Category: News

Panda Express Youth Fundraiser

Sunday, May 15

Get your Panda Express fix this weekend! Order online or go there and help support our youth group. 

Here’s what you need to do:

• order food (eat in/order online) at Panda Express on May 15
• present our coupon code: 334977
• enjoy your food and watch SOTC Youth get fundraising dollars!

Please make sure to use this month’s coupon code. Each month the code changes. For more information, and for a page that reminds you of our fundraising code, bookmark this page. Questions? Talk to Leslie Eichelberger. 

Interested in a Camp Out @ SOTC this Summer?

In previous years, we’ve hosted a camp out on SOTC grounds. Remembering how much fun it was, it’s been suggested to have a campout again this summer! 

If you’re interested in participating (or even joining us for a bonfire and games night), please fill out this form by Tuesday, May 17 so we can set up a date. Thanks!

Mairet Farms Fundraiser

Looking for some fresh produce this summer? Consider being a part of the Mairet Farms CSA bag program and receive fresh, local produce for six weeks! Starting July 11, you’ll receive a bag of produce each week. 

Better yet? By participating, SOTC will receive a portion of these proceeds! 

Interested? Complete the order form. Paper copies are also in the SOTC narthex. Thanks for your support!

Can You Help Find Where Jesus is Hidden?

Each Sunday through June 5

For the past two Sundays, we’ve been playing a little game on Sunday morning with our kids! Each week during the season of Easter, our Jesus figure will be hidden somewhere in the sanctuary. Kids are invited to look for Jesus, but to keep it a secret! Then, tell Pastor Aleese where you found it.  She’ll be keeping a tally of who’s found Jesus each week. Make plans to join us this weekend for worship!

Special Invitation to Final Family Faith Night

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30pm @ Grace

To close out the Family Faith Night year, we will be celebrating the confirmation of youth completing thier confirmation sequence. We do not have any confirmands from Shepherd this year, but Grace is excited to confirm 4 of their youth. So as to include leaders and families who have been a part of the joint Family Faith Nights throughout this year, Grace has elected to host confirmation on a Wednesday evening rather than during Sunday morning worship.

Whether you’ve been a part of Family Faith Night or not this year, consider yourself invited to join us as we witness the faith of our young people and as we are collectively sent to be Christ’s disciples into the world. We’ll have a short worship service at 6:30pm followed by a dessert reception. 

Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir

Thursday, June 16, at 7:30pm

Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir. Tom Trenney will be leading this free event. The choir will be singers from the Muscatine area. If you are interested in singing contact Wesley music director Dan Laaveg. Whether interested in singing, or simply enjoying the music, all in the community are invited! For more information, visit Wesley’s music page of thier website. 

Vacation Bible School

July 10-14, 5:30-8:00

Mark your calendars now! This summer, SOTC is excited to join with 6 other congregations to provide an opportunity for kids to experience God’s love and have some fun all at the same time! We will be collaborating with Zion Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, First Christian and Faith United Church of Christ.

VBS is open to all kids PreK-grade 6. VBS will be hosted at Zion Lutheran July 10-13 and the final night will be hosted at Grace Lutheran so as to provide time outside. ALL families are invited to join us for the final evening! A meal will be provided each night.

Questions? Contact Melissa Booth. 

Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

May 20-21

Each year, the synod gathers for an assembly for the purposes of attending to the business of the synod, creating networking opportunities for rostered and lay leaders, and providing a space for worship and spiritual renewal. This year, Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert will be attending as voting members along with Pastor Aleese. 

Portions of the assembly will be livestreamed on the Southeastern Iowa Synod’s Facebook page. Looking for more information of what is coming before the synod this year? Check out the landing page for the synod assembly. 

Later in May/June, the congregation will receive a report of key actions of the assembly. Please hold the synod in your prayers in the coming weeks!

Forming Faith in Families

This past week, our families had two unique opportunities to dive deeper into thier faith. On Wednesday, as a part of our Family Faith Nights hosted at Grace Lutheran, our middle school confirmation kids were learning about the impact of media and materialism on our lives. Noting that advertisements often target areas of our lives in which we feel as though we are lacking something, we talked about “voids” in our lives and discovered the promise that it is only Christ that can fill us to the brim with fullness of life and meaning. To illustrate, we did a science experiment in which the egg on top of the bottle in the picture below actually fell into the void of the glass bottle!

