And Giving Numbers
We have heard from many members that are on electronic giving, that they don’t want or need envelopes. 
We have implemented a new system, where there is an opportunity to opt out of receiving offering envelopes.
Besides electronic giving, if you are on annual or semi-annual giving, you also can opt out of envelopes. Contact Michelle Rankin to get set up.
With this change, many of you will have new envelope numbers for 2024. The 2024 envelopes will be ig envelopesssued sometime in December.
Contact: Michelle Rankin at michelle@sotpmail.com
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Submit prayer requests to: www.bit.ly/SOTPpray
To join our prayer chain and receive requests, email Donna at donna@sotpmail.com
From Your Stewardship Team
Dear Partner in Ministry:
Generosity is all around us, but sometimes we have to look for it. In the feeding of the 5,000 story in the Bible, significant generosity happened once the child shared (John 6:9). That is how it is here. Once we begin to share, we will see God has blessed us with plenty. 
“507 – (Re)Forming our Faith, (Re)Membering Who We Are, (Re)Acting to God’s Call is the theme of our fall stewardship appeal. This theme points us to the generosity we have witnessed around our church over the last year, but also reminds us of our rich heritage and our responsibility to continue to make Christ known.
There are always reasons to worry there might not be enough. As people of faith we plan, prepare, and trust in the abundance of God in all things.
Our grateful response in generosity helps to demonstrate to us and to the world around us God has provided us everything. We have enough, even enough to share.
In the weeks ahead, you will be hearing more about generosity and thankfulness along with celebrating our rich heritage as Lutherans. Newsletter articles, mission moments, emails and more will be used to share this story and our hopes for an even more robust ministry next year. In Christ, we believe the best is yet to come!
In the coming weeks, please engage the materials. Pray about how you can become more generous. Then, on All Saint’s Weekend, November 2-3, please bring your intent card with you to declare the generosity you intend to share with this congregation.
Thanks be to God, you are part of this exciting congregation. Pray for our common work together as we continue to reach out with the Gospel.
Sincerely in Christ,
Mike McCann
Stewardship Team Leader
Craft Fair & Bake Sale
Our SOTP Bazaar was a success.
A special Thanks to all who helped to set up and take down our bazaar.
Another thank you to all who baked yummy treats and those who crafted wonderful items for sale.
Of course I wouldn’t forget all those who worked at the Bazaar. Everyone is part of our success.
We earned $2003.50 and every penny has gone toward our SOTP mortgage.
THANK YOU!
From Pastor Mark
This summer at Shepherd of the Prairie, we will journey together through a sermon series called “Following Jesus: The Basics of Faith.” Rooted in the Gospel of Matthew, this series invites us to rediscover the simple yet life-changing foundations of discipleship.
In many ways, summer gives us space to slow down. Schedules shift. Families gather. Vacations offer moments to breathe. And in that slower rhythm, we often become more aware of the deeper questions of faith: What does it really mean to follow Jesus? How does faith grow? What does trusting Christ look like in everyday life?
This series traces a beautiful spiritual movement: from grace to growth, from trust to mission, from receiving to living outwardly. Week by week, we will hear Jesus call ordinary people into an extraordinary life of faith.
We begin with the reminder that faith starts not with our goodness, but with God’s grace. Jesus calls sinners, the weary, and the broken. We do not need to “get our lives together” before following him. Grace always comes first.
From there, we explore how faith naturally moves outward. Jesus sends disciples into the world with compassion and purpose. Faith is never merely private; it becomes visible in love, hospitality, generosity, courage, and service. Even a cup of cold water offered in Christ’s name matters in God’s kingdom.
Along the way, we will wrestle honestly with the realities of discipleship. Jesus tells us that faith can be costly. Life can feel messy. Doubt and fear are part of the journey. Yet again and again, we will hear the good news that Jesus meets us there too—in the storm, in uncertainty, and in our burdens.
Several weeks focus on growth and formation through Jesus’ parables. Like seeds planted in soil, faith grows over time. Sometimes slowly. Sometimes quietly. But God is always at work beneath the surface.
The series concludes with powerful reminders of God’s abundance and presence. Whether feeding the crowds or reaching for Peter in the stormy sea, Jesus shows us that faith is ultimately about trusting the One who holds us fast.
Our hope is that this series will encourage both longtime believers and those still exploring faith. At Shepherd of the Prairie, we believe this deeply: you belong even before you believe. And wherever you are on the journey, Jesus continues to say, “Follow me.”
I’ll look forward to being with you in worship!
Pastor Mark
Contact Pastor Mark at: pastormark@sotpmail.com
Ushers Needed
Saturday night ushers needed for the 5th Saturday of the month.
You would serve ONLY four times a year. Wanted: two persons or a couple to fill this request.
Please join our Team.
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Shepherd of the Prairie has a document that is helpful to have filled out for your loved ones as they plan your funeral.
This funeral planning guide is available online at www.bit.ly/SOTPplan or as a hard copy in the church office.
