February Gazette
What is the difference between a refugee, a migrant, an immigrant and an asylum seeker? 
A “migrant” is a worker who comes over to work temporarily and returns to their home country each time.
An immigrant is technically some who comes to work permanently (i.e. green cards etc.)
Asylum seekers are when people flee their own country and seek sanctuary in another country, they apply for asylum – the right to be recognized as a refugee and receive legal protection and material assistance. (what is commonly now in the US referred to as immigrants.
A refugee is someone who has been forced to flee his or her country because of persecution, war or violence. A refugee has a well-founded fear of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group. Most likely, they cannot return home or are afraid to do so. War and ethnic, tribal and religious violence are leading causes of refugees fleeing their countries.
Refugees apply to a country and are vigorously vetted before arriving and accepted into the country they have applied for.
THAT SAID, COULD YOU HELP the mission team supply a newly arriving refugee family with an EXODUS welcome pack?
We have many items already, but still need Plastic Wrap, Set of 8 glasses, Twin Comforter, Dishwashing soap, Broom & Dust Pan and more. Please go to www.bit.ly/SOTPrefugee24 to register to purchase an item.
– – – – – – – –
What else is the mission team a part of this month?
The Lenten offerings have been designated for AARK Gardens, Exodus World Service, Food cards for homeless in tent city and CRE-Reentry.
On Monday Feb. 19th , 4 t0 8 PM CULVERS’ FUNDRAISER to support local Habitat for Humanity.
Contact: Sandy Hupert at sandyhupert@gmail.com
2025
Baskets Needed
Your Artist Series committee is asking for your help with donations that we can use to fill baskets for our TWELVE BASKETS OF CHRISTMAS SILENT AUCTION which supports the Artist Series here at Shepherd of the Prairie. 
These baskets will be auctioned at our Christmas musical on December 7th. This is the only true fund raiser that the Artist Series does on a yearly basis. New items can be donated by contacting Carolyn Cuttle for additional information. Cut off date is November 25th.
We thank you for your support over the past seven years and look forward as we start our 8th year of entertainment here at SOTP.
Contact Carolyn Cuttle at ednca@comcast.net
For the Grafton Food Pantry
February 24th from 9am-1pm is the Community Outreach’s first Grafton Food Drive of 2024. 
Help us fill the shelves at the Grafton Food Pantry. Whether you choose to donate items or give monetarily, all donations are greatly appreciated.
Contact: Tara Mackey rtmackey10@hahoocom
Oregon, IL
Northern Illinois Synod Women of the WELCA Retreat 2025 “Walking the Ancient Path” Saturday, April 26, 2025 9:00 AM-3:00 PM 
Program and worship led by PATHWAYS staff from Christ Lutheran Church, Belvedere, Illinois.
Registration fee includes coffee, snacks, lunch and materials.
Registration form available at: www.bit.ly/SYNODretreat0425reg
Half scholarships are available, to request a scholarship, go to: www.bit.ly/SYNODretreat0425scholar
2024
VBS will be
July 8-12, 2024
Contact: Jill Gillming at Jill@sotpmail.com
& Small Groups Kickoff
We have an exciting celebration awaiting us this October as we honor our Lutheran heritage with several fun and educational activities.
- We begin our month-long celebration with an all-congregation book read of “The Book of Harmony”, written by Dr. Martin J. Lohrmann. This book is a great commentary on “The Book of Concord” which is the basis of our Lutheran Confessions. All are invited to join in this book read and books will be available through SOTP for a donation. This four-week study will kickoff our Small Group Ministry for this fall. Our 7’s Discipleship groups are encouraged to use this study, and other small groups will be formed to discuss the book and what it means to us as Lutherans. Please contact Pastor Mark, Pastor Ryan, or Donna Kelly to obtain a book.
- Our celebrations will continue on Saturday October 5, with Pastor Bill leading Lutheranism 101. This is an excellent way to find out more about Martin Luther, the Protestant Reformation and our Lutheran Heritage.
- On Sunday, October 13 from 3-5pm we will have the opportunity to come together and watch the most recent Luther Movie, “Luther”, which was critically acclaimed.
- Our Month-long celebration will culminate on Reformation weekend, Saturday and Sunday October 26 & 27. On Saturday the 26th, we are all invited to be part of the Celebration Dinner with Dr. Martin J. Lohrmann (author of our book) as our guest speaker. A great chance to get your book signed by the author!
- The celebration dinner will be followed by a gathering at Sew Hop’d Brewery here in Huntley where we will enjoy fellowship and listen to The Guttenberg German Band.
- Then on Sunday the 27th, Dr. Lohrmann will be preaching at both services and there will be special music including a brass quartet and the great hymns of the Lutheran Church.
Watch your email and the Friday Flourish for more information.
Donna Kelly, Director of Connection Ministries
donna@sotpmail.com
Niches Available
Have you seen our Memory Garden on the West end of the Church building. 
There are still 21 Niches available that will hold one or two Urns. For more information, contact the Church office, Stan Crissman, or Ralph Wehnes.
Contact: Ralph Wehnes at ralphwehnes@sbcglobal.net
From Your Stewardship Team
Dear Partner in Ministry:
Generosity is all around us, but sometimes we have to look for it. In the feeding of the 5,000 story in the Bible, significant generosity happened once the child shared (John 6:9). That is how it is here. Once we begin to share, we will see God has blessed us with plenty. 
“507 – (Re)Forming our Faith, (Re)Membering Who We Are, (Re)Acting to God’s Call is the theme of our fall stewardship appeal. This theme points us to the generosity we have witnessed around our church over the last year, but also reminds us of our rich heritage and our responsibility to continue to make Christ known.
There are always reasons to worry there might not be enough. As people of faith we plan, prepare, and trust in the abundance of God in all things.
Our grateful response in generosity helps to demonstrate to us and to the world around us God has provided us everything. We have enough, even enough to share.
In the weeks ahead, you will be hearing more about generosity and thankfulness along with celebrating our rich heritage as Lutherans. Newsletter articles, mission moments, emails and more will be used to share this story and our hopes for an even more robust ministry next year. In Christ, we believe the best is yet to come!
In the coming weeks, please engage the materials. Pray about how you can become more generous. Then, on All Saint’s Weekend, November 2-3, please bring your intent card with you to declare the generosity you intend to share with this congregation.
Thanks be to God, you are part of this exciting congregation. Pray for our common work together as we continue to reach out with the Gospel.
Sincerely in Christ,
Mike McCann
Stewardship Team Leader
Craft Fair & Bake Sale
Our SOTP Bazaar was a success.
A special Thanks to all who helped to set up and take down our bazaar.
Another thank you to all who baked yummy treats and those who crafted wonderful items for sale.
Of course I wouldn’t forget all those who worked at the Bazaar. Everyone is part of our success.
We earned $2003.50 and every penny has gone toward our SOTP mortgage.
THANK YOU!
