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
Reflections on what to pack for the trip…
One of the great challenges of life is learning the difference between what is merely urgent and what is truly important. We live in a culture that constantly encourages us to add more—to our schedules, our commitments, our activities, and even our worries. Before long, our lives can become overstuffed, leaving little room for reflection, rest, relationships, or the things that matter most.
Imagine trying to fill a suitcase for a journey. If we simply stuff everything inside without thought, the bag becomes heavy, disorganized, and difficult to carry. In much the same way, when we try to squeeze every opportunity, obligation, and expectation into our lives, we often find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed. The problem is not that all these things are bad; the problem is that not all of them belong in the suitcase.
Wise living requires sifting rather than stuffing. Sifting involves slowing down and carefully examining what deserves our time, energy, and attention.
It means asking important questions: Does this align with my values? Does it strengthen my relationships? Does it help me fulfill my calling? Does it bring life, purpose, and joy? When we sift our commitments through these questions, we begin to recognize that some things are essential while others are simply distractions.
Priorities are not determined by what shouts the loudest but by what matters most. Faith, family, meaningful relationships, service, health, and personal growth often deserve a higher place than the endless demands competing for our attention.
A well-lived life is not measured by how much we can cram into our days but by how faithfully we invest ourselves in what truly matters. Rather than overstuffing our lives, we are invited to sift carefully, choose wisely, and make room for the people, purposes, and experiences that give life its deepest meaning.
In doing so, we discover not only greater clarity but also greater peace.
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.
