Author: Kathy Dunham

Summer Book Club

Last call!

We’ve been talking about it for a while now, but it’s getting down to the time to sign up! This summer we’re reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. This book explores what it means to kindle the Spirit (the fire) that is within us and prompts us to consider our participation in God’s mission. We’ll read a few chapters at a time, and then discuss during our meetings on Wednesday evenings (June 12 – July 17, not meeting July 3; 6:15-7:30pm).

Interested? Sign up in the narthex or contact Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese.

Last Family Faith Nights

May 15

It’s our last night this week! We’ll spend part of our evening together and part of the evening in our groups offering feedback on this year and looking ahead toward what is to come. 

Special note for parents of youth who are involved in GIFT: please join us as we will be seeking your feedback on continued children/youth/family opportunities that our congregations provide.

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, May 19

50 days after we celebrate the news that Christ is risen, we await the coming of the Spirit in the celebration of Pentecost. Our sanctuary will be decked in red, so be sure to wear your own red as we adorn ourselves with the color of the Spirit!

Pastor Aleese Bought a House!

Pastor Aleese is in the process of closing on a house in Muscatine. Here’s how she needs help:

1. Gathering boxes, packing supplies, and moving carts
2. Moving furniture and unpacking boxes on Saturday, June 1 (aiming for morning) 

If you can help with either (or something else you think would be helpful!) let Pastor Aleese know via email or in person. Thanks in advance!

To give Pastor Aleese time to settle in, she will be off Thursday, May 30 – Monday, June 3. Worship on Sunday, June 2 will be lay led with a sermon video from Bishop Current. Pastoral emergencies will be covered by Pastor Willie Rosin (Zion Lutheran; 320-444-7277).

Supper at the Lighthouse

Saturday, June 29 @ 5:30pm

Our Social Team is looking to the summer and has planned an evening out! Join us for a night of fellowship and food! Address of the Lighthouse is 2142 Water St, Muscatine, IA (located near Fairport).

Sign up in the narthex or contact the church office if you’re interested in joining us. 

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 23 after worship

Though not typical to have a mid-summer congregational meeting, our Council has several items they would like to share with the congregation. Items for discussion will be constitutional changes pertaining to the role of treasurer to match our current practice and vote on a cell tower lease contract. More information about these items, along with any other agenda items, will be shared with the congregation no later than Sunday, June 9. Immediate questions can be directed to Council members. 

Welcome to Linda and Barb!

On Sunday we had the privilege of welcoming Linda and Barb to our flock at Shepherd! See their notes of appreciation for the congregation’s welcome:

I send a thank you to all the “flock” at Shepherd of the Cross. I have felt at home with all of you from day-one. I look forward to getting to know everyone even better and working for God’s kingdom with you all.

Love in Christ, Linda Adams

Want to take this time to thank everyone that wrote a message. It means so much to me and fills my heart. Thank you all again. God lead me to be a member of this flock

Barb Swanson

Summer Book Club

Sign up by Sunday, May 19
Begins Wednesday, June 12 – 6:15 – 7:30 pm

We’ve been talking about it for a while now, but it’s getting down to the time to sign up! This summer we’re reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. This book explores what it means to kindle the Spirit (the fire) that is within us and prompts us to consider our participation in God’s mission. We’ll read a few chapters at a time, and then discuss during our meetings on Wednesday evenings. 

Interested? Sign up in the narthex or contact Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese.

Synod Assembly Offering 2024

Each year, representatives from congregations gather for a synod assembly. The intent of assemblies is to attend to the “business” of the synod and also to grow in faith and connection with one another. This year Leslie Eichelberger and Connie Hoekstra are our voting members from SOTC. 

At each assembly, there is a special offering taken to support a specific ministry. This year the offering will be designated for rasiing new leaders in the church by increasing our scholarship capacity through the Southeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders. We will be taking a special offering for this on May 12 during worship. If you’d like to give online, give through Tithely and select “Synod Assembly Offering.”

Two Weeks Remaining for Family Faith Nights

May 8 and 15

We’re getting to the end of our Family Faith Night year! This week we will still be in our separate groups. Then, on May 15 we will spend part of our evening together and part of the evening in our groups offering feedback on this year and looking ahead toward what is to come. 

Special note for parents of youth who are involved in GIFT: please join us as we will be seeking your feedback on continued children/youth/family opportunities that our congregations provide.

