Author: Kathy Dunham

$1096 raised for Iowa Bishop’s Ride Against Hunger

Thank you for your support of hunger initiatives in our synod, our state, and our nation! Through your help, along with New Era, we are contributing to God’s work here and now. Miss out on giving, or want to watch the synod’s total climb? Click here.

Last Announcements for RAGBRAI Pie Sale!

If you’re helping with the RAGBRAI Pie Sale, here are some things to know: 

1. Bring baked pies to SOTC on Friday, July 28 between 4:30-5:30. If this time does not work for you, contact Pastor Aleese or Mackenzie Gilbert. 

2. We still need volunteers on Sat, July 29. If you are available for an hour between 6:00 am – 5:00 pm, contact Mackenzie Gilbert. 

Thank you for your help in fundraising for SOTC and bearing witness to our unity with fellow congregations in Muscatine!

A Night at the River Bandits with Muscatine ELCA Congregations

Saturday, August 12 @ 6:30pm

Space is filling up! To determine if we need to order more tickets, reserve your spot with us by Sunday, July 30. 

Tickets are $28/person. This includes admission and a $20 Bandit card that can be used for concessions, amusement rides, and at the team store. 

Game time starts at 6:30pm. Those interested can carpool to Davenport from the SOTC parking lot. Want to join? Sign up in the narthex or online. 

Big Questions Adult Course

Beginning September 2023

Have you ever had questions about faith, but haven’t felt comfortable voicing them? Or, have you ever felt as though there wasn’t a place in the church to ask your questions? 

Big Questions is a group that will explore common, yet complex, questions of faith and life. Examples of questions we’ll consider are: Why do bad things happen? What happens when I die? What is truth and how do I know what is true? As we continue throughout the year, questions addressed in our sessions will be determined by the questions of participants.  

To honor the complexity of the questions named, Big Questions will not offer simple, pat-answers. Rather, through instruction, conversation, Scripture, and formative spiritual practices, the intent of Big Questions will be to explore the truths that shape our questions and the beliefs we carry, while also leading each of us to a faith that is more solid and richly personal. 

Want to learn more about this group? Click here to get a fuller picture. Ready to sign up as a participant? Sign up online or in the narthex.  

Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism for Elyse Eichelberger

Sunday, August 13

After two years of participation in the middle school group as a part of Family Faith Night, Elyse is ready to confirm her faith in the Triune God and affirm the promises of her baptism! Be sure to join us on Sunday, August 13 as we witness Elyse’s confession of faith and celebrate her as a fellow sibling in the body of Christ!

Growing in Faith Together

Joint Worship Recap from New Era

It was a great day to gather together to grow in faith as one in Christ this past Sunday! Special thanks to the choir and lay leaders who helped make our joint worship and fellowship possible!

Baking Pies for RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 29

We’re getting closer and we’re pumped to join with other congregations to provide a witness of collaboration to the greater Muscatine community! Added bonus…it’s a great fundraiser for SOTC! 

We need your help though! Here are three ways to assist:

1. Bake a pie: make your favorite fruit pie! 

2. Purchase a pie ($12/each) to be sold by the slice ($28 profit for SOTC): An individual is willing to make 8 pies for $12 each for the sale. If you’d rather not bake, but would like to support us, purchase a pie!

3. Volunteer at the riverfront: We’ll need volunteers in various shifts from 6:00 am – 4:30 pm. 

If you’re willing to help with any of the above, contact Mackenzie Gilbert or the church office. Thank you!

A Night at the River Bandits with Muscatine ELCA Congregations

Saturday, August 12 @ 6:30pm

Join us for a night of fun and fellowship with others from Grace, Zion and SOTC at Modern Woodmen Park!

To give ourselves some space as a group, we’ll be in the Pepsi Loge Box. Tickets are $28/person. This includes admission and a $20 Bandit card that can be used for concessions, amusement rides, and at the team store. 

Game time starts at 6:30pm. Those interested can carpool to Davenport from the SOTC parking lot. Want to join? Sign up in the narthex or online. 

Big Questions Adult Course

Beginning September 2023

Have you ever had questions about faith, but haven’t felt comfortable voicing them? Or, have you ever felt as though there wasn’t a place in the church to ask your questions? 

