Category: News

Let my prayer rise up…

Throughout the season of Lent, we gathered for worship as a time to pause, to pray, to praise, and to dwell in God’s Word. This past Wednesday during worship, we were guided through a meditation on John 12:1-8, in which Mary anoints Jesus feet with oil. As Mary offered herself as a gift of thanksgiving, love, worship, and mourning, we were encouraged to offer ourselves to Christ in our prayer. After a time of meditation, the congregation was invited to write one word/phrase on a piece of paper and place them on a nail on a wooden cross.

Following worship, we ventured outside and lit these prayers on fire. Why? So as to offer our prayers to God as an offering of incense, and so as to offer our prayers as a brazen act of beauty. Though the wind played with our plans, the papers on the cross were to turn into a rose. 

As you enter into Holy Week, offer yourself to Jesus as a brazen act of beauty, and offer your prayers as incense. However we offer ourselves, Christ receives us as we are. 

Holy Week at SOTC

Come and worship with us as we experience the only story that can fill us to the brim: Christ’s death and resurrection.

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00 am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship!

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast of egg bakes, fruit, and muffins. Still looking to help bring food or serve? Contact Leslie Eichelberger

In the midst of breakfast, we’ll host our annual Egg Hunt (outside, weather permitting). Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am.

No Christians Underground during Holy Week

Christians Underground will not meet this Wednesday, April 13. We will resume on Wednesday, April 20 at 12:00 pm at Geo Johnz Pizza. Join us for conversation around our upcoming Sunday’s Scripture readings!

Inclusive Dialogue: Journey through Uncertainty

Monday, May 23 @ 6:30pm

What is it like to grow up in a refugee camp? The Stanley Center invites you to join a special event as author Omar Mohamed tells his story of living in a refugee camp in Kenya through his book When Stars are Scattered. Omar will be joined by Victoria Jamieson, artist and writer. 

This event will be held both in person at the Merrill Hotel and virtually. Registration is required to attend, and either option is free and open to the public. This event is recommended for students 5th grade and up. This is a great opportunity to read an illuminating graphic novel with a child in your life and attend the event together!

Sunday Adult Education 

Study Focus: Acts

Following Easter, our Adult Education group will begin a new study on the book of Acts. Often titled “the Acts of the Apostles”, together we’ll discover that the book of Act more clearly points to “the Acts of the Holy Spirit”!

Throughout the season of Easter, we’ll be hearing readings from the book of Acts. So join us as we dive a little deeper, gain a better context of our Scripture readings and open ourselves to the work of the Spirit in the church today. 

Sessions will begin Sunday, May 1.

Palm Sunday and Bishop Current Visit

Sunday, April 10

This coming Sunday we have two reasons to celebrate! Bishop Current will be joining us and we also will begin our journey through Holy Week. Make sure to stick around after a time of fellowship to have a conversation with Bishop Current during our education hour. 

Note that Palm Sunday worship will begin in the narthex. From the narthex, we will enact the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem by processing through the sanctuary, out the side door, onto the sidewalk and around the parking lot. In case of inclement weather, we will process inside

Find out more about Bishop Current.

Panda Express Fundraiser

Sunday, April 10

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

Here’s what you need to do:

• order food (eat in/order online) at Panda Express on April 10
• present our coupon code: 334976
• enjoy your food and watch SOTC Youth get fundraising dollars!

For more information, and for a page that reminds you of our fundraising code, bookmark this page. Questions? Talk to Leslie Eichelberger. 

Family Night @ SOTC

Sunday, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

Therefore, so as to continue providing an opportunity to gather in fellowship and a time for intentional conversation with parents, we will be gathering this coming Sunday evening.  Can’t make it this month? We aim to gather each month, so stay tuned for more information.

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00 am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship!

We’ll start the morning with a breakfast of egg bakes, fruit, and muffins. Youth and families attending Camp EWALU this summer will be helping serve/provide food, but we also need a bit extra help! If you can help provide food, serve, or clean up, sign up here. Questions? Contact Leslie Eichelberger

In the midst of breakfast, we’ll host our annual Egg Hunt (outside, weather permitting). Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am. Questions about the egg hunt? Contact Colleen Bentz. 

Willing to help gather candy and assemble eggs? Congregation members are invited to bring candy and put it in the box in the narthex. We’ll assemble eggs on Sunday, April 10 during fellowship. 

April 6 Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Join us for our last Lenten midweek meal and worship! This week we will hear again the story of Mary washing Jesus’ feet and will be invited into a practice of prayerful meditation.

April 6 Menu is: Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, Veggies, and Dessert 

Holy Week at SOTC

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Christians Underground Update

Our Christians Underground group has been meeting weekly on Wednesdays at noon at Geo Johnz and we’ve been having great conversations! All are welcome to join us!

