Author: Kathy Dunham

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Worship Services

Worship: Confronted with an Unexpected Word

Jeremiah 1:4-10, Luke 4:21-30 | Ever receive something different than what you expected? It happens from time to time, especially when ordering online! But could it be that, sometimes, we also receive something different than we expect from God’s Word? God’s Word offers peace and comfort, but it also has the potential to lead us to confront preconceived notions about ourselves, our neighbors, and God. Join us for worship as we courageously listen to God’s Word for us today and as we are sent to take that Word with us in our daily living.

January 30, 2022 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under 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. Gathering Song: Praise to You. Text and music: Larry Olson. Text and music © 2007 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: All My Relatives. Text and music: Larry Olson, Karol Baer. Text and music © 1992 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription. Offering: Flow, River, Flow. Text: Based on Ezekiel 11:19-20; Isaiah 35:1-6; John 4:7-15. Contributors: Bob Hurd. Text and music: © 1986, Bob Hurd. Published by OCP. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Christ, Be Our Light. Text and music: Bernadette Farrell, b. 1957. Text and music © 1993 Bernadette Farrell, admin. OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Lord of Justice. Text and music: Larry Olson. Text © 1989 Dakota Road Music. Covered under One License subscription.

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News

News & Events:

2021 SOTC Year in Review

This past Sunday we held our Annual Meeting following worship. As a part of that meeting, we compiled a video highlighting some moments from 2021. Take a look, and listen to our invitation given to the congregation going into 2022.

Narrative Directory Now Available

Ever want to know a bit more about your fellow Shepherds? Thanks to our Social Team, we have a new Narrative Directory that helps us get to know one another! Check it out to put a name to a face (thanks to your awesome pictures!) and learn more about our church family! To access the SOTC directories contact Kathy Dunham.

Shepherding Team Sign Up

For the past few years, each Jan/Feb we have asked the congregation to consider being a part of a Shepherding Team (Worship and Music, Education, Social, etc.). Per our organizational structure, team members are not elected. Instead, all are welcome to serve on whatever team(s) they feel they are being called to based on your skills/gifts. 

In the narthex, we have transformed our Advent “Close to Home” bulletin board into a giant sign-up board. If you would like to serve on a Shepherding Team, sign up at the church or using this Sign Up Genius link

Currently serving on a team and would like to continue? Please re-sign up so we know your intent to continue serving. 

If you have any questions, contact Kathy Dunham or Delene McConnaha

Adult Education to Resume

Sunday, January 30

Adult Education will resume on Sundays following worship/a time of fellowship. Tentative topic is an overview of the Gospel of Luke. This year, we will hear primarily from the Gospel of Luke in worship. Our hope is that in getting a birds-eye view of this Gospel, we will be better able to engage in Scripture as it is read in worship. All are welcome to join us!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 5 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Take a break from the winter cold and join your Shepherds for a game night! Bring your favorite games and an appetizer to share for our meal. If you’re willing to bring a liter of pop and/or help in the kitchen during the evening, contact Colleen Bentz or Kathy Dunham. 

Southeastern Iowa Anti-Racism Network Conversation and Study

Tuesdays in February @ 7:00 pm

The Southeastern Iowa Synod invites you to join with communities of faith across Southeastern Iowa in faithful conversations about The 1619 Project. Slavery in the United States has been referenced as our “original sin.” Given that context and the fact that many communities of faith justified enslavement and benefited materially from it, or, on the flipside, worked for its elimination, it is critical the faith community intentionally study slavery and its lasting impact on the generations during and after.

Beginning on Tuesday, February 1, participants will gather at 7 pm for a 30-minute video, prepared by interfaith leaders from across the state, and end with 30-minutes of conversation. There is selected reading from the 1619 Project for each week, and the essay is available for free online. To view the 6-week structure, visit the Faithful Conversations on The 1619 Project site. If you need to miss a week (or 2) the videos are all available on YouTube and will be sent each week as a recap along with the assigned reading for the next week.

Register here to join in this important conversation. For questions, contact Pastor Erika Uthe, Assistant to the Bishop. 

