July 22, 2022

This Sunday we hear the profound story of Joseph, and are reminded of the gift of imperfect families. May families look to God as the guide to growing and restoring relationships.

calendar

Sunday Worship

8:15 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary
10:45 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary + Livestream

This Sunday in worship we continue the July Message Series as Joseph reunites with his family…and we can’t help but ponder what our family drama looks like in comparison.

Sunday Breakfast for All

9:30 a.m.  – 10:15 a.m. |  Activity Center
Running late with no time to eat before church? Grab breakfast with us, and don’t forget to support the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund by giving online or on Sunday.

Sunday Adult Bible Study 

9:30 a.m. |  Library + Zoom
Our study of the Minor Prophets continues this week with a discussion of the book of Amos. Contact Ruby Cadenhead for more information.

this week’s highlights

Looking for ways to stay cool while you exercise? Look no farther! Don’t forget to check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events.

Pickleball

9:00 a.m. SATURDAYS + 5:30 p.m. TUESDAYS
Activity Center
The competition may be heating up, but the Activity Center is staying cool! All ages are invited to play.

Firm Believer Yoga

TUESDAYS
5:30 p.m. |  Room 203 + Zoom
Restore your body and soul with yoga. Contact Richard Arndt.

Cancer Support Group

TUESDAY, JULY 26
6:00 p.m. |  Library + Zoom
A support group for individuals with cancer, their family members, and supportive others. Email Sandy Smith (or call 512-569-6453) for Zoom information and support between meetings.

Readers’ Heaven

THURSDAY, JULY 28
7:00 p.m. |  Zoom Only
Readers’ Heaven meets only on Zoom this quarter to discuss “Who Stole My Joy?” by Sandra Steen. Contact Karen Flint for Zoom information.

Grief Support Lunch

SUNDAY, JULY 31
Noon |  Room 205
The Shepherd of the Hills Care Team and Stephen Ministers invite you to gather for lunch to meet and share with others who are experiencing grief. As we allow feelings of sorrow, anger, depression, or guilt to surface, we will be making space for healing and hope to emerge.

Please invite others interested in attending, and RSVP for lunch by emailing Rebecca Guengerich, or calling 512-796-0991. If you are unable to attend the lunch, feel free to call Rebecca to learn about support group options or receiving a Stephen Minister to support your time of change personally.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PALS)

RETURNS MONDAY, AUGUST 1
7:00 p.m. | Library + Zoom
Do you have a loved one struggling with addiction? The PALS support group offers hope through education and an opportunity to share and learn from others facing the same challenges. Contact Rebecca Guengerich with questions. For more information about this group and others in the surrounding Austin area and other cities, visit the website, www.palgroup.org

Gather Us In

SUNDAY, AUGUST 7
12:15 p.m. | Library
Interesting in learning about our community of faith? Join us for lunch and conversation as we get to know each other and answer questions you may have about life at Shepherd. Please contact Ministry Coordinator Amanda Forsberg if you plan to attend.

DID YOU KNOW?

Butterfly Center Construction Update

A picture is worth a thousand words!

We’re Hiring!

Shepherd of the Hills seeks a Director of Faith Formation to lead, develop, and energize our children’s and youth ministries.  This is a full-time position with all the benefits that entails. The ideal candidate will have a heart for working with children, youth, and families, as well as a background in theology or education.  Know of anyone who would be a wonderful addition to our staff team?  Please pass along this job description! Contact Pr. Lauren for more information.

Water to Thrive is Hiring!

Water to Thrive seeks a detail-oriented, personable, super-organized team player for the role of Donor Relations Coordinator. The position is Austin-based, full-time, and offers a hybrid work environment with a very small but dedicated team. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact Dick Moeller (dick@watertothrive.org) for more information.

ways to give

Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give-both financially and through serving.

Serving

Serving is a great way to give back and get to know others in our community. Whether you are interested in serving locally, being part of a global mission, or volunteering to help in a variety of ways on Sundays, we have a place for you! Here are some special opportunities to serve:

AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS
Three Great Ministries for Volunteering this Summer
Families, retirees, and everyone with a servant heart, this summer is your chance to make time and serve together! Go to ACL’s website to learn more about Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread for All, and the new Sheltering Initiative. Click here, and ACL Director Pr. Tim Anderson will connect you with volunteer opportunities that fit your talents.

