September's
Mission of the Month
The ELCA's commitment to supporting people who live with chronic hunger and poverty around the corner and around the world is carried out by ELCA World Hunger through relief, development, education, and advocacy by:
* providing immediate relief for people affected by chronic hunger and poverty;
* assisting whole communities through long-term, sustainable development to help alleviate chronic hunger and poverty
* advocating for justice by changing laws and systems
* educating members of the ELCA in awareness of issues relating to hunger, poverty and justice.
St. John's is in need of decaf coffee for the church kitchen. If you would be willing to help, please bring donations to the church office. Thank you!
FAITH CHESTS NEEDED
FOR BAPTISMS!
A Faith Chest is given to each child at their Baptism to keep their Baptism and other religious keepsakes in. We are in need of more Faith Chests. Please bring them to the church office for Tracy. Thank You!
Shop For Ministry Cards!
In the next few weeks we will be trying to rekindle interest in the Shop for Ministry program. If you would be willing to become a team member and be responsible for selling at your service of choice, contact Susan Hansen. Special Invitation to former team members: As always, if we have enough to help, you would only need to work once every 2-3 months!
Shop for Ministry cards may be purchased in the office during regular office hours (8-12 & 1-5 Monday through Friday.) HyVee and Lou's cards are available along with Equal Exchange coffees, teas, or chocolates. (The church retains 5%)
Pastor Del's
Anniversary-Birthday
Celebrations!
Pastor Del continued his Anniversary-Birthday celebrations in August. Those who attended had an enjoyable evening with Pastor Del and the others who were celebrating. This new program will allow him to meet with the entire congregation in a small group setting over the course of the year.
If you are a single person, you will be invited to attend during your Birthday month. If you are married, you will be invited to attend during your Anniversary month.
Everyone will have only one opportunity to attend, so be sure to join in on the fun when you receive your invitation. Each month there will be a potluck at the church, or a chance to dine out. Choose which celebration fits best for you, and then be ready for fun and fellowship with those who share your special month! If September is your special month, your invitation will be arriving in your mailbox soon.
We can't wait to see you!
WE WANT YOU! FOR OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL STAFF!
Current openings include:
PreK - 1 helper
Kindergarten - 1 teacher, 1 helper
1st/2nd - 1 teacher
4th grade - 1 teacher
6th grade - 2 teachers
Interested in a teaching ministry?
Contact Tracy today at 371-1985.
LATE SERVICE RETURNS TO 11 AM ON SEPTEMBER 9TH!
RALLY DAY IS SEPTEMBER 9TH!
St. John's will again have the privilege of hosting the Norfolk Food Pantry for the month of September. Vacation Bible School students have already generously collected food items to be donated, but we need your help, too!
Some needed items are:
peanut butter
soups - chicken noodle, beef, vegetable
jelly
canned fruit
canned vegetables - beans, corn, peas
juice (not cranberry)
canned meat - tuna, beef, pork, turkey
pasta
macaroni & cheese
pancake mix
toilet tissue
syrup
cereal
Cash donations are also welcomed!
The church buys ground beef, hot dogs,
milk, etc. for the pantry.
During September last year, 201 adults and 104 children used the pantry. Boxes are now available in the Narthex and west hallway for your donations.
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN WORSHIP HYMNALS
We have received additional generous donations for the Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnals and we are a little over half way to our goal. If you have been thinking of donating toward the new hymnals, you still have time. We are excited to introduce them. We currently have 300 copies of the Lutheran Book of Worship and would like to have an equal amount of the ELW on hand.
You may include your hymnal offering in your envelope, just designate "hymnals" or you can stop by the office and we will be happy to help you. Please include a note if you are giving your hymnal in memory or honor of someone so we can note that on the hymnal when it arrives.
Charitable IRA Distribution
Opportunity Now Available
Ends December 31, 2007
As you may know, President Bush recently signed into law the Pension Protection Act of 2006. The new law includes for the first time a provision, sometimes referred to as the "Charitable IRA Rollover" legislation that allows tax-free lifetime distributions from an IRA directly to charity. Between now and December 31, 2007, you have a unique opportunity to help these charities benefit from your philanthropy. Here's how:
* You must be age 70 ½ or older as of the date of distribution.
* You may transfer up to $100,000 each year in 2006 and 2007.
* Distributions must be made directly from a traditional or Roth IRA to a qualified charity and must be for outright gifts; trusts and other planned gifts do not qualify.
* Distributions will be excluded from federal taxable income. Depending on where you live, you may avoid state income tax on the distributions as well. Note that you will not receive an income tax deduction for your distribution; the amount is simply eliminated from your income tax calculations.
* Distributions will count toward your minimum required distribution.
* Distributions from qualified plans such as those established under sections 401(k) or 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code will not qualify for this special treatment. If you are interested in this opportunity, you will first need to transfer your desired distribution amount from your qualified plan to a traditional IRA.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Be sure to talk to your tax advisor about this possibility. There are some limitations and the opportunity does end December 31, 2007.
