Advent Giving Challenge
Extended Deadline! Give through Sunday, December 4
For the past weeks, we’ve encouraged the congregation to give above and beyond their regular giving toward an Advent Giving Fund that will support the ELCA Good Gifts program and postage for cards sent to children and families detained in immigration centers.
To date, we have collected $170. Can you help us reach our goal of $300? That $300 will then be matched by $300 from the children’s Sunday School/Kids Sermon fund. Thanks in advance for supporting others this holiday season!
Add Your “Generations” Picture!
In the words of Rev. Anna Strickland, one of the collaborators for our Advent theme: “With this theme, we decided to simply tell the story [of what leads to Christ’s birth.] It’s the story of so many individual threads over centuries woven together into a story of God’s unconventional inbreaking. And the Christmas story is our story, too. The tapestry God is weaving did not stop in Bethlehem. Our own threads, from generation to generation, weave into the narrative of God’s incarnation in the world.”
So as to embody this truth that we, too, are a part of God’s continued story, we’re inviting you to bring a picture that showcases generations in your family. It might be a picture with multiple generations present, or it might be a picture of a family member from several generations past. Either way, bring those pictures in or email them to Kathy in the office, and post them on our bulletin board. As the season progresses, watch for how our stories interweave with the story of Christ!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Worship Schedule
Christmas Eve | Saturday, December 24 @ 4:00 pm
Gather with us as we make our trek to Bethlehem to adore the Christ child on bended knee. Worship will include holy communion and a candlelight service while singing “Silent Night.”
Christmas Day | NO Worship @ SOTC, Sun, December 25
Based on feedback from the congregation, we will not hold a Christmas Day worship service. Still looking to worship on Christmas morning? In the coming weeks we’ll share opportunities to join other local congregations.
LSI Angel Tree
Return Gifts by Friday, December 2
Reminder: if you signed up to support a child through the LSI Angel Tree, gifts (unwrapped) are due back on Friday, December 2. Gifts for each child are to be an educational toy and a book. It is suggested that $25-$30 be spent on each child. Thank you!
Christmas Poinsettias
Order by Sunday, December 11
Are you willing to help decorate our sanctuary with poinsettias this Christmas? Sign up in the narthex, or contact Kathy in the office, if you’re willing to purchase a plant. Please indicate if the poinsettia is purchased in honor/memory of someone and clearly mark the funds designated for flowers. Envelopes are available in the narthex near the sign up sheet.
Blood Drive
Monday, November 28, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm
All community members are welcome to participate in a blood drive at the Pearl City Station, Harbor Drive, Muscatine, IA. Masks are now optional but appointments are required. To schedule, please contact Kelsie Stafford at: 563-263-0241 or email her at: kstafford@muscatineiowa.org: Give blood 11/14/22 – 1/15/23 & get your choice of a gift card or a donation to Feeding America.
SOTC Christmas Party
Sunday, December 18, 3:30 – 5:00 pm
Gather with your fellow Shepherds as we share our favorite traditions, eat some cookies, re-enact the nativity story, and play some Christmas games! All are invited to bring a dozen cookies to share. Any extras at the end of the night will be used in a cookie exchange.
Kids Choose ELCA Good Gifts Animals
Sunday, December 11
Following worship, our kids (elementary and middle school) are invited to learn more about the ELCA Good Gifts program and help choose what animals we will be purchasing. Mark your calendars to join us!