Weekly Connections

June 28, 2024

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Jesus has come to give hope to the hopeless and help to the helpless. Join us as we explore the Gospel of Mark 5:21-43.
At 10:45 we will be joined by Aaron Lack & The Vibetet, and we will bless the Camp Chrysalis campers heading out for a week of faith and adventure.

Altar Flowers: Given by Nancy and Denny Etzler in gratitude for life and community.

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. | Behind the Booth: A/V Production | Meet in the Gym
Peek behind the A/V production booth where technology meets worship.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m.
 | Library + Zoom
Join us anytime this summer as we discuss the book, “Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them” by Liz Curtis Higgs. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.

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!

TEA FOR TOTS + SILENT AUCTION
Tomorrow, June 29
2:00 p.m. | Gym

The big day is here! Start your bidding today (and share the link with relatives and friends) for UT football and basketball tickets, a Hill Country vacation, wine-tasting events, and more! Bring cash, checks, or credit cards to purchase raffle tickets, 20 for $20! All proceeds support Lutheran World Relief Baby Care Kits. Contact Kathy Gerhardt.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, July 3
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.

CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Thursday, July 4 + Friday July 5
Please email Sheep@ShepHills.org if you need pastoral care during this time.

SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, July 6
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 have tools, but bring your own (if you wish), plus gloves, appropriate shoes, bug repellant, and sunscreen. Contact Jeri Porter.

DISCOVER
Next Sunday, July 7 (Sunday Mornings in June and July)

9:30 a.m. | 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.

*Performance by Youth of Virgen del Rosario, Aurora

ILAG MINISTRIES | VIRGEN DEL ROSARIO YOUTH TRIP

VIRGEN DEL ROSARIO OF AURORA, GUATEMALA
Youth Trip Support
For the first time ever, ILAG (~The Lutheran Church of Guatemala) has planned a trip for the youth of our sibling church Virgen del Rosario in Aurora, Guatemala. This will be the first trip of its kind for any of ILAG’s congregations, and it is a great example of how our continued support through ILAG has helped this congregation become a vibrant, healthy faith community!

ILAG will be taking the group, ranging from 14 – 21 years of age, to visit Mayan ruins, a journey designed to foster pride in their Indigenous heritage. We are seeking to raise $1,000 to help cover their costs. Please consider donating, your generous contributions will make a huge impact!

*During the Guatemala Team’s visit this month, the Youth Group gave a two-hour performance filled with song and dance, an exhibition of traditional Mayan costumes, and skits about spiritual growth. It was an uplifting and awe-filled experience for the Team. Come to Discover on July 14 at 9:30am and they’ll tell you more about it!

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.

GIVING AND SPENDING PLAN UPDATE
We are in the final quarter of the fiscal year and your support of Ministry & Mission exceeds our plan allowing us to send more to both our local and global ministries so thank you for your continued support!
Facilities and Care needs your support to bring us up to plan as we incurred unexpected costs from the winter pipe breaks and additional grounds maintenance necessary to ensure our safety.
 As we enter into the last quarter, our needs are even higher so please prayerfully discern how you can make a difference with your gift supporting all of our ministries together.

LUTHERAN DISASTER RELIEF
Due to the horrific, ongoing violence in and around Gaza, a severe humanitarian crisis continues to escalate in the Holy Land. Right now, Lutheran Disaster Response is helping meet many basic needs such as food, water, basic and emergency health care, shelter, and medical supplies. If you would like to donate to LDR, click here.

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
What a response! Stay tuned for updates on your incredible response to ACL’s Rent Assistance Program.

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.

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: Marie Fortune and Hunter Clark

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Buddy Kopplin, uncle of Amy Bishop; Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Elward Reiss, mother of Dee Jackson; Gina and Steph Geller, friends of Dee Jackson; and Janelle Troftgruben, aunt of Megan Getman.

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: Kristin Robertson, wife of Adam Gordon, friends of Bob Cannon. Draw near to those who mourn, as we trust in your promise of resurrection life in Christ.

God of love, we celebrate the marriage of Jessica Borne and Kevin Garrett. Bless Jessica and Kevin with your love and grace as they begin their new life together, and use us to support them in their marriage.

O God, you have built your church on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and as we continue in the call process for an Associate Pastor, we pray for your wisdom to guide us. Bless our call committee as they continue in this diligent and faithful work. Bless all the candidates who come our way, and give us clarity when it is time to extend a call. Send your Holy Spirit upon us.

God of adventure, you bless our summertime with travel and experiences. Bless all those who go to camp, travel to new places, experience other cultures, and learn about your world this summer. We ask a special blessing upon our ShepHills youth who will enjoy Camp Chrysalis and other camps this summer.

O God, you send us to serve. Bless our ministry partners in Guatemala, and their leaders, especially Pr. Karen Castillo and Diego Gil. Bless our sister congregation in Aurora, particularly the youth and children as they grow in faith and learn and share your grace. We thank you for our partnership in the Gospel.

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.