Note that we WILL meet this coming Wednesday, April 6 but we will NOT meet Wednesday, April 13 due to Holy Week.

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

We have an awesome opportunity in a couple of weeks to welcome Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, to SOTC! In an effort to better connect with congregations in the synod, members of the synod staff have been visiting congregations in person. 

At the same time, Bishop Current has been meeting (via Zoom) with over 100 congregations in the synod in an effort to learn the hopes, fears, and sense of mission within various congregations. Though completely separate from Bishop Current’s visit on April 10, Shepherd recently had the opportunity to participate in this virtual conversation as well.  For this conversation, Pastor Aleese was asked to bring together our Council president (Delene McConnaha) and two other lay leaders. To round out the conversation, Pastor Aleese asked Heather Allen (previous Council president) and Mackenzie Gilbert (current Council liaison) to join the conversation.  Ask any one of these people how the conversation went and they can assure you that the conversation was incredibly positive and affirming of Shepherd!

If you’d like to hear more about this conversation, stop Delene, Heather, Mackenzie, or Pastor Aleese when you see them. And, if you’d like to help us welcome Bishop Current in true Shepherd form, join us on April 10 as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

Find out more about Bishop Current.

Easter Breakfast and Egg Hunt

Breakfast | 8:00am
Egg Hunt | 8:30 am

Join us on Easter morning for fellowship and fun before worship! Families of youth attending camp will be serving breakfast starting at 8:00 am. We likely will need some help from other families to provide egg casseroles, fruit, and muffins. If you are willing to help, here is the link to sign up. Questions, contact Leslie Eichelberger or Colleen Bentz. 

Our annual Egg Hunt will be outside (weather permitting). All are welcome to join us! Please be mindful that the egg hunt will begin promptly at 8:30 so we can transition to worship starting at 9:00 am. 

Willing to help gather candy and assemble eggs? Congregation members are invited to bring candy and put it in the box in the narthex. We’ll assemble eggs on Sunday, April 10 during fellowship. 

March 30 Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

A reminder that we continue to gather for a meal from 5:30-6:15 pm and worship from 6:30-7:15 pm. This Wednesday we will take another look at our Gospel reading and consider God’s role and our role in repentance and bearing fruit.

March 30 Menu is: Baked potato bar, mac, and cheese, dessert

Supplies needed to make laundry soap? 

We need you, Shepherds! We’re joining with Grace this Lent to collect items to make laundry soap for families in our community.  Challenge yourself to bring one of these items each week between now and the end of Lent! 

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

Holy Week at SOTC

Be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am
(note: we will process outside, weather permitting. We will begin in the narthex, process out the side door, onto the sidewalk, and around the church parking lot.)

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm
(note: will NOT include a meal as has sometimes been the case in previous years)

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Family Night @ SOTC

Sun, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

This group is not meant to be exclusive; rather, the goal is to bring together people of similar life experiences to grow together in relationship and in faith. 

If you haven’t been able to join us yet, mark your calendars for our April gathering. Know that Pastor Aleese will be in touch via email with further details. 

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

We have an awesome opportunity in a few weeks to welcome Bishop Amy Current, bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, to SOTC! In an effort to better connect with congregations in the synod, members of the synod staff have been visiting congregations in-person. 

At the same time, Bishop Current has been meeting (via Zoom) with over 100 congregations in the synod in an effort to learn the hopes, fears, and sense of mission within various congregations. Though completely separate from Bishop Current’s visit on April 10, Shepherd recently had the opportunity to participate in this virtual conversation as well.  For this conversation, Pastor Aleese was asked to bring together our Council president (Delene McConnaha) and two other lay leaders. To round out the conversation, Pastor Aleese asked Heather Allen (previous Council president) and Mackenzie Gilbert (current Council liaison) to join the conversation. Ask any one of these people how the conversation went and they can assure you that the conversation was incredibly positive and affirming of Shepherd!

If you’d like to hear more about this conversation, stop Delene, Heather, Mackenzie or Pastor Aleese when you see ’em. And, if you’d like to help us welcome Bishop Current in true Shepherd form, join us on April 10 as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Wednesday, March 23

Reminder that we continue to gather for a meal from 5:30-6:15 pm and worship from 6:30-7:15 pm. This Wednesday we will take another look at our Gospel reading and consider God’s role and our role in repentance and bearing fruit.

March 23 Menu: Hot Chicken Sandwiches, Chips, Veggies or Fruit, and Dessert 

We still have a few openings for our last Lenten meal on April 6.  If you can help, please sign up here!

