Help us prepare for God’s Work Our Hands Sunday!
Participate in one, two or all three ways!
Share your story of how you do God’s work with your hands in your daily life, in your vocation, in your volunteering, etc. Share your story with Pastor Aleese and we’ll compile a list to share with the congregation.
Pack the Green Tote for MCSA Food Pantry with hot items needed in the food pantry right now:
- Canned soups, fruits, and proteins (fish, chicken, beef, beans)
- Pasta
- Hygiene products: Soaps, toothpaste and brushes, paper products
Give financially to MCSA – we are collecting cash/check donations to assist in funding programs. $550 provides two days of food and supplies for programming, and $1500 covers one night of emergency shelter and one night of domestic violence shelter services. Let’s challenge ourselves to help fund one of these programs as a congregation! A donation bucket may be found near the green tote.
Bible Distribution Sunday
Sunday, September 7
At each baptism, the congregation makes the promise to help support parents in raising their child in the Christian faith. One way SOTC does that is to provide Bibles to kids at 3-years-old, 3rd grade, and 7th grade. Be sure to join us for worship as we entrust God’s Word into the hands of 5 of our youth!
Blessing of Backpacks (And Bags!) Sunday
Sunday, September 14
We all carry around bags…not just students! After uplifting God’s Work Our Hands Sunday on Sept 7, we’ll have a special blessing Sunday to bless 1) the food contributed to MCSA, and 2) our bags that help us live out our daily vocations. Bring your bag to worship and get a tag to take with you!
Family Faith Nights Resume THIS WEDNESDAY!
Wednesday, September 3 Opening Night
6:30 – 7:30 pm @ Grace Lutheran
We’re looking forward to another great year of opportunities for lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and adults!
New this year:
- We are not serving a full meal. Instead, we will have quick bites for families to grab on the way into their group, and on their way out! Cheese and crackers, meats, veggies, fruits, and cookies.
- We will not host high schoolers on Wednesdays, but stay tuned! More information about a high school group coming soon!
- Our adult group on Wednesdays will be our ReStoried group. Re:Storied meets for the first time on September 10. See below for more details.
- The first night we will host a parent meeting. Intent is to talk about what faith formation is, parent’s role, and our joint children protection policy.
All are welcome to join us! Check in with Pastor Aleese if you’d like to help teach, help with set up, or simply to attend!
Sanctuary Youth Group
Sunday, September 21 – Kick Off
6:00 – 7:30 pm
As an extension of Christian Day Camp, we’re excited to jump start (and host!) an ecumenical Youth Group for middle schoolers and high schoolers (grades 6-12)! Our first night will be Sun, Sept 21 and then we’ll meet every first and third Sunday of the month. Join us on night 1 for bonfire, smores and tons of games! No RSVP needed for the first night. After our first few nights, we’ll ask for basic participant forms. Questions? Talk to Pastor Aleese.
Adult Faith Formation Group Options
In the past few weeks, we’ve been promoting various adult groups for the fall. Even though we’ve entered into September, it’s not too late to join us! Contact Pastor Aleese for more information and to offer your interest.
Companions in Christ
Companions in Christ is a spiritual formation group that helps participants 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.
Re:Storied
Re:Storied will be our adult Family Faith Night group for 2025-2026, meeting on Wednesday evenings starting Sept 10. Re:Storied will introduce participants to the whole of the Biblical narrative while providing opportunities to tangibly practice dwelling in God’s Word.
Christians Underground
Christians Underground explores the upcoming lectionary Scriptures, meeting on Wednesdays at Zion from 12:00 – 1:00pm. Participants are welcome to join us when they are able!
Installation of the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA
Saturday, October 4 @ 2:00 pm in Minneapolis, MN
At the Churchwide Assembly, Rev. Yehiel Curry was elected as the next Presiding Bishop of the ELCA. His installation is open to the public with no tickets required. Installation will take place at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
Pastor Aleese intends to watch the livestream. If you’d like to join, or for more information, talk to Pastor Aleese.
Trunk or Treat Volunteers Needed!
Wednesday, October 29 @ Grace
6:00 – 7:30pm
Once again Faith Together Muscatine is hosting Trunk or Treat this year! We need volunteers to host a trunk – decorate your car, bring candy and help create a fun and safe night for families! Sign up here, or in the narthex, to host a trunk.