Author: Kathy Dunham

Welcome to the Carter’s, Sullivan’s, and Passmore’s!

A hearty welcome to Chris, Kirsten, Travis, Jill, Aden, Dwight, and Judy!  We officially welcomed them during worship this past Sunday and our young adults/families with kiddos gathered for a night of fellowship later Sunday evening. Welcome to the flock, friends! 

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 27 

In true Shepherd tradition, we will be hosting Chocolate Fest following worship on Sunday, February 27.  This tradition started years ago as “one last chance” to eat all the chocolate/sweets you want before heading into the season of Lent (see below for more information). Whether you’re thinking about giving something up for Lent or not, make sure to join us for an assortment of all things chocolate! All members are invited to bring something to share for our fellowship hour. 

Lent is Coming!

Soon and very soon, we will be launching into the season of Lent. Out theme for this season is “Full to the Brim.” Our hope this Lent is to invite you into God’s abundant and expansive grace, just as you are. Later this week we hope to share more about our theme and other plans for our life together, but for now, note the following details and dates:

Ash Wednesday Worship

Ash Wednesday begins our Lenten journey on Wednesday, March 2. Join us for worship at 7:00 pm

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Starting Wed, March 9, our schedule will be: 

5:30 – 6:15 pm | Meal 
6:30 – 7:15 pm | Worship Service

Willing to help provide food for a meal? We need you! We’re looking for teams of 5 people per Wed to provide, serve, and clean up a meal. Each group of people will determine what they would like to serve. Sign up here or on the sign-up sheet in the narthex. Questions re meals? Contact Colleen Bentz, team lead for our Social Team.

Looking for a mid-week dive into God’s Word?

Join us Wednesdays @ 12:00 pm @ Geo Johnz

Looking for a way to dive into our Sunday Scripture readings prior to worship? Join us for Christians Underground on Wednesdays at 12:00 pm at Geo Johnz (203 E 2nd Street). We’ll provide copies of the Scripture readings and all you need to do is show up and be open to the transformative power of the Spirit through God’s Word! Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese.

Recognition of Team Members in Worship

Sunday, February 27

A few weeks ago, we offered a blessing and prayer for our Council leaders. But it’s not just our Council leaders who are making things happen at SOTC! Our teams are working hard! To honor our teams, bless them, and offer a prayer, we will be recognizing members of our Shepherding Teams during worship on Sunday, February 27. Team members: simply come to worship and follow instructions during the closing announcements. Thank you, team members, and all Shepherds, for the ways you contribute to the ministry of Jesus Christ through this congregation!

Panda Express Fundraiser

March 6 and April 10

Looking to support our youth and eat some good food at the same time? This opportunity is for you! Mark your calendars for March 6 and April 10 as days to eat in/order online from Panda Express. In the coming weeks, we’ll be given a coupon code as a congregation; simply offer that code when you order and SOTC will receive a portion of each meal sold. Thanks for your support!

Summer Camp Registration at EWALU

If you have a child in grades 1-12, consider spending a day, half-week or week at Camp EWALU this summer!  Early bird registration (deducting $40 from your registration cost) goes through March 1.  Check out EWALU’s website for a full list of camp opportunities!

Do note that we are looking into a confirmation camp opportunity for middle school (grades 6-8) youth this summer. If interested, contact Pastor Aleese. 

For all youth: our Ed Team has agreed to offer a scholarship to youth attending camp. Total donation TBD, but know we are supporting you!

Lenten Midweek Schedule Finalized!

Thank you for your feedback!  Based on the results of those who responded, our Lent midweek schedule (starting Wed, March 9) will be:

5:30 – 6:15 pm | Meal
6:30 – 7:15 pm | Worship Service

Mark your calendars to join us and look for more information to come soon! Note that Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent on Wed, March 2. Worship for Ash Wednesday will be at 7:00 pm.

Christians Underground to Resumes this Week!

Wednesdays @ 12:00 pm, February 16

Prior to the pandemic, we often met at a restaurant downtown for Bible study and fellowship. For various reasons, this group subsided. However, recently there seems to be an interest in reviving such a group. 

To get going again, we will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:00 pm at Geo Johnz Pizza (203 E 2nd Street). The topic of study/conversation will likely begin by focusing on the upcoming Sunday readings. In the future, we may decide to work our way through a book of the Bible.  Join us to offer your suggestions and what you’re looking for! Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese.

Welcome to the Carter’s, Sullivan’s, and Passmore’s!

Sunday, February 20

Our flock is growing! During worship on Sunday, we will be offering prayer and blessing for the Carter, Sullivan, and Passmore families as they join our family of faith. Mark your calendars to join us for worship and a time of fellowship to get to know them better and offer your welcome!

Panda Express Fundraiser

Looking to support our youth and eat some good food at the same time? This opportunity is for you!

Mark your calendars for March 6 and April 10 as days to eat in/order online from Panda Express. In the coming weeks, we’ll be given a coupon code as a congregation; simply offer that code when you order and SOTC will receive a portion of each meal sold. Thanks for your support!

Summer Camp Registration at EWALU

Though it’s quite cold outside, our Lutheran Outdoor Ministry camps are looking ahead to summer! If you have a child in grades 1-12, consider spending a day, half-week, or week at Camp EWALU.  Early bird registration (deducting $40 from your registration cost) goes through March 1. Check out EWALU’s website for a full list of camp opportunities! Contact Pastor Aleese if your child is considering camp as Shepherd may be able to provide a camping scholarship.

Chocolate Fest!

Sunday, February 27

In true Shepherd tradition, we will be hosting Chocolate Fest following worship on Sunday, February 27. This tradition started years ago as “one last chance” to eat all the chocolate/sweets you want before heading into the season of Lent (starting March 2). Whether you’re thinking about giving something up for Lent or not, make sure to join us for an assortment of all things chocolate! All members are invited to bring something to share for the fellowship hour.  

Lenten Midweek Schedule Feedback

We need to hear from you!

Our Worship and Music and Education Teams have begun making plans for our Lenten journey. We have a few questions, especially in regards to midweek Lenten worship services and meals, so as to gauge the interest and timing of our evening together. Please complete a survey here to help us determine what is best for the whole of our community! Thank you!

Christians Underground to Resume!

Wednesdays @ 12:00 pm, starting February 16

Prior to the pandemic, we often met at a restaurant downtown for Bible study and fellowship. For various reasons, this group subsided. However, recently there seems to be an interest in reviving such a group. 

To get going again, we will meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. at Geo Johnz Pizza (203 E 2nd Street). The topic of study/conversation will likely begin by focusing on the upcoming Sunday readings. In the future, we may decide to work our way through a book of the Bible.  Join us to offer your suggestions and what you’re looking for! Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese.

Souper Bowl of Caring Drive

Sunday, February 6 and 13

As many celebrate Super Bowl weekend, let’s work together to fill the Muskie Locker at Susan Clark Junior High! We’ll be collecting the following items on Sunday, Feb. 6 and 13:

• deodorant (male and female)
• toothpaste and toothbrushes
• hoodies
• sweatshirts
• adult gloves and hats
• trappers

All donations must be new (not used). Cash/check donations are also accepted. Questions? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Welcome to the Carter’s, Sullivan’s and Passmore’s!

Sunday, February 20

Our flock is growing! During worship on Sunday we will be offering prayer and blessing for the Carter, Sullivan, and Passmore families as they join our family of faith. Mark your calendars to join us for worship and a time of fellowship to get to know them better and offer your welcome!

Pastor Aleese Continuing Education

February 11 – 14

Pastor Aleese will be attending the ELCA Extravaganza (a youth leader networking conference) from Feb 11 – 14. She will also be receiving training to lead our synod’s “Synod Day” at the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering. During her time away, Pastor Willie Rosin (Zion Lutheran) will be available for pastoral emergencies. Pastor Marv Robeck will serve as supply preacher/presider along with lay leaders on Sun, Feb. 14. 

Summer Camp Registration at EWALU

Though it’s quite cold outside, our Lutheran Outdoor Ministry camps are looking ahead to summer! If you have a child in grades 1-12, consider spending a day, half-week, or week at Camp EWALU.  Early bird registration (deducting $40 from your registration cost) goes through March 1.  Check out EWALU’s website for a full list of camp opportunities! Contact Pastor Aleese if your child is considering camp as Shepherd may be able to provide a camping scholarship.

Tone Chime Rehearsals to Resume 

After a brief break over the holidays, our tone chime choir will be coming back together soon!  Watch for more information from Jon Thoma regarding when rehearsals will begin again. 

Want to be involved but were not before? Email Jon directly.

Lenten Midweek Schedule Feedback

We need to hear from you!

Our Worship and Music and Education Teams have begun making plans for our Lenten journey. We have a few questions, especially in regards to midweek Lenten worship services and meals, so as to gauge interest and timing of our evening together. Please complete a survey here to help us determine what is best for the whole of our community! Thank you!

Shepherding Team Sign Up

We’re closing in on having our team line up ready to share with the congregation! Before doing so, if you haven’t had the chance to sign up to be a part of a Shepherding Team, sign up here or on the bulletin board in the narthex. We need everyone in this community to help facilitate the mission of Jesus Christ in this place!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 5 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

 It’s this weekend! Bring your favorite games and an appetizer to share for our meal. If you’re willing to bring a liter of pop and/or help in the kitchen during the evening, contact Colleen Bentz or Kathy Dunham. 

Souper Bowl of Caring Drive

Sunday, February 6 and 13

As many celebrate Super Bowl weekend, let’s work together to fill the Muskie Locker at Susan Clark Junior High! We’ll be collecting the following items on Sunday Feb 6 and 13:

• deodorant (male and female)
• toothpaste and toothbrushes
• hoodies
• sweatshirts
• adult gloves and hats
• trappers

All donations must be new (not used). Cash/check donations also accepted. Questions? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Narrative Directory Now Available!

