Lent Offerings

Distribution

During our upcoming Lenten offering season, SOTP collections will be distributed to the following three charities evenly. Your generosity is truly appreciated.

1) Mercy Ships: Mercy Ships uses hospital ships to provide essential medical services off the coasts of West African nations. SOTP supports efforts through periodic donations.

2) Feed My Starving Children: Feed My Starving Children’s mission is feeding God’s starving children. SOTP supports efforts by periodic donations and organizing volunteer sessions to pack meals at their Schaumburg location.

3) Habitat for Humanity: SOTP is part of the New Hope Partnership which consists of churches in Elgin, Dundee and Huntley helping to build homes in the northern Fox valley for those in need. SOTP supports efforts by periodic donations and volunteering at on-site work sessions.

Contact: John Witt, Mission Team at john_witt@outlook.com

Communion Bread

Bakers Needed

Baking communion bread can be a meaningful way to deepen your faith and spiritual connection, offering a tangible expression of Jesus’s sacrifice. It allows for a personal and communal experience, transforming everyday ingredients into a symbol of grace and remembrance.

Try baking the bread at home and let me know if you’re interested in baking some for worship.  We need more bakers!

Communion Bread Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Measure the following ingredients into a microwaveable bowl  (A small saucepan on low heat can also be used on the burner.  Do not boil or scald the mixture.)

• 1/4 cup butter of 4T cut from stick of butter
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 3/4 cup of milk (non-fat works okay)

1. Heat ingredients together in microwave until milk is lukewarm.  Stir until butter is melted.
2. Let set while you prepare the dry ingredients.
3. Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl.

• 3 1/2 cups of wheat flour (you will need additional flour to dust counter surface and to knead into dough if too sticky)
• 1 cup white flour
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder

1. Using hands, electric mixer, pastry cutter or large spoon slowly add the milk mixture (stir milk mixture prior to adding) to the dry ingredients—mix until a sticky ball forms.
2. Lightly dust a clean, smooth surface with whole wheat flour and place dough on the surface.  Knead the dough for about 1 minute or 30-40 kneads.  Use additional whole wheat flour until dough no longer feels sticky.
3. Roll dough into a log approximately 8 inches long.  Check to make sure the end points of log are uniform in size to the middle of the log.  Cut into 8 equal pieces.
4. Flatten each piece of dough on a floured surface.  Using your fingers, shape the dough into a 7 inch diameter circle as this is the size of the communion plate.  If the loaf is too small and thick, it is difficult for the minister/assistant minister to break apart for serving.
5. Place on a baking sheet (you may lightly grease the baking sheet) or us a silicone sheet.
6. USING A KNIFE—MARK A CROSS ON EACH BREAD; be careful not to score all the way through the dough.
7. Bake for 7-8 minutes.  Watch closely as it bakes quickly.
8. Remove from oven. Place bread on wire rack for cooling.
9. When cooled, place the loaves in a Ziploc bag for delivery to the church and storage in the refrigerator.  Please mark the Ziploc bag with the date prepared.
10. BREAD SHOULD BE AT CHURCH NO LATER THAN 8:15 on Sunday morning & 4:30 on Saturday evening

Thank you for your help in this ministry.  If you need clarification or additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Contact: Judie Symbal at judiesymbal43@gmail.com