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, May 19

50 days after we celebrate the news that Christ is risen, we await the coming of the Spirit in the celebration of Pentecost. Our sanctuary will be decked in red, so be sure to wear your own red as we adorn ourselves with the color of the Spirit!

Pastor Aleese Bought a House!

Pastor Aleese is in the process of closing on a house in Muscatine. Here’s how she needs help:

1. Gathering boxes, packing supplies, and moving carts
2. Moving furniture and unpacking boxes on Saturday, June 1 (aiming for morning) 

If you can help with either (or something else you think would be helpful!) let Pastor Aleese know via email or in person. Thanks in advance!

Christian Day Camp Volunteer Orientations

If you signed up to assist as a volunteer for the elementary, middle school, or preschool Christian Day Camps, thank you!

To make sure that everyone is the on the same page, we will be scheduling an orientation session for volunteers. If you have signed up to help and have not received information within a week, check with Pastor Aleese. 

Supper at the Lighthouse

Saturday, June 24 @ 5:30pm

Our Social Team is looking to the summer and has planned an evening out! Sign up is forthcoming. For now, mark your calendars and plan to join us!

New Member Sunday

Sunday, May 5

Join us in welcoming Barb Swanson and Linda Adams as official members of the flock here at Shepherd! Though they both have been involved in the life of this congregation, we will welcome them as members during worship and offer a blessing for them. Make sure to join us as we celebrate!

Summer Book Club

Sign up by Sunday, May 19
Begins Wednesday, June 12 – 6:15 – 7:30 pm

Looking for a group of people to nurture you on your faith journey and open you to new perspectives this summer?

This summer we’ll be reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. This book embodies the journey of discipleship as our faith, and our relationship with God, matures. “What lies beyond the essentials, the basics?” Rolheiser writes. “Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? How can we live less self- centered, more mature Christian lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And, not unimportantly, what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus?”

If diving into your own journey of discipleship and what that means for those around you sounds appealing, join us! Book club will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30pm beginning June 12. We will not meet July 3. Last session will be July 17. 

Interested? Sign up in the narthex and/or indicate your interest to Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese. Sign up by May 19.

Synod Assembly 2024

May 17-18

Each year, representatives from congregations gather for a synod assembly. The intent of assemblies is to attend to the “business” of the synod and also to grow in faith and connection with one another. This year Leslie Eichelberger and Connie Hoekstra are our voting members from SOTC. 

At each assembly, there is a special offering taken to support a specific ministry. This year the offering will be designated for rasiing new leaders in the church by increasing our scholarship capacity through the Southeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders. We will be taking a special offering for this on April 28, May 5, and May 12 during worship. If you’d like to give online, give through Tithely and select “Synod Assembly Offering.”

Wesley Hymn Festival

Thursday, June 6 @ 7:30pm
Rehearsals for Festival Choir –
Wednesday, May 29 and June 5 @ 7:00 pm

This summer, Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival by Dr.David Cherwien. Dr. Cherwien currently serves as cantor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. 

But what is a hymn festival? Good question! That night, a festival choir will present several pieces that they’ve prepared. If you’d like to be a part of this choir, contact Dr. Dan Laaveg, Wesley’s music director, ASAP.

But it’s not all left up to the choir! In addition to selections prepared by the choir, the congregation will also play an important role in singing along with several hymns and will hear reflections written by Dr. Cherwin’s late wife – Susan. 

 All are welcome to attend this free event!

Christian Day Camp Volunteer Orientations

If you signed up to assist as a volunteer for the elementary, middle school, or preschool Christian Day Camps, thank you!

To make sure that everyone is the on the same page, we will be scheduling an orientation session for volunteers. If you have signed up to help and have not received information within a week, check with Pastor Aleese. 

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, May 19

50 days after we celebrate the news that Christ is risen, we await the coming of the Spirit in the celebration of Pentecost. Our sanctuary will be decked in red, so be sure to wear your own red as we adorn ourselves with the color of the Spirit!

Welcome to the Flock, Gracelynn Marie Gilbert

During worship on Sunday we had the privilege of witnessing God’s work in the sacrament of baptism! Welcome to the flock, Gracelynn! May you rest in the truth that you ARE a sheep of God’s pasture and that you have so many people around you to nurture you in faith!

Summer Book Club

Sign up by Sunday, May 19
Begins Wednesday, June 12 – 6:15 – 7:30 pm

Looking for a group of people to nurture you on your faith journey and open you to new perspectives this summer?

