Category: News

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 19 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 Worship

February 22 @ 7:00 pm

Lent begins with an invitation to be honest with ourselves and with God. In worship, we’ll recall the ways that we have sinned against God and each other and will receive the mark of ashes. Marked with the cross of Christ, then we gather in repentance around the communion table as we tangibly receive God’s forgiveness. Note: Ash Wednesday worship will be livestreamed using the same link as Sunday morning worship.

Midweek Lenten Gatherings

Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30 pm

We’re looking forward to our gatherings starting up after Ash Wednesday! Each week, our time will be a combination of large group and small group time that will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. Have kiddos? Bring ’em along! We’ll have some activities for them as well. 

If you’re thinking about joining us, please sign up here. One name per line please. If you do not sign up, but desire to join us on any given week, know that you are welcome. We will assign you to a small group when you arrive. 

Note that Wednesday Gatherings (post Ash Wednesday) will not be livestreamed.

Lenten Opportunities at Zion and Grace

Not quite feelin’ the vibe of our Midweek Lenten Gatherings at Shepherd? Check out what’s going on at Zion and Grace! As sister ELCA congregations, we are sharing information about what each congregation is doing so as to provide for the various spiritual needs of our members. 

Zion 

Ash Wednesday worship begins the season of Lent with worship at 5:30 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 5:30 pm. Worship will use the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and will focus on the theme of “Unfinished: Out of the Depths” (a series on the book of Jonah). A meal will be served following each midweek Lenten service (free will offering). 

Grace

Ash Wednesday worship is at 6:00 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 6:00pm. Worship will follow a Service of the Word format, about 30 minutes in length. The focus of worship will be “Faith”, following the stories of faith of people throughout the Bible and considering what faith means today. A meal will be served prior to worship. 

Lutheran Disaster Relief Support for Earthquake Victims

If you’re looking for an avenue to give in response to the devastation caused by earthquakes impacting Turkey and Syria, consider giving to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is committed to supporting our partner organizations that are responding to the needs of survivors. Give by clicking here or offering your donation at Shepherd. Donations that we receive will then be forwarded to LDR. For any donations given through Shepherd, please clearly mark the intent of your gift on your check or envelope.

We need some more ping pong paddles!

Our Shepherd kids LOVE ping pong! Due to good ol’ wear-and-tear, we’ve needed to get rid of some of our paddles.  Do you have some extra at home you’d be willing to spare? Or, would you be willing to grab a set from Wal-Mart? If we have two more paddles, our kids can play doubles! Bring paddles to the youth room and let Pastor Aleese know if you’re willing to donate some!

Sock and Laundry Drive

February 26 – April 2

This Lent we will be supporting Laundry Love, a ministry sponsored by Midtown Laundry Mat and Trinity Episcopal. Right now, they are looking for cash donations to fund the cost of laundry services and are looking for donations of the following items:

• Socks (kids and adult)
• Laundry detergent
• Dryer sheets
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste

Our kids will be contributing $200 from their children’s sermon fund. The challenge to the congregation is to match that amount. Look for a tote for donations and a bucket for monetary contributions in the narthex soon!

Summer Christian Day Camp

June 13 -17

This summer, several congregations and organizations are coming together to sponsor a Christian Day Camp hosted at Saulsbury Park. Camp will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily with the option for campers to spend the night from Friday into Saturday. Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. To register, click here or pick up a registration form in the narthex!

Midweek Lenten Gatherings – Will you join us?

Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30 pm

This Lent, we’ll be gathering on Wednesday evenings to dive into the themes presented on Sunday mornings. Each week, our time will be a combination of large group and small group time that will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. If families with kids are interested in joining us, we’ll be sure to have opportunities for our kiddos too!

So as to have enough leaders, and provide some snacks, we’re seeking your response. Do you think that you’ll be joining us on Wednesdays during Lent? If so, sign up using the link here. One name per line please. Families are encouraged to sign up each individual who may join us. Write your kids’ names if they’ll be joining us, too!

