Forming Faith in Families
This past week, our families had two unique opportunities to dive deeper into thier faith. On Wednesday, as a part of our Family Faith Nights hosted at Grace Lutheran, our middle school confirmation kids were learning about the impact of media and materialism on our lives. Noting that advertisements often target areas of our lives in which we feel as though we are lacking something, we talked about “voids” in our lives and discovered the promise that it is only Christ that can fill us to the brim with fullness of life and meaning. To illustrate, we did a science experiment in which the egg on top of the bottle in the picture below actually fell into the void of the glass bottle!
Later in the week, several families gathered for our monthly Family Nights. Together we enjoyed a meal, had some friendly competition in a game of “marshmallow bowling” with kids and adults, and our parents had a chance for some intentional conversation while the kiddos played outside.
Looking for more opportunities to connect with others at Shepherd? Stay tuned as we coordinate opportunities for the coming summer!
Mairet Farms Fundraiser
Looking for some fresh produce this summer? Consider being a part of the Mairet Farms CSA bag program and receive fresh, local produce for six weeks! Starting July 11, you’ll receive a bag of produce each week.
Better yet? By participating, SOTC will receive a portion of these proceeds!
Interested? Complete the order form. Paper copies are also in the SOTC narthex. Thanks for your support!
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.
Special Invitation to Final Family Faith Night
Wednesday, May 18, 6:30pm @ Grace
To close out the Family Faith Night year, we will be celebrating the confirmation of youth completing thier confirmation sequence. We do not have any confirmands from Shepherd this year, but Grace is excited to confirm 6 of thier youth. So as to include leaders and families who have been a part of the joint Family Faith Nights throughout this year, Grace has elected to host confirmation on a Wednesday evening rather than during Sunday morning worship. Though on a different day, this will be just as much of a celebration, and we want to invite others to join us as well!
Whether you’ve been a part of Family Faith Night or not this year, consider yourself invited to join us as we witness the faith of our young people and as we are collectively sent to be Christ’s disciples into the world. We’ll have a short worship service at 6:30pm followed by a dessert reception.
Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir
Thursday, June 16, at 7:30pm
Wesley United Methodist Church will be hosting a Hymn Festival with Organ and Choir. Tom Trenney will be leading this free event. The choir will be singers from the Muscatine area. If you are interested in singing contact Wesley music director Dan Laaveg. Whether interested in singing, or simply enjoying the music, all in the community are invited! For more information, visit Wesley’s music page of thier website.
Vacation Bible School
July 10-14, 5:30-8:00
Mark your calendars now! This summer, SOTC is excited to join with 6 other congregations to provide an opportunity for kids to experience God’s love and have some fun all at the same time! We will be collaborating with Zion Lutheran, Grace Lutheran, First Presbyterian, Trinity Episcopal, First Christian and Faith United Church of Christ.
VBS is open to all kids PreK-grade 6. VBS will be hosted at Zion Lutheran July 10-13 and the final night will be hosted at Grace Lutheran so as to provide time outside. ALL families are invited to join us for the final evening! A meal will be provided each night.
Questions? Contact Melissa Booth.
Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly
May 20-21
Each year, the synod gathers for an assembly for the purposes of attending to the business of the synod, creating networking opportunities for rostered and lay leaders, and providing a space for worship and spiritual renewal. This year, Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert will be attending as voting members along with Pastor Aleese.
Portions of the assembly will be livestreamed on the Southeastern Iowa Synod’s Facebook page. Looking for more information of what is coming before the synod this year? Check out the landing page for the synod assembly.
Later in May/June, the congregation will receive a report of key actions of the assembly. Please hold the synod in your prayers in the coming weeks!