Author: Kathy Dunham

Help Needed Building Ramp

Saturday, August 17, starting 8:00 am

Recently we got a call from Habitat for Humanity about a project they are doing in collaboration with Rebuild Together. A family needs a wheelchair ramp for their son, who uses a wheelchair. They’re looking for 4-5 people to assist with the build. Youth are also encouraged to participate, but must have a parent present during the build. Lunch is provided. Build will likely take about 3-4 hours. If you’re interested, contact Pastor Aleese as soon as possible.

Blessing of Backpacks and Work Bags

Sunday, August 25

It’s almost back-to-school time! To send our kids (and teachers, and parents, and everyone who works in various capacities) into the academic year, we will offer a blessing of backpacks and work bags on Sunday, August 25. Bring your bag to worship and we’ll gather them at the altar to bless the various vocations that we all live out as a part of the body of Christ. 

Family Faith Night Kick Off!

Wednesday, August 28 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace

As you begin to slot in fall activities, be sure to mark your calendars for our Family Faith Night Kick Off Night! Similar to last year, we (members from Shepherd, Grace, Zion, and New Era) will meet at Grace each Wednesday (meal included!) Opportunities for kids, youth, and adults! Looking for more information about what is being offered? Check out  shepherdofthecross.org/groups

Help Needed for Family Faith Night Meals

Food gathers us. It provides a space to talk, to share our lives, and to learn more about one another. 

To continue providing this environment as a part of Family Faith Nights, we need your help. We’re looking for teams of people to plan, prep, serve, and clean up Family Faith Night meals. Funding for food costs may be available. 

If you’re willing to assist, sign up your name on the spreadsheet or contact the church office. If you have a full team to sign up with, great! If you just want to sign up yourself, that’s also ok! No need to include a meal menu right now. Once teams are established we will circle back to groups for coordination. 

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Aleese. 

Collaborative Announcement from Worship

This past Sunday, Nick Gilbert – on behalf of the SOTC Council (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, LInda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Connie Hoekstra, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall) and volunteers serving on a joint ELCA team (Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert, Andy Christy) shared an announcement regarding our continued work together in the body of Christ. Miss worship but want to hear more? Check out this announcement and reach out to any of the above leaders for further conversation. 

God’s Work Our Hands Collection

Sunday, September 15

Each year, the ELCA uplifts a Sunday in September as “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday as an annual day of service. This year, we’re joining with our ELCA congregations to sponsor a drive benefitting Sleep in Heavenly Peace – a local organization whose mission is to ensure no child sleeps on the floor. Through September 15, we’ll collect physical donations (list of needed items coming soon!) and monetary donations. More information coming soon!

Shepherd Kid Days

October 18, January 20,
April 18

Last spring, our Shepherd kids gathered on Good Friday to learn about communion. This school year, we’re expanding that to offer three days throughout the school year. We’ll meet at SOTC from 9:00 – 11:00 am, each time focusing on a different topic (October: Stewardship and Service; January: Justice; April: Baptism)

For now, mark your calendars…and families – be on the look out for more information soon! If you know someone from outside SOTC that would like to participate, talk to Pastor Aleese.

Info for those Attending the River Bandits Game

Saturday, August 10, 6:00pm (Gametime)
Carpool from SOTC @ 5:00pm

Those who’d like to carpool should arrive no later than 5:00pm. 

If you’re driving yourself, meet us at Modern Woodman Park. Park and then meet the group at Will Call. Tickets will be picked up as a group.

Looking forward to a night of fellowship!

Family Faith Night Kick Off!

Wednesday, August 28 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace

Can you believe it!? We’re about a month out from another Family Faith Night year! As you begin to slot in fall activities, be sure to mark your calendars for our Family Faith Night Kick Off Night! Similar to last year, we (members from Shepherd, Grace, Zion, and New Era) will meet at Grace each Wednesday (meal included!) Opportunities for kids, youth, and adults! Looking for more information about what is being offered? Check out  shepherdofthecross.org/groups

Help Needed for Family Faith Night Meals

Food gathers us. It provides a space to talk, to share our lives, and to learn more about one another. 