Souper Bowl of Caring Drive

Sunday, February 6 and 13

As many celebrate Super Bowl weekend, let’s work together to fill the Muskie Locker at Susan Clark Junior High! We’ll be collecting the following items on Sunday Feb 6 and 13:

  • deodorant (male and female)
  • toothpaste and toothbrushes
  • hoodies
  • sweatshirts
  • adult gloves and hats
  • trappers

All donations must be new (not used). Cash/check donations also accepted. Questions? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Chocolate Fest 

Sunday, February 27

It’s still over a month away, but it’s definitely something to get excited about! We missed Chocolate Fest for the past two years, but are excited to bring this tradition back! The Sunday before Ash Wednesday, join us for a time of fellowship with nothing but chocolate! All members are invited to bring thier favorite chocolate delicacy. There will be no Sunday School or Adult Education this Sunday. Start getting your recipes ready now!

Categories
Worship Services

Worship: The Power of God’s Word

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10, Luke 4:14-21 | Each week, we hear Scripture read from the Bible.  But what do these old stories have to tell us about our lives and our world today?  Join us as we explore the power of God’s Word and dare to believe that God’s promises have been fulfilled in us, sending us forth to bear God’s Good News to the world.

January 23, 2022 Third Sunday after Epiphany Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under 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. Gathering Song: Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness. Text: Rusty Edwards, b. 1955. Music: J. Wyeth, Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813. Text © 1987 Hope Publishing Company. Music: Public Domain. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: Ancient Words. Text and music: Lynn Deshazo. Text and music © 2001 Integrity’s Hosanna! Music. Covered under CCLI subscription.
Offering: 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 Curllar, b. 1955.. Text and music: © 1988,01996 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: One Bread, One Body. Text and music: John Foley, SJ, b. 1939. Text and music © 1978 John B. Foley, SJ, and OCP Publications. Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: Send Us Out. Text and music: James Hersch. Text © 1994 Dakota Road Music. Covered under CCLI subscription

Categories
News

News & Events:

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 23 following worship

Each year we gather in an annual meeting of the congregation. We use this time to elect new leaders for the coming year and attend to congregational business. But we also use this time as a chance to look back in reflection and forward in hope. Join us for our annual meeting and take a look at our 2021 Annual Report!

Shepherding Team Sign Up

For the past few years, each Jan/Feb we have asked the congregation to consider being a part of a Shepherding Team (Worship and Music, Education, Social, etc.). Per our organizational structure, team members are not elected. Instead, all are welcome to serve on whatever team(s) they feel they are being called to based on your skills/gifts. 

In the narthex, we have transformed our Advent “Close to Home” bulletin board into a giant sign-up board. If you would like to serve on a Shepherding Team, sign up at the church or using this Sign Up Genius link

Currently serving on a team and would like to continue? Please re-sign up so we know your intent to continue serving. 

If you have any questions, contact Kathy Dunham or Delene McConnaha

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 5 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Take a break from the winter cold and join your Shepherds for a game night! Bring your favorite games and an appetizer to share for our meal. If you’re willing to bring a liter of pop and/or help in the kitchen during the evening, contact Colleen Bentz or Kathy Dunham. 

Not able to join us in-person for worship? 
Join us via our livestream!

In the past few years, as a congregation, we have grown accustomed to providing a digital opportunity for people to join us in our worship. This fall, we needed to temporarily stop our livestreaming as we were having technological issues. In the meantime, we still recorded worship and uploaded those videos to our church YouTube channel. 

Since then, thanks to our Technology Team, our technological issues have been resolved. Because of this, and because our Worship and Music Team is mindful that people may not be able to attend in-person worship because of quarantining from COVID and/or winter weather concerns, we are resuming our livestream of worship. 

Livestream link is always available on our website and in our weekly email announcements. 

If you have any questions regarding this decision, talk to one of your Worship and Music Team members: Matt Bentz, Delene McConnaha, Amy Bakke, Joseph Reddy, Bob Danner and Becky DeBlaey. 

Lenten Opportunities

This year, the season of Lent begins on Wednesday, March 2. That evening, we will observe Ash Wednesday in worship at 7pm. On each Wednesday following, our Worship and Music Team and Education Team are considering various options to offer to the congregation. So as to have a sense of what the congregation is interested in participating this year, we are seeking your input. Please complete this survey or complete the paper copy found in the narthex. 

Adult Education to Resume

Sunday, January 30

Adult Education will resume on Sundays following worship/a time of fellowship. Tentative topic is an overview of the Gospel of Luke. This year, we will hear primarily from the Gospel of Luke in worship. Our hope is that in getting a birds-eye view of this Gospel, we will be better able to engage in Scripture as it is read in worship. More details to come soon. 