Next GOLF Night – Open to all joining us for Midweek Lenten Gatherings!

Sunday, February 19, 4:00 pm

 This month we are offering a special invitation to anyone who will be joining us for our Midweek Lenten Gatherings to come to our February Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) Night. Before going on a trip, we prepare for the journey ahead. In the same way, we’ll take time on Feb 19 to prepare ourselves for our upcoming Lenten journey. A portion of our time will be together with adults and kids. Then, we’ll separate into appropriate groups. Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese.

Women’s Group

Saturday, February 11 @ 8:30am

After a brief break from our gatherings on the second Saturday of the month, we are back at it this spring with a focus on the 10 commandments. In the next four months, we will take a fresh look at what these ancient commands mean for us today. All women – members and friends! – welcome to join us!

Men’s Pants Needed at MCSA

Sizes 32-40, especially sizes 32-36

MCSA has experienced an increase in demand for men’s pants: sweatpants, jeans, and business pants. There is currently a waitlist for sizes 32-36, but donations are welcome for sizes 32-40. If you can help, take donations to MCSA (312 Iowa Ave) between 5:30 am – 10:00 pm.

We need some more ping pong paddles!

Our Shepherd kids LOVE ping pong! Due to good ol’ wear-and-tear, we’ve needed to get rid of some of our paddles.  Do you have some extra at home you’d be willing to spare? Or, would you be willing to grab a set from Wal-Mart? If we have two more paddles, our kids can play doubles! Bring paddles to the youth room and let Pastor Aleese know if you’re willing to donate some!

Updated Constitution

Last Sunday we passed amendments to our SOTC Constitution. A revised copy of the Constitution can be found in the narthex. If you have any questions, talk with any of your Council leaders (Delene McConnaha, Kim Bartling, Matt Bentz, Erin Jorgensen, Melissa Booth, Mackenzie Gilbert, Mark Petersen). 

“Talks from the Desk” – Video Series on the Experiences of Black Lutherans 

Wednesdays @ 7:30 pm CT via YouTube Premiere

Black History Month began on February 1 and so did a new season of “Talks at the Desk’ video series sponsored by the African Descent Ministries of the ELCA. The “Talks at the Desk” series explores the experiences of Black Lutherans. Episodes will premiere on YouTube each Wed in February at 7:30  CT. Episodes will explore community-driven environmental justice work in Milwaukee, the storytelling of elders from the Conference of International Black Lutherans, and history learnings from the US Virgin Islands. Watch this trailer to learn more and subscribe to the YouTube channel to receive updates!

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 19

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. Mark your calendars, and start looking up those gooey chocolate recipes!

Summer Christian Day Camp

June 13 -17

This summer, several congregations and organizations are coming together to sponsor a Christian Day Camp hosted at Saulsbury Park. Camp will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily with the option for campers to spend the night from Friday into Saturday. Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. To register, click here or pick up a registration form in the narthex!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 4, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Grab your favorite game and bring yourself and your family for a night of fellowship! Bring an appetizer to share for a light meal together. 

Contributions for Joel Christensen

Through Sunday, Feb 5

To show our appreciation to Joel for all his help in keeping the SOTC lawn looking beautiful during the growing season, we are collecting monetary donations for a gift card to be sent in a Valentine’s Day card. Please note: Joel volunteers his time and use of his equipment. He is not paid for this service. 

Men’s Pants Needed at MCSA

Sizes 32-40, especially sizes 32-36

MCSA has experienced an increase in demand for men’s pants: sweatpants, jeans, and business pants. There is currently a waitlist for sizes 32-36, but donations are welcome for sizes 32-40. If you can help, take donations to MCSA (312 Iowa Ave) between 5:30 am – 10:00 pm.

Midweek Lenten Gatherings – Will you join us?

Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30pm

This Lent, we’ll be gathering on Wednesday evenings to dive further into the themes presented on Sunday mornings. Embracing our Lenten theme of “Seeking,” our Wednesday gatherings will encourage us – individually and collectively – to authentically seek God and seek relationship with one another. Each week, our time will be a combination of large group and small group time and will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. If families with kids are interested in joining us, we’ll be sure to have opportunities for our kiddos too!

