Category: Our Life Together

Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm @ Grace

It’s this week! Hope to see you at Grace with costume and face mask! If you are hosting a trunk, reminder to be set up at Grace by 5:15pm. Questions? Talk to Cathy Bermel, Melissa Booth, or Judy Bartling. 

Crafting for a Cause

Saturday, October 30, 9 am-12 pm

Thank you for all the crayons! Last Thursday some of our kiddos came together again to craft for the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center. They will have the rubbing crayons they created for sale Saturday at Wesley Family Life Center (114 W 4th St). Any youth that would like to help sell our creations, contact Kathy. Adults, join us Saturday morning to help support MVCPC!

Names for All Saints Day Litany

Submit by October 31, used in worship on Nov. 7

Each year, the church celebrates All Saints Day – a day to remember all the saints in God’s Kingdom, especially those who have been baptized and those who have died in the past year. To honor those saints, we will include a litany for the saints as a part of worship on Sunday, November 7. If you would like a family member or friend included, submit their name, relation to you, and if they have been baptized/have died to the church office by October 31.

Final Push for Sharing the Good News Campaign

Thanks to your support, we have raised $1750 toward the Sharing the Good News Campaign!

Because we began this campaign a week later than anticipated, we are extending the time to contribute through Sunday, October 31. All funds will go toward our general fund. Contributions can be made online, offered within worship, or mailed/dropped off at the church office. Thank you for your support, Shepherds, as we join with God in what God is already doing in our midst!

We Have a Shed!

If you’ve been at SOTC in the past two weeks, you’ve likely noticed our new shed! We are so excited to begin using it so as to create space in our building for ministry! This past weekend, a crew began trenching to run cabling to the shed. This will allow electricity outside, along with WiFi access. Moving forward, our Property Team will be discussing and installing shelving. Once shelving is in place, “stuff” from inside the building can start making its way to the shed. 

Note that the shed will remain locked for security. If you need access, there will be a key hung in the kitchen.  Questions? Talk to Nick Gilbert or Kathy Dunham.  

Congregational Budget Meeting

Saturday, November 21

This week, our Council will meet to review the entirety of the proposed 2022 budget. That budget, along with a narrative explaining significant changes, will be distributed to the congregation on November 7. Meeting for discussion and approval of budget will be held on November 21 following worship

Community Thanksgiving Service

Wednesday, November 24, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Join area churches in a Thanksgiving Eve worship service. Hosted by Church of the Living Water (3120 Park Ave W). Other participating churches include: Vineyard Church, Jesus Mission, Calvary Church, Wesley UMC, Musserville San Pablo. Pie social will follow worship.

Sunday School Kids Help Crafting for a Cause Event, and High School Youth Help Conversation Board Event

We had a busy weekend of service at Shepherd! On Sunday morning, Kathy Dunham led our Sunday School kids (and some adults!) in melting old crayons into new creations. Those creations will be sold at the Crafting for a Cause fair at Wesley on Sunday, October 30 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Proceeds benefit the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center. If you have Sunday School kids who’d like to continue to help, we’re gathering (again!) this Thursday at 1:30pm at SOTC to continue our project!

Later in the evening, as our high schoolers gathered for youth group, they carved 20 pumpkins for the Muscatine Conversation Board’s Halloween event coming up this Friday, October 22. After the youth expressed interest in doing a “fall activity,” it seemed to be the perfect connection to create an environment for fun, while also serving our community. 

Be sure to say “thank you for serving!” to all our younger Shepherds! Thanks for being God’s servants!

Can you help us reach our goal?

Our Stewardship Team put before the congregation a goal to raise $3400 by October 24. So far, $1000 has been contributed toward our Sharing the Good News Campaign. Can you help us close the gap? 

All funds will go toward our general fund. Currently, our operating expenses from 2021 exceed offerings by about $8,000. With your help, we can slash that deficit and also ensure that the mission of Jesus continues through Shepherd. 