BABY CARE KITS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Crochet and Knit Blankets Needed!
We know it’s hot, and the thought of knitting a warm blanket is, well, a bit too much. But pick up those needles and do it for the babies! We need 70 more blankets, minimum size of 36″ x 36″, by the end of August. Thank you!

Pledges, Gifts, and Donations

Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving while you travel has never been easier because you can do it all online!

BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Day Camp Diaper Drive for Bread for All

Your response was AMAZING! We delivered over 7,800 diapers to Bread for All on Monday. Let’s give a big shout-out to the Day Campers for leading this drive, to all who responded with such generosity, and to our faithful Bread for All volunteers who delivered and sorted the diapers.

Food Donations Needed
The BFA pantry is in need of dried pinto beans 1lb, canned pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, spaghetti, and baby wipes. Please check for expiration dates before giving items. BFA does not need any more egg cartons or newspaper sleeves.  Contact Weldon Allison. Donation Bins are out every Saturday + Sunday, and on weekdays by ringing the office bell.

prayers of the people

In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list.

Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? Contact a Stephen Minister who can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road.

We pray for Sandy Nielsen, Rodney Varner, and Marie Fortune

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Nancy Walker, sister of Don Cadenhead, and Jim Fink, brother-in-law of Pr. Tom and Jeanne Grevlos

God of mountains and rivers, may you be with the group of high schoolers and adult leaders as they embark on their trip to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp and Glacier National Park. May the beauty of your creation instill wonder and growth in their hearts and minds. Provide safety as they travel across the country and as they trek through the wilderness. Trip Attendees: Cal Auby, Lila Bishop, Audrey Cullinane, Caroline Cullinane, Matthew DeVaney, Seth Hansen, Elliott Stein, Axel Wissman, Jack Hamman, Tiffany Stein, Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner, and Joel Timmons.

God, we know you never leave us or forsake us.  You love your whole creation, and you hold us in that love no matter what comes our way.  You hold in love those who have lost their lives in acts of war and violence.  You hold in love those who have lost their trust in institutions meant to keep them safe.  You hold in love those who have lost their dignity at the hands of those in power.  You hold in love those who have lost their joy in a world that feels overcome by despair. We know and trust that you give us hope when we feel hopeless.  We know and trust that you are the giver of life and conqueror of death.  May we rest in that promise given to us in Jesus Christ.

We pray for our global ministry partners: Rev. Karen Castillo in Guatemala; Iglesia Luterana Augustina Virgen del Rosario, Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala. We pray for Malcolm and Joy Henderson and the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti. 

We pray for our local ministries: Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread For All, and Upbring Ministries.

We pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud…faithfully!

Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks, unless we are notified otherwise.

July 15, 2022

This Sunday we continue the story of Joseph, who up to this point has had a life of ups and downs (much like many of us).  We hear Joseph interpreting dreams once again–this time, it’s Pharaoh’s dreams.  What does God have in store for Joseph, and for us, on life’s journey?

calendar

Sunday Worship

8:15 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary
10:45 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary + Livestream

It’s Bring a Friend to Church Sunday and it’s National Ice Cream Day! In honor of both, everyone is invited to bring someone new with them to church this Sunday, and as a special bonus for inviting someone, we’ll give you and your friend a BOGO or free Crush’N coupon for Amy’s Ice Cream. Nothing’s better than ice cream with friends after church!

Sunday Breakfast for All

9:30 a.m.  – 10:15 a.m. |  Activity Center
Running late with no time to eat before church? Grab breakfast with us, and don’t forget to support the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund by giving online or on Sunday.

Sunday Adult Bible Study 

9:30 a.m. |  Library + Zoom
As we continue to study the Minor Prophets, this week we study from the book of Jonah. Should we have time we will also discuss the book of Amos. Contact Ruby Cadenhead for more information.

Stay and Play for Families

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 17
Noon |  Activity Center
Come hang out with your friends as we gather for games and a pasta bar lunch after worship. Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons if you plan on joining us!

this week’s highlights

We have lots for everyone to do this summer! Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events.

Prayer Vigil for a Hurting World

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 17
6:30 p.m. | Sanctuary
The brokenness of the world touches all of us, and it does so deeply. We search for God’s compassion and love, knowing that healing can only be found within its embrace. This Sunday we invite everyone, of all faiths and backgrounds, to come together as a unified community to pray for the healing of our hurting world.

