Category: News

We’re on our final countdown to Christmas! But it’s not too late to join us as we prepare for Christ’s birth. See below to see how you can participate with us:

Activities

December 14, 6:00 p.m.
Carols, Cookies, and Bingo Potluck:
Celebrate the Christmas season with our SOTC family for this fun event. Everyone attending is asked to bring a side dish and a dozen cookies to share. Social team members will provide the main dish. Along with the potluck we will be singing some favorite carols and playing bingo.

December 22, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Youth Group Christmas Party!
Our Youth Group will be having a special night to celebrate the season. All youth grades 4 and up invited. Join us for some Christmas games, food, and a time to remember the story of Christ’s birth.

Advent Devotionals:
If you’re looking for something to spark the season as you prepare, you can find these family and individual devotionals in the Narthex.

Special Advent & Christmas Worship Services

Sunday, December 22, 9:00 a.m.
Advent Youth-Led Worship
Our children and youth (including FINK and HS) will be leading much of the service, including a message entitled, “God Wants a Re-Do.”

NOTE: The youth will be going through their parts the next three weeks during Sunday School and a run-through rehearsal of the service Saturday, December 21 from 9-10:00 p.m.. Parents and families can reach out to Pastor Aleese or an Education Team member with questions. 

Tuesday, December 24:
Christmas Eve Worship, 4:00 p.m. 
Join us for a festive worship service including special music and candlelight. Anyone interested in providing music for the service or being involved in some way should speak with Patti Oestmann.

Sunday, December 29, 9:00 a.m.
Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols 
Join us the Sunday after Christmas for a romp through the many Scripture readings of Christmas and sing your favorite carols! 

Earlier this spring, area congregations were challenged to meet a diaper need in our community. Thanks to your help, we were able to support two day care centers. But, the need did not simply disappear. For that reason, several local non-profits and congregations have banded together to create the Community Diaper Bank (CDB). The CDB will be open to partner agencies and diapers will be distributed through area agencies to individuals and families. Emergency diapers will be available at places like MCSA and Salvation Army. 

Our goal is quite lofty: to fill a 53-foot semi-trailer with diapers and be prepared to distribute diapers as of January 1, 2020. 

But to do that, we need your help in two ways: 

Purchase Diapers 

• Bringing your donations to church either Sunday, or during the week.

Help With Start-Up Costs 

We have a few outstanding costs that need to be covered to get this initiative off the ground. If you’d be willing to help, put your donation in the basket in the narthex or send your donation directly to United Way, ear-marked “Community Diaper Bank Start Up Costs.” Checks can be made out to United Way. 

If you have any questions, talk to Pastor Aleese. Thank you for your support of those in need in our community, and thanks for doing God’s Work with Your Hands!