To continue providing this environment as a part of Family Faith Nights, we need your help. We’re looking for teams of people to plan, prep, serve, and clean up Family Faith Night meals. Funding for food costs may be available. 

If you’re willing to assist, sign up your name on the spreadsheet or contact the church office. If you have a full team to sign up with, great! If you just want to sign up yourself, that’s also ok! No need to include a meal menu right now. Once teams are established we will circle back to groups for coordination. 

If you have any questions, contact Pastor Aleese. 

Collaborative Announcement from Worship

This past Sunday, Nick Gilbert – on behalf of the SOTC Council (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, LInda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Connie Hoekstra, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall) and volunteers serving on a joint ELCA team (Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert, Andy Christy) shared an announcement regarding our continued work together in the body of Christ. Miss worship but want to hear more? Check out this announcement and reach out to any of the above leaders for further conversation. 

Z Book Club

Monday, August 12 @ 5:30pm (Diamond Daves) Meets Monthly

Zion Lutheran Church is inviting those interested in joining their Z Book Club as they read The Wise Women: A Novel by Gina Sorell. If you are interested call the Zion office @ 563-263-5074 to sign up. More information may be found on the bulletin board in SOTC fellowship area.

Blessing of Backpacks and Work Bags

Sunday, August 25

It’s almost back-to-school time! To send our kids (and teachers, and parents, and everyone who works in various capacities) into the academic year, we will offer a blessing of backpacks and work bags on Sunday, August 25. Bring your bag to worship and we’ll gather them at the altar to bless the various vocations that we all live out as a part of the body of Christ.

Celebration of Bailey Booth Confirmation

In Paul’s prayer to the church at Ephesus, he prays: “I pray that you may have the power to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”

This past Sunday, Bailey affirmed her faith in the Triune God and committed herself to following Jesus as a disciple. We continue to pray that she is filled with all the fullness of God on her journey of faith!

Interested in an Adult Faith Formation Group?

Sign Up by Sunday, August 4

Interested in nurturing your faith this coming school year? We want to hear from you! 

This fall we are offering three groups geared for adults: Sojourners, Companions in Christ and Re:Storied. A brief synopsis is below, and a more detailed description can be found in the narthex and at our website.

To effectively plan for the number of groups and leaders, we ask you to indicate your interest by Sunday, August 4 by signing up in the narthex or by submitting an online form.

If you have further questions, contact Andy or Aleese. We look forward to walking together this year in faith!

Description of Groups

Sojourners is a small group that seeks to deepen participants relationship with God and with one another to foster individual and communal spiritual growth. Sojourners will most likely meet on Wednesday nights as a part of Family Faith Nights.

Companions in Christ is a spiritual formation group that focuses on how God is present within all human experiences, learns and practices various forms of prayer, and reflects on our call as disciples of Jesus.  Because of the time commitment, Companions will not meet during Family Faith Nights, but will be dependent on the schedule of those within the group.

Re:Storied is a small group that introduces participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word. Scheduling of this group will be determined based on schedule of interested participants.

Family Faith Night Kick Off!

Wednesday, August 28 @ 6:00 pm @ Grace

Can you believe it!? We’re about a month out from another Family Faith Night year! As you begin to slot in fall activities, be sure to mark your calendars for our Family Faith Night Kick Off Night! Similar to last year, we (members from Shepherd, Grace, Zion, and New Era) will meet at Grace each Wednesday (meal included!) Opportunities for kids, youth, and adults! Looking for more information about what is being offered? Check out  shepherdofthecross.org/groups

Toys Needed for Youth Room

Have some old kids’ toys underneath the stairs or in a closet that you don’t use anymore? We’re looking for some gently used kids toys (and furniture) to keep in the youth room for toddlers and lower elementary kids. We’re looking specifically for the following, but if you have something else in mind, talk to Jamie Vircks or Pastor Aleese. We’ll likely be able to use it!

