Author: Kathy Dunham

Muscatine CROP Hunger Walk Fundraiser

Tuesday, June 18 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm @ Applebee’s

Come and help our neighbors in Muscatine who are hungry! When you order from the Applebee’s special “Together We Care” menu, 50% of the food sales will support the Muscatine CROP Hunger Walk. 20% of all money collected is returned to Muscatine Food Pantry and 5% is retuned to Bag of Blessing weekend program in Muscatine elementary schools.

Christians Underground Resumes this Week

Wednesday, June 19 @ 12:00 pm @ Zion

We’ve needed to take a brief hiatus from Underground due to schedule conflicts for Pastor Aleese and Pastor Willie. But, we’re back at it this week! Even if you haven’t joined us yet, take this summer to test it out and see what it’s like. Each Wednesday we look at the upcoming Sunday Scripture readings.

Elementary Christian Day Camp is a Wrap!

We had three SOTC kids, joined by others from Grace and Zion, along with a slew of kids from the greater Muscatine area learn all about how from “Tiny Seeds Grow Mighty Trees!” Together, they learned that their ability to do mighty things comes from God through the stories of David, Esther, Mary, and the boy who gave his lunch to feed 5000 people. From biking, to water games, to horses, to art, to canoeing, to fishing, and so much more, our kids had a great week! Be sure to talk with Hannah Booth, Shelby Bartosh, and Amelia Vircks to ask them how their week was, and say a special thank you to all our volunteers! More pictures can be seen on our bulletin board in the narthex!

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 23 after worship

Our Council is calling a special congregational meeting to address three key items:

1. Update on Financial Position
2. Cell Tower Lease
3. Constitutional Amendments 

We will have a Q&A sessions after worship on Sunday, June 16. This session will be facilitated by Council leaders and will begin at about 10:30. 

Paper copies of the materials linked above can also be found in the church narthex. If you have immediate quetsions, contact your Council leaders (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, Linda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall, Connie Hoekstra) or Pastor Aleese.

Supper at the Lighthouse

Saturday, June 29 @ 5:30pm

Our Social Team 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. 

Joint Worship with New Era

Sunday, June 30 @ 9:00 am @ SOTC
Sunday, July 21 @ 10:00 am @ New Era

Similar to last summer, SOTC and New Era are joining for two joint services this summer. The first service will be at SOTC and the second at New Era. Take note of these service times and locations. If you’re willing to assist with worship or fellowship on these two dates, contact Pastor Aleese or the church office. 

Lunchtime Potluck

Our friends at Zion are hosting a potluck and are inviting us to join! Take note of the date below and join if you can!

Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 14 during fellowship

It’s summer, so why not have a lil’ extra ice cream! Be sure to join us for a special fellowship hour where we have Sundaes on Sunday!

Christmas in July (August) Event

Sunday, August 4, 5:30pm

Often Christmas comes and goes so quickly in December and with so many things to do, we miss out on some of the extra fun! Sometimes, “Christmas in July” events are hosted as a “half-birthday” for Jesus. Because of family schedules, we won’t quite make it in July, but we will still celebrate!

ALL – families, adults, kids – are invited to join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and intergenerational learning. More details to come soon from our Social and Education Teams!

Book Club Begins Tomorrow!

Wednesday, June 12 @ 6:15 pm @ Zion Lutheran

We are excited to have a group of people from 5 congregations joining us for Book Club this summer! If you signed up to be a part of Book Club, you should have received a text with more information. If you did not receive a message, contact Pastor Aleese. And, if you’d still like to join us, please consider doing so! Contact Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy for more information. 

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 23 after worship

Our Council is calling a special congregational meeting to address three key items:

1. Update on Financial Position
2. Cell Tower Lease
3. Constitutional Amendments 

We will have a Q&A sessions after worship on Sunday, June 16. This session will be facilitated by Council leaders and will begin at about 10:30. 

Paper copies of the materials linked above can also be found in the church narthex. If you have immediate quetsions, contact your Council leaders (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, Linda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall, Connie Hoekstra) or Pastor Aleese.

