2026 October NL: Announcements

PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH:
October is Pastor Appreciation Month—a time to recognize and encourage those who faithfully shepherd our churches. But if you’ve ever asked a pastor how to show your gratitude, the answer probably isn’t a plaque or applause. More often than not, it’s simple: “Pray for me.”
Even the Apostle Paul didn’t ask for much personally, except for the prayers of fellow believers. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote: “Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company” (Romans 15:30–32, NASB).
This October—and every month—encourage your pastor by offering your prayers, support, and kind words. Ministry can be demanding, but knowing the church is lifting them up makes all the difference.

REFORMATION SUNDAY:
Reformation Sunday is October 25! On that morning, please wear red to help us celebrate this occasion!

VETERAN INFORMATION:
In our November newsletter, we like to honor our veterans. We list their names in the November newsletter and the bulletin on the Sunday we celebrate Veterans’ Day. In last year’s newsletter, if you did not see a name that should be included on the list, please inform the office so we can correct that. Thank you!

THE GIVING TREE:
How to support the St. John’s Giving Tree:

• Please select a tag from the Christmas tree in the lower narthex. The tree will be set up by Sunday, October 25.
• On each tag you will find a child’s gender, age, and size.
• Buy your gift of clothes and add a toy if you so desire.
• Please return your unwrapped gift with the tag by Sunday, November 22 to the church. You can put it under the tree or drop it off in the office.
• All gifts will be delivered to Spirits in Gillett to be distributed for the We Believe program.

We Believe was started as a way to help make Christmas better for families in Gillett. In the first years, We Believe helped out around 13 families and is now helping 40 families and around 20 elderly people in our community through donations and local help from many generous people.
Any items donated through our Giving Tree and others (clothes, toys, etc.) are given to the families. We Believe uses any money donated by individuals, churches, or businesses to supplement the gifts but also to buy good winter clothes and groceries for each family.

ALTAR FLOWERS:
Altar Flowers for October are being provided by Penny Gerhartz and Steve Parsons.
Altar Flowers for November are being provided by the Timm Family.
The 2027 Flower Chart is available in the lower narthex if you’d like to get a jump-start on next year!
Thank you to all those who provide flowers to beautify our sanctuary!