So as to have enough leaders, and provide some snacks, we’re seeking your response. Do you think that you’ll be joining us on Wednesdays during Lent? If so, sign up here. One name per line please. Families are encouraged to sign up each individual who may join us. Write your kids’ names if they’ll be joining us, too

Women’s Group

Saturday, February 11 @ 8:30am

After a brief break from our gatherings on the second Saturday of the month, we are back at it this spring with a focus on the 10 commandments. In the next four months, we will take a fresh look at what these ancient commands mean for us today. All women – members and friends! – welcome to join us!

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 19

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. Mark your calendars, and start looking up those gooey chocolate recipes!

Next GOLF Night

Sunday, February 19 

Join Shepherd families as we prepare for the coming season of Lent! After celebrating Transfiguration Sunday in the morning, we’ll transition to thinking about what Ash Wednesday means for us, and begin to dive into our Lenten theme of “Seeking.” Anyone joining us for our Midweek Lenten Gatherings are encouraged to join us as well as we offer dedicated time to naming what it is we are seeking in the upcoming season. 

Welcome to Our Flock, Josie Mae!

This past Sunday we had the privilege of welcoming Josie into our community through the sacrament of baptism! Josie, you are a beloved child of God, marked with the cross of Christ and sealed by the Holy Spirit! Welcome to the mission we all share as disciples of Jesus!

Faith Formation in our Kids and Families!

In the past week we’ve hosted various opportunities for our children, youth, and families to learn more about the Bible, about the sacraments, and about their faith!

Last Wednesday our middle school group that meets during Family Faith Night learned about the book of Exodus. Below you see two of our middle schoolers: one holding their interpretation of the ark of the covenant, and one working on their rendition of the 10 Commandments.

Then, on Sunday evening, we had 5 families join Pastor Aleese to learn about the sacraments, and specifically the promise of baptism. Below you see two of our leaders leading a science experiment to point to the promise that God forgives our sin. Even our adults had a bit of time for conversation themselves during the evening, diving deeper into questions about what baptism is really all about.

Keep your eyes open for more GOLF opportunities and Lenten formational groups coming your way soon!

Shepherding Team Sign Up – 2023

Sign Up through Sunday, February 5

We are all one body in this mosaic of SOTC! 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!

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29 following worship

It’s this weekend! Be sure to stick around after worship to celebrate our shared ministry together at SOTC! Materials for the meeting, and our annual report, are linked below.

2022 Annual Report

Proposed SOTC Constitutional Amendments

Proposed Audit Committee Amendment

After our meeting, our Social Team is coordinating a special fellowship complete with breakfast casseroles, fruit and muffins. It’s like an Easter Breakfast in January! Stick around to share your stories of life at SOTC in the past year. 

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 4, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Grab your favorite game and bring yourself and your family for a night of fellowship! Bring an appetizer to share for a light meal together. 

Contributions for Joel Christensen

Through Sunday, Feb 5

To show our appreciation to Joel for all his help in keeping the SOTC lawn looking beautiful during the growing season, we are collecting monetary donations for a gift card. The plan is to send him “some love” for Valentines Day.

Women’s Group

Saturday, February 11 @ 8:30am

During January, our women took a month hiatus from our monthly Bible Study as we celebrated the feast of Epiphany. Join us again in February as we begin our study of the 10 Commandments and what they have to tell us as followers of Jesus today. All women – members and friends! – welcome to join us!

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 19

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. Mark your calendars, and start looking up those gooey chocolate recipes!

Shepherding Team Sign Up – 2023

Sign Up through Sunday, February 5

We are all one body in this mosaic of SOTC! 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!

We’re looking for your feedback!

Advent/Christmas Worship Survey

During the Advent-Christmas season, we offered resources to the congregation for individual use, and also adapted our worship service. Our Worship and Music Team are looking for your feedback to get a broader perspective if these efforts were beneficial. Fill out a paper copy (found in the narthex) or fill out the form linked here. We thank you in advance for your feedback as we seek to connect to Christ and to each other in our worship!

January GOLF Night – Sacraments and Baptism

Sunday, January 22 @ 4:00 pm

It’s this weekend! Join us as we explore the sacraments and take a deeper dive into the sacrament of baptism. After witnessing the baptism of Josie in the morning during worship, come and learn more with us! ALL in the congregation are welcome to join us!

Baptism of Josie Bartling

Sunday, January 22

The sacrament of baptism is a public declaration of God’s love for all of us as children of God, and is an individual promise of grace upon those baptized. Join us as Josie Bartling – daughter of Joe and Takoma Bartling – is baptized in the name of the Triune God and officially becomes a part of our flock! Cake reception will follow after worship during the fellowship hour.

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29 following worship

Each January we set aside a Sunday to celebrate our shared ministry together at SOTC during our annual meeting. During this time, we will review the year, vote on nominated leaders and proposed constitutional amendments, and also hear reports regarding our financial position. 

Our 2022 Annual Report a copy of the Proposed SOTC Constitutional Amendments and the Proposed Audit Committee Amendment are linked. Nominations for election can be found in the annual report. Direct questions to Delene McConnaha, president of the congregation.

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 4, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Grab your favorite game and bring yourself and your family for a night of fellowship! 

Bring an appetizer to share for a light meal together. 

Women’s Group

Saturday, February 11 @ 8:30am

During January, our women took a month hiatus from our monthly Bible Study as we celebrated the feast of Epiphany. Join us again in February as we begin our study of the 10 Commandments and what they have to tell us as followers of Jesus today. All women – members and friends! – welcome to join us!

January GOLF Night – Change of Date!

Sunday, January 22 @ 4:00 pm

Because of schedule conflicts for many of our families with kiddos, we are changing the date of our January Generations of Living Faith (GOLF) night. This month we will be exploring the sacraments and diving deeper into baptism. After witnessing the baptism of Josie in the morning during worship, come and learn more with us! ALL in the congregation are welcome to join us!

We’re looking for your feedback!

Advent/Christmas Worship Survey

During the Advent-Christmas season, we offered resources to the congregation for individual use, and also adapted our worship service. Our Worship and Music Team are looking for your feedback to get a broader perspective if these efforts were beneficial. Fill out a paper copy (found in the narthex) or fill out the form linked here. We thank you in advance for your feedback as we seek to connect to Christ and to each other in our worship!

Baptism of Josie Bartling

Sunday, January 22

The sacrament of baptism is a public declaration of God’s love for all of us as children of God, and is an individual promise of grace upon those baptized. Join us as Josie Bartling – daughter of Joe and Takoma Bartling – is baptized in the name of the Triune God and officially becomes a part of our flock! Cake reception will follow after worship during the fellowship hour.

Amendments to SOTC Constitution

This summer, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a slate of suggested amendments to congregational constitutions. As our Council reviewed these suggestions, we also are suggesting an additional amendment regarding our Audit Committee. Suggested amendments are available in the narthex. We will vote upon the amendments during our annual meeting

Thank you from Pastor Aleese

Thank you, Shepherds, for your generous Christmas gifts! The computer cords will help me better work with my laptop, and the Gospel and Psalm books will aid my preaching, teaching, and devotional life. Looking forward to using the veggie spiralizer in the kitchen soon! Thank you for your thoughts, your gifts, and your support!

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29 after worship

Each January we set aside a Sunday to celebrate our shared ministry together at SOTC during our annual meeting. During this time, we will review the year, vote on nominated leaders and proposed constitutional amendments, and also hear reports regarding our financial position. All are welcome to join us as we give thanks for the ways God has been at work in and through our Shepherds in the past year!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 4, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Grab your favorite game and bring yourself and your family for a night of fellowship! 

Bring an appetizer to share for a light meal together. 