Big Questions is a group that will explore common, yet complex, questions of faith and life. Examples of questions we’ll consider are: Why do bad things happen? What happens when I die? What is truth and how do I know what is true? As we continue throughout the year, questions addressed in our sessions will be determined by the questions of participants.  

To honor the complexity of the questions named, Big Questions will not offer simple, pat-answers. Rather, through instruction, conversation, Scripture, and formative spiritual practices, the intent of Big Questions will be to explore the truths that shape our questions and the beliefs we carry, while also leading each of us to a faith that is more solid and richly personal. 

Want to learn more about this group? Click here to get a fuller picture. Ready to sign up as a participant? Sign up online or in the narthex.  

Growing and Going Initiative Continues!

Have you noticed new leaves/flowers on our vine? Expenses for the ministry of Jesus through SOTC continue to be added to our bulletin board. Next time you’re at church, check it out!

Take a leaf/flower from the board, write your name on the back, and offer your contribution during the offering or drop it off in the main office. Want to give electronically? Give online and select “Growing and Going” from the dropdown menu.

Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism for Elyse Eichelberger

Sunday, August 13

After two years of participation in the middle school group as a part of Family Faith Night, Elyse is ready to confirm her faith in the Triune God and affirm the promises of her baptism! Be sure to join us on Sunday, August 13 as we witness Elyse’s confession of faith and celebrate her as a fellow sibling in the body of Christ!

THIS SUNDAY, July 16 @ New Era, 9:00 am 3455 New Era Road, Muscatine

After hosting New Era in June, we’re looking forward to joining them in their church…and looking forward to hearing a joint choir!

Our offering will once again support the Iowa Bishop’s RAGBRAI for Hunger Initiative. Our three Iowa Bishops are riding the 50th annual RAGBRAI to raise $50,000 to fight hunger and are highlighting 50 anti-hunger ministries along the way. Funds raised throughout the synod will support ELCA World Hunger along with synodical hunger initiatives. 

If you desire to give an offering just to SOTC, you may do so outside of worship. Anything offered during worship (cash, check, and electronic giving) will be given toward the Iowa Bishop’s RAGBRAI for Hunger. If you regularly give through Tithe.ly or another electronic giving platform, your contribution will be directed toward SOTC.

Baking Pies for RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 29

We’re getting closer and we’re pumped to join with other congregations to provide a witness of collaboration to the greater Muscatine community! Added bonus…it’s a great fundraiser for SOTC! 

We need your help though! Here are three ways to assist:

1. Bake a pie: make your favorite fruit pie! 

2. Purchase a pie ($12/each) to be sold by the slice ($28 profit for SOTC): An individual is willing to make 8 pies for $12 each for the sale. If you’d rather not bake, but would like to support us, purchase a pie!

3. Volunteer at the riverfront: We’ll need volunteers in various shifts from 6:00 am – 4:30 pm. 

If you’re willing to help with any of the above, contact Mackenzie Gilbert or the church office. Thank you!

A Night at the River Bandits with Muscatine ELCA Congregations

Saturday, August 12 @ 6:30pm

Join us for a night of fun and fellowship with others from Grace, Zion and SOTC at Modern Woodmen Park!

To give ourselves some space as a group, we’ll be in the Pepsi Loge Box. Tickets are $28/person. This includes admission and a $20 Bandit card that can be used for concessions, amusement rides, and at the team store. 

Game time starts at 6:30pm. Those interested can carpool to Davenport from the SOTC parking lot. Want to join? Sign up in the narthex or online. 

Big Questions Adult Course

Beginning September 2023

Have you ever had questions about faith, but haven’t felt comfortable voicing them? Or, have you ever felt as though there wasn’t a place in the church to ask your questions? 

Big Questions is a group that will explore common, yet complex, questions of faith and life. Examples of questions we’ll consider are: Why do bad things happen? What happens when I die? What is truth and how do I know what is true? As we continue throughout the year, questions addressed in our sessions will be determined by the questions of participants.  

To honor the complexity of the questions named, Big Questions will not offer simple, pat-answers. Rather, through instruction, conversation, Scripture, and formative spiritual practices, the intent of Big Questions will be to explore the truths that shape our questions and the beliefs we carry, while also leading each of us to a faith that is more solid and richly personal. 

Want to learn more about this group? Click here to get a fuller picture. Ready to sign up as a participant? Sign up online or in the narthex.  

Growing and Going Initiative Continues!

Have you noticed new leaves/flowers on our vine? Expenses for the ministry of Jesus through SOTC continue to be added to our bulletin board. Next time you’re at church, check it out!

Take a leaf/flower from the board, write your name on the back, and offer your contribution during the offering or drop it off in the main office. Want to give electronically? Give online and select “Growing and Going” from the dropdown menu.

Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism for Elyse Eichelberger

Sunday, August 13

After two years of participation in the middle school group as a part of Family Faith Night, Elyse is ready to confirm her faith in the Triune God and affirm the promises of her baptism! Be sure to join us on Sunday, August 13 as we witness Elyse’s confession of faith and celebrate her as a fellow sibling in the body of Christ!

Ice Cream Sundaes on Sunday!

Sunday, July 9

Who doesn’t love ice cream!? For fellowship this weekend we’ll enjoy some ice cream sundaes! Bring your appetite as we share in fellowship!

SOTC T-Shirts

Did you order new SOTC swag! We are asking that payment for the shirt be turned in by July 9th to insure we have them for RAGBRAI. Shirts are $20. Contact the main office with any questions.

Next Joint Worship with New Era

July 16 @ New Era, 9:00 am

After hosting New Era in June, we’re looking forward to joining them in their church! Our offering will once again support the Iowa Bishop’s RAGBRAI for Hunger Initiative. If you’d like to be a part of the choir and missed signing up, contact Delene McConnaha for more information.

Baking Pies for RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 29

We’re excited to join with 10-14 other congregations to provide pie to RAGBRAI riders as they come through Muscatine! Though this is a fundraiser for SOTC, this is also an opportunity for us to unite ourselves with other congregations in the greater Muscatine area and provide a witness to our community. 

We need your help though! We need bakers to make pie and volunteers to help sell/take money on July 29. Sign up in the narthex or contact Melissa Booth, Mackenzie Gilbert, or Delene McConnaha. Thank you!

Big Questions Adult Course

Beginning September 2023

Are you unsatisfied with “everything happens for a reason” approach to difficult and confusing moments in your life? Or, have you ever felt naming your questions in the church? 

Big Questions is a group that will explore common, yet complex, questions of faith and life. Examples of questions we’ll consider are: Why do bad things happen? What happens when I die? What is truth and how do I know what is true?

To honor the complexity of the questions named, Big Questions will not offer simple, pat-answers. Rather, through instruction, conversation, Scripture, and formative spiritual practices, the intent will be to explore the deeper truths behind the questions while also shaping a faith that is more substantial and richly personal. 

Want to learn more about this group? Click here to get a fuller picture. Ready to sign up as a participant? Sign up online or in the narthex. 

A Night at the River Bandits with Muscatine ELCA Congregations

Saturday, August 12 @ 6:30pm

Join us for a night of fun and fellowship with others from Grace, Zion and SOTC at Modern Woodmen Park!

To give ourselves some space as a group, we’ll be in the Pepsi Loge Box. Tickets are $28/person. This includes admission and a $20 Bandit card that can be used for concessions, amusement rides, and at the team store. 

Game time starts at 6:30pm. Those interested can carpool to Davenport from the SOTC parking lot. 

Want to join? Sign up in the narthex or online. 

Growing and Going Initiative Continues!

Have you noticed new leaves on our vine? Expenses for the ministry of Jesus through SOTC continue to be added to our bulletin board. Next time you’re at church, check it out!

Take a leaf from the board, write your name on the back, and offer your contribution during the offering or drop it off in the main office. Want to give electronically? Give online and select “Growing and Going” from the dropdown menu. 