Baby dolls
Small bookshelf
Building toys (legos, lincoln logs)
Younger puzzles (big pieces)

Financial Support for Western Iowa Flooding

Earlier in July, Western Iowa experienced significant flooding. In response, the Western Iowa Synod of the ELCA has come together to funnel funds to areas most impacted. If you’d like to be a part of this relief effort, go to “Lutheran Disaster Response.” All donated funds to the synod will be given directly to those in need. 

Z Book Club

Monday, August 12 @ 5:30pm (Diamond Daves) Meets Monthly

Zion Lutheran Church is inviting those interested in joining their Z Book Club as they read The Wise Women: A Novel by Gina Sorell. If you are interested call the Zion office @ 563-263-5074 to sign up. More information may be found on the bulletin board in SOTC fellowship area.

Interested in an Adult Faith Formation Group?

Sign Up by Sunday, August 4

Did you miss our meeting last week, but you are still interested in being a part of a group this fall? We want to hear from you! 

This fall we are offering three groups geared for adults: Sojourners, Companions in Christ and Re:Storied. A brief synopsis is below, and a more detailed description can be found in the narthex and at our website.

To effectively plan for the number of groups and leaders, we ask you to indicate your interest by Sunday, August 4 by signing up in the narthex or by submitting an online form.

If you have further questions, contact Andy or Aleese. We look forward to walking together this year in faith!

Description of Groups

Sojourners is a small group that seeks to deepen participants relationship with God and with one another to foster individual and communal spiritual growth. Sojourners will most likely meet on Wednesday nights as a part of Family Faith Nights.

Companions in Christ is a spiritual formation group that focuses on how God is present within all human experiences, learns and practices various forms of prayer, and reflects on our call as disciples of Jesus.  Because of the time commitment, Companions will not meet during Family Faith Nights, but will be dependent on the schedule of those within the group.

Re:Storied is a small group that introduces participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word. Scheduling of this group will be determined based on schedule of interested participants.

Toys Needed for Youth Room

Have some old kids’ toys underneath the stairs or in a closet that you don’t use anymore? We’re looking for some gently used kids toys (and furniture) to keep in the youth room for toddlers and lower elementary kids. We’re looking specifically for the following, but if you have something else in mind, talk to Jamie Vircks or Pastor Aleese. We’ll likely be able to use it!

Baby dolls
Small bookshelf
Building toys (legos, lincoln logs)
Younger puzzles (big pieces)

Last Call!: Night Out at the River Bandits

Saturday, August 10, 6:00pm (Gametime)
Carpool from SOTC @ 5:00pm
Sign up by July 28 if interested

Last call! If you want tickets, sign up in the narthex or email the church office by Sunday, July 28. Tickets are $13 each. Ticket price does not include a food/drink voucher. 

We will carpool from Shepherd at 5:00pm. Others are welcome to join us at Modern Woodman Park as is helpful. Tickets will be picked up as a group. Looking forward to a night of fellowship!

Bailey Booth Confirmation

Sunday, July 28 

It’s this weekend! Come and witness Bailey confess her faith and affirm the promises God made to her in the sacrament of baptism!  A special time of fellowship will follow after worship. Be sure to join Bailey as we support her on her walk of faith!

Financial Support for Western Iowa Flooding

Earlier in July, Western Iowa experienced significant flooding. In response, the Western Iowa Synod of the ELCA has come together to funnel funds to areas most impacted. If you’d like to be a part of this relief effort, go to “Lutheran Disaster Response.” All donated funds to the synod will be given directly to those in need. 

Family Faith Nights Returning in Sept!

We’re looking forward to another Family Faith Night year, and are also looking to expand the groups we offer to include upper middle school and high school youth. Keep your eye out for more ways that your kids and youth can be involved, and look for a calendar soon!

Z Book Club

Monday, August 12 @ 5:30pm (Diamond Daves) Meets Monthly

Zion Lutheran Church is inviting those interested in joining their Z Book Club as they read The Wise Women: A Novel by Gina Sorell. If you are interested call the Zion office @ 563-263-5074 to sign up. More information may be found on the bulletin board in SOTC fellowship area.

Fall Adult Group Interest Meeting

Wednesday, July 17 @ 7:30pm @ Zion

Looking for a group to nurture your faith this coming school year? In collaboration with our fellow ELCA congregations, we are offering at least three faith formation groups geared for adults: Sojourners, Companions in Christ and Re:Storied. Though a brief synopsis is offered below, we invite everyone interested in participating to come to an interest meeting on Wednesday, July 17 @ 7:30pm @ Zion (immediately following Book Club). This will help us determine who is interested in which group, as well as determine scheduling of these groups.  

Interested, but not able to make it on July 17?  Sign up in the narthex and/or contact Aleese or Andy. We look forward to walking together this year in faith! 

Description of Groups

Sojourners is a small group that seeks to deepen participants relationship with God and with one another to foster individual and communal spiritual growth. 

Companions in Christ is a spiritual formation group that focuses on how God is present within all human experiences, learns and practices various forms of prayer, and reflects on our call as disciples of Jesus.  

Re:Storied is a small group that introduces participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word. 

Night Out at the River Bandits

Saturday, August 10, 6:00pm (Gametime)
Carpool from SOTC @ 5:00pm
Sign up by July 28 if interested

We’re looking to have a ball at the ballpark with our Shepherds and also others from our local Muscatine ELCA congregations! Tickets are $13 each. We will likely have a box area where we can mingle together. Ticket price does not include a food/drink voucher. 

To order your tickets, email the church office or sign up in the narthex. Payment is due at the time you sign up. 

We will carpool from Shepherd at 5:00pm. Others are welcome to join us at Modern Woodman Park as is helpful. Tickets will be picked up as a group. Looking forward to a night of fellowship!

Bailey Booth Confirmation

Sunday, July 28 

After two years of participation in the middle school faith formation group, Bailey would like to publicly confess her faith and affirm the promises God made to her in the sacrament of baptism! To celebrate this milestone, we’ll honor her during worship and have a special time of fellowship after worship. Be sure to join Bailey as we support her on her walk of faith!

Z Book Club

Monday, August 12 @ 5:30pm (Diamond Daves) Meets Monthly

Zion Lutheran Church is inviting those interested in joining their Z Book Club as they read The Wise Women: A Novel by Gina Sorell. If you are interested call the Zion office @ 563-263-5074 to sign up. More information may be found on the bulletin board in SOTC fellowship area.

Family Faith Nights Returning in Sept!

We’re looking forward to another Family Faith Night year, and are also looking to expand the groups we offer to include upper middle school and high school youth. Keep your eye out for more ways that your kids and youth can be involved, and look for a calendar soon!

Toys Needed for Youth Room

Have some old kids’ toys underneath the stairs or in a closet that you don’t use anymore? We’re looking for some gently used kids toys (and furniture) to keep in the youth room for toddlers and lower elementary kids. We’re looking specifically for the following, but if you have something else in mind, talk to Jamie Vircks or Pastor Aleese. We’ll likely be able to use it!

Baby dolls
Small bookshelf
Building toys (legos, lincoln logs)
Younger puzzles (big pieces)

Ice Cream Social

THIS Sunday, July 14 during fellowship

It’s summer, so why not have a lil’ extra ice cream! Be sure to join us for a special fellowship hour where we have Sundaes on Sunday!

Preschoolers Following God’s Light!

You’ve probably heard about our elementary and middle school Christian Day Camps by now. But we’ve also been hangin’ out with an incredible crew of preschoolers and their families! Last Monday we learned about the story of God’s promise with Abraham while also canoeing, making God’s eye crafts, playing with water, and going in the Star Lab! Check in with the Vircks’ family who’ve been participating with us to see what their experience has been like!

Christmas in August Event

Sunday, August 4, 5:30pm
Sign up by July 14 if interested

Often Christmas comes and goes so quickly in December and with so many things to do, we miss out on some of the extra fun! Sometimes, “Christmas in July” events are hosted as a “half-birthday” for Jesus. Because of family schedules, we won’t quite make it in July, but we will still celebrate!

ALL – families, adults, kids – are invited to join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and intergenerational learning. This event is also open to our fellow Muscatine ELCA conregations. To help plan activities, please sign up by July 14 if you’d like to join us!

Night Out at the River Bandits

Saturday, August 10, 6:00pm (Gametime)
Carpool from SOTC @ 5:00pm
Sign up by July 28 if interested

We’re looking to have a ball at the ballpark with our Shepherds and also others from our local Muscatine ELCA congregations! Tickets are $13 each. We will likely have a box area where we can mingle together. Ticket price does not include a food/drink voucher. 

To order your tickets, email the church office or sign up in the narthex. Payment is due at the time you sign up. 

We will carpool from Shepherd at 5:00pm. Others are welcome to join us at Modern Woodman Park as is helpful. Tickets will be picked up as a group. Looking forward to a night of fellowship!

Bailey Booth Confirmation

Sunday, July 28 

After two years of participation in the middle school faith formation group, Bailey would like to publicly confess her faith and affirm the promises God made to her in the sacrament of baptism! To celebrate this milestone, we’ll honor her during worship and have a special time of fellowship after worship. Be sure to join Bailey as we support her on her walk of faith!

Toys Needed for Youth Room

Have some old kids’ toys underneath the stairs or in a closet that you don’t use anymore? We’re looking for some gently used kids toys (and furniture) to keep in the youth room for toddlers and lower elementary kids. We’re looking specifically for the following, but if you have something else in mind, talk to Jamie Vircks or Pastor Aleese. We’ll likely be able to use it!

Baby dolls
Small bookshelf
Building toys (legos, lincoln logs)
Younger puzzles (big pieces)

Results from Congregational Meeting

This past Sunday, the congregation heard an update on our financial position, voted to enter into a contract with Crown Castle for a cell tower to be built on our land, and adopted constitutional amendments. If you have any questions about the decisions made, contact your Council members (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, Linda Adams, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall, Connie Hoekstra). 

Supper at the Lighthouse

Saturday, June 29 @ 5:30pm

It’s this Saturday! Even if you didn’t sign up, feel free to join us for a night of fellowship and food! Address of the Lighthouse is 2142 Water St, Muscatine, IA (located near Fairport)

Joint Worship with New Era

Sunday, June 30 @ 9:00 am @ SOTC
Sunday, July 21 @ 10:00 am @ New Era

This coming Sunday we welcome New Era to worship with us! Please offer them a warm welcome as we join together in worship!

Christmas in August Event

Sunday, August 4, 5:30pm
Sign up by July 14 if interested

Often Christmas comes and goes so quickly in December and with so many things to do, we miss out on some of the extra fun! Sometimes, “Christmas in July” events are hosted as a “half-birthday” for Jesus. Because of family schedules, we won’t quite make it in July, but we will still celebrate!

ALL – families, adults, kids – are invited to join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and intergenerational learning. This event is also open to our fellow Muscatine ELCA conregations. To help plan activities, please sign up by July 14 if you’d like to join us!

Night Out at the River Bandits

Saturday, August 10, 6:00pm (Gametime)
Carpool from SOTC @ 5:00pm
Sign up by July 28 if interested

We’re looking to have a ball at the ballpark with our Shepherds and also others from our local Muscatine ELCA congregations! Tickets are $13 each. We will likely have a box area where we can mingle together. Ticket price does not include a food/drink voucher. 

To order your tickets, email the church office or sign up in the narthex. Payment is due at the time you sign up. 

We will carpool from Shepherd at 5:00pm. Others are welcome to join us at Modern Woodman Park as is helpful. Tickets will be picked up as a group. Looking forward to a night of fellowship!

Lunchtime Potluck

Our friends at Zion are hosting a potluck and are inviting us to join! Take note of the date below and join if you can!

Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 14 during fellowship

It’s summer, so why not have a lil’ extra ice cream! Be sure to join us for a special fellowship hour where we have Sundaes on Sunday!