Grillin’ and Chillin’ Grades 5-12

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 17
6:30 p.m. |  Activity Center/Solomon’s Porch
Parents, if you’re bringing the kids for dinner and games, practice some self-care during these unsettling times by staying for the Prayer Vigil. Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons.

Set-Up at Bread for All (BFA)

THIS MONDAY, JULY 18
Noon – 3:00pm
This is a meaningful activity for families, retirees, and everyone with spare time and a servant heart. Help organize the pantry and prepare food packages for our disadvantaged neighbors in Montopolis. The pantry operates out of Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf. Please contact Weldon Allison with all your questions!

Serve at Bread for All (BFA)

THIS MONDAY, JULY 18
4:00 – 6:30pm
Eager to use your helping hands and help distribute pre-assembled bags of food to our Montopolis neighbors? There are several “positions,” some occurring inside (hurray for AC) and some outside. All ages welcome! The pantry operates out of Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf. Please contact Weldon Allison with all your questions!

Glacier Adventure Training Days

THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 20
9:00 a.m. | Meet at the Church
Backpacking through Glacier National Park takes a lot of stamina. For those going on this trip, let’s be prepared to be pushed physically and mentally by doing some hiking together beforehand! Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons.

Grow Pray Study (GPS)

Take advantage of our growing library of Grow Pray Study guides from where ever you are by selecting Grow Pray Study in the pull-down menu under the Connect tab at the top of our website. Each guide provides a week of Scripture readings, questions to help you ponder how each scripture might apply to your life, and prayer.

Summer spotlight – ACL MINISTRIES

Bread for All Food Pantry

The pantry, powered by a volunteer base of more than fifty people, serves upwards of 300-400 family units per month. Open on Monday evenings, the pantry targets working folks and their children living in economic poverty. While most of the volunteers are Lutheran church members, a handful are friends – equally committed to this type of ministry – who have come alongside to help feed our neighbors in southeast Austin.
 
Learn more about how you (and your kids if you have them) can volunteer on any given Monday at Bread for All by contacting Weldon Allison, or sign up for a Monday right now!

DID YOU KNOW?

We’re Hiring!

Shepherd of the Hills is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to lead, develop, and energize our children’s and youth ministries.  This is a full-time position with all the benefits that entails.  The ideal candidate will have a heart for working with children, youth, and families, as well as a background in theology or education.  Know of anyone who would be a wonderful addition to our staff team?  Please pass along this job description! Contact Pr. Lauren for more information.

Butterfly Center Construction Update

Still on schedule! Take a look into the future and check out these renovation pics. 

ways to give

Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give-both financially and through serving.

Serving

Serving is a great way to give back and get to know others in our community. Whether you are interested in serving locally, being part of a global mission, or volunteering to help in a variety of ways on Sundays, we have a place for you! Here are some special opportunities to serve:

AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS
Three Great Ministries for Volunteering this Summer
Families, retirees, and everyone with a servant heart, this summer is your chance to make time and serve together! Go to ACL’s website to learn more about Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread for All, and the new Sheltering Initiative. Click here, and ACL Director Pr. Tim Anderson will connect you with volunteer opportunities that fit your talents.

BABY CARE KITS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
Crochet and Knit Blankets Needed!
We know it’s hot, and the thought of knitting a warm blanket is, well, a bit too much. But pick up those needles and do it for the babies! We need 70 more blankets, minimum size of 36″ x 36″, by the end of August. Thank you!

Pledges, Gifts, and Donations

Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving while you travel has never been easier because you can do it all online!

BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Day Camp Diaper Drive for Bread for All

The response has been AMAZING (we had over 4,000 diapers as of Wednesday). Let’s have a big shout-out to the Day Campers for leading this drive and thanks to all for participating with such generosity! It’s not too late if you would like to donate-but Sunday is the last day of the “drive” so hurry over and leave your diapers in the front gathering area or Activity Center.