If you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at the video our Stewardship Team put together, and consider a donation to help us reach our goal! Contributions can be made online, offered within worship, or mailed/dropped off at the church office. Thank you for your support, Shepherds, as we join with God in what God is already doing in our midst!

Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm @ Grace

It’s coming up soon! Get your costumes (and face masks!) ready and we’ll meet you at Grace! Bring a canned food item for our community drive if you’re feeling generous!

At this point, here’s what we need from the congregation:

1. We need people to host trunks! If you’re willing, sign up here. Trunk hosts must provide your own candy. All trunks must be set up at Grace by 5:15 pm. 

2. Spread the word! Please share our Facebook event and share the flyer below with your workplace and in your social circles!

Download the pdf flyer and share with your family and friends.  

Questions? Talk to Cathy Bermel, Melissa Booth, or Judy Bartling.

Worship Helpers

Wanting to help with Sunday morning worship? Check out this link to see where you may want to volunteer

Spaghetti Supper at Trinity Episcopal

Saturday October 16

Looking for a meal? Trinity is hosting a community spaghetti supper on October 16 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Due to recent increase in COVID cases in Muscatine, this will be a take-out event only. There may be seating outside as weather permits. Freewill donations available to help fund thier next community meal in December (soup supper). Otherwise, this meal is free and open to all! 

All Saints Day Litany

Submit names by October 31

Each year, the church celebrates All Saints Day – a day to remember all the saints in God’s Kingdom, especially those who have been baptized and those who have died in the past year. To honor those saints, we will include a litany for the saints as a part of worship on Sunday, November 7. If you would like a family member or friend included, submit their name, relation to you, and if they have been baptized/have died to the church office by October 31. Sign up sheet also available in the church narthex.

Congregational Budget Meeting

Saturday, November 21

Teams are currently compiling thier proposed budgets for 2022. By November 7, a proposed budget for 2022 (along with a narrative explaining significant changes) will be distributed to the congregation. We will meet following worship on November 21 to discuss and approve the 2022 budget.

Can you support the work of God’s Kingdom?

During worship on Sunday, we shared a video on behalf of the Stewardship Team, inviting the congregation to actively notice where God’s Kingdom is at work, to join with God in that work, and to offer our selves, our time, and our resources to continuing God’s mission. 

But in order to continue together in that mission, we need your support. Currently, operating expenses from 2021 exceed offerings by about $8,000. In order to slash that deficit, our Stewardship Team is setting a goal of raising $3,400 between now and October 24. All funds will go toward our general fund. Can you help us slash our deficit by contributing over and above your regular offerings? 

If you’re feeling led to give, you can give using the button on our homepage.  Once at our homepage, scroll down and to the right to find the purple “Give” button to give online through Tithe.ly.  Not into online giving? Mail or drop off your donation at church. Please indicate “Sharing the Good news Campaign” when making your contribution. 

Thank you for your support, Shepherds, as we join with God in what God is already doing in our midst!

We Need Crayons!

Our kids are joining forces to melt crayons into molds to sell at a craft fundraiser hosted by Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 am -12:00 pm. Funds raised from the fair will benefit the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center (MVCPC).

But we need your help: we need crayons! Bring crayons to church and place in the jar in the narthex. The kids will start working on this project Sunday, Oct. 17th after worship.  And be sure to mark your calendars to support our young Shepherds as they serve our community!

Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm @ Grace

Join us for a night of fun and games with our fellow ELCA congregations and the entire Muscatine community! Kids are invited to come in costume. For safety, face masks are required. There is no cost for the event, but if you’re feeling generous, pick up a canned food item to bring to our drive at the event. Share the word by spreading our Facebook event and the flyer linked below! 

We need people to host trunks. If you’re willing, sign up here. Get ideas online if you’re looking for something creative! Trunk hosts must provide your own candy. If you’d like to have a game at your trunk, go for it! Trunks must be set up by 5:15 pm. 

We also need candy and small prize donations. When you stop by the store this week, pick up an extra bag of treats and bring ’em to church. A donation box will be in the narthex.

Download the pdf flyer and share with your family and friends.  

Questions? Talk to Cathy Bermel, Melissa Booth, or Judy Bartling.

Last Call for the Narrative Directory

The Narrative Directory is looking great! We have noticed, as it’s coming together, that we are missing some photos and members information. If you have not sent in your photo or filled out the questions, it’s not too late. Please send or drop off what is needed to the office this week.

Spaghetti Supper at Trinity Episcopal

Saturday October 16

Looking for a meal? Trinity is hosting a community spaghetti supper on October 16 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm. Due to recent increase in COVID cases in Muscatine, this will be a take-out event only. There may be seating outside as weather permits. Freewill donations available to help fund thier next community meal in December (soup supper). Otherwise, this meal is free and open to all! 

All Saints Day Litany

Submit names by October 31

Each year, the church celebrates All Saints Day – a day to remember all the saints in God’s Kingdom, especially those who have been baptized and those who have died in the past year. To honor those saints, we will include a litany for the saints as a part of worship on Sunday, November 7. If you would like a family member or friend included, submit their name, relation to you, and if they have been baptized/have died to the church office by October 31. Sign up sheet also available in the church narthex.

Have you seen the fruits of shared ministry?

In August, as a congregation, we dedicated ourselves to 30 days of prayer: discerning our involvement in collaborative ministry with our fellow ELCA churches. For various reasons, formalized conversations have not begun yet.  However, have you seen the fruits of shared ministry? 

• We gathered much needed supplies for God’s Work Our Hands Day,
• planning for a joint Trunk or Treat is underway (see below!),
• 17 youth attended our first joint High School Youth Night – playing games, getting to know each other, having s’mores around a bonfire, and praying for one another,
• and on average, 25-30 people ages toddler-adult are attending Family Faith Nights at Grace on Wednesdays.

God is up to something, and it’s been incredible to see it taking shape! Check out some recent pics of our youth at Youth Group and cleaning up yards as a part of our Family Faith Night. 

Crafting for a Cause | Kids Helping Kids

Along with other local congregations, Wesley has recently asked asked area churches to participate in a craft fundraiser on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. The event will raise funds benefitting the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center (MVCPC). Shepherd has already committed to being a part of this, so we need your help! Here’s what you need to know: Crafting for a Cause flyer

Opportunities for Kids:

• SOTC Sunday School youth will be making crayon molds with Kathy Dunham. In order to find a good time to do our project, families, please complete this scheduling poll. 
• In addition to making something together as a group, if families would like to make something on thier own, go for it! (jewelry, slime, stress balloons, hair ties, decorations, picture frames, flower pots, play dough, bookmarks, ornaments, marshmallow shooters, etc.) Talk to Kathy if interested.

Opportunities for Adults:

• We need crayons for our project! Bring your broken/half used crayons to SOTC and dump in the bucket in the narthex.
• Adults can also make a monetary donation to sponsor a table spot for a child. Offer your contribution on Sunday mornings, and indicate “Crafting for a Cause.”
• Most importantly, come support us on the 30th! See flyer below.  A flyer to help advertise Crafting for a Cause to the greater community will be available to share soon. 

Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm @ Grace

Historically, SOTC has hosted a community Trunk or Treat event. This year, we’re collaborating with Zion and Grace! All kids and families, even outside our three congregations, are welcome! Kids are invited to come in costume. For safety, face masks are required. There is no cost for the event, but if you’re feeling generous, pick up a canned food item to bring to our drive at the event. 

Mark your calendars…and, help us out if you can!

1. Sign up to host a trunk. Get ideas online if you’re looking for something creative! Trunk hosts must provide your own candy. If you’d like to have a game at your trunk, go for it! Trunks must be set up by 5:15 pm
2. Help us spread the news! Download the pdf flyer and share with your family and friends. We hope to have a Facebook event to share soon. 

