Please join us in prayer: Synod of the week: Southeastern Iowa Synod, Bishop Michael Burk Congregation of the week: St John's Lutheran, Woden, Pastor Trudy Peterson ​Upcoming Fall events ​Congregations in transition     Peace in the Holy Lands ​Kathy Petersen wife of Rev. Arlo (Pete) Petersen  Brian Campbell - now home and receiving ongoing treatment Rev. David Cox - recovering from surgery Jen Henrichs & Family - Jen's father passed away Rev. Lorene Glant Jolene Mapel - Kay Broich's mom Sylvia - Bishop Prois's sister Jackie - Lynn Egesdal's sister-in-law         Grace Gathering - Experience the Larger Church  The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is an opportunity to rejoice in the life-giving, liberating power of the gospel. As part of the observance, we invite you to attend the Grace Gathering, in partnership with the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. This will be an opportunity to experience the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) when gathered as the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, prepare for further observances of the 500th anniversary and reflect on how the Reformation can continue to guide us today. More Info...​         Travel Opportunities in 2016 Have you ever thought about traveling to another country to learn about the people and culture there? If so, there are at least three opportunities available in 2016. There are trips planned to the Holy Lands, Tanzania and Germany. Check out this link for more information.    More Info...​         Congregational Care Class ​Lay School Class – Register Now! A four session class entitled Congregational Care will be led by Pastors John Syverston & Cara Knutson. This class will begin in January. The cost is $395.   Please email Lorna at lorna.halaas.rev@wisynod.org  to register.         CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM:  A bi-partisan coalition of Senate Judiciary members recently introduced and passed out of committee S. 2123, the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act of 2015. Both sides have credited the faith community for creating the political will to negotiate through our advocacy efforts in Iowa – home to Judiciary Chairman Charles Grassley. Cont. Reading.... Mark your calendar and plan to attend next year's Ecumenical Advocacy Days event, April 15-18, themed Lift Every Voice:  Racism, Class and Power (www.advocacydays.org) ​         Thankfulness Events  There are just two more Thankfulness events scheduled this fall: November 14th at St John Lutheran Church in Carroll from 10 AM - 12 Noon - with a potluck and November 19th at Grace Lutheran Church in Fort Dodge from 6 PM- 8 PM with a potluck. Here is what Derald Goetz had to say about the event, " For me personally it was a reminder that we are part of a bigger church and there are many good things that are being accomplished through our joint efforts...... It was something that I needed to hear. God's mission is good." Derald A. Goetz - First Lutheran Church, Algona, IA        More Information     Senior High Youth Gathering - Register Now! When: November 20-22 Where: Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp Cost: $85 God gives us gifts, talents, time, and resources so that we can serve the people around us. This Recharge will both energize and equip youth to discover their gifts and passions, and give practical ideas for ways they can get out into the world and Do Something!  More info here!         Christmas Craft Fair and Bake Sale Saturday, November 14th Immanuel Lutheran Church, Sioux City 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Craft & Bake Sale Flier Two full rooms of crafts - over 30 vendors - Door Prizes! - FREE ADMISSION         One Man's Story Inspires a Matthew West Song New Roads Reentry Event When: November 14th Time: 2:00 pm Where: Christ Lutheran Church, 503 S. Washington, Remsen, IA ​ Come join us for an inspirational afternoon with Josh Shuskey from Worthington, MN. Josh is an ex-offender who served 10 years in prison; he was released in 2010. Josh's story was selected as one of the top 14 in which Matthew West, contemporary Christian singer, wrote a song about for his new album "Live Forever". Josh's song "Day One" went to the top of the chart for Matthew West. Please RSVP how many will be attending, cherylj@midlands.net or 712.540.6025         St Paul's- Holstein - 20th Annual NOVEMBERFEST When: Sunday, November 15th, 5:00 - 7:00 pm Where: Veterans' Memorial Hall, Holstein What: Pork Loin Supper with all the trimmings Cost: $10/adult - $10 all carry outs - $5 children age 5-12                                                            (children 4 & under free)         ****We will continue to update our website with more information on these events as it becomes available.         Thankfulness Events Jr and Sr High Youth Gatherings Travel to the Holy Land ​Ecumenical Advocacy Days event    April 15-18 2016 Youth Mission Trip to Tanzania Grace Gathering, Aug 10-13, New Orleans The Lutheran Day on the Hill​         Useful Links Western Iowa Synod                                 ELCA News WIS Facebook                                            ELCA Prayer Ventures eSpirit Newsletter Archive                        ELCA World Hunger ELCA.org                                                     ELCA Youth Gathering ELCA Advocacy                                         Administration Matters ELCA Global Links                                    Living Lutheran WIS Youth Events