Easter Flowers

Sign up between March 6 – March 27

Would you like to purchase flowers to help SOTC decorate for Easter? There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact the office. Please indicate who you would like the flowers to be in honor or memory of. The cost is $10 per flower.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

Did you know that families can go months with only one batch of the laundry soap we’re making? And better yet…one batch only costs about $25 to make! Challenge yourself to bring one of these items each week between now and the end of Lent! Thanks for your support of our community!

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

Eastern Europe Crisis Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits. If you would like to help support these efforts, give here.

Holy Week at SOTC

As we cross the halfway mark in the season of Lent, be sure to mark your calendars to join us as we remember the final week of Christ’s life. All are welcome!

Palm Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 10 @ 9:00 am

Maundy Thursday Worship
Thursday, April 14 @ 7:00 pm

Good Friday Worship
Friday, April 15 @ 7:00 pm

Easter Breakfast/Egg Hunt
Details forthcoming

Easter Sunday Worship
Sunday, April 17 @ 9:00 am

Family Night @ SOTC

Sun, April 10 @ 6:00 pm

This February, a small group of families gathered together for a meal and fellowship to help welcome some of our new member families. Since then, it’s clear that there is a hunger for more fellowship among young adults and families with youth PreK-High School. 

This group is not meant to be exclusive; rather, the goal is to bring together people of similar life experiences to grow together in relationship and in faith. 

If you haven’t been able to join us yet, mark your calendars for our April gathering. Know that Pastor Aleese will be in touch via email with further details. 

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Starting Wednesday, March 16

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

Our worship service will use the first half of the Holden Evening Prayer Service and then will spend time looking at the previous Sundays’ Scripture/theme. 

March 16 Menu: Walking Taco’s

If you’re willing to help provide food for a meal, please sign up below. Each group of people will determine what they would like to serve. Sign up here or on the signup sheet in the narthex. Questions re meals? Contact Colleen Bentz, team lead for our Social Team.

Easter Flowers

Sign up between March 6 – March 27

Would you like to purchase flowers to help SOTC decorate for Easter? There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact the office. Please indicate who you would like the flowers to be in honor or memory of. The cost is $10 per flower.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

Help us get off to a great start this Lent! We’re collecting raw materials to help families in the Muscatine community make their own laundry soap, and are looking for the following items:

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

We’ll gather materials throughout the season, and then our Family Faith Night crew will put these raw materials together to make laundry soap to benefit the families of Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI). Want to get in on the fun? Mark your calendars now to join us at Grace on April 20 at 6:30 p.m.!

New Contact Directory!

Looking to contact your fellow Shepherds? Or, looking to get in touch with some of our new member families? Take a look at our updated contact directory! Revised narrative directory coming soon. Go to the members-only section of our website. If you have forgotten our password, contact the office.

Eastern Europe Crisis Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits. If you would like to help support these efforts, give here.

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

In a desire to connect with congregations within the Southeastern Iowa Synod, the Office of the Bishop for the Southeastern Iowa Synod offered to visit SOTC to catch a glimpse of what ministry looks like in this place! To that end, we are excited to welcome Bishop Amy Current on Sun, April 10. She will preach and preside over communion, and remain with us for fellowship and our education hour. Make sure to join us as we offer a warm welcome and as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

SOTC Goes to EWALU!

June 19-24

The word is out! In lieu of the ELCA Youth Gathering, our High School Youth will be participating in the Uplifted program at Camp EWALU. 

In addition, we are taking a crew to confirmation camp. If you have a youth in confirmation, or a youth who will soon be beginning thier confirmation journey, talk to Pastor Aleese for more information. 

Have younger kids? There are opportunities for other ages that week as well!

Let’s fill some vans and drive north! For more information, check out EWALU’s list of summer camps. High Schoolers and confirmation youth are asked to confirm with Pastor Aleese by March 20 if they are interested in attending.

Making Sense of the Cross Adult Education

When asked, “Why did Jesus die?” what would you say? Many may respond with something like, “to forgive us our sin.” But what does that mean?

If you’d like to dive deeper into the cross, and the various perspectives that the four Gospels give us of Jesus’ death and resurrection, join other adults (and older youth) as we dive deeper. The conversation will begin at about 10:30 am and will be led by Pastor Aleese.

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Starting Wednesday, March 9

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

Our worship service will use the first half of the Holden Evening Prayer Service and then will spend time looking at the previous Sundays’ Scripture/theme. 

March 9 Menu: Various Soups (Cozy Autumn Wild Rice, Red Pepper, Chili, Hamburger Vegetable, Chicken Noodle), Bread & Crackers, PB&J sandwiches, veggies & dip, and desserts.

If you’re willing to help provide food for a meal, please sign up below. We’re looking for teams of 5 people per Wednesday 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.

