Sharon Lutheran Newsletter

From Pastor Deanna

• For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing;
• it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
• For we are what God has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
• which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.
• - Ephesians 2:8-10

Saved by grace through faith… it is how Lutherans understand the amazing gift of salvation. It is how we understand being in right relationship with God. It depends on God, not on us. We give thanks for the love of God that claims us no matter what. But too often we stop right there. Thankful certainly, but finding little impact in the way we live and the choices we make.

It is absolute truth that we are saved by God’s grace and not by any works we might do. However, each of us has special obligations and expectations because we are people of faith. After all, we are what God has made us, created for good works. This is our way of life and it is prepared by God.

We are called to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. We are to love our neighbor as ourselves. Both of these commands demand action. We love God with heart, soul, mind and strength when we worship and pray and study God’s Word. You reveal love for God and God’s mission to the world by giving time and sharing your talents at Sharon as we work for God’s purposes. You reveal love of God and love of neighbor when you give money to ensure that God’s work might be accomplished in the ministry of Sharon Lutheran as we reach out in ministry and mission. Good works happen in ordinary and extraordinary ways in our homes and families, in our work and community, in our nation and around the world when we take seriously living as people of faith, created by God to make a difference.

It is tempting to regard ‘saved by grace through faith’ as an excuse, allowing us to neglect the work of being a child of God. It can be slippery slope of neglect both of God and our neighbor. Then it is good to hear Martin Luther say that each day we return to our baptism. We cling to the promise of God as if it were new every morning. Every day we begin again, forgiven, loved and free to live and work as God's chosen people. Our baptism is not simply a point of time in our past. Rather, living in our baptism is a continuing journey of faith.

Baptism is God's promise of a lifetime of new beginnings. We are empowered to make a difference. This is grace at work.

Thanksgiving Worship

Thanksgiving Worship Wednesday, Nov. 26th at 6:15 PM.

Thanksgiving worship will be held on Wednesday, November 26th at 6:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall. This year we will have a guest speaker with us. Leon Philpot serves as pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in New Orleans. Grace Lutheran was severely affected by Hurricane Katrina three years ago, and since then has been a host and home to many people who have served in the New Orleans recovery. Our high school youth who worked in New Orleans this past summer on their mission trip worshiped and stayed at Grace Lutheran. A portion of our Fulfilling the Dream Capital Campaign Benevolence dollars also went to support Grace Lutheran in the recovery. Leon, who grew up in Mayville and served in the youth program at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks for a number of years, is coming to offer his thanks for our support of his congregation. In addition to the sermon time, Leon will be showing slides of the work and progress done in New Orleans.

Advent

We are near the end of the calendar year. However, the church year begins with the first Sunday in Advent. This year the season of Advent and the new year begin on Sunday, November 30. Advent is a time of preparation and expectation that occurs in the four weeks before Christmas.

The word 'advent' means coming or arrival. It is a season of preparation that looks both to Bethlehem and the final coming of Jesus Christ at the end of time. The traditional color of Advent is blue, symbolizing hope. The color purple was used previously, the royal color of the coming king. The color purple also linked Advent with Lent as a penitential time in the church year.

Our traditional worship during the season of Advent will use the Holden Service of Light. It is a wonderful worship of song celebrating the light of Christ coming into the world.

Fulfilling the Dream Update

What a blessing it is to continue to receive such generous gifts through our Fulfilling the Dream campaign! Gifts totaling $165,279.04 were received through September 30th. Overall, pledged gifts to date total $863,782.00. As decided by the congregation, “Fulfilling the Dreams” gifts will be used to improve our financial stability as a congregation, strengthen our ministry through improving our building (with the elevator to soon be installed), and for mission support outside the walls of Sharon. As decided by the congregation, we will faithfully give away ten percent of all “Fulfilling the Dream” gifts. The organizations designated for this quarter’s gifts (as decided by the Boards of Church in Society and Stewardship) are Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Orleans, Northwood Lutheran Church, the Mashiah Foundation, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul, and the Community Violence Intervention Center. A total of $3,383.50 will be distributed this quarter.

