Shepherd of the Cross Lutheran ChurchMatthew 25:14-30 | Especially at a time such as this, it may be easy to live in fear. But even in our fear, our Lord seeks us out and frees us to live as children of his grace. But now that we’ve been freed from fear, how are we to live? Join us as we explore our call to live as children of the light as we await the fulfillment of God’s kingdom on earth. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Amos 5:18-24 | Faith and life. We “know” that the two are supposed to coexist together. But often, within our society, the two easily become separated. So then, how are we to live as worshippers of Jesus Christ in the world today? Join us as we are filled with the grace of Christ, fueling us for the journey ahead, and as we consider what it means to let our lights shine as a bold and public witness to God’s justice and truth. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Revelation 7:9-17 |Each year, the church pauses to celebrate All Saints Day – a day in which we remember those saints who have gone before us, and those who have been added to our fold. But this year, All Saints Day seems to hold an even deeper meaning. All around, we have been immersed in the reality of death, suffering, and injustice. This weekend, with the whole church, we allow ourselves to recall the deaths of those close to us, and the reality of death around the world. And from that place of remembrance, having gathered around the cross, we go forth as saints into the world. Join us, as we pause, remember, and refocus our lives according to the truth of Christ’s resurrection. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
All Saints Sunday Worship Bulletin
Psalm 46 |A little over 500 years ago, the Reformation was in full swing in Europe. But at the time, the people didn’t know exactly what society, let alone the church, was going to look like after everything calmed down. Instead, what they saw was a bunch of changing and shaking of things they had known to be true for centuries. Today, in 2020, we are living in another reformation moment. Right now, what we see may appear to be a bunch of changing and shaking, perhaps for no odd reason. But even now, God is doing something, reforming and reshaping the world to reflect more clearly God’s kingdom on earth. Join us as we remember Christ as our solid rock, no matter what happens, and commit ourselves to heed the call of God’s Spirit. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Reformation Sunday Worship Bulletin
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.
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.
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!
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).
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!
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.
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.