Easter Flowers

Sign up between March 6 – March 27

Would you like to purchase flowers to help SOTC decorate for Easter? There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex or you may contact the office. Please indicate who you would like the flowers to be in honor or memory of. The cost is $10 per flower.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

For many families in the greater Muscatine community, laundry soap is an expensive item that often gets left to the side. To help, Shepherd is teaming up with Grace Lutheran to gather supplies to make laundry soap.  That’s right…we’re making laundry soap, at a much cheaper rate than buying it outright! Starting March 6, we’ll be collecting the following items:

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

We’ll gather materials throughout the season, and then our Family Faith Night crew will put these raw materials together to make laundry soap to benefit the families of Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI). Want to get in on the fun? Mark your calendars now to join us at Grace on April 20 at 6:30 p.m.!

New Contact Directory!

Looking to contact your fellow Shepherds? Or, looking to get in touch with some of our new member families? Take a look at our updated contact directory! Revised narrative directory coming soon. Go to the members-only section of our website. If you have forgotten our password, contact the office.

Eastern Europe Crisis Response

Lutheran Disaster Response is accompanying our companions in Ukraine, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, as well as such ecumenical partners as Lutheran World Federation and Church World Service, in their humanitarian responses to the crisis. These partners provide refugees with immediate support and supplies such as food, blankets, water, and hygiene kits. If you would like to help support these efforts, give here.

Bishop Current is coming to SOTC!

Sunday, April 10

In a desire to connect with congregations within the Southeastern Iowa Synod, the Office of the Bishop for the Southeastern Iowa Synod offered to visit SOTC to catch a glimpse of what ministry looks like in this place! To that end, we are excited to welcome Bishop Amy Current on Sun, April 10. She will preach and preside over communion, and remain with us for fellowship and our education hour. Make sure to join us as we offer a warm welcome and as we celebrate Palm Sunday!

Women’s Group

Sat, March 12 @ 8:30 am

In the book of John, Jesus uses the expression “eternal life” quite often. Often, we may understand “eternal life” to imply life after death. But in the Gospel of John, this phrase not only refers to a life that is eternally long but is also a life that is eternally deep – a life that is endless in value and meaning.

Want to learn more? Join us for the Women’s Group as we spend time in study and in fellowship. All are welcome!

Ash Wednesday Worship

Wednesday, March 2 @ 7:00 pm

Gather with us as we confess our sin, our brokenness, and our scattered-ness, and gather with us as we seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. Not able to make it to worship but would like to receive ashes and communion? Contact Pastor Aleese via email or cell phone (319-427-0600).

Lenten Midweek Meals and Worship

Starting Wednesday, March 9

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

Our worship service will use the first half of the Holden Evening Prayer Service and then will spend time looking at the previous Sundays’ Scripture/theme. 

If you’re willing to help provide food for a meal, please sign up below. 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.

Can you help make laundry soap? 

For many families in the greater Muscatine community, laundry soap is an expensive item that often gets left to the side. To help, Shepherd is teaming up with Grace Lutheran to gather supplies to make laundry soap.  That’s right…we’re making laundry soap, at a much cheaper rate than buying it outright! Starting March 6, we’ll be collecting the following items:

• baking soda (4 lb. boxes)
• borax (4 lb. boxes)
• Fels Naptha bar soap
• Oxi Clean (4 lb. containers)
• Washing soda

We’ll gather materials throughout the season, and then our Family Faith Night crew will put these raw materials together to make laundry soap to benefit the families of Lutheran Services of Iowa (LSI). Want to get in on the fun? Mark your calendars now to join us at Grace on April 20 at 6:30 p.m.!

Sewing Machines Needed

Do you have an unused sewing machine in your closet? World Relief of the Quad Cities is looking for used (or new!) sewing machines for immigrant women in our area. If you have a machine you would like to donate, please contact the church office or Ric Smith.

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.

Making Sense of the Cross Adult Education

Beginning Sunday, March 6

When asked, “Why did Jesus die?” what would you say? Many may respond with something like, “to forgive us our sin.” But what does that mean?

If you’d like to dive deeper into the cross, and various perspectives that the four Gospels give us of Jesus’ death and resurrection, join other adults (and older youth) as we dive deeper. The conversation will begin at about 10:30 a.m. and will be led by Pastor Aleese.

Panda Express Fundraiser

March 6

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

Here’s what you need to do:

• order food (eat-in/order online) at Panda Express on March 6
• present our coupon code: 334975
• enjoy your food and watch SOTC Youth get fundraising dollars!

For more information, and for a page that reminds you of our fundraising code, bookmark this page. Questions? Talk to Leslie Eichelberger.

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.