Dabney Gomes

June 7, 2024

SUNDAY, JUNE 9

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Blessed be the Holy Trinity, one God, who forgives all our sin, whose mercy endures forever! Join us as we commission the Guatemala Team at 10:45.

BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Make your morning hassle-free and enjoy this chance to socialize and catch up with friends.

DISCOVER
9:30 a.m. | Music and Worship Lab | Gathering Space
Why do we sing in worship? What do we sing? And when do we sing it? This week, join Kevin McClure, our joyful Director of Worship and Arts, for a look into hymnology. Kevin will guide us through the stories and meanings behind this week’s hymns, making our musical journey in worship even more special.

Check the calendar to see what we’ll learn each week over the summer during the Discover Series.

GATHER US IN
9:30 a.m. | Gym
Welcome to ShepHills and a chance to learn more about our community during a casual gathering over breakfast. Look for the table with our sign on it and have a seat! Contact Sheep@ShepHills.org.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
This Sunday we begin our summer program and discuss the book, “Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.

SHEPHILLS T-SHIRTS
For sale in the Gym during breakfast
Wear your faith! Polos are available for $30. We’ll be accepting checks and credit cards.

NEXTGEN (Grades 5-12)
6:00 p.m. | Gym
NextGen continues through the summer, providing a space to share thoughts and questions about faith. Contact Joel Timmons.

CALENDAR

Find out about special summer gatherings at ShepHills.org/Summer 2024, and check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!

FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS GATHERING
This Saturday, June 8
9:00 a.m. | Butterfly Center
Join us for a fun meet-up/playdate, perfect for families with young children! We’ll have a variety of age-appropriate toys to keep the little ones entertained, and coffee to keep the adults energized. Contact Megan Getman with questions.

QUILTING FOR LWR
This Saturday, June 8 at 9:00 a.m.
Wednesday, June 12 at 1:00 p.m.
Room 205
Sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary! Contact Ruth Felger or Linda Fiandaca with questions.

FIRM BELIEVERS YOGA
Tuesday, June 11 (Every Tuesday )
3:30 p.m. | Room 203 + Zoom
Yoga is back! Come honor and celebrate your mind, spirit, and body in this holistic practice. Contact Richard Arndt.

PARABLE PICNICS
Tuesday, June 11 (Tuesday Evenings in June )
6:00 p.m. | Meet in the Courtyard
Yes, it was HOT, but what a fantastic turnout last week! Let’s keep those summer vibes going! Skip the kitchen duties this Tuesday and connect with friends old and new across generations. We’ll handle grilling dinner while you find the breeze under the trees (have you seen the swamp cooler?). We’ll wrap up the night with fun songs and parables.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, June 12
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Pastor-led study of the Good Book. Contact Pr. Lauren.
The Early Risers class (7:30 a.m. on Zoom) will not meet this summer but will reconvene in August.

NEXTGEN MORNING BREW
Thursday, June 13
10:00 a.m. | Trianon Coffee
Join us at Trianon Coffee as we dive into real talk about life, faith, and everything in between. Contact Joel Timmons.

DISCOVER
Next Sunday, June 16 (Sunday Mornings in June and July)
9:30 a.m. | Campus and Creation Tour | Meet in the Gathering Space
Each week we explore something that feeds our faith. On the 16th, bring the whole family as the Caring for God’s Creation Team takes us on a tour of the spiritual spaces they create and tend, each providing a different way to explore our faith. Wear sensible shoes and discover the prayer labyrinth, prayer walk, and the proactive act of recycling. Check the calendar for the full list of Discover topics.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Wednesday, June 19
The church office will be closed in recognition of Juneteenth, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.

TEA FOR TOTS
Saturday, June 29
2:00 p.m. | Gym
Let us know you’re coming and we’ll put the kettle on. Read more about the event and purchase your ticket today for a chance to bid on silent auction items, win prizes, and raise awareness and support for Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kits.

