Author: Kathy Dunham

Holy Week Schedule

April 2 – April 9

Take note of how we will be travelling through the sacred week of Holy Week!

Palm Sunday – April 2, 9:00 am
Worship with procession of palms. Outside procession weather permitting. 

Maundy Thursday – April 6, 5:45 – 7:30 pm (includes a meal)
Worship around a meal, will include communion. Service will conclude with the stripping of the altar in the sanctuary. Because we are planning a meal, we are requesting people RSVP by April 2. Sign up here or in the narthex.

Good Friday – April 7, 7:00 pm
A contemplative service of silence and sorrow. Worship will offer space for reflection on Christ’s suffering and the suffering of the world. 

Easter Sunday – April 9, 9:00 am
After Easter breakfast, stick around for festive worship as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead!

Maundy Thursday and Easter Food Needs

We have the opportunity to eat together twice during Holy Week! Can you help us? We need contributions of food for our Maundy Thursday meal (April 7) and for Easter breakfast (April 9, 7:30 am). 

Outstanding needs for Maundy Thursday are:

• pulled pork – 5 people preparing at least 2 lbs. of meat each
• veggie trays  – 2 trays needed, each serving 10 people
• chips – 3 bags
• bars/cookies – 2-3 people to prepare 1 dozen each

Outstanding needs for Easter Breakfast are:

• bananas – 1 additional person to provide
• grapes – 1 additional person to provide
• people to help serve and clean up on Easter Sunday morning 

If you can help with any of the above, or are looking for further clarification, see the sign up sheet in the narthex or contact the main office. 

Upcoming Yard and Bake Sale @ SOTC!

Saturday, May 6, 7:30 am – 2:00 pm 

One fundraiser that our Stewardship Team is working on is to host a Yard/Bake Sale. Here’s what you need to know:

• Look through your closets! A list of items that we will not receive will be shared soon. 
• Items can be dropped off at church between Friday, April 28 – Friday, May 5
• Contact Melissa Booth or Connie Hoekstra if you intend to contribute things, and be as specific as possible. This will help us plan for how much we will be selling and how much space we need. 
• We will also host a bake sale that day. Sign up lists of needed items will be shared soon. 

If you have any questions about this event, talk to Melissa or Connie. 

Family Faith Night Survey for 2023-2024 Year

Respond by Sunday, April 9

Have you been involved in Family Faith Nights this year? Or, are you interested in participating next year? Whether you – as an adult – participated, or whether your kids or youth participated, we’re looking for your feedback so our congregations (SOTC, Grace, Zion) can plan appropriately for next year. Complete the short survey here by Sunday, April 9. Should take about 2-5 minutes!

Last Sunday for Sock and Laundry Drive!

Donations accepted through April 2

This is it! Bring in any last minute donations of socks (kids and adults), laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toothbrushes, and toothpaste! Not able to get to the store? Put your cash offerings in the plastic container in the narthex or check donations (written to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Love” in the memo) in the offering plate. 

Synod Revival in Des Moines – Imagine

Saturday, May 20, 10:00 – 3:00 pm

Mark your calendars for a day of worship, inspirational speakers and music, an opportunity to learn about ministries across the synod, and a chance to network with others in our synod!

Click here for more information, updates are posted often!

This event is FREE of charged and intended to be a joyful, fun gathering for all ages. Bring your friends, neighbors, family, or anyone and watch what God does!

If you are interested, talk to Pastor Aleese and we can begin coordinating a carpool!

Could you help organize a Carnival/Bags Tournament Day?

Saturday, September 9

Later this fall, we will host a carnival/bags tournament as a community event and also as a fundraiser for SOTC. We will serve BBQ sandwiches along with other food, have carnival games for kids, and are looking to organize a bags tournament. Here’s where we need help: would you be willing to help organize the bags tournament? Or, would you be wiling to coordinate food? If so, talk to Melissa Booth or Delene McConnaha. 

Holy Week Schedule

April 2 – April 9

Take note of how we will be travelling through the sacred week of Holy Week and mark your calendar now!

Palm Sunday – April 2, 9:00 am
Worship with procession of palms. Outside procession weather permitting. 