Categories
Worship Services

Worship: This Party Ain’t Over Yet

John 2:1-11 | Sometimes, as we look at our lives, our world, and the church, it might seem as though we’re running on fumes leading, us to exhaustion. But as Jesus points to as he turns water into wine, we are promised that even when the party seems like it’s almost over, God pours out his love upon us, reigniting us in joy. Join us for worship as we receive God’s cup of salvation and as we are sent forth to live as people filled with God’s abundance.

January 16, 2022 Second Sunday after Epiphany Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under 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: Great Is Thy Faithfulness. Contributors: Mark Hayes, William Runyan. Music: ©2018 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under One License subscription. Gathering Song: I Was Glad. Text: Psalm 122:1, refrain; Jay Beech, stanzas. Music: PSALM 122, Jay Beech. Text and music © 1999 Jay Beech. Covered under One License subscription. Hymn of the Day: The Trumpets Sound, the Angels Sing. Text: Graham Kendrick, b. 1950. Music: Graham Kendrick. Text and music © 1989 Make Way Music, admin. Covered under CCLI subscription. Offering: Hymn of Promise. Text and music: Natalie Sleeth. Text and music: ©1986 Hope Publishing Company. Covered under CCLI subscription. Communion Song: Taste and See. Text: James E. Moore Jr., b 1951, based on Ps. 34. Music: TASTE AND SEE, James E. Moore Jr. Text and music © 1983 GIA Publications, Inc. . Covered under One License subscription. Sending Song: We Are Marching in the Light of God. Text: South African traditional; tr. Freedom Is Coming, 1984. Music: SIYAHAMBA, South African traditional. Text © 1984 Utryck, admin. Walton Music Corp. Public Domain.

Categories
News

News & Events:

Annual Reports are Ready!

We are pleased to shared with you our 2021 Annual Report! Take a look to get a recap of how and where we dwelled with Christ in the past year. Look for a video recap to be shared at our Annual Meeting, scheduled for Sunday, January 23 following worship.

Worship Feedback Form

During the Advent-Christmas season, in order to embrace our theme of “Close to Home,” we adapted our worship and space set-up. Later this January, our Worship and Music Team will be meeting to review what was effective throughout the Advent-Christmas season, and what might “stick” into the new year. To help us get a broader perspective, we’re looking for your feedback. Fill out a paper copy (found in the narthex) or fill out the form here. We thank you in advance for your feedback as we seek to connect to Christ and to each other in our worship!

Poinsettias Available for Pick Up

If you ordered a poinsettia in honor/memory of someone, feel free to pick it up at the church.  Poinsettias are outside of the fellowship serving window. Thank you for helping us celebrate Christmas at Shepherd!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 5 @ 4-6 pm

Take a break from the winter cold and join your Shepherds for a game night! Bring your favorite games and an appetizer to share for our meal. Soda provided.

Shed Update 

We’ve received some questions about when we will be able to move things into our shed. Thanks to the work of the Gilberts, the shed now has electricity hooked up. We need to wait for building inspection before building shelves. Once inspection is complete, along with shelves being built, we will begin moving things into the shed. Anticipate early spring as the soonest we will be ready for anything to be moved. Thanks for your patience and support of this project!

Categories
Worship Services

Worship: Blue Pill or Red Pill?

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22; Isaiah 43:1-7 | Day after day after day, we all have various roles and responsibilities that we fulfill. But in the midst of the daily grind, what’s the point of it all? And, what really connects us to ourselves, to others, and to our purpose? As we take a look at the baptism of Jesus this Sunday, join us for worship as we are reminded of the reality that God ushers us into in our baptism and receive an invitation to live into what the Spirit is already doing within us.

January 9, 2022 Baptism of Our Lord Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under 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. Gathering Song: Songs of Thankfulness and Praise. Text: Christopher Wordsworth 1807-1885, alt. Music: SALZBURG, Jakob Hintze, 1622-1702. Public Domain Hymn of the Day: You Are Mine. Text: David Haas, b. 1957. Music: David Haas. Text and music © 1991 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Communion Song: Spirit of Gentleness. Text: James K. Manley, b. 1940. Music: SPIRIT, James K. Manley. Text and music © 1978 James K. Manley, admin, Augsburg Fortress. Covered under One License subscription.
Sending Song: This Little Light of Mine. Text: African American spiritual. Music: THIS JOY, African American spiritual. Text © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. Public Domain

Categories
Our Life Together

News & Events:

Women’s Group Bible Study

Saturday, January 8 @ 8:30 am

As we begin a new year, our women are beginning a new Bible Study focused on “the Kingdom of God” by Rev. Mark Allan Powell. The phrase “kingdom of God” and similar expressions turn up repeatedly in sayings of Jesus. So what does it mean for Jesus to be “King” of our lives? And what does it mean for God to be in charge of our lives? Join us for the first part of a four-part series in which we dive into what God’s Kingdom means for us today. Link to our study is here if you’d like to take a look on your own and can’t make it on Sat!