Please Bring Food
Our neighbors in Montopolis are in need. The BFA pantry is in need of dried pinto beans 1lb, canned pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, spaghetti, diapers size 4/5/6, and baby wipes (BFA gives out on average 1500 diapers a week). Please check for expiration dates before giving items. They do not need any more egg cartons or newspaper sleeves.  Contact Weldon Allison. Donation Bins are out every Saturday + Sunday, and on weekdays by ringing the office bell

prayers of the people

We pray for Sandy Nielsen, Rodney Varner, Steve Larson, and Tom Felger.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Nancy Walker, sister of Don Cadenhead

We pray for all who mourn the death of Carol Spielberger, sister-in-law of Anita Knight

We pray in celebration for the baptism of Alora Isabel Rieger, daughter of Thomas and Jacklyn Rieger and sister of Nicolette.

God of mountains and rivers, may you be with the group of high schoolers and adult leaders as they embark on their trip to Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp and Glacier National Park. May the beauty of your creation instill wonder and growth in their hearts and minds. Provide safety as they travel across the country and as they trek through the wilderness. Trip Attendees: Cal Auby, Lila Bishop, Audrey Cullinane, Caroline Cullinane, Matthew DeVaney, Seth Hansen, Elliott Stein, Axel Wissman, Jack Hamman, Tiffany Stein, Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner, and Joel Timmons.

God, we know you never leave us or forsake us.  You love your whole creation, and you hold us in that love no matter what comes our way.  You hold in love those who have lost their lives in acts of war and violence.  You hold in love those who have lost their trust in institutions meant to keep them safe.  You hold in love those who have lost their dignity at the hands of those in power.  You hold in love those who have lost their joy in a world that feels overcome by despair. We know and trust that you give us hope when we feel hopeless.  We know and trust that you are the giver of life and conqueror of death.  May we rest in that promise given to us in Jesus Christ.

We pray for our global ministry partners: Rev. Karen Castillo in Guatemala; Iglesia Luterana Augustina Virgen del Rosario, Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala. We pray for Malcolm and Joy Henderson and the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti. 

We pray for our local ministries: Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread For All, and Upbring Ministries.

We pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud…faithfully!

*In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list. Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks, unless we are notified otherwise.

July 8, 2022

Join us this Sunday as Justin Stephens and Josh Norem fill the Sanctuary with spirit-filled praise music at 10:45 a.m. Worship. Make sure and bring the kids for a special Children’s Message by LutherHill camp counselors, followed by the commissioning of Day Campers for the upcoming week.

calendar

Sunday Worship

8:15 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary
10:45 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary + Livestream

Sunday Breakfast for All

9:30 a.m.  – 10:15 a.m. |  Activity Center
Fuel up your tank for the journey by having breakfast with us. Support this ministry and give online anytime by selecting the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund.

Sunday Adult Bible Study 

9:30 a.m. |  Library + Zoom
An in-depth study of the week’s scripture. Contact Ruby Cadenhead for more information.

this week’s highlights

Check Realm Events or the website calendar for a complete list of events.

Weekly Events

We have lots for everyone to do this summer! You can get moving with Pickleball and Yoga, crochet and sew with Prayer Shawl or Quilting, volunteer for Bread for All on Mondays, or practice self-care by attending one of our many support groups. Check Realm Events or the website calendar for a complete list of events and contact information for any questions you may have.

Grow Pray Study (GPS)

GPS FOR JULY
The Journey of Joseph
Open July’s GPS and recharge your prayer life with six devotions of scripture and thought-provoking questions for self-paced study during the month.

Quilting

SATURDAY, JULY 9
9:00 a.m. | Room 205

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
1:00 p.m. | Room 205
With busy summer schedules, please confirm before you come by emailing Sandy Nielsen.

Stay and Play for Families – Special Day Camp Kick-off Party

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 10
Noon |  Activity Center
WE LOVE CAMP! Everyone with kids can jump into fun and come meet the Day Camp counselors joining us from LutherHill. We’ll kick-off the start of a great week with friends, games, and lunch after worship. Please RSVP to Pr. Lauren so we know how many mouths to feed!

Glacier Adventure Training Days

THIS WEDNESDAY, JULY 13
9:00 a.m. | Meet at the Church
Backpacking through Glacier National Park takes a lot of stamina. For those going on this trip, let’s be prepared to be pushed physically and mentally by doing some hiking together beforehand! Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons.

Grillin’ and Chillin’

THIS SUNDAY, JULY 10
6:30 p.m. |  Activity Center/Solomon’s Porch
Dinner and games for grades 5-12! Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons.

Stay and Play for Families – Day Camp Goodbyes

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 17
Noon |  Activity Center
HURRAY FOR DAY CAMP! Come hug those fabulous Day Camp counselors and thank them for their fun-filled ministry as we gather for games and lunch after worship. Contact Pr. Lauren.

