Advent Readers Needed! It’s a tradition here at Forestgate, that we share the advent season with those who attend Forestgate. If you're interested in reading scripture and lighting the Advent candle at the beginning of the service during Advent, anyone is welcome to sign up HERE.

Swap Party: Women of Forestgate, come to our first swap party! Happening Saturday, November 8, 9am-11am in the double classroom. The purpose of a swap party is to give, receive, donate, and enjoy some fellowship. Come and go as you please! Swap items: books (children’s, adult, fiction or non-fiction), puzzles, craft supplies (yarn, fabric, paper, beads, etc.) Bring any amount of items and take home any amount of items. Anything not claimed will be taken to a Life Network thrift shop. Bring a snack to share if you would like! Coffee will be provided. Questions? Contact Connie Harrington Connie.h.harrington@gmail.com.

Operation Christmas Child is once again happening at Forestgate! This is a great way to spread the Gospel and bless children around the world, with small gift-filled shoeboxes. Check out samaritanspurse.org/occ. We'll be collecting shoebox gifts (empty shoeboxes, too) beginning next Sunday, October 26-November 16. If interested in helping, please contact Melissa Klute to get connected or with any questions: melissa@klute.org. If possible, please include $10/box donation for shipping, evangelical materials and training as it helps get the boxes where they need to go!

As a congregation, we will be celebrating Pastor Matt’s 10th anniversary with us! Let’s all join together on Sunday, November 2, 5pm at Forestgate, to show our love and appreciate for the Giesmans. There will be a basket for cards and we ask that you bring an appetizer. May the Lord bless Matt with many more years of faithful service to come!

Reclaiming Hope Stocking Stuffer Drive: Reclaiming Hope is an FPC ministry partner that supports survivors of human trafficking mainly by providing law enforcement backpacks for survivors at point of recovery along with counseling and mentoring support. Reclaiming Hope is accepting donations for stocking stuffers. Please see tri-fold board in lobby for suggested stocking stuffers! Items can be dropped off in the church office until Sunday, November 2. 

Ladies Christmas Tea: Save the Date! Saturday, December 6, 9:30am-12:30pm
Potluck Sign Up: Click HERE
Table Decorator/Hostess/Cleaning Team Sign Up: ClickHERE

Pastoral Staff Vacation: Pastor Matt and Pastor Josh will both be on vacation at various times October 11-18. Please contact Ministry Assistant Chuck Young or one of the elders if you have an emergency

Pastor Appreciation Month | October: Please take time to thank Pastor Matt and Pastor Josh for their service to Forestgate!

Men’s Friday Morning Bible Study: We are currently studying the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul's letter of encouragement and instruction to the church at Philippi. As a fellowship of men in need of His daily grace, we go slowly through His Word, seeking to understand what the Lord is saying and how it applies to our everyday lives. "If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine." (John 8:31)

Join us for a game night on Tuesday, October 21, 7pm-9pm in the double classroom. Bring an appetizer to share and be ready for some fun! There will be door prizes as well! RSVP HERE. 

Adult Sunday School Class on Romans: Paul begins a transition from talking about justification by faith to sanctification by faith in Romans 12. Come hear this Sunday how this impacts the way we live as believers. The following week’s reading is Romans 13.

Barn Dance! Our beloved annual, church-wide event is coming soon! Join in the fun at Funke Farms the afternoon/evening of Saturday, October 18, 4-9 PM. There will be hayrides, pick-up games, lots of swings to try out, followed by a potluck dinner. The evening is culminated with beginner-level square dancing, orchestrated by our local favorite caller, Gregg Andersen. Last name A-J bring a side/ dessert. Last name K-Z bring main dish/casserole. For more info and to RSVP, click HERE.

We are having another Christmas Choir this year! Rehearsals are on Wednesdays at 5:30pm. Sign up HERE. Questions? See Music Director Anna Saks anna.saks@forestgate.org.

Sep 23 - Nov 18: We meet in the double classroom at 9am. for fellowship & the study begins at 9:30am. We will be studying “No Empty Word: Relentless Pursuit, a Study on Hosea” by Paula Miles. For more info or to register, please contact Pat at TuesdayAM@forestgate.org. Books are $15 & will be available in September. Childcare is provided; please let us know when you RSVP that you’ll need it & for how many children. We look forward to seeing you there!