Questions? Talk to Cathy Bermel, Melissa Booth, or Judy Bartling.

Women’s Group

Saturday, October 9

After moving our typical date for Women’s Group in September, we return to meeting on the second Saturday of the month. Join us as we continue our discussion on the Holy Spirit, focusing on how the Spirit revives and reforms us no matter the season of our life.

Sunday Adult Ed

Begins October 10, 10:30am

In combination with our stewardship emphasis, we will resume Adult Education on Sunday mornings beginning October 10. Discussion will center on our theme from worship, starting with the theme on the 10th: Stewarding God’s Kingdom. Not able to stay the whole time? Join us for as long as you’re able! 

Last Call! Narrative Directory Information

Last call!  If you have not added your information for our Narrative Directory, please do so as soon as possible! One form per household, please. Once you complete your form, send a candid shot of your family (something that represents who you are) to office@shepherdofthecross.org.  Questions? Contact Melissa Booth. 

Crafting for a Cause | Kids Helping Kids

As you may have heard Sunday, Wesley United Methodist Church has asked area churches to participate in a craft fundraiser on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. The event will raise funds benefitting the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center (MVCPC). Here’s what you need to know:

Opportunities for Kids:

• SOTC youth through 12th grade are invited to help make crafts to sell. We will be doing this as a group with our Sunday School aged kids. In order to find a good time to do our project, families, please complete this scheduling poll. 
• Want to make something on your own? (jewelry, slime, stress balloons, hair ties, decorations, picture frames, flower pots, play dough, bookmarks, ornaments, marshmallow shooters, etc.) Go for it! Talk to Kathy if interested.

Opportunities for Adults:

• We need crayons for our project! Bring your broken/half used crayons to SOTC and dump in the bucket in the narthex.
• Adults can also make a monetary donation to sponsor a table spot for a child.
• Most importantly, come support us on the 30th! See flyer below.  A flyer to help advertise Crafting for a Cause to the greater community will be available to share soon. 

Trunk or Treat

Wednesday, October 27, 5:30 – 7:00 pm @ Grace

Historically, SOTC has hosted a community Trunk or Treat event. This year, we’re collaborating with Zion and Grace! All kids and families, even outside our three congregations, are welcome! Kids are invited to come in costume. For safety, face masks are required. There is no cost for the event, but if you’re feeling generous, pick up a canned food item to bring to our drive at the event. 

Mark your calendars…and, help us out if you can!

1. Sign up to host a trunk. Get ideas online if you’re looking for something creative! Trunk hosts must provide your own candy. If you’d like to have a game at your trunk, go for it! Trunks must be set up by 5:15 pm
2. Help us spread the news! Download the pdf flyer and share with your family and friends. We hope to have a Facebook event to share soon. 

Questions? Talk to Cathy Bermel, Melissa Booth, or Judy Bartling.

Fall Stewardship Emphasis: Sharing the Good News

Whenever the word “stewardship” is used in the church, often it’s associated only with money. However, being stewards is all about being mindful of how we are using all the gifts that God has entrusted to us so as to share the Good News of Jesus. To highlight this, in October we’ll highlight various things we are called to steward as disciples of Jesus Kick off video will be shared on Oct 3.

Sunday Adult Ed

Begins October 10

In combination with our stewardship emphasis, we will resume Adult Education on Sunday mornings beginning October 10. Discussion will center on our theme from worship, starting with the theme on the 10th: Stewarding God’s Kingdom. 

We’ll meet at about 10:30 am in the large Sunday School room. Aim is to discuss for about 45 min. Not able to stay the whole time? Join us for as long as you’re able! Plan to stick around and join us as we learn more about what it means to live as followers (aka: stewards!) of God’s mission in the world!

