Author: Kathy Dunham

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog: Will You Sit Next to Me?

This past Sunday, as we explored our Gospel text in which Jesus tells a parable about how guests chose thier seats at a wedding banquet, I invited you all to think about your experience of elementary, junior high, or high school cafeterias. As I was preparing to preach, my mind went back to my elementary school: Riverside Elementary in Ringle, WI. 

During elementary school, I was a part of a program that kept me with the same kids in my class from year to year. Needless to say, we were pretty tight. Especially in early elementary (1st and 2nd grade), I can remember the girls and I scheming throughout the morning to determine who was going to sit next to each other at the lunch table. “Can I sit next to you at lunch?” started the conversation. “Sure, but I’m already sitting next to Andrea, too.” By the time we got to lunch, between the 8 of us girls, we had created a long line that went along one row of the lunch room table, each of us with two special people flanking us. 

The fact that we did this as young girls is laughable now. It would’ve made so much more sense to sit 4 girls on one side of the table and 4 girls on the other. But wanting to make sure we sat by who we wanted to sit by, we created this long row in which we could really only talk to 2 people at lunch, rather than all 8.  

Truth is, even outside of lunchrooms, we still do this as adults. We tend to surround ourselves on both sides with people we “like” and with people we “want” to hang out with. For sure, there is a time and a place to have good friends around us to encourage, support, and care for us. But if we do this in every situation, we’re missing out on talking to the other 6 people who might be around us, but whom we really don’t even know. 

So as you go about your week, consider how you might be called to create a more wholesome table rather than singling one or two people out. Perhaps that’s in a group at work, or perhaps that’s in a group you’re in at church. And, as you consider those in your group, consider those who haven’t even been invited to the table yet. ‘Cause though I was close friends with 7 girls in elementary school, I had a whole school full of girls who could’ve been just as tight of friends. 

Categories
News

News & Events

SOTC Bonfire Night

Saturday, August 27 @ 6pm

Join your church family for a hot dog roast, games, and s’mores! We’ll gather outside at about 6pm.  Because of changing family schedules, we will not be camping out overnight as previously planned. However, we will still have outdoor worship the following morning. If you’re willing to provide food to share, contact Mackenzie Gilbert.

Outdoor Worship

Sunday, August 28

You bring a lawn chair and we’ll provide the rest! Tent will be set up to provide shade. Families of Sunday School kids, VBS kids, and Camp EWALU kids – we’ll need your help as we’ll be singing some of our VBS/camp songs during worship! Make sure to join us outside as we worship in God’s good creation! 

Family Faith Nights Announcements

Wednesday, August 31 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace

The Family Faith Night year is about to kick off! Here are some things to note:

1. Kick Off Night | Wed, August 31 @ 6pm: All elementary kids, middle school youth, and those who will be participating in Adult Confirmation or Sojourners are invited to join us at Grace for our first night together. Meal provided. 

2. Elementary Group Leaders Needed: Our middle school and adult group leaders will remain static, but we are looking for volunteers to sign up to help lead our elementary group. Leaders can sign up for whatever date works best in their schedule. Then, we’ll provide materials for you to use with the kids.  If you’re willing to help out, sign up via a master spreadsheet shared between churches. Having trouble accessing the spreadsheet? Contact Kathy in the main office for assistance. 

3. Like “Faith Together Muscatine” on Facebook: To create a landing page for announcements related to Family Faith Nights – in addition to other shared ministry between SOTC, Grace, and Zion – we’ve created a Faith Together Muscatine Facebook page. Like it and subscribe for updates to stay in the loop!

Rally Sunday and God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 11

Each year, the ELCA participates in a day of service to benefit the local community. This year, following worship, we will be finishing up some yard work and projects inside our church building, and also cleaning up trash in nearby ditches. So as to help our Shepherds engage in acts of service throughout the year, our Service Team will also be sharing a list of volunteer opportunities in the community on Sept 11. Join us as we bring our hands together to do God’s work within our congregation and in the community!

