Author: Kathy Dunham

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Outdoor Worship, Ice Cream Social Fundraiser, Family Night…Oh My!

Sunday, July 17

Join us for worship, ice cream, fellowship, service to our community, and family fun!

  • Outdoor worship, 9:00 am | You bring a lawn chair and we’ll provide the rest!
  • Ice Cream Social Fundraiser | Stick around after worship for a sweet treat. Consider offering a special offering as our fundraiser will be given toward the Diversity Services Center of Iowa, an organization highlighted by our Stewardship Team in May. 
  • Family Night, 6:00 pm | Young adults and families with high school aged and below youth are welcome to join us for a night of fun! In June we gathered outside for a bonfire and had  hot dogs and s’mores while playing lawn games. Families – watch for an email from Mackenzie to coordinate our meal. 

Looking forward to a great Sunday with you all in various ways!

VBS is off to a great start!

Kids and adults have been gathering at Zion Lutheran since Sunday evening to immerse themselves in the theme “From Generation to Generation.” Through stories like Abraham, Joseph, and David, our kids have been learning that God’s steadfast love endures forever. Check out our Facebook page and Instagram for more updates and pictures! Thanks to all our SOTC helpers!

Considering an Adult Faith Formation Group?

 Last week we shared an overview from Andy Christy as he introduced the potential adult groups forming this coming fall. So as to give members of Grace, Zion, and Shepherd a glimpse into what these groups are about, we took some time to interview Tammy Stein from Grace. She was a participant in the Wednesday evening Family Faith Nights last year and participated in the adult group (now named “Sojourners” on the Adult Group menu). Take a listen as she offers her perspective on what the adult group meant to her and her invitation to those considering being a part of a group this coming year. 

Interested in joining us? Click here to learn more and access the interest survey link. Reminder, we will have an interest meeting for those interested in adult groups on Sunday, July 17 after worship and our ice cream social. 

Willing to Volunteer to Read to Children?

In an effort to close or narrow the achievement gap in literacy, Grace Lutheran offers a literacy program providing free tutoring services to 1st and 2nd grade children from neighboring schools who need support in reading. Looking to the coming school year, Grace is looking for volunteers to read one-on-one with the children from 4:00 – 5:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. Volunteers help as often as they like, and schedule can be adjusted as needed. The sole responsibility of the volunteer is to read to children! Volunteers can be 7th graders through 90+. High School students have been able to apply this service to earning a silver cord. If interested, contact Deb Holliday (563-299-2145) or Karen Woods (563-260-58-46) for more details. 

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.

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Blog: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

 

This past Sunday, we heard the beloved story of the Good Samaritan. Many of us have likely heard, studied, and pondered this text numerous times. Yet still, even after hearing this story over and over again, it continues to challenge us to see one another as our neighbors, to draw near to them, and to reach out in acts of service.

Easy to say. But in practice? Sometimes that asks a bit more than we are willing to give. Yet, drawing on the words of Martin Luther King Jr., as people united to each other in the body of Christ, we don’t have the luxury of isolating ourselves from one another. He writes: 

“On the parable of the Good Samaritan: I imagine that the first question the priest and Levite asked was, ‘If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?’ But by the very nature of his concern, the good Samaritan revised the question, ‘If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'”

What would happen if we approached our neighbors, especially those left half-dead in our society, through the lens of the second question? And, what would happen to us, as we open our eyes to see our neighbors as people full of dignity, deserving of respect?

This week, consider reframing the way you see those around you.  Even today, there are those on the margins who are barely noticed – let alone seen as neighbors – within our communities, within our country, and within our world. If we, as the body of Christ, do not pay heed to the pain of those around us, what will happen to them? 

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Worship Services

Worship: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?

Luke 10:25-37 | Many of us have likely heard the invitation from Mr. Fred Rodgers – “won’t you be my neighbor?” Seeing his kindness, it’s a seemingly obvious choice to be a neighbor to someone such as Mr. Rodgers. But in our day-to-day encounters, what does being a neighbor imply? And, what does it cost us? Join us for worship as we hear Jesus invite us to go forth as neighbors to each other, and as we experience the sacrificial love of our God who became our neighbor for our sake.