Supper at the Lighthouse

Saturday, June 29 @ 5:30pm

Our Social Team 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. 

Joint Worship with New Era

Sunday, June 30 @ 9:00 am @ SOTC
Sunday, July 21 @ 10:00 am @ New Era

Similar to last summer, SOTC and New Era are joining for two joint services this summer. The first service will be at SOTC and the second at New Era. Take note of these service times and locations. If you’re willing to assist with worship or fellowship on these two dates, contact Pastor Aleese or the church office. 

Musicians Needed

Sunday, July 21 – Joint worship @ New Era

This summer we are excited to be worshipping together with New Era two times. On June 30, New Era will join us at SOTC. Then, on July 21 we will join New Era for worship. 

Mary Maxson, musician at New Era, is coordinating musicians especially for the July 21 worship service. If you play an instrument or would like to sing, contact Mary directly via email or cell (563-264-0861)

Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 14 during fellowship

It’s summer, so why not have a lil’ extra ice cream! Be sure to join us for a special fellowship hour where we have Sundaes on Sunday!

Help Needed for Christian Day Camp Breakfast

Thursday, June 27 @ 7:30am @ Saulsbury Bridge

Shepherd of the Cross is partnering with New Era Lutheran Church to provide and serve breakfast to the Christian Day Camp middle school youth on Thursday, June 27, at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area lodge. We are in need of a couple volunteers to help with the set-up, serving, and clean-up
from 7:30-9:00am. SOTC will be providing sausage links, bananas, mandarin oranges/cuties, napkins and disposable cups, for 60 youth and adults.

If you’re available to help serve and/or would like to donate items for the meal, please reach out to Joanne Drinkall at drinkallj@gmail.com, (563-299-8157).

Hymn Festival at Wesley

Thursday, June 6 @ 7:30pm @ Wesley United Methodist

There will be a Hymn Festival happening at Wesley United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 6, at 7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. Dr. David Cherwien, a Lutheran church musician from Minneapolis, will lead the festival. Some of our Shepherds will be participating, so you won’t want to miss it!

Book Club Begins Soon!

Wednesday, June 12 @ 6:15 pm

We are excited to have a group of people from 5 congregations joining us for Book Club this summer! If you signed up to be a part of Book Club, you will be receiveing a text message with more information this coming week. If you do not receive a message, contact Pastor Aleese. And, if you’d still like to join us, please consider doing so! Contact Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy for more information. 

Musicians Needed

Sunday, July 21 – Joint worship @ New Era

This summer we are excited to be worshipping together with New Era two times. On June 30, New Era will join us at SOTC. Then, on July 21 we will join New Era for worship. 

Mary Maxson, musician at New Era, is coordinating musicians especially for the July 21 worship service. If you play an instrument or would like to sing, contact Mary directly via email or cell (563-264-0861)

A Note from Roger Luft

Thank you for all the well wishes. SOTC has been a welcoming church home for me. I have enjoyed my time here and will miss so many great friends. Best wishes and God’s grace to SOTC and all my friends. Roger

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. 

Farewell and Godspeed to Roger Luft

Sunday, June 2

Roger will soon be moving to Arizona, and we want to thank him for his partnership with us at Shepherd as well as send him off with prayer and blessing. Be sure to join us in worship on Sunday, June 2 as we offer prayer for him on his coming adventures!

Christian Day Camp Breakfast

Thursday, June 27 @ 7:30am @ Saulsbury Bridge

Shepherd of the Cross is partnering with New Era Lutheran Church to provide and serve breakfast to the Christian Day Camp middle school youth on Thursday, June 27, at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area lodge. We are in need of a couple volunteers to help with the set-up, serving, and clean-up
from 7:30-9:00am. SOTC will be providing sausage links, bananas, mandarin oranges/cuties, napkins and disposable cups, for 60 youth and adults.

