Sock and Laundry Drive
February 26 – April 2
Throughout Lent we are supporting Laundry Love, a ministry sponsored by Midtown Laundry Mat and Trinity Episcopal. Right now, they are looking for cash donations to fund the cost of laundry services and donations of the following items:
- Socks (kids and adult)
- Laundry detergent
- Dryer sheets
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
Donations of the above items can be brought to church and placed in the blue tote in the narthex. Cash donations can be put in the plastic tub in the narthex. Watch our contributions accumulate this season! Checks can be written out to Shepherd of the Cross with “Laundry Drive” in the memo line. Deposit checks in the offering plate or mail to the church. Our kids will be contributing $200 from their children’s sermon fund. Can we match the offering of our kids?
Midweek Lenten Gatherings
Wednesdays starting March 1, 6:30- 7:30 pm
This Lent, we are embarking on a journey of seeking. In the stories we’ll hear this season, many are seeking a new beginning, a different life, a deeper faith. To dive deeper into the stories we’ll hear on Sunday mornings, you’re invited to join us on Wednesdays during Lent. Our time will be a combination of large group and small group time that will incorporate Scripture, prayer, and music. Have kiddos? Bring ’em along! We’ll have some activities for them as well.
If you haven’t already signed up to be a part of our gatherings, please sign up here. If you do not sign up, but desire to join us on any given week, know that you are welcome. We will assign you to a small group when you arrive.
Note that Wednesday Gatherings (post Ash Wednesday) will not be livestreamed.
Lenten Opportunities at Zion and Grace
Not quite feelin’ the vibe of our Midweek Lenten Gatherings at Shepherd? Check out what’s going on at Zion and Grace! As sister ELCA congregations, we are sharing information about what each congregation is doing so as to provide for the various spiritual needs of our members.
Zion
Ash Wednesday worship begins the season of Lent with worship at 5:30 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 5:30 pm. Worship will use the Holden Evening Prayer liturgy and will focus on the theme of “Unfinished: Out of the Depths” (a series on the book of Jonah). A meal will be served following each midweek Lenten service ($8 adults, $6 age 10 and under).
Grace
Ash Wednesday worship is at 6:00 pm. Midweek Lent services follow the next week at 6:00pm. Worship will follow a Service of the Word format, about 30 minutes in length. The focus of worship will be “Faith”, following the stories of faith of people throughout the Bible and considering what faith means today. A meal will be served prior to worship.
Lutheran Disaster Relief Support for Earthquake Victims
If you’re looking for an avenue to give in response to the devastation caused by earthquakes impacting Turkey and Syria, consider giving to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR). LDR is committed to supporting our partner organizations that are responding to the needs of survivors. Give by clicking here or offering your donation at Shepherd. Donations that we receive will then be forwarded to LDR. For any donations given through Shepherd, please clearly mark the intent of your gift on your check or envelope.
EWALU Enrichment Event for Adults
Friday, February 24 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Join EWALU’s Enrichment Event adult education series as Jim Martin-Schramm, professor emeritus at Luther College, speaks on the topic of “Luther College’s Path to Carbon Neutrality by 2030.” Come to camp on Friday, Feb. 24, to hear Jim speak from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Creation Center at Camp EWALU (37776 Alpha Ave., just 3 miles west of Strawberry Point). The event is free and will include afternoon refreshments; guests are welcome!
RSVP by emailing or calling the camp office at 563-933-4700 by Feb. 22.
Easter Flowers and Easter Egg Candy
We need your help preparing for Easter!
1. Sponsor an Easter flower – We will be purchasing lilies and other spring plants to decorate the sanctuary for Easter. If you would like to offset the cost of flowers by purchasing a plant in memory or honor of a loved one, contact the main office. Sign up sheet will be available in the narthex next Sunday, February 26.
2. Donate Easter Egg candy – On Easter morning, we will host an Easter Breakfast (starting at 7:30am) and will have an egg hunt for kids at about 8:20 am. We’ll be collecting egg candy beginning Sunday, March 5. Help stuff the eggs on Palm Sunday – April 2 – during fellowship!
Summer Christian Day Camp
June 13 -16, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
This summer, several congregations and organizations are coming together to sponsor a Christian Day Camp hosted at Saulsbury Park. Camp will be 9:00 am – 3:00 pm daily with the option for campers to spend the night from Friday into Saturday. Kids who have completed grades kindergarten through 6th grade are eligible. $10 registration fee. Priority registration by April 15.
For more information and to register, click here to be taken to a website. There, you’ll be able to register online, pay the fee, and get answers to common questions. Share the word with others you know!