Prayer Vigil for a Hurting World

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 17
6:30 p.m. |  Sanctuary

Prayer Vigil for our brothers and sisters in Christ who are displaced as Refugees or seeking a better life through Immigration.

• Prayers for the families of the 53 who tragically died in a transport truck
• Prayers for compassion for those men, women, and children displaced by war
• Prayer for leaders who influence policy and enforce regulations
• Prayer for our faith communities to find ways to respond that glorify God by honoring our neighbor

*The politics of God is one of compassion and love, especially for the poor and marginalized. To be a Christ-follower (Christian) is to be like Jesus.

*Please join us for a reflective time of prayer, quiet, music, and reflection.

Summer spotlight – ACL MINISTRIES

Mariposa Family Learning Center

Mariposa is unique because they primarily serve low-income families with high-quality early childhood education. Located in one of Austin’s poorest neighborhoods (78741), which is categorized as a childcare desert on the southeast side of the city, Mariposa gives early childhood development access to low-income families that is unmatched – the percentage of families on at least 80 percent subsidy – anywhere in Austin.
 
Mariposa is unique because they respond to the individual needs of children and their families. Understanding their special situations ensures that Mariposa can provide the appropriate support necessary for learning and growth.
 
Learn more about the important ministry of Austin City Lutherans by visiting Mariposa’s website, following their Facebook page, or watching this clip recently featured on KXAN news.

DID YOU KNOW?

We’re Hiring!

Shepherd of the Hills is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to lead, develop, and energize our children’s and youth ministries.  This is a full-time position with all the benefits that entails.  The ideal candidate will have a heart for working with children, youth, and families, as well as a background in theology or education.  Know of anyone who would be a wonderful addition to our staff team?  Please pass along this job description! Contact Pr. Lauren for more information.

Butterfly Center Construction Update

Take a look into the future and check out these renovation pics! 

ways to give

Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give-both financially and through serving.

Serving

Serving is a great way to give back and get to know others in our community. Whether you are interested in serving locally, being part of a global mission, or volunteering to help in a variety of ways on Sundays, we have a place for you! Here are some special opportunities to serve:

AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS
Three Great Ministries for Volunteering this Summer
Families, retirees, and everyone with a servant heart, this summer is your chance to make time and serve together! Go to ACL’s website to learn more about Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread for All, and the new Sheltering Initiative. Click here, and ACL Director Pr. Tim Anderson will connect you with volunteer opportunities that fit your talents.

Pledges, Gifts, and Donations

Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving while you travel has never been easier because you can do it all online!

BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)

Day Camp Diaper Drive for Bread for All

This year during our Day Camp Week, July 11-15, we are planting a forest of “Diaper Trees”, benefitting our Bread for All ministry. You can participate with our children and families participating in Day Camp by contributing a box of diapers (any size). This provides an enormous benefit to our working families coming to receive assistance. Diaper receiving areas are set up in the front gathering area and Activity Center(Gym). COSTCO and AMAZON links are posted here to make it easier then ever to support this ministry. You can have them delivered to the church. Thank you for your consideration. It is Christmas in July!

Please Bring Food
Our neighbors in Montopolis are in need. The BFA pantry is in need of dried pinto beans 1lb, canned pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, spaghetti, diapers size 4/5/6, and baby wipes (BFA gives out on average 1500 diapers a week). Please check for expiration dates before giving items. They do not need any more egg cartons or newspaper sleeves.  Contact Weldon Allison. Donation Bins are out every Saturday + Sunday, and weekdays by ringing the office bell

prayers of the people

We pray for Sandy Nielsen, Rodney Varner and Tom Felger.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members:
Carol Spielberger, sister-in-law of Anita Knight

God, be with the campers, counselors, and volunteers at Day Camp this week. May you be at work in the laughter and play, in the singing and dancing. May our young ones come to know your love more clearly this week.
Lutherhill Counselors:
Jordana Gutierrez, Lairscey Griffey ,Claire Frazier, and Elizabeth Sleeper.
Youth Helpers:
Alicia Calvo and Kairi Smith.
Campers:
Grace Bohart, Lilly Bohart, Sawyer Dertien, Miller Dertien, Finley Dertien, Austin Eckermann, Sophie Eckermann, Lillian Murray, Evelyn Murray, Charlotte Smith, Emmy Smith, Reed Smith, Addison Smith, Tinley Smith, Owen Wegner, and Caroline Wegner.

