28

Living Faith observed Good Shepherd Sunday with a message from Pastor Paige McGrath on learning to hear Jesus' voice. It can be hard to hear the difference between Jesus' voice and those of the world, but we belong to Jesus and he, like a shepherd, is eager to have us learn to hear His voice. A shepherd teaches sheep by speaking to them often and gently so that they learn that person is one who provides predictable safety. Jesus, as our shepherd, does the same - He speaks gently to us and provides us with predictable safety. For our part, we can practice listening to hear Jesus' voice and Pastor Paige gave us ideas on how to practically do this: 1. Where do you most feel God's presence? Intentionally go there and spend time there. 2. Use prayer but use it as a conversation, making space for listening. 3. Study scripture - especially the Gospels where Jesus speaks about love, life and belonging. Jesus knows you and He goes ahead of you. He will help you to learn to listen.

Thank you to those who contributed to our worship on Sunday: Travis Balt, Kay Michaelson, Sue Stream, Tim Kass, and Angela Catton.

Thank you to all who helped after worship: Tim and Gail Kass, Yvonne Law, Sharon Utesch, and Kinley and Anniston Van Otterloo.

All are welcome to the sanctuary of the Presbyterian United Church of Christ (858 7th Ave. SE) at 11:00 on Sunday morning. Pastor Paige McGrath will preside over worship, Gail Kass will accompany us on the piano, Tim Kass will usher and run the sound board, Bailey Quanbeck will live stream our service, Karen Schroeder will read scripture, and Sandy Heeren will assist with Holy Communion.

**Living Faith's first high school graduate, Kortney Kopperud!**

On Sunday, during worship, Pastor Paige will offer a blessing to Living Faith's Kortney Kopperud upon her graduation from Le Mars Community Schools.

Also at our worship service on Sunday, Tim Kass, president of the Living Faith Church Council, will present Kortney with a $1,000 scholarship from the Living Faith Scholarship Fund. Kortney plans to attend the University of Iowa to major in Social Work. Thank you to all who contributed to this fund which supports Living Faith members who are pursuing higher education and vocational education post-high school. If you would like to make a contribution to the Living Faith Scholarship Fund, there are marked envelopes on the Living Faith table for you to pick up and your donation can be placed in the offering plate.

Please plan to attend a 10:00 - 11:00 reception for Kortney and the PUCC graduates on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall! Kortney and fellow graduates Karter Melvin, Kaden Riccio, and Jorja Bixenman, graduates of the Class of 2026 for LCHS, will be there to visit with you!

Visioning Session #1 on Sunday! — **Visioning Session** #1 **on Sunday!**

Living Faith held its first visioning session on Sunday after worship. Pastor Paige led the session which included discussions, scripture reflections, and a timeline activity. We visited about Living Faith's past few years, what we are proud about in regards to our church, what we are grieving or concerned about, and what has been important in the life of Living Faith to date.

These visioning sessions will assist the Church Council in devising several mission statements to offer to the congregation for their contemplation and input. Attendees will also give the Council ideas as to core values for Living Faith that will, again, be shared with the congregation for further input.

Our next visioning sessions will be on May 31st and June 28th. Each session will be the same in structure with guided conversation during our meal, scripture to set the focus, activities for ideas, and closing with the Affirmation of Baptism. Each session is different in theme, so coming to as many as you can will be essential! A light meal will be provided immediately after worship to begin the sessions.

Here are some pictures from our first visioning session:

**Thank you to all who brought delicious desserts: Karen Schroeder, Debbie Gibson, Sharon Utesch, Sue Stream, Cheryl Juhl and Gail Kass!**

Living Faith extends its deepest sympathies to the Clayton Kooiker family upon his passing. Clayton's Celebration of Life service will take place on Saturday, May 9 at 2:00 in the afternoon at the Rexwinkel Funeral Home here in Le Mars with Pastor Paige presiding. There will be a time of visitation with the family present from 1:00 until service time on the 9th. Please keep Janice and the entire Kooiker-Wood family in your daily prayers.

Confirmation classes meet at 7:00 on Wednesday, April 29 at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Brunsville.

Pastor Paige's office hours are from 10:00 - 2:00 on Mondays and 1:00 - 4:00 on Thursdays. She will be at the PUCC in Room 105 on those days and at those times. Please note that Pastor Paige will be attending a First Call Retreat on Sunday through Tuesday, May 3 - 5, so there will not be office hours on May 4.

Thank you to Gail Kass who served treats during the Fellowship Hour on Sunday!

Congratulations to Casey Mack who celebrated his First Communion on Sunday with his family! His parents are Mitchel and Jenni Mack. God's blessings to you, Casey!

Congratulations to Jess Kopperud who was recently named to the Sine Nomine Honor Band for Middle School! Jess' parents are Judd and Kari Kopperud.

Congratulations to Katie McAllister and Evan Eckman who recently became engaged on a trip to Chicago! Katie's parents are John and Peg McAllister.