July 26, 2024
SUNDAY, JULY 28
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Gospel of St. John 6:1-21
Come worship and be fed by God’s grace, mercy, and steadfast love! Glenn Richter joins us on piano as we begin the liturgical setting of ‘Now the Feast and Celebration’ by Marty Haugen.
Altar Flowers: Given by Pam and Jeff Petterson in celebration of 33 years of marriage.
BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Simplify your morning! Join us every Sunday for breakfast in the gym.
DISCOVER
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.
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 Saffhira’s story as a cautionary tale about the importance of being truthful and sincere. 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
Remember to check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, July 31
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, August 1
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.
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). Don’t forget gloves, appropriate shoes, bug repellant, and sunscreen. Contact Jeri Porter.
GATHER US IN
Sunday, August 4
9:30 a.m. | Gym
New to ShepHills? Join us to learn more about our community over breakfast! Look for our sign and come have a seat at the table! Contact Amanda Forsberg.
BLESSING OF THE COLLEGE STUDENTS
Sunday, August 4
8:15 + 10:45 a.m. | Worship
Hey college students, before you pack your bags and enjoy your last home-cooked meal, come to worship next Sunday and receive a special blessing for the journey ahead!
BLESSING OF NEW DRIVERS
Sunday, August 11
8:15 + 10:45 a.m. | Worship
In August we are celebrating those embarking on new journeys! If you have a new driver hitting the road for the first time, contact Joel Timmons!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
JUST SISTERS – A CONVERSATION ON THE 2024 ELECTION
Saturday, September 7
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | First Baptist Church of Austin
Does your faith influence your vote? Should it? Ever given it any thought? JustSisters invites Christian women into a safe space to hear panelists and participate in table conversations exploring the duality of citizