Psalm 145, Matthew 14: 13-21| Compassion. It’s a word we might hear quite a bit, but might never be able to fully comprehend. And to comprehend the compassion of our God? It’s hard to capture the gut-wrenching empathy that Christ has for you, and for all creation. It is by that compassion that we are welcomed to the table of our King, and it is by that compassion that we are sent forth to BE that compassion. Join us in worship as a youth from our congregation confirms his faith in this God of compassion, and as we remember Christ’s promise to sustain and fill us, and all the world, with life. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 13: 31-33, 44-52| Destruction and transformation. Death and life. Polar opposites, and yet, both are true. Within the past few months, we’ve witnessed how something small – like the COVID-19 virus – has lead to devastating consequences. At the same time, we are told within our Gospel reading this weekend that the kingdom of heaven, though the size of a mustard seed, has the ability to fill us with life. So what is spreading in our hearts? And what is spreading in our world? Death? Or God’s kingdom of life? Join us as we direct our attention to God’s kingdom, and hear again the promise that God’s kingdom will never stop expanding…even where we least expect it. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Though summer is nearly over, we are still looking forward to a few opportunities to remain connected to each other and to Christ. Take a look below for what’s coming up, and stay tuned for more information about our plan for fall!
Family Bible Adventures
Though we are not hosting a formal Vacation Bible School this summer, we hope that families will take up the challenge to go on their own adventures! Adventures consist of a story from the Bible (shared in video format) and a suggested activity and prayer model. Be sure to check out the Family Bible Adventures tab for more information throughout the summer!
Coin and Cash Collection for Muscatine Food Pantry
As a part of the Family Bible Adventures challenge, families are being encouraged to collect coins and cash to bring together for our last Family Bible Adventure. Our hope is that by Wednesday, August 12, we can have a physically distant get-together for families of SOTC and Grace. That night, we will be looking at the story of the feeding of the 5000 and how the disciples gathered what they had to feed the crowd. So…why don’t we do the same?
For the next few weeks, when we gather for worship, there will be a cash box by the “entrance” to our outdoor worship space. Challenge yourself – and your kids! – to bring some spare coins/cash. Funds collected will then be given to the Muscatine Food Pantry.
Kayaking-Swimming at Deep Lakes Park | August 16, 3:00-5:00 p.m.
Join us for a late afternoon of kayaking/swimming down at Deep Lakes! Those who desire to kayak can do so around 3, and then cool off in the water before heading home. Not interested in kayaking, but just want to swim? Go for it! Note that there will be a small cost for use of a kayak, since we will be renting from the Conservation Board. Cost to be shared after we determine the number of kayaks that are needed.
We will be encouraging physical distancing between family units at Deep Lakes, but hope that this is an opportunity for families to gather in a safe, fun way. Families are encouraged to bring a drink and snack for themselves that we can munch on later during our block of time. Out of concern for safety, we will NOT be providing food for the whole group.
Women’s Group meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 8:30 a.m. We continue with our series on “Just Love.” To date, we have looked at the stories of the raising of Lazarus, Zaccheaus, the Good Samaritan, and Esther. Women of all ages are welcome to join us! We meet outside while physical distancing. Bring your own lawn chair.
Dear Church Book Club
This summer we are reading 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, Aug 13 at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.
Youth Group June-July Schedule
An updated summer schedule has been emailed to youth and their families. Youth Group is intended for youth grades 4 and up. Though we need to be creative this summer due to restrictions, we are doing our best to provide ways for our youth to remain connected to each other and to Christ. Contact Pastor Aleese if you have any questions.
Isaiah 44:6-8| The people of ancient Judah had been exiled for more than two generations. They wondered if they would ever return to Jerusalem and worship again in the temple. In short, they wondered if life would ever return to “normal.” Perhaps today, some of us feel displaced from what we know, from what is normal, and even from what we had hoped for. Things don’t seem to be “the way they used to be.” But even now, we are reminded along with the Israelites that our God is powerful and will not abandon us, and that our God will lead us “home.” Join us in worship to hear a word of Good News and consider how God is leading us on, even if we don’t always know exactly where we are going. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23| God’s Word has been implanted within us, and God desires for that seed to grow, flourish, and produce abundantly. God has already begun this work in us, and is committed to cultivating us on our journeys of faith. So now, how are we being called to participate in the work of the Spirit, creating a space for God’s Word to take root? Join us in worship as we hear God’s promise of love, and are challenged to consider how the environments we find ourselves in shape us as people of God. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30 | As Jesus addressed the crowds, he challenged them and warned them of not seeing the truths that were right in front of them. As disciples of Jesus today, we are challenged to recognize the truths that are right in front of us, and challenged to see Jesus Christ as our sole truth as we come to him and learn from him as fellow disciples. Liturgy used within worship covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Although our life together looks different this summer, we are still committed to helping each other remain connected to Christ and to each other. All, members and guests, are invited to join us!
Dear Church Book Club
This summer we are reading 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. Once we determine our group, we will determine meeting location and time, and how much of the book we will discuss at once. Those interested must order their own book.
Women’s Group
Women’s Group meets on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month at 8:30 a.m. We continue with our series on “Just Love.” Women of all ages are welcome to join us! We currently meet outside while physical distancing. Bring your own lawn chair.
Family Bible Adventures | July 1, 15, 29, Aug 12
We’ve been sharing information about an alternative way for families to engage in faith practices this summer…and we’re almost ready to share our first “adventure” with you! Adventures consist of a story from the Bible (shared in video format) and a suggested activity and prayer model. Be sure to check back for more information throughout the summer!
Youth Group June-July Schedule
An updated summer schedule has been emailed to youth and their families. Youth Group is intended for youth grades 4 and up. Though we need to be creative this summer due to restrictions, we are doing our best to provide ways for our youth to remain connected to each other and to Christ. Contact Pastor Aleese if you have any questions.
Matthew 10: 40-42 | Some days, we might feel uncertain, not quite knowing if we have been given what’s needed for the road ahead. But in Christ, we have been promised that we will be provided with what is needed for the journey, and that we have received Christ’s gift of welcome. Now, having received that gift, we are sent to extend that same hospitality to others in Christ’s name until there is a place of belonging and welcome for all God’s children – no strings attached. Join us for worship – outside, while physically distancing – as we praise our God for his faithfulness and receive once again God’s hospitality at the table of communion. Music and liturgy covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Jeremiah 20:7-13 | Often, the “Christian life” is referred to as one filled with peace, joy, and comfort. We believe that with Christ, we will find our only source of true and abundant life. But that doesn’t mean that our journeys are always a cakewalk. Rather, sometimes our Lord’s call may take us to places that are downright uncomfortable as we follow the prodding of the Spirit. As we continue to live as followers of Jesus during a time of global pandemic and an ever-changing society, we might feel as though we are being pushed into uncomfortable territory. But the call of our Lord? Is to trust where he leads us, and to join with God in the mission he has already begun. Join us for worship as we hear a bit of Jeremiah’s story, and consider our own response as people called to take up our cross and follow Jesus. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Matthew 9:35-10:8 | In light of many local and national events, and in light of the realities of our lives, we may get a sense at times that we are like sheep – seeking for someone to provide direction…a way forward. In Christ, we find our leader. And in Christ, we find our direction forward as he gives us our marching orders as people of his kingdom. Join us for worship as we look to Jesus, and as we follow in Christ’s ways of justice and peace. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Genesis 1-2 | In the past weeks, our nation has experienced significant trauma. We have watched injustice against our brothers and sisters of color, and now the church is asking: now what? Though it may seem that we are disconnected from these realities of injustice, as people living in relationship with the Triune God, we are intrinsically connected to ALL creation. Join us for worship as we consider what it means to be “church” in these times, and how our relational God is binding us together as one. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Acts 2: 1-21 | Have you ever felt as though life went from 0-60 in a matter of days? minutes? seconds? That might have been similar to what the disciples experienced on the day of Pentecost. After the Spirit came, thier world turned, as if on a dime. All around us, there are things that are shifting, and we too might feel as though our lives and our world is shifting right now. So what are we to do? What are we to make of everything? Join us for worship as we consider what it means to live as people of the Spirit today. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Acts 1: 1-14 | After Christ’s resurrection, Jesus spent 40 days with his disciples. But after giving his disciples the promise of the coming Spirit, once again he left them – this time to ascend to the Father. So now what? What were the disciples to do? to think? to be? As we find ourselves amidst “in between” times, wondering what to do next, perhaps we can look to the early church for guidance. Join us for worship as we hear of God’s faithfulness and look in hope for all that is to come. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
John 14: 15-21 | Unfortunately, we fell prey to the Zoom collapse on Sunday morning, along with many other congregations nationwide. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t engage with our Scripture reading! Take a look at John 14:15-21 (and/or the worship bulletin below) and think: Ever desire to have someone “in your corner” or “go to bat” for you? Ever looking for someone to give you the confidence to keep going? Well, that “advocate” is what Jesus promises in the coming Holy Spirit. YOU are inheritors of that Spirit, and YOU are now commissioned as Spirit people to be advocates for others in the world. Be sure to join us next Sunday as we worship again, and we promise, we’ll be able to gather together again!
John 14: 1-14 | During the past few weeks, we’ve likely spent a lot of time in various “rooms,” and perhaps have even begun to go a bit stir crazy within those “rooms.” So what does it mean to have yet another “room” prepared for us by Jesus? Join us in worship as we consider how Jesus dwells within us in the rooms of our lives, even when isolated, and how his presence connects our rooms together as one house. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
John 10: 1-10 | “The Lord is my shepherd…” might be some of the most familiar words to many in Scripture. Often, we take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is our Good Shepherd who leads and guides us. But what does that mean in our world today? Join us for worship as we dwell as one in the house of the Lord – gathered at Christ’s banquet table. Message provided today by Bishop Michael Burk, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
Luke 24: 13-35 | As the disciples were unable to recognize Jesus walking along with them on the road to Emmaus, at times it may feel as though Jesus is absent. Yet, Jesus continues to walk alongside us, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, reveals to us the promise of Christ’s resurrection in everyday, ordinary ways. Join us as we celebrate communion together in our Zoom worship service! Music covered under CCLI License #1141706.