Sunday, July 10, 2022, Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgements: 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: Just As I Am. Text: Charlotte Elliott 1789-1871. Music: William Batchelder Bradbury 1816-1868. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Hymn: O Christ, Your Heart, Compassionate. Text: Herman G. Stuempfle Jr., b. 1923. Music: German melody, 18th cent.; adapt. X.L. Hartig, Melodien zum Mainzer Gesangbuche, 1833. Text and Music: © 2000 Gia Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription.
Hymn of the Day: When the Poor Ones. Text: Jose Antonio Olivar, b. 1939; tr. Martin A. Seltz, b. 1951. Music: Miguel Manzano, b. 1934. Text and Music: © 1971, 1998 J.A. Olivar, Miguel Manzano, and San Pablo Internacional-SSP, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription.
Offering: I Will Be Here. Text and Music: Steven Curtis Chapman. Text and Music: © 1989, 1990 Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Songs (Admin. by Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc.) Greg Nelson Music (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) Sparrow Song (Admin. by Capitol CMG Publishing) . Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Will You Let Me Be Your Servant. Text: Richard Gillard, b. 1953. Music: Richard Gillard; arr. Betty Pulkingham, b. 1928. Text and Music: © 1977 Scripture In Song, admin. Integrity Music.Covered under CCLI subscription. Sending Song: The Lord Now Sends Us Forth. Text: Anonymous, Central America; tr. Gerhard M. Cartford, b.1923. Music: Anonymous, Central America. Text and Music: © 1998 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

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Change of Plans for Canoeing at Deep Lakes!

Between SOTC, Grace, and Zion, we didn’t have a sizable response for canoeing to justify a separate time just for our congregations. But, that doesn’t mean you still can’t canoe! Join the Conversation Board down at Deep Lakes during anytime they have public canoe hours. On July 6,7, 11, and 12, public canoe hours are from 6-8pm. On July 9 and 10, public canoe hours are from 3-5pm. Questions? Contact Dave Bakke.  

Outdoor Worship, Ice Cream Social Fundraiser, Family Night…Oh My!

Join us for worship, ice cream, fellowship, service to our community, and family fun!

  • Outdoor worship, 9:00 am | You bring a lawn chair and we’ll provide the rest!
  • Ice Cream Social Fundraiser | Stick around after worship for a sweet treat. Consider offering a special offering as our fundraiser will be given toward the Diversity Services Center of Iowa, an organization highlighted by our Stewardship Team in May. 
  • Family Night, 6:00 pm | Young adults and families with high school aged and below youth are welcome to join us for a night of fun! In June we gathered outside for a bonfire and had  hot dogs and s’mores while playing lawn games. Families – watch for an email from Mackenzie to coordinate our meal. 

Looking forward to a great Sunday with you all in various ways!

Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 10 – Thursday, July 14, 5:30-8:00 pm

It’s almost here! VBS is just around the corner. Here’s how you can participate: 

1. Register your child(ren). Please register ASAP!

2. Contribute to the Service Project benefitting the Domestic Violence Shelter.  Throughout the week, kids will be encouraged to bring donations to support our local Domestic Violence shelter. Want to participate yourself? Check out this donation list and bring any donations to church by Sunday, July 10. 

Fall 2022 Adult Faith Formation Covenant Groups

For the past few weeks, you’ve likely heard an invitation to consider adult faith formation groups for the coming year. Looking to hear a bit more about these groups? And where they came from? In the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing three videos to provide further information. 

To allow time for everyone to have the opportunity to offer thier interest, we have extended the deadline to complete the interest form through July 10. Also note that we will host an interest meeting at Shepherd on July 17 following our worship and ice cream social.

Willing to Volunteer Read to Children? 

