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.
Matthew 16:13-20| “Who do YOU say that I am?” Jesus asks his disciples in our Gospel. At different times in our lives, and in different surroundings, our response might vary. But in all times and in all experiences, who our God is as our solid rock remains constant. Join us as we recall our Lord’s faithfulness and dare to confess with our lips and with our lives that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 15: 10-28| Over the past few months, society has needed to learn how to live together for the betterment of each other. However, amidst that community, division still exists, sometimes even without our knowledge that we are contributing toward it. In God’s kingdom, we are called to a vision where all are truly welcome. But, though we “say” that, how do we “live” that? Join us in worship as we gather around the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood and as we are challenged to take up God’s call to extend compassion over ALL that God has made. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 14: 22-33 | There are seasons of our lives in which the winds and the waves make it feel as though we can barely keep our head above water. In these moments, we are invited to cry out to our Lord, who promises to extend his hand in grace. Christ’s hand is waiting for us to take a hold of, even when we are uncertain of where we are going. Do we dare let go to hang onto Christ? Join us for worship as we bless our college students and as we celebrate Christ’s meal of abundant in the sacrament of communion. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Here at Shepherd, we are looking toward the beginning of fall. Typically that means anticipating another “program” year. Though the coming months will look different, we look forward to continued opportunities to remain connected to Christ and to each other.
Back to School Blessing
This school year, our students, teachers, and parents are heading into unknown territory. To support them, and offer our prayers, we will have a blessing/prayer for students, teachers, and parents during worship on Saturday, August 22. Kids – make sure to join us as we’ll have something to give you! And parents and teachers, be sure to join us as we include you in prayer as well!
Family Bible Adventures
We are wrapping up our final installment of our adventures by finishing up with the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. Be sure to check out our final adventure and bring your offering for the food pantry to church by Monday, August 17!
Coin and Cash Collection for Muscatine Food Pantry
Thanks to your help, we have collected quite a bit of money for the food pantry! Help us finish strong and bring in your last offerings by Monday, August 17. Then, we’ll combine our offerings with Grace Luthearn and cut a check. Want to give more than a quarter or two? Send a check via mail to the church, made out to “Shepherd of the Cross” with “Food Pantry” in the memo line.
Kayaking-Swimming at Deep Lakes Park | August 16, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Join us for a late afternoon of kayaking/swimming down at Deep Lakes! Those who desire to kayak can do so around 3, and then cool off in the water before heading home. Not interested in kayaking, but just want to swim? Go for it!
The Muscatine Community School District (MCSD) Choral Department is flying to make sure they have what is needed to have safe environments for their students to not only come back to the classroom, but have the opportunity to sing. Time singing in the classroom will be limited and regulated, but regardless, the department is looking for help from the community in making specific masks. They have a specific pattern and fabric, but simple need A) people to help cut the pattern, and B) people to assemble the mask. If you are interested and willing to help, contact Pastor Aleese for more information.
Information re Fall Worship and Education Schedule Coming Soon
With the return of many students to school, and with the beginning of things like choral rehearsals (though still restrained), many have begun asking what we are doing at Shepherd. Our Council will be meeting on Wed, August 19 to make decisions for the coming months. In the meantime, know that teams like Worship and Music, Education, etc. are meeting and beginning to make plans to best accommodate what is needed to continue our mission as a congregation. If you have questions or concerns about our road forward, you are encouraged to reach out to a Council member (Heather Allen, Daryl Eichelberger, Alice Pittman, Connie Stalheim, Barb Williams, Mackenzie Gilbert, Amy Bakke) or Pastor Aleese.
Women’s Group
Women’s Group meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 8:30 a.m. We continue with our series on “Just Love.” To date, we have looked at the stories of the raising of Lazarus, Zaccheaus, the Good Samaritan, and Esther. Women of all ages are welcome to join us! We meet outside while physical distancing. Bring your own lawn chair.
Dear Church Book Club
This summer we are reading 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, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Welcome Bishop Elect Current!
On Friday, August 7, congregational representatives and Pastor Aleese attended our synod’s assembly via Zoom. Though we attended to various matters, our primary task was to elect a new bishop. As of the close of our assembly, the Southeastern Iowa Synod has elected Pastor Amy Current, current Vice-President of Admissions and Student Services at Wartburg Theological Seminary. She will be installed later this fall. We encourage you to continue to hold the synod and incoming synod staff in prayer as transitions are being made.
Psalm 145, Matthew 14: 13-21| Compassion. It’s a word we might hear quite a bit, but might never be able to fully comprehend. And to comprehend the compassion of our God? It’s hard to capture the gut-wrenching empathy that Christ has for you, and for all creation. It is by that compassion that we are welcomed to the table of our King, and it is by that compassion that we are sent forth to BE that compassion. Join us in worship as a youth from our congregation confirms his faith in this God of compassion, and as we remember Christ’s promise to sustain and fill us, and all the world, with life. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