If you’re available to help serve and/or would like to donate items for the meal, please reach out to Joanne Drinkall at drinkallj@gmail.com, (563-299-8157).

Hymn Festival at Wesley

Thursday, June 6 @ 7:30pm @ Wesley United Methodist

There will be a Hymn Festival happening at Wesley United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 6, at 7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. Dr. David Cherwien, a Lutheran church musician from Minneapolis, will lead the festival. Some of our Shepherds will be participating, so you won’t want to miss it!

Book Club Begins Soon!

Wednesday, June 12 @ 6:15 pm

We are excited to have a group of people from 5 congregations joining us for Book Club this summer! If you signed up to be a part of Book Club, you will be receiveing a text message with more information this coming week. If you do not receive a message, contact Pastor Aleese. And, if you’d still like to join us, please consider doing so! Contact Pastor Aleese or Andy Christy for more information. 

Musicians Needed

Sunday, July 21 – Joint worship @ New Era

This summer we are excited to be worshipping together with New Era two times. On June 30, New Era will join us at SOTC. Then, on July 21 we will join New Era for worship. 

Mary Maxson, musician at New Era, is coordinating musicians especially for the July 21 worship service. If you play an instrument or would like to sing, contact Mary directly via email or cell (563-264-0861)

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. 

Synod Assembly Recap

Over the weekend, Leslie, Connie, and Pastor Aleese attended the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly under the theme “Listen, God is Calling.” Together, they immersed themselves in worship, education, conversation and the business of the church. Assembly worship, and a concert on Friday evening, was put on by Jon Ailabouni (trumpeter, composer, educator from LaCrosse, WI) along with various Iowa City musicians. 

During worship, Shepherd of the Cross contributed $315 toward supporting leaders in the church. Thank you for supporting leaders in the whole church as we work together to further the mission of Christ!

Leslie and Connie will be giving a brief report of thier experience during worship on Sunday, June 2. Throughout the year, they’ll continue to share more, and dive deeper into the conversations and resolutions passed by the assembly. Feel free to reach out to our amazing representatives to hear more about our connection with the greater church!

Welcome Baby Carter!

With joy, Kirsten and Chris Carter have welcomed Adley James into the world! Adley, mom, and family are all doing well as they adjust to being a family of 4!

Recognition of Owen Christy, MHS Graduate

Sunday, May 26

‘Tis the season for high school and college graduations, and this spring we have the privilege of honoring Owen Christy as he graduates from Muscatine High School. To honor him, we will offer prayer for him during worship on Sunday, May 26 and will have time for fellowship after worship. If you have a card for Owen, we will have a basket in the narthex on May 26. Thanks for supporting our young adults!

Farewell and Godspeed to Roger Luft

Sunday, June 2

Roger will soon be moving to Arizona, and we want to thank him for his partnership with us at Shepherd as well as send him off with prayer and blessing. Be sure to join us in worship on Sunday, June 2 as we offer prayer for him on his coming adventures!

Christian Day Camp Breakfast

Thursday, June 27 @ 7:30am @ Saulsbury Bridge

Shepherd of the Cross is partnering with New Era Lutheran Church to provide and serve breakfast to the Christian Day Camp middle school youth on Thursday, June 27, at the Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area lodge. We are in need of a couple volunteers to help with the set-up, serving, and clean-up
from 7:30-9:00am. SOTC will be providing sausage links, bananas, mandarin oranges/cuties, napkins and disposable cups, for 60 youth and adults.

If you’re available to help serve and/or would like to donate items for the meal, please reach out to Joanne Drinkall at drinkallj@gmail.com, (563-299-8157).

Hymn Festival at Wesley

Thursday, June 6 @ 7:30pm @ Wesley United Methodist

There will be a Hymn Festival happening at Wesley United Methodist Church on Thursday, June 6, at 7:30pm. This event is free and open to the public. Dr. David Cherwien, a Lutheran church musician from Minneapolis, will lead the festival. Some of our Shepherds will be participating, so you won’t want to miss it!

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. 

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!