Family Faith Nights and Christians Underground Resume

Wednesday, January 4

Reminder to those involved in Family Faith Nights that we resume tomorrow evening at 6:00 pm at Grace with a meal. Christians Underground also resumes at Geo Johnz at noon.

Thanks for your support of ELCA Good Gifts!

Thanks to your help, and our Children’s Sermon offering fund, we were able to contribute $735 toward ELCA Good Gifts this Christmas! We purchased 3 goat and chicks, 1 share of a cow, 1 share of a fish farm, 5 pigs, 3 goats, 3 honeybee farms, 5 roosters, and 2 sets of chicks.  

With your gifts you have helped families around the world move toward self-sustainability. For example, with the gift of a goat and a flock of chicks, families will have access to an ongoing supply of eggs from their chicken and protein-packed milk from their goat. Even better, extra eggs and dairy products can be sold at the market for a steady income. 

Thanks for doing God’s Work with Your Hands!

Women’s Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 8, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Calling all women of the congregation!  Join us for our annual Women’s Epiphany Party in which we’ll share in a light meal (please bring an appetizer to share), a candle exchange (bring a wrapped candle for a rousing candle swap!), and a blessing for the coming year. This will take the place of Women’s Group on the second Saturday of the month. 

January GOLF Night

Sunday, January 15 @ 4:00 pm

Mark your calendars to join us for our January Generations of Living Faith night! All in the congregation are invited to join us as we begin our monthly pattern again. More information to come soon about what we’ll be focusing on during our evening together.

Amendments to SOTC Constitution

This summer, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a slate of suggested amendments to congregational constitutions. As our Council reviewed these suggestions, we also are suggesting an additional amendment regarding our Audit Committee. Suggested amendments are available in the narthex. We will vote upon the amendments during our annual meeting

2023 Offering Envelopes

If you received offering envelopes in 2022, a new set of envelopes will be ready for you by this coming Sunday, January 8. If you did not receive offering envelopes in 2022 but would like envelopes, contact Kathy.  

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29 after worship

Each January we set aside a Sunday to celebrate our shared ministry together at SOTC during our annual meeting. During this time, we will review the year, vote on nominated leaders and proposed constitutional amendments, and also hear reports regarding our financial position. All are welcome to join us as we give thanks for the ways God has been at work in and through our Shepherds in the past year!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 4, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Grab your favorite game and bring yourself and your family for a night of fellowship! 

Bring an appetizer to share for a light meal together. 

Thanks for your support of ELCA Good Gifts!

Thanks to your help, and our Children’s Sermon offering fund, we were able to contribute $735 toward ELCA Good Gifts this Christmas! We purchased 3 goat and chicks, 1 share of a cow, 1 share of a fish farm, 5 pigs, 3 goats, 3 honeybee farms, 5 roosters, and 2 sets of chicks.  

With your gifts you have helped families around the world move toward self-sustainability. For example, with the gift of a goat and a flock of chicks, families will have access to an ongoing supply of eggs from their chicken and protein-packed milk from their goat. Even better, extra eggs and dairy products can be sold at the market for a steady income. 

Thanks for doing God’s Work with Your Hands!

Community Need: Crib and Crib Mattress

We recently received a call from a local non-profit organization seeking a crib and crib mattress for a mom and child who are moving out of MCSA into their own home. If you have a crib and crib mattress (in good condition) that you no longer need, or have a lead, contact Pastor Aleese. 

Women’s Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 8, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Calling all women of the congregation!  Join us for our annual Women’s Epiphany Party in which we’ll share in a light meal (please bring an appetizer to share), a candle exchange (bring a wrapped candle for a rousing candle swap!), and a blessing for the coming year. This will take the place of Women’s Group on the second Saturday of the month. 

Amendments to SOTC Constitution

This summer, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a slate of suggested amendments to congregational constitutions. As our Council reviewed these suggestions, we also are suggesting an additional amendment regarding our Audit Committee. Suggested amendments are available in the narthex. We will vote upon the amendments during our annual meeting

January GOLF Night

Sunday, January 15, 4:00 pm

Mark your calendars to join us for our January Generations of Living Faith night! All in the congregation are invited to join us as we begin our monthly pattern again. More information to come soon about what we’ll be focusing on during our evening together.