Maundy Thursday – April 6, 5:45 – 7:30 pm (includes a meal)
During our Midweek Lenten Gatherings, we’ve been creating an informal space to encounter God’s Word. Building off these evenings, Maundy Thursday worship will be led around a meal. We’ll gather in the narthex and then proceed to eat together. Following our meal, we’ll hear God’s Word and have conversation in groups, offer prayer, and receive communion from one another. To close worship, we will move into the sanctuary. Because we are planning a meal, we are requesting people RSVP by April 2. Sign up here or in the narthex.

Good Friday – April 7, 7:00 pm
A contemplative service of silence and sorrow. Worship will offer space for reflection on Christ’s suffering and the suffering of the world. 

Easter Sunday – April 9, 9:00 am
After Easter breakfast, stick around for festive worship as we celebrate Christ’s resurrection from the dead!

March GOLF (Generations of Living Faith) Night

Sunday, March 26 @ 4:00pm

It’s this Sunday! Join us as we focus on the events of Holy Week. All – families, kids, adults – welcome to join!

Easter Flowers, Egg Candy, and Breakfast… Oh My!

We need your help preparing for Easter! If you are willing to help with any of the following, sign up in the narthex or contact the main office. Donations can be brought to the box in the narthex.

1. Sponsor an Easter flower – Help offset the cost of flowers by purchasing a plant in memory or honor of a loved one. Cost of flowers is $12. 

2. Easter Breakfast, April 7 @ 7:30 am – In SOTC tradition, we will be hosting an Easter Breakfast prior to Easter worship. Set up will be coordinated by our Social Team, but we need help supplying breakfast casseroles, muffins, fruit, and beverages. 

2. Donate Easter Egg candy – On Easter morning, we will host an Easter Breakfast (starting at 7:30am) and will have an egg hunt for kids at about 8:20 am. Bring in your candy between now and April 2 and help stuff eggs on Palm Sunday during fellowship!

Sock and Laundry Drive

Donations accepted through April 2

Thank you to those who have already brought in your donations of socks (kids and adults), laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toothbrushes, and toothpaste! Continue to bring your donations and put them in the blue tote in the narthex. 

Our kids are offering $200 of their Children’s Sermon Fund to benefit this project. Can the congregation match what our kids are offering? Cash donations can be placed in the plastic container in the narthex and check donations (written to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Love” in the memo) can be offered during the offering. 

Upcoming Spring EWALU Events for Youth

For the first time since the pandemic, EWALU will be bringing back their spring youth retreats for grades 3-9! This special weekend will help kids grow in faith and meet new friends while having a ton of fun at Camp EWALU. All lodging, activities and meals are included! 

Spring Dirty Feet Retreat – April 14-16, 2023 – Grades 6-9 – Cost: $90/youth.

Live Out Loud (LOL) Elementary Retreat – April 15-16, 2023 – Grades 3-5. Cost: $55/youth

For details & registration for both events, click here. Contact Pastor Aleese if your youth is interested in attending. 

Spring Work Weekend at Camp EWALU

Friday, May 5 – Saturday, May 6

Want to join volunteers, families and church groups to help get EWALU ready for the summer season? Projects are available for all skill levels…come Friday evening to enjoy a campfire, and spend the night at EWALU! Click here for more information.

Wesley Free Summer Music Camp

July 10-14

Wesley United Methodist is offering their annual Music Camp once again!  Each day will be filled with musical exploration: musical games, singing, boomwhackers, and lots more! Students in grades kindergarten through 2nd grade will prepare a program of songs and students in grades 3-6 will prepare a musical for a July 14, 7pm performance. Registration is required.

Click here to register and guarantee a camp t-shirt by June 15

Have you registered your child for Christian Day Camp yet?

June 13 – 16, 9:00 – 3:00

It may have snowed last week, but we’re looking toward summer!

In partnership with many local organizations and local congregations, kids have the unique opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, build relationships, make some crafts, and learn about the love of Jesus! 

Registration is limited to the first 80 kids. Any registrations after 80 kids will be put on a waiting list. Registration fee is $10. 

Don’t wait to register! Sign up today!