God, we know you never leave us or forsake us.  You love your whole creation, and you hold us in that love no matter what comes our way.  You hold in love those who have lost their lives in acts of war and violence.  You hold in love those who have lost their trust in institutions meant to keep them safe.  You hold in love those who have lost their dignity at the hands of those in power.  You hold in love those who have lost their joy in a world that feels overcome by despair. We know and trust that you give us hope when we feel hopeless.  We know and trust that you are the giver of life and conqueror of death.  May we rest in that promise given to us in Jesus Christ.

We pray for our global ministry partners: Rev. Karen Castillo in Guatemala; Iglesia Luterana Augustina Virgen del Rosario, Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala. We pray for Malcolm and Joy Henderson and the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti. 

We pray for our local ministries: Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread For All and Upbring Ministries.

We pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud…faithfully!

*In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list. Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks, unless we are notified otherwise.

July 1, 2022

Join us this Sunday as we begin a new Message Series based on the Genesis story of Joseph.

calendar

Sunday Worship

8:15 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary
10:45 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary + Livestream

Sunday Breakfast for All

9:30 a.m.  – 10:15 a.m. |  Activity Center
Fuel up your tank for the journey by having breakfast with us. Support this ministry and give online anytime by selecting the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund.

Sunday Adult Bible Study 

9:30 a.m. |  Library + Zoom
An in-depth study of the week’s scripture. Contact Ruby Cadenhead for more information.

this week’s highlights

Check Realm Events or the website calendar for a complete list of events.

Weekly Events

We have lots for everyone to do this summer! You can get moving with Pickleball and Yoga, crochet and sew with Prayer Shawl or Quilting, volunteer for Bread for All on Mondays, or practice self-care by attending one of our many support groups. Check Realm Events or the website calendar for a complete list of events and contact information for any questions you may have.

Grow Pray Study (GPS)

GPS FOR JULY
The Journey of Joseph
Look for your GPS email Tuesday and recharge your prayer life with six devotions of scripture and thought-provoking questions for self-paced study and prayer during the month of July.

Glacier Adventure Training Days

WEDNESDAY, JULY 7
9:00 a.m. | Meet at the Church
Backpacking through Glacier National Park takes a lot of stamina. For those going on this trip, let’s be prepared to be pushed physically and mentally by doing some hiking together beforehand! Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons.

Stay and Play for Families – Special Day Camp Kick-off Party

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 10
Noon |  Activity Center
WE LOVE CAMP! Jump into fun and come meet the Day Camp counselors joining us from LutherHill. We’ll kick-off the start of a great week with friends, games and lunch after worship. Please RSVP to Pr. Lauren so we know how many to feed.

Grillin’ and Chillin’

NEXT SUNDAY, JULY 10
6:30 p.m. |  Activity Center/Solomon’s Porch
Dinner and games for grades 5-12! Contact Youth Director Joel Timmons.

Last Call for Day Camp!

MONDAY, JULY 11 – FRIDAY, JULY 15
8:30 am. – 2:00 p.m. |  Drop off and pick up in Activity Center
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER you and your friends! This Friday is the registration deadline for Day Camp at Shepherd of the Hills.  All the fun will be led by staff from Camp Lutherhill. We’ll have Bible studies, camp-style worship, games, crafts, and, of course, water day!

Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th Grade

JULY 4 CALENDAR updates

Church Office

CLOSED FRIDAY, JULY 1 + MONDAY, JULY 4
Please email sheep@shephills.org if there is an emergency

Bread for All Set-Up and Serve

CANCELED / RESUMES MONDAY JULY 11
12:00-6:30 p.m. | Faith Presbyterian Church

Race to Jesus

CANCELED / RESUMES MONDAY JULY 11
7:00 p.m. |  Larry and Carole Morgan’s Home

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PALS)

CANCELED / RESUMES MONDAY JULY 11
7:00 p.m. |  Library + Zoom

Summer spotlight – Austin City lutheran ministries

What is Austin City Lutherans?

