September 2023 Newsletter
10805 Main St. Huntley, IL 60142
Saturday Night
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.
Contact: Barb Hoppensteadt hoppen@sbcglobal.net
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Welcome New Members
The weekend of August 19 & 20 we welcomed these new members to our community of faith.
UPCOMING EVENTS
& Registrations
Overview of all upcoming events & registrations: www.bit.ly/SOTPsignup 
It’s Christmas in July at SOTP!!!!
Celebrate by Giving Gifts to ELCA World Hunger
All are invited to join us for our Annual Church Picnic at SOTP following the 10:45 am service. 
* Church provides meat, buns, drinks & chips.
* Last name I-Q bring dessert.
* Everyone else bring a side.
* Church provides meat, buns, drinks & chips.
* Last name I-Q bring dessert.
* Everyone else bring a side.
Help needed before, during & after the picnic:
* BEFORE: Set Up
* DURING: Food/supply runners, games, face painting
* AFTER: Clean Up
* BEFORE: Set Up
* DURING: Food/supply runners, games, face painting
* AFTER: Clean Up
Register now: www.bit.ly/SOTPicnic23
Picnic contact: Sharon Little: skl55little@mac.com
Games contact: Jill Gillming jill@sotpmail.com
Games contact: Jill Gillming jill@sotpmail.com
New Member Gathering
Find Out More About Our Church Community
Join us to find out more about our church community.
Sign Up: www.bit.ly/SOTPNMG0823
Contact: Donna Kelly donna@sotpmail.com
Small Groups
Our Small Groups including our 7s Groups will begin meeting the first week in October.
Our 7s groups will be resuming the first week in October. They are called 7s Groups because they meet for 7 weeks in the fall (finishing before Thanksgiving), 7 weeks after the holidays (finishing before Lent begins) and 7 weeks after Easter (finishing before Memorial Day). Some of our groups will be watching and discussing “The Chosen”, a video series on the life of Jesus and his followers. Another group will be talking about the readings for each Sunday and how they and the messages from our pastors influence their lives. More details are forthcoming.
We have two new groups this year. Next Step is a fellowship group that began over the summer and continues throughout the year. It is a fellowship group for single senior citizens. The second group is brand new and will begin in October. It’s a Book Club and they will meet once a month and will read a variety of different genres of books. Check the newsletter, Friday Flourish and the website for more information.
So, consider becoming engaged in one of our Small Groups including our Ministry Teams. It’s a wonderful way to connect with other people here at SOTP to learn, grow and flourish in our faith.
Contact: Donna Kelly donna@sotpmail.com
Vacation Bible School
Thank You!
VBS this summer was a huge success!!! 
We had 90 kids, and over 40 volunteers, it was incredible. Ready, Set, Move! Following Jesus here, there, and everywhere was our theme. Kids had a busy adventure everyday singing songs, playing games, making crafts, eating delicious snacks, and hearing amazing stories about Jesus. (PLease include some pictures of vbs)
A special thank you to all of our volunteers that helped make our VBS this year unbelievable!
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Friends Bible Study for Women
July Information
The women in Friend’s Bible Study meet every Monday from 12:30-2:00 in the Willow Room at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church. Currently the study focuses on the book of Romans and will conclude mid-July.
On July 24th, we will return to the Old Testament and study the book of Exodus. Our guide is Be Delivered: Finding Freedom by Following God , written by Warren Wiersbe.
Please note: there will no Bible Study meeting on July 3rd.
Contact: Linda Dungey lindajsd88@gmail.com
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July Newsletter
Prairie Crafters
All Are Welcome
Looking forward to our 2024 Craft Show 
Looking for:
- New Members
- New Ideas
- New Friends
- New Crafters
All money raised from crafts goes toward paying down our mortgage.
Contact: Annette Kandell quangels2015@gmail.com
Next Step Fellowship - July 1
Senior Fellowship for Single Seniors
We will meet again on July 1 at 11:00 at the church (bring your own drink) to discuss the results of the activities discussion and plan some future activities. 
If anyone would like to go out to lunch (separate checks) that day, let Phyllis Thomson know and we can make a reservation somewhere local for after the meeting.
Come and join us on July 1 and bring your ideas for ways this community can have fun, grow, and serve.
Sign up now: www.bit.ly/SOTPnext0723
Questions? Contacts: Phyllis Thomson, phyllisthomson@aol.com or Dave Stangle, dstangle.ds@gmail.com
It’s Christmas in July at SOTP!!!!
Celebrate by Giving Gifts to ELCA World Hunger
To share our love for others we’re giving gifts to ELCA World Hunger in July.