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29 after worship

Each January we set aside a Sunday to celebrate our shared ministry together at SOTC during our annual meeting. During this time, we will review the year, vote on nominated leaders and proposed constitutional amendments, and also hear reports regarding our financial position. All are welcome to join us as we give thanks for the ways God has been at work in and through our Shepherds in the past year!

Christmas Fun!

In the past week we’ve had numerous opportunities to gather in fellowship and spread some cheer! Our Family Faith Night crew gathered last Wed for a night of wrapping up their leaders in wrapping paper and having a newspaper snowball fight. On Sunday, our Shepherd family gathered to play games and try some delicious homemade cookies. And on Monday, we had groups of people from Shepherd, Grace, and Zion ringing bells at HyVee. Thanks for being a part of the Christmas fun and sharing joy this season!

Community Need: Crib and Crib Mattress

We recently received a call from a local non-profit organization seeking a crib and crib mattress for a mom and child who are moving out of MCSA into their own home. If you have a crib and crib mattress (in good condition) that you no longer need, or have a lead, contact Pastor Aleese. 

Christmas Eve Worship

Saturday, December 24 @ 4:00 pm

Come and adore Christ as our God is born among us. Worship will include holy communion and a candlelight service while singing “Silent Night.”

Year End Giving

Last day for 2022 Contributions: December 24

If you are planning to make a year end donation, please do so by December 24. All gifts received after December 24 will be deposited in 2023.

Opportunities for Christmas Day Worship

Because of the schedules of our Shepherds, we will not host Christmas Day worship at SOTC. However, the following congregations have invited us to join them! If you’re looking for a place to worship on Christmas morning, check out these congregations:

Grace Lutheran – 9:00 am | Lessons and carols service with Communion
2107 Cedar Street

Zion Lutheran – 9:00 am | Lessons and carols service with Communion 
513 Sycamore Street

Wesley United Methodist – 10:00 am | Christmas worship with communion
400 Iowa Avenue

First Presbyterian – 10:30 am | Worship with carol singing and a brief meditation. Wear your Christmas sweaters!
401 Iowa Avenue

Trinity Episcopal – 10:00 am | Eucharist worship with a renewal of baptismal vows with a blessing of water. Note that incense will be used during worship.
211 Walnut Street

Saints Mary and Mathias – 10:30 am | Christmas mass including communion, centered around John 1. Note that incense will be used during worship
215 W. 8th Street

Office Hours Following Christmas

Wednesday, December 28, 9:00 am – 12:00 pm

To allow time for our staff to spend time with family during the holiday season, the church office will be closed Sunday, December 25 – Tuesday, December 27 and Thursday, December 29 – Friday, December 30. Pastor Aleese and Kathy will be in the office on Wednesday, December 28 from 9:00am – 12:00pm. If you need assistance outside of these times, please contact Kathy via email.

Pastor Aleese will be on vacation December 25 – 27 and December 29 – 31. If you are in need of pastoral care during this time, contact Pastor Susan Bantz (Grace) at 563-554-9213. Pastor Aleese will return to lead worship on Sunday, January 1.

Celebrate New Years Day and Epiphany Sunday @ SOTC!

Sunday, January 1

After your New Years Eve celebrations, join us at Shepherd as we kick off the new year together! During worship, we’ll focus on the story of the coming of the wise men, and will ponder “star words” for the coming year. More information to come…but know this: you’ll need your phones during worship! Pastor Aleese will have you look some things up online to participate in worship. After worship, stick around for a special New Years celebration during fellowship.

Women’s Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 8, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Calling all women of the congregation!  Join us for our annual Women’s Epiphany Party in which we’ll share in a light meal (please bring an appetizer to share), a candle exchange (bring a wrapped candle for a rousing candle swap!), and a blessing for the coming year. This will take the place of Women’s Group on the second Saturday of the month. 

