Of Water and the Spirit – The Baptism of Jesus – Jan. 10, 2021

This Sunday is the festival of the Baptism of Jesus.  Join Pastor Jack as he explores the nature of baptism and answers questions like “Is baptism water only?”; “Is baptism a ritual…or something more powerful?”  “What is the significance of baptism for everyday life?”

UN-DECORATING THE CHURCHMany thanks to all who made our church look so festive and inviting for the holidays. Please join us as we “undecorate” this Sat., Jan. 9 at 9:30 a.m. Many hands make light work!

WORSHIP INFO FOR JAN. 10

This Week’s Bulletin

Kid’s Celebrate Bulletin

Spark Worship Bulletin (Pre-Reader) 

Announcements for Jan. 10

New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon

Meeting ID: 829 4727 4304
Passcode: 002314

Faith Together At Home
(Faith Formation Activities)

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL UPDATES:
The congregational council is currently reorganizing. Congratulations to all who have agreed to serve!
President: JD Allen
Vice President: Emery Malasits
Treasurer: Brett Maynard
Recording Secretary: Celeste Bethmann
Financial Secretary: Steve Lewandowski
Property: Patrick Wood
Nurture (Worship & Music): Wendy Whipple
Social Ministry: Diane Fitzpatrick
Diane Terhune
Jeff Behling
Many thanks to outdoing President John Seal for extending his term as we navigated through this challenging year!2020 GIVING STATEMENTS – were emailed on Jan. 5 so that you may print and keep them for your tax filing needs.  Please contact the church office if you did not receive yours.

BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. KATERI  – The next St. Kateri Parish Blood Drive is on January 16th from 7:45 AM to 1:45 PM.  All eligible blood donors are invited to schedule their appointment:  Smarturl.it/NJBS_Drive, Sponsor Code 15978. CDC guidelines observed.
Find us on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/StKateriBloodDrives.   Call Mary Stanek at 973-349-9191 for more information.

HELP SOTH WHILE SHOPPING ON AMAZON SMILE


Click here to find out how you can donate to SOTH when you shop on Amazon.  We have raised in $203.89 to date!

CHANGE IN TAX LAW FOR CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS The IRS reminds us that, as part of the CARES Act, taxpayers can deduct up to $300. in cash donations to qualifying organizations even if they choose to take the standard deduction rather than itemizing their deductions. Donations of up to $300. made before December 31, 2020, are now deductible when people file their taxes in 2021.Further information regarding this new, temporary deduction can be found in IRS release IR-2020-264, issued on 11/25/2020 and in IRS Publication 526.

BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY –Continues in person at Holy Trinity Church or via Zoom, the first and third Wednesdays from noon-12:45. Join Pastor Jack for a lively discussion of the Bible. No prior experience necessary! Click here to join us via Zoom. 

AT-HOME COMMUNION KITSIf you are worshiping with us from home and would like a communion kit, please contact the church office and arrangements can be made for you to receive the number you would like.

God’s work. Our hands.
God’s work. Our hands Sunday has passed, but the needs of these various organizations continue. Please consider one or more of the following. 1) For Lutheran World Relief
Personal Care Kits consisting of 1 lightweight bath towel (20” x 40” to 52” x 27”) dark color, 2-3 bath-size bars of soap in original wrapping, 1 adult size toothbrush in original packaging, 1 sturdy comb no packaging, 1 metal nail clipper, no packaging. LWR.org/kitvideos for reference if needed.  2) Donation to the Lutheran Disaster Response,  can be designated to a specific disaster on the check memo line. 3)  The Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry.  Donations can be mailed to 32 Main St. Sparta, NJ  07871 or if you prefer to donate food items, place them in the shopping cart at SOTH. 4).Connect for Community is a very worthy organization. Donations can be placed in the collection plates, made out to the organization.

Volunteer Opportunities:  More hands are needed to make light work.  No prior skills necessary to help your church in these ways:

1. Bring in items for” God’s Work our Hands” organizations.

2. Serve on the church audit team.

3. Serve on Church Council.

4.. Become a Sunday worship servant.

5. Sing in the choir (post-COVID)

6. Help to run a parish activity (post-COVID)

7.  Join the volunteer church office staff.8. Organize Faith Formation opportunities by serving as the FF Superintendent.

9. Prep a meal for the Trinity Faith Kitchen.

Please email the church office at office@sothnj.org or call 973-729-7010 for more information!