Thanks for supporting our youth heading to camp!
Thank you for helping us raise $157 in support of our youth through our Easter breakfast! At this point, we have 5 youth attending camp this summer, with a potential for a total of 8 youth. A week of camp costs about $500, and Shepherd provides a scholarship of $250 per youth attending a full week. With your help, we can provide an opportunity for youth to experience a sacred moment with Christ in a new and adventurous way. Thank you for your partnership with us as we support ways for our youth to experience the transformative love of Jesus!
Laundry Soap Making = A Success!
Throughout the season of Lent, we gathered supplies to make laundry soap. Between Grace and Shepherd, we were able to make 20 batches of laundry soap! As one batch lasts for months for one family, this work has the potential to impact 20 families in our community. Thank you for your contributions, and thank you to those who joined us for our Family Faith Night to mix our ingredients!
Easter Sunday Adult Education
Begins Sunday, May 1
Study Focus: Acts
Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!
Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today.
Camp EWALU Work Day
Saturday, May 7, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Camp EWALU (Strawberry Point) is looking toward a full summer of campers! To help get ready, volunteers will be gathering to attend to some projects. There are projects for all skill levels: splitting wood, trial upkeep, building benches, replanting the butterfly garden, construction of a screened-in shelter, and many other jobs. Lunch is provided.
For more information, check out the EWALU event page. If you’d like to volunteer your time, contact Paul Frantsen, property manager of EWALU.
Looking to hear more from our synod?
After Bishop Current’s visit with us on Palm Sunday, if you’re looking to stay up to date on various synod events, subscribe to the weekly Southeastern Iowa eNews. Pastor Aleese often shares information from these messages, but if you’d like to dive deeper into our connection with the churches we walk together with in our synod and the entire ELCA, subscribe now!
Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty
Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm
What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer.
This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!
Family Night @ SOTC
Sunday, May 1 @ 6:00 pm
Attention all young adults and families with youth grade 12 and below!
You are invited to join us for a night of fellowship, food, fun, and a brief devotional activity. For a few months, our families have been gathering to mutually support one another and to grow in faith together, and we’d love to have you!
Meal is provided as a part of our evening together. We wrap up by 7:30 pm.
Questions? Contact Pastor Aleese. Note that Mackenzie Gilbert will be reaching out to families about one week prior to our event to confirm your attendance and to plan a joint potluck-ed meal.