Proposed 2023 Budget and Congregational Meeting
Sunday, November 20 after worship
Each fall, SOTC sets a budget for the coming year. Our teams and Council have recommended the budget for 2023. Discussion on the budget, as well as a update from our treasurer and stewardship team, will take place during our congregational meeting immediately following worship on Sunday, November 20. Here are the links to the Proposed 2023 Budget, 2023 Budget Addendum, and our Congregational Meeting Agenda. Questions can be addressed to Delene McConnaha, Council president.
Christmas Day Worship Feedback Needed
Complete by Wednesday, November 16
Our Worship and Music Team has begun planning for the upcoming Advent-Christmas season. This year, Christmas Eve falls on Saturday, and Christmas Day falls on Sunday. To plan appropriately for the needs of our community, we are seeking your feedback. Thank you in advance for your help!
Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) Night!
THIS Sunday, November 20 @ 4:00 pm
It’s THIS weekend! Join us for a night of learning about the seasons of the church year and Advent, of creating your own Advent wreath, and writing cards to be sent to children and families in immigration detention centers in the US.
Not able to make it, but you’d still like to write some cards to be shared? Talk to Pastor Aleese who will give you some boundaries for writing cards and go to it! The more cards we can send the better!
Advent Giving Challenge
Now through Sunday, November 27
This Advent we are inviting the congregation to consider giving above and beyond their regular giving toward an Advent Giving Fund. Our goal? $300 to go toward two projects:
1) Postage to mail Christmas cards written to children and families detained in immigration detention centers, and
2) ELCA Good Gifts (a program that offers animals and services to families domestically and abroad to achieve self-sustainability).
For every dollar that is contributed, $1 will be contributed from the Children’s Sunday School/Kids Sermon Fund. It is our goal to have $600 by the end of Advent to contribute toward these vital ministries.
Poinsettias
Order by Sunday, December 11
You may have noticed the sign up sheet for Poinsettias in the narthex Sunday. As we prepare for Advent we are asking members to help decorate the sanctuary and remember or honor a loved one with the purchase of a poinsettia plant. Please clearly mark funds designated for flowers. Envelopes are available in the narthex near the sign up sheet.
Directory Update
As we move into the season of Advent will be updating the SOTC Directory. Doing this will help those looking for contact information to send Christmas greetings to our members. If you have moved, changed your email address, or phone number, please let Kathy know. The new updated directory will be available online by Nov 22 and printed copies will be available Nov 27.
LSI Angel Tree
November 13 – December 2
As has been our custom in previous years, SOTC – along with Grace and Zion – are supporting families in the Lutheran Services of Iowa parenting support group. We will be seeking gifts of an educational toy and a book for 11 children. Tags will be posted on the narthex window by November 13. Gifts (unwrapped) are due back by Friday, December 2 at the latest.
Community Thanksgiving Service
Wednesday, November 23 at 6:00 pm
Wesley United Methodist will be hosting the Muscatine Community Thanksgiving Service at Wesley United Methodist Church (400 Iowa Ave). It will be an informal contemporary service with meditations led by area pastors. A pie reception follows the service. If you would like to provide pies, contact Rev. Brian K. Oliver