No Christians Underground November 27
Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be NO Christians Underground this Wednesday, November 27.
Christmas Breakfast Food Bags for Salvation Army
Return by Sunday, December 15
Angel Tree tags for LSI flew off the tree! If you’re still looking to assist families in Muscatine this holiday season, Salvation Army has requested help filling food bags to be distributed to families in need. Food bags need to be filled with the following items:
- pancake mix
- biscuit mix
- pancake syrup
- juice (shelf stable)
- oatmeal
- chocolate chips
- country gravy
If you’re willing, Salvation Army is also requesting a $20 donation to cover the cost of fresh produce (milk, eggs, butter, meat). Previously, these items were covered by local grocery stores, but this year those stores are unable to participate. Because this is going above and beyond, if you’re not able to offer that additional donation, SOTC will assist with this cost from either the Sunday School fund or our Discretionary Fund.
On the other side, if you’re willing to provide $20 for the fresh produce but don’t want to do the shopping, that works too!
Bags are available in the narthex for pick up. Questions? Contact Kathy or Pastor Aleese.
Poinsettias
Order now through December 8
Our Altar Guild and Worship and Music Teams are looking forward to a meaningful Advent and Christmas season centered around the theme, “Words for the Beginning.” To decorate for the season, we’re looking for people to sponsor poinsettias to use in the sanctuary. See the sign up sheet in the narthex or contact the main office. Plants are $13.00 each.
Interested in a Christmas Party?
Possible Date: December 8 @ 3:30pm
Interested in hanging out with your fellow Shepherds as we celebrate the Christmas season? We want to hear from you! If there is adequate interest, and enough people available on December 8, we’ll gather for fellowship and fun! Sign up in the narthex or contact the main office.
Family Faith Night Food Team Helpers Needed
Would you be willing to help serve the meal during Family Faith Night? Moving forward, we are looking to form teams of people that will rotate serving. Our hope is to establish 2 teams from each congregation, forming 8 teams total. Each team will have a team leader who will plan what will be served. We just need people who are willing to make it happen! Even if you do not attend Family Faith Nights, we encourage you to consider volunteering as this is one of many opportunities to gather collaboratively, to grow in relationship, and to learn.
If you’re willing to be a part of a team, contact Pastor Aleese or sign up in the narthex. Thanks in advance for your help!
Update from Congregational Budget Meeting
This past Sunday, we approved the 2025 budget, heard a report of our financial position, and were updated on the progress of the cell tower contract. In short, here are the cliff notes from our meeting:
- We approved the 2025 budget for $147,187.93
- As of November 17, the difference between our income and expenses is -$8,901.42
- We have received a signed copy of our contract with Crown Castle (cell tower company) and are now in the Option Period. We have received our first payment ($2000) which has been deposited into savings, and have received $500 for reimbursement of attorney fees. Council has begun discerning the use of funds once monthly rent checks begin (when construction begins).
If you have questions, talk to your Council representatives (Delene, Gladys, Erin, Kathy, Linda, Joanne, Melissa, Connie H). A full recording of our meeting can be found on our YouTube channel.
Host College Choir Students this January
January 9, 2025
This January, the Nebraska Wesleyan University Choir is bringing a concert “My Heart Be Brave” to Wesley United Mehodist. Conductor of the choir, Tom Trenney, says, “Though music may not have the power to cure us, we believe that singing can bring healing and hope. Singing meaningful music from diverse cultures can deepen our empathy and broaden our understanding. We hope this program– filled with authentic artistic expressions of courage, resilience, and hope– will encourage and empower our students to leave the concert hall with a heart of deeper compassion.”
To help make this a success, Wesley is seeking help! They’re looking for households to host students. Hosts would be asked to pick up your students (at least 2) after the concert and provide them a place to sleep for the night and breakfast the next morning. You’ll bring them back to Wesley to get on their bus at 9:30am to continue their tour.
Interested? Contact Sally Potter.Even if you cannot be a host put this dynamic concert on your calendar!
2025 Offering Envelopes
If you would like offering envelopes for 2025 see the sign up sheet in the narthex or contact the main office. Please sign up by December 15.
Thanksgiving Office Hours
Our SOTC office will be closed the afternoon of Wednesday, November 27 through Friday, November 29 for the Thanksgiving holiday.