Note re Sunday Adult Education

This fall, we have the opportunity to engage in a few new groups like Adult Confirmation, Sojourners, and Companions. Those groups will compliment groups like Christians Underground and Women’s Group, that are already meeting. Because of these varied opportunities, our Education Team made the decision that we will not host Sunday morning Adult Ed this coming year. Instead, we encourage adults to invest themselves in other groups that are meeting. 

However, if you are looking for a Sunday Adult Education opportunity, both Grace and Zion have offered for us to come and join them. Both Grace and Zion host Adult Ed at about 10:15. More information to come about what they will be focusing on in their study. 

Finally, if you are looking for a group to connect with, but are unsure what might be a good fit for you, contact Pastor Aleese. Together, our aim is to provide a space for all our Shepherds to grow and develop as disciples of Jesus!

Bible Blessing Sunday

Sunday, September 18

Each year, SOTC distributes Bibles to 3-year-olds, 3rd graders, and incoming middle school/confirmation youth. We will be doing so on Sept. 18, but we also invite everyone in the congregation to bring your Bibles! We will be doing a special blessing of Bibles and will have some time for interaction during worship. 

Family Nights this Fall!

This past spring we hosted monthly “family nights” to gather young adults and families with children and youth high-school aged and younger. Those monthly nights will be continuing this fall (schedule will be shared soon!) In conversation with our Education Team, these nights will also function as a “Sunday School” time for kids. Each month they’ll dive into a specific topic/story. Older youth are invited to help with younger kids and/or hang out with adults as they take some time to catch up with one another and engage in conversations of faith and life. Be on the look out for more details to be shared soon!

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog: The Meaning of Life

Hop on social media, and you’re likely to see various memes like the one above. As human beings we strive to make meaning out of our lives and the world. What’s the point of it all, anyway? Some might suggest that the point of life is whatever we want it to be, while still others might suggest that the meaning of life can be found entirely within ourselves. So then what do we say as followers of Jesus? 

Last week, I participated in a webinar sponsored by Faith+Lead, an organization sponsored by Luther Seminary (an ELCA seminary in the Twin Cities). As a part of the presentation, I was reminded that as followers of Jesus, we believe that, indeed, Jesus does make a difference in the way we make meaning out of our lives and the world around us. Now, for many of you reading this, likely your response to that statement is, “Of course, Pastor! Of course Jesus is central to how we make meaning of our lives and the world!”

But if that is our response, then how might we be led to witness to that truth? And how might that impact the way we live our lives, and even how we spend our time?  

The truth is that there are plenty of things that we could turn to as we seek “meaning” for ourselves and those around us. And, there are plenty of activities that help form us as “good people” and provide a sense of community. But in the midst of all those things, it is vital for us to carve out time to be formed by the only one who gives our lives meaning: Jesus Christ. 

So as the school year ramps up, and as activities fill our calendars once again, I urge you to make a commitment to carve out time in order to be formed by Jesus. Make a commitment to come to worship, engage in a Bible study or small group, or offer yourself in a time of personal prayer. Whatever it is, make space for Jesus to meet you where you’re at, and make space for Jesus to help make meaning out of whatever it is that you’re experiencing and whatever it is that is going on around you. 

Categories
Worship Services

Worship: Sabbath Work

Luke 13:10-17 | Often when we consider “keeping the sabbath holy” we might remember the command to refrain from work on the sabbath. However, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus is notorious for healing on the sabbath. In the eyes of leaders of the day, Jesus was disobeying the law. But in Jesus eyes, he was doing exactly what was to be done on the sabbath: offering a new beginning, restoration, and freedom from bondage. Join us for worship as we are freed from that which keeps us bound, and as we are sent forth as laborers in God’s kingdom. Special thanks to Pastor John Meyer for leading worship this weekend!

Sunday, August 21, 2022, Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Prelude: Wayfaring Stranger. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2011 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Christians, We Have Met to Worship. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2012 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Hymn: Praise and Thanksgiving. Text: Albert F. Bayly, 1901-1984. Music: Gaelic tune; arr. Hymnal version. Text and Music: © 2006 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: We Come to You for Healing. Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., b. 1923. Music: Hugh Wilson, 1764-1824. Text and Music: © 2002 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Day By Day. Text and Music: Mark Hayes. Text and Music: © 2007 The Lorenz Publishing Corporation. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: I’m So Glad Jesus Lifted Me. Text and Music: African American spiritual. With One Voice. Text and Music: © 1995 Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Covered under One License subscription.

