Epiphany Sunday Worship
January 5 @ 9:00 am
After celebrating the season of Christmas, the church turns to the festival (and season) of Epiphany. While the day of Epiphany falls on January 6, we will be celebrating Epiphany (the coming of light) during worship on January 5.
One practice that we will be exploring during worship is the use of star words. This is an ancient prayer practice that has recently been resurrected. Intention, or guiding, words are written on pieces of paper. Then, people have the chance to take a word. The idea is not for you to chose your word, but to take the word that is given to you as a gift for the coming year. During worship, we’ll explore our words together and consider how God may be speaking through these words.
So as the Magi followed a star, ultimately leading them closer to Jesus, consider this your invitation to receive something to follow in the new year, moving you closer to Jesus. We hope you can join us in worship!
Women’s Epiphany Party
Saturday, January 11
5:00 – 7:00 pm
A Women’s Epiphany Party is an annual tradition for women at Shepherd. Each year, we gather for fellowship with one another, and each year takes on its own unique twist. Plans for this year are:
Food – Bring an appetizer to share
Service – Jump start a drive during the Epiphany season to assist the Community Diaper Bank. Over the holidays, the Community Diaper Bank stock has been depleted and needs to be refreshed! Size 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 diapers especially needed.
Faith Formation – We’ll have a short devotion to move us from the Sunday of Epiphany (celebrated on Sunday, January 5) into the season of Epiphany.
Candle Exchange – Bring a wrapped candle for an exchange!
Community Diaper Bank Epiphany Drive
Over the holidays, the Community Diaper Bank depleted much of its stock. To help, we’re holding a drive during the Epiphany season (through the end of February) to gather diapers. Sizes most needed are 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7. All sizes are welcome, though!
Break for Faith Formation Groups
Due to the holidays, our faith formation groups will take a break for the coming weeks. Note the following dates for when each group resumes:
ReStoried – Sunday, January 5
Christians Underground – Wednesday, January 8
Family Faith Nights – Wednesday, January 8
Communication re Winter Weather and Worship
We’re heading into the heart of winter, and we’re mindful that the season sometimes throws us a curveball! Unfortunately, last winter we needed to cancel worship due to bitterly cold temperatures. Though we hope this does not need to happen again, we want to be clear with how we will communicate with you all.
If there is a potential for bad weather, stay tuned to the following places for announcements. We will communicate as soon as possible.
- Website – updates will be posted on our home page.
- Social Media – we’ll post on our Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Email – we’ll send out a congregation-wide email notifying of any changes
As always, use common sense when it comes to winter weather and take care of yourself! If you have questions, talk to Pastor Aleese or Delene McConnaha.
Get Excited for Camp EWALU, Summer 2025!
Even though we’re in the midst of winter, Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking forward to another great summer of camp for youth grades 1-12. Registration has opened and there are great discounts if you register early (even now!). Check out all the options at Camp EWALU’s website.
Congregational Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 26
Mark your calendars for our annual meeting following worship on January 26. Annual report, agenda, and items for discussion will be shared in the new year.
Southeastern Iowa Synod 2024 Annual Report
As we look to the close of a year, our synod – the Southeastern Iowa Synod – has also created an annual report highlighting the ministries throughout our region. Take a look to learn more about how the synod is supporting work in congregations like ours and how the synod is supporting the work of the whole church.