Grace Evangelical Church describes itself as follows: In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and the immense disaster and suffering it brought to the lives of the people of New Orleans, we are a growing ministry determined to make its mark in the long-term rebuilding of not only our homes and churches, but to also support and develop the entities that minister to areas of injustice that exist in our great city. We are a church that has been richly blessed and desires to give back that which we have received and been transformed by. With pride and determination, we do not want the grace we have received to be in vain.

The Mashiah Foundation is a Christian ministry in Jos, Nigeria for those who are infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Holistic services are provided for homeless women and their children which includes feeding, school fees, and accommodation. Mashiah also provides services for orphans and vulnerable children while its clinic reaches out to the down-trodden through free medical services.

In the spirit of love and compassion, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul provides human services to individuals and families in need, meeting basic needs while inspiring hope and empowering persons to reach their fullest potential. The Society advocates for those in need, promotes their dignity and self worth, and strives to walk with them, learn from them, and see them in the presence of God. They offer emergency financial assistance for those in crisis, a food pantry, Cars for Cause, Forward Movement Program, thrift store vouchers for those in need of household items, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing.

The Community Violence Intervention Center is an organization dedicated to building a violence-free community by working collaboratively with others to promote human dignity, justice, and peace. CVIC’s five programs (Abuse and Rape Crisis Program, Crime Victim Witness Program, Wishing Well Child Visitation Program, Domestic Violence Offender Treatment Program, and Prevention and Education Program) work together to provide a longterm safety net for those impacted by violence and proactive violence prevention efforts through education, treatment, and collaborative work for peace. We are pleased to also give our support to Northwood Lutheran Church following the devastating tornado experienced by this community in 2007.

You can learn more about these organizations at the Mission Fair on Nov. 23rd. A huge thanks to all who have participated in Fulfilling the Dream; our gifts are making a tangible difference in the lives of those served by these organizations. And if you haven’t yet had an opportunity to make a pledge to Fulfilling the Dream, please pick up a green “Fulfilling the Dream” envelope in the narthex or in church office. We’d love for you to join in the dream!

Brent Jiran and Kristi Hall-Jiran

Sanctuary Sound Equipment Update

At the special congregational meeting on October 12, 2008, the congregation authorized the Sanctuary Task Force to obtain competitive bids for replacement of sound equipment in the sanctuary. Gifts designated for sanctuary renovations now total approximately $20,000, which is the approximate cost of new sound equipment for the sanctuary. If you have questions or ideas, contact Mary Askim-Lovseth, who chairs the task force, or Pastor John.

Grace Matters

Remember to tune into “Grace Matters” each Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. on KCNN Radio (1590 AM). Go to www.gracematters.org for previews of upcoming programs, to listen to past programs, or to sign up for podcasts. There are six months for sponsorship that are still available on the poster near the church office. Consider sponsoring a month in honor or memory of someone or to celebrate a significant event in your life. Sign up soon to reserve your month.

Board Highlights

Church in Society: Jane Winter, Director

• Mission Fair Sunday, Nov. 23.
• “Noisy Offering” Sunday, Nov. 30. The funds will go to Valley Memorial Chaplain Fund.
• The Board of Church in Society is contributing it’s share of “Fulfilling the Dream” benevolences to CVIC & Mashiah Foundation.

Christian Education: Vicki Ronkowski, Director

• Reviewing nine practical ways to ensure that kids connect with Jesus. These ways are: 1.) Children’s Faith Basics 2.) Effective use of facilities 3.) Relevant Curriculum 4.) Trained teachers 5.)Orde & Unity 6.) Visibility of Children 7.) Parent Support 8.) A strong budget 9.) Relevant programs. Everything we do will either hinder or encourage a child’s progress toward a growing relationship with God and our board is assessing our education program in all these areas.

