Sunday School Top Ten..

September 19th was the first day of Sunday School. Gilbert and Stephanas were ready with the "Top Ten Reasons for Attending Sunday School"!

Steph: Boys and girls, every Sunday you may have to decide whether you are going to get up and come to Sunday school Well, here's Gilbert's list of the Top Ten Reasons for attending. Are you ready for this?

Gil: Reason Number 10. You don't need a ticket to get in.

Steph: That's right Gilbert. No one makes you purchase a ticket to attend ss.

Gil: Reason Number 9. There's plenty of parking.

Steph: That's if you chose to drive. You can even walk to ss

Gil: Reason Number 8. There's nothing good on TV.

Steph: Boys and girls, moms and dads, just how many infomercials can you tolerate.

Gil: Reason Number 7. It's a great place to wear your cool new clothes.

Steph: So true.

Gil: Reason Number 6. There's all-you-can-eat fellowship treats.

Steph: Yum. Yum.

Gil: Reason Number 5. It's a great place to visit with your old friends and make new ones.

Steph: I met you at Sunday School, Gilbert.

Gil: Indeed you did, and my Number 4 Reason for attending Sunday School. We have great music led by the one and only Jane Holland.

Steph: SS music rocks!

Gil: Reason Number 3. You can listen to great stories.

Steph: Yes, the stories Jesus told called parables!

Gil: Reason Number 2. If you have a test in school or a big game you can pray.

Steph: You still have to study and practice, but prayer always helps!

Gil: That's true. And the #1 reason for attending SS. Drum roll please. If you do, you will be keeping the promise made the day you were baptized.

Steph: And what's that, Gilbert.

Gil: That you will be brought to the services of God's house, and taught about God by studying God's word. And that is the Number 1 reason to come to Sunday School

Steph: Let's pray: Dear Jesus, we have come into your house and gathered in your name today because we want to be with you. We have also come to Sunday School to learn more about you and your word as we study the Bible together. Amen

Volunteer Appreciation Sunday

Our relationship and contacts with one another stimulate and sharpen us in our walk with God and life, in general. We're able to grow and gain insights and share God's workings in the lives of others by volunteering within the church and community. It is through helping and volunteering that we're able to spread the word and love of God. On September 12th, Deerfield Lutheran recognized the many volunteers within our church. There are many important ministries going on at Deerfield Lutheran and it is the volunteers and participants that help US MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Members of all ages have been "the hands and feet of Christ" here at the church. This special blessing was given:

Dear God,

We give you humble thanks for the people who serve you in our congregation here in Deerfield. For those who help us worship each week by volunteering as ushers, greeters, lay assistants and lay readers, for those who sing in our choir or play our bells and for Jeff and Angie who direct them, for Jane and Lois and Angie who accompany us and for Laura and our worship committee that plan our worship. For Deb and our fellowship committee and those who set up the coffee and hot tea, for those who bring delicious treats, for those who knit prayer shawls and deliver them. We give you thanks. Today as we begin Sunday School we give you thanks for Jen and Jenn and our education committee and all who have volunteered and will volunteer to teach Sunday School. We thank you for Rachel and Jane and our youth & family committee and our Middle school KAIR group kids and our High School D-Logs and those adults who assist them as they grow in faith and serve others. We thank you for Jodell and our Mission committee and for Kari, Liz, Tammy and Claudia our resent adult leaders and for all the youth and adults who have been part of our mission teams. We thank you for Arlyn our treasurer and Eric our finance chair and those who serve in the ministry of finance as they navigate these challenging times. We thank you for Dick and the property committee and all who volunteer to keep up our building and grounds – especially Steve who does all our mowing. For Donna and Jerry who engage in the unending job of cleaning. We thank you for Dot and Sue who are heading our HELP fund drive to make our church fully accessible by building an elevator. We thank you for Don and Jerry, men who cook! We thank you for Mary and our outreach committee and all who volunteer to provide meals, clothing and support so that all will know Christ's love and compassion. For Todd our Council President and Jackie our Council secretary who help oversee all our ministries and with the help of God's spirit guide us in all our deliberations. We thank you for those we might forget who lead our women's circles and participate in our men's breakfast groups and for those who are not part of any committee but still give of their time to serve their neighbor in need. Father, thank You, for all those volunteers who so lovingly minster to people in Jesus' name. All glory and honor belongs to You, Lord. Let your people testify of Your goodness, Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

To celebrate the Labor Day Weekend, Sundaes were served during Sunday Fellowship.

Blessing of Backpacks

Celebrating the beginning of another school year, brought students, teachers, coaches, parents to a service of blessing the items we use in our work everyday. It was called the "Blessing of the Backpacks" but there were ipods, cellphones, briefcases, and other tools and stickee notes that were sent on to college students.

God bless these backpacks and the children who will be carrying their books in them to school, bless our children so they will continue to learn and grow this year. God bless these post-it notes that will be sent those attending colleges or vocations schools that they will be a reminder to study hard and also to learn and grow this year. God bless these (Blackberries, brief cases, and other tools) and bless those who use them, t hat in our daily vocations we might continue to learn and grow as good stewards of talents and skills. Bless us to be a blessing to others.

Clothing Exchange

Preparing to get ready for school can be stressful especially this year with dollars tight for many people. The Outreach Committee organized a clothing exchange for members of the church and community. Though it was not as successful as had been hoped, it will be done again. The clothes that remained were donated to the Community Center.