The Weekly Connections

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.