This summer we’ll be reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. This book embodies the journey of discipleship as our faith, and our relationship with God, matures. “What lies beyond the essentials, the basics?” Rolheiser writes. “Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? How can we live less self- centered, more mature Christian lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And, not unimportantly, what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus?”

If diving into your own journey of discipleship and what that means for those around you sounds appealing, join us! Book club will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30pm beginning June 12. We will not meet July 3. Last session will be July 17. 

Interested? Sign up in the narthex and/or indicate your interest to Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese. Sign up by May 19.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sunday, April 7 – 28

Can you imagine going to bed as a child, but not having a bed or bedding of your own? 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization whose mission is to ensure that no kid sleeps on the floor. Here in Muscatine, a chapter was started in 2023. Right now in our local area, there is a waiting list for 50+ beds needed for 3 year olds to 17 year olds.

If you’d like to help with this cause, we’re holding a drive through April for donations. Donations needed are:

• twin sheet sets
• comforters
• pillows

You may also donate money on their website to go towards wood and mattresses. If you have any question, contact Colleen Bentz.

Dementia Friends Information Session

Thursday, April 25 @ 1:30pm

Faith United Church of Christ is sponsoring opportunities for people to learn more about dementia as well as how to help support those who cope with, and care for, those with dementia. 

The last presentation at this time will be held at Faith UCC on April 25 at 1:30 pm. Presentation will be:

April 25 – Healthy Living for Your Brain

For more information, contact the church office at Faith UCC.

Wesley Hymn Festival

Thursday, June 6 @ 7:30pm
Rehearsals for Festival Choir –
Wednesday, May 29 and June 5 @ 7:00 pm

This summer, Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival by Dr.David Cherwien. Dr. Cherwien currently serves as cantor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. 

But what is a hymn festival? Good question! That night, a festival choir will present several pieces that they’ve prepared. If you’d like to be a part of this choir, contact Dr. Dan Laaveg, Wesley’s music director, ASAP.

But it’s not all left up to the choir! In addition to selections prepared by the choir, the congregation will also play an important role in singing along with several hymns and will hear reflections written by Dr. Cherwin’s late wife – Susan. 

 All are welcome to attend this free event!

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, May 19

50 days after we celebrate the news that Christ is risen, we await the coming of the Spirit in the celebration of Pentecost. Our sanctuary will be decked in red, so be sure to wear your own red as we adorn ourselves with the color of the Spirit!

Synod Assembly 2024

May 17-18

Each year, representatives from congregations gather for a synod assembly. The intent of assemblies is to attend to the “business” of the synod and also to grow in faith and connection with one another. This year Leslie Eichelberger and Connie Hoekstra are our voting members from SOTC. 

At each assembly, there is a special offering taken to support a specific ministry. This year the offering will be designated for rasiing new leaders in the church by increasing our scholarship capacity through the Southeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders. We will be taking a special offering for this on April 28, May 5, and May 12 during worship. If you’d like to give online, give through Tithely and select “Synod Assembly Offering.”

Baptism of Gracelynn Gilbert

Sunday, April 21

We are excited to officially welcome Gracelynn to the body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism on Sunday, April 21. Be sure to join us as we offer our prayers and our pledge to support Gracelynn in her life of faith. A special time of fellowship will follow worship.

Summer Book Club

Sign up by Sunday, May 19
Begins Wednesday, June 12 – 6:15 – 7:30 pm

Looking for a group of people to nurture you on your faith journey and open you to new perspectives this summer?

This summer we’ll be reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. This book embodies the journey of discipleship as our faith, and our relationship with God, matures. “What lies beyond the essentials, the basics?” Rolheiser writes. “Where do we go once some of the basic questions in our lives have been answered, or at least brought to enough peace that our focus can shift away from ourselves to others? How can we live less self- centered, more mature Christian lives? What constitutes deep maturity and how do we reach that place? And, not unimportantly, what constitutes a more adult, Christian discipleship? What constitutes a truly mature following of Jesus?”

If diving into your own journey of discipleship and what that means for those around you sounds appealing, join us! Book club will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6:15-7:30pm beginning June 12. We will not meet July 3. Last session will be July 17. 

Interested? Sign up in the narthex and/or indicate your interest to Andy Christy or Pastor Aleese. Sign up by May 19.