Stewardship: Steve Moser, Director

Church Properties: Stan Vistad, Director

• Work on elevator is progressing.

Evangelism: Kristi Houska, Director

• Eleven new families joined Sharon Lutheran on Oct. 19th.

Youth: Rebecca Green, Director

• Lots of Youth programming out there: Reel World, Crossroads, 3-4-5 Alive & Music Ministry.
• Christmas Wreaths were sold in October.
• Questions about Youth Ministry can be addressed to www.sharonlutheran.org

Lay Ministry: Ray Pollard, Director

• Thanks to all who volunteered for ushering, reading and communion preparation.

Exedutive Committee: Alce Senechal, Executive Director

• Congregational Meeting Nov. 23 at 11:45am. Come to hear dreams for the congregation for 2009.

Parish Fellowship: Mary Adams, Director

• We had 38 pumpkin painters in October.
• Trip to Concordia Christmas Concert on Dec. 7. Sign up sheet in the narthex.

Ministry with Women: Jan Nelson, Director

Public Relations: Kristen Shea, Director

• Updating our communications. Do you have website ideas or thoughts regarding how Sharon speaks to you? Please email or send you suggestions to the PR link at our website: www.sharonlutheran.org

Quarterly Congregational Meeting

The next quarterly congregational meeting is scheduled for November 23rd at 11:45am in the fellowship hall. Lunch will be provided with a free will offering. This is an important meeting, as the agenda will include voting on the budget for 2009. Board directors have been asked to submit a two-tiered budget. The first tier is based on what the boards would expect their expenses to be if they are to maintain current programming in the next year. The second tier is designed to reflect a budget that would support an expanded ministry, if there were adequate funds. Please plan to attend.

Lutheran Social Services Sunday November 9

One arm of outreach of the church is Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. During the month of November, LSS will be visiting many congregations in our synod to say thank you for the support LSS has received from congregations and to inform them of the present work of LSS. On Sunday, November 9, Sinisa Milovanovic, the Director of New American Services for LSS of ND, will be with us at Sharon Lutheran for this purpose. A free-will offering for the support of LSS will also be taken.

Go Green!

In an effort to be good stewards of the earth, the church office will be working with the provider of our offering envelopes to reduce waste. If you are a participant in Simply Giving you will no longer receive offering envelopes. This process will take place as soon as possible as we work within the schedule of our provider. If you participate in Simply Giving and would like to continue receiving envelopes please contact Joan in the church office.

Gardens for Hunger “Thank you!”

Thank you to all who participated in “Gardens for Hunger” this past summer and early fall. Not only was lots of garden produce brought in and shared with many people of the congregation, but $220.01 was collected for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. Thanks for all your efforts and contributions!

Book Fair

The Board of Church in Society held a Book Fair in September. 743 books were donated. The donated books are to be given to the New American Services for the refugee families. We wish to thank our congregation for your generous participation. Your Feet of Faith were at work!

Sharing The Seasons

“SHARING THE SEASONS” Sharon Lutheran Church Annual Bazaar. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008. 9:00am to 1:00pm. This event is made possible by all the people who give of their time and talents. Sign-up sheets will be available in the Narthex during the month of October. For more information, please contact Mary Adams or Mavis Winkels.

Memorial Cards

Valley Memorial Homes Memorial Cards are a way for individuals to extend their sympathies to a loved one or friend while providing for the residents and tenants of Valley Memorial Homes. Each card provides the opportunity to donate funds to Valley Memorial Homes. Memorial cards are available for your convenience near the church office or sanctuary. The cards and envelopes are complementary. Inside the card you will find a pre-addressed gift envelope for Valley Memorial Homes. Simply fill in the memorial card for the family and fill in the gift envelope for Valley Memorial Homes. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Sue at 787-7984.

