News

A Message from PADS Homeless Shelter

Dear Friends of Pads,

It seems like just yesterday my time began here at the PADS shelter, 12 years ago I started, and we have come a long way and helped hundreds of people. I wish I could say that this is my accomplishment, but it’s not just my accomplishment but all of you as well! I have noticed that among our churches, businesses, and individuals around 300 people regularly support the shelter.

Normally we reach out only during the holidays, which is a very important time for us because a quarter of our funding comes in at that time. This last year in the aftermath of COVID-19 we have seen a huge change and in our last 3 months of the shelter year to go we have already seen more people than any year prior. The shelter used to shut down in the summer because we didn’t have the demand to stay open. This last month we have averaged 15 people a night which is more than any night during the entire winter season.

Because of the changes in demand the shelter has made some changes with the addition of a full time Client Advocate to help with our residents. We still need help with COVID-19 not the issue it once was. We hope all our church will consider coming back to help at the shelter. We no longer need help for the whole night, just help with 6-11 shift and nightly meals. The increase in homelessness has also put a strain on our resources such as paper towels, toiler paper, laundry detergent, tea, sugar, personal items, and funds.

Any help would be greatly appreciated to help with the growing number of homeless individuals in our area. You can donate items directly to the shelter, send a donation in the mail, or donate online at twincitiespads.org/donate-to-homeless-shelter.html To sign up to help, you can call the shelter, or go to signup.com/go/hxKPAqq. The shelter continues to be humbled and grateful for all your support.

Sincerely, Myles Newberry | Administrative Director

October Special Offerings

The special offerings for the month of October have been designated by the Congregation Council to be donated to the LSSI Holiday Hope Chest. Typically, we are provided with the wish list of a child being served by LSSI and purchase gifts from that list to be given at Christmas. Depending on the available funds, we may be in a position to support more than one child. In the past, the youth of our congregation have done the shopping and wrapping as a group event. This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to take an active role in stewardship within our community while providing Christmas blessings to children who are in need of this care. As Christian people, we are called to serve the less fortunate. Please consider a generous donation to this cause as we move toward the holiday season.

All Saints Breakfast

Hosted by Adam’s Rib on November 5th immediately following worship in the fellowship hall. Donations support the Riverview Haven Self Help Ladies. Serving biscuits and gravy, egg bakes, muffins, sweet treats, coffee, apple cider and orange juice. All are welcome! A Thrivent Action Card is assisting with this event.

Upcoming Dates to Note

October 15-Budget Hearing, following service
October 29-Annual Congregational Meeting, following service

Policy Updates

At the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, the Congregation Council has approved updates to five policies over the course of several months. Most of the updates were necessary due to the elimination of the treasurer’s position in our congregation. This also completes the required biennial review of the complete St. John’s Policy Manual. The updated policies included: Disbursements of Funds; Investment Policy; Memorials, Bequests, Thrivent Choice Dollars, and Non-Monetary Gifts; Offering Counting Procedure; and Organizational Accounts.

A complete policy manual, in the form of a three-ring binder, can be found in the East Room and the Library. A copy may also be obtained from the Office Manager. Please familiarize yourself with these updates. Questions may be directed to any member of the Personnel Committee or Congregation Council.

Moving Beyond the Page

Join us for faith, fellowship, and book study on October 12th and 26th at 6:30 pm in the church library. We’ll be discussing Forgive: Why Should I and How Can I? by Timothy Keller. Copies will be available upon request. Please speak with Pastor Jacob.

Building Community…Piece by Piece

St. John’s is participating in an opportunity for community building and fellowship! Stop by Monday through Friday during normal church office hours or on Sundays before or after worship and help complete the puzzle in the church library. When we work together, all the pieces come together.

Altar Flowers

We have recently had questions concerning altar flowers. Many of our members choose to designate altar flowers in honor of someone or in memory of a loved one. Arrangements and payment for the arrangement are made by the donor. Liners for the oblong brass vase and the two tall brass vases are available for the florist of choice to use. The Donald Duhn Memorial designated for altar flowers is used when flowers have not been contributed by a member. As always, Nina is a great resource for any questions regarding this process.

Worship Live Streaming

Please share with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors etc. the following options available to watch or listen to weekly worship with St. John, St. Paul, or Immanuel.

St. John’s Lutheran Church

https://www.youtube.com/@StJohnsSterlingIL/streams is where you can find the livestream every Sunday. There will also be links on the St. John’s website (https://stjohnssterling.org/worship-services/) and on the Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/SterlingStJohns).

St. Paul Lutheran Church

You can access the St. Paul livestream worship through their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@stpaullutheransterling721/streams

Immanuel Lutheran Church

Is offering toll free phone-in worship at 1-888-975-5536 that is a recording of the worship from the prior Sunday.