Upcoming Events
* October 9-16 – Pr. Alexa and Ray on vacation; Pr. Maxwell Johnson will preach and preside
* October 12 – 2 pm – Installation of Bishop Tim Graham at Christ the Savior Lutheran Church in Fishers, IN
* October 17 – 7 pm - St. Margaret’s House – “A Common Thread” Celebration – See info below
* October 20 – after worship – Potluck meal – Theme: Salad Bar – Sign-up sheet in narthex
* October 27 – 4 pm – Ripple Effect 10^th Anniversary Concert – See info below
* October 30 – 7 pm – Prayer Vigil for a Peaceful Election – See info below
* November 2-3 – Remembrance of All Saints – Call/write with names of those who have died since last November
 
CONGRATULATIONS TO…
Julie Sellers and Steve Nadolny who got married last weekend! 
Their new address is: Julie and Steve Nadolny, 61460 Elderberry Lane, South Bend, IN. 46614. 
May the Holy Spirit bless their marriage and life together!
 
 PRAYER VIGIL FOR A PEACEFUL ELECTION
On Wednesday, October 30, at 7 pm we will have a special evening prayer vigil for a peaceful election.  In a season marked by deep division, dangerous rhetoric, and heightened tension in our neighborhoods and nation, we gather to hear God’s word and pray together that the election process will be peaceful, fair, and safe.  A light reception will follow the service.  Please invite your friends and neighbors to join us!

 HELPING THE RECOVERY FROM HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON
As Hurricanes Helene and Milton deeply impact our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the southern United States, we lift them up in prayer for strength, guidance, and healing.  Our Synod Disaster Response Coordinator, Jayme Beneker, is actively working with relief organizations, including Lutheran Disaster Response, to determine how the Indiana-Kentucky Synod can best provide support during this crisis.  Gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response help those affected by hurricanes and related disasters, such as mudslides, severe storms, and flooding.  100% of your gift will assist those affected until the response is complete.  Please make your check payable to Hilltop Lutheran Church and put “Lutheran Disaster Response” in the memo line.  Thank you for your generosity!

THANKSGIVING FOOD COLLECTION
Starting October 15, the Social Concerns Committee is collecting food for individual Thanksgiving baskets.  Small canned hams, canned vegetables, boxed corn mix, boxed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, etc. are welcome and will be donated to the Northeast Neighborhood Food Pantry’s Thanksgiving baskets distributed by St. Peter’s United Church of Christ.  Please place contributions in the marked bin in the narthex.  Thank you very much!
  
 HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH AT ST. PETER’S UCC
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church worships with St. Peter’s United Church of Christ, but would like a monthly Lutheran worship service.  Starting October 27 (Reformation Sunday), I will lead a 9 am service there, followed by our 10:30 am service at Hilltop.  We will also look for other times to join in fellowship and worship, including for Advent midweek services.  Any questions?  Please speak to Pr. Alexa.

 IN OUR COMMUNITY…

 ST. MARGARET’S HOUSE – “A COMMON THREAD”
Celebrate the women of St. Margaret’s House at an evening of storytelling as they share their experiences of the healing power of community and the ways that our lives are connected.  Event takes place at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center/Decio Theatre on Thursday, October 17, at 7 pm.  Tickets are $45 and include post-show reception.  All proceeds benefit St. Margaret’s House programs.

RIPPLE EFFECT – 10^TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Join the Ripple Effect chorus for their 10^th anniversary concert “If You Knew Me, You’d Love Me” on Sunday, October 27, at 4 pm.  This evening of music and conversation is designed to overcome divisions and build understanding.  Uplifting songs of unity and inspiration will be interwoven with speakers from the community sharing personal stories. Little Theatre at the Moreau Center for the Arts, Saint Mary's College, sponsored by Saint Mary's Division for Equity and Inclusion.  $20 suggested donation; 20% given to their LGBTQ Center. 
 
PLEASE PRAY FOR MEMBERS AND FRIENDS OF HILLTOP
Bob Thoner                                                    
Zinita and Ken Welsh
Frank Markiewicz                                        
Barb Heckaman
Tish and Caroline Harman
Connor Stigner (Tish Harman’s son)
Grace Ford
Angela Barnes (mother of Pr. Alexa)
Donna Mayfield (sister of Pat Cheeseman)
Thomas Collard (nephew of Marcia Lehmann)
 Michael Kuhn (son of Bly Cannoot)
James Gerber (uncle of Lynda Sigle)
Susan and Ellis Lohr (sister & brother-in-law of Linda Angelini)
Kathy Kilbury (sister-in-law of Sue Pozsgai)
Jennifer Ferris (great-niece of Marcia Lehmann)
Leo and Chris Daggy (brother-in-law & sister-in-law of Diane Daggy)
Rachel Cheeseman (daughter of Pat Cheeseman)
Sean Kubiak (son of Beverly Steele)
Ethan Schwab (grandson of Beverly Steele)
Barb Ladd (sister of Marc March)