Updated Contact Directory and Narrative Directory

Complete by Sunday, September 26

Our new contact directory is set to go! Download it by going to the Members section and entering the password. Forgot our password? Contact the office.

Now that we have our contact information updated, to help us all get to know each other beyond cell phone numbers and email addresses, we are putting together a narrative directory.  Please complete the following form (paper copies also found in the narthex), by Sunday, September 26.  One form per household, please. Once you complete your form, send a candid shot of your family (something that represents who you are) to office@shepherdofthecross.org.  Questions? Contact Melissa Booth. 

Crafting for a Cause | Kids Helping Kids

Wesley United Methodist Church has recently reached out to area churches to participate in an event on Saturday, October 30 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.  The event will feature a craft show benefitting the Mississippi Valley Child Protection Center (MVCPC). For more information about MVCPC and how they serve our community, check out thier website. 

Sunday School kids at SOTC will likely take some time to assist, but if you have some crafting kids, we could use your help! Wesley is looking for kids to make their own crafts (jewelry, slime, stress balloons, hair ties, decorations, picture frames, flower pots, play dough, bookmarks, ornaments, marshmallow shooters, etc.) to sell. There are opportunities for adults, as well! Adults can sponsor a table spot for a child to sell their crafts for $50. Take a look at the Crafting for a Cause flyer and Info.

If you’d like to be a part of this effort, contact Pastor Aleese for more information and we’ll get you hooked up with the right people!

Faith Formation Opportunities

With the start of the school year, we have kicked off many groups to connect you to a community in which you feel welcomed and upheld in faith. Contact Pastor Aleese or Mackenzie Gilbert for more information and to get on email reminder lists. 

Family Faith Nights – Wednesdays @ 6:30 pm @ Grace
Groups for Elementary, Middle School and Adults
All are welcome! Elementary youth are focusing on stories of Jesus’ parables; middle school youth are diving into what it means to be saved by grace through faith; and adults are taking a deep dive into what God’s love means for our lives.  Note: face masks required at Grace.

High School Youth Group – Sundays @ 5:00-6:30 pm
Open to all youth 8th-12th grade! Our kick off was this past Sunday, but if you missed it, hop on board! Weekly schedule can be found on our website. 

Sunday School – Sundays @ 10:30-10:50 am
All PreK – 5th graders welcome! We open with a song time, review the story from worship and participate in a short activity.

God’s Work. Our Hands. Drive Update

Thank you all who donated to the joint effort of Grace, SOTC, and Zion Lutheran to help those in need in our area. Here at SOTC we collected the items pictured below. Towels, sheets, shampoo and conditioner was delivered to MCSA. The paper towels, Kleenex, antibacterial wipes and plastic silverware went to Flickinger Learning Center.

Fall Stewardship Emphasis: Sharing the Good News

Whenever the word “stewardship” is used in the church, often it’s associated only with money. However, being stewards is all about being mindful of how we are using all the gifts that God has entrusted to us so as to share the Good News of Jesus. To highlight this, in October we’ll highlight various things we are called to steward as disciples of Jesus. We kick off on October 3 with a focus on “Stewarding Relationships.” Stay tuned for more information about how you can be involved this coming October!

Women’s Group

Saturday, September 25 @ 8:30 am

Women’s Group meets next Saturday and will be starting a new series on the Holy Spirit. Celtic Christians liken the Holy Spirit not to a dove, but a goose. For three months, we’ll go on our own divine “wild goose chase,” tracking the Holy Spirit’s actions throughout the Bible and throughout our lives.  We’ll explore how the Spirit moves God’s people into adventures and lives we would likely never dare risk on our own.  All women welcome to join us in faith, fellowship, and prayer!

Updated Contact Directory and Narrative Directory

Complete by Sunday, September 26

Our new contact directory is set to go! Download it by going to the Members section and entering the password. Forgot our password? Contact the office.