Sock and Laundry Drive

Donations accepted through April 2

Thank you to those who have already brought in your donations of socks (kids and adults), laundry detergent, dryer sheets, toothbrushes, and toothpaste! Continue to bring your donations and put them in the blue tote in the narthex. 

Our kids are offering $200 of their Children’s Sermon Fund to benefit this project. Can the congregation match what our kids are offering? Cash donations can be placed in the plastic container in the narthex and check donations (written to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Love” in the memo) can be offered during the offering.

Midweek Lenten Gatherings Continue!

Wednesday, March 15 @ 6:30

We had a great crew gather last Wednesday as fellow pilgrims on our seeking journey! Be sure to join us tomorrow evening as we revisit the story of the woman at the well. Upon arriving, gather in the narthex. 

March GOLF Night

Sunday, March 26 @ 4:00pm

Mark your calendars for our next Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) Night! Due to MCSD Spring Break, we are bumping from our normal week of meeting on the third Sunday of the month to the fourth Sunday of the month. Our focus on March 26 will be on the events of Holy Week.

Easter Flowers, Egg Candy, and Breakfast… Oh My!

We need your help preparing for Easter! If you are willing to help with any of the following, sign up in the narthex or contact the main office. Donations can be brought to the box in the narthex.

1. Sponsor an Easter flower – Help offset the cost of flowers by purchasing a plant in memory or honor of a loved one. Cost of flowers is $12. 

2. Easter Breakfast, April 7 @ 7:30 am – In SOTC tradition, we will be hosting an Easter Breakfast prior to Easter worship. Set up will be coordinated by our Social Team, but we need help supplying breakfast casseroles, muffins, fruit, and beverages. 

2. Donate Easter Egg candy – On Easter morning, we will host an Easter Breakfast (starting at 7:30am) and will have an egg hunt for kids at about 8:20 am. Bring in your candy between now and April 2 and help stuff eggs on Palm Sunday during fellowship!

Wesley Free Summer Music Camp

July 10-14

Wesley United Methodist is offering their annual Music Camp once again!  Each day will be filled with musical exploration: musical games, singing, boomwhackers, and lots more! Students in grades kindergarten through 2nd grade will prepare a program of songs and students in grades 3-6 will prepare a musical for a July 14, 7pm performance. Registration is required.

Click here to register and guarantee a camp t-shirt by June 15

Have you registered your child for Christian Day Camp yet?

June 13 – 16, 9:00 – 3:00

It may have snowed last week, but we’re looking toward summer!

In partnership with many local organizations and local congregations, kids have the unique opportunity to engage in outdoor activities, build relationships, make some crafts, and learn about the love of Jesus! 

Registration is limited to the first 80 kids. Any registrations after 80 kids will be put on a waiting list. Registration fee is $10. 

Don’t wait to register! Sign up today!

Sock and Laundry Drive

February 26 – April 2

Throughout Lent we are supporting Laundry Love, a ministry sponsored by Midtown Laundry Mat and Trinity Episcopal. Right now, they are looking for cash donations to fund the cost of laundry services and donations of the following items:

• Socks (kids and adult)
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

Donations of the above items can be brought to church and placed in the blue tote in the narthex. Cash donations can be put in the plastic tub in the narthex. Watch our contributions accumulate this season! Checks can be written out to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Drive” in the memo line. Deposit checks in the offering plate or mail to the church. Our kids will be contributing $200 from their children’s sermon fund. Can we match the offering of our kids?

Midweek Lenten Gatherings Continue!

Wednesday, March 8 @ 6:30

We had a great crew gather last Wednesday as fellow pilgrims on our seeking journey! Be sure to join us tomorrow evening as we revisit the story of Nicodemus. Upon arriving, gather in the narthex. Kids are invited, too!

Easter Flowers and Easter Egg Candy

We need your help preparing for Easter! 

1. Sponsor an Easter flower – Would you be willing to offset the cost of flowers by purchasing a plant in memory or honor of a loved one? If so, sign up in the narthex or contact the main office.