Blessing and Godspeed to Bakke’s

This past Sunday we planted a tree in honor of Dave and Amy Bakke. The tree is a reminder of the roots that Dave and Amy planted at Shepherd, and a reminder that we remain connected through Christ. As the Bakke’s move to Rockford, we pray that they will continue to be rooted and grounded in Christ, and will continue to grow and bear fruit as fellow disciples of Christ!

Have a few hours to spare on July 4?

Help as a part of a Clean Up Crew to raise money for SOTC

The Muscatine Chamber of Commerce is looking for Clean Up Crews immediately after the parade in Muscatine. Parade begins at 4pm. Groups willing to help will receive a donation to their organization. 

If you have time to give, and would be willing to serve on a clean up crew from SOTC, sign up in the narthex or contact the church office via email. 

SOTC T-Shirts

It’s your last chance!

Get your order in by this coming Sunday, July 2 to update your SOTC swag! We’ll ask volunteers helping with RAGBRAI on July 29 to wear these shirt if they have ’em!

Shirts are $20. Shirt color will be an oatmeal/off white with a dark navy image. See image below. Sign up in the narthex or contact the main office to sign up!

Baking Pies for RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 29

We’re excited to be working with at least 10 other congregations to provide pie to RAGBRAI riders as they come through Muscatine! Though this is a fundraiser for SOTC, this is also an opportunity for us to unite ourselves with other congregations in the greater Muscatine area and provide a witness to our community. 

We need your help though! We need bakers to make pie and volunteers to help sell/take money on July 29. Sign up in the narthex or contact Melissa Booth, Mackenzie Gilbert, or Delene McConnaha. Thank you!

Serving Families through Products of the Flock

In the past two weeks, proceeds from Products of the Flock have been used to assist two families who’ve contact SOTC for assistance.

One individual and her daughter, who has suffered domestic violence and has sought shelter at our local Domestic Violence Shelter, was seeking funds to obtain a copy of her social security card and birth certificate. These documents will allow her to obtain her own housing unit. 

Another family suffered the loss of their home due to fire. For several months they have lived in their truck or in various homeless shelters. Because of the ages of their children, it has been difficult for the entire family to remain together in shelters. The family has been working with a case worker to secure more permanent housing, but was seeking immediate assistance for food and a place to land so they could think to the future. Since working with the family last week, they now have a strong lead of a mobile home they can rent while the husband continues to work. 

We share these stories with you as a thank you for your support of Products of the Flock and the items they sell. After working with these families, in addition to others requests earlier this spring, funds in the Products of the Flock account are dwindling. If you’d like to add to this fund, consider purchasing any of the items in the narthex, or offering a donation to Products of the Flock.

Office Hours Over July 4 Holiday

Office CLOSED Mon, July 3 – Tues, July 4

To give time for Kathy and Pastor Aleese to celebrate the holiday with family and friends, the church office will be closed Monday, July 3 – Tuesday, July 4. Kathy and Pastor Aleese will be in the office on Wednesday, July 5 from 10:30 am -1:30 pm. As is always the case, both Pastor Aleese and Kathy are available to meet outside these scheduled times. Contact the church office of Pastor Aleese’s cell phone to be in touch.

Next Joint Worship with New Era

July 16 @ New Era, 9:00 am

After hosting New Era in June, we’re looking forward to joining them in their church! Our offering will once again support the Iowa Bishop’s RAGBRAI for Hunger Initiative.

If you’d like to be a part of the choir and missed signing up, contact Delene McConnaha for more information.

Supper at the Lighthouse with SOTC

June 24 @ 5:30 pm

Looking for a night off from cooking? You’re in luck! Join your fellow Shepherds for a night out at The Lighthouse (2142 Water Street, Fairport). If you’re interested in attending, sign up in the narthex or contact the main office so we can reserve a section in the restaurant. 

Blessing and Farewell for Bakke’s

Sunday, June 25

For many, many years, the Bakke’s have devoted themselves to SOTC and to the mission of Jesus. Join us as we offer our thanks and blessing before they depart for Rockford later this summer. At the close of worship, we’ll offer a blessing and plant a tree in their honor.

SOTC T-Shirts

Sign up by Sunday, July 2 to order

Looking to update your SOTC swag? Or, looking to potentially help as a part of a pie fundraiser as a part of RAGBRAI on July 29? Consider buying a SOTC shirt! We will be encouraging volunteers on July 29 to wear this shirt.