Now that we have our contact information updated, we are looking for your help to better get to know our fellow Shepherds! We’re putting together a narrative directory – including a picture of each family, ages of any children, and your answers to three short questions. The intent of the narrative directory is simply to have a better idea of who is in our family of faith! Complete the form (1 per household, please) by Sunday, September 26, or use the paper copies in the narthex. Once you complete your form, send a candid shot of your family (something that represents who you are) to office@shepherdofthecross.org.  Questions? Contact Melissa Booth. 

Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 12

Special thanks to all who stuck around after worship to offer your hands to do God’s work around the church building!  We had kids and adults alike working on indoor and outdoor projects. Thanks for helping us cross some things off our do do lists and getting the building ready for fall ministries!

Family Faith Nights have begun!

Join us Wednesday, September 15, 6:30 pm @ Grace

Did you miss our opening Kick Off for Family Faith Nights last week! Have no fear! Elementary kids (and toddlers and PreK kids, too!), middle school youth (aka: FINK youth), and adults are all invited to join us this week as we officially begin our various programs! Elementary kids will be focusing on the story of the Good Samaritan, FINK youth will focus on the topic of grace, and adults will begin taking a dive into thinking about what God’s love really means for us today. Families – check your email for reminder emails from “faithtogethermuscatine@gmail.com”. If you don’t see a reminder email, check your spam or promotions tabs. For more information, contact Pastor Aleese. 

Give Now for Hurricane Ida Relief

The headlines are filled with the devastation from Hurricane Ida, which made landfall near New Orleans on Aug. 30 – exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina. The impact of Ida is yet to be fully assessed, but with a hurricane of this scale, rebuilding will be costly and take years. Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local ELCA synods and Lutheran social service organizations to coordinate a response. Immediate needs will include food, basic necessities and temporary housing.

Your gifts will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by hurricanes until the response is complete. You may either give now through the link below or write a check to SOTC with Hurricane Ida in the memo

First Day of Sunday School

Sunday, September 19, 10:30 – 10:50 am

This year, Sunday School will be condensed to about 20 minutes to accommodate family schedules. We’ll have a song time with Pastor Aleese, followed by a review of the story we heard in worship and a brief activity led by lay leaders. Open to all kids toddler through elementary. 

High School Youth Group Kick-Off

Sunday, September 19, 5:00 – 6:30 pm

We’re excited to gather youth from Zion, Grace and SOTC this year! In order to get off to a great start, and look ahead to the ELCA Youth Gathering, we will begin with a parent-youth night. Schedule and information about the Gathering will be shared. Future weeks with only youth will run from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Not able to make it? Check in with Pastor Aleese for more information!

Family Faith Night Kick-Off Event!

Wednesday, September 8, 6:30- 7:30 pm @ Grace

Looking for an opportunity for your whole family to practice what it means to live as a follower of Jesus ? Look no further! SOTC and Grace are excited to look ahead to a year of Family Faith Nights starting Wednesday, September 15. Family Faith Nights will have opportunities for elementary youth, middle school youth (confirmation/FINK) and adults.

We’ll gather weekly starting September 15. But, to make sure you all know what’s going on, to settle some logistics for the year, and to ease our way back into a regular Wednesday evening set-up, we’re inviting you to a kick-off event at Grace. Note: face masks are required.

Take a look at the flyer here for more information about what is to come. Questions? Talk to Mackenzie Gilbert or Pastor Aleese.

Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 12

We hope you’ll join us! Make sure to wear a SOTC/God’s Work Our Hands shirt if you’ve got one, and plan on sticking around after fellowship (with ice cream!) to help complete some projects around the church. Kids are more than welcome to stick around, too! We have a “punch card” of “tasks” that we need help with!

Reminder: collaborative drive (between the Muscatine ELCA congregations) benefitting MCSA and Flickinger Learning Center will take place through Sunday, September 12. Take a look at the flyer here, to see what’s needed! Monetary donations also accepted.

