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
Fellowship @ 6:00 pm, Programming @ 6:30 pm

Wednesday nights are a night for the whole family! We begin with fellowship and then move into our groups.

Lower Elementary (grades K-3) dive into a hero of faith from the Bible each night, accompanied by games, crafts, and music.

Upper Elementary (grades 4-6) and Middle School (grades 7-8) focus on a rotating curriculum that introduces the foundation of the Christian faith as it connects to their daily lives.

Adults are encouraged to be a part of the ReStoried group. ReStoried introduce participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word. 

Shepherd Kids Days

Monday, January 19
Friday, April 3
9:00 – 11:00 am

In lieu of a traditional Sunday School model, and in addition to our Family Faith Night opportunities, we gather elementary-middle school kids three times a year to focus on key topics of faith/Bible stories. This allow our kids to dive deep into as aspect of their relationship with Jesus.

Shepherd Kids Days are intentionally scheduled when kids in Muscatine are out of school. Previously this fall we focused our time together on discovering our Bibles and how to read the Bible as a family. Next up? What’s the point of the 10 commandments for kids?

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.

Companions in Christ | Date and time determined by group

In the past three years, three 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).

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.

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 Education | Sundays, 10:30 am

SOTC offers bursts of Adult Education on Sunday mornings. In the fall, we discussed what is distinctive about our Lutheran perspective, and this winter we are engaging in a series: Voices of Advent.