2. Donate Easter Egg candy – On Easter morning, we will host an Easter Breakfast (starting at 7:30am) and will have an egg hunt for kids at about 8:20 am. We’ll be collecting egg candy beginning Sunday, March 5. Help stuff the eggs on Palm Sunday – April 2 – during fellowship!

Christians Underground Update for Lent

Given that our Midweek Lenten Gatherings are conversational in style, and given that many who participate in Christians Underground are also participating in our evening opportunities, Christians Underground will be on hiatus through Lent. Stay tuned for when we will resume later in March!

Lutheran Disaster Relief Support for Earthquake Victims

Collecting Funds at SOTC through March 12

For the past few weeks, we have been promoting a special giving campaign toward LDR’s response to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. We will continue collecting funds at SOTC through Sunday, March 12. Then, any funds collected will be sent to LDR. Want to give directly online? Click here.

Financial Update from Council

This past Sunday, Melissa Booth and Matt Bentz shared a message with the congregation on behalf of Council concerning our financial position. If you missed hearing their message, listen in to an update recorded by Delene McConnaha and Melissa Booth here. Questions and comments can be directed to your Council leaders: Delene McConnaha, Kim Bartling, Erin Jorgensen, Matt Bentz, Mackenzie Gilbert, Mark Petersen, Melissa Booth

March GOLF Night

Sunday, March 26 @ 4:00pm

Mark your calendars for our next Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) Night! Due to MCSD Spring Break, we are bumping from our normal week of meeting on the third Sunday of the month to meeting on the fourth Sunday of the month. Our focus on March 26 will be on the events of Holy Week. All are welcome!

Hungry for Breakfast on Easter morning? We are, too! 

Sunday, April 9 @ 7:30 am

In SOTC tradition, we will be hosting an Easter Breakfast prior to Easter worship. Set up will be coordinated by our Social Team, but we need help supplying breakfast casseroles, muffins, fruit, and beverages. Willing to help? Sign up in the narthex or contact the church office. 

Sock and Laundry Drive

February 26 – April 2

Throughout Lent we are supporting Laundry Love, a ministry sponsored by Midtown Laundry Mat and Trinity Episcopal. Right now, they are looking for cash donations to fund the cost of laundry services and donations of the following items:

• Socks (kids and adult)
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

Donations of the above items can be brought to church and placed in the blue tote in the narthex. Cash donations can be put in the plastic tub in the narthex. Watch our contributions accumulate this season! Checks can be written out to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Drive” in the memo line. Deposit checks in the offering plate or mail to the church. Our kids will be contributing $200 from their children’s sermon fund. Can we match the offering of our kids?

Midweek Lenten Gatherings

Starts this Wednesday, March 1 @ 6:30

Join us to dive deeper into our Sunday theme of “Who will you listen to?” with fellow pilgrims on your journey!

Upon arriving, gather in the sanctuary. Watch for directions from Mackenzie, Joseph, and Pastor Aleese who will direct you toward your small group. Also, we will have opportunities for kids as well! Each week we will have special activities for our younger Shepherds. Note that our Midweek Lenten Gatherings will not be livestreamed.

Easter Flowers and Easter Egg Candy

We need your help preparing for Easter! 

1. Sponsor an Easter flower – Would you be willing to offset the cost of flowers by purchasing a plant in memory or honor of a loved one? If so, sign up in the narthex or contact the main office.

2. Donate Easter Egg candy – On Easter morning, we will host an Easter Breakfast (starting at 7:30am) and will have an egg hunt for kids at about 8:20 am. We’ll be collecting egg candy beginning Sunday, March 5. Help stuff the eggs on Palm Sunday – April 2 – during fellowship!

Lenten Opportunities at Zion and Grace

If you’re not able to catch what’s going on at Shepherd this Lent, check out Zion and Grace!

Zion – Worship @ 5:30 pm, meal to follow 

Worship will use the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and will focus on the theme of “Unfinished: Out of the Depths” (a series on the book of Jonah). A meal will be served following each midweek Lenten service ($8 adults, $6 age 10 and under). 

Grace – Worship @ 6:00 pm, meal prior to worship

Worship will follow a Service of the Word format, about 30 minutes in length. The focus of worship will be “Faith”, following the stories of faith of people throughout the Bible and considering what faith means today. A meal will be served prior to worship. 

