ELCA Churchwide Assembly
August 8 – 12
This week, members from across the ELCA are gathering in Columbus, Ohio for the triennial ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This assembly is the primary decision-making body of the ELCA. Gathered under the theme, Embody the Word, voting members from the Southeastern Iowa Synod (21 people in total) and other synods of the ELCA will participate in plenaries, discussions, and worship while acting on key legislative business and hearing reports and updates on the work of the church.
If you are interested in checking out what is happening at the assembly in real time, follow the ELCA Website and the ELCA Facebook Page for a livestream. Later this fall, after hearing from our synod representatives, we will share an update of what happened at the assembly.
Please uphold the ELCA, and our voting members, in your prayers this week as we continue to do God’s work with our hands in the body of Christ!
Women’s Group
Saturday, August 13 @ 8:30 am
This summer our Women’s Group has been gathering under the theme “Crafted in Christ,” a three-month Bible study that’s used the concept of quilting to explore rest, renewal, and the Christian community. This month, we finish up our series by thinking about “ties” that bind us together. Together we’ll examine how God invites us to commit to a new way of life with God and with each other.
Haven’t been able to join us yet this summer? No problem! All are welcome! Take a peek at the study we’ll be doing together by clicking here.
Planning on joining us for the Camp-Out?
Saturday, August 27 – Sunday, August 28
We’ve been advertising our camp out throughout the summer, and now it’s time to get some feedback from you! So as to plan effectively for activities and food, we are looking for individuals and families to let us know if you are planning on attending either for just Saturday evening (including a bonfire, time for fellowship, etc.) or if you are planning on staying the night with us. Please sign up in the narthex or contact Kathy in the office.
Thank you from the Acker family
Earlier this summer, we helped send 5 youth from SOTC to Camp EWALU. Recently we received a thank you from Raen and Ava Acker and wanted to share with you thier favorite part of camp and how camp made an impact on them:
My favorite part of camp was meeting and making friends with the new people I met! Thanks for giving me this opportunity! – Raen
My favorite part of camp was having new experiences and singing songs. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity! – Ava
Thank you for supporting our youth as they continue to grow in faith!
Kick Off Night for Family Faith Nights
Wednesday, August 31 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace
You’ve been hearing about the joint Family Faith Nights for the coming year. And now, it’s time to mark your calendars! Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, food, and information about the coming year. Anyone interested/involved in any age group (elementary, middle school or adults) is encouraged to join us! Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy.
Rally Sunday and God’s Work Our Hands Day
Sunday, September 11
Join us as we get ready for our upcoming program year and as we rally around Jesus Christ as the center of who we are and the center of our mission! More details about Rally Day, and possible service projects for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday (national day of service in the ELCA) forthcoming. Watch for more updates soon!