Stop by our Christmas tree display starting on July 8/9 and pick up an ornament for your gift to ELCA World Hunger. You can select a gift of bees, pigs, goats or care for children across the globe. For more details look in the SOTP newsletter or contact Becky Wright at rawright48@gmail.com.
Register to help at our table at: www.bit.ly/SOTPxmasjul23
Contact: Becky Wright rawright48@gmail.com
Children & Family
With Jill
We had an amazing Easter Egg Hunt here at SOTP on April 8th! There were over 80 children that came out to hunt for candy filled eggs (photo below). We had such a great time. Thank you to everyone that donated candy, we were so very blessed with all the donations. Also thank you to everyone who took the time to fill 2400 eggs, it was a big job but with many hands involved it didn’t take very long!!!
Our next event is on Friday June 2nd, Ice Cream Social Summer Kick Off!!!! We will be kicking off summer with games, music, and ICE CREAM. This event is for the young and the young at heart, so everyone is welcome. Go to the SOTP website and register today.
Calling all VBS volunteers!!!! VBS is coming up fast, July 10-14. This years theme is Ready, Set, Move: Follow Jesus Here, There, and Everywhere! If you are interested or you have any questions on how you can help please contact Jill Gillming
Contact: Jill Gillming jill@sotpmail.com
Wheels Show - June 2
Register Your Wheels Now
Summer is kicking off with an Ice Cream Social & Wheels Show.
Join us Friday, June 2nd from 6:30pm-8:30pm for the Ice Cream Social.
Sign up to bring your wheels at www.bit.ly/SOTPwheels23 . They can have 4 or 3 or 2 wheels, maybe someone even has a unicycle!?!?
The best decorated kid’s wheels will win a prize.
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We will also have games, relays, face painting, an ice cream Pinata, and lots of fun!
Let us know you’re coming – register at www.bit.ly/SOTPsocial23
Contact: Jill Gillming jill@sotpmail.com
University of Illinois Alumni Choir
An Artist Series Event
University of Illinois Alumni Concert Choir to perform at Shepherd of the Prairie
Under the direction of Dr. Chester L. Alwes, noted conductor, composer, and author, the voices of the 50-member University of Illinois Alumni Concert Choir will echo on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 7:30pm at Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, 10805 Main Street, Huntley.
Admission to this performance is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.
Sponsored by the SOTP Artist Series, a community outreach initiative sponsored by Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, the acclaimed University of Illinois Alumni Concert Choir will sing a variety of popular works suitable for all attendees who value the love and appreciation of music.
As a choral conductor, Dr. Alwes is known for his innovative programming, his sensitivity to tone and musical line, and his dedication to the musical success and growth of his singers. Throughout his career, Alwes has been widely hailed as a teacher/mentor, scholar, editor, and composer.
He holds degrees in music from Hanover College (BA), Union Theological Seminary School of Sacred Music (MSM), and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (DMA). Prior to joining the University of Illinois faculty in 1982, he held teaching positions at the College of Wooster (Ohio) and the University of Rochester/Eastman School of Music.
At the University of Illinois, Dr. Alwes has taught graduate courses in choral literature (both MM and DMA) and seminars on the works of J. S Bach and Henry Purcell as well as graduate and undergraduate conducting.
In 1996, he founded the Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana (BACH), an ensemble of singers and players drawn from the University and local community that specializes in the music of the 17th and 18th centuries.
Guests who attend this concert by the University of Illinois Alumni Concert Choir will enjoy the professionalism and top level of excellence expressed by conductor Dr. Alwes and the esteemed choir.
Financial Workshop - June 3
How does the SECURE Act affect you?
The Stewardship Committee is sponsoring an important workshop on Saturday June 3rd after the 5:00 service, and on Sunday June 4th after both the 9:00 and 10:45 services. This will be an informational meeting that can help you plan better to avoid paying additional taxes on your savings. Several other ideas may be discussed during the meeting. 
No products will be sold.
How does the SECURE Act affect you?
Discover changes that may affect your retirement savings.
Attend our workshop on the SECURE Act 2.0 to learn more about this law, intended to help Americans bolster their retirement readiness, whether you’re in or nearing retirement, in the middle of that savings journey, or just getting started.
No Registration Necessary.
Saturday: Music/Education Room
Sunday: Maple Room
Contact: Ralph Wehnes ralphwehnes@sbcglobal.net
Ice Cream Social - June 2
Ice Cream, Games, Face Painting & WHEELS!
Summer is kicking off with an Ice Cream Social & Wheels Show. 