Give Now for Hurricane Ida Relief

The headlines are filled with the devastation from Hurricane Ida, which made landfall near New Orleans on Aug. 30 – exactly 16 years after Hurricane Katrina. The impact of Ida is yet to be fully assessed, but with a hurricane of this scale, rebuilding will be costly and take years. Lutheran Disaster Response is working with local ELCA synods and Lutheran social service organizations to coordinate a response. Immediate needs will include food, basic necessities and temporary housing.

Your gifts will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by hurricanes until the response is complete. You may either give now through the link below or write a check to SOTC with Hurricane Ida in the memo

First Day of Sunday School

Sunday, September 19, 10:30 – 10:50 am

This year, Sunday School will be condensed to about 20 minutes to accommodate family schedules. We’ll have a song time with Pastor Aleese, followed by a review of the story we heard in worship and a brief activity led by lay leaders. Open to all kids toddler through elementary. 

High School Youth Group Kick-Off

Sunday, September 19, 5:00 – 6:30 pm

We’re excited to gather youth from Zion, Grace and SOTC this year! In order to get off to a great start, and look ahead to the ELCA Youth Gathering, we will begin with a parent-youth night. Schedule and information about the Gathering will be shared. Future weeks with only youth will run from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. Not able to make it? Check in with Pastor Aleese for more information!

Family Faith Night Kick-Off Event!

Wednesday, September 8, 6:30- 7:30 pm @ Grace

Looking for an opportunity for your whole family to practice what it means to live as a follower of Jesus ? Look no further! SOTC and Grace are excited to look ahead to a year of Family Faith Nights starting Wednesday, September 15. Family Faith Nights will have opportunities for elementary youth, middle school youth (confirmation/FINK) and adults.

However, to make sure you all know what’s going on, to settle some logistics for the year, and to ease our way back into a regular Wednesday evening set-up, we’re inviting you to a kick-off event! (Don’t worry…it won’t be boring! We’ve got some opening icebreaker games in mind, and when adults need to chat on thier own, we’ll have activities for young kids!)

Take a look at the flyer here for more information about what is to come, and mark your calendars to join us at the kick-off!

Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 12

In two weeks, we’ll be celebrating God’s Work Our Hands Sunday with ELCA congregations nationwide. Here’s what you need to know:

Worship – 9:00 am
Wear a SOTC t-shirt or one of your older “God’s Work Our Hands” t-shirts! 

Fellowship – 10:15 am
Following worship, we’ll have a special fellowship hour with ice cream sundaes!

Service Projects around the Church – 10:45 am-ish
We need your hands to help with some service projects! Either come to church in work clothes, or bring a change of clothes. Property Team has a list of projects that need our help. Sign up in the narthex. 

Community Collection
Shepherd is joining Grace and Zion in a collaborative drive to benefit MCSA and Flickinger Learning Center. For specific donations requested, see the flyer here. Bring your donations (physical or monetary) to the church between September 1-12. 

Shared Ministry Team Members Selected

Thank you to those who joined us for a roundtable discussion last Sunday regarding the possibility of shared ministry with our fellow ELCA congregations in Muscatine! If you haven’t had a chance to offer your insight, know that your Council members and Visioning Team members are always willing to listen. 

Moving forward, based on the feedback received from the congregation, our Council determined at their monthly meeting that we will continue conversations moving forward. Council also selected three people to serve on the Shared Ministry Team: Andy Christy, Dave Bakke, and Mackenzie Gilbert. Thank you to all who were willing to be on the slate of nominees, and thank you to all who nominated individuals! 

Please continue to hold Shepherd, along with Grace and Zion, in your prayers as we look to the fall and the possibilities before us!

Muscatine Youth and Children’s Choirs

Dr. Dan Laaveg and Ruthellen Brooks, directors of the Muscatine Youth and Children’s Choirs, are offering young people (Kindergarten-12th grade) in the Muscatine area an opportunity to grow their vocal talents. Their two main concerts are taking part in Wesley’s annual Lessons and Carols event and the Spring Concert, along with other events in the community. If your children are interested, see the this article for more information.