Austin City Lutherans (ACL) is an exciting ministry of local impact, bringing together the ELCA congregations around the mission of “More. Better. Together”. This has been lived out for the past 10 years in powerful ways, through our feeding ministry at Bread for All Food Pantry, empowering an under-resourced community with Mariposa Family Learning Center, and our new initiative of Sheltering Ministry. All of this has been made possible through congregational support and special gifting. Pr. Tim Anderson has been called to be our Community Developer and Congregational Connector. Thank you for the tens of thousands fed, for the children and families of SE Austin served, and for the hope of a home. Each week in July we will be featuring an ACL Ministry and on July 31^st, Pr. Tim Anderson will be our guest preacher. He will also lead a Learning Event between services.

DID YOU KNOW?

We’re Hiring!

Shepherd of the Hills is seeking a Director of Faith Formation to lead, develop, and energize our children’s and youth ministries.  This is a full-time position with all the benefits that entails.  The ideal candidate will have a heart for working with children, youth, and families, as well as a background in theology or education.  Know of anyone who would be a wonderful addition to our staff team?  Please pass along this job description! Contact Pr. Lauren for more information.

Fourth of July Parades Featuring Troop 31!

Boy Scout Troop 31, chartered by Shepherd of the Hills, will perform the color guard for the Rollingwood Parade and the City of Westlake Parade! Catch them on July 4 at one or both!

Rebecca Guengerich Elected to Chair Synod Leadership Team

Spirituality and Wellness Director Rebecca Guengerich was elected for a 3-year term to chair the Leadership Team of the SouthWest Texas Synod (SWTX Synod).  The mission of the team is to care for Rostered Leaders, new Pastoral Candidates, and Lay Leaders of the congregations. The synod wants to increase the focus on lay leadership by creating a program to equip participants to follow their own callings to serve in the community and the specific needs of our church.

Want to know more? Contact Rebecca!

New Life Center (A Ministry of Upbring)

A tour is being planned for those interested in visiting and learning more about the New Life Children’s Center in Canyon Lake, a respite for courageous young women between the ages of 11-17, where they begin to grow and heal through in-depth clinical therapy, personal development activities and spiritual care in a safe setting. Contact Kathy Gerhardt if you are interested in joining the tour or have questions about this ministry.

Butterfly Center Construction Update

Take a look into the future and check out these renovation pics! 

ways to give

Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give-both financially and through serving.

Serving

Serving is a great way to give back and get to know others in our community. Whether you are interested in serving locally, being part of a global mission, or volunteering to help in a variety of ways on Sundays, we have a place for you! Here are some special opportunities to serve:

AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS
Three Great Ministries for Volunteering this Summer
Families, retirees, and everyone with a servant heart, this summer is your chance to make time and serve together! Go to ACL’s website to learn more about Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread for All, and the new Sheltering Initiative. Click here, and ACL Director Pr. Tim Anderson will connect you with volunteer opportunities that fit your talents.

Pledges, Gifts, and Donations

Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving while you travel has never been easier because you can do it all online!

BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Please Bring Food
Our neighbors in Montopolis are in need. The BFA pantry is in need of dried pinto beans 1lb, canned pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, spaghetti, diapers size 4/5/6, and baby wipes (BFA gives out on average 1500 diapers a week). Please check for expiration dates before giving items. They do not need any more egg cartons or newspaper sleeves.  Contact Weldon Allison. Donation Bins are out every Saturday + Sunday, and weekdays by ringing the office bell

prayers of the people

We pray for Sandy Nielsen, Rodney Varner, and Tom Felger.

We grieve the tragic death of 53+ migrants. Be with their families.

God, we know you never leave us or forsake us.  You love your whole creation, and you hold us in that love no matter what comes our way.  You hold in love those who have lost their lives in acts of war and violence.  You hold in love those who have lost their trust in institutions meant to keep them safe.  You hold in love those who have lost their dignity at the hands of those in power.  You hold in love those who have lost their joy in a world that feels overcome by despair. We know and trust that you give us hope when we feel hopeless.  We know and trust that you are the giver of life and conqueror of death.  May we rest in that promise given to us in Jesus Christ.

We pray for our global ministry partners: Rev. Karen Castillo in Guatemala; Iglesia Luterana Augustina Virgen del Rosario, Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala. We pray for Malcolm and Joy Henderson and the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti. 

We pray for our local ministries: Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread For All and Upbring Ministries.

We pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud…faithfully!

*In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list. Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks unless we are notified otherwise.