Lutheran Disaster Relief Support for Earthquake Victims

If you’re looking for an avenue to give in response to the devastation caused by earthquakes impacting Turkey and Syria, consider giving to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is committed to supporting our partner organizations that are responding to the needs of survivors. Give by clicking here or offering your donation at Shepherd. Donations that we receive will then be forwarded to LDR. For any donations given through Shepherd, please clearly mark the intent of your gift on your check or envelope.

March GOLF Night

Sunday, March 26 @ 4:00pm

Mark your calendars for our next Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) Night! Due to MCSD Spring Break, we are bumping from our normal week of meeting on the third Sunday of the month to meeting on the fourth Sunday of the month. Our focus on March 26 will be on the events of Holy Week. All are welcome!

Summer Christian Day Camp

June 13 -16, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Looking for some summer fun? Consider Christian Day Camp with others from the Muscatine community! Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. Priority registration by April 15.

For more information and to register, click here to be taken to a website. There, you’ll be able to register online, pay the fee, and get answers to common questions. Share the word with others you know!

Sock and Laundry Drive

February 26 – April 2

Throughout Lent we are supporting Laundry Love, a ministry sponsored by Midtown Laundry Mat and Trinity Episcopal. Right now, they are looking for cash donations to fund the cost of laundry services and donations of the following items:

• Socks (kids and adult)
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

Donations of the above items can be brought to church and placed in the blue tote in the narthex. Cash donations can be put in the plastic tub in the narthex. Watch our contributions accumulate this season! Checks can be written out to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Drive” in the memo line. Deposit checks in the offering plate or mail to the church. Our kids will be contributing $200 from their children’s sermon fund. Can we match the offering of our kids?

Midweek Lenten Gatherings

Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30 pm

This Lent, we are embarking on a journey of seeking. In the stories we’ll hear this season, many are seeking a new beginning, a different life, a deeper faith. To dive deeper into the stories we’ll hear on Sunday mornings, you’re invited to join us on Wednesdays during Lent. Our time will be a combination of large group and small group time that will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. Have kiddos? Bring ’em along! We’ll have some activities for them as well. 

If you haven’t already signed up to be a part of our gatherings, please sign up here. If you do not sign up, but desire to join us on any given week, know that you are welcome. We will assign you to a small group when you arrive. 

Note that Wednesday Gatherings (post Ash Wednesday) will not be livestreamed.

Lenten Opportunities at Zion and Grace

Not quite feelin’ the vibe of our Midweek Lenten Gatherings at Shepherd? Check out what’s going on at Zion and Grace! As sister ELCA congregations, we are sharing information about what each congregation is doing so as to provide for the various spiritual needs of our members. 

Zion 

Ash Wednesday worship begins the season of Lent with worship at 5:30 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 5:30 pm. Worship will use the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and will focus on the theme of “Unfinished: Out of the Depths” (a series on the book of Jonah). A meal will be served following each midweek Lenten service ($8 adults, $6 age 10 and under). 

Grace

Ash Wednesday worship is at 6:00 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 6:00pm. Worship will follow a Service of the Word format, about 30 minutes in length. The focus of worship will be “Faith”, following the stories of faith of people throughout the Bible and considering what faith means today. A meal will be served prior to worship. 

Lutheran Disaster Relief Support for Earthquake Victims

If you’re looking for an avenue to give in response to the devastation caused by earthquakes impacting Turkey and Syria, consider giving to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is committed to supporting our partner organizations that are responding to the needs of survivors. Give by clicking here or offering your donation at Shepherd. Donations that we receive will then be forwarded to LDR. For any donations given through Shepherd, please clearly mark the intent of your gift on your check or envelope.

EWALU Enrichment Event for Adults

Friday, February 24 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Join EWALU’s Enrichment Event adult education series as Jim Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus at Luther College, speaks on the topic of “Luther College’s Path to Carbon Neutrality by 2030.” Come to camp on Friday, Feb. 24, to hear Jim speak from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Creation Center at Camp EWALU (37776 Alpha Ave., just 3 miles west of Strawberry Point). The event is free and will include afternoon refreshments; guests are welcome! 
RSVP by emailing or calling the camp office at 563-933-4700 by Feb. 22.

