Mat Makers

For the past several months, ARC has been the gathering place for some mission minded ladies from our community who like to visit, keep busy, work with their hands, and fill a need. They have discovered a way to do all those things at one time. Every Monday, five to ten ladies gather in the basement with a collection of plastic bags, then cut them into strips, knot them together to make plarn (plastic yarn) and proceed to hand crochet them together to make 32 x 64 inch sleeping mats for homeless people or others in need. So far six mats have been donated to Center of Hope in Sioux Falls. Finished mats in the future may also be gifted to Union Gospel Mission, the Orphan Grain Train, or other outlets that could use them. Plastic bags can be donated anytime by leaving them in the box in the office hallway. If you have questions about the group or their mission, contact Sharon Bonnema or Karen Bosch.

Our next Bible School Mission has been assigned and the leaders are already busy planning and preparing for an out-of-this-world adventure! To ensure a successful liftoff, would you consider helping with a task or two?

VBS WORKNIGHTS – MARCH 27 | APRIL 17 AT 6:30 PM
All creative and non-creative adults are welcome to join us for a couple hours of fun and fellowship. Simply show up to help build, paint, and complete simple tasks. All supplies and plans are provided! (Sorry this is not an event for children to attend!)

SPACE SHUTTLE CARGO:
The VBS team is looking to fill the cargo bin with supplies. Items will continue to be added to the manifest, so please check back often. If you are willing to share the following items, please bring them to the basket located in the office hallway.

Working Christmas Lights (any color/type) • Metallic Wrapping Paper, Ribbon, Garland, & Tinsel • Soup Cans Popcorn Tins • Plastic Glow-in-the-dark Stars • Astronaut Costume • Medium-Large Shipping Boxes • Colored Duct Tape (any color) •  Large Telescope (to be borrowed)
If you have questions about our supply needs, please call Becky at 605-261-4000.

Thanks for your help!

The VBS Team – Annie Bork, Missy Buckland, Lindsay Lonneman, Cassie Uithoven, Becky Ossefoort

The Connections team would like to thank everyone who came out and supported our first annual Chili Cook-Off event on Sunday! We hope you had a great time tasting and fellowshipping! A huge thank you to every team that registered, we could not have held this event without you. And a special thank you to everyone who helped with set up, serving and clean up, you are greatly appreciated!

Drum Roll……The winning chili was “Jail House Chili” made by Team #6 “Giddy Up Gang”, Captain-Becky Ossefoort and Team-Jeff & Amy Stratton and Robert & Angela Sneller. Congratulations! They received a traveling trophy and $1,585 was raised for local non-profits. Of the proceeds, $50 was donated to Southwest MN Christian Schools and $200 to Luverne Public Schools to support those needing help with their hot lunch accounts and $1,335 was donated to Service Over Self, a community youth helping hands ministry that happens this summer. Again, thanks for investing in our church and in our community! – The Connections Team

Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, March 12

11 AM-12:30 PM

Pancakes with toppings

strawberries · blueberries · chocolate chips · whipped cream · syrup

Eggs · Sausages · Juice · Milk · Coffee

Freewill donation will support the Sr High Youth Group’s trip to Rocky Mountain High in July.  Your support is appreciated!

MISSION E4 HAITIAN EXPERIENCE

All are invited to the Haitian Experience on Sunday, March 19, 2-4 PM at ARC. The Haitian Experience will bring Haiti to you. Walk through exhibits of a Haitian home, experience Haitian food, see an actual school bench, see maps of where our schools are located, and hear updates on what God is doing through Mission E4. See the exciting projects that are underway and consider sponsoring a child. Dessert will be served. Bring friends to learn about Haiti; open to the public.

HOME DELIVERED MEALS

ARC is responsible for Home Delivered Meals in March. Please choose a day to volunteer at the table in the Lobby. Meals are picked up at 11:10 AM and local delivery usually takes about an hour.

SUMMER CAMP

Registration opens February 1 for summer camps at Inspiration Hills and Lost Timber. More information available at www.inspirationhills.org and www.losttimber.org. ARC will pay one half of  camper’s registration for one camp.

MISSION 6:10 SIDING PROJECT

Mission 6:10 is in need of help for a siding project at Inspiration Hills on April 14–15. Contact Travis Chapa (507-227-1582) or Amy Chapa (507-227-6944) for more information or to volunteer. All skill levels are needed!

All Church Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, February 26 starting at 11:45 AM

Come and enjoy a good ol’ throw down between chili connoisseurs and you get to be the judge of the best chili recipe! Chili champions will wear the title for 2023 until the next competition in 2024.

Sides will include cinnamon rolls, corn muffins and tortilla chips.

We need competing teams so put together a team of family, friends, co-workers, life group, consistory members, or anyone interested. Complete details and registration forms will be at the Connections Center. Deadline for competition sign-up is Sunday, February 12. If you have any questions, contact Vicki Altena at 320-226-2459.