In an effort to close or narrow the achievement gap in literacy, Grace Lutheran offers a literacy program providing free tutoring services to 1st and 2nd grade children from neighboring schools who need support in reading. Looking to the coming school year, Grace is looking for volunteers to read one-on-one with the children from 4:00 – 5:00 on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the school year. Volunteers help as often as they like, and schedule can be adjusted as needed. The sole responsibility of the volunteer is to read to children! Volunteers can be 7th graders through 90+. High School students have been able to apply this service to earning a silver cord. If interested, contact Deb Holliday (563-299-2145) or Karen Woods (563-260-58-46) for more details.

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. The next morning we will have outdoor worship on our lawn. 

 

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Blog: With Great Freedom Comes Great Responsibility

Image by Rakicevic Nenad, covered by Pexels License.

Having just celebrated the 4th of July holiday, themes of freedom and independence are on my mind. With thanksgiving, we honor those who have helped ensure the freedom and independence that many in this country enjoy. 

But borrowing a quote from Spiderman, “with great freedom comes great responsibility.” As citizens of this country, not only are we called to give thanks for our freedoms, but to help ensure those freedoms for all people. And, even further, as disciples of Jesus, we are called to use our freedom to serve our neighbor. 

Martin Luther coined the phrase during the Reformation that we are “freed from sin and freed for service.” Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we have been freed from the bondage of our sin. Indeed, as Paul writes in Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” But now that we are freed, now we are sent as laborers into God’s harvest: to share God’s gift of freedom, of healing, and of grace with those we encounter. 

So as you move out of the holiday weekend back into the work week, challenge yourself to see those around you as your neighbor whom you have been freed to serve in Christ’s name. And then consider how you might be called to share God’s gift of freedom, of healing, and of grace with those you encounter. 

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Worship Services

Worship: Living Reliance

Luke 10:1-11, 16-20 | As we celebrate the 4th of July holiday, it’s likely that we remember, and honor, those who offered us such independence. Such independence is a gift, one that many long for. And yet, as we hear Jesus appoint 70 people to go out in mission – to gather the harvest of the kingdom – it’s clear that Jesus is calling his disciples to live reliant on each other, on those around them, and on God’s power. In the midst of your holiday celebrations, join us for worship as we hear God’s call on our lives to live reliant on one another and on Christ, and in that space, to receive God’s reign of healing and peace.

Sunday, July 3, 2022, Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgements: 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: America the Beautiful. Text: William Arms Fisher. Music: Katharine Lee Bates. Text and Music: Public Domain. Gathering Hymn: Gather Us In. Text and Music: Marty Haugen, b. 1950. Text and Music: © 1982 GIA Publications, Inc.. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Reign of Healing. Text and Music: Hans Peterson and Larry Olson. Test and Music: © 1999 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: We Plow the Fields and Scatter. Text: Matthias Claudius, 1740-1815; English tr. Jane M. Campbell, 1817-1878, alt.; Spanish tr. Ernesto Barocio, 1866-1948. Music: Luis Olivieri, b. 1937. Text and Music: © 1989 Abingdon Press, admin. The Copyright Company. Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Build Us Up, Lord. Text and Music: Mark Glaeser, b. 1956, and Donna Hanna, b. 1952. Text and Music: © 2003 Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.

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Blog: Singing as One

This summer we are exploring a new liturgical setting (the setting we use to sing pieces in our worship like the Alleluia, Holy Holy, and Lamb of God). Our new setting comes from a new hymnal resource, All Creation Sings, which was published in November 2020. Similar to With One Voice, the intent of All Creation Sings is to be a supplement to our primary hymnal – Evangelical Lutheran Worship. 

From All Creation Sings, our Worship and Music Team intentionally chose to use a bilingual liturgy. Across the ELCA, there are a growing number of Spanish speaking congregations. Close to home, even in our greater Muscatine community, we also have a large contingent of Spanish-speaking neighbors. 

So, to join with our siblings in Christ who may speak another language than us, we’ve been inviting the congregation to sing our Alleluia in Spanish. But here’s one more invitation: Each of the liturgy pieces were written in a Spanish speaking country. The Alleluia stemmed from Honduras, the Holy Holy from Puerto Rico, and the Lamb of God from Mexico. Take 5 minutes and Google what’s going on in those countries. Uplift their joys and their sorrows in prayer. 