Easter Flowers and Easter Egg Candy

We need your help preparing for Easter! 

1. Sponsor an Easter flower – We will be purchasing lilies and other spring plants to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. If you would like to offset the cost of flowers by purchasing a plant in memory or honor of a loved one, contact the main office. Sign up sheet will be available in the narthex next Sunday, February 26. 

2. Donate Easter Egg candy – On Easter morning, we will host an Easter Breakfast (starting at 7:30am) and will have an egg hunt for kids at about 8:20 am. We’ll be collecting egg candy beginning Sunday, March 5. Help stuff the eggs on Palm Sunday – April 2 – during fellowship!

Summer Christian Day Camp

June 13 -16, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

This summer, several congregations and organizations are coming together to sponsor a Christian Day Camp hosted at Saulsbury Park. Camp will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily with the option for campers to spend the night from Friday into Saturday. Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. Priority registration by April 15.

For more information and to register, click here to be taken to a website. There, you’ll be able to register online, pay the fee, and get answers to common questions. Share the word with others you know!

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 19 during fellowship

Following SOTC tradition, we will feast on chocolate the Sunday before Lent begins! ALL are invited to bring a chocolate delicacy to share during fellowship.

Ash Wednesday Worship

February 22 @ 7:00 pm

Lent begins with an invitation to be honest with ourselves and with God. In worship, we’ll recall the ways that we have sinned against God and each other and will receive the mark of ashes. Marked with the cross of Christ, then we gather in repentance around the communion table as we tangibly receive God’s forgiveness. Note: Ash Wednesday worship will be livestreamed using the same link as Sunday morning worship.

Midweek Lenten Gatherings

Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30 pm

We’re looking forward to our gatherings starting up after Ash Wednesday! Each week, our time will be a combination of large group and small group time that will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. Have kiddos? Bring ’em along! We’ll have some activities for them as well. 

If you’re thinking about joining us, please sign up here. One name per line please. If you do not sign up, but desire to join us on any given week, know that you are welcome. We will assign you to a small group when you arrive. 

Note that Wednesday Gatherings (post Ash Wednesday) will not be livestreamed.

Lenten Opportunities at Zion and Grace

Not quite feelin’ the vibe of our Midweek Lenten Gatherings at Shepherd? Check out what’s going on at Zion and Grace! As sister ELCA congregations, we are sharing information about what each congregation is doing so as to provide for the various spiritual needs of our members. 

Zion 

Ash Wednesday worship begins the season of Lent with worship at 5:30 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 5:30 pm. Worship will use the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and will focus on the theme of “Unfinished: Out of the Depths” (a series on the book of Jonah). A meal will be served following each midweek Lenten service (free will offering). 

Grace

Ash Wednesday worship is at 6:00 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 6:00pm. Worship will follow a Service of the Word format, about 30 minutes in length. The focus of worship will be “Faith”, following the stories of faith of people throughout the Bible and considering what faith means today. A meal will be served prior to worship. 

Lutheran Disaster Relief Support for Earthquake Victims

If you’re looking for an avenue to give in response to the devastation caused by earthquakes impacting Turkey and Syria, consider giving to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is committed to supporting our partner organizations that are responding to the needs of survivors. Give by clicking here or offering your donation at Shepherd. Donations that we receive will then be forwarded to LDR. For any donations given through Shepherd, please clearly mark the intent of your gift on your check or envelope.

We need some more ping pong paddles!

Our Shepherd kids LOVE ping pong! Due to good ol’ wear-and-tear, we’ve needed to get rid of some of our paddles.  Do you have some extra at home you’d be willing to spare? Or, would you be willing to grab a set from Wal-Mart? If we have two more paddles, our kids can play doubles! Bring paddles to the youth room and let Pastor Aleese know if you’re willing to donate some!

