Author: Kathy Dunham

Good Friday Communion Instruction for Kids

Friday, March 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

It’s this week! Drop off your kids at 9:00am for ’em to learn about the sacrament of communion and its connection to Holy Week. We’ll serve lunch before you pick ’em up. Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese. 

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.

Christian Day Camp 2024

Elementary – June 11 – 14; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School – June 25 – 27; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Preschool Nights – June 17, July 1, July 15; 5:30 – 7:30 pm

We’re getting quite a few registrations for Christian Day Camp and we’re looking toward a great summer! How can you take part? Three ways:

1. Register your child(ren) – if you have kids ages 3 – completing 8th grade, sign up now! Go to our camp website to get more information, to register, and to pay registration fees.
2. Share the word with friends, family, co-workers – share the flyers linked below with those who may be interested in attending. 
3. Volunteer –  if you are willing to help make this summer of Christian Day Camp another success, we need volunteers! Go to our website and scroll to the bottom of sign up as one of our amazing volunteers!

Questions? Contact Christian Day Camp leaders and we’ll get back to you! If you’re willing to share flyers with those you know/at your work, click the age group to download and share! Elementary, Middle School, Preschool.

Holy Week

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.

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.

Last Sunday to Donate Easter Egg Candy

Happen to be at the store this week? Bring some Easter candy to fill our eggs for an egg hunt on Easter morning. Candy must be wrapped. We’ll fill eggs during fellowship on Sunday, March 24. 

Diaper Donations

We’re in our last week of giving to local organizations as a part of our Lenten Midwek Gatherings! Bring your donations of diapers (sizes 4-7 most needed) on Wednesday night or drop off your donations at church beforehand. Donations at Shepherd will be taken to the Wesley Family Life Center.

Good Friday Communion Instruction for Kids

Friday, March 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

We’re excited to offer a special time for our kids 5th grade and under to learn about the sacrament of communion! If you have a child, or someone you know, who’d like to participate, and have not already contacted Pastor Aleese, please do so!

Chili Cook Off at Grace

Sunday, March 24, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

In collaboration with our local churches, we want to share with you a event coming up at Grace later in March! Mark your calendars to attend to taste some awesome chili, or sign up to bring your award-winning batch! Scan the QR code to sign up or call Grace at the number listed. Thanks for your support of ministries in our community!

Christian Day Camp 2024

Elementary – June 11 – 14; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School – June 25 – 27; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Preschool Nights – June 17, July 1, July 15; 5:30 – 7:30 pm

We’re getting quite a few registrations for Christian Day Camp and we’re looking toward a great summer! How can you take part? Three ways:

1. Register your child(ren) – if you have kids ages 3 – completing 8th grade, sign up now! Go to our camp website to get more information, to register, and to pay registration fees.
2. Share the word with friends, family, co-workers – share the flyers linked below with those who may be interested in attending. 
3. Volunteer –  if you are willing to help make this summer of Christian Day Camp another success, we need volunteers! Go to our website and scroll to the bottom of sign up as one of our amazing volunteers!

Questions? Contact Christian Day Camp leaders and we’ll get back to you! If you’re willing to share flyers with those you know/at your work, click the age group to download and share! Elementary, Middle School, Preschool.

Holy Week

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.

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.

Spring Clean Up Day

Saturday, March 16 starting @ 9:00 am

Our Property Team has some outside tasks to complete and would like your help! Primary tasks are to trim bushes and re-mulch our landscaping. Simply come ready to help! ALL ages welcome. For information about materials/supplies needed, contact Nick Gilbert or Kori Jorgensen.

Cell Tower Proposal Roundtable Discussions with Council

Sundays, March 17 immediately following worship

This past Sunday, Council offered information about a proposal for a cell tower company to lease a portion of our land. If you missed having a chance to learn more and have conversation about this opportunity, join us this coming Sunday after worship. Unable to attend but would still like to offer your feedback? Talk to a Council member (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, Linda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Melissa Booth, Connie Hoekstra, Joanne Drinkall.)

Help us Prepare for Easter

Easter Egg Candy and Easter Flowers

Help us prepare for Easter in two ways!

1. Bring candy to fill eggs for our Egg Hunt on Easter morning (8:30 am). Candy must be wrapped. Bring to church by Sunday, March 24. 

