Here at Shepherd, we are looking toward the beginning of fall. Typically that means anticipating another “program” year. Though the coming months will look different, we look forward to continued opportunities to remain connected to Christ and to each other.
Back to School Blessing
This school year, our students, teachers, and parents are heading into unknown territory. To support them, and offer our prayers, we will have a blessing/prayer for students, teachers, and parents during worship on Saturday, August 22. Kids – make sure to join us as we’ll have something to give you! And parents and teachers, be sure to join us as we include you in prayer as well!
Family Bible Adventures
We are wrapping up our final installment of our adventures by finishing up with the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. Be sure to check out our final adventure and bring your offering for the food pantry to church by Monday, August 17!
Coin and Cash Collection for Muscatine Food Pantry
Thanks to your help, we have collected quite a bit of money for the food pantry! Help us finish strong and bring in your last offerings by Monday, August 17. Then, we’ll combine our offerings with Grace Luthearn and cut a check. Want to give more than a quarter or two? Send a check via mail to the church, made out to “Shepherd of the Cross” with “Food Pantry” in the memo line.
Kayaking-Swimming at Deep Lakes Park | August 16, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Join us for a late afternoon of kayaking/swimming down at Deep Lakes! Those who desire to kayak can do so around 3, and then cool off in the water before heading home. Not interested in kayaking, but just want to swim? Go for it!
If you are interested in joining us, complete this SurveyMonkey survey by Wednesday, August 12 at 12:00 p.m.. Questions? Or not able to access the survey? Contact Pastor Aleese.
Help Sewing Masks for MCSD
The Muscatine Community School District (MCSD) Choral Department is flying to make sure they have what is needed to have safe environments for their students to not only come back to the classroom, but have the opportunity to sing. Time singing in the classroom will be limited and regulated, but regardless, the department is looking for help from the community in making specific masks. They have a specific pattern and fabric, but simple need A) people to help cut the pattern, and B) people to assemble the mask. If you are interested and willing to help, contact Pastor Aleese for more information.
Information re Fall Worship and Education Schedule Coming Soon
With the return of many students to school, and with the beginning of things like choral rehearsals (though still restrained), many have begun asking what we are doing at Shepherd. Our Council will be meeting on Wed, August 19 to make decisions for the coming months. In the meantime, know that teams like Worship and Music, Education, etc. are meeting and beginning to make plans to best accommodate what is needed to continue our mission as a congregation. If you have questions or concerns about our road forward, you are encouraged to reach out to a Council member (Heather Allen, Daryl Eichelberger, Alice Pittman, Connie Stalheim, Barb Williams, Mackenzie Gilbert, Amy Bakke) or Pastor Aleese.
Women’s Group
Women’s Group meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 8:30 a.m. We continue with our series on “Just Love.” To date, we have looked at the stories of the raising of Lazarus, Zaccheaus, the Good Samaritan, and Esther. Women of all ages are welcome to join us! We meet outside while physical distancing. Bring your own lawn chair.
Dear Church Book Club
This summer we are reading Dear Church by Rev. Lenny Duncan. Rev. Duncan is an African American pastor in the ELCA and writes from his perspective calling the church to action today. Contact Pastor Aleese if you are interested in joining our discussion. We meet again Thursday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Welcome Bishop Elect Current!
On Friday, August 7, congregational representatives and Pastor Aleese attended our synod’s assembly via Zoom. Though we attended to various matters, our primary task was to elect a new bishop. As of the close of our assembly, the Southeastern Iowa Synod has elected Pastor Amy Current, current Vice-President of Admissions and Student Services at Wartburg Theological Seminary. She will be installed later this fall. We encourage you to continue to hold the synod and incoming synod staff in prayer as transitions are being made.