Support for Adult Survivors of Suicide

S.A.S.S. (Support for Adult Survivors of Suicide). This support group is designed to offer hope, healing, and a safe place to explore your feelings and work through the grief of losing a loved one or friend through suicide. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm at Sharon Lutheran Church. T.E.A.R.S. (Together we Educate About the Realities of Suicide) And Altru Health Systems.

Giving Thanks for Feet of Faith

The blessings of God are abundant at Sharon Lutheran. In the past month, we heard folks share their “Feet of Faith” experiences. From Habitat for Humanity to mission trips to serving on boards and committees to celebrating the difference “Fulfilling the Dream” can make in our ministry it was a celebration of our ministry together. Our stewardship emphasis provided the opportunity to consider how our feet of faith walk where Jesus leads.

Some truths of stewardship: It is the work of God that you support when you give to Sharon Lutheran through the sharing of your time and talents and money.

It is also true that everything we need to accomplish God’s work is already present in the congregation. We have all the resources that we need… this is true because you are created in the image of God and you are blessed with ability to give, as God has first given to us.

All the resources Sharon Lutheran needs are available, whether it is the people power of time and talent or the financial power of regular giving. As a congregation, we want to be able to accomplish the work God is calling Sharon Lutheran to do and we must have your help. God’s work needs you! How does God gift you for this community of faith? How are you blessed to give as you walk where Jesus leads?

Feet of faith walk where Jesus leads. Thank you to everyone who has already made a financial commitment for the coming year. Additional commitment forms are in the literature rack outside the church office and may be completed at any time.

Money Matters

Staff and leaders of Sharon are responsible stewards of all the resources of this congregation. We appreciate the care and concern that has been shown by many as we are moving to become a stronger and healthier community of faith. The challenges are many, but the blessings are greater. Thank you for your continued support as together we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.

	2008 Monthly Actual	2008 YTD	2007 Monthly Actual	2007 YTD
September YTD Operating Income:	$76,002.88	$717,204.88	$91,648.87	$797,940.67
September YTD Operating Expenses and Debt Service:	$81,503.24	$739,401.77	$81,738.26	$730,360.05

Baptism Celebrations

The Sacrament of Baptism marks a significant moment in the life of an individual as well as the family and the congregation as God joins us to Christ and declares us to be children of God. Sharon Lutheran Church highlights this sacrament in some very specific ways. One is by offering a “Welcome to Baptism” orientation on the first Sunday of each month at 2:30 PM. This one-hour class, led by a pastor, offers information on the theology and practical aspects of baptism for the family anticipating a baptism.

The second method of highlighting the sacrament is by focusing on baptism the second Sunday and the following Wednesday of each month. Baptisms may be scheduled at any of the services that day, and adequate time and emphasis will be devoted to the sacrament. Occasionally, because of family circumstances, a baptism may be scheduled at another church service during the month, but the encouragement is to plan ahead, in consultation with the pastors and church office, to schedule the baptism celebration on the second Sunday (or following Wednesday) of the month. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the pastors or church office.

Welcome to Baptism

To prepare for the celebration of Baptism. These important helps are offered on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. for those anticipating a baptism (scheduled or not yet scheduled).

“Welcome to Baptism” is intended for:

• Those expecting the birth of a child.
• Those who have recently given birth,
• Older children not yet baptized.
• Adults not yet baptized.
• Family members of those to be baptized.
• Sponsors for those being baptized.

“Welcome to Baptism” is designed to answer common questions about baptism including:

• What is baptism?
• What happens at the service of baptism?
• What is my role as a parent, sponsor, family member of the baptized?

"Welcome to Baptism” will be led by Sharon Lutheran pastors. If a baptism in your family has already happened, those involved are also welcome to participate.

