Author: Kathy Dunham

Forming Faith in Families

This past week, our families had two unique opportunities to dive deeper into thier faith. On Wednesday, as a part of our Family Faith Nights hosted at Grace Lutheran, our middle school confirmation kids were learning about the impact of media and materialism on our lives. Noting that advertisements often target areas of our lives in which we feel as though we are lacking something, we talked about “voids” in our lives and discovered the promise that it is only Christ that can fill us to the brim with fullness of life and meaning. To illustrate, we did a science experiment in which the egg on top of the bottle in the picture below actually fell into the void of the glass bottle!

Later in the week, several families gathered for our monthly Family Nights. Together we enjoyed a meal, had some friendly competition in a game of “marshmallow bowling” with kids and adults, and our parents had a chance for some intentional conversation while the kiddos played outside. 

Looking for more opportunities to connect with others at Shepherd? Stay tuned as we coordinate opportunities for the coming summer!

Mairet Farms Fundraiser

Looking for some fresh produce this summer? Consider being a part of the Mairet Farms CSA bag program and receive fresh, local produce for six weeks! Starting July 11, you’ll receive a bag of produce each week. 

Better yet? By participating, SOTC will receive a portion of these proceeds! 

Interested? Complete the order form. Paper copies are also in the SOTC narthex. Thanks for your support!

Camp EWALU Work Day 

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided. 

For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.

Special Invitation to Final Family Faith Night

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30pm @ Grace

To close out the Family Faith Night year, we will be celebrating the confirmation of youth completing thier confirmation sequence. We do not have any confirmands from Shepherd this year, but Grace is excited to confirm 6 of thier youth. So as to include leaders and families who have been a part of the joint Family Faith Nights throughout this year, Grace has elected to host confirmation on a Wednesday evening rather than during Sunday morning worship. Though on a different day, this will be just as much of a celebration, and we want to invite others to join us as well!

Whether you’ve been a part of Family Faith Night or not this year, consider yourself invited to join us as we witness the faith of our young people and as we are collectively sent to be Christ’s disciples into the world. We’ll have a short worship service at 6:30pm followed by a dessert reception. 

Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir

Thursday, June 16, at 7:30pm

Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir. Tom Trenney will be leading this free event. The choir will be singers from the Muscatine area. If you are interested in singing contact Wesley music director Dan Laaveg. Whether interested in singing, or simply enjoying the music, all in the community are invited! For more information, visit Wesley’s music page of thier website. 

Vacation Bible School

July 10-14, 5:30-8:00

Mark your calendars now! This summer, SOTC is excited to join with 6 other congregations to provide an opportunity for kids to experience God’s love and have some fun all at the same time! We will be collaborating with Zion Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, First Christian and Faith United Church of Christ.

VBS is open to all kids PreK-grade 6. VBS will be hosted at Zion Lutheran July 10-13 and the final night will be hosted at Grace Lutheran so as to provide time outside. ALL families are invited to join us for the final evening! A meal will be provided each night.

Questions? Contact Melissa Booth. 

Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

May 20-21

Each year, the synod gathers for an assembly for the purposes of attending to the business of the synod, creating networking opportunities for rostered and lay leaders, and providing a space for worship and spiritual renewal. This year, Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert will be attending as voting members along with Pastor Aleese. 

Portions of the assembly will be livestreamed on the Southeastern Iowa Synod’s Facebook page. Looking for more information of what is coming before the synod this year? Check out the landing page for the synod assembly. 

Later in May/June, the congregation will receive a report of key actions of the assembly. Please hold the synod in your prayers in the coming weeks!

Thanks for supporting our youth heading to camp!

Thank you for helping us raise $157 in support of our youth through our Easter breakfast! At this point, we have 5 youth attending camp this summer, with a potential for a total of 8 youth. A week of camp costs about $500, and Shepherd provides a scholarship of $250 per youth attending a full week. With your help, we can provide an opportunity for youth to experience a sacred moment with Christ in a new and adventurous way. Thank you for your partnership with us as we support ways for our youth to experience the transformative love of Jesus!

Laundry Soap Making = A Success! 

Throughout the season of Lent, we gathered supplies to make laundry soap. Between Grace and Shepherd, we were able to make 20 batches of laundry soap! As one batch lasts for months for one family, this work has the potential to impact 20 families in our community. Thank you for your contributions, and thank you to those who joined us for our Family Faith Night to mix our ingredients!

Easter Sunday Adult Education

Begins Sunday, May 1
Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today.

Camp EWALU Work Day 

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided. 

For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.

Looking to hear more from our synod?

After Bishop Current’s visit with us on Palm Sunday, if you’re looking to stay up to date on various synod events, subscribe to the weekly Southeastern Iowa eNews. Pastor Aleese often shares information from these messages, but if you’d like to dive deeper into our connection with the churches we walk together with in our synod and the entire ELCA, subscribe now!

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, May 1 @ 6:00 pm

Attention all young adults and families with youth grade 12 and below!

You are invited to join us for a night of fellowship, food, fun, and a brief devotional activity.  For a few months, our families have been gathering to mutually support one another and to grow in faith together, and we’d love to have you!

Meal is provided as a part of our evening together. We wrap up by 7:30 pm. 

Questions? Contact Pastor Aleese. Note that Mackenzie Gilbert will be reaching out to families about one week prior to our event to confirm your attendance and to plan a joint potluck-ed meal. 

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!  

What a celebration of Christ’s resurrection this past weekend!  It was a joy to gather with you all, and your extended families, as we ate together, searched for eggs, and offered our worship to our risen Lord! 

Looking to hear more from our synod?

After Bishop Current’s visit with us on Palm Sunday, if you’re looking to stay up to date on various synod events, subscribe to the weekly Southeastern Iowa eNews. Pastor Aleese often shares information from these messages, but if you’d like to dive deeper into our connection with the churches we walk together with in our synod and the entire ELCA, subscribe now!

