October 2026 Newsletter!
October 2026 Newsletter: A Busy Month at First Lutheran
October is filled with opportunities for worship, fellowship, service, and ministry at First Lutheran Church.
Our October newsletter is now available, with updates on church life, upcoming events, ongoing ministries, and several important dates to remember.
This month’s opening devotion reminds us that God has meaningful work for us at every stage of life. Whether young, old, or somewhere in between, we are called to use the gifts God has given us in service to others.
Coming Up in October
Joyful Women Bible Study begins Sunday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m. in the Munson Room. This fall’s study, Purpose, is a six-lesson series focused on hope. The group will meet weekly for study, fellowship, and a snack, and books are provided free of charge. All women of First Lutheran and guests are welcome.
Quilt Sunday is October 18. The Comforting Ladies have completed an incredible 270 quilts during the past year. Seventy-five quilts will be delivered to the Lutheran World Relief collection site in Bloomington, while additional quilts will support NALC Disaster Relief. New volunteers are always welcome to join this ministry.
The Great Rivers Mission District Annual Convention will be held Saturday, October 24 at American Lutheran Church in Rantoul. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m., worship begins at 9:30 a.m., and the convention runs until 3:00 p.m.
Our Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Sunday, October 25 following worship. One important item will be the proposed renovation of the church kitchen and adjoining bathrooms. These spaces date to 1964, and the Kitchen Committee has spent several years studying renovation options. Plans and samples will be available for members to review during October.
Serving Our Community
The Mission Committee is nearing its goal of filling 100 school kits for Lutheran World Relief. Current needs include pens, crayons, scissors, and manual pencil sharpeners.
October’s Food Pantry collection especially emphasizes personal-care and household products such as laundry soap, dish soap, bar soap, feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels, along with a variety of nonperishable food items. Donations may be placed in the grocery carts located in the Fellowship Hall and near the ramp door.
The First Lutheran Foundation Committee is also accepting grant applications for projects supporting mission and benevolence, education, youth, worship and music, and capital projects. Applications are available through the church office and must be returned by November 15, 2026.
Fellowship, Worship & More
There is plenty more happening throughout the month, including Comforting Ladies quilting, Knitwits, choir rehearsals, Joyful Women gatherings, Euchre nights, and the CEO “Come Eat Out” fellowship meal at Baby Bull’s on October 27. October 2026 Newsletter
First Lutheran will also welcome the community on Halloween, October 31, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. for a candy giveaway and fall photo backdrop at the church’s front entrance.
Members can also find information in the newsletter about Christmas poinsettia orders, transportation assistance, worship-service volunteer opportunities, the pastoral Call Committee, October birthdays, prayer concerns, and more.
We encourage everyone to read through the full October newsletter, mark your calendars, and find a way to participate in the many opportunities to worship Christ and serve our neighbor this month.
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