In so doing, we join ourselves with Christians not just in our neck of the woods, but across the world. Together, we are bound together by the power of the Holy Spirit. So join me this summer in uplifting our siblings from around the world in prayer. 

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Camp EWALU is a wrap!

Last week, Pastor Aleese and Pastor Willie (Zion) took 7 youth to Camp EWALU to participate in Confirmation Camp, Uplifted, and Rock and Raft. Each of the youth – Violet, Raen, Ava, Elyse, Bailey, Aaron, and Ryan – all have stories to share of their (hot!) week as they formed relationships and dove deep into their faith. Take a moment to talk with these youth on Sunday mornings during fellowship to hear more! 

Canoeing at Deep Lakes

Friday, July 8, about 5:00pm

The Conservation Board will have canoes, along with Voyageur canoes (really big ones!) at Deep Lakes during the weekend of July 8-10. We’re coordinating a time for people (youth too!) to canoe together. If you’re interested in joining us, contact Kathy in the main office or sign up in the church narthex!

Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 10 – Thursday, July 14, 5:30-8:00 pm

Vacation Bible School is intended for kids PreK-5th grade, but we are hoping to involve as many people as possible! Here’s where we need help:

1. Teachers and Helpers – If you’re interested in helping (even for one night!) complete the helper form below.

2. Craft Supplies – We’ve created a craft list of needed items for the week. Willing to pick a few things up? Bring it to church by Thursday, June 30. 

3. Service Project benefiting the Domestic Violence Shelter – Throughout the week, kids will be encouraged to bring donations to support our local Domestic Violence shelter. Want to participate yourself? Check out this donation list and bring any donations to church by Sunday, July 10. 

Looking to register your child? Click below! Register by July 1. Questions? Talk to Melissa Booth or Pastor Aleese. 

Join us as a participant or as a helper!

Fall 2022 Adult Faith Formation Covenant Groups

Over the past few years, Shepherd has experimented with several adult faith formation groups. During COVID, we had an online Alpha group, and since then, we have had an adult group gather as a part of our Family Faith Nights, and have also had a Companions in Christ group meeting throughout the year. 

As we look to the fall, we’re excited to offer these groups, along with others, to people at Shepherd, Grace, Zion and within the community. Some groups may meet during our traditional Family Faith Night time (Wed’s from 6:30-7:30) and some groups may meet outside that time.

Take a look at our webpage that outlines a snapshot of each group to begin thinking about if a group might be right for you. Then, follow the link on that webpage to a Google Form to express your interest. Please complete the form by July 1. We will host an interest meeting for those interested at Shepherd on July 17 following our worship and ice cream social. Questions? Contact Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese. 

Spruce Up Sunday Update

Thank you to all who stuck around after worship last Sunday to help us check some tasks off the SOTC “To Do” list. If you were unable to attend, there is a list of tasks that still need completed in the narthex. Feel free to tackle one or two when it’s convenient.

Family Night

Sunday, July 17, 6:00 pm

If you’re a young adult or a family with youth high school aged or below you’re welcome to join us! In June we had a great night around a bonfire making hot dogs and s’mores while also playing lawn games. Join us for fun, fellowship, food, and some conversation with your fellow Shepherds! Families – watch for an email from Mackenzie to coordinate our meal. 

Outdoor Worship and Ice Cream Social Fundraiser

Sunday, July 17

You bring your lawn chair and we’ll provide the rest! A tent will be set up to help provide shade. 

Following worship, stick around for an ice cream sundae fellowship hour. This time will not only be a time of fellowship, but also a chance for us to offer our financial resources to a local organization. 

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Blog: Soaking it up like a sponge…

This past weekend, we heard a story of a man who was plagued by many demons. In our culture, hearing about being possessed by unclean spirits may sound quite foreign. But think of it this way: A sponge, when submerged in liquid, will absorb that liquid. If the water is clean, the sponge will be filled with clean water. But, if the water is dirty, the sponge will be filled with dirty water. 

