Announcements for October 26 2025

ALTAR FLOWERS
The Altar flowers are given in Honor of the 508th year of the Reformation and in Appreciation for the work of Pastor Michele and Neal for our congregation by Don Alcorn.

REFORMATION SUNDAY
Today we mark Reformation Sunday with a special focus on our heritage of faith and God’s enduring Word. We celebrate the truth that still sets us free: salvation by grace, through faith, in Christ alone. The color of the day is red, symbolizing the Holy Spirit blowing through the church. Red occurs twice a year, on Reformation Sunday and Pentecost Sunday ― two days of celebration within the church. Pastor Michele will often tell the children that the color red in church means “party-time.” When we have red, we are celebrating!

CLERGY/PASTOR APPRECIATION
October has been designated as Clergy/Pastor Appreciation Month. Please take some time to thank Pastor Michele (and Neal) for answering God’s call to serve St. John’s and Pomaria, for guiding us as we strive to follow Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors, and for the many other ways we have been blessed by their presence among us.

ROSTERED LEADERS CONVOCATION
This afternoon Pastor Michele and Neal will be leaving for the 2025 South Carolina Rostered Leaders Convocation at Lutheridge, and they will return on Wednesday afternoon. She will be available by phone and can return in the event of an emergency.

NEWSLETTER
Newsletter information should be sent to newsletter@stjohnsirmo.org by today.

JOINT THANKSGIVING SERVICE
St. John’s will join Shady Grove UMC to celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 23rd at 6:00 P.M. at their church. Pastor Michele will preach, and the service will be followed by dinner.

Those wishing to participate in a joint choir should contact Norman McCorkle at 803-772-4395 and plan to attend a joint rehearsal on Wednesday, Nov. 5th at 6:00 P.M.

MINI-VBS
Mini-VBS was held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with the seven children (three from St. John’s and four from the community). They learned the story of The Prodigal Son and participated in some activities.

BUDGET MEETING
There will be a meeting in the fellowship hall following worship today to provide comments and suggestions for the 2026 budget. Please plan to attend and provide your valuable input.
Light refreshments will be served.

FISH FRY
LMM’s Fall Fish Fry will be held on Thursday, October 30 beginning at 6:00 P.M. Please invite your neighbors and friends. Donations of desserts are requested.

Note:
Carry out plates may be picked up beginning at 5:30 P.M.

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY: Honoring the Faithful
On November 2nd, we will observe All Saints Sunday during worship. This is a time to remember and give thanks for those who have gone before us in faith—family, friends and fellow believers who have touched our lives and pointed us to Christ. If you want someone remembered, please submit that name to the office at Office@stjohnsirmo.org by Tuesday, October 28th.

SCHEDULE ON NOVEMBER 2
Council will meet November 2nd after church. The youth group will not meet on November 2nd, so please stay tuned for more information.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Join us for a Service of the Word with a special Hymn Sing on Sunday, November 9th.

BIBLE STUDY
Bible study is held on most Wednesday mornings at 10:30 A.M. in the Education Building. However, there will be no Bible study on October 28 and November 5. The study will resume on November 12 with Chapter 10 of the Book of Job on Wednesday, November 12.
You may attend in person or via Zoom. If you prefer to participate via Zoom, please let Pastor Michele know so she can send you the link.