2. Sign up to sponsor Easter flowers in our sanctuary. In contrast to previous years, your donation will not equate to one plant. The change is so we can purchase higher quality plants to last throughout the season. Number of plants purchased will be base on total donations. Cost is still $10. Sign up by commenting below or in the church office. Pay in person at church or via Tithe.ly.
Thanks for your help as we prepare for the news of Christ’s life given for us!

Christian Day Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!

Elementary – June 11 – 14; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School – June 25 – 27; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Preschool Nights – June 17, July 1, July 15; 5:30 – 7:30 pm

We’re getting quite a few registrations for Christian Day Camp and we’re looking toward a great summer! How can you take part? Three ways:

1. Register your child(ren) – if you have kids ages 3 – completing 8th grade, sign up now! Go to our camp website to get more information, to register, and to pay registration fees.
2. Share the word with friends, family, co-workers – share the flyers linked below with those who may be interested in attending. 
3. Volunteer –  if you are willing to help make this summer of Christian Day Camp another success, we need volunteers! Go to our website and scroll to the bottom of sign up as one of our amazing volunteers!

Questions? Contact Christian Day Camp leaders and we’ll get back to you! If you’re willing to share flyers with those you know/at your work, click the age group to download and share! Elementary, Middle School, Preschool.

Giving during the Season of Lent

Support Organizations on Wednesdays and Sundays

We’re in our last two weeks of giving to contribute to local organizations doing God’s Work with their hands in our community! Bring your donations either directly to the Wesley Family Life Center on Wednesday evenings, or bring your donations to church the Sunday before and place it in the appropriate box in the narthex. Thanks for your help!

March 13 – MCSA
Donations – socks and underwear (adults and kids)

March 20- Community Diaper Bank
Donations – size 4-7 diapers (all sizes welcome, sizes 4-7 most needed)

Looking ahead to Holy Week

Chili Cook Off at Grace

Sunday, March 24, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

In collaboration with our local churches, we want to share with you a event coming up at Grace later in March! Mark your calendars to attend to taste some awesome chili, or sign up to bring your award-winning batch! Scan the QR code to sign up or call Grace at the number listed. Thanks for your support of ministries in our community!

Good Friday Communion Instruction for Kids

Friday, March 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

We’re excited to offer a special time for our kids 5th grade and under to learn about the sacrament of communion! If you have a child, or someone you know, who’d like to participate, and have not already contacted Pastor Aleese, please do so!

All are welcome!

Spring Clean Up Day

Saturday, March 16 starting @ 9:00 am

Our Property Team has some outside tasks to complete and would like your help! Primary tasks are to trim bushes and re-mulch our landscaping. Simply come ready to help! ALL ages welcome. For information about materials/supplies needed, contact Nick Gilbert or Kori Jorgensen.

Help us Prepare for Easter

Easter Egg Candy and Easter Flowers

Help us prepare for Easter in two ways!

1. Bring candy to fill eggs for our Egg Hunt on Easter morning (8:30 am). Candy must be wrapped. Bring to church by Sunday, March 24. 

2. Sign up to sponsor Easter flowers in our sanctuary. In contrast to previous years, your donation will not equate to one plant. The change is so we can purchase higher quality plants to last throughout the season. Number of plants purchased will be base on total donations. Cost is still $10. Sign up by commenting below or in the church office. Pay in person at church or via Tithe.ly.
Thanks for your help as we prepare for the news of Christ’s life given for us!

Christian Day Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!

Elementary – June 11 – 14; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School – June 25 – 27; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Preschool Nights – June 17, July 1, July 15; 5:30 – 7:30 pm

If the warm weather has you thinking of summer, you’re not the only one! We’re looking toward Christian Day Camp this summer and are thrilled to announce that registration for elementary, preschool, AND middle school camps are now open!

Go to our camp website to get more information, to register, and to pay registration fees.

If you are willing to help make this summer of Christian Day Camp another success, we need volunteers! Go to our website and scroll to the bottom of sign up as one of our amazing volunteers!

Questions? Contact Christian Day Camp leaders and we’ll get back to you! If you’re willing to share flyers with those you know/at your work, click the age group to download and share! Elementary, Middle School, Preschool.