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sunday, April 7 – 28

Can you imagine going to bed as a child, but not having a bed or bedding of your own? 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace is a national organization whose mission is to ensure that no kid sleeps on the floor. Here in Muscatine, a chapter was started in 2023. Right now in our local area, there is a waiting list for 50+ beds needed for 3 year olds to 17 year olds.

If you’d like to help with this cause, we’re holding a drive through April for donations. Donations needed are:

• twin sheet sets
• comforters
• pillows

You may also donate money on their website to go towards wood and mattresses. If you have any question, contact Colleen Bentz.

Dementia Friends Information Session

Thursday, April 18 @ 1:30pm

Faith United Church of Christ is sponsoring opportunities for people to learn more about dementia as well as how to help support those who cope with, and care for, those with dementia. 

Upcoming presentations will be held at Faith UCC on April 18, and 25 at 1:30 pm. Presentations will be:

April 18 – 10 Warning Signs of Dementia

April 25 – Healthy Living for Your Brain

For more information, contact the church office at Faith UCC.

We Need Volunteers for Christian Day Camp!

We’ve been advertising Christian Day Camp for about a month now, and we are thrilled to have about 60 kids registered for our elementary camp, 20 kids registered for our middle school camp, and 10 kids registered for our preschool camp. If you want to get your kids in on the fun, register soon! 

Now, we need your help as volunteers! We need people willing to help for all three camps. Complete a short volunteer survey form and we’ll be in touch with you to figure out exactly how you can fit in the puzzle of our amazing crew of volunteers! Youth grades 7 and up are invited to volunteer with our elementary and preschool camps. No advanced prep needed! 

Pentecost Sunday

Sunday, May 19

50 days after we celebrate the news that Christ is risen, we await the coming of the Spirit in the celebration of Pentecost. Our sanctuary will be decked in red, so be sure to wear your own red as we adorn ourselves with the color of the Spirit!

Synod Assembly 2024

May 17-18

Each year, representatives from congregations gather for a synod assembly. The intent of assemblies is to attend to the “business” of the synod and also to grow in faith and connection with one another. This year Leslie Eichelberger and Connie Hoekstra are our voting members from SOTC. 

At each assembly, there is a special offering taken to support a specific ministry. This year the offering will be designated for rasiing new leaders in the church by increasing our scholarship capacity through the Southeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders. We will be taking a special offering for this on April 28, May 5, and May 12 during worship. If you’d like to give online, give through Tithely and select “Synod Assembly Offering.”

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sunday, April 7 – 28

A Thrivent Action Team Fundraiser for Sleep In Heavenly Peace will be taking place Sunday, April 7 – 28. Sleep In Heavenly Peace was started in Muscatine in 2023. Formed in 2012 in Twin Falls, Idaho, Sleep In Heavenly Peace has over 270 chapters nationwide. Right now in Muscatine, there is a waiting list for 50+ beds needed for 3 year olds to 17 year olds.

Here’s how you can help: bring in donations of new twin sheet sets, comforters, and pillows. You may also donate money on their website to go towards wood and mattresses. If you have any question, contact Colleen Bentz.

Dementia Friends Information Session

Thursday, April 11 @ 1:30pm

Faith United Church of Christ is sponsoring opportunities for people to learn more about dementia as well as how to help support those who cope with, and care for, those with dementia. 

Upcoming presentations will be held at Faith UCC on April 11, 18, and 25 at 1:30 pm. Presentations will be:

April 11 – Dementia Friends

April 18 – 10 Warning Signs of Dementia

April 25 – Healthy Living for Your Brain

For more information, contact the church office at Faith UCC.

Music Bingo Night @ Grace

Sunday, April 14
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Meal
5:00 – 7:00 pm – Bingo

Come listen to various music tunes and try your luck at bingo to win prizes! 

From 4:00 – 4:45pm, there’s a $5 meal deal for smoked pork or hot dog, chips, cookie and a drink. Bingo will start at 5:00pm. Snacks will be available for purchase throughout the night. 

Proceeds support the Literacy Program as a part of Grace’s outreach. For more information, contact Tibe at 563-607-3728.

Support for Burger Family

Last week, Tom Burger notified Pastor Aleese upon the death of his mother. Funeral services were held last Thursday in Ohio. We continue to surround the Burger family with our prayers in hope of Christ’s resurrection. If you’d like to offer your condolences to Tom and family, their contact information is listed in our member directory.

We Need Volunteers for Christian Day Camp!