Categories
News

News & Events

Planning on joining us for the Camp-Out?

Saturday, August 27 – Sunday, August 28

We’ve been advertising our camp out throughout the summer, and now it’s time to get some feedback from you! So as to plan effectively for activities and food, let us know if you are planning on attending either for just Saturday evening (including a bonfire, time for fellowship, etc.) or if you are planning on staying the night with us. Please sign up in the narthex or contact Kathy in the office.

Kick Off Night for Family Faith Nights

Wednesday, August 31 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace

Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, food, and information about the coming year. Anyone interested/involved in any age group (elementary, middle school or adults) is encouraged to join us! Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy.  

Leaders Needed for Elementary Group during Family Faith Nights

Wednesdays @ Grace

Throughout the summer we have been highlighting our upcoming shared Family Faith Nights ministry. We are inching closer and closer to our kick-off, but we need your help! Whereas leaders are static from week to week for our middle school and adult groups, our elementary group is led by a rotation of lay leaders. Leaders can sign up for whatever date works best in thier schedule. Then, we’ll provide materials for you to use with the kids. 

Willing to help us out? Sign up via a master spreadsheet shared between churches. Having trouble accessing the spreadsheet? Contact Kathy in the main office for assistance. 

Like Faith Together Muscatine on Facebook!

To create a landing page for announcements related to Family Faith Nights – in addition to other shared ministry between SOTC, Grace, and Zion – we’ve created a Faith Together Muscatine Facebook page. Like it and subscribe for updates to stay in the loop!

Rally Sunday and God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 11

Each year, the ELCA participates in a day of service to benefit the local community. This year, following worship, we will be doing two types of service projects: finishing up some yard work and projects inside our church building, and also cleaning up trash in nearby ditches. So as to help our Shepherds engage in acts of service throughout the year, our Service Team will also be sharing a list of volunteer opportunities in the community on Sept 11. Join us as we bring our hands together to do God’s work within our congregation and in the community!

Bible Blessing Sunday

Sunday, September 18

Each year, SOTC distributes Bibles to 3-year-olds, 3rd graders, and incoming middle school/confirmation youth. We will be doing so on Sept 18, but we also invite everyone in the congregation to bring your Bibles! We will be doing a special blessing of Bibles and will have some time for interaction during worship. 

Categories
Worship Services

Worship: All-Consuming Fire

Luke 12:49-56 | Fire, when uncontrolled, can be horribly destructive. At the same time, in a variety of settings, fire may also be used to refine something or bring new life. So then, when we hear this weekend in our Gospel reading that Jesus has come to bring “fire” to the earth, what are we to think? Join us for worship as we consider the nature of fire, and the promise of God’s all-consuming love that desires to fill us and fill our world, refining us to advocate for a reflection of God’s Kingdom in all times and all places.

Sunday, August 14, 2022, Tenth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under Augsburg Fortress License #SB135131, CCLI License #1141706, One License #738128-A.Scripture from New Revised Standard Version Bible, © 1989 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. Prelude: Seek Ye First. Text and Music: Karen Lafferty. Text and Music: © 1972 CCCM Music | Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publishing. Covered under CCLI subscription. River of Glory. Text and Music: Dan Schutte. Text and Music: © 1991 OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Hymn: All Are Welcome. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1994 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Lord of Justice. Text and Music: Larry Olson. Text and Music: © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: My Life Flows On in Endless Song. Text and Music: Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Text and Music: Public Domain.
Communion Hymn: Let Us Go Now to the Banquet. Text: Guillermo Cuellar, b. 1955, Misa popular salvadorena; tr. Bret Hesla, b. 1957, and William Dexheimer Pharris, b. 1956. Music: Guillermo Cuellar, b. 1955. Text and Music: © 1989 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: We Are Called. Text and Music: David Haas, b. 1957. Text and Music: © 1988 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.