Re-Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Subscribe to @SOTCMuscatine

Recently, we’ve moved our YouTube Channel to get all Shepherd social media accounts under the same umbrella. Our previous YouTube account will remain as an archive account. Subscribe to @SOTCMuscatine for all the latest YouTube videos and livestreams!

Note: the link here for our worship livestream, along with the link on our website is correct.

Cell Tower Proposal Roundtable Discussions with Council

Sundays, March 10 and 17 immediately following worship

This past Sunday, Council announced to the congregation that we have recieved a proposal for a cell tower company to lease a portion or our land. SOTC would be compensated as a part of the lease. At this point, Council is still in the early stages of exploring this option.

In a desire to remain transparent, Council will host two roundtable discussions that will also include a short presentation of further information following worship on March 10 and 17. If you would like to be a part of this conversation, join us! If you are unable to attend, talk to a Council member (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, Linda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Melissa Booth, Connie Hoekstra, Joanne Drinkall.)

Thank You!

Barb Swanson would like to thank everyone who purchased one of the crosses her husband, Mel, made with nails and wire. $143 was raised for our general offering. If you are interested in purchasing one for the season of Lent contact Barb.

Lent Midweek Gatherings

Wednesday, February 21 – March 20,
5:30 – 7:00 pm Hosted at Wesley Family Life Center (114 W 4th Street)

Heard about what we’re up to on Wednesday nights and still interested in joining us? Try it out! Last Wednesday we had a great meal, heard Scripture, and considered how Jesus makes us complete and urges us to let go of our treasures for the sake of our neighbor.

No need to RSVP at this point; simply show up! See below for information about donation drives we’re sponsoring to support local organizations. 

Giving during the Season of Lent

Support Organizations on Wednesdays and Sundays

Thanks to those who have already given this Lent! Still want to contribute? Bring your donations to church the Sunday before and place it in the appropriate box in the narthex. We’ll make sure your donation makes it to the Wesley Family Life Center.

March 6 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Donations – twin bed sheets and pillows

March 13 – MCSA
Donations – socks and underwear (adults and kids)

March 20- Community Diaper Bank
Donations – size 4-7 diapers (all sizes welcome, sizes 4-7 most needed)

Looking ahead to Holy Week

Chili Cook Off at Grace

Sunday, March 24, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

In collaboration with our local churches, we want to share with you a event coming up at Grace later in March! Mark your calendars to attend to taste some awesome chili, or sign up to bring your award-winning batch! Scan the QR code to sign up or call Grace at the number listed. Thanks for your support of ministries in our community!

Good Friday Communion Instruction for Kids

Friday, March 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

We’re excited to offer a special time for our kids 5th grade and under to learn about the sacrament of communion! If you have a child, or someone you know, who’d like to participate, and have not already contacted Pastor Aleese, please do so!

All are welcome!

Easter Flowers

Donations through Sunday, March 17

This year we will be purchasing flowers to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. In contrast to previous years, your donation will not equate to one plant. The change is so we can purchase higher quality plants to last throughout the season. Number of plants purchased will be base on total donations. Cost is $10. A sign up sheet is in the narthex where you may pay via cash/check or go through Tithe.ly.

Christian Day Camp Registration is NOW OPEN!

Elementary – June 11 – 14; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Middle School – June 25 – 27; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Preschool Nights – June 17, July 1, July 15; 5:30 – 7:30 pm

If the warm weather has you thinking of summer, you’re not the only one! We’re looking toward Christian Day Camp this summer and are thrilled to announce that registration for elementary, preschool, AND middle school camps are now open!

Go to our camp website to get more information, to register, and to pay registration fees.

If you are willing to help make this summer of Christian Day Camp another success, we need volunteers! Go to our website and scroll to the bottom of sign up as one of our amazing volunteers!

Questions? Contact Christian Day Camp leaders and we’ll get back to you! If you’re willing to share flyers with those you know/at your work, click the age group to download and share! Elementary, Middle School, Preschool.

Re-Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!

Subscribe to @SOTCMuscatine

Recently, we’ve moved our YouTube Channel to get all Shepherd social media accounts under the same umbrella. Our previous YouTube account will remain as an archive account. Subscribe to @SOTCMuscatine for all the latest YouTube videos and livestreams!

Note: the link here for our worship livestream, along with the link on our website is correct.