Bailey Booth Confirmation

Sunday, July 28 

After two years of participation in the middle school faith formation group, Bailey would like to publicly confess her faith and affirm the promises God made to her in the sacrament of baptism! To celebrate this milestone, we’ll honor her during worship and have a special time of fellowship after worship. Be sure to join Bailey as we support her on her walk of faith!

Muscatine CROP Hunger Walk Fundraiser

Tuesday, June 18 @ 11:00 am – 11:00 pm @ Applebee’s

Come and help our neighbors in Muscatine who are hungry! When you order from the Applebee’s special “Together We Care” menu, 50% of the food sales will support the Muscatine CROP Hunger Walk. 20% of all money collected is returned to Muscatine Food Pantry and 5% is retuned to Bag of Blessing weekend program in Muscatine elementary schools.

Christians Underground Resumes this Week

Wednesday, June 19 @ 12:00 pm @ Zion

We’ve needed to take a brief hiatus from Underground due to schedule conflicts for Pastor Aleese and Pastor Willie. But, we’re back at it this week! Even if you haven’t joined us yet, take this summer to test it out and see what it’s like. Each Wednesday we look at the upcoming Sunday Scripture readings.

Elementary Christian Day Camp is a Wrap!

We had three SOTC kids, joined by others from Grace and Zion, along with a slew of kids from the greater Muscatine area learn all about how from “Tiny Seeds Grow Mighty Trees!” Together, they learned that their ability to do mighty things comes from God through the stories of David, Esther, Mary, and the boy who gave his lunch to feed 5000 people. From biking, to water games, to horses, to art, to canoeing, to fishing, and so much more, our kids had a great week! Be sure to talk with Hannah Booth, Shelby Bartosh, and Amelia Vircks to ask them how their week was, and say a special thank you to all our volunteers! More pictures can be seen on our bulletin board in the narthex!

Congregational Meeting

Sunday, June 23 after worship

Our Council is calling a special congregational meeting to address three key items:

1. Update on Financial Position
2. Cell Tower Lease
3. Constitutional Amendments 

We will have a Q&A sessions after worship on Sunday, June 16. This session will be facilitated by Council leaders and will begin at about 10:30. 

Paper copies of the materials linked above can also be found in the church narthex. If you have immediate quetsions, contact your Council leaders (Delene McConnaha, Gladys Reif, Erin Jorgensen, Linda Adams, Kathy Dunham, Melissa Booth, Joanne Drinkall, Connie Hoekstra) or Pastor Aleese.

Supper at the Lighthouse

Saturday, June 29 @ 5:30pm

Our Social Team has planned an evening out! Join us for a night of fellowship and food! Address of the Lighthouse is 2142 Water St, Muscatine, IA (located near Fairport).

Sign up in the narthex or contact the church office if you’re interested in joining us. 

Joint Worship with New Era

Sunday, June 30 @ 9:00 am @ SOTC
Sunday, July 21 @ 10:00 am @ New Era

Similar to last summer, SOTC and New Era are joining for two joint services this summer. The first service will be at SOTC and the second at New Era. Take note of these service times and locations. If you’re willing to assist with worship or fellowship on these two dates, contact Pastor Aleese or the church office. 

Lunchtime Potluck

Our friends at Zion are hosting a potluck and are inviting us to join! Take note of the date below and join if you can!

Ice Cream Social

Sunday, July 14 during fellowship

It’s summer, so why not have a lil’ extra ice cream! Be sure to join us for a special fellowship hour where we have Sundaes on Sunday!

Christmas in July (August) Event

Sunday, August 4, 5:30pm

Often Christmas comes and goes so quickly in December and with so many things to do, we miss out on some of the extra fun! Sometimes, “Christmas in July” events are hosted as a “half-birthday” for Jesus. Because of family schedules, we won’t quite make it in July, but we will still celebrate!

ALL – families, adults, kids – are invited to join us for a night of fun, fellowship, and intergenerational learning. More details to come soon from our Social and Education Teams!