Women’s Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 9 @ 6:00 pm

Each January, SOTC Women gather for a women’s Epiphany party.  Join us for food, fellowship, a blessing of our doors, and a candle exchange. Bring a (wrapped) candle for the exchange and some appetizers/treats to share. Women of all ages welcome! 

Worship Feedback Form

During the Advent-Christmas season, in order to embrace our theme of “Close to Home,” we adapted our worship and space set-up. Later this January, our Worship and Music Team will be meeting to review what was effective throughout the Advent-Christmas season, and what might “stick” into the new year. To help us get a broader perspective, we’re looking for your feedback. Fill out a paper copy (found in the narthex) or fill out the form here. We thank you in advance for your feedback as we seek to connect to Christ and to each other in our worship!

Poinsettias Available for Pick Up

If you ordered a poinsettia in honor/memory of someone, feel free to pick it up at the church.  Poinsettias are outside of the fellowship serving window. Thank you for helping us celebrate Christmas at Shepherd!

2021 Annual Report and Meeting

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Annual Reports will be available to the congregation Sunday, January 9. Annual Meeting will be immediately after worship on Sunday, January 23. During this meeting, we will be electing new leaders

Family Faith Nights

Resume Wed, January 5

Family Faith Nights resume this week at Grace at 6:30 pm.  Elementary kids will be looking at the story of the wise men, middle school/confirmation youth will be exploring prayer, and adults will continue thier discussion from before Christmas. Not in the loop but would like to learn more? Contact Pastor Aleese. 

High School Youth Group

Resumes Sun, January 9

High School Youth Group (grades 8 and up) resumes Jan 9.  Location TBD. Check the BAND app for more details or contact Pastor Aleese. 

Categories
Worship Services

Worship: Home By Another Way

Matthew 2: 1-12 | After Jesus was born, the wisemen from the east observed a star rising in the sky. Upon seeing it, the wisemen set out on a very specific journey to discover the origin of this star. In time, they arrived at their destination. But after seeing them entering the house with Jesus and his parents, they knew that their journey forth from that place would be different. Though they’d set out on one journey, they went home by another. Join us for worship as we consider our own journeys and the pivots that occur, as we are called to follow where our star, Jesus Christ, leads us.

January 2, 2022, Epiphany Sunday Bulletin

Copyright acknowledgments: Music covered under 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. Gathering Song: The First Noel. Text: English traditional. Music: THE FIRST NOWELL, English traditional. Public Domain Hymn of the Day: Home By Another Way. © Anna Strickland, 2021. commissioned by A Sanctified Art, LLC. Communion Song: As With Gladness Men of Old. Text: William C. Dix, 1837-1898, alt. Music: DIX, Conrad Kocher, 1786-1872. Public Domain Sending Song: Arise, Your Light Has Come!. Text: Ruth Duck, b. 1947. Music: FESTAL SONG, William H. Walter, 1825-1893. Text © 1992 GIA Publications, Inc. Covered under One License subscription. Public Domain. Prayers were written by Rev. Sarah (Are) Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org. Adapted Rev. A. Kenitzer

Categories
Our Life Together

News & Events

Women’s Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 9 @ 6:00 pm

Each January, SOTC Women gather for a women’s Epiphany party.  Join us for food, fellowship, a blessing of our doors, and a candle exchange. Bring a (wrapped) candle for the exchange and some appetizers/treats to share. Women of all ages welcome! 

2021 Annual Report and Meeting

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Annual Reports will be available to the congregation Sunday, January 9. Annual Meeting will be immediately after worship on Sunday, January 23. During this meeting, we will be electing new leaders

Office Hours – Week after Christmas

The church office will be open for its normal office hours Mon – Wed. We will be closed on Fri. Dec. 31. See the SOTC calendar for more information

Family Faith Nights and High School Youth Group

Both Family Faith Nights and High School Youth Group will resume in the new year.  Family Faith Nights begin again on Wednesday, January 5 and High School Youth Group begins again on Sunday, January 9.