SNAPSHOTS

BABY BLANKETS FOR LWR BABY CARE KITS
We are getting closer to our goal for baby blankets! We have 149 knitted, crocheted, and quilted blankets, and need 51 to meet our goal of 200. Thank you to the Prayer Shawl Team! A special thank you to Sandy Smith, Christie Urelius, the Knit Wits at Longhorn Village, and everyone else knitting and crocheting for us.  And a special shout out to Mary McCauley for completing many, many, many baby quilts. If you knit, crochet, or quilt and want to help, contact Kathy Gerhardt.

EPIPHANY STAR WORDS
During Epiphany, many of us chose a star word from the tree in the Gathering Space. These star words were inspirational words of intention to help us look for God in our midst. It’s often easy to miss God in our daily lives, but having a word to guide us can reveal God’s presence in ways we may not have seen before. This is truly the greatest gift.

FAITH IN ACTION

In 2024, engagement and inclusion to help generate a more welcoming and accessible environment, seek to include everyone God loves, and increase involvement at ShepHills, is one of the Council’s Congregational Areas of Focus. To do this, it is important to tend to our faith as we embrace the diversity of our community and celebrate the lives of all people. Try out these Daily Devotions from Cathedral of Hope that you can read, listen to, or access on Alexa. Simply ask Alexa to “add the ‘Words of Hope’ skill” or “Discover Words of Hope” using your Alexa app.

SUPPORT FOR ACL MINISTRIES

Read below and visit these websites for more information on how you can support the ministries of Austin City Lutherans! Bread for All and the Move-In Ministry, Mariposa FLC, and Austin City Lutherans. You can also follow them on Facebook @austincitylutherans.

AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS (ACL) RENT ASSISTANCE
Online Fundraiser
Let’s help prevent homelessness! Austin City Lutherans’ Rent Assistance fundraiser hopes to raise $75,000 in June for distribution to Austin families, thus ensuring they can meet rent and stay in their homes. Here’s how it works: 100% of your donation goes directly to families who apply, present a photo ID, rental or mortgage contract, and an explanation of need. For those approved, checks are hand-delivered by ACL to office managers and property owners. Donate by June 28 at www.breadforall-atx.org.

DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
BFA is asking for special assistance. Food deliveries from the Capital Area Food Bank, their primary supplier, are currently sporadic. Please contribute canned beans, tomatoes and veggies, dry beans, and peanut butter. Bring your donations to the bins on weekdays from 9am-4pm, Saturdays from 9-11am, and Sunday mornings.

VOLUNTEER AT BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Volunteers are welcome to help with setup and food distribution at the Bread for All Food Pantry. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and groups of all ages. For more information on descriptions, times, and locations, please visit the calendar or contact Weldon Allison.

GIVING

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

PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving has never been easier because you can do it all online! Questions? Contact Bill Dawson for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.

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!

PRAYERS

In need of prayer? Please contact Pr. Lauren to be put on the prayer list.

We pray for: Bob Vorkoper, Betty Lueders, and Marie Fortune.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: LaWayne Guengerich, father-in-law of Rebecca Guengerich; Buddy Kopplin, uncle of Amy Bishop; Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas; Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Elward Reiss, mother of Dee Jackson.

O God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith, and now rest in your eternal life, especially: Nathzele Pfluger, mother of Marcy McNeil. We pray for your comfort and peace to surround all who grieve, as we trust together in the resurrection promise. We commend Nathzele to your never-ending love.

O God, you speak and the face of the earth is renewed. Revive your creation, that habitats and every kind of living thing might flourish. Protect endangered species and help us to care for all your creatures.

O God, give your blessing and peace to the nations. Shelter all who risk life and livelihood to protect others from violence, conflict, and injustice. We pray especially for war-torn regions of the world, for the Holy Land, for all places where peace seems far away.

God who sends us out to serve, we pray for Megan DeVaney serving in Guatemala, and Arlene Morris serving in Angola this summer. You have sent Megan and Arlene from this congregation to serve your people. Sustain them and bless them in their ministry.

God, you send us to serve. Bless the ministries of Austin City Lutherans, especially Bread for All and the Rent Assistance ministry. Draw near to those who find themselves in difficult times, and use us to help provide resources for our neighbors to stay in their homes. Empower ACL to continue to serve those in need, as we are your hands and feet.

Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? A Stephen Minister can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road. Contact Alana Oehler with inquiries about this confidential ministry.

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

May 24, 2024

[Jesus] Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. (John 3:5)

SUNDAY, MAY 26

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
This Sunday we celebrate the ministry of Mariposa Family Learning Center. Director Sheila Pharis will join us in worship and breakfast with updates on providing affordable daycare to families in the Montopolis neighborhood of Austin. The Adult Choir will fill the air with songs of praise at 8:15, and the Bishop Family Trio (Kristina, Lila, and Isaac Bishop) will play at 10:45.

Preparing for Worship: Before entering the sanctuary, please remember to get your nametag from the Gathering Space, and finish all food and drink. Thank you!

BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Make your morning hassle-free and enjoy this chance to socialize and catch up with friends.

GATHER US IN
9:30 a.m. | Gym
New to ShepHills? Come learn more about our community during a casual gathering over breakfast. Look for the table with our sign on it! If you can’t make this Sunday, we will also be meeting on Sunday, June 9. Contact Sheep@ShepHills.org.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
The Bible is a book that never grows old. This week we’ll discuss more of 2 Samuel. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.

GRIEF GROUP
Sunday, May 26
12:00 p.m. | Room 205
Start the day by being fed spiritually through worship, followed by emotional nourishment as you share with others who are experiencing loss. Lunch is included, and grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Grief can be experienced through loss such as unemployment, retirement,  relationship changes, illness, or family conflict. Whatever your grief, we are here to walk alongside you. Contact Tamara Allen or Virginia Bosman.

A NOTE FROM COUNCIL

In previous years, it was common for the Church Council to set Congregational Goals for the year. These would then be measured and reported on at Staff and Council meetings but probably didn’t get much visibility at the Congregational level other than at Congregational Meetings. That got me to thinking: are there defined ways that the Congregation can get involved and help achieve the targets established by the Council?

The answer is yes, of course, but it comes with a twist. Rather than set goals for the church or the Council, Pastor Lauren and the Council have decided to establish “Areas of Focus” for the entire Congregation. How are Areas of Focus different from Congregation Goals? A goal defines a result, an outcome you want to achieve, like getting an A in World History or losing 10 pounds. On the other hand, an area of focus establishes activities you want to spend your time doing, like studying throughout the semester (not just for tests) or getting regular exercise (walking 3-4 miles 3 times per week). By extension, these activities give you a better chance of achieving your goal.

So for 2024, our Church Council has adopted the following Congregational Areas of Focus:

1. Engagement and Inclusion: Help generate a more welcoming and accessible environment, seek to include everyone God loves, and increase involvement at ShepHills.
2. Generosity: Grow a culture of gratitude and generosity across the three pillars of Generosity: time, talent, and monetary giving.
3. Support New Senior Pastor and Call Process for Associate Pastor: Support and encourage Pr. Lauren in her new duties as senior pastor and support the calling of a new Associate Pastor.

There are numerous activities that the congregation can engage in to support these areas of focus. For example, under Engagement and Inclusion, you could volunteer to help those with mobility challenges get to and from church or navigate inside the campus more easily. Or, make it a point to seek out 10 people at church who you don’t know well and widen your circle of relationships. Activities under Generosity fall across all aspects of giving of our time, talents, and treasures – we all have something to give. Supporting Pastor Lauren in her new role and in the Call Process for an Associate Pastor can be as simple as attending church regularly or participating in surveys asking for your opinion.

I invite you to continue the conversation by offering up other examples of the ways you can use your unique gifts as we all share in the work of the church. And, please reach out to any of the council members should you have any questions or feedback.

On behalf of Pastor Lauren and the Shep Hills 2024 Council (Megan Hansen, Denise Seidel, Tamara Allen, Ted Powell, June Spann, John Robertson, Beth Turman, and Bob Cannon), your brother in Christ,

Michael Watt
Council Chair

CALENDAR

Find out about special summer gatherings at ShepHills.org/Summer 2024, and check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Monday, May 27
Happy Memorial Day. Contact Sheep@ShepHills.org if you need to get in touch with someone.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, May 29
7:30 a.m. | on Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Pastor-led studies of the Good Book. Contact Pr. Lauren.

SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, June 1 (first Saturdays)
9:00 a.m. | Shepherd’s Garden
Get your hands dirty and join the Caring for God’s Creation Team for our monthly workday. We will do regular maintenance, weed pulling, and whatever else needs to be done to keep things tidy and thriving. We have tools, but bring your own (if you wish), plus gloves, appropriate shoes, bug repellant, and sunscreen. Contact Jeri Porter.

ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY
Next Sunday, June 2 | 8:15 + 10:45 a.m. Worship
Celebration Picnic | Noon in the Gym
Anniversary Sunday marks the beginning of our faith community 47 years ago, 20 years of ministry alongside our sister church in Guatemala, and the start of summer programs! Between services, hear the story of our congregation’s beginning from charter and early members. After worship, we’ll throw some burgers and dogs on the grill and get out on the dance floor as local musician Sophia Johnson returns to help us celebrate.

DISCOVER
Sunday Mornings in June and July (beginning next Sunday, June 2!)
9:30 a.m. | The Story of ShepHills | Gym
Find the path to feeding your soul by exploring a different topic each week. On Anniversary Sunday, join us in the Gym to hear some of our original members sharing stories from the early days. Check the calendar to see what’s offered each week.

PARABLE PICNICS
Tuesday Evenings in June (beginning June 4)
6:00 p.m. | Meet in the Courtyard
Leave the cooking to us and take this opportunity to mix and mingle with members of our diverse congregation which spans multiple generations! We’ll handle the hot stuff (grilling) while you enjoy the cool stuff (friends, breezes, and ice cream). Plus, we’ve got fun activities lined up for the kids (just ask Megan) and will finish off the evening evening with songs and parables. Fun!

NEXTGEN MORNING BREW
Thursday, June 6
10:00 a.m. | Trianon Coffee
Join us at Trianon Coffee as we dive into some real talk about life, faith, and everything in between. Contact Joel Timmons.

FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS GATHERING
Saturday, June 8
9:00 a.m. | Butterfly Center
Join us for a fun meet-up/playdate, perfect for families with young children! We’ll have a variety of age-appropriate toys to keep the little ones entertained, and coffee to keep the adults energized. Contact Megan Getman with questions.

GATHER US IN
Sunday, June 9
9:30 a.m. | Gym
New to ShepHills? Come learn more about our community during a casual gathering over breakfast. Look for the table with our sign on it! Contact Sheep@ShepHills.org.

SNAPSHOTS

ELCA CLIMATE SURVEY

The ELCA Wants to Hear Your Voice on Climate! You are invited to share your attitudes and perspectives through the five-minute American Climate Metric Survey by ecoAmerica. The ELCA partners with ecoAmerica through its Blessed Tomorrow coalition of religious partners. Responses to this survey will help to shape strategy and planning in the coming year. Your responses are anonymous. The survey will close on Tuesday, May 28. Should you encounter any problems or questions while taking the survey, please contact Jennifer Giordano at ecoAmerica. Take the survey.

SUPPORT FOR ACL MINISTRIES

Read below and visit these websites for more information on how you can support the ministries of Austin City Lutherans! Bread for All and the Move-In Ministry, Mariposa FLC, and Austin City Lutherans. You can also follow them on Facebook @austincitylutherans.

MARIPOSA MAY FLOWERS FUNDRAISER
Online Fundraiser
This May, Mariposa invites you to support their annual May Flowers Fundraiser. The goal is ambitious: to raise $100,000 to fund scholarships and support dedicated educators. With our help, they can continue to grow and provide the resources children need to thrive.

DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
BFA is asking for special assistance since Capital Area Food Bank supplies are currently sporadic. Please contribute canned beans, dry beans, peanut butter, and canned tomatoes and veggies. Bring your donations to the bins on weekdays from 9am-4pm, Saturdays from 9-11am, and on Sunday mornings.