Later in the week, several families gathered for our monthly Family Nights. Together we enjoyed a meal, had some friendly competition in a game of “marshmallow bowling” with kids and adults, and our parents had a chance for some intentional conversation while the kiddos played outside. 

Looking for more opportunities to connect with others at Shepherd? Stay tuned as we coordinate opportunities for the coming summer!

Mairet Farms Fundraiser

Looking for some fresh produce this summer? Consider being a part of the Mairet Farms CSA bag program and receive fresh, local produce for six weeks! Starting July 11, you’ll receive a bag of produce each week. 

Better yet? By participating, SOTC will receive a portion of these proceeds! 

Interested? Complete the order form. Paper copies are also in the SOTC narthex. Thanks for your support!

Camp EWALU Work Day 

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided. 

For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.

Special Invitation to Final Family Faith Night

Wednesday, May 18, 6:30pm @ Grace

To close out the Family Faith Night year, we will be celebrating the confirmation of youth completing thier confirmation sequence. We do not have any confirmands from Shepherd this year, but Grace is excited to confirm 6 of thier youth. So as to include leaders and families who have been a part of the joint Family Faith Nights throughout this year, Grace has elected to host confirmation on a Wednesday evening rather than during Sunday morning worship. Though on a different day, this will be just as much of a celebration, and we want to invite others to join us as well!

Whether you’ve been a part of Family Faith Night or not this year, consider yourself invited to join us as we witness the faith of our young people and as we are collectively sent to be Christ’s disciples into the world. We’ll have a short worship service at 6:30pm followed by a dessert reception. 

Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir

Thursday, June 16, at 7:30pm

Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir. Tom Trenney will be leading this free event. The choir will be singers from the Muscatine area. If you are interested in singing contact Wesley music director Dan Laaveg. Whether interested in singing, or simply enjoying the music, all in the community are invited! For more information, visit Wesley’s music page of thier website. 

Vacation Bible School

July 10-14, 5:30-8:00

Mark your calendars now! This summer, SOTC is excited to join with 6 other congregations to provide an opportunity for kids to experience God’s love and have some fun all at the same time! We will be collaborating with Zion Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, First Christian and Faith United Church of Christ.

VBS is open to all kids PreK-grade 6. VBS will be hosted at Zion Lutheran July 10-13 and the final night will be hosted at Grace Lutheran so as to provide time outside. ALL families are invited to join us for the final evening! A meal will be provided each night.

Questions? Contact Melissa Booth. 

Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

May 20-21

Each year, the synod gathers for an assembly for the purposes of attending to the business of the synod, creating networking opportunities for rostered and lay leaders, and providing a space for worship and spiritual renewal. This year, Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert will be attending as voting members along with Pastor Aleese. 

Portions of the assembly will be livestreamed on the Southeastern Iowa Synod’s Facebook page. Looking for more information of what is coming before the synod this year? Check out the landing page for the synod assembly. 

Later in May/June, the congregation will receive a report of key actions of the assembly. Please hold the synod in your prayers in the coming weeks!

Thanks for supporting our youth heading to camp!

Thank you for helping us raise $157 in support of our youth through our Easter breakfast! At this point, we have 5 youth attending camp this summer, with a potential for a total of 8 youth. A week of camp costs about $500, and Shepherd provides a scholarship of $250 per youth attending a full week. With your help, we can provide an opportunity for youth to experience a sacred moment with Christ in a new and adventurous way. Thank you for your partnership with us as we support ways for our youth to experience the transformative love of Jesus!

Laundry Soap Making = A Success! 

Throughout the season of Lent, we gathered supplies to make laundry soap. Between Grace and Shepherd, we were able to make 20 batches of laundry soap! As one batch lasts for months for one family, this work has the potential to impact 20 families in our community. Thank you for your contributions, and thank you to those who joined us for our Family Faith Night to mix our ingredients!

Easter Sunday Adult Education

Begins Sunday, May 1
Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today.

Camp EWALU Work Day 

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided. 

For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.

Looking to hear more from our synod?

After Bishop Current’s visit with us on Palm Sunday, if you’re looking to stay up to date on various synod events, subscribe to the weekly Southeastern Iowa eNews. Pastor Aleese often shares information from these messages, but if you’d like to dive deeper into our connection with the churches we walk together with in our synod and the entire ELCA, subscribe now!

