God’s Work Our Hands Service Project
Sunday, September 15
Each year, the ELCA uplifts a Sunday in September as “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday as an annual day of service. This year, we’re joining with our ELCA congregations to sponsor a drive benefitting Sleep in Heavenly Peace – a local organization whose mission is to ensure no child sleeps on the floor.
Through September 15, we’re collecting kids bedding (twin sheets, blankets) and pillows. Monetary donations also accepted.
Bring your donations to the tote in the church narthex and we’ll get it delievered. Thanks for being God’s living bread for the sake of the world!
Seeking Food Donations!
The SOTC council is excited to reboot our weekly food drive to help support our local MCSA food pantry! As the needs in our community grow, this is a great opportunity to come together and help those in need.
Starting immediately, simply grab a non-perishable food item from your pantry and place it in the green tote found in the narthex. A volunteer will make sure items are delivered to MCSA in a timely manner. Some needed items are: Soup, peas, mixed veggies, meats, pineapple, oranges, peaches, toilet paper and bottled water. Pop top cans are preferred.
Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in the lives of families facing hunger in the Muscatine area. Let’s fill the shelves and bring hope to those who need it most. Questions: See Gladys Reif, Melissa Booth, or Kathy Dunham.
Stewardship Kick Off Bonfire
Saturday, Sept 28; 6:30-8:30 pm
This fall – starting Sunday, September 29 – we will begin a stewardship emphasis during Sunday morning worship. We’ll dwell in the theme, “Stewarding God’s Call” by considering how God is calling us to steward God’s call in our lives (Sept 29), in our congregation (Oct 6) and in our community (Oct 13). More details about the various ways you can be involved coming soon!
In the meantime, mark your calendars for a special kick off bonfire the night before! Our hope is to create an open, casual space for fellowship as we celebrate our community. S’more supplies and some lawn games will be on hand. Bring your own lawn chair and any outdoor games you enjoy playing! Stay the whole time or pop in for just a bit!
Stewardship Celebration Breakfast Potluck
Sunday, Oct 13 after worship
At the end of our stewardship series, we’re hosting a potluck. As we gather our offerings to God’s mission through Shepherd of the Cross, we’ll also gather in celebration around food. To have a good spread, sign up to bring something! We’re looking for breakfast casseroles, muffins, fruit, and drinks. Sign up in the narthex or contact the church office.
Shepherd Kid Days
October 18, January 20,
April 18
Last spring, our Shepherd kids gathered on Good Friday to learn about communion. This school year, we’re expanding that to offer three days throughout the school year. We’ll meet at SOTC from 9:00 – 11:00 am, each time focusing on a different topic (October: Stewardship and Service; January: Justice; April: Baptism)
For now, mark your calendars…and families – be on the look out for more information soon! If you know someone from outside SOTC that would like to participate, talk to Pastor Aleese.
Soup Fest
Sunday, November 3
As we look to fall, we’re also looking forward to SOTC’s (nearly) annual Soup Fest event. Once again, SOTC will host Soup Fest on the first Sunday of November. In time, we’ll be seeking bakers, cooks, servers, dish washers, and the like. For now, mark your calendars and let others know if they ask about this event!