Lent Midweek Gatherings

Wednesday, February 21 – March 20,
5:30 – 7:00 pm Hosted at Wesley Family Life Center (114 W 7th Street)

It’s tomorrow night! We’ll gather at the Wesley Family Life Center from 5:30-7 (meal included!). Together we’ll eat, hear Scripture, discuss questions in groups, have an intergenerational activity, and pray. Throughout the season, we’ll reflect on the treasures that matter to us, why we store treasures, and the power these treasures have in our lives. 

To help us accurately plan, RSVP using this link or in the narthex if you’re planning on joining us! Even if you don’t RSVP, you’re welcome to drop in!

Lent Opportunities at Grace and Zion

We’re mindful that each of us are on our own distinct spiritual journeys and therefore may need different opportunities to nurture our lives of faith. If participating in the Lenten Midweek Gatherings isn’t what you’re looking for, consider joining in what Grace or Zion are doing this Lent. 

Grace – Worship on Wednesdays @ 6:00pm (starting February 21)
Midweek worship will be a series on Christian community. No meal served.

Zion – Worship on Wednesdays @ 5:30pm (starting February 21) with meal to follow
Midweek worship will be a series on Holy Lament using Holden Evening Prayer. Meal will follow worship. 

Giving during the Season of Lent

Support Organizations on Wednesdays and Sundays

Each week for our Lenten Midweek Gatherings we will welcome a leader of a community organization to share about thier organization’s work and how we can be partners with them. To support these organizations, each Wednesday we will encourage participants to bring a donation as a part of thier Lenten discipline to share thier treasures with others. See the list below to get a glimpse who who we’re supporting and the donations needed. 

Not able to join us on Wednesday evenings? Bring your donation the Sunday before to church and place it in the appropriate box in the narthex. We’ll make sure your donation makes it to the Wesley Family Life Center. 

February 28 – Senior Resources
Donations – Hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, Kleenex, laundry detergent)

March 6 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Donations – twin bed sheets and pillows

March 13 – MCSA
Donations – socks and underwear (adults and kids)

March 20- Community Diaper Bank
Donations – size 4-7 diapers (all sizes welcome, sizes 4-7 most needed)

Chili Cook Off at Grace

Sunday, March 24, 4:30 – 6:00 pm

In collaboration with our local churches, we want to share with you a event coming up at Grace later in March! Mark your calendars to attend to taste some awesome chili, or sign up to bring your award-winning batch! Scan the QR code to sign up or call Grace at the number listed. Thanks for your support of ministries in our community!

Holy Week Schedule

Though we are just starting our Lenten journey, take note of Holy Week services on your calendar. Also note that we will not have a formal Easter breakfast this year, but we will still have a time for fellowship before worship and we will still have an egg hunt for the kids!

Palm Sunday Worship: 
March 24 – 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship: 
March 28 – 7:00p pm

Good Friday Worship: 
March 29 – 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Fellowship:
March 31 – 8:00 – 8:45am

Easter Egg Hunt:
March 31 – 8:30 am

Easter Sunday Worship:
March 31 – 9:00 am

Good Friday Communion Instruction for Kids

Friday, March 29, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

This past week parents of kids 5th grade and under should have received an invitation from Pastor Aleese and the Education Team to participate in a morning of learning as we learn about the sacrament of communion. If you have a child, or someone you know, who’d like to participate, and have not already contacted Pastor Aleese, please do so! All are welcome!

Engaging in God’s Covenant to Us

This past weekend we had some fun in worship! We learned about God’s covenant with all of creation (the rainbow) and as we learned that God is closer than it may appear – in Jesus’ baptism, in the widlerness, and as Jesus began proclaiming that the Kingdom of God was at hand. As you go into the week, keep alert for where God is breaking into your life and into our world; keep alert for how and where God is offering provision – even in the midst of seemingly the desert; and keep alert for God’s Kingdom that is among us and that we are being invited to become co-workers within. And make sure to join us for worship next weekend (and this coming Wed for Lenten Midweek Gatherings!) as we make our journey through this sacred season of Lent.

Crosses during the Season of Lent

On Sunday, Barb Swanson brought crosses that her husband, Mel, made to church as an offering to the congregation for the season of Lent.  These crosses are made of nails with colored wiring added. Barb is not requesting money for the crosses; instead, she requests that people offer a donation to SOTC.

