Just a reminder to fall back by one hour this Sunday, November 1st. Enjoy the additional hour of sleep!

GLC’s First Communion service is scheduled for Sunday, December 6. It is our congregation’s tradition to celebrate this milestone with our fourth graders and their families. We also welcome students who have joined us along the way or missed that fourth-grade milestone.

To prepare, students and parents will gather together from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. on November 1, 8, 15 and 22. Our curriculum is designed for parents and students to learn and explore together. At our first session, we’ll also find a time to visit the Workspace at ISU to paint communion chalices.

We have contacted the families listed in our church records. If we’ve missed you, or if you know of others who may be interested, please let us know! Contact the church office at office@gilbertlutheran.org or 515-233-2421.

The 2026 Southeastern Iowa Synod Annual Report is now available. During the year, our synod has centered on the theme “Peace Be With You.” These are the first words of the risen Jesus to the fearful disciples.

The annual report contains stories that give a glimpse of our synod, congregations, ministries and partners – all sharing God’s peace in the world. The pages highlight how our churches and synod steward our time, talents, gifts and treasure together.

In addition, one of the stories focuses specifically on GLC and our accompaniment of the Tola- Lecoña family (pp. 16-17).

To read the report and the story, follow this link.

The Friends of the Tola Lecoña family have requested our help. With both Alberto and Luz having competing work schedules, the committee has been picking up sweet Alma from day care and returning her home. They could use additional volunteers to assist with this sweet, sweet task.

If you might be able to help with this sweetness or have questions, please contact Shelley Taylor for further details.

515-708-3367

sztaylor2011@gmail.com

The third annual Empty Bowls fundraiser will be held Saturday, November 7, from 5:30-8 p.m. at Collegiate United Methodist Church in Ames. Enjoy soup served in a handmade bowl created by a local artist, along with bread and homemade desserts. The bowl is yours to keep – a reminder of neighbors in our community and beyond who face hunger.

GLC’s Backpack Buddy program will benefit from the funds raised, so please consider coming for supper and supporting this work. Tickets are $30 each (cash or check only) at the church office, the Octagon Center for the Arts in Ames and Collegiate United Methodist Church. You can also purchase tickets online for $35 by scanning the QR code or at the door on November 7 for $40.

GLC has also been asked to help with the event by providing bars and cookies for the meal. Please click on the button below if you are willing and for more information. Thank you!

Beginning November 5, a new Alcoholics Anonymous group will meet Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. here at GLC.

With no regular meetings in north Ames, this gathering will offer a nearby opportunity for connection and support in recovery. We’re glad to open our doors and welcome this group to GLC.

If you’re seeking support or looking for a meeting closer to home, you’re invited to come. Please share this invitation with anyone who might benefit. For more information, call (515) 480-8118.

We received this thank you from Christine Trujillo, Superintendent of Gilbert Community Schools.

Each month, a group of GLCers serves as our Service Committee. These friends help with Community & Conversation on the second Sunday of their month and may be called on to help with special events and/or funerals. The Service Committee is an extremely important and valued group! We are grateful for all the ways they share their gifts.

Jerry & Nancy Rabe - Leaders

Cindy & Nick Bassett

David & Joan Bowles

Nate Doerder

Mark & Susan Folkman

Jon & Maggie Hoffa

Doyle & Peggy Jobe

Jeff Johnson

Brian & Stephenie Keat

LeRoy & Susan Kester

Chuck & Jackie Olson

Nancy & Nyle Packer

Brooke & Dan Sievers

Randy & Staci Sniezek

Byron & Tamara Tinder

SUNDAY SCHOOL!

Our kiddos have been Choosing Their Own Adventure and learning how important it is to choose our words wisely, choose to do good and help others, and to choose God. Our next series will take us through the book of Job.

CONFIRMATION!

IN OUR PRAYERS, WE REMEMBER . . .

Deb Barron (friend of Cindy & Jim Clark); Sharon Berryhill; Jean Bruner; Jim Clark; Peggy Drennan; Steve Gent; Laurie Gommel (sister-in-law of Sharon Popp); Donelle Gull (sister of Denise Henderson); Jef Hadaway; Loleta Hansen (cousin of Barb Licklider); Kyra Harbacheck; Kathy Henryson; LaDona Jergenson (friend of Tammy Tinder); Nathan Kerns; Katy Kollasch (cousin of Kirsten Cook); Barb Licklider; Larry McHone; David Nissen; Reed Pattee (cousin of Barb Licklider); Shirley Pattee (aunt of Barb Licklider); Debbie Petersen (cousin of Barb Licklider); Mark Peterson (brother-in-law of Robin Fletcher); Scott Raymond; Deb Smith (friend of Tammy Tinder); Connie Terrones; Randy Thompson; Don Twedt; Dan Van Arendonk (father of Staci Sniezek); Anne Walden; Monica Wilson (granddaughter of Ellen Wilson); Iola Zimbeck (mother of Peggy Drennan); Helen Zimmerman (mother of Shelley Taylor).

WE OFFER NEW PRAYERS OF HEALING FOR . . .

+ Steve Gent. Steve recently had knee replacement surgery.

+ Nathan Kerns. Tests results last week show no signs of remaining cancer following surgery and no radiation or chemotherapy is needed at this time. He continues to heal and will have regular follow-up testing.

+ Katy Kollasch. Katy, a cousin of Kirsten (Adams) Cook, suffered a sudden cardiac arrest recently. Though she continues to have some mild fevers, she is showing encouraging signs of improvement. She responds when people speak to her and, according to Kirsten, even “laughed a little” yesterday.

+ Dan Van Arendonk. Dan, the father of Staci Sniezek, has been hospitalized in Iowa City with complications related to digestive failure. We pray for his comfort and for wisdom and guidance for his medical team.

THE TLC COORDINATORS for the next weeks are Peggy Jobe (Oct. 16-31) and Deb Anderson (Nov. 1-15).