Family Faith Nights Resume

Wednesday, April 20 @ 6:30 pm @ Grace

After a hiatus for the season of Lent, we pick back up with our Family Faith Nights in collaboration with Grace this week. This week, our elementary, middle school and adult groups will be all together for a service night. Join the fun as we mix laundry soap with the materials that you all helped provide through Lent! All are welcome!

Beginning Wednesday, April 27, elementary, middle school, and adult groups will resume their schedule of content. 

Christians Underground Resumes

Wednesday, April 20 @ 12:00 pm, Geo Johnz Pizza

The Easter season has only just begun! Join us as we begin our journey through 50 days of basking in the light of the resurrection. We meet each week to discuss our upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings. All are welcome!

Women’s Group Bible Study

Saturday, April 23 @ 8:30 am

After rescheduling earlier this month, we are excited to complete our four-month series on the Kingdom of God! In March, we learned that the Gospel of John often refers to “eternal life” as life that is not only eternally long, but also eternally deep – life that is endless in value and meaning. 

But what about what happens when we die? In our final session, we’ll learn about the “glory that awaits us” according to Scripture. Make plans to join us for conversation, prayer, and fellowship!

Easter Sunday Adult Education

Begins Sunday, May 1
Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today.

Camp EWALU Work Day 

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided. 

For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, May 1 @ 6:00 pm

Attention all young adults and families with youth grade 12 and below!

You are invited to join us for a night of fellowship, food, fun, and a brief devotional activity.  For a few months, our families have been gathering to mutually support one another and to grow in faith together, and we’d love to have you!

Meal is provided as a part of our evening together. We wrap up by 7:30 pm. 

Questions? Contact Pastor Aleese. Note that Mackenzie Gilbert will be reaching out to families about one week prior to our event to confirm your attendance and to plan a joint potluck-ed meal. 

Let my prayer rise up…

Throughout the season of Lent, we gathered for worship as a time to pause, to pray, to praise, and to dwell in God’s Word. This past Wednesday during worship, we were guided through a meditation on John 12:1-8, in which Mary anoints Jesus feet with oil. As Mary offered herself as a gift of thanksgiving, love, worship, and mourning, we were encouraged to offer ourselves to Christ in our prayer. After a time of meditation, the congregation was invited to write one word/phrase on a piece of paper and place them on a nail on a wooden cross.

Following worship, we ventured outside and lit these prayers on fire. Why? So as to offer our prayers to God as an offering of incense, and so as to offer our prayers as a brazen act of beauty. Though the wind played with our plans, the papers on the cross were to turn into a rose. 

As you enter into Holy Week, offer yourself to Jesus as a brazen act of beauty, and offer your prayers as incense. However we offer ourselves, Christ receives us as we are. 

Holy Week at SOTC

Come and worship with us as we experience the only story that can fill us to the brim: Christ’s death and resurrection.

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00 am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship!

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast of egg bakes, fruit, and muffins. Still looking to help bring food or serve? Contact Leslie Eichelberger

In the midst of breakfast, we’ll host our annual Egg Hunt (outside, weather permitting). Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am.

No Christians Underground during Holy Week

Christians Underground will not meet this Wednesday, April 13. We will resume on Wednesday, April 20 at 12:00 pm at Geo Johnz Pizza. Join us for conversation around our upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings!

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Sunday Adult Education 

Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today. 

Sessions will begin Sunday, May 1.

Palm Sunday and Bishop Current Visit

Sunday, April 10

This coming Sunday we have two reasons to celebrate! Bishop Current will be joining us and we also will begin our journey through Holy Week. Make sure to stick around after a time of fellowship to have a conversation with Bishop Current during our education hour. 

Note that Palm Sunday worship will begin in the narthex. From the narthex, we will enact the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem by processing through the sanctuary, out the side door, onto the sidewalk and around the parking lot. In case of inclement weather, we will process inside

Find out more about Bishop Current.

Panda Express Fundraiser

Sunday, April 10

Looking to support our youth and eat some good food at the same time? This opportunity is for you! 

Here’s what you need to do:

• order food (eat in/order online) at Panda Express on April 10
• present our coupon code: 334976
• enjoy your food and watch SOTC Youth get fundraising dollars!

For more information, and for a page that reminds you of our fundraising code, bookmark this page. Questions? Talk to Leslie Eichelberger. 

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

Therefore, so as to continue providing an opportunity to gather in fellowship and a time for intentional conversation with parents, we will be gathering this coming Sunday evening.  Can’t make it this month? We aim to gather each month, so stay tuned for more information.

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00 am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship!

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast of egg bakes, fruit, and muffins. Youth and families attending Camp EWALU this summer will be helping serve/provide food, but we also need a bit extra help! If you can help provide food, serve, or clean up, sign up here. Questions? Contact Leslie Eichelberger

In the midst of breakfast, we’ll host our annual Egg Hunt (outside, weather permitting). Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am. Questions about the egg hunt? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Willing to help gather candy and assemble eggs? Congregation members are invited to bring candy and put it in the box in the narthex. We’ll assemble eggs on Sunday, April 10 during fellowship. 

April 6 Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Join us for our last Lenten midweek meal and worship! This week we will hear again the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet and will be invited into a practice of prayerful meditation.

April 6 Menu is: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Veggies, and Dessert 

Holy Week at SOTC

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Christians Underground Update

Our Christians Underground group has been meeting weekly on Wednesdays at noon at Geo Johnz and we’ve been having great conversations! All are welcome to join us!

Note that we WILL meet this coming Wednesday, April 6 but we will NOT meet Wednesday, April 13 due to Holy Week.