Categories
News

News & Events

ELCA Churchwide Assembly

August 8 – 12

This week, members from across the ELCA are gathering in Columbus, Ohio for the triennial ELCA Churchwide Assembly.  This assembly is the primary decision-making body of the ELCA. Gathered under the theme, Embody the Word, voting members from the Southeastern Iowa Synod (21 people in total) and other synods of the ELCA will participate in plenaries, discussions, and worship while acting on key legislative business and hearing reports and updates on the work of the church.

If you are interested in checking out what is happening at the assembly in real time, follow the ELCA Website and the ELCA Facebook Page for a livestream. Later this fall, after hearing from our synod representatives, we will share an update of what happened at the assembly.  

Please uphold the ELCA, and our voting members, in your prayers this week as we continue to do God’s work with our hands in the body of Christ!

Women’s Group

Saturday, August 13 @ 8:30 am

This summer our Women’s Group has been gathering under the theme “Crafted in Christ,” a three-month Bible study that’s used the concept of quilting to explore rest, renewal, and the Christian community. This month, we finish up our series by thinking about “ties” that bind us together. Together we’ll examine how God invites us to commit to a new way of life with God and with each other. 

Haven’t been able to join us yet this summer? No problem! All are welcome! Take a peek at the study we’ll be doing together by clicking here.

Planning on joining us for the Camp-Out?

Saturday, August 27 – Sunday, August 28

We’ve been advertising our camp out throughout the summer, and now it’s time to get some feedback from you! So as to plan effectively for activities and food, we are looking for individuals and families to let us know if you are planning on attending either for just Saturday evening (including a bonfire, time for fellowship, etc.) or if you are planning on staying the night with us. Please sign up in the narthex or contact Kathy in the office.

Thank you from the Acker family

Earlier this summer, we helped send 5 youth from SOTC to Camp EWALU. Recently we received a thank you from Raen and Ava Acker and wanted to share with you thier favorite part of camp and how camp made an impact on them: 

My favorite part of camp was meeting and making friends with the new people I met! Thanks for giving me this opportunity! – Raen

My favorite part of camp was having new experiences and singing songs. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity!  – Ava

Thank you for supporting our youth as they continue to grow in faith!

Kick Off Night for Family Faith Nights

Wednesday, August 31 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace

You’ve been hearing about the joint Family Faith Nights for the coming year. And now, it’s time to mark your calendars! Join us for a night of fun, fellowship, food, and information about the coming year. Anyone interested/involved in any age group (elementary, middle school or adults) is encouraged to join us! Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy.  

Rally Sunday and God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 11

Join us as we get ready for our upcoming program year and as we rally around Jesus Christ as the center of who we are and the center of our mission! More details about Rally Day, and possible service projects for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday (national day of service in the ELCA) forthcoming. Watch for more updates soon!

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog: Just an Inch Forward

In June, a group of youth from SOTC, Zion, and Grace went to Camp EWALU for a week. Of many activities, the middle school youth had the opportunity to participate in high ropes course challenges. One – accurately named the “Leap of Faith” – asks participants to climb up a 35-foot tall telephone poll. Then, either from a standing or a sitting position, participants leap to a trapeze that is hung from a hefty branch.

Often, once participants end up on top of the pole, that’s when fear sets in. Which is exactly what happened for two of our youth. On top of the pole, they froze. No matter what any of us were saying on the ground, they couldn’t imagine leaving the top of the pole. For safety reasons, we couldn’t pull either one off the pole. But if they could move just an inch, then we would be able to assist them and give them momentum to fall. In time, both of these brave campers did just that. Sliding an inch forward, and then another, and then another, we gave a little extra pull on the rope and got them safely to the ground. 

In many ways, our walk of faith is similar to this challenge. Because, truth be told, to live a life of faith is risky. And, it might be scary at times to consider allowing ourselves to jump into something. But even then, what is asked of us is not to do “everything.” Rather, we are asked to move an inch. And then another inch. And maybe one more inch….trusting that our harness – God – is protecting us from harm, and trusting that those around us will be pulling for us. 