Annual Meeting

Sunday, January 29 after worship

Each January we set aside a Sunday to celebrate our shared ministry together at SOTC during our annual meeting. During this time, we will review the year, vote on nominated leaders and proposed constitutional amendments, and also hear reports regarding our financial position. All are welcome to join us as we give thanks for the ways God has been at work in and through our Shepherds in the past year!

Amendments to SOTC Constitution

Amendments available Sunday, January 1

This summer, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly passed a slate of suggested amendments to congregational constitutions. As our Council reviewed these suggestions, we also are suggesting an additional amendment regarding our Audit Committee. Suggested amendments will be available to the congregation on Sunday, January 1 and will be voted upon during our annual meeting.

Ring Bells with our Family Faith Night Crew and High Schoolers!

Monday, December 19, 5:00 – 8:00 pm @ Hy-Vee (2nd Ave)

Looking to give back to your community this holiday season and have some fun doing it? Join your fellow Shepherds, along with our friends from Zion and Grace, in ringing bells for the Salvation Army. 

Click here to sign up for an hour shift. We are starting with four volunteers per time slot (per door) but can expand if there is more interest. Please come 5-10 minutes before your shift, and consider wearing some festive apparel. Because we’re at Hy-Vee, we will be inside. No need to dress for sub-zero temps! 

SOTC Christmas Party

Sunday, December 18, 3:30 – 5:00 pm

Join us for a night of cookies, skits, carols, crafts, games and fun! We’ll start off the night by sharing with each other some of our favorite Christmas traditions over the generations and then participate in a group, spontaneous live nativity with carols. “Parts” needed for all ages! After our impromptu nativity story, we’ll play some Christmas games and the kids can make their own ornaments to take home with them. Bring a plate of Christmas cookies to share as we gather. If there are some left by the end of the evening, we’ll have a cookie swap

Take a look at our generations at Shepherd!

Our bulletin board is filling up! If you haven’t shared your “generations” picture, bring it to the church to add to the board or email them to Kathy. Pictures of multiple generations present, or pictures from several generations past, are all welcome! Next time you’re at Shepherd, take a look at the board to see how our stories are interweaving with the story of Christ!

Christmas Eve Worship

Saturday, December 24 @ 4:00 pm

As you begin to make holiday plans, make plans to join us for worship on Christmas Eve. Worship will include holy communion and a candlelight service while singing “Silent Night.”

Opportunities for Christmas Day Worship

Because of the schedules of our Shepherds, we will not host Christmas Day worship at SOTC. However, the following congregations have invited us to join them! If you’re looking for a place to worship on Christmas morning, check out these congregations:

Grace Lutheran – 9:00 am | Lessons and carols service with Communion
2107 Cedar Street

Zion Lutheran – 9:00 am | Lessons and carols service with Communion 
513 Sycamore Street

Wesley United Methodist – 10:00 am | Christmas worship with communion
400 Iowa Avenue

First Presbyterian – 10:30 am | Worship with carol singing and a brief meditation. Wear your Christmas sweaters!
401 Iowa Avenue

Trinity Episcopal – 10:00 am | Eucharist worship with a renewal of baptismal vows with a blessing of water. Note that incense will be used during worship.
211 Walnut Street

Saints Mary and Mathias – 10:30 am | Christmas mass including communion, centered around John 1. Note that incense will be used during worship
215 W. 8th Street

Year End Giving

Last day for 2022 Contributions: December 24

As you gather with us for Christmas Eve Worship, note that this will be the last worship service of 2022. If you are planning to make a year end donation, please do so by December 24. All gifts received after December 24 will be deposited in 2023.

Women’s Epiphany Party

Sunday, January 8, 5:00 – 7:00 pm

Calling all women of the congregation! Mark your calendars to join us for our annual Women’s Epiphany Party. Our night together will include a light meal (please bring an appetizer to share), a candle exchange (bring a wrapped candle for a rousing candle swap!), and a blessing for the coming year.