John 20: 19-31 | Our journey through the Easter season continues as we encounter the risen Christ in our midst. As Christ appears to his disciples behind locked doors, Christ also appears to us – wherever we are at – and breathes his peace into us. Music covered under CCLI Licenses #1141706.
Matthew 28: 1-10 | Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Though we may not be shouting our praise with brass and Easter lilies, we still gather with the women at the empty tomb to marvel at God’s life given for the sake of the world and dare to proclaim that all things WILL rise again. Music covered under CCLI License #11141706.
Each Wednesday, in hopes to connect our kids to Christ and to each other, we will be sharing Children’s Chat videos and accompanying resources for kids to engage with the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel story. Also found here are Children’s Bulletins for each week. Feel free to use these children’s bulletins during the week for an extra activity, or as something to keep your kids occupied during our Zoom worship services.
Resources are intended for children 5th grade and under. Blessings to you as you live into the promise of Christ’s life this season!
Wednesday, June 3
As we head into the summer, we will be phasing out of our scheduled Children’s Chat. So, this will be our last “formal” Children’s Chat. But don’t worry! Other resources will be shared for in-person and family activities throughout the coming weeks. To finish out today, tune in with the Sparkhouse Sunday School Team as they dive into the story of creation and how it relates to Holy Trinity Sunday, coming up this Sunday! All resources noted in the video can below.
Acts 2: 1-21 | It’s almost here! Throughout the entire season of Easter, we have been counting down the days until Pentecost Sunday. Join Pastor Aleese, and the Sprkhouse Digital Team, as they explore the day of Pentecost through song, story, and activities. Be sure to get your best celebratory gear out to celebrate with Pastor Aleese and the whole church! And bring your doves and flames to the church on Thursday, May 28 from 5:30-6:30 so we can use them in worship on Sunday!
Dove Coloring Page – color this and bring it to Pastor Aleese on Thurs., May 28!
Flame Coloring Page – color this and bring it to Pastor Aleese on Thurs., May 28!
Wednesday, May 20
Acts 1:1-11 | This weekend we celebrate the last Sunday of the Easter season, and remember the Ascension of Our Lord. But now, as we wait – in between when our Lord ascended into heaven and when the promised Spirit will come – what are we to do as disciples of Jesus? We ALL have been “waiting” for many things in these past weeks. Well, let’s take a lesson from the early church of how they spent their time waiting. Dive into the story with Pastor Aleese and utilize the accompanying resources below as is appropriate. Music and use of the Spark Storybook Bible covered by Sparkhouse Digital subscription.
Dove Coloring Page – color this and return to Pastor Aleese by May 28 for use in our Pentecost worship service!
Flame Coloring Page – color this and return to Pastor Aleese by May 28 for use in our Pentecost worship service!
Wednesday, May 13
John 14: 15-21 | It’s time for another Children’s Chat with Pastor Aleese and our Sparkhouse team! For today’s story, we turn to the night before Jesus began his walk to the cross. There with his disciples, he had a commandment and a promise for them. To learn what that commandment and promise is, and how it is appropriate for us today, take a listen. As always, you can find the corresponding resources that accompany this video below. Music and use of Spark Storybook Bible covered by Sparkhouse Digital subscription.
John 14:1-14 | We’ve all been spending more time in our “houses” these days. Have you ever wondered what God’s House is like? Tune into Children’s Chat with Pastor Aleese to learn more about God’s House…and how YOU are a part of God’s house! Be prepared to find Pastor Aleese in some odd places this week! Music and use of Spark Storybook Bible covered by Sparkhouse Digital subscription.
John 10:1-10 | We belong to a church called “Shepherd of the Cross.” But what does it mean that Jesus is our shepherd? And who are we as God’s little lambs? Dive in with Pastor Aleese for song, story, and an activity. Music and use of Spark Storybook Bible covered by Sparkhouse Digital subscription.
Luke 24: 13-35 | As we continue through the Easter season, we learn in Scripture that Jesus appeared to many of his disciples…in many different places! Watch along with Pastor Aleese to learn about the “Road to Emmaus” story. We’ll sing together, hear the story, and participate in some activities. And…don’t forget to send your pictures of being in a “disguise” to Pastor Aleese! Music and use of Spark Storybook Bible covered by Sparkhouse Digital subscription.
John 20:19-31 | On this first Wed after Easter, Children’s Chat is brought to you by Sparkhouse, the company from which we teach Sunday School at SOTC. Dive in with the Rundman family as they explore the story of “Doubting Thomas.” Similar to Children’s Chats with Pastor Aleese, the video will offer a song, a story, and some activities. If you’re interested in any of the activity sheets that accompany this lesson, check out the link in the comment section to this video. And, if you’re interested in following along with the story in your Spark Storybook Bibles, turn to pages 492-495. Blessings to your families as you explore the GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ who has risen from the dead!