Shirts are $20. Shirt color will be an oatmeal/off white with a dark navy image. See image below. Sign up in the narthex or contact the main office to sign up!

Baking Pies for RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 29

We’re looking for bakers and for volunteers to man a joint congregation pie booth as a part of the RAGBRAI event coming through Muscatine on July 29. 

Funds raised will be distributed back to congregations according to how many pies each congregation contributed/sold. 

Willing to help bake? Or, volunteer on July 29? We’ll need YOU! Contact Melissa Booth, Mackenzie Gilbert, or Delene McConnaha to sign up or see the sign up sheets in the narthex.

Next Joint Worship with New Era

July 16 @ New Era, 9:00 am

After hosting New Era in June, we’re looking forward to joining them in their church! Our offering will once again support the Iowa Bishop’s RAGBRAI for Hunger Initiative.

If you’d like to be a part of the choir and missed signing up, contact Delene McConnaha for more information.

A Celebration of Worship and Offerings

Next Joint Worship with New Era: July 16 @ New Era

It was a joy to share in worship together with those from New Era! Thanks to your donations, we collected $549.00 to benefit the Iowa Bishop’s RABGRAI for Hunger initiative. Funds will support ELCA World Hunger along with synodical hunger initiatives. If you’d like to give online toward this effort, give through Tithely. Be sure to select “Iowa Bishop’s RAGBRAI for Hunger” in the drop down menu.

Our next joint worship will be at New Era on July 16 at 9:00am. If you’d like to be a part of the choir and missed signing up this weekend, contact Delene McConnaha. 

Pastor Aleese Office Hours this Week

Due to Christian Day Camp, Pastor Aleese will not have scheduled office hours Tuesday – Friday. Though she will not be at church, she continues to be available via cell phone and email.

Women’s Group Change of June Date

Saturday, June 17 @ 8:30 am

It’s this Saturday! Note that last week’s weekly update advertised an incorrect time. We meet at 8:30am. Join us as we begin our summer study in the Gospel of John!

SOTC T-Shirts

Sign up by Sunday, July 2 to order

Looking to update your SOTC swag? Or, looking to potentially help as a part of a pie fundraiser as a part of RAGBRAI on July 29? Consider buying a SOTC shirt! We will be encouraging volunteers on July 29 to wear this shirt.

Shirts are $20. Shirt color will be an oatmeal/off white with a dark navy image. See image below. Sign up in the narthex or contact the main office to sign up!

Blessing and Farewell for Bakke’s

Sunday, June 25

For many, many years, the Bakke’s have devoted themselves to SOTC and to the mission of Jesus. Join us as we offer our thanks and blessing before they depart for Rockford later this summer. At the close of worship, we’ll offer a blessing and plant a tree in their honor.

Fill the Truck

Saturday, June 17, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Family Resources is needing volunteers to greet shoppers at the Hy-Vee store  (2nd Ave., Muscatine) entrance, hand out an item wish list, receive donations from the public, assist with placing donations in the sponsored truck, and assist with recording donations as they are received. Items collected during the Fill the Truck will benefit Family Resources Domestic Abuse Shelter and the clients served through the program. Contact Bob Stone if you are interested in volunteering your time. 

Baking Pies for RAGBRAI

Saturday, July 29

We’re looking for bakers and for volunteers to man a joint congregation pie booth as a part of the RAGBRAI event coming through Muscatine on July 29. 

Funds raised will be distributed back to congregations according to how many pies each congregation contributed/sold. 

Willing to help bake? Or, volunteer on July 29? We’ll need YOU! Contact Melissa Booth, Mackenzie Gilbert, or Delene McConnaha to sign up or see the sign up sheets in the narthex.

Supper at the Lighthouse with SOTC

June 24 @ 5:30 pm

Looking for a night off from cooking? You’re in luck! Join your fellow Shepherds for a night out at The Lighthouse (2142 Water Street, Fairport). If you’re interested in attending, sign up in the narthex or contact the main office so we can reserve a section in the restaurant.