First Day of Sunday School

Sunday, September 19, 10:30 – 10:50 am

This year, Sunday School will be condensed to about 20 minutes to accommodate family schedules. We’ll have a song time with Pastor Aleese, followed by a review of the story we heard in worship and a brief activity led by lay leaders. Open to all kids toddler through elementary. 

High School Youth Group

Sunday, September 19, 5:00 – 6:30 pm

Along with youth from Zion and Grace, Shepherd youth 8th grade and up are invited to gather in fellowship, dig deeper into our faith and prepare for the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering (summer 2022).  Odd weeks will be focused on a specific topic of conversation; even weeks will be focused on fellowship.  Check in with Pastor Aleese for more information!

Rally Sunday/God’s Work Our Hands Day

Sunday, September 12

Along with ELCA congregations nationwide, we will be celebrating God’s Work Our Hands Sunday on September 12. Here’s what you need to know:

Worship – 9:00 am
Wear a SOTC t-shirt or one of your older “God’s Work Our Hands” t-shirts! Together, we’ll lift our rallying cry to Jesus and join ourselves with the whole Christian church in worship. 

Fellowship – 10:15 am
Following worship, we’ll have our typical fellowship hour. 

Service Projects around the Church – 10:45 am-ish
We need your hands to help with some service projects! Either come to church in work clothes, or bring a change of clothes. Property Team is compiling a list of projects that need our help. Examples include: washing windows, deep clean of sanctuary, staining outside deck. 

Community Collection
Shepherd is working with Zion and Grace to identify a community drive for the weekend. More information to come next week

Shared Ministry – 30 Days of Prayer

By now, you’ve likely heard about the 30 days of prayer we have committed ourselves to throughout the month of August. Please pray with us as we ask for God’s guidance – discerning how God may be calling us to further collaborative ministry, and discerning who from among us at SOTC may be called to serve on a joint ELCA team. Looking to nominate someone for the joint ELCA team? Offer nominations in writing in the narthex or using this Google form. 

Questions? Talk with your Council members, Visioning team members and/or Pastor Aleese. Thank you, in advance, for helping us invoke the Spirit as we consider our call to the greater Muscatine community!

Shared Ministry – 30 Days of Prayer Summary PDF

Daily Prayer Prompts

Baptism of Elliot Thoma

On August 8, we had the honor of witnessing the baptism of Elliot Thoma during worship! We welcome Elliot into the body of Christ and the mission we share as one in Christ!

Fall Family Faith Formation Opportunities 

We are excited to be planning ahead for children, youth and family faith formation opportunities! Check out some of the plans in the works!

Family Faith Nights – Wednesdays at 6:00pm
Shepherd will be collaborating with Zion and Grace to offer a family faith night open to PreK-adults. Aim to to have a meal to start, and then break into age appropriate groups. Parents of children PreK-grade 12: if you haven’t already completed the family feedback form, today August 17 is your last chance to do so!  

Family Feedback Form

Sunday School – Sundays at 10:30 am
This year, Sunday School will be condensed to about 20 minutes  to accommodate family schedules. Plan to join us starting September 19 for song time, a review of the story we heard in worship and a brief activity. 

Adult Faith Formation
Looking to engage more deeply in Scripture and conversations of faith? Reach out to Pastor Aleese, who’s coordinating people according to thier desires for further engagement. 

Shared Ministry Roundtable Discussion

Sunday, August 22

Following worship, we will host a roundtable discussion as a chance to offer your feedback, questions, concerns, and how the Spirit has been working in you throughout August. Looking forward to continuing the conversation with you all and hearing how God has been stirring you all!

Tone Chimes Choir

Did you hear the tone chimes play in worship this summer and now are looking to join? Consider joining the fun this fall! Rehearsals will be Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. For more information, contact Jon Thoma.