Help Needed Building Ramp
Saturday, August 17, starting 8:00 am
Recently we got a call from Habitat for Humanity about a project they are doing in collaboration with Rebuild Together. A family needs a wheelchair ramp for their son, who uses a wheelchair. They’re looking for 4-5 people to assist with the build. Youth are also encouraged to participate, but must have a parent present during the build. Lunch is provided. Build will likely take about 3-4 hours. If you’re interested, contact Pastor Aleese as soon as possible.
Blessing of Backpacks and Work Bags
Sunday, August 25
It’s almost back-to-school time! To send our kids (and teachers, and parents, and everyone who works in various capacities) into the academic year, we will offer a blessing of backpacks and work bags on Sunday, August 25. Bring your bag to worship and we’ll gather them at the altar to bless the various vocations that we all live out as a part of the body of Christ.
Family Faith Night Kick Off!
Wednesday, August 28 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace
As you begin to slot in fall activities, be sure to mark your calendars for our Family Faith Night Kick Off Night! Similar to last year, we (members from Shepherd, Grace, Zion, and New Era) will meet at Grace each Wednesday (meal included!) Opportunities for kids, youth, and adults! Looking for more information about what is being offered? Check out shepherdofthecross.org/groups
Help Needed for Family Faith Night Meals
Food gathers us. It provides a space to talk, to share our lives, and to learn more about one another.
To continue providing this environment as a part of Family Faith Nights, we need your help. We’re looking for teams of people to plan, prep, serve, and clean up Family Faith Night meals. Funding for food costs may be available.
If you’re willing to assist, sign up your name on the spreadsheet or contact the church office. If you have a full team to sign up with, great! If you just want to sign up yourself, that’s also ok! No need to include a meal menu right now. Once teams are established we will circle back to groups for coordination.
If you have any questions, contact Pastor Aleese.
Collaborative Announcement from Worship
This past Sunday, Nick Gilbert – on behalf of the SOTC Council (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, LInda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Connie Hoekstra, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall) and volunteers serving on a joint ELCA team (Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert, Andy Christy) shared an announcement regarding our continued work together in the body of Christ. Miss worship but want to hear more? Check out this announcement and reach out to any of the above leaders for further conversation.
God’s Work Our Hands Collection
Sunday, September 15
Each year, the ELCA uplifts a Sunday in September as “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday as an annual day of service. This year, we’re joining with our ELCA congregations to sponsor a drive benefitting Sleep in Heavenly Peace – a local organization whose mission is to ensure no child sleeps on the floor. Through September 15, we’ll collect physical donations (list of needed items coming soon!) and monetary donations. More information coming soon!
Shepherd Kid Days
October 18, January 20,
April 18
Last spring, our Shepherd kids gathered on Good Friday to learn about communion. This school year, we’re expanding that to offer three days throughout the school year. We’ll meet at SOTC from 9:00 – 11:00 am, each time focusing on a different topic (October: Stewardship and Service; January: Justice; April: Baptism)
For now, mark your calendars…and families – be on the look out for more information soon! If you know someone from outside SOTC that would like to participate, talk to Pastor Aleese.