Sock and Laundry Drive

February 26 – April 2

This Lent we will be supporting Laundry Love, a ministry sponsored by Midtown Laundry Mat and Trinity Episcopal. Right now, they are looking for cash donations to fund the cost of laundry services and are looking for donations of the following items:

• Socks (kids and adult)
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

Our kids will be contributing $200 from their children’s sermon fund. The challenge to the congregation is to match that amount. Look for a tote for donations and a bucket for monetary contributions in the narthex soon!

Summer Christian Day Camp

June 13 -17

This summer, several congregations and organizations are coming together to sponsor a Christian Day Camp hosted at Saulsbury Park. Camp will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily with the option for campers to spend the night from Friday into Saturday. Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. To register, click here or pick up a registration form in the narthex!

Midweek Lenten Gatherings – Will you join us?

Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30 pm

This Lent, we’ll be gathering on Wednesday evenings to dive into the themes presented on Sunday mornings. Each week, our time will be a combination of large group and small group time that will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. If families with kids are interested in joining us, we’ll be sure to have opportunities for our kiddos too!

So as to have enough leaders, and provide some snacks, we’re seeking your response. Do you think that you’ll be joining us on Wednesdays during Lent? If so, sign up using the link here. One name per line please. Families are encouraged to sign up each individual who may join us. Write your kids’ names if they’ll be joining us, too!

Next GOLF Night – Open to all joining us for Midweek Lenten Gatherings!

Sunday, February 19, 4:00 pm

 This month we are offering a special invitation to anyone who will be joining us for our Midweek Lenten Gatherings to come to our February Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) Night. Before going on a trip, we prepare for the journey ahead. In the same way, we’ll take time on Feb 19 to prepare ourselves for our upcoming Lenten journey. A portion of our time will be together with adults and kids. Then, we’ll separate into appropriate groups. Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese.

Women’s Group

Saturday, February 11 @ 8:30am

After a brief break from our gatherings on the second Saturday of the month, we are back at it this spring with a focus on the 10 commandments. In the next four months, we will take a fresh look at what these ancient commands mean for us today. All women – members and friends! – welcome to join us!

Men’s Pants Needed at MCSA

Sizes 32-40, especially sizes 32-36

MCSA has experienced an increase in demand for men’s pants: sweatpants, jeans, and business pants. There is currently a waitlist for sizes 32-36, but donations are welcome for sizes 32-40. If you can help, take donations to MCSA (312 Iowa Ave) between 5:30 am – 10:00 pm.

We need some more ping pong paddles!

Our Shepherd kids LOVE ping pong! Due to good ol’ wear-and-tear, we’ve needed to get rid of some of our paddles.  Do you have some extra at home you’d be willing to spare? Or, would you be willing to grab a set from Wal-Mart? If we have two more paddles, our kids can play doubles! Bring paddles to the youth room and let Pastor Aleese know if you’re willing to donate some!

Updated Constitution

Last Sunday we passed amendments to our SOTC Constitution. A revised copy of the Constitution can be found in the narthex. If you have any questions, talk with any of your Council leaders (Delene McConnaha, Kim Bartling, Matt Bentz, Erin Jorgensen, Melissa Booth, Mackenzie Gilbert, Mark Petersen). 

“Talks from the Desk” – Video Series on the Experiences of Black Lutherans 

Wednesdays @ 7:30 pm CT via YouTube Premiere

Black History Month began on February 1 and so did a new season of “Talks at the Desk’ video series sponsored by the African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. The “Talks at the Desk” series explores the experiences of Black Lutherans. Episodes will premiere on YouTube each Wed in February at 7:30  CT. Episodes will explore community-driven environmental justice work in Milwaukee, the storytelling of elders from the Conference of International Black Lutherans, and history learnings from the US Virgin Islands. Watch this trailer to learn more and subscribe to the YouTube channel to receive updates!

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 19

Following SOTC tradition, we will feast on chocolate the Sunday before Lent begins! ALL are invited to bring a chocolate delicacy to share during fellowship. Mark your calendars, and start looking up those gooey chocolate recipes!

Summer Christian Day Camp

June 13 -17

This summer, several congregations and organizations are coming together to sponsor a Christian Day Camp hosted at Saulsbury Park. Camp will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily with the option for campers to spend the night from Friday into Saturday. Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. To register, click here or pick up a registration form in the narthex!