Based on the response this past weekend, and knowing that some people were gone from worship, Barb will bring the crosses back this coming Sunday, February 25. Consider purchasing one as a cross to wear or keep with you during the season of Lent!

Susan Clark Junior High Musical – Junie B. Jones Jr.

February 23 & 24 @ 7pm
February 24 and 25 @ 2pm

Support our own Elyse Eichelberger in the Susan Clark Junior HIgh Musical! Tickets are $7 online and $10 at the door. Get your tickets fast as there are only 100 seats available for each performance. Performance is at the MCC Little Theater (152 Colorado Street). 

Lent Midweek Gatherings

Wednesday, February 21 – March 20,
5:30 – 7:00 pm Hosted at Wesley Family Life Center (114 W 7th Street)

It’s tomorrow night! We’ll gather at the Wesley Family Life Center from 5:30-7 (meal included!). Together we’ll eat, hear Scripture, discuss questions in groups, have an intergenerational activity, and pray. Throughout the season, we’ll reflect on the treasures that matter to us, why we store treasures, and the power these treasures have in our lives. 

To help us accurately plan, RSVP using this link or in the narthex if you’re planning on joining us! Even if you don’t RSVP, you’re welcome to drop in!

Lent Opportunities at Grace and Zion

We’re mindful that each of us are on our own distinct spiritual journeys and therefore may need different opportunities to nurture our lives of faith. If participating in the Lenten Midweek Gatherings isn’t what you’re looking for, consider joining in what Grace or Zion are doing this Lent. 

Grace – Worship on Wednesdays @ 6:00pm (starting February 21)
Midweek worship will be a series on Christian community. No meal served.

Zion – Worship on Wednesdays @ 5:30pm (starting February 21) with meal to follow
Midweek worship will be a series on Holy Lament using Holden Evening Prayer. Meal will follow worship. 

Giving during the Season of Lent

Support Organizations on Wednesdays and Sundays

Each week for our Lenten Midweek Gatherings we will welcome a leader of a community organization to share about thier organization’s work and how we can be partners with them. To support these organizations, each Wednesday we will encourage participants to bring a donation as a part of thier Lenten discipline to share thier treasures with others. See the list below to get a glimpse who who we’re supporting and the donations needed. 

Not able to join us on Wednesday evenings? Bring your donation the Sunday before to church and place it in the appropriate box in the narthex. We’ll make sure your donation makes it to the Wesley Family Life Center. 

February 28 – Senior Resources
Donations – Hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, Kleenex, laundry detergent)

March 6 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Donations – twin bed sheets and pillows

March 13 – MCSA
Donations – socks and underwear (adults and kids)

March 20- Community Diaper Bank
Donations – size 4-7 diapers (all sizes welcome, sizes 4-7 most needed)

Worship Volunteers

Our life together takes many hands…especially in worship! If you’re willing to serve as a worship volunteer (reader, usher, song leader, etc.) or as a counter, sign up online or in the narthex. Even if you are currently serving in one of these volunteer roles, please re-sign up to indicate your continued willingness to serve. Thank you in advance!

Holy Week Schedule

Though we are just starting our Lenten journey, take note of Holy Week services on your calendar. Also note that we will not have a formal Easter breakfast this year, but we will still have a time for fellowship before worship and we will still have an egg hunt for the kids!

Palm Sunday Worship: 
March 24 – 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship: 
March 28 – 7:00p pm

Good Friday Worship: 
March 29 – 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Fellowship:
March 31 – 8:00 – 8:45am

Easter Egg Hunt:
March 31 – 8:30 am

Easter Sunday Worship:
March 31 – 9:00 am

Good Friday Day with the Kids!

Our Education Team has been working on an event for our kids on Good Friday to learn more about Christ’s passion and the sacrament of holy communion. More details forthcoming. Save the day to spend time at church with Pastor Aleese and others!

Lent Midweek Gatherings

Wednesday, February 21 – March 20,
5:30 – 7:00 pm Hosted at Wesley Family Life Center (114 W 7th Street)

After gathering together at Shepherd for Ash Wednesday worship, we will gather with participants from Wesley United Methodist, Faith United Church of Christ, Island United Methodist, and First Presbyterian to journey through Lent. 

Starting on Wed, Feb 21 we’ll gather from 5:30-7 (meal included!). Together we’ll eat, hear Scripture, discuss questions in groups, have an intergenerational activity, and pray. Throughout the season, we’ll reflect on the treasures that matter to us, why we store treasures, and the power these treasures have in our lives. 

