Commitment Weekend – November 16 & 17
During worship this weekend, you will be invited to place your completed commitment card on the altar as your pledge of participation at St. John’s and thankfulness to God. Pledge cards were sent in the mail this week.
Madison Area Jail Ministry Christmas Card Writing Event – Sunday, November 17
Join the St. John’s Jail Ministry Christmas card writing event between services from 9:30 am to 10:30 am in the Friendship Room. The event will include resources for writing encouraging messages to those incarcerated at Dane County jail.
Questions: Joanne Gladden, joannegladden67@gmail.com, 443-797-3131
Gospel of John Bible Study – Mondays at 10:00 am
Join retired pastor Joel Olsen to learn and reflect on the Gospel of John. Located in St. John’s Friendship Room and coffee is provided.
Contact: Joel Olsen or Pastor Ellen
Youth Group Shoe Drive – Saturdays (November 23 & December 7) @ noon – 3 pm
As of Sunday, November 10th, we have reached 59% of our goal of 2,500 pairs of footwear (that’s 1,475 pairs of shoes)! Thank you for your donations – keep them coming!
Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service – Monday, November 25 @ 6 pm
Hosted at St. John’s this year! People’s United Methodist, Holy Mother of Consolation, First Presbyterian and St. John’s churches are uniting to worship together for a special Thanksgiving ecumenical service hosted at St. John’s. All community members are warmly welcome to attend and enjoy special music, fellowship and treats after worship.
Poinsettia Sale – Through Tuesday, November 26
Help decorate St. John’s this Christmas with a beautiful red poinsettia! $17 for each 6.5” potted plant. Proceeds benefit our Altar Care Ministries. Plants can be picked up after Christmas Day service or before Dec. 31.
Order forms at the Welcome Desk or Print the form now here.
Decorate St. John’s for Christmas – Saturday, November 30 @ 9 am
Join us at St. John’s to decorate the Christmas tree, hang wreaths and display the nativity and Advent wreath. It’s a festive occasion and a nice way to
spread joy this holiday season.
St. John’s Giving Tree – Drop off through Friday, December 6
The Giving Tree will be decorated soon with Host-a-Family ornaments containing gift requests for 3 area families. If interested, please choose an ornament and deliver the unwrapped gift to St. John’s. After these ornaments are gone, the Giving Tree will be redecorated with new ornaments for Helping Hands gift cards (Helping Hands is a local, ongoing program with no deadline).
Drop off Host-a-Family gifts in the Gathering Area. Questions: Debbie Jordan, debbiejordan@charter.net
St. John’s Craft Fair – Saturday, December 7 @ 9 am – 2 pm
Join us to browse and Christmas shop, whether you are just starting or finishing up. Great gift items for teachers & bus drivers or co-workers. There will also be a cookie walk and lunch available. If you or someone you know may want to participate, please let us know.
Contact Barb Carter (608) 577-3914 or email at carterbarbjohn@yahoo.com
Cookie Donations – Saturday, December 7 @ 9 am
Cookies are needed for the Craft Fair cookie walk. If you are able, please bring cookies to church by 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec.7. All profits go to NINA and Christmas tree wish list.
Contact :Bonnie Haugen, 608-695-4360
Advent by Candlelight – Sunday, December 8 @ 6 pm – 8 pm
Join us for a special service to explore our relationship with God and each other, centered on God’s love. Enjoy fellowship during a delightful dessert reception with the hope of leaving the event with hearts brimming with joy and love.
Consider participating in the following ways:
• Be a Hostess (or share duties with a friend) and decorate a table, light it with candles and provide a tray of desserts
• Help with readings, prayers or music
• Be a guest and enjoy the service and fellowship and invite friends and family to join you
This service is for women (or those who identify as such) ages 14+.
Register by Sunday, December 1st on the sign-up sheet at church or contact: Maureen Braatz: maureenbraatz@gmail.com / 608.609.9868
Jail Ministry Winter Outerwear Collection – Drop off through Sunday, December 1
St. John’s is collecting new or gently worn coats and winter wear for the MAJM (Madison Area Jail Ministry) Reentry Program. Specific needs (men, women & unisex sizes): winter coats L-4X, pants & sweatshirts M-2XL, gently used hats, gloves and boots.
Drop-off through Sunday, December 1 in the Gathering Area. Questions: Joanne Gladden, joannegladden67@gmail.com, 443-797-3131
Triangle Ministry Towel & Washcloth Drive – Drop off through Sunday, December 8
Triangle Ministry is collecting new or gently used towels and washcloths for their residents. Dark colors and lightweight materials are preferred (they dry faster in coin-operated laundry machines).
Drop-off in the Gathering Area or office. Questions: Joanne Gladden, joannegladden67@gmail.com, 443-797-3131
The November Welcome Lamp
is in memory of Michael Auer, Don Reinke and Charlie Auer as given by Linda Auer.
Altar Guild Gratitude
Thank you to the Altar Guild for helping with the stewardship mailing. We are truly grateful for your service to St. John’s.
WELCA Thankoffering
Thank you to those who supported the WELCA Thankoffering. Your generosity helped raise $725 which supports services including World Hunger, Lutheran World Relief and education and skills training for women and girls. Again, THANK YOU!
Still interested in giving? Consider donating in an envelope clearly marked “Thankoffering” – checks payable to St. John’s WELCA.