Pastoral Acts

Baptisms:

• 09-28-08 MORGAN NICOLE MUHS; Brian & Angela Muhs
• 10-04-08 BRAYLEIGH ELIZABETH CLOSE; Chad & Jessie Close
• 10-05-08 KATHERINE DIXON COFER; Brian & Kelly Cofer
• 10-08-08 DOMANIC LEEVROY BROWN; David & Ericia Mendoza
• 10-12-08 KAEDEN RAY SANGER; Travis & Heidi Sanger
• 10-12-08 LAUREN MARIE SOHOLT; Reggie & Shelly Soholt
• 10-12-08 PEYTON LEIGH TURN; Jeffrey & Lisa Turn
• 10-12-08 CAMERON WILLIAM ABRAHAMSON; William & Miranda Abrahamson

Weddings:

• 10-11-08 Ryan Reynolds & Kathleen Schafer
• 10-24-08 Randy Puttbrese & Rachael Swatlowski

Funerals:

• 09-05-08 Derrold Turner
• 10-23-08 Ray Monsebroten

Memorial Gifts

General Fund:

• In Memory of: Derrold Turner, by Betty Wilkening, Sam & Bernice Martinson, F.L. & Doreen Leiran; Jean Foster, by Joyce Austin

Youth:

• In Memory of: Derrold Turner, by Gertrude Lund, Ron & Margaret Geatz, John & Elaine Fawcett, Beverly Turner.

Bible Study Opportunities

THE MESSAGE OF JOB 7:00 PM Sunday Bible Study

Many questions often arise in connection with suffering: “Why do people have to suffer?” “Did I do something to cause my suffering?” “Why should a good person have to suffer?” One of the books of the Bible which tackles this topic head-on is the Old Testament book of Job. A Sunday evening Bible Study led by Pastor John will study this book to help answer these and other questions. Along with the biblical text, we will make use of video material by Daniel Simundson, one of the foremost scholars and authors on the book of Job. Professor Simundson is Old Testament Professor Emeritus from Luther Seminary.

This ten-session study, offered on Sunday evenings at 7:00 PM beginning September 21, correlates with the study offered on Wednesday mornings at 9:45. (See the related article.) Participants will have the opportunity to attend either study session. No sign-ups are necessary. All are welcome – bring your Bible!

WEDNESDAY AM BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday morning Bible Study with Pastor John delves into a book of the Bible for study and discussion. This year we will study the book of Job from the Old Testament. Questions concerning human suffering and justice, such as “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, will be addressed. Along with the biblical material, we will draw on a video resource by one of the foremost scholars and authors on the book of Job, Daniel Simundson, who is professor emeritus from Luther Seminary. Everyone is welcome to join in the study (even if you weren’t part of a Wednesday study before). The hour-long study begins at 9:45 AM each Wednesday in the choir room. The coffee pot is always on and quite often snacks make their way into the room as well. Come and delve into one of the fascinating books of the Old Testament.

Education Ministry News

CHURCH SCHOOL OFFERING: During the months of Dec. & Nov. Church School students we will be collecting offering for two charities, CAR and LSS New American program. CAR stands for Central African Republic. CAR is a land-locked country in the middle of Africa and is one of the poorest countries on the continent. This country, about the size of the state of Texas, has a per capita income of about $250 per year. The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Central Africa Republic (EELRCA) has about 60,000 members, a Bible school, and seminary. Even though the majority of the nation's population is Christian, the church struggles to minister to its people by providing educational and medical services. The EELRCA is a growing church, in spite of the difficulties. To find out moreinformationsee our synod website: www.eandsynod.org click on Ministry then Global.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) helps refugees, New Americans, who come to Grand Forks from refugee camps where they havespent much of their life living in a country at war. You can read more about this program at: www.lssnd.org/newamericans. Thank you in advance for your generosity.

Sharon Lutheran Giving Tree

Sharon Lutheran Giving Tree–Sponsored by Education Ministries. Again this year we are adopting area families in need. In the beginning of December you may stop by the tree in the Narthex and follow the directions you find there. Family names have been provided to us through Red River Community Action. Thank you in advance for your generosity to those in need. *Choose an ornament *Purchase gift as stated on ornament *Wrap gift *Attach ornament *Return gift to church.