So, if you’re facing something that just seems “too big” or “too scary” or “too much to ask” right now, try sliding forward just an inch. Then, as you’re ready, slide forward yet one more inch – trusting that you’ve got people around you encouraging you to complete that which is before you, and trusting that your God will hold you, protect you, and give you all that you need as you move forward in faith. 

Categories
Uncategorized

Blog: The Realest Things

Have you ever tried catching the wind? Maybe as a kid you might have thought you could grasp it in a jar. But the reality is that no matter how hard we try, we just can’t do it. 

In one of our readings from this weekend (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23) we heard the writer reference much of life as a “vanity of vanities.” Literally, in the Hebrew language, the word that references “vanities” means vapor or mist. The author claims that though we chase after things, experiences, wealth, and even happiness in life, all of these things may be like a “chasing after the wind.” (Quite a depressing image…) But even Jesus says something similar in our Gospel passage, reminding us that there are many things we spend our lives trying to achieve or build up. Not just material possessions, but also time spent on getting “ahead” in life and achieving the our next “accomplishment.”

But are these the things that matter? No. Many of us know it. And yet, it’s all too easy to get caught in a trap of chasing after something that is not all that important.

So what’s actually important? In the words of Aryn Michelle, perhaps “the realest things are things you can’t touch with your hands. The realest things are things you can’t see with your eyes. Maybe the realest things are things like hope and love and peace. The realest things are things you believe.” For each of us, the “realest things” might look different. But love lasts. And work done for love of the Lord lasts. And the Lord is ever-lasting. 

So this week, turn yourself to your Lord who is ever-lasting. And in your prayer, ask Jesus to guide you to seek that which is lasting – for your sake, for the sake of your relationship with God, and for the sake of your relationships with others. There may be plenty of things that escape our grasp like vapor in the wind, but grounded in Christ, there is purpose to our lives as we seek that which lasts eternally. 

Categories
News

News & Events

Willing to read to kids?

Earlier this summer, we announced that Grace Lutheran was looking for volunteers with thier Literacy Program. The aim of the Literacy Program is to provide free tutoring services to 1st and 2nd graders from neighboring schools who need support in reading.

We recently received word that they are still looking for more volunteers. Volunteers read one-on-one with children from 4:00 – 5:00 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. Volunteers help as often as they like, and the program coordinators are willing to work around volunteers’ schedules. Volunteers can be 7th grade through 90+. If interested, contact Deb Holliday (563-299-2145) or Karen Woods (563-260-5846)

Welcome to the Flock, Brooks!

This weekend we added our newest saint to our family of faith! Congratulations to Brooks Sullivan who was baptized this weekend!

Kick Off Night for Family Faith Nights

Wednesday, August 31 @ 6pm @ Grace

Mark your calendars to join us for our kick off! Anyone involved in the elementary, youth, and/or adult groups are invited to come for our kick off night. We’ll jump start the night with a meal, and segue into some games/fellowship before breaking into separate groups. Each group will have some time to get oriented and share any pertinent information for the year. Parents of middle school/confirmation youth are expected to be at the kick-off to receive additional information about confirmation expectations. Following the Family Faith Night schedule, we will wrap up no later than 7:30 pm. Questions? Want more information? Talk to Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy. 

Women’s Group

Saturday, August 13 @ 8:30 am

This summer our Women’s Group has been gathering under the theme “Crafted in Christ,” a three-month Bible study that’s used the concept of quilting to explore rest, renewal, and the Christian community. This month, we finish up our series by thinking about “ties” that bind us together. Together we’ll examine how God invites us to commit to a new way of life with God and with each other. 

Haven’t been able to join us yet this summer? No problem! All are welcome! Take a peek at the study we’ll be doing together.

SOTC Camp Out

Sat, Aug 27 – Sun, Aug 28

It’s back! After being on hiatus for a few years, we’re returning to school with a camp out on our back lawn.

Join us either for just the evening, or for the entire night.