Companions in Christ Spiritual Formation Groups
Are you looking for a group of people to grow in relationship with one another and with God? Are you looking to engage with Scripture on a regular basis? Are you looking to be transformed and opened to new ways of engaging with your faith?
If so, consider being a part of a spiritual formation group this coming year: Companions in Christ. This series is intended to help small groups open themselves to God’s presence and guidance through both individual and communal practices, exploring themes like Scripture, prayer, discerning God’s will, and the nature of Christian community.
Companions groups are about 6-8 people in size, so we are anticipating forming several groups this year across our ELCA congregations. Meetings are 2 hours in length. Due to timing, those interested in Compaions will determine the best day/time to meet.
The entire sequence is 28 weeks. However, to offer alternatives to those who have seasonal obligations, individuals can complete one part (about 4-5 weeks) and then take a break as needed. Then, when people are ready to jump start again, we’ll reform groups based on interest.
If you’d like to learn more about Companions, we encourage you to talk to anyone who has participated, or is participating, in these groups: Gladys Reif, Marlys Grete, Leslie Eichelberger, Connie Hoekstra, Mackenzie and Nick Gilbert, Andy Christy, Pastor Aleese. Willing to learn more and interested in being a part of a group? Contact Pastor Aleese. Please indicate your interest in being a part of a group by August 31!
Additional Adult Faith Formation Group Options
In addition to Companions in Christ, we are excited to offer other options. Read below for more information!
Re:Storied
Re:Storied will be our adult Family Faith Night group for 2025-2026, meeting on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30pm at Grace Lutheran. This group will introduce participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word. Note: those who participated in Re:Storied in 2024-2025 are encouraged to participate in an alternative group as Re:Storied will focus on much of the same material.
For more information and/or to express interest, contact Pastor Aleese or Andy.
To help assess our group size, respond with your interest by August 31.
Christians Underground
Christians Underground is a group that explores the upcoming lectionary Scriptures. This group meets on Wednesdays at Zion from 12:00 – 1:00pm. Participants are welcome to join us when they are able! We do meet during the summer as well.
For more information and/or to express interest, contact Pastor Aleese.
Sunday morning Adult Education
Sunday Adult Education is offered at both Grace and Zion Lutheran on Sunday mornings following worship. More information about topic of study will be shared later this fall.
We may offer periodic adult education opportunities on Sunday mornings at Shepherd as well. Stay tuned!
For more information and/or to express interest, contact Pastor Susan or Pastor Willie.
Welcome to Maddy Carroll, New Era and Faith Together Muscatine Intern
Sunday, August 24
In just three short weeks, Intern Maddy will be joining us in Muscatine! You can be a part of welcoming her by joining us for worship at New Era on Sunday, August 24. Worship will be at 11:00 am. Stick around afterwards for a potluck meal! Pulled pork and buns will be provided. Read below to get to know a bit about Maddy before she arrives!
Maddy Bio
“I was born and raised in Bettendorf, Iowa. My parents are Jeff and Jamie Carroll and I have an older sister, Bailey, and younger brother, Luke. Family is very important to me. I am very close and spend a lot of time with both my immediate family and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I also have the most adorable nephew, Brady who is 10 months old.
I credit my strong faith and understanding of my call to the women in my family. My Great Grandma, Ann, who I had the privilege of knowing for the first twelve years of my life, raised her children in a Lutheran household, which led my grandma and mother to do the same. I was raised attending St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport, Iowa where I was very active as a child and youth in the different programming. I found my love of learning about religion here.
I graduated from Bettendorf High School in 2017 and continued my studies at Wartburg College where I majored in Religion and minored in Leadership. I was also very active in the women’s choir and was on the cheerleading team during my time at Wartburg. I graduated with my Bachelors in December of 2020. In the fall of 2021, after a short break from school, I began my time at Wartburg Theological Seminary, where I have been studying to become a Deacon. I have completed my course work and clinical pastoral education and will now be completing my internship alongside all of you.
I am so excited and appreciative of the opportunity to join your congregation and grow in my faith and understanding with you. I look forward to meeting you and getting to know you in our time together.”
ELCA Churchwide Assembly Update
Presiding Bishop and Secretary of ELCA Elected
From July 28 – August 2, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly gathered in Phoenix. They addressed many items together, most notably the passage of the Faith and Civic Life statement, the election of the next presiding bishop – Rev. Yehiel Curry, and the election of the next secretary – Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight key happenings from the Assembly. This week, we highlight the election of Presiding Bishop Elect Curry. Curry began as a lay mission developer, and later was ordained a pastor. In 2019, he was elected as bishop of the Metro Chicago Synod. He currently is the chair of the Conference of Bishops.
To learn more about Curry, check out this news release from the ELCA and/or listen to the video compliation below.
Muscatine Youth, Children’s, & Littlest Angels’ Choirs
The Muscatine Youth, Children’s, and Littlest Angels’ Choirs offer young people in the Muscatine area an opportunity to grow their vocal talents and teamwork skills within a choir setting. These are free community choirs based at Wesley United Methodist Church. Click here to learn more and register!
Family Faith Nights Resume Soon!
Wednesday, September 3
We are excited to look toward another Family Faith Night year between our four ELCA congregations! Once again we will have a lower elementary group (K-3), upper elementary group (4-6) and middle school group (7-8). We will also host an adult group. More information about the adult group coming soon!
First night will be Wed, Sept 3. Meal included! Family Faith Nights are hosted at Grace and run from 6:00 – 7:30pm. Interested in taking part? Or, interested in helping teach or serving food? Talk to Pastor Aleese!
MCSA Food Pantry
Just a few weeks left of summer and with kiddos home all day the MCSA Food Pantry is looking for non-perishable/kid friendly items to help support local families. Some suggestions are: canned fruit, canned protiens (fish, chicken, beans), peanut butter, etc. Place items in marked box at SOTC or deliver directly to MCSA.