We all love a good story. Stories can challenge the way we think and also encourage us to see things in a new light. Jesus was an amazing storyteller and used stories to help us understand His Kingdom. Join us Sunday as we begin a new sermon series, “Stories That Transform.” This powerful series will open the imagination and lead us to life transformation.

THE SANCTUARY HAS ADOPTED!
We’re excited to take the next step in coming alongside students in our community by joining Christian organization Kids Hope USA to adopt Irene King Elementary School in the Valley View School District. Whether you have been looking for a way to be more intentional with your daytime hours in this season of life or are interested in donating school supplies this year, plan on attending an info meeting and “shower” on Sunday after second service. Check out the Target registry and Toys R Us wish list (under Irene King) to find ways you can help shower our school. For more info, contact Deb Ebenroth at [email protected].

GET TO KNOW OUR WORSHIP DIRECTOR
We are excited to welcome our new Worship Arts Director Ben Kafer to The Sanctuary! Ben will be leading us in worship beginning this weekend. We sat down with Ben and asked him to share his story to help you get to know him! Click here to see that video, and make sure you say, “Hello” to Ben when you see him at church!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Are you looking for ways to use your gifts and talents to serve at The Sanctuary Church? Whether you love to make coffee, greet people, play an instrument, shoot photos, rock babies or hang out with students, we would love to talk to you about ways you can use your abilities to serve God and others at church. Check out the insert in Sunday’s bulletin or click here for more details on current opportunities.

FUSION
Come find out what makes The Sanctuary unique. You will learn about the DNA of our church during this four-week group that meets at 11 a.m. Sundays starting Oct. 1. Get to know others who are new to The Sanctuary, meet ministry leaders and find out how to take the next step to get involved.

DINNER FOR EIGHT
Ladies, do you eat dinner? Do you like eating dinner with other women? Do you want to make some new friends at The Sanctuary? If you answered “Yes” to all three questions, it’s time to sign up for Dinner for Eight. It’s just what it sounds like: Eight women will eat dinner together and won’t want the evening to end. Each group will determine the where and when. Sign up at the Info Table beginning Sunday! For more information, contact Sarah West.

THE FIGHT CLUB
This fall, men will dive into a study, called, “Play the Man.” Somewhere along the way, our culture lost its definition of manhood, leaving generations of men and men-to-be confused about their roles, responsibilities, relationships, and the reason God made them men. The Fight Club meets 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. Sept. 9, 23; Oct. 7, 21; Nov. 4, 18; Dec. 2, 16.

ANNUAL MEETING
Mark your calendars for 6 p.m. Sept. 24 for our Annual Meeting. Members will vote to approve the budget for the new fiscal year, elder positions and new members. Childcare will be available. We also will have an Info Meeting to discuss details of the budget at 3 p.m. Sept. 17 in the Community Room. Anyone who attends The Sanctuary is welcome to attend the Annual Meeting, but only members can vote.

SUPPORTING OUR MISSIONS TEAMS
There are several opportunities in the next few months to support our short term missions teams. Check out the different ways you can participate:

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Drop off your children for dinner and activities and enjoy a date night! Babysitting will be provided at The Sanctuary this Saturday and Sept. 16 from 6-8:30 p.m. Cost is $20 for the first child or $30 for more than one child in a family. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend. Additional dates offered are Aug. 19 and Sept. 16.

SHOE DRIVE
Collect and donate gently used shoes as we partner with Midwest Shoe Recyclers for those in need both nationally and globally. We accept men’s, women’s and kids’ tennis shoes, cleats, and dress/casual shoes. Please no boots, high heels or shoes with worn soles or holes. Get your neighborhoods involved! Bring your donations to the bucket at the Info Table during the month of August. Our missions team receives money for each pound of shoes donated.

IOWA DONATIONS
The missions team going to Christ for the City in Des Moines, IA is in need of the following donations: hygiene products, batteries, bug spray, kids’ toothbrushes, toothpaste, and sweatshirts for adults and kids. These items will be collected on Sundays in August at the Info Table.
JUNIOR HIGH AND HIGH SCHOOL
Our junior high and high school ministries meet from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays for student-led worship, large group teaching, small group discussion and tons of FUN! Feel free to arrive at 6:30 for hangout time.

FALL KICK OFF
Get your school year off to a great start by joining us for Fall Kick-Off on Monday! The evening will include dinner, games, prayer and a fun way to share the vision for the year. Parents are encouraged to attend!