We’ve been advertising Christian Day Camp for about a month now, and we are thrilled to have about 60 kids registered for our elementary camp, 20 kids registered for our middle school camp, and 10 kids registered for our preschool camp. If you want to get your kids in on the fun, register soon! Priority registration due by April 15. 

Now, we need your help as volunteers! We need people willing to help for all three camps. Complete a short volunteer survey form and we’ll be in touch with you to figure out exactly how you can fit in the puzzle of our amazing crew of volunteers! Youth grades 7 and up are invited to volunteer with our elementary and preschool camps. No advanced prep needed!

Baptism of Gracelynn Gilbert

Sunday, April 21

We are excited to officially welcome Gracelynn to the body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism on Sunday, April 21. Be sure to join us as we offer our prayers and our pledge to support Gracelynn in her life of faith. A special time of fellowship will follow worship.

Summer Book Club

Though we just arrived in spring, it’s not too soon to begin thinking about joining summer book club this summer!

We will be reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. Check out the link to get a sense of the book. 

More information to come soon. In the meantime, if you’d like to hear more, talk to Andy Christy.

Family Faith Nights Resume

Wednesday, April 3

After a Lenten hiatus, Family Faith Nights resume tomorrow evening at Grace at 6:00 pm. April 3 is a service night. We will be doing two different service projects – one on site (wrapping diapers) and one off site (park clean up). Come for the meal at 6:00 and then we’ll divide into groups. If you’d like to help with the park clean up, bring gloves if you have them. If not, we will have extras on hand for you!

Note: on Wednesday, April 10 we return to our separate groups. 

Sleep in Heavenly Peace

Sunday, April 7 – 28

A Thrivent Action Team Fundraiser for Sleep In Heavenly Peace will be taking place Sunday, April 7 – 28. Sleep In Heavenly Peace was started in Muscatine in 2023. Formed in 2012 in Twin Falls, Idaho, Sleep In Heavenly Peace has over 270 chapters nationwide. Right now in Muscatine, there is a waiting list for 50+ beds needed for 3 year olds to 17 year olds.

Here’s how you can help: bring in donations of new twin sheet sets, comforters, and pillows. You may also donate money on their website to go towards wood and mattresses. If you have any question, contact Colleen Bentz.

Dementia Friends Information Session

Thursday, April 11 @ 1:30pm

Faith United Church of Christ is sponsoring opportunities for people to learn more about dementia as well as how to help support those who cope with, and care for, those with dementia. 

Upcoming presentations will be held at Faith UCC on April 11, 18, and 25 at 1:30 pm. Presentations will be:

April 11 – Dementia Friends

April 18 – 10 Warning Signs of Dementia

April 25 – Healthy Living for Your Brain

For more information, contact the church office at Faith UCC.

Music Bingo Night @ Grace

Sunday, April 14
4:00 – 4:45 pm – Meal
5:00 – 7:00 pm – Bingo

Come listen to various music tunes and try your luck at bingo to win prizes! 

From 4:00 – 4:45pm, there’s a $5 meal deal for smoked pork or hot dog, chips, cookie and a drink. Bingo will start at 5:00pm. Snacks will be available for purchase throughout the night. 

Proceeds support the Literacy Program as a part of Grace’s outreach. For more information, contact Tibe at 563-607-3728.

We Need Volunteers for Christian Day Camp!

We’ve been advertising Christian Day Camp for about a month now, and we are thrilled to have about 60 kids registered for our elementary camp, 20 kids registered for our middle school camp, and 10 kids registered for our preschool camp. If you want to get your kids in on the fun, register soon! Priority registration due by April 15. 

Now, we need your help as volunteers! We need people willing to help for all three camps. Complete a short volunteer survey form and we’ll be in touch with you to figure out exactly how you can fit in the puzzle of our amazing crew of volunteers! Youth grades 7 and up are invited to volunteer with our elementary and preschool camps. No advanced prep needed!

Baptism of Gracelynn Gilbert

Sunday, April 21

We are excited to officially welcome Gracelynn to the body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism on Sunday, April 21. Be sure to join us as we offer our prayers and our pledge to support Gracelynn in her life of faith. A special time of fellowship will follow worship.

Summer Book Club

Though we just arrived in spring, it’s not too soon to begin thinking about joining summer book club this summer!

We will be reading Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser. Check out the link to get a sense of the book. 

More information to come soon. In the meantime, if you’d like to hear more, talk to Andy Christy.