Confirmation Notes

6th—9th Grade: Please remember weekly to bring your Bible and money for offering. Also, remember to fill out and turn in your Worship Response Forms. There is no Confirmation Wed. Nov. 26th. Class resumes, Wed. Dec. 3rd. 10th Grade: Thank you for your work serving at the 11th Grade Confirmation Celebration. Please remember to meet with your mentor this month. Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 7th 4:30—Christmas Cheer Student/Mentor Event. Watch your mail box for more information

Christmas Programs

Attention Lambs—2nd Grade Families. Please mark your calendar with the dates and times listed below. Additional information will be mailed directly to your home. If you do not receive your mailer by Thanksgiving, please contact the Education Office. Sunday, December 14th: 1:00 p.m. the 6:15 students, 2:00 p.m. the 5:15 & 11:00 students, 3:00 p.m. the 9:30 students. All registered Lambs—2nd Grade Church School students are automatically in the program. Program practices will take place during Church School. There are no additional practices for these students. Again, information will be directly mailed to all registered Lambs—2nd Grade Families.

Sharon Lutheran Book Group

Sharon Lutheran Book Group meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Join us once or many times. We enjoy conversation and fellowship, sometimes challenging ourselves and almost always having fun! Take a look and see if there’s something you want to read in the coming months. For more info contact Pastor Deanna.

November 4: Giants in the Earth by Ole E. Rolvaag

The classic story of a Norwegian pioneer family's struggles with the land and the elements of the Dakota Territory as they try to make a new life in America. (from the Publisher)

Dec. 2: The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

One of the most important theologians if the twentieth century illuminates the relationship between ourselves and the teachings of Jesus. What can the call to discipleship, the adherence to the word of Jesus, mean today to the businessman, the soldier, the laborer, or the aristocrat? What did Jesus mean to us to us? What is his will for us today? Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, Dietrich Bonhoeffer answers these timeless questions by providing a seminal reading of the dichotomy between “cheap grace” and “costly grace.” The Cost of Discipleship is a compelling statement of the demands of sacrifice and ethical consistency from a man whose life and thought were exemplary articulations of a new type of leadership inspired by the Gospel, and imbued with the spirit of Christian humanism and a creative sense of civic duty.

Jan.6: I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

With her disarming, intimate, completely accessible voice, and dry sense of humor, Nora Ephron shares with us her ups and downs in I Feel Bad About My Neck, a candid, hilarious look at women who are getting older and dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself.

Feb. 3: Life Is So Good by George Dawson

Mar 3: Take This Bread, A Radical Conversionby Sara Miles

Apr. 7: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

May 5: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

June 2: The Mighty and the Almighty by Madeleine Albright

Concordia Christmas Concert

Parish Fellowship is sponsoring a trip to: Concordia Christmas Concert, Sunday, Dec. 7th @ 3:00pm, Moorhead, MN. Please pay & sign up at the table in the narthex.

Golden Age Club

The Golden Age Club will gather in the South Hall of the church on Friday, November 14 at 2 PM. The program will consist of stories by Elaine Carlson about her trip to Scandinavia as well as her recent trip to England and Ireland. Come and discover some first-hand reports about these European nations. Lunch will be provided by Elaine Kelley, Kay Kvasager, and Mavis Nelson. Y’all come!

Women Circles

Mary-Martha Circle

• November 18, 9:30 pm - Meet at the church. Hostess: Eunice Soonpaa

Rachel Circle

• November 18, 7:30 pm - 149 Parkview Circle. Hostess: Fran Berg

Ruth Circle

• November 18, 1:30 pm - 2396 27th Ave S. Hostess: Esther Lerfald

Hannah Circle

• November 11, 7:00 pm - TBA

Elizabeth Circle

• November 18, 7:30 pm - TBA

Sarah Circle

• Meets once a month on a Wednesday afternoon. Watch for details.