VOLUNTEER AT BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Volunteers are welcome to come help set up and/or distribute food to our neighbors through Bread for All Food Pantry. It’s a great opportunity for individuals and groups, young and not so young. Visit the calendar for descriptions, times, and location. Contact Weldon Allison.

GIVING

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

PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving has never been easier because you can do it all online! Questions? Contact Bill Dawson for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.

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!

PRAYERS

In need of prayer? Please contact Pr. Lauren to be put on the prayer list.

We pray for:

• Donna Herschleb
• Betty Lueders
• Marie Fortune

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members:

• Buddy Kopplin, uncle of Amy Bishop
• Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas.
• John Fiandaca, father of Linda Fiandaca
• Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay

O God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith, and now rest in your eternal life, especially:

• Steve Van Baest, uncle of Joel Timmons
• Milton Volney, uncle of Debra Wissman

We pray for your comfort and peace to surround all who grieve, as we trust together in the resurrection promise. We commend Steve and Milton to your never-ending love.

O God, you speak and the face of the earth is renewed. Revive your creation, that habitats and every kind of living thing might flourish. Protect endangered species and help us to care for all your creatures.

O God, give your blessing and peace to the nations. Shelter all who risk life and livelihood to protect others from violence, conflict, and injustice. We pray especially for war-torn regions of the world, for the Holy Land, for all places where peace seems far away. On this Memorial Day weekend, we remember those in our country who have lost their lives in war and conflict.

We pray for Megan DeVaney, who is in Guatemala serving with our mission partners for the next 5 weeks. We give you thanks for the call Megan is following that you have placed on her heart to serve. We pray for Arlene Morris, who will leave for a mission trip to Angola this week. We give you thanks for Arlene’s servant heart, and for the mission work she is engaging. Bless Megan and Arlene as they share your love with God’s people across the world.

God of all people, your work is done with our hands. We pray for our ministry partnership with Mariposa Family Learning Center; for the teachers, the staff, and for Sheila Pharis, Executive Director. We pray for continued growth of the facility and opportunities, and most of all, continued expansion of your love and care reaching the most vulnerable among us. Bless the work of Mariposa, and keep us connected through your Spirit.

Empower us to embody your love for the world.

Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? A Stephen Minister can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road. Contact Alana Oehler with inquiries about this confidential ministry.

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

May 17, 2024

I baptize with you water; but one more powerful than I is coming who will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (Luke 3:16)

SUNDAY, MAY 19

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
This Sunday we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit, the promise of our youth, and the joy of fellowship. The Children’s Choir and Adult Choir will fill the air with songs of praise at 10:45, and don’t forget to adorn yourself in fiery hues (yellow, red, and/or orange)!

Altar Flower Arrangements: Are given by Tim & Tiffany Stein in celebration of their 25th wedding anniversary on May 22nd; and given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for Rodney Varner by the McMurrey and Singh families, friends of the Varner family.

BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Make your morning hassle-free and enjoy this chance to socialize and catch up with friends.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
The Bible is a book that never grows old. This week we’ll discuss more of 2 Samuel. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.

SUNDAY’sCOOL (Toddlers thru Grade 4)
9:40 a.m. | Family Ministry Center
This Sunday we are wrapping up the year with a Pentecost party. Music with Kevin will happen as usual, and then we’ll have fun games, crafts, and a yummy snack to celebrate the end of our Sunday’sCool year. We’ll break for summer and return in September for another round of fellowship and learning!  Contact Megan Getman.

COME BASK IN GOD’S LOVE

Let’s kick off a summer of discovery, connection, and blessings!

ANNIVERSARY SUNDAY
Sunday, June 2 | 8:15 + 10:45 a.m. Worship
Celebration Picnic | Noon in the Gym
Anniversary Sunday marks the beginning of our faith community 47 years ago, 20 years of ministry alongside our sister church in Guatemala, and the start of summer programs! Between services, hear the story of our congregation’s beginning from charter and early members. After worship, we’ll throw some burgers and dogs on the grill and get out on the dance floor as local musician Sophia Johnson returns to help us celebrate.

