July 12, 2024
A MIDSUMMER NOTE FROM PR. LAUREN
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Here we are in the middle of summer, and I am grateful to write this note to you in the midst of all the busy-ness! I’ve been thinking about all of you–collectively and individually–and lifting prayers for you. Click here to read what I’m praying for, and see a glimpse of the incredible ministry happening this summer!
Love in Christ,
+PL
SUNDAY, JULY 14
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Gospel of St. Mark 6:14-29
Join us this Sunday as we come together in worship, living out our call to be disciples and blessing our Youth Group and adult leaders as they journey this week to the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans.
Altar Flowers are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the July birthdays in our family by Kitt and Glenn Richter, and given in memory of Rev. Thomas C. Smith by his 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.
DISCOVER
9:30 a.m. | Stories from Guatemala | Gym
This Sunday our team shares inspiring stories and photos from their trip to Guatemala to visit with ILAG and our sister congregation in Aurora. Bring your questions and come learn more about this incredible ministry partnership!
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Let’s get a deeper understanding of Jezebel’s story in our book “Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them” by Liz Curtis Higgs. We’ll talk about the motivations and cultural influences that shaped her actions and explore what we can learn from them. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
NEXTGEN (Grades 5-8, 9-12)
6:00 p.m. | Gym
This is the perfect place to grow your faith through laughter, Bible discussions, and goofy games. Contact Joel Timmons.
CALENDAR
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!
ASHES TO ACTION
Tomorrow! 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.
QUILTING FOR LWR
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.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, July 17 | 10:00 a.m.
No 10:00 a.m. Bible Study this week-both PL and Joel will be at the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans! Contact Pr. Lauren.
DISCOVER
Next Sunday, July 21 (Sunday Mornings in June and July)
9:30 a.m. | Sharing our Faith with Others | Sanctuary
What is your Shepherd of the Hills story? What are the other important stories of your faith? Whitney Myers, personal historian & legacy filmmaker, will help us think about how to excavate, craft, and share our life and faith stories. She’ll also share resources for those who want to lead and teach others at home, church, or work about the art of storytelling.
FAITH IN ACTION
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.
GENEROSITY MOMENT
This week in worship we lift up the work of our ministry partner Central Texas Interfaith, a non-partisan, multi-ethnic, multi-issue organization of 43 congregations, public schools, and unions who work together to address public issues that affect the well-being of families and neighborhoods in our community. Your gifts, both pledged and unpledged, to the Mission and Ministry Fund help to provide advocacy and support for our neighbors.
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)
More food is needed when the kids are home all day during the summer, so keep the diapers and food donations coming. An additional request has been made for diaper sizes 4, 5, and 6. Use this Amazon link and have them delivered to the church! 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.
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; Justin Cain, son-in-law of Rex and Sheila Fortune; and Mary Campbell, aunt of Laura Hills.
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: Janelle Troftgruben, aunt of Megan Getman, and John Fiandaca, father of Linda Fiandaca. We pray for your comfort and peace to surround all who grieve, as we trust together in the resurrection promise. We commend Janelle and John to your never-ending love.
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.
God, you call us and send us out to serve you. Bless our high school youth and adults who are traveling to New Orleans this week for the ELCA Youth Gathering. Equip them with open minds and hearts, a readiness to serve, and love for their neighbors. Give them safety and health as they follow where you lead.
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.