Ever want to know a bit more about your fellow Shepherds? Thanks to our Social Team, we have a new Narrative Directory that helps us get to know one another! Check it out to put a name to a face (thanks to your awesome pictures!) and learn more about our church family! Members will find it in our Members tab on website.

Pastor Aleese Continuing Education

Feb 11 – 14

Pastor Aleese will be attending the ELCA Extravaganza (a youth leader networking conference) from Feb 11 – 14. She will also be receiving training to lead our synod’s “Synod Day” at the upcoming ELCA Youth Gathering. During her time away, Pastor Willie Rosin (Zion Lutheran) will be available for pastoral emergencies. Pastor Marv Robeck will serve as supply preacher/presider along with lay leaders on Sun, Feb. 14. 

Tone Chime Rehearsals to Resume 

After a brief break over the holidays, our tone chime choir will be coming back together soon!  Watch for more information from Jon Thoma regarding when rehearsals will begin again. 

Want to be involved but were not before? Email Jon directly.

2021 SOTC Year in Review

This past Sunday we held our Annual Meeting following worship. As a part of that meeting, we compiled a video highlighting some moments from 2021. Take a look, and listen to our invitation given to the congregation going into 2022.

Narrative Directory Now Available

Ever want to know a bit more about your fellow Shepherds? Thanks to our Social Team, we have a new Narrative Directory that helps us get to know one another! Check it out to put a name to a face (thanks to your awesome pictures!) and learn more about our church family! To access the SOTC directories contact Kathy Dunham.

Shepherding Team Sign Up

For the past few years, each Jan/Feb we have asked the congregation to consider being a part of a Shepherding Team (Worship and Music, Education, Social, etc.). Per our organizational structure, team members are not elected. Instead, all are welcome to serve on whatever team(s) they feel they are being called to based on your skills/gifts. 

In the narthex, we have transformed our Advent “Close to Home” bulletin board into a giant sign-up board. If you would like to serve on a Shepherding Team, sign up at the church or using this Sign Up Genius link

Currently serving on a team and would like to continue? Please re-sign up so we know your intent to continue serving. 

If you have any questions, contact Kathy Dunham or Delene McConnaha

Adult Education to Resume

Sunday, January 30

Adult Education will resume on Sundays following worship/a time of fellowship. Tentative topic is an overview of the Gospel of Luke. This year, we will hear primarily from the Gospel of Luke in worship. Our hope is that in getting a birds-eye view of this Gospel, we will be better able to engage in Scripture as it is read in worship. All are welcome to join us!

SOTC Game Night

Saturday, February 5 from 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Take a break from the winter cold and join your Shepherds for a game night! Bring your favorite games and an appetizer to share for our meal. If you’re willing to bring a liter of pop and/or help in the kitchen during the evening, contact Colleen Bentz or Kathy Dunham. 

Southeastern Iowa Anti-Racism Network Conversation and Study

Tuesdays in February @ 7:00 pm

The Southeastern Iowa Synod invites you to join with communities of faith across Southeastern Iowa in faithful conversations about The 1619 Project. Slavery in the United States has been referenced as our “original sin.” Given that context and the fact that many communities of faith justified enslavement and benefited materially from it, or, on the flipside, worked for its elimination, it is critical the faith community intentionally study slavery and its lasting impact on the generations during and after.

Beginning on Tuesday, February 1, participants will gather at 7 pm for a 30-minute video, prepared by interfaith leaders from across the state, and end with 30-minutes of conversation. There is selected reading from the 1619 Project for each week, and the essay is available for free online. To view the 6-week structure, visit the Faithful Conversations on The 1619 Project site. If you need to miss a week (or 2) the videos are all available on YouTube and will be sent each week as a recap along with the assigned reading for the next week.

Register here to join in this important conversation. For questions, contact Pastor Erika Uthe, Assistant to the Bishop. 

Souper Bowl of Caring Drive

Sunday, February 6 and 13

As many celebrate Super Bowl weekend, let’s work together to fill the Muskie Locker at Susan Clark Junior High! We’ll be collecting the following items on Sunday Feb 6 and 13:

• deodorant (male and female)
• toothpaste and toothbrushes
• hoodies
• sweatshirts
• adult gloves and hats
• trappers

All donations must be new (not used). Cash/check donations also accepted. Questions? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Chocolate Fest 

Sunday, February 27

It’s still over a month away, but it’s definitely something to get excited about! We missed Chocolate Fest for the past two years, but are excited to bring this tradition back! The Sunday before Ash Wednesday, join us for a time of fellowship with nothing but chocolate! All members are invited to bring thier favorite chocolate delicacy. There will be no Sunday School or Adult Education this Sunday. Start getting your recipes ready now!