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.