Weekly Announcements & Beacon

The Beacon September 16, 2026

“October reminds us that change can be beautiful.”

SEVERAL THINGS ON THE DOCKET!

Table of Belonging: A place to come with your curiosity, your wonder, and your whole self. I know for me, friends, trying something new takes a little courage. I appreciated KB’s message on Sunday about Bartimaeus and his courage to go forward different. “Forward, different” is the heart of Table of Belonging, our new non-traditional worship service with Holy Communion, offered monthly at St. John’s. We held our first gathering on Sunday in the Welcome Center, led by Faith Formation Director KB Jaeger. KB affirmed, the Table of Belonging is a space where you don’t have to have all the answers. You can simply come with your curiosity and wonder. Just come as you are. This service includes music that invites us to slow down, become centered, and make space for the sacred—music that helps us listen not only with our ears, but with our hearts. We share Communion, reflect, wonder, and make room for God’s presence among us. And perhaps most importantly, we experience belonging together. Because belonging isn’t something we simply talk about. It is something we experience when we gather around a table, share a story, listen to one another, sing together, receive Communion, and discover that there really is a place for us here. And this invitation is not only for those who are looking for something different. Those of us who love our traditional 9:00 a.m. worship are invited, too! Come and experience the Table of Belonging with us. Bring your curiosity and wonder. Pull up a chair. Everyone is welcome. Please share this invitation with your family, friends, neighbors, and anyone you know who might be looking for a welcoming place to reconnect with faith and community. There is room for everyone at the table. Our next gathering at the Table of Belonging is Sunday, October 18th at 11:00. See you there!

Secondly, come, enjoy an evening of fellowship and celebration at the United Church Men and Women’s Scholarship Banquet! United Church Men & Women’s Scholarship Banquet October 29 • 6:00 p.m.St. Peter’s UCC, Kiel. For many decades, St. John’s UCC has faithfully supported the United Church Men and Women’s educational scholarship ministry, helping provide opportunities for seminarians and others pursuing their education and calling. Each year, we gather around a delicious meal, enjoy wonderful fellowship, and hear from a specially selected leader who brings a meaningful perspective on faith, life, and our world. The presentations are always thought-provoking, but the fellowship around the table is truly one of the best parts of the evening. This year’s banquet will be held at St. Peter’s UCC in Kiel on Thursday, October 29, at 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and are available in the St. John’s church office. Come join us for an evening of good food, meaningful conversation, and fellowship—and celebrate the difference our congregation has helped make through this scholarship ministry over the years. We hope you’ll come and be part of this special St. John’s tradition!

Thirdly, Beyond the Bridge: Our Christian Responsibility to Our CommunityThursday, October 22 • 6:00 p.m.Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts, Sheboygan FREE Community Screening of Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness DocumentarySt. John’s is proud to be present at an ecumenical gathering of Sheboygan County churches working together with Sheboygan CountyHousing Coalition, Sheboygan County Warming Center, and Downtown for Good, to better understand the needs, resources, andopportunities within our community.One of the most exciting opportunities is coming October 22, when our community will gather for a free screening of the documentary,Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness.This documentary invites us to think differently about homelessness—not simply as a problem to manage, but as a challenge ourcommunities can work together to solve. You will see how government, nonprofits, businesses, churches, community leaders, and neighborswork together toward the solution.Come to the free viewing and begin to imagine what is possible when a community chooses compassion and partnership. Bring yourfamily, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Everyone is welcome!Registration is free. Look for the Beyond the Bridge rack-cards in the sanctuary and Welcome Center with a QRcode on the back. Scan the code and register for free. You are also welcome to ask our office to assist you with registering. Or checkout the link on stjohnssheboygan.com.This is our community. These are our neighbors. And this is part of our Christian calling.