Join us Friday, June 2nd from 6:30pm-8:30pm for the Ice Cream Social.
We will also have games, relays, face painting, an ice cream Pinata, and lots of fun!
Let us know you’re coming – register at www.bit.ly/SOTPsocial23
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Also, sign up to bring your wheels at www.bit.ly/SOTPwheels23 . They can have 4 or 3 or 2 wheels, maybe someone even has a unicycle!?!?
The best decorated kid’s wheels will win a prize.
Contact: Jill Gillming jill@sotpmail.com
Next Step Fellowship - June 10
Senior Fellowship for Single Seniors
Join us for Food, Fun and Fellowship!
Shepherd of the Prairie is starting a new Fellowship Group called, The Next Step. This is a group for single seniors looking for community and fellowship. Whether widowed, divorced or never married, member or friend of SOTP, if you find yourself single and in these best years of your life, we encourage you to join us. People who consider themselves seniors (55+) are invited to participate.
Our first get-together will be Saturday, June 10th at noon for lunch, fun and brainstorming about activities for this new community; take in a movie, go out for dinner of lunch, take a day trip, play games, serve in a ministry together…?
Come and bring your ideas for ways this community can have fun, grow and serve. Registration is recommended so we can make sure we have enough food, but not required. You can sign up on the website, through Church Center, at www.bit.ly/SOTPnext or at the Registration Kiosk on Sundays.
Questions? Contacts: Phyllis Thomson, phyllisthomson@aol.com, 847-732-4628 or Dave Stangle, dstangle.ds@gmail.com
Grafton Pantry Food Drive
Helping our Neighbors in Need
SUNDAY JUNE 4TH we will be collecting items for Grafton Food Pantry 
SIMPLY bring your items, drop them off at the vehicle outside by the side door.
We will also have containers inside the Front Door.
Needs this month:
- Paper Products
- Cleaning Products
- Shampoos
- Non-perishable Food Items
- Hygiene Products
Contact Annette Petersen @ petersenannette12@gmail.com
Or any mission team member
Prayer Shawl Ministry
You Are Invited to Join Us
The Prayer Shawl Ministry group would like to thank everyone who has donated yarn or given a shawl! Please stop by and check us out, we meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 9am in the library.
We make the shawls for the congregation to give to anyone that might benefit from a bit of love and comfort. We like to think of them as a “Hug” from heaven!
There are many different sizes and colors to choose from. Please check out the “shawl rack” in the hall across from the big kitchen, and also the top portion of the “A” cabinet at the end of the ministry hall.
Thank you all so much! Remember: “We make ’em — you take ’em”
Contact Jeanne Henley: cjhenley2003@yahoo.com
Prairie Pointe Quilters
Updates
The Prairie Pointe Quilters are moving right along – we’re quickly approaching 100 quilts! 
As always, we can always use more hands and/or donations of flat sheets (not white) or money to buy more fabric. We’re all looking forward to the next dedication and seeing the sanctuary all dressed up with all the colorful quilts. Shown is one of the quilts that will be sent to Lutheran World Relief.
Join us on the 1st & 3rd Tuesdays monthly at 9:00 am. No previous experience necessary.
Contact: Bev Kenny krkbjk@comcast.net
Altar Flowers
Brighten the Sanctuary
We continue to ask you to please consider signing up to donate flowers to brighten up the sanctuary. Each arrangement will be $50.
The bouquets are delivered from the florist for the weekend worship services. The flowers are yours to keep after the Sunday services or on the Monday following. The church is open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
There are several ways to place an order for altar flowers. You can do so online with your regular offering, fill in the sign-up sheets located on the bulletin board in the church lobby, or you can contact me on dem910@outlook.com. When you order the flowers, you will need to provide your name, the date you would like them, your phone number, and for whom the flowers are dedicated to or in memory of. I will send you a special offering envelope for the payment in the mail. If you have any questions, please contact Diane Mollis.
Thank you for contributing to beautify the altar during our services at Shepherd of the Prairie.
Contact: Diane Mollis dem910@outlook.com
Honor Lunch
For Huntley Public Works
Calling all bakers! The Community Outreach team needs your help! This year we are honoring the hardworking Huntley Public Works department by treating them to lunch May 24th. We will be providing them with pizza, drinks, and some delicious desserts. If you are interested in baking or donating some goodies for the well deserving men and women that keep Huntley looking good, please sign up via Church center or the SOTP website. We ask that all desserts be dropped off to the church by May 23rd. Thank you for your help!
Contact: Tara Mackey rtmackey10@yahoo.com