Senior High Winter Retreat

9th - 12th grade Youth at Castaway Club. 13 miles south of Detroit Lake. December 30 -31 - January 1 Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday. Let’s ring in the New Year...2009! We will spend time uncovering some of the “lost” parables...the lost coin, the lost sheep, the lost son. We will explore our world and human characteristics that cause us to be lost and God’s unconditional love for every one of us that makes us FOUND.! Cost is $140.00 per participant. Payment is due no later than Monday, December 8th, 2008. Scholarships are available on request.

A La Carte

Come and enjoy a meal at Sharon during the Wednesday schedule. This is designed specifically for you and your busy schedule on Wednesdays! The following items will be available for purchase: pizza by the slice, chips, apples, carrots & ranch, soda, and candy. Food is served from 5:00—6:30 p.m. in the South Hall. No A la Carte on Wednesday, November 26th!

Crossroads

Crossroads is a weekly gathering of youth in grades 6-8 on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gathering in the youth room (lower level), it’s a time for fellowship, learning and games. It’s a time to hang out with friends and talk about faith. It’s for you and your friends. Here’s what’s coming up: Nov. 3 - "Excuses, Excuses, Excuses", Nov. 10 - Operation Christmas Child: "Wrap it up!", Nov. 17 - "Quit Your Bellyaching!", Nov. 24 - Count Your Blessings.

Reel World

Reel World is for youth in grades 9-12. Reel World meets downstairs in the youth room each week on Wednesdays from 8:15—9:15 p.m. (NEW TIME!) Reel World is a time to get together and get real! It’s a time of conversation and food, fellowship and fun, media and faith. Bring your friends. Upcoming attractions: Nov. 5 - Operation "Christmas Child", nov. 12 - Movie!, Nov. 19 - Movie!, Nov. 26 - no Reel World (Thanksgiving Week!).

3-4-5 Alive!

A weekly afternoon program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to gather together in community for Bible learning fun through stories, games, food, & friends. We meet on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 pm-4:30 pm in the Youth Room (lower level). Join us and be part of 3 - 4 - 5 ALIVE!

Friends are always welcome! Nov. 4 - Create!, Nov. 11 - No Meeting - No School, Nov. 18 - We Are Family, Nov. 25 - Drawing to God.

Operation Christmas Child

Our Middle School and High School Youth will be working together for Operation Christmas Child. The high school youth will be purchasing the items for the ”shoe boxes” and the middle school youth will be putting the items in the boxes! In addition to the items needed for the boxes, there is a $7.00 cost per box for shipping and handling. We are asking for donations to cover all of these costs. It would be helpful if you send a donation with your child to either Reel World or Crossroads the first week of November or drop off a donation in the church office. Thank you for your participation!

Youth Gathering Meeting

Youth Gathering Meeting Sunday, November 9th at 3:00pm. Preparing for the Journey October payment was due Oct 15th. November payment is due Nov 12th.

Bright Lights

(Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade) meets Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:15pm in the choir room. There will be no rehearsal on Wednesday, November 26th (Thanksgiving holiday), but we will meet on November 5th, 12th and 19th.

Shine!

(3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) meets Tuesdays from 4:45 - 5:15pm in the choir room. There will be no rehearsal on Tuesday, November 11th (Veteran’s Day), but we will met on November 4th, 18th and 25th.

By Grace

(6th, 7th and 8th grade) meets Mondays from 6:15 - 7:00pm in the choir room. We will rehearse every Monday in November (3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th.)

If you would like to bring snacks for Shine or Bright Lights, please sign up on the list outside the choir room. We are looking for volunteers to be present at rehearsal (no musical experience necessary!). It might be easier to volunteer your time on the same week you plan to bring a snack for the group. Thank you for being a part of this ministry!

For more information about youth music ministry at Sharon Lutheran, please contacnt Dave Berger at 772-3122 ext. 210 or email .

Wreath Orders

Wreath orders placed in October will be available for pick-up on Sunday, November 23 and Wednesday, November 26. If you cannot pick up your wreath that Sunday or Wednesday, please make other arrangements by calling the Youth Office.