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, May 1 @ 6:00 pm

Attention all young adults and families with youth grade 12 and below!

You are invited to join us for a night of fellowship, food, fun, and a brief devotional activity.  For a few months, our families have been gathering to mutually support one another and to grow in faith together, and we’d love to have you!

Meal is provided as a part of our evening together. We wrap up by 7:30 pm. 

Questions? Contact Pastor Aleese. Note that Mackenzie Gilbert will be reaching out to families about one week prior to our event to confirm your attendance and to plan a joint potluck-ed meal. 

Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!  

What a celebration of Christ’s resurrection this past weekend!  It was a joy to gather with you all, and your extended families, as we ate together, searched for eggs, and offered our worship to our risen Lord! 

Looking to hear more from our synod?

After Bishop Current’s visit with us on Palm Sunday, if you’re looking to stay up to date on various synod events, subscribe to the weekly Southeastern Iowa eNews. Pastor Aleese often shares information from these messages, but if you’d like to dive deeper into our connection with the churches we walk together with in our synod and the entire ELCA, subscribe now!

Family Faith Nights Resume

Wednesday, April 20 @ 6:30 pm @ Grace

After a hiatus for the season of Lent, we pick back up with our Family Faith Nights in collaboration with Grace this week. This week, our elementary, middle school and adult groups will be all together for a service night. Join the fun as we mix laundry soap with the materials that you all helped provide through Lent! All are welcome!

Beginning Wednesday, April 27, elementary, middle school, and adult groups will resume their schedule of content. 

Christians Underground Resumes

Wednesday, April 20 @ 12:00 pm, Geo Johnz Pizza

The Easter season has only just begun! Join us as we begin our journey through 50 days of basking in the light of the resurrection. We meet each week to discuss our upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings. All are welcome!

Women’s Group Bible Study

Saturday, April 23 @ 8:30 am

After rescheduling earlier this month, we are excited to complete our four-month series on the Kingdom of God! In March, we learned that the Gospel of John often refers to “eternal life” as life that is not only eternally long, but also eternally deep – life that is endless in value and meaning. 

But what about what happens when we die? In our final session, we’ll learn about the “glory that awaits us” according to Scripture. Make plans to join us for conversation, prayer, and fellowship!

Easter Sunday Adult Education

Begins Sunday, May 1
Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today.

Camp EWALU Work Day 

Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided. 

For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, May 1 @ 6:00 pm

Attention all young adults and families with youth grade 12 and below!

You are invited to join us for a night of fellowship, food, fun, and a brief devotional activity.  For a few months, our families have been gathering to mutually support one another and to grow in faith together, and we’d love to have you!

Meal is provided as a part of our evening together. We wrap up by 7:30 pm. 

Questions? Contact Pastor Aleese. Note that Mackenzie Gilbert will be reaching out to families about one week prior to our event to confirm your attendance and to plan a joint potluck-ed meal. 

Let my prayer rise up…

Throughout the season of Lent, we gathered for worship as a time to pause, to pray, to praise, and to dwell in God’s Word. This past Wednesday during worship, we were guided through a meditation on John 12:1-8, in which Mary anoints Jesus feet with oil. As Mary offered herself as a gift of thanksgiving, love, worship, and mourning, we were encouraged to offer ourselves to Christ in our prayer. After a time of meditation, the congregation was invited to write one word/phrase on a piece of paper and place them on a nail on a wooden cross.

Following worship, we ventured outside and lit these prayers on fire. Why? So as to offer our prayers to God as an offering of incense, and so as to offer our prayers as a brazen act of beauty. Though the wind played with our plans, the papers on the cross were to turn into a rose. 

As you enter into Holy Week, offer yourself to Jesus as a brazen act of beauty, and offer your prayers as incense. However we offer ourselves, Christ receives us as we are. 

Holy Week at SOTC

Come and worship with us as we experience the only story that can fill us to the brim: Christ’s death and resurrection.

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00 am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship!

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast of egg bakes, fruit, and muffins. Still looking to help bring food or serve? Contact Leslie Eichelberger

In the midst of breakfast, we’ll host our annual Egg Hunt (outside, weather permitting). Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am.

No Christians Underground during Holy Week

Christians Underground will not meet this Wednesday, April 13. We will resume on Wednesday, April 20 at 12:00 pm at Geo Johnz Pizza. Join us for conversation around our upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings!

