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.