To help us accurately plan, RSVP using this link or in the narthex if you’re planning on joining us!

Lent Opportunities at Grace and Zion

We’re mindful that each of us are on our own distinct spiritual journeys and therefore may need different opportunities to nurture our lives of faith. If participating in the Lenten Midweek Gatherings isn’t what you’re looking for, consider joining in what Grace or Zion are doing this Lent. 

Grace – Worship on Wednesdays @ 6:00pm (starting February 21)
Midweek worship will be a series on Christian community. No meal served.

Zion – Worship on Wednesdays @ 5:30pm (starting February 21) with meal to follow
Midweek worship will be a series on Holy Lament using Holden Evening Prayer. Meal will follow worship. 

Giving during the Season of Lent

Support Organizations on Wednesdays and Sundays

Each week for our Lenten Midweek Gatherings we will welcome a leader of a community organization to share about thier organization’s work and how we can be partners with them. To support these organizations, each Wednesday we will encourage participants to bring a donation as a part of thier Lenten discipline to share thier treasures with others. See the list below to get a glimpse who who we’re supporting and the donations needed. 

Not able to join us on Wednesday evenings? Bring your donation the Sunday before to church and place it in the appropriate box in the narthex. We’ll make sure your donation makes it to the Wesley Family Life Center. 

February 28 – Senior Resources
Donations – Hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, Kleenex, laundry detergent)

March 6 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Donations – twin bed sheets and pillows

March 13 – MCSA
Donations – socks and underwear (adults and kids)

March 20- Community Diaper Bank
Donations – size 4-7 diapers (all sizes welcome, sizes 4-7 most needed)

Crosses for Sale

Recently, Barb Swanson has offered to sell crosses that her husband, Mel, made. These crosses are made of nails with colored wiring added. Crosses will be available after worship on Sunday, February 18 and into the coming weeks of Lent. Proceeds will benefit SOTC. Consider purchasing one as a cross to wear or keep with you during the season of Lent!

Worship Volunteers

Our life together takes many hands…especially in worship! If you’re willing to serve as a worship volunteer (reader, usher, song leader, etc.) or as a counter, sign up online or in the narthex. Even if you are currently serving in one of these volunteer roles, please re-sign up to indicate your continued willingness to serve. Thank you in advance!

Christian Day Camp Registration 2024

Christian Day Camp was such a hit last summer that it’s coming back again this summer with camps for elementary kids (K-5th), middle school (6th-8th) and preschool mini days! Dates for each camp are:

Elementary: June 11-15 (9:00 am – 4:00 pm; optional overnight from Friday into Saturday)
Middle School: June 25 -27 (9:00 am – 4:00pm; optional overnight Wednesday into Thursday)
Preschool: June 17, July 1, July 15 (5:30 – 7:30pm; meal included!)

Registration will begin in mid-February. In the meantime, take a look at our website for more information about dates and times.

Interested in volunteering? We’ll need you! An online sign up will be available by mid-February. 

Holy Week Schedule

Though we are just starting our Lenten journey, take note of Holy Week services on your calendar. Also note that we will not have a formal Easter breakfast this year, but we will still have a time for fellowship before worship and we will still have an egg hunt for the kids!

Palm Sunday Worship: 
March 24 – 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship: 
March 28 – 7:00p pm

Good Friday Worship: 
March 29 – 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Fellowship:
March 31 – 8:00 – 8:45am

Easter Egg Hunt:
March 31 – 8:30 am

Easter Sunday Worship:
March 31 – 9:00 am

Good Friday Day with the Kids!

Our Education Team has been working on an event for our kids on Good Friday to learn more about Christ’s passion and the sacrament of holy communion. More details forthcoming. Save the day to spend time at church with Pastor Aleese and others!

