Weekly Connections

July 19, 2024

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Gospel of St. Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
Come worship with us this Sunday as we joyfully live out our discipleship and grow in faith together. During late worship, we welcome Matias Richard Nutter, son of Olivia Nutter, into the family of Christ and rejoice in the gift of God’s grace through baptism!

Altar Flowers: Given by Sandy and Larry Wikelius in honor of their 40th wedding anniversary.

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. | 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. 

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m.
 | Library + Zoom
We’re reading the book “Bad Girls of the Bible: And What We Can Learn From Them” by Liz Curtis Higgs. This Sunday we look at Reagan, a fictional character created by the author to illustrate the modern-day equivalent of the biblical character Jezebel. 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.

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

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!

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, July 24
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.

NEXTGEN MORNING BREW
Thursday, July 25

10:00 a.m. | Trianon Coffee
Slurp some coffee as we dive into real talk about life, faith, and everything in between. Contact Joel Timmons.

DISCOVER
Next Sunday, July 28

9:30 a.m. | Youth Gathering Highlights  | Gym
Hear the stories from the high school youth about what moved, challenged, and inspired them at the National Youth Gathering in NOLA. They will be fresh off the road from their return home!

SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, August 3
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.

GATHER US IN
Sunday, August 4
9:30 a.m. | Gym
New to ShepHills? Come learn more about our community over breakfast! Look for our sign and come have a seat at the table! Contact Amanda Forsberg.

SNAPSHOT

AUGUST BLESSINGS
Every Sunday

In August we will be celebrating those embarking on new journeys! Whether you are a new driver hitting the road for the first time or a student preparing to start an exciting chapter, we want to recognize and support you during worship.

If you are beginning one of these adventures, we would love to hear from you! Please let us know so we can include you in our special blessings. Contact Joel Timmons.

FAITH IN ACTION

OUR JOURNEY WITH ILAG
Returning to the village of Aurora in Guatemala, the harsh impact of climate change on the community’s crops and livelihoods was glaringly apparent. Read why Dabney Gomes finds hope in the holistic work of ILAG.

GENEROSITY MOMENT

Our ministry partner CHARIS of Haiti is sharing the Gospel while meeting the physical and social needs of hurting communities. They provide medical services, help place children in Christian schools, and support widows and their children with food and bible studies. Read the stories of those whose lives have been changed in CHARIS’ July Newsletter. Your gifts to the CHARIS Haiti Ministry Fund will help us reach our pledge of $10,000 to support this vital work. Please consider contributing to make a lasting impact on these communities in need. Thank you for your generosity.

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.

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; 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.