Close to Home Advent Resources and Bulletin Board
Our Advent bulletin board is growing! Thanks to those who have brought in a picture of what “home” signifies to you. We’re still missing many of our Shepherds, however. Bring in your picture between now and Christmas Eve!
Looking for other news of what’s going on this Advent and/or for devotional resources? Check our Advent-Christmas page on our website for more information, and take a look at our Facebook and Instagram pages for brief moments of reflection.
SOTC Christmas Party
Sunday, December 12, 6:00-7:30 pm
Join us for a night of games, fellowship and fun! Those who attend are invited to bring a plate of Christmas cookies to share. Games will include some Christmas-inspired activities, along with other generic games suited for children and adults of all ages.
LSI Angel Tree
Return by Sunday, December 12
Did you take a tag off our angel tree? Make sure gifts (unwrapped) are returned by this Sunday, December 12. Questions? Contact Cathy Bermel. Thank you for supporting families in Muscatine!
We Need Helpers for Christmas Eve Worship!
Friday, December 24 @ 4:00 pm
Our journey through Advent takes us to Christmas Eve worship. But in order to make this holy night special, we need your help! Can you help in any of the following ways?
- Live Nativity: We will have people dressed in costume during the reading of the Christmas Gospel. If you’re willing to be a part of the live nativity, contact Pastor Aleese.
- Kids Singing Away in a Manger: Kids are invited to help, too! Beginning this past Sunday, we have been reviewing “Away in Manager” during Sunday School. During Christmas Eve worship, kids will be invited forward to help lead the congregation in song and actions.
We hope to see you in worship with us as we gather around Christ’s manger!
Upcoming Holiday Concerts in the Community
Looking to support our Shepherds in holiday concerts this year? Or, looking for an opportunity to get in the holiday spirit? Here’s a list of concerts we are aware of. Feel free to share other concerts/dates/times with the church office and we will share with the congregation!
MHS Holiday Glow Concert | Featuring MHS choirs and MHS Symphony
Friday, December 10 @ 7:00 pm
MHS Holiday Band Concert | Featuring MHS bands
Saturday, December 11 @ 3:00 pm
Wesley Service of Lessons and Carols | Featuring Muscatine youth choirs, adult choirs, and string quartet
Sunday, December 12 @ 2:00 pm
Caroling at Sunnybrook
Sunday, December 19
10:45 am
Singing Christmas carols together is always a ton of fun, but it’s even more fun to help others smile! Following worship and fellowship on Sunday, December 19, we’ll carpool over to Sunnybrook to carol for residents. We’ll provide songbooks. All you need to bring is your voice, a facemask, and maybe a Santa hat or Christmas apparel! All ages welcome!
Year End Contributions
Please note that the last Sunday for 2021 contributions is December 26, 2021. Contributions given after that date will be deposited in 2022. Year end giving statements will be distributed in early January.
2021 Annual Report and Meeting
Sunday, January 23, 2022
As we inch closer to Christmas, we also inch closer to the end of our year. Annual Reports will be available to the congregation Sunday, January 9. Annual Meeting will be immediately after worship on Sunday, January 23. During this meeting, we will be electing new leaders. We are still seeking a nomination for the Treasurer position. If you are interested in this position, contact one of the Nominating Team members: Daryl Eichelberger, Roger Luft, Betty Burch, Heather Allen.