I pray that … you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love.
—Ephesians 3:16-17
At Shepherd of the Cross, we are convinced that faith is built within community. Interconnected, our growth is not only for ourselves, but for the sake of one another in the body of Christ.
For that reason, we intentionally collaborate with our ELCA partners as a part of Faith Together Muscatine (Grace Lutheran, Zion Lutheran, New Era Lutheran) to provide faith formation groups for children, youth, and adults. In each of these groups, our hope is to meet people where they are at, and together, to explore the richness of God’s abundant grace for us and for our world.
Want to know more? Take a look below to see where you, or your family, might fit in order to continue growing as a disciple of Jesus.
Family Faith Nights
Wednesdays, 6:15 – 7:15 pm
Host: Grace Lutheran (2107 Cedar St)
Begins Wednesday, September 9
The name says it all! We host groups for kids grades K-3 and 4-7. Youth grades 8 and up are encouraged to be a part of a mentor program.
Foundational Faith: Lower Elementary (K-3)
This year, our youngest group will “drive through the Bible,” exploring important places and characters through hands-on activities. Parents are asked to remain in the building to build a bridge between faith in the home and faith within our churches.
Exploring Faith: Upper Elementary – Middle School (4-7)
Geared toward our older youth, kids will explore heroes of faith through Scripture and connect that person’s story to their own relationship with God and one another. Depending on the size of this group, this group may split into small groups (4-5 and 6-7) after beginning as large group
Living Faith: High School (8-12)
Mindful of changing schedules for older youth, interested youth will be paired with a mentor. Expectation is for youth to meet with their mentor 2-4 times per month. Youth will meet together as a group twice a semester on Wednesday evenings (Oct 7 and Nov 18 in fall semester). Kick off with all youth and mentors will be the first Family Faith Night. December mentor meetings are optional.
Pathfinders
October 9, December 23, February 15, March 26
9:00 – 11:00 am
Host: Shepherd of the Cross (3300 N Highway 38)
Who’s up for an adventure?! Our lives of faith are ever growing, and even our kids have some exploring to do as they discover what it means to find, and follow, a path of discipleship.
Pathfinders is a quarterly opportunity for kids grades K-8 to join us on a day that kids have off school (if you need help with transportation, let us know!). Consider this “Sunday School on steroids” as we have more time to dive deep into a given topic. Topics we anticipate covering this year are: Martin Luther and the Reformation, the Church Year and Rhythms of Faith, Discipleship and what it means, and Prayer/the Lord’s Prayer. Often, we begin in large group and then split into age appropriate groups (lower elementary, upper elementary, and middle school). High schoolers can attend as helpers!
Kingdom Kids
October 10, November 21, January 16, March 27
10:00 – 11:00 am
Host: Shepherd of the Cross (3300 N Highway 38)
Even from our birth, we are children of God’s Kingdom! To give kids ages 2-5 their own opportunity to grow in faith, we have set aside four Saturday mornings for our littles. Typically we have gathering play stations, hear our story, and then explore the story through various hands-on gross-motor activities. A parent or adult is required to attend with their child. Note: if we have interest from parents, we may add more dates after the new year so that we meet monthly!
Sanctuary
First and third Sundays/month, 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Begins Sunday, September 30
Host: Shepherd of the Cross (3300 N Highway 38)
Sanctuary is an ecumenical youth group that is a spin off of Christian Day Camp. But no worries! ALL youth – regardless if you have attended camp or not – are welcome. Sanctuary is open to youth grades 6-12.
This year, our hope is to have one night per month designated as a service project night, and the other night per month will be a mix of games, relationship building, and intentional devotions.
Want to learn more? Check out christiandaycamp.org/sanctuary for more information and a full schedule.
Adult Faith Formation Groups
We’re all on a journey of faith and are in different spots. To accompany one another, we offer several different group options.
Wayfinders | Thursdays, 6:15 – 7:30 pm
Host: Grace Lutheran (2107 Cedar St)
Imagine being out in the woods with nothing but a compass. Along the way, your journey may take some twists and turns around mountains and rivers, but ultimately, your compass continually guides you. So when we think about our lives of faith, what guides and orients us? In this course, we’ll embark on a journey to assess (and re-assess) what we hold as central to our Christian faith. We’ll also accompany one another as we learn (and re-learn) how what we believe impacts our lives, society around us, and the church.
For more information, click the button below for a longer description. Note: we meet in a set of 4 series – September 10 – October 8; November 5 – December 10 (none November 26); January 7 – February 4; April 8 – May 6.
Christians Underground | Wednesdays, 12:00 pm
Host: Zion Lutheran (513 Sycamore)
Weekly Bible study around the upcoming Sunday’s readings. Led by Pastor Aleese. We meet at Zion so those who work downtown can join us over their lunch hour.
Adult Education | Sundays, 1:30 pm
Host: Grace Lutheran (2107 Cedar St)
Until October 4, Pastor Susan is leading the group through an intensive study of the book of Exodus. Beginning October 11, the group will move to a New Testament book, either Mark or Romans, depending on the opinion of the group. During Lent and for a couple of weeks after Easter, we’ll look at 1 and 2 Peter. Beginning April 11, we will take a deep dive into the book of Acts, carrying us through the summer and fall of 2027. Anyone is welcome to join us at any point!
Men’s Breakfast Bible Study | Wednesdays, 7:00 am
Host: All-American Diner (2300 Park Ave)
Looking for some fellowship, food, and nurturing of your faith? Gather with other men as they dive into various Bible studies.
Men’s Gathering | First Saturday/month, 9:00 am
Host: Grace Lutheran (2107 Cedar St)
Not an early bird? Al Bengston and Don Kelly lead a monthly men’s Bible Study group, often following the ELCA resource, Daily Discipleship.
Women’s Group
Second Tuesday/month, 9:30 am @ Grace
Second Saturday/month, 8:30 am @ Shepherd
We have two women’s groups that discuss the Bible Study in Gather, the magazine of the Women of the ELCA. Hop into either!