DAILY BIBLE READINGS FROM ELCA
FOOD PANTRY NEEDS: Plastic grocery bags, pineapple, soup, instant potatoes, Spam & cornbread.
COAT DRIVE: In conjunction with Angel Tree requirements, we started distributing coats for our annual coat drive on October 1, 2026. Those children needing youth sizes seem to especially like heavier lined hoodies. In lieu of donating used coats, we will also be please to accept cash donations to purchase new coats for the Angel Tree in sizes that we don't currently have. Donations of cash may be placed in the offering plate marked "COAT DRIVE". Gently used, clean coats may be placed in the bin outside of Julie's office. Thank you for your continued generosity.
ITEMS GREATLY NEEDED FOR COAT DRIVE: The following items are needed for this year's coat drive. Most needed are Boys 0-5T, Hats-Men, Heavy Socks-Men - we have very few available. In addition, we need: Mittens-Boy's, Youth Size Boys Coats-small through XXL.
Remember they need to be gently used (zippers working, no tears or stains, no missing buttons) and clean. Your donations will be greatly appreciated.
ANGEL TREE: It's Angel Tree time! This will be our 31st year of sponsoring local families. If your family would like to sponsor an entire family, please let me know. Or if you have a specific age/boy/girl I can match you up. Just give me a call at 618-615-1161. The tree will be set up in the church basement the weekend of November 1. If you are unable to shop, but would like to help out, we can do the shopping for you! Simply make a tax-deductible donation (payable to Peace Lutheran Church). Please mark angel tree in the note area or put in an envelope marked angel tree and drop in the weekly offering. Donations can also be dropped off at the church office or mailed in. And we can always use help in many capacities - new ideas are welcome - shoppers - baggers - mailers.... Thnak you for always supporting this community outreach program!
Vickie Wathen, Angel Tree Committee
SCOUTING FOR FOOD: The Annual Boy Scout Food Drive is on November 21. Please come and help us receive, check, and stock all the wonderful donations. We meet at the church at 10am and typically finish by 1pm. It's actually a fun event and just one more way to serve your community. Give Julie a call if you have any questions: 618-301-6561.
REMINDER: Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 2:00am.
ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH POST OAK BAZAAR & TURKEY DINNER: November 8 at Trico Elementary Gym from 11am - 1pm. Turkey & Dressing dinner includes dessert and drink. There will be crafts, quilts, quilt raffle, country store and silent auctions.
HOLIDAY BAZAAR: November 9 from 11am - 2pm at Zion Lutheran Church, Walsh, IL. Soups, brats, hot dogs & chicken salad sandwiches. Raffles, Advent Calendars, bake sale and crafts.
12/2 - 12/16 - Wednesday Advent services begin - this will continue through the following 3 weeks at 6pm. If someone needs a ride to the service because they do not drive at night, they need to contact the church office and we will find someone to bring them to the service.
SMALL TOWN CHRISTMAS PARADE FLOAT: Plans for a float for the November 27, 2026, Small Town Christmas Parade are underway. Help is needed to assemble the float. Children are needed to ride on the float, and youth and adults are asked to walk along and hand out treats. If you are interested in helping assemble or ride/walk along with the float, contact Carolyn at 618-534-8977.
FAMILY CHIRSTMAS CAROLING: The Christmas season will soon be here. You and your family are invited to join with other members of our church and friends in the community to go Christmas caroling on December 13, 2026. Last year, adults and children joined the caroling group to bring much needed joy to our shut-ins and senior members of the congregation. This is a FAMILY event; all ages are welcome. Refreshments will be served after the carolers return to the church. Mark your calendar to save the date; a sign-up sheet will be posted at a later time.
HOMETOWN CHURCHES Celebrating Christ's Birth CHRISTMAS CHURCH TOUR
The Rotary Club of Steeleville is sponsoring the second Christmas Church Tour throughout Randolph County and Peace has again agreed to take part. Last year's tour held on a Thursday and Friday proved to be very successful. This year, the tour will move to Friday, December 11 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, December 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. per the public's request. This will allow those who couldn't attend on weekdays to view the churches. Rodney Rohlfing is in charge of decorating the church. If you would be willing to help him decorate, please call him at 618-615-1529. The Congregational Care and Outreach Committee is asking members to greet guests who come to view our decorations. If you would like to take a one or two hour shift as one of our greeters, please contact Carolyn at 618-534-8977.
ELEVATOR ISSUES
Most of you know the elevator was inoperable for several months. We asked our previous vendor to inspect it; they said it was a problem with the motor. They were unable to make the repairs. We then contacted a different company who came and inspected the elevator and were able to determine the problem really was a bad coil in the control panel. This vendor, Access Elevator and Lifts, worked with A & I Supply to affect the repairs. The total cost of the two site visits and repair was $2,638.94. We will be using Access in the future to provide our annual service to the elevator.
While the elevator is now working, it must be noted the unit is 34 years old. Additional problems could develop at any time. We face the possibility that we may incur costly repairs or have to purchase a new elevator in the not too distant future. A new elevator is projected to cost between $100,000 and $140,000. With this huge expense looming, the Council is establishing an Elevator Repair/Replacement Fund. If you are able to contribute to this fund, any and all donations are welcome. If you donate by check, write "Elevator Fund" on the memo line of your check. If by cash, use one of the pew envelopes and mark it in the same way. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.
2027 FLOWER CHART
The 2027 Flower Calendar will be up the first of November on the bulletin board in the Narthex. The cost is $40. You let me know how you want the dedication to read and we will take care of the rest. Remember someone or something special or just share the joy of your life in Christ by supplying flowers for our chancel. Sign up soon!!!