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Sunday Adult Education 

Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today. 

Sessions will begin Sunday, May 1.

Palm Sunday and Bishop Current Visit

Sunday, April 10

This coming Sunday we have two reasons to celebrate! Bishop Current will be joining us and we also will begin our journey through Holy Week. Make sure to stick around after a time of fellowship to have a conversation with Bishop Current during our education hour. 

Note that Palm Sunday worship will begin in the narthex. From the narthex, we will enact the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem by processing through the sanctuary, out the side door, onto the sidewalk and around the parking lot. In case of inclement weather, we will process inside

Find out more about Bishop Current.

Panda Express Fundraiser

Sunday, April 10

Looking to support our youth and eat some good food at the same time? This opportunity is for you! 

Here’s what you need to do:

• order food (eat in/order online) at Panda Express on April 10
• present our coupon code: 334976
• enjoy your food and watch SOTC Youth get fundraising dollars!

For more information, and for a page that reminds you of our fundraising code, bookmark this page. Questions? Talk to Leslie Eichelberger. 

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

Therefore, so as to continue providing an opportunity to gather in fellowship and a time for intentional conversation with parents, we will be gathering this coming Sunday evening.  Can’t make it this month? We aim to gather each month, so stay tuned for more information.

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00 am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship!

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast of egg bakes, fruit, and muffins. Youth and families attending Camp EWALU this summer will be helping serve/provide food, but we also need a bit extra help! If you can help provide food, serve, or clean up, sign up here. Questions? Contact Leslie Eichelberger

In the midst of breakfast, we’ll host our annual Egg Hunt (outside, weather permitting). Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am. Questions about the egg hunt? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Willing to help gather candy and assemble eggs? Congregation members are invited to bring candy and put it in the box in the narthex. We’ll assemble eggs on Sunday, April 10 during fellowship. 

April 6 Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Join us for our last Lenten midweek meal and worship! This week we will hear again the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet and will be invited into a practice of prayerful meditation.

April 6 Menu is: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Veggies, and Dessert 

Holy Week at SOTC

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Christians Underground Update

Our Christians Underground group has been meeting weekly on Wednesdays at noon at Geo Johnz and we’ve been having great conversations! All are welcome to join us!

Note that we WILL meet this coming Wednesday, April 6 but we will NOT meet Wednesday, April 13 due to Holy Week.

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

We have an awesome opportunity in a couple of weeks to welcome Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, to SOTC! In an effort to better connect with congregations in the synod, members of the synod staff have been visiting congregations in person. 

At the same time, Bishop Current has been meeting (via Zoom) with over 100 congregations in the synod in an effort to learn the hopes, fears, and sense of mission within various congregations. Though completely separate from Bishop Current’s visit on April 10, Shepherd recently had the opportunity to participate in this virtual conversation as well.  For this conversation, Pastor Aleese was asked to bring together our Council president (Delene McConnaha) and two other lay leaders. To round out the conversation, Pastor Aleese asked Heather Allen (previous Council president) and Mackenzie Gilbert (current Council liaison) to join the conversation.  Ask any one of these people how the conversation went and they can assure you that the conversation was incredibly positive and affirming of Shepherd!

If you’d like to hear more about this conversation, stop Delene, Heather, Mackenzie, or Pastor Aleese when you see them. And, if you’d like to help us welcome Bishop Current in true Shepherd form, join us on April 10 as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

Find out more about Bishop Current.

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship! Families of youth attending camp will be serving breakfast starting at 8:00 am. We likely will need some help from other families to provide egg casseroles, fruit, and muffins. If you are willing to help, here is the link to sign up. Questions, contact Leslie Eichelberger or Colleen Bentz. 

Our annual Egg Hunt will be outside (weather permitting). All are welcome to join us! Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am. 

Willing to help gather candy and assemble eggs? Congregation members are invited to bring candy and put it in the box in the narthex. We’ll assemble eggs on Sunday, April 10 during fellowship. 

March 30 Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

A reminder that we continue to gather for a meal from 5:30-6:15 pm and worship from 6:30-7:15 pm. This Wednesday we will take another look at our Gospel reading and consider God’s role and our role in repentance and bearing fruit.

March 30 Menu is: Baked potato bar, mac, and cheese, dessert

Supplies needed to make laundry soap? 

