Welcome to the Flock, Gracelynn Marie Gilbert
During worship on Sunday we had the privilege of witnessing God’s work in the sacrament of baptism! Welcome to the flock, Gracelynn! May you rest in the truth that you ARE a sheep of God’s pasture and that you have so many people around you to nurture you in faith!
Summer Book Club
Sign up by Sunday, May 19
Begins Wednesday, June 12 – 6:15 – 7:30 pm
Looking for a group of people to nurture you on your faith journey and open you to new perspectives this summer?
This summer we’ll be reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. This book embodies the journey of discipleship as our faith, and our relationship with God, matures. “What lies beyond the essentials, the basics?” Rolheiser writes. “Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? How can we live less self- centered, more mature Christian lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And, not unimportantly, what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus?”
If diving into your own journey of discipleship and what that means for those around you sounds appealing, join us! Book club will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30pm beginning June 12. We will not meet July 3. Last session will be July 17.
Interested? Sign up in the narthex and/or indicate your interest to Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese. Sign up by May 19.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Sunday, April 7 – 28
Can you imagine going to bed as a child, but not having a bed or bedding of your own?
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization whose mission is to ensure that no kid sleeps on the floor. Here in Muscatine, a chapter was started in 2023. Right now in our local area, there is a waiting list for 50+ beds needed for 3 year olds to 17 year olds.
If you’d like to help with this cause, we’re holding a drive through April for donations. Donations needed are:
- twin sheet sets
- comforters
- pillows
You may also donate money on their website to go towards wood and mattresses. If you have any question, contact Colleen Bentz.
Dementia Friends Information Session
Thursday, April 25 @ 1:30pm
Faith United Church of Christ is sponsoring opportunities for people to learn more about dementia as well as how to help support those who cope with, and care for, those with dementia.
The last presentation at this time will be held at Faith UCC on April 25 at 1:30 pm. Presentation will be:
April 25 – Healthy Living for Your Brain
For more information, contact the church office at Faith UCC.
Wesley Hymn Festival
Thursday, June 6 @ 7:30pm
Rehearsals for Festival Choir –
Wednesday, May 29 and June 5 @ 7:00 pm
This summer, Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival by Dr.David Cherwien. Dr. Cherwien currently serves as cantor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
But what is a hymn festival? Good question! That night, a festival choir will present several pieces that they’ve prepared. If you’d like to be a part of this choir, contact Dr. Dan Laaveg, Wesley’s music director, ASAP.
But it’s not all left up to the choir! In addition to selections prepared by the choir, the congregation will also play an important role in singing along with several hymns and will hear reflections written by Dr. Cherwin’s late wife – Susan.
All are welcome to attend this free event!
Pentecost Sunday
Sunday, May 19
50 days after we celebrate the news that Christ is risen, we await the coming of the Spirit in the celebration of Pentecost. Our sanctuary will be decked in red, so be sure to wear your own red as we adorn ourselves with the color of the Spirit!
Synod Assembly 2024
May 17-18
Each year, representatives from congregations gather for a synod assembly. The intent of assemblies is to attend to the “business” of the synod and also to grow in faith and connection with one another. This year Leslie Eichelberger and Connie Hoekstra are our voting members from SOTC.
At each assembly, there is a special offering taken to support a specific ministry. This year the offering will be designated for rasiing new leaders in the church by increasing our scholarship capacity through the Southeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders. We will be taking a special offering for this on April 28, May 5, and May 12 during worship. If you’d like to give online, give through Tithely and select “Synod Assembly Offering.”