Training for Readers in Worship
Following worship on Sunday, October 22
When we read Scripture in the midst of worship, we’re doing more than reading a history book. We believe that the Bible is the living and active Word of God that has the power and potential to speak directly to us.
So then what does that mean for how we approach God’s Word and also how we share God’s Word in corporate worship? Our Worship and Music Team, along with Pastor Aleese, is asking volunteers who read in worship to stick around for a brief training and conversation following worship on Sunday, October 22. This time will also include an opportunity to practice reading out loud with one another.
Not able to make it? The Worship and Music Team will host another training opportunity in the new year. Our hope is to spend some time with our readers, along with other worship volunteers, to illuminate how God is at work in what we do…each and every week. Questions? Talk to Delene McConnaha, Joseph Reddy, or Pastor Aleese.
All Saint Day Names for Litany in Worship
Submit by Sunday, October 29
Each year, the church observes All Saints Day – a day to remember saints who have joined the body of Christ through baptism and saints who have gone before us who now rest in peace.
If you have someone you know who has been baptized or who has died in the past year that you’d like remembered during our All Saints Litany in worship, sign up in the narthex or contact Kathy Dunham. That person’s name will be remembered in worship, and those remembering that individual will be invited to come forward and light a candle.
Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 29
4:00 – 5:30 pm
It’s comin’ up soon and we’re looking for people to host trunks! Do a search for fun trunk-or-treat ideas, show up at Grace by 3:30pm at the latest, pop open your trunk, decorate it, pass out candy and that’s all that’s to it!
If you have questions, talk to Colleen Bentz, and/or sign up to host a trunk online. Looking forward to seeing many of you that evening as you host a trunk or participate! Share the news with your friends, neighbors and coworkers!
Soup Fest is around the corner!
Sunday, November 5, 4:00-7:00 pm
Soup Fest is back and we’re excited to host the community for a night of fellowship and fundraising. Proceeds from this years’ Soup Fest will go toward a discretionary fund to respond to emergency community needs and Southeastern Iowa Synod Mission Support. Proceeds will be split 50/50.
To make this year’s event another success, here’s how you can help:
- Promote Soup Fest – Pick up a flyer from the narthex to hang at work/in the community. Take a handful of smaller cards to give to neighbors and friends. Share our event on Facebook!
- Sign up to cook/bake – we need people to cook a variety of soups and bread and bake pies! Sign up sheet in the narthex. Contact Kathy if you’re interested in more information.
- Sign up to set up/serve/clean up – Volunteers make the dream work! Sign up in the narthex or contact Kathy. We will set up most of the fellowship hall on Sunday, Nov 5 after worship.
If you have any questions, contact Colleen Bentz.
Congregational Budget Meeting
Each year in the fall, SOTC creates a budget to continue serving in the name of Jesus in the coming year.
Here’s what you can expect:
Sunday, November 5 – distribution of proposed 2024 budget
Sunday, November 12 – Council will host a time of discussion for anyone with questions regarding the proposed budget and our financial position following worship.
Sunday, November 19 –Congregational meeting to discuss and approve the budget will be held following worship.
Any questions can be directed to Delene McConnaha, president, or Pastor Aleese.
ELCA Good Gift Challenge
Last year, our kids put forth $250 from thier Children’s Sermon fund toward ELCA Good Gifts and challenged the congregation to match that $250. Your gifts support the sustainable development ministries of ELCA World Hunger, which include training, education, resources (and much more) to help the community care for animals and create new market opportunities like starting a small business selling eggs, meat or dairy products.
We will begin collecting donations on Sunday, November 5 and will set up an option to give through Tithely. Begin considering how this initiative can be a part of your end-of-the-year giving!
Sponsor a Poinsettia
Sign up Nov 5 – Nov 26
Our Altar Guild and Worship and Music Teams are looking forward to a meaningful Advent and Christmas season centered around the theme, “How Does a Weary World Rejoice?” To decorate for the season, we’re asking for the congregation to sponsor poinsettias. If you’d like to purchase a poinsettia in honor/memory of a loved one, sign up in the narthex or email the church office beginning Sunday, November 5.