Groups

At Shepherd of the Cross, we are convinced that faith is built within community. Interconnected, our growth is not only for ourselves, but for the sake of one another in the body of Christ.

For that reason, we intentionally collaborate with our ELCA partners in Muscatine (Grace Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, New Era Lutheran) to provide faith formation groups for children, youth, and adults. In each of these groups, our hope is to meet people where they are at, and together, to explore the richness of God’s abundant grace for us and for our world.

Want to know more? Take a look below to see where you, or your family, might fit in order to continue growing as a disciple of Jesus.

Family Faith Nights

Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm @ Grace Lutheran
Meal @ 6:00 pm, Programming @ 6:25 pm

Wednesday nights are a night for the whole family! We begin with a meal (provided at no cost, menu below). Our lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school groups begin together with an opening activity and storytelling. Then, those groups break to dive deeper into age-appropriate discussion and activities.

Adults are encouraged to be a part of the Sojourners group. More information about adult collaborative faith formation groups can be found below.

Want to know what’s on the menu? Here’s the next couple weeks:

Sept 4 | Spaghetti, garlic bread, watermelon, dessert
Sept 11 | Loose meat sandwiches, chips, pasta salad, dessert
Sept 18 | Walking tacos, fruit cups, dessert
Sept 25 | Chicken casserole, green beans, dessert

Adult Faith Formation Groups

We’re all on a journey of faith and are in different spots. To accompany one another, we offer several different group options.

A note about “open” and “closed” groups: Neither are intended to be restrictive. Rather, in open groups, participants may join the group at any time. In closed groups, after the initial session, no further participants may join. This is not meant to exclude people, but to build an authentic and trusting small group.

Sojourners | Wednesdays, 6:00-7:30 pm @ Grace as a part of Family Faith Nights

Sojourners is a small group that seeks to deepen participants relationship with God and one another. Think of this group as a roadmap for the spiritual journey. The first few weeks of this group focuses on the nature of our Christian journey, followed by a focus on Scripture as the “guidebook” that we take with us. After taking up that guidebook, the group focuses on prayer, and closes by considering our call as disciples of Christ.

For more detailed information about this course, click the button below for a 1-page summary. Sojourners is a closed group (see above for description of closed groups).

Companions in Christ | Date and time determined by group

In the past three years, two groups from our Lutheran congregations have completed the Companions in Christ series. This series is intended to help small groups open themselves to God’s presence and guidance in deep and meaningful ways. In both individual and communal practices, groups explore classic spiritual practices, develop new daily habits, and deepen their relationship with God and with each other.  

As a part of Companions, participants are asked to complete five exercises between sessions. Exercises typically take 20-30 minutes.

This group is flexible in scheduling based on the schedule of participants. Generally, Companions meets every other week for 2-hours. Attendance at each group meeting is covenanted amongst group members to create a core group dynamic, build upon previous material, and create a community of trust.

For more detailed information about this course, click the button below for a 1-page summary. Companions is a closed group (see above for description of closed groups).

Re:Storied | Every other Sunday, 6:30 – 7:30 pm @ Zion Lutheran. Optional sharing time from 6:00 – 6:30pm

The Bible is the most popular book in the world and has been translated into 736 languages. For many, the Bible is central to their faith. But why do some people read the Bible and get so much out of it while others are left confused?

Re:Storied is a course intended to introduce participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while also providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word.

Participants will be encouraged to engage in Bible readings and reflections outside our group time. To share reflections and dive deeper, participants may participate in an optional 30 minute time from 6:00 – 6:30.

For more detailed information about this course, click the button below for a 1-page summary. Re:Storied is an open group (see above for description of closed groups).

Christians Underground | Wednesdays, 12:00 pm @ Zion Lutheran

Weekly Bible study around the upcoming Sunday’s readings. Led by Pastor Aleese. We meet at Zion so those who work downtown can join us over their lunch hour. Christians Underground is an open group.

Women’s Group | Second Saturday/month, 8:30 am @ SOTC Lutheran

Once a month gathering for fellowship and study using the Women of the ELCA study as published in the Gather magazine. Lay led group. As a bonus, we share breakfast together! Women’s Group is an open group.

Adult Christian Education | Sundays, 10:30 am @ Grace and Zion Lutheran

Though SOTC does not offer adult education on Sunday mornings at SOTC, our partner churches offer an education hour following worship. Members of SOTC, along with community members, are welcome to join the current study at either Grace or Zion. Adult Education courses are open groups.

WELCA (Women of the ELCA) | Second Tuesday/month, 9:30 am @ Grace Lutheran

Discussion follows the Bible Studies published in the Gather magazine, magazine of the Women of the ELCA. Subscription to the magazine not needed to participate. WELCA is an open group.

Men’s Breakfast Bible Study | Wednesdays, 6:30 am @ All-American Diner (2300 Park Avenue Muscatine)

Ecumenical men’s group led by Bob Nicolai and Dick Marr. Topics of Scripture and faith. Men’s Breakfast is an open group.

Men’s Bible Study | First Saturday/month, 9:00 am @ Grace Lutheran

Discussion on the upcoming Sunday worship readings using the Daily Discipleship resource from the ELCA. Men’s Bible Study is an open group.