Matthew 22:1-14 | Especially since some have been working from home this year, and at times even worshipping from home, the question of “what to wear?” likely hasn’t been a priority. We wear what we want and what’s comfortable. But at Christ’s banquet, we’re given a dress code – not to be restrictive, but so that all, ourselves included, can enjoy the life of the party. Join us in worship, at the banquet of our Lord, as we consider how God calls us to dress the part of discipleship. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Isaiah 5:1-7, Matthew 21:33-46 | Know that feeling of what it’s like when someone lets you down? Or when an expectation is shattered? Many of us do, and many of us are also culprits of letting down others…even God. In our Scripture readings today, we hear the grief of God as he is saddened by the behavior of the Israelite people. But even in that grief, the Israelites – and we – are not abandoned. Rather, by the grace of Christ, we are given a new opportunity to live in relationship with God and each other as we pursue our call to live as God’s kingdom people today. Join us for worship as we confess our brokenness, receive God’s grace, and are sent into the world as Christ’s body. Music and liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 21:23-32 | Authority. It’s a word that has come to have a negative connotation. And in light of another upcoming election cycle, it might be difficult to surmise who or what holds any authority, anymore. So then, what do we have to say about Jesus having “authority”? And what does it means for Jesus to have “authority” over our lives? Join us for worship as we hear the truth of what gives Jesus his authority, and as we are challenged to set aside those other things and people we look to, and, instead, turn to Jesus Christ as our one, true authority over our lives and our world. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 20:1-16 | Grumble, grumble, grumble. Sound familiar? Even when we try, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of grumbling. In our Gospel lesson, we hear a group of workers grumble when they don’t receive a higher payment for working longer than another group. To them, it’s not “fair.” So then, how do we respond to situations that might not seem “fair”? Do we grumble? Or, does Jesus have another example for us to follow? Join us for worship as we hear the promise of God’s mercy, given to us, and as we are challenged to consider how we are called to live our lives worthy of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Genesis 50:15-21, Matthew 18: 21-35 | Without even realizing it, past events in which we have been hurt, or in which we have hurt others, can easily hold power over us. But by holding onto these experiences, we limit the way we are able to see the future and continue living in relationship. In love, our God has let go of our past so that we might live in new relationship with Christ. But, now, how might we do the same for others by offering forgiveness? Join us for worship as we remember our God’s steadfast love and mercy, and as we consider how to be freed of our past as we live in forgiving relationships with others. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 18:15-20, Romans 13:8-14 | Conflict. It’s something we all live and deal with. But how do we deal with it? And how do we choose to live with conflict as people of God? Join us for worship as we consider our role in living in reconciling relationships, and as we give thanks to the one who has reconciled us to our heavenly Father. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 16:21-28, Romans 12: 9-21 | Denial. It’s a word that isn’t commonly used, but is something that we all are likely familiar with. It’s human nature to deny things within us and around us in our world. But what would happen if we opened ourselves to see the truth around us and in us? What would happen if we let go of those things that we cling ever so tightly to, and receive the gift of life that God intends for us, and all people? Join us as we consider the gifts that God has in store for us as our will is aligned with Christ’s. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
The church building is now open to the congregation for office hours and small group events. For further information regarding safety, disinfecting, and any restrictions, click here.
Pastor Aleese – Tuesdays (1-3pm), Wednesdays (9-11am), Thursdays (3-5pm)
God’s Work Our Hands Volunteer Opportunity
Looking for a way to help those impacted by the derecho? We are aiming to have a day of service in the Cedar Rapids/Marion area on Sunday, September 13. Pastor Aleese is working with a colleague in that area. It is likely that there will still be work needed to be done for individuals/families and for some of the churches that were hit the hardest. More details to come, but if you’re interested, mark off Sunday, September 13 and let Pastor Aleese know of your interest. We will need tools to take along with us.
For those not able to help with the heavier service projects, note that we will be in touch in the coming weeks as to what supplies we could collect and bring north for those in need.
Our aim is to gather Sunday morning for a brief devotion/prayer and collection of supplies before sending our crew north. Plan to join us if you have the morning free!
Combined Total Contribution to Muscatine Food Pantry!
We’ve received totals from Grace! Grace raised $524.07. Added to our collection of $341.54, between the two congregations, we contributed a total of $865.61. Way to go Shepherds, and thank you for your support of our community!
Women’s Group
Women’s Group meets on the second Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. Women of all ages are welcome to join us as we share in fellowship and Bible Study.
Dear Church Book Club
This fall, we are continuing our reading of Dear Church by Rev. Lenny Duncan. Rev. Duncan is an African American pastor in the ELCA and writes from his perspective calling the church to action today. Contact Pastor Aleese if you are interested in joining our discussion. We meet again Thursday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom.
Matthew 16:13-20| “Who do YOU say that I am?” Jesus asks his disciples in our Gospel. At different times in our lives, and in different surroundings, our response might vary. But in all times and in all experiences, who our God is as our solid rock remains constant. Join us as we recall our Lord’s faithfulness and dare to confess with our lips and with our lives that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 15: 10-28| Over the past few months, society has needed to learn how to live together for the betterment of each other. However, amidst that community, division still exists, sometimes even without our knowledge that we are contributing toward it. In God’s kingdom, we are called to a vision where all are truly welcome. But, though we “say” that, how do we “live” that? Join us in worship as we gather around the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood and as we are challenged to take up God’s call to extend compassion over ALL that God has made. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
