Community Diaper Bank Drive
We’ve collected 4,124 diapers for the Community Diaper Bank! Wow! Pastor Aleese challenged us to a total of 6,274 diapers by the end of February. That would be a total of 250 packs of diapers for families in our community!
Make sure to bring in your diapers this Sunday, February 23! Last chance! Sizes 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 diapers are most needed, but any size will be utilized!
Farewell and Godspeed to Delene
Sunday, February 23
As a congregation, we welcome, we grow, and we send. Sometimes, that sending sends our Shepherds on new adventures away from this community.
Later this spring Delene will be moving to Nebraska. Before heading out, we’ll offer her a special blessing during our worship service along with fellowship to follow. Be sure to join us as we wish Delene farewell (see you soon!) and Godspeed!
Collaborative Lent Opportunities
This Lent we are excited to announce that we are collaborating with Faith Together Muscatine (with Zion, Grace, and New Era) for Lenten Midweek worship, meal and Family Faith Nights and a special Easter Vigil worship service and meal.
Midweek Lenten Worship – Meal – Family Faith Nights
5:30 | Worship
6:00 | Meal
6:30 | Family Faith Nights
Join us for part, or all, of the night! If you’re eating with us, sign up in the narthex starting Sunday. Adults – if you’re not a part of a Family Faith Night group and would like to be a part of a Lent faith formation group, indicate your interest on a sign up in the narthex. (Kids and youth can always hop in on the groups already going!)
Easter Vigil Worship Service and Meal
4:00 | Worship
5:30 | Meal
Easter Vigil moves us from the darkness of Good Friday into the joy and celebration of Easter. After celebrating the news of Christ’s resurrection, we’ll feast in joy with one another across our congregations. Sign up in the narthex if you plan to eat with us.
For clarity – Ash Wednesday, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday worship services will be hosted at SOTC.
Come and take part in what you can! We’re looking forward to a formative Lenten journey together.
Game Night
What a fun night! Lots of laughs, food, and games! Thanks to all who joined us!
Welcome to New Members
With joy we welcomed 7 new members this past Sunday in worship: Deb, Wanda, Wade, Liz, Bruce, Lynn and Nancy. Continue to hold them in prayer as they join our flock, and continue to uphold one another as fellow disciples of Jesus!
Chocolate Fest
Sunday, March 2
In traditional Shepherd custom, we will host Chocolate Fest following worship on Sunday, March 2. This Sunday marks the last Sunday before Lent (Transfiguration Sunday) and is meant to be a “feast” day before entering into the reflective season of Lent. For those who are new to this tradition, the instruction is simple! Everyone (yes, everyone!) bring a chocolate dish to share during fellowship. Then, we’ll all feast!
Ash Wednesday Worship
Wednesday, March 5 @ 7:00pm
Our journey into the season of Lent begins with a call to “return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful.” Together in worship we’ll confess our sin, receive God’s forgiveness, practice the imposition of ashes, and partake in the sacrament of communion.
Unable to join us at 7:00? Join our fellow ELCA congregations:
Zion – 5:30 pm
Grace – 6:00 pm
The Stations of the Cross Concert
Friday, March 21 @ 7:00pm
Dr. Stephen Hamilton, international concert organist, will present the organ meditations on “The Stations of the Cross” by Marcel Dupré on Friday, March 21, at 7pm at Wesley United Methodist Church. This is a free event. The meditations combine 14 poetic readings of the Passion and Death of Jesus with powerful organ music. Michael Barone, the creator and host of “Pipedreams,” will be the narrator. Slides of artwork depicting the Stations will accompany the performance.