DISCOVER
Sunday Mornings in June and July
9:30 a.m. | Meet in the Gathering Space
Find the path to feeding your soul! Discover what nourishes your faith life within our community.

• June 2, The Story of ShepHills: Begin Anniversary Sunday with some of our original members sharing stories from the early days.
• June 9, Music and Worship Lab: Tune into the rhythm as we explore the sacred melodies that stir our souls.
• June 16, Campus & Creation Tour: Immerse yourself in the beauty of our campus and discover the divine in the Labyrinth, Memorial Garden, Prayer Walk, Outdoor Classroom, and Shepherd’s Garden
• June 23, Sewing Workshop for LWR: Stitch your faith into blankets and quilts and learn how easy it is to create comfort for those in need.
• June 30, Behind the Booth: A/V Production: Peek behind the curtain of A/V production where technology meets worship.
• July 7, Enneagram Exploration: Unlock the secrets of self-discovery by understanding the unique facets of your personality.
• July 14, Prayer Writing Workshop: Find solace and strength in different types of prayers, learn why we pray them, and how to write prayers for yourself and others.
• July 21, Sharing our Faith with Others: Join local Lutheran and lover of personal stories, Whitney Myers, as she helps us learn how to share our own stories of faith.
• July 28, Youth Gathering Highlights: Hear the stories from the high school youth, fresh off the road from their journey home, about what moved, challenged, and inspired them at the National Youth Gathering in NOLA.

PARABLE PICNICS
Tuesday Evenings in June
6:00 p.m. | Meet in the Courtyard
Leave the cooking to us and take this opportunity to mix and mingle with members of our diverse congregation which spans multiple generations! We’ll handle the hot stuff (grilling) while you enjoy the cool stuff (friends, breezes, and ice cream). Plus, we’ve got fun activities lined up for the kids (just ask Megan) and will finish off the evening evening with songs and parables. Fun!

AUGUST BLESSINGS
Sundays in August | 8:15 + 10:45 Worship
Come bless and be blessed as we begin a new year together.
August 4 College Students
August 11 New Drivers
August 18 Backpacks
August 25 Congregational Blessing

CALENDAR

Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!

FRIDAY FUN NIGHT
Friday, May 17
6:00 p.m. | Gym
Come, eat, and play with your family and friends as we gather for pasta and pickleball! Contact Megan Getman.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR RODNEY VARNER
Saturday, May 18
10:00 a.m. | Online (a new link will be distributed after the service)
A memorial service will be held to remember the life of Rodney Varner, who is entrusted to the power and the promise of the resurrection life in Jesus Christ. Rodney is the husband of Roxanne Varner and father of Adam Varner and Elizabeth Smith. A reception will follow in the Gym.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, May 22
7:30 a.m. | on Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Pastor-led studies of the Good Book. Contact Pr. Lauren.

GATHER US IN
Sunday, May 26 + June 9
9:30 a.m. | Gym
New to ShepHills? Here are two opportunities to learn more about our community during a casual gathering over breakfast. Look for the table with our sign on it! Contact Sheep@ShepHills.org.

GRIEF GROUP
Sunday, May 26
12:00 p.m. | Room 205
Start the day by being fed spiritually through worship, followed by emotional nourishment as you share with others who are experiencing loss. Lunch is included, and grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Grief can be experienced through loss such as unemployment, retirement,  relationship changes, illness, or family conflict. Whatever your grief, we are here to walk alongside you. Contact Tamara Allen or Virginia Bosman.

SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, June 1 (first Saturdays)
9:00 a.m. | Shepherd’s Garden
Get your hands dirty and join the Caring for God’s Creation Team for our monthly workday. We will do regular maintenance, weed pulling, and whatever else needs to be done to keep things tidy and thriving. We have tools, but bring your own (if you wish), plus gloves, appropriate shoes, bug repellant, and sunscreen. Contact Jeri Porter.

FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS GATHERING
Rescheduled for June 8!
Everyone is busy in May, so we’ve rescheduled our fellowship gathering for Saturday, June 8. Get it on your calendars and join us! Contact Megan Getman with questions.

