ROCK COUNTY GIFTING TREE  For many families Christmas is a time of joy, happiness and celebration. But other families in our community are struggling, and for them the upcoming holidays brings additional stress instead of peace and hope. Through your help with the Gifting Tree, you can bring warmth and holiday cheer to a child who truly is in need this year. Would you consider bringing joy to a struggling family this holiday season? Choose an ornament from the Gifting Tree; on the back of the ornament is the child’s information for a need and a want. Please return a wrapped gift/s to ARC by Sunday, December 16, so we can get the gifts delivered before Christmas. Place the ornament on the package as the label to assist in where each gift is to go. Participating this year are Rock County Big Buddies and Southwest Youth Services in Magnolia. For more information or questions call A.C.E. of SW Minnesota, Norma Brands, 507-283-5064.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD / SAMARITAN’S PURSE  Help yourself to any of the different sized shoeboxes on the Narthex table. T-shirts are also available on the table for you to enclose in your boxes. Collection date for the boxes is November 11. We will also be taking an offering that Sunday to purchase oxen, goats, and chickens for families in need through Samaritan’s Purse. If you have any questions, please contact Charla Sandbulte

QUILTS FOR SALE  The ARC Quilters are offering several quits for sale to raise funds to purchase batting and other quilting supplies. The quilts are displayed in the Narthex. The large quilt is 90×96 (queen size) and the other two are crib size baby quilts. Silent auction sheet is on the Narthex table. Deadline to place bids is December 9.

UNDIE SUNDAYS  Place your donations of new socks and undies in the tote by the mailboxes before December 1. Please purchase sizes and styles that your family would use to provide a good variety.  Items will be given to SHARE, a Rock County Christmas distribution program.

T-SHIRT FUNDRAISER  The Jr High Youth Group is selling t-shirts and sweatshirts to raise funds for future retreats and events. Please see the Narthex table for ordering details and samples of shirts. There are three designs and many colors to choose from. T-shirts are just $15 and sweatshirts are $30. These would make great Christmas gifts and will be delivered at the end of November. There are two ways to order – see a 7th or 8th grade ARC student or online at http://luvprintexpress.com/amreform/shop/home. Payment is due at time of ordering. Deadline to order is November 7.

Mexican Supper, Bake-off & Auction

Tuesday, November 6

Supper served 6-7:15 PM, freewill donation

Auction of baked items at 7:15 PM

Hosted by Sr High Youth Group — Youth will  challenge members of the congregation to a bake-off

PILLOW CLEANING  Rebecca Circle will host the annual pillow cleaning service Friday, October 26, 7:00 AM-4 PM at ARC; use south entry. Have your pillows cleaned, deodorized, sanitized, and encased in new ticking, and returned the same day.  All proceeds will go to Missions. New feather pillows will also be available for purchase.

GOSPEL JUBILEE  ARC’s 8th Annual Gospel Jubilee will be October 28, 3 PM featuring The Perry’s.  Freewill offering. Invite your family and friends!

FOOD DRIVE  Sunday, October 14, Rock The Edge Ecumenical Youth Group, will be canvassing the community on hay racks and collecting food starting at 4 PM. If you would like to donate to our Rock County Food Shelf, we ask that you place your donation of food, preferably in bags, on your doorstep. Our youth may also knock on doors asking for food. Thank you in advance for your help!

CELEBRATION SUNDAY!

Sunday, September 9 at ARC

9:30 AM  Worship, 10:45 AM  Sunday School, 11:30 AM  Potluck meal

Bring a main dish and side dish to share and your own tableware!

Lemonade, coffee and water provided.

The fun continues at 12 PM with an inflatable, carnival games, 9 Square, Gaga Ball, and   Bean Bag Tournament. Sign up at the Narthex table to participate in the tournament, if you have Bean Bag games that we could borrow, or to help with the carnival.