Matthew 22: 15-22 |With everything going on around us, how are we to live in God’s kingdom? Sometimes, it may seem as though we are “trapped” in systems of this world that keep us, and our siblings in Christ, from living in the truth of God’s kingdom. So then what? Well, Jesus gives us something to consider as he, himself, found him seemingly trapped by two opposing groups of his day. If you missed worship this weekend, join us, as we hear the promise that we belong to God, the call to awaken to the systems at play around us, and the challenge to live as saints. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
It feels like fall…so let’s enjoy it! Join us with a lawn chair and we’ll provide the rest. We’ll have some s’mores packets already pre-assembled for you (graham cracker, chocolate, and a marshmallow). These packets will be pre-assembled so as to ensure safe food handling. Given that we will be gathering outside, we feel confident that we can maintain a safe environment while we briefly remove our masks to enjoy some s’mores.
Family Faith Nights
Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
We’re trying something a bit different this school year, and we want to be sure that EVERYONE feels included! On Wed evenings we will have an hour together to connect with Christ and with each other. Most weeks, we’ll break into age specific groups (elementary, junior and senior high students and adults). However, some weeks, we’ll stay together as a large group and do some cross-generational activities. If you’re looking for more information, check out this video that Pastor Aleese put together. Join us for a night, and see what we’re talking about!
SOTC at Halloween “Magic in Motion”!
Friday, October 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Saulsbury Campground
If you haven’t heard already, the Muscatine County Conservation Board will be hosting a drive-through Halloween experience at Saulsbury for kids and adults of all ages! Free admission, but a donation for the Muscatine Food Pantry or the Muscatine Humane Society is requested. Support this event!
But here’s the deal: we’re looking for your help! We (as a congregation) have the opportunity to decorate a campsite as participants drive through the campground for a Halloween experience. We need people to set up, be at the site from 6:30-8, and tear down. If you’re interested in helping, contact Dave Bakke (563-299-8967).
Halloween/All Saints Day Fellowship
Sunday, November 1 following worship
In lieu of a Trunk-or-Treat this year, we will be having a time of fellowship and games on Sun, Nov 1 for both kids AND adults! The intent of the day will be to celebrate both Halloween and All Saints Day (Did you know? They’re actually connected a bit!) Make sure to come in costume and stick around for games and activities!
Names for All Saints Day Litany
By Wednesday, October 28
As is our custom, we remember saints who have been baptized and who have died in the past year in a litany during worship for All Saints Day. If you have a family member or close friend that you would like remembered as a part of the litany, contact Kathy with their name by Wednesday, October 28. Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese or Kathy.
Bible and Breakfast?
Recently, we have gathered that our Christians Underground group is not working for people’s schedules. Therefore, we are CANCELLING Christians Underground until further notice, and are considering trying something different. So, if you are looking for a fellowship opportunity, while also spending a bit of time in the previous or upcoming Sunday Scripture readings, over some coffee/breakfast, contact Pastor Aleese. We are considering gathering on a Thursday morning, but are open to the schedules of those who are interested in attending. Time TBD; likely around 7am.
Matthew 22:1-14 | Especially since some have been working from home this year, and at times even worshipping from home, the question of “what to wear?” likely hasn’t been a priority. We wear what we want and what’s comfortable. But at Christ’s banquet, we’re given a dress code – not to be restrictive, but so that all, ourselves included, can enjoy the life of the party. Join us in worship, at the banquet of our Lord, as we consider how God calls us to dress the part of discipleship. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Isaiah 5:1-7, Matthew 21:33-46 | Know that feeling of what it’s like when someone lets you down? Or when an expectation is shattered? Many of us do, and many of us are also culprits of letting down others…even God. In our Scripture readings today, we hear the grief of God as he is saddened by the behavior of the Israelite people. But even in that grief, the Israelites – and we – are not abandoned. Rather, by the grace of Christ, we are given a new opportunity to live in relationship with God and each other as we pursue our call to live as God’s kingdom people today. Join us for worship as we confess our brokenness, receive God’s grace, and are sent into the world as Christ’s body. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 21:23-32 | Authority. It’s a word that has come to have a negative connotation. And in light of another upcoming election cycle, it might be difficult to surmise who or what holds any authority, anymore. So then, what do we have to say about Jesus having “authority”? And what does it means for Jesus to have “authority” over our lives? Join us for worship as we hear the truth of what gives Jesus his authority, and as we are challenged to set aside those other things and people we look to, and, instead, turn to Jesus Christ as our one, true authority over our lives and our world. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 20:1-16 | Grumble, grumble, grumble. Sound familiar? Even when we try, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of grumbling. In our Gospel lesson, we hear a group of workers grumble when they don’t receive a higher payment for working longer than another group. To them, it’s not “fair.” So then, how do we respond to situations that might not seem “fair”? Do we grumble? Or, does Jesus have another example for us to follow? Join us for worship as we hear the promise of God’s mercy, given to us, and as we are challenged to consider how we are called to live our lives worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Genesis 50:15-21, Matthew 18: 21-35 | Without even realizing it, past events in which we have been hurt, or in which we have hurt others, can easily hold power over us. But by holding onto these experiences, we limit the way we are able to see the future and continue living in relationship. In love, our God has let go of our past so that we might live in new relationship with Christ. But, now, how might we do the same for others by offering forgiveness? Join us for worship as we remember our God’s steadfast love and mercy, and as we consider how to be freed of our past as we live in forgiving relationships with others. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14 | Conflict. It’s something we all live and deal with. But how do we deal with it? And how do we choose to live with conflict as people of God? Join us for worship as we consider our role in living in reconciling relationships, and as we give thanks to the one who has reconciled us to our heavenly Father. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12: 9-21 | Denial. It’s a word that isn’t commonly used, but is something that we all are likely familiar with. It’s human nature to deny things within us and around us in our world. But what would happen if we opened ourselves to see the truth around us and in us? What would happen if we let go of those things that we cling ever so tightly to, and receive the gift of life that God intends for us, and all people? Join us as we consider the gifts that God has in store for us as our will is aligned with Christ’s. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
The church building is now open to the congregation for office hours and small group events. For further information regarding safety, disinfecting, and any restrictions, click here.
Pastor Aleese – Tuesdays (1-3pm), Wednesdays (9-11am), Thursdays (3-5pm)
God’s Work Our Hands Volunteer Opportunity
Looking for a way to help those impacted by the derecho? We are aiming to have a day of service in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area on Sunday, September 13. Pastor Aleese is working with a colleague in that area. It is likely that there will still be work needed to be done for individuals/families and for some of the churches that were hit the hardest. More details to come, but if you’re interested, mark off Sunday, September 13 and let Pastor Aleese know of your interest. We will need tools to take along with us.
For those not able to help with the heavier service projects, note that we will be in touch in the coming weeks as to what supplies we could collect and bring north for those in need.
Our aim is to gather Sunday morning for a brief devotion/prayer and collection of supplies before sending our crew north. Plan to join us if you have the morning free!
Combined Total Contribution to Muscatine Food Pantry!
We’ve received totals from Grace! Grace raised $524.07. Added to our collection of $341.54, between the two congregations, we contributed a total of $865.61. Way to go Shepherds, and thank you for your support of our community!
Women’s Group
Women’s Group meets on the second Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Women of all ages are welcome to join us as we share in fellowship and Bible Study.
Dear Church Book Club
This fall, we are continuing our reading of 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, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