We need you, Shepherds! We’re joining with Grace this Lent to collect items to make laundry soap for families in our community.  Challenge yourself to bring one of these items each week between now and the end of Lent! 

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

Holy Week at SOTC

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am
(note: we will process outside, weather permitting. We will begin in the narthex, process out the side door, onto the sidewalk, and around the church parking lot.)

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm
(note: will NOT include a meal as has sometimes been the case in previous years)

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Family Night @ SOTC

Sun, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

This group is not meant to be exclusive; rather, the goal is to bring together people of similar life experiences to grow together in relationship and in faith. 

If you haven’t been able to join us yet, mark your calendars for our April gathering. Know that Pastor Aleese will be in touch via email with further details. 

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

We have an awesome opportunity in a few weeks to welcome Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, to SOTC! In an effort to better connect with congregations in the synod, members of the synod staff have been visiting congregations in-person. 

At the same time, Bishop Current has been meeting (via Zoom) with over 100 congregations in the synod in an effort to learn the hopes, fears, and sense of mission within various congregations. Though completely separate from Bishop Current’s visit on April 10, Shepherd recently had the opportunity to participate in this virtual conversation as well.  For this conversation, Pastor Aleese was asked to bring together our Council president (Delene McConnaha) and two other lay leaders. To round out the conversation, Pastor Aleese asked Heather Allen (previous Council president) and Mackenzie Gilbert (current Council liaison) to join the conversation. Ask any one of these people how the conversation went and they can assure you that the conversation was incredibly positive and affirming of Shepherd!

If you’d like to hear more about this conversation, stop Delene, Heather, Mackenzie or Pastor Aleese when you see ’em. And, if you’d like to help us welcome Bishop Current in true Shepherd form, join us on April 10 as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Wednesday, March 23

Reminder that we continue to gather for a meal from 5:30-6:15 pm and worship from 6:30-7:15 pm. This Wednesday we will take another look at our Gospel reading and consider God’s role and our role in repentance and bearing fruit.

March 23 Menu: Hot Chicken Sandwiches, Chips, Veggies or Fruit, and Dessert 

We still have a few openings for our last Lenten meal on April 6.  If you can help, please sign up here!

Easter Flowers

Sign up between March 6 – March 27

Would you like to purchase flowers to help SOTC decorate for Easter? There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact the office. Please indicate who you would like the flowers to be in honor or memory of. The cost is $10 per flower.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

Did you know that families can go months with only one batch of the laundry soap we’re making? And better yet…one batch only costs about $25 to make! Challenge yourself to bring one of these items each week between now and the end of Lent! Thanks for your support of our community!

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

Eastern Europe Crisis Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits. If you would like to help support these efforts, give here.

Holy Week at SOTC

As we cross the halfway mark in the season of Lent, be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Breakfast/Egg Hunt
Details forthcoming

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Family Night @ SOTC

Sun, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

This group is not meant to be exclusive; rather, the goal is to bring together people of similar life experiences to grow together in relationship and in faith. 

If you haven’t been able to join us yet, mark your calendars for our April gathering. Know that Pastor Aleese will be in touch via email with further details. 

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Starting Wednesday, March 16

5:30 – 6:15 pm | Meal 
6:30 – 7:15 pm | Worship Service

Our worship service will use the first half of the Holden Evening Prayer Service and then will spend time looking at the previous Sundays’ Scripture/theme. 

March 16 Menu: Walking Taco’s

If you’re willing to help provide food for a meal, please sign up below. Each group of people will determine what they would like to serve. Sign up here or on the signup sheet in the narthex. Questions re meals? Contact Colleen Bentz, team lead for our Social Team.

Easter Flowers

Sign up between March 6 – March 27

Would you like to purchase flowers to help SOTC decorate for Easter? There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact the office. Please indicate who you would like the flowers to be in honor or memory of. The cost is $10 per flower.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

Help us get off to a great start this Lent! We’re collecting raw materials to help families in the Muscatine community make their own laundry soap, and are looking for the following items:

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

We’ll gather materials throughout the season, and then our Family Faith Night crew will put these raw materials together to make laundry soap to benefit the families of Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI). Want to get in on the fun? Mark your calendars now to join us at Grace on April 20 at 6:30 p.m.!

New Contact Directory!