TEA FOR TOTS

SIP TEA IN SUPPORT OF LWR
Come to sip tea and enjoy delectable treats, prize drawings, a silent auction, raffle baskets, and more, all in support of Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kits. Purchase your ticket today and share your love with mothers in need. We assemble 200 kits annually (~$50 per kit), providing the basics to care for a baby. Last year this event raised over $5,000!

SUPPORT FOR ACL MINISTRIES

Read below and visit these websites for more information on how you can support the ministries of Austin City Lutherans! Bread for All and the Move-In Ministry, Mariposa FLC, and Austin City Lutherans. You can also follow them on Facebook @austincitylutherans.

MAY IS MARIPOSA MONTH!
Next Sunday, May 26
Sheila Pharris, Executive Director of Mariposa Family Learning Center, joins us for a Generosity Moment during worship to update us on Mariposa’s mission to provide nurturing care for children and families at an affordable cost.

MARIPOSA MAY FLOWERS FUNDRAISER
Online Fundraiser
This May, Mariposa invites you to support their annual May Flowers Fundraiser. The goal is ambitious: to raise $100,000 to fund scholarships and support dedicated educators. With our help, they can continue to grow and provide the resources children need to thrive.

DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
BFA is asking for special assistance since Capital Area Food Bank supplies are currently sporadic. Please contribute canned beans, dry beans, peanut butter, and canned tomatoes and veggies. Bring your donations to the bins on weekdays from 9am-4pm, Saturdays from 9-11am, and on Sunday mornings.

VOLUNTEER AT BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Volunteers are welcome to come help set up and/or distribute food to our neighbors through Bread for All Food Pantry. It’s a great opportunity for individuals and groups, young and not so young. Visit the calendar for descriptions, times, and location. Contact Weldon Allison.

GIVING

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

PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving has never been easier because you can do it all online! Questions? Contact Bill Dawson for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.

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!

PRAYERS

In need of prayer? Please contact Pr. Lauren to be put on the prayer list.

We pray for Donna Herschleb, Betty Lueders, and Marie Fortune.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members:
Milton Volney, uncle of Debra Wissman.
Buddy Kopplin, uncle of Amy Bishop.
Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas.
John Fiandaca, father of Linda Fiandaca.

O God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith, and now rest in your eternal life, especially Rodney Varner, husband of Roxanne Varner and father of Adam Varner and Elizabeth Smith and Steve Van Baest, uncle of Joel Timmons. We pray for your comfort and peace to surround all who grieve, as we trust together in the resurrection promise. We commend Rodney and Steve to your never-ending love.

O God, you call us to openness of mind and heart, to constant learning and exploration.  We pray for all graduates today–those graduating from high school, college, graduate school, tech school.  We pray for the young people who are advancing to new schools–for preschool graduates, 5th graders, 8th graders.  We give thanks for teachers, administrators, parents, and the support systems that have formed all of these graduates.  May their next steps be filled with your Holy Spirit, and may they never stop learning and growing.

God, we pray blessings and safe travel for the group from Shepherd of the Hills traveling to Ireland this week.  May their journey be filled with spiritual awakening, friendship, and joyful experiences.  Keep them safe as they explore and enjoy time away among another land and people.  

O God, you speak and the face of the earth is renewed. Revive your creation, that habitats and every kind of living thing might flourish. Protect endangered species and help us to care for all your creatures.
 
God of peace, your world is divided and the nations rage. Grant wisdom and vision to world leaders, that they may seek justice, peace, and the good of all. Strengthen international partnerships and cooperation. 

God of all people, your work is done with our hands. Bless the ministries of this congregation and those we support: Butterfly Christian Preschool; Bread for All Food Pantry, Mariposa Family Learning Center, Move-In Ministry of ACL; Upbring Ministries; ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Disaster Response, Global Refuge; Pr. Karen Castillo and the Lutheran Church in Guatemala; Malcolm & Joy Henderson and CHARIS in Haiti.
Empower us to embody your love for the world.

Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? A Stephen Minister can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road. Contact Alana Oehler with inquiries about this confidential ministry.

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