During Jesus’ time, people believed that humans were porous creatures. As such, humans were open to various spiritual influences. Through those pores, humans could be filled with something good or something bad. Throughout the Gospel of Luke, the gospel writer tells us that Jesus was “filled” with the Holy Spirit. But, then we also get readings like what we heard on Sunday of a man who was filled with something that was not of God. 

At first glance, this way of understanding the world may seem archaic. But even today, any number of death-dealing forces are often experienced as “possession” or being “caught up” in dynamics that exceed our intentions or control. Think of how addiction overwhelms individuals and families; how racism shape-shifts over time; how anger consumes us; how envy devours us; or how sexism creates pervasive cultures of degradation. We may not call addiction or racism “demons,” but they are certainly “demonic.”

So this week, take stock of what you’re filling yourself up with. Sometimes, it may be out of our control what sort of water we find ourselves in. But other times, we do have the choice to intentionally take ourselves out of what “things” might be seeping into us and plunge ourselves into the power of God’s Spirit.

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Thanks for your help, Shepherds!

Thanks to those from both Shepherd and Grace who helped package diapers for the Community Diaper Bank this past Friday! It was short notice, but you all came through! Thanks for helping make a positive difference for those in our community!

No Christians Underground 

Wednesday, June 22

Because Pastor Aleese is at Camp EWALU this week, we will not have Christians Underground. Join us again on Wednesday, June 29 at 12:00 pm at Geo Johnz Pizza downtown!

Spruce Up Sunday

Following worship on Sunday, June 26

It’s finally here! It’s time to start moving larger items out to the shed! And while we’re packing up stuff that is only used occasionally, lets spruce up our building! Join us for worship in your “NOT Sunday best” apparel and stick around to help check some things off our list of tasks. Not able to be there that Sunday? Our “To Do” list is in the narthex. Sign up and finish at your convenience. Questions? Contact Kathy Dunham.

Vacation Bible School

Sunday, July 10 – Thursday, July 14, 5:30-8:00 pm

Vacation Bible School is intended for kids PreK-5th grade, but we are hoping to involve as many people as possible! Here’s where we need help:

1. Teachers and Helpers – If you’re interested in helping (even for one night!) complete the helper form below.

2. Craft Supplies – We’ve created a craft list of needed items for the week. Willing to pick a few things up? Bring it to church by Thursday, June 30. 

3. Service Project benefiting the Domestic Violence Shelter – Throughout the week, kids will be encouraged to bring donations to support our local Domestic Violence shelter. Want to participate yourself? Check out this donation list and bring any donations to church by Sunday, July 10. 

Looking to register your child? Click below! Register by July 1. Questions? Talk to Melissa Booth or Pastor Aleese. 

Join us as a participant or as a helper!

Fall 2022 Adult Faith Formation Covenant Groups

For the past few weeks, we’ve been promoting an opportunity for adults come this fall. At first glance, the list of groups that we’re sharing as possibilities might seem lengthy. But, many of these groups (like Alpha, Sojourners, and Companions in Christ) have already been meeting!

Want to learn more about opportunities coming your way this fall? Check out our newly updated webpage which includes more information for each group, along with a link to complete an interest form. If you’re interested in a group, please respond by July 1. Later in July we will host an interest meeting to share more information. Questions? Contact Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese. 

Where is Jesus going this summer?

The answer is dependent on where YOU take your “flat Jesus”! We trust that Jesus goes with us wherever we are, but to make it a bit more fun, we’re including “flat Jesus” on our summer adventures. Send your pictures to Kathy and we’ll include ’em in our slideshow on Sunday and on our bulletin board! Download your “flat Jesus” here!

Women’s Group

Saturday, July 2nd

Due to schedule conflicts, our Women’s Group has been moved up a week. Mark your calendars to join us during the 4th of July weekend as we continue our summer study around the theme of rest and renewal!

Canoeing at Deep Lakes

Friday, July 8, about 5:00pm

The Conservation Board will have canoes, along with Voyageur canoes (really big ones!) at Deep Lakes during the weekend of July 8-10. We’re coordinating a time for people (youth too!) to canoe together. If you’re interested in joining us, contact Kathy in the main office or sign up in the church narthex!