Looking to contact your fellow Shepherds? Or, looking to get in touch with some of our new member families? Take a look at our updated contact directory! Revised narrative directory coming soon. Go to the members-only section of our website. If you have forgotten our password, contact the office.

Eastern Europe Crisis Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits. If you would like to help support these efforts, give here.

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

In a desire to connect with congregations within the Southeastern Iowa Synod, the Office of the Bishop for the Southeastern Iowa Synod offered to visit SOTC to catch a glimpse of what ministry looks like in this place! To that end, we are excited to welcome Bishop Amy Current on Sun, April 10. She will preach and preside over communion, and remain with us for fellowship and our education hour. Make sure to join us as we offer a warm welcome and as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

SOTC Goes to EWALU!

June 19-24

The word is out! In lieu of the ELCA Youth Gathering, our High School Youth will be participating in the Uplifted program at Camp EWALU. 

In addition, we are taking a crew to confirmation camp. If you have a youth in confirmation, or a youth who will soon be beginning thier confirmation journey, talk to Pastor Aleese for more information. 

Have younger kids? There are opportunities for other ages that week as well!

Let’s fill some vans and drive north! For more information, check out EWALU’s list of summer camps. High Schoolers and confirmation youth are asked to confirm with Pastor Aleese by March 20 if they are interested in attending.

Making Sense of the Cross Adult Education

When asked, “Why did Jesus die?” what would you say? Many may respond with something like, “to forgive us our sin.” But what does that mean?

If you’d like to dive deeper into the cross, and the various perspectives that the four Gospels give us of Jesus’ death and resurrection, join other adults (and older youth) as we dive deeper. The conversation will begin at about 10:30 am and will be led by Pastor Aleese.

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Starting Wednesday, March 9

5:30 – 6:15 pm | Meal 
6:30 – 7:15 pm | Worship Service

Our worship service will use the first half of the Holden Evening Prayer Service and then will spend time looking at the previous Sundays’ Scripture/theme. 

March 9 Menu: Various Soups (Cozy Autumn Wild Rice, Red Pepper, Chili, Hamburger Vegetable, Chicken Noodle), Bread & Crackers, PB&J sandwiches, veggies & dip, and desserts.

If you’re willing to help provide food for a meal, please sign up below. We’re looking for teams of 5 people per Wednesday to provide, serve, and clean up a meal. Each group of people will determine what they would like to serve. Sign up here or on the sign-up sheet in the narthex. Questions re meals? Contact Colleen Bentz, team lead for our Social Team.

Easter Flowers

Sign up between March 6 – March 27

Would you like to purchase flowers to help SOTC decorate for Easter? There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact the office. Please indicate who you would like the flowers to be in honor or memory of. The cost is $10 per flower.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

For many families in the greater Muscatine community, laundry soap is an expensive item that often gets left to the side. To help, Shepherd is teaming up with Grace Lutheran to gather supplies to make laundry soap.  That’s right…we’re making laundry soap, at a much cheaper rate than buying it outright! Starting March 6, we’ll be collecting the following items:

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

We’ll gather materials throughout the season, and then our Family Faith Night crew will put these raw materials together to make laundry soap to benefit the families of Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI). Want to get in on the fun? Mark your calendars now to join us at Grace on April 20 at 6:30 p.m.!

New Contact Directory!

Looking to contact your fellow Shepherds? Or, looking to get in touch with some of our new member families? Take a look at our updated contact directory! Revised narrative directory coming soon. Go to the members-only section of our website. If you have forgotten our password, contact the office.

Eastern Europe Crisis Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits. If you would like to help support these efforts, give here.

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

In a desire to connect with congregations within the Southeastern Iowa Synod, the Office of the Bishop for the Southeastern Iowa Synod offered to visit SOTC to catch a glimpse of what ministry looks like in this place! To that end, we are excited to welcome Bishop Amy Current on Sun, April 10. She will preach and preside over communion, and remain with us for fellowship and our education hour. Make sure to join us as we offer a warm welcome and as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

Women’s Group

Sat, March 12 @ 8:30 am

In the book of John, Jesus uses the expression “eternal life” quite often. Often, we may understand “eternal life” to imply life after death. But in the Gospel of John, this phrase not only refers to a life that is eternally long but is also a life that is eternally deep – a life that is endless in value and meaning.

Want to learn more? Join us for the Women’s Group as we spend time in study and in fellowship. All are welcome!