Baskets Needed
Your Artist Series committee is asking for your help with donations that we can use to fill baskets for our TWELVE BASKETS OF CHRISTMAS SILENT AUCTION which supports the Artist Series here at Shepherd of the Prairie. 
These baskets will be auctioned at our Christmas musical on December 7th. This is the only true fund raiser that the Artist Series does on a yearly basis. New items can be donated by contacting Carolyn Cuttle for additional information. Cut off date is November 25th.
We thank you for your support over the past seven years and look forward as we start our 8th year of entertainment here at SOTP.
Contact Carolyn Cuttle at ednca@comcast.net
For the Grafton Food Pantry
February 24th from 9am-1pm is the Community Outreach’s first Grafton Food Drive of 2024. 
Help us fill the shelves at the Grafton Food Pantry. Whether you choose to donate items or give monetarily, all donations are greatly appreciated.
Contact: Tara Mackey rtmackey10@hahoocom
Oregon, IL
Northern Illinois Synod Women of the WELCA Retreat 2025 “Walking the Ancient Path” Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00 AM-3:00 PM 
Program and worship led by PATHWAYS staff from Christ Lutheran Church, Belvedere, Illinois.
Registration fee includes coffee, snacks, lunch and materials.
Registration form available at: www.bit.ly/SYNODretreat0425reg
Half scholarships are available, to request a scholarship, go to: www.bit.ly/SYNODretreat0425scholar
2024
VBS will be
July 8-12, 2024
Contact: Jill Gillming at Jill@sotpmail.com
& Small Groups Kickoff
We have an exciting celebration awaiting us this October as we honor our Lutheran heritage with several fun and educational activities.
- We begin our month-long celebration with an all-congregation book read of “The Book of Harmony”, written by Dr. Martin J. Lohrmann. This book is a great commentary on “The Book of Concord” which is the basis of our Lutheran Confessions. All are invited to join in this book read and books will be available through SOTP for a donation. This four-week study will kickoff our Small Group Ministry for this fall. Our 7’s Discipleship groups are encouraged to use this study, and other small groups will be formed to discuss the book and what it means to us as Lutherans. Please contact Pastor Mark, Pastor Ryan, or Donna Kelly to obtain a book.
- Our celebrations will continue on Saturday October 5, with Pastor Bill leading Lutheranism 101. This is an excellent way to find out more about Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation and our Lutheran Heritage.
- On Sunday, October 13 from 3-5pm we will have the opportunity to come together and watch the most recent Luther Movie, “Luther”, which was critically acclaimed.
- Our Month-long celebration will culminate on Reformation weekend, Saturday and Sunday October 26 & 27. On Saturday the 26th, we are all invited to be part of the Celebration Dinner with Dr. Martin J. Lohrmann (author of our book) as our guest speaker. A great chance to get your book signed by the author!
- The celebration dinner will be followed by a gathering at Sew Hop’d Brewery here in Huntley where we will enjoy fellowship and listen to The Guttenberg German Band.
- Then on Sunday the 27th, Dr. Lohrmann will be preaching at both services and there will be special music including a brass quartet and the great hymns of the Lutheran Church.
Watch your email and the Friday Flourish for more information.
Donna Kelly, Director of Connection Ministries
donna@sotpmail.com
Niches Available
Have you seen our Memory Garden on the West end of the Church building. 
There are still 21 Niches available that will hold one or two Urns. For more information, contact the Church office, Stan Crissman, or Ralph Wehnes.
Contact: Ralph Wehnes at ralphwehnes@sbcglobal.net
May 11th 11a-12p Fellowship Hall 
Join us for an afternoon of gentle exercise with instructor Danae Molitor, a multi certified instructor specializing in senior/active adult classes as she guides us through a class that is beneficial to anyone at any age – no matter your age, fitness level, or limitations.
More information and sign up via sotp.org or the Church Center App will be available toward the middle of April.
Contact: Tara Mackey rtmackey10@yahoo.com
At Shepherd of the Prairie
Christmas blessings to you and your family! We are looking forward to worshiping with you this weekend.
A reminder there are no morning worship services on Christmas Eve Day.
Please consider joining us for worship on Saturday night, December 23rd at:
- 5:00 pm, we will be using the Gospel reading for the 4th Sunday in Advent (Luke 1:26-38) for this service and light the 4th Advent Candle.
On Christmas Eve we hope you are able to join us for worship at:
- 3:00 pm: Acoustic carols, candles & communion
- 5:00 pm: Contemporary carols, candles & communion
- 11:00 pm: Traditional carols, candles & communion
For more information on the Christmas Eve services please CLICK HERE
- Also, a reminder of the community carol sing in the Huntley Square on Christmas Eve at 8:00 pm. Father DiTomo (St. Mary’s Catholic Church) and myself will be leading the carol sing this year.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family in worship and so thankful to you all for your partnership in ministry through this past year.
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Mark
Thank You!
A big thanks to all who participated in our Church Picnic on August 18. 
A special thanks to the Fellowship Team, the SOTP Picnic Band, the grillers, all who helped to set up and clean up, brought food, helped with the games, and to Nicholas Nissen for transporting the grills.
We had nearly 200 people in attendance, a record crowd! Great food and fun for all.
Contact: Donna Kelly donna@sotpmail.com
