Weekly Connections

July 5, 2024

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
The kingdom of God is always growing, even amidst our rejection and unbelief. Join us as we study the Gospel of St. Mark 6:1-13. Special musical guests include Bob Canon on trumpet and Sawyer Dertien on cello.

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. | Prayer Writing Workshop | Room 205
Learn why we pray, and how to write prayers for yourself and others. This class is for everyone and is the perfect way to dip your toes in the water if you are interested in serving as an Assisting Minister.

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.

GRIEF GROUP
Noon
 | Rm 205
Whether your loss is recent or some time has passed, whether you are mourning the loss of a loved one, loss of a job/career, or experiencing a life change, you are welcome to join us. During our sessions, we share stories, offer mutual support, and explore ways to cope with our grief. A light lunch will be served at noon, and discussion starts at 12:30pm. Contact Amanda Forsberg.

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!

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.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, July 10
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.

QUILTING FOR LWR
Wednesday, July 10 | 1:00 p.m. | Rm 205
Saturday, July 13 | 9:00 a.m. | Rm 205
Sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary. Contact Ruth Felger or Linda Fiandaca.

DISCOVER
Next Sunday, July 14 (Sunday Mornings in June and July)

9:30 a.m. | Stories from Guatemala | Gym
Join us to hear inspiring stories and updates from the Guatemala Team’s recent trip, where they witnessed the impactful work of ILAG firsthand.

FAITH IN ACTION

ASHES TO ACTION
Saturday, July 13
1:00 p.m. | Butterfly Center
We’ll have the blessing of Shari Seifert’s presence to learn about her experience during the Minnesota Uprising following the death of George Floyd and her book Ashes to Action. Shari served as a past president of the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice and is a member of Calvary Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. This event is presented by the Southwestern Texas Synod.

AN ENGINEER IN GUATEMALA
When Robert Spillar traveled to Guatemala with ShepHills, he found himself looking at rural and urban landscapes in a new way, realizing “If the traveler is only looking at their environment through a first-world lens, they’ll miss the lesson to be learned.” Read about what he has to say about speed bumps, murals, and more.

SUMMER READING LIST
Still looking for that perfect summer read? Look no further, here are some great suggestions from Living Lutheran.

SNAPSHOTS

TEA FOR TOTS
Over 100 women attending Tea for Tots last Saturday came ready to help children in need by raising over $7,500 in 1-1/2 hours through donations, raffle ticket purchases, and avid bidding on silent auction items. Barbara Hampton was honored as ShepHills’ first Woman of the Year for her service to others through Meals on Wheels and Bread for All (as well as Friday night happy hours). Proceeds from this event will go to creating 200+ Baby Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Join us in assembling them as part of God’s Work Our Hands on Sunday, September 8 during the breakfast hour! Contact Kathy Gerhardt.

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.

BREAD FOR ALL JUNE DISTRIBUTIONS
In June, Bread for All Food Pantry served 559 households. Thanks to your support of their recent Rent Assistance Fundraiser, they will be able to offer over $75,000 in assistance. Read the detailed June report from Pr. Tim Anderson here.

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. An additional request has been made for diaper sizes 4, 5, and 6. Bring your donations to the bins on weekdays from 9am-4pm, Saturdays from 9-11am, and Sunday mornings.

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!

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.

PRAYERS

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

We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; and Tom Lueders.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: 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.

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.

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.