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 11 during fellowship

Following SOTC tradition, we will feast on chocolate the Sunday before Lent begins! ALL are invited to bring a chocolate delicacy to share during fellowship.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 14, 7:00 pm

After celebrating the glory of Jesus transfigured on the mountain on Sunday, February 11, we turn ourselves to the wilderness of Lent. Ash Wednesday begins this sacred season with worship at 7:00 pm. Plan to join us as we return to the Lord our God who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 

Giving during the Season of Lent

Support Organizations on Wednesdays and Sundays

Each week for our Lenten Midweek Gatherings we will welcome a leader of a community organization to share about thier organization’s work and how we can be partners with them. To support these organizations, each Wednesday we will encourage participants to bring a donation as a part of thier Lenten discipline to share thier treasures with others. See the list below to get a glimpse who who we’re supporting and the donations needed. 

Not able to join us on Wednesday evenings? Bring your donation the Sunday before to church and place it in the appropriate box in the narthex. We’ll make sure your donation makes it to the Wesley Family Life Center. 

February 28 – Senior Resources
Donations – Hygiene items (soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deoderant, Kleenex, laundry detergent)

March 6 – Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Donations – twin bed sheets and pillows

March 13 – MCSA
Donations – socks and underwear (adults and kids)

March 20- Community Diaper Bank
Donations – size 4-7 diapers (all sizes welcome, sizes 4-7 most needed)

Lent Midweek Gatherings

Wednesday, February 21 – March 20,
5:30 – 7:00 pm Hosted at Wesley Family Life Center (114 W 7th Street)

This year we have the privilege of joining with Wesley United Methodist, Faith United Church of Christ, Island United Methodist, and First Presbyterian as we journey through the season of Lent!

Starting on Wed, Feb 21 we’ll gather from 5:30-7 (meal included!). Together we’ll eat, hear Scripture, discuss questions in groups, have an intergenerational activity, and pray. Throughout the season, we’ll focus on the spiritual discipline of evaluating what the heart treasures.

To help us accurately plan, RSVP using this link or in the narthex if you’re planning on joining us!

Lent Opportunities at Grace and Zion

We’re mindful that each of us are on our own distinct spiritual journeys and therefore may need different opportunities to nurture our lives of faith. If participating in the Lenten Midweek Gatherings isn’t what you’re looking for, consider joining in what Grace or Zion are doing this Lent. 

Grace – Worship on Wednesdays @ 6:00pm (starting February 21)
Midweek worship will be a series on Christian community. No meal served.

Zion – Worship on Wednesdays @ 5:30pm (starting February 21) with meal to follow
Midweek worship will be a series on Holy Lament using Holden Evening Prayer. Meal will follow worship.

Crosses for Sale

Recently, Barb Swanson has offered to sell crosses that her husband, Mel, made. These crosses are made of nails with colored wiring added. Crosses will be available after worship on Sunday, February 18 and into the coming weeks of Lent. Proceeds will benefit SOTC. Consider purchasing one as a cross to wear or keep with you during the season of Lent!

Shepherding Team Sign Up – 2024

Sign Up through Sunday, February 11

Each year in January and February we ask Shepherds to consider how they may be called to serve on a Shepherding Team in the coming year. If you’re feeling called to serve on one of our Shepherding Teams this year, click here to be taken to an online sign up, or sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex. 

Even if you are currently on a team, please re-sign up. If you are currently on a team but would no longer like to be on that team, simply do not sign up. As a courtesy, reach out to either Pastor Aleese or your team lead to indicate your desire not to continue so we do not follow up with you. 

Thanks for your contributions as a part of our faith community! 

Worship Volunteers

Our life together takes many hands…especially in worship! If you’re willing to serve as a worship volunteer (reader, usher, song leader, etc.) or as a counter, sign up online or in the narthex. Even if you are currently serving in one of these volunteer roles, please re-sign up to indicate your continued willingness to serve. Thank you in advance!

Camp EWALU this summer!

We have a crew of kids and youth excited to go to Camp EWALU this summer!

To organize with youth from Grace and Zion as well, if your child is interested in camp this summer, contact Pastor Aleese by Wednesday, February 14. With several programs being offered on the same week, we can take kids of all ages at once!

For more information, check out the camp website. Note: please refrain from registering at this time if you are interested so we sign up together as a whole group from Muscatine. 

Christian Day Camp Registration 2024

Christian Day Camp was such a hit last summer that it’s coming back again this summer that it’s coming back again this summer with camps for elementary kids (K-5th), middle school (6th-8th) and preschool mini days!

Registration will begin in mid-February. In the meantime, take a look at our website for more information about dates and times.

Interested in volunteering? We’ll need you? An online sign up will be available by mid-February.