Ever wanted to dive deeper into some of Jesus's most well-known parables? A women's book study of Amy-Jill Levine's "Short Stories by Jesus" will kick off Sept. 2 from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in the Exclamations! Room, led by Christine Bauer and Ellen Jacobson. The study will continue from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on alternating Wednesdays: Sept. 16 and 23, Oct. 7 and 21, Nov. 4 and 18, and Dec. 2 and 16. Please purchase the book on your own ahead of the first meeting.

From the publisher: "Jesus was a skilled storyteller and perceptive teacher who used parables from everyday life to effectively convey his message and meaning ... In this wise, entertaining, and educational book, Amy-Jill Levine offers a fresh, timely reinterpretation of Jesus' narratives."

We are excited to celebrate our third-graders as they receive their very own Bible during worship on Sunday, Sept. 13, at both the 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services.

During the service, parents will present a Bible to their child as we celebrate this important milestone in their faith journey. Following worship, children are invited to join us for a special Bible celebration where they will create a personalized bookmark and enjoy fun games that will help them become familiar with finding books, verses, and stories in their new Bible. We look forward to celebrating this special day with your family! Please register your third-grader to participate HERE.

A new season of the Alleluia! men's competitive basketball league starts soon! Open gym will run in the Alleluia! gym on Tuesday evenings, Sept. 1-15, from 8-9:30 p.m.; games will take place on Tuesdays Sept. 22 through Dec. 15 from 8-10 p.m. Fees are $85 for Alleluia! members and $100 for nonmembers. Jersey cost is $25. Register HERE. For questions, contact Matt White at alleluiahoops@hotmail.com.

Did you know that every blood donation can save up to three lives? Give the gift of life at Alleluia! on Sunday, Oct. 4! Our blood drive with Versiti Blood Centers of Illinois will run in the Alleluia! gym from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Please register in advance if you can HERE; walk-ins also are welcome.

Interested in becoming a member of Alleluia! Lutheran Church? Attend this class with Pastor Joel and worship volunteer coordinator Deb Bostjancic to learn more about who we are as a faith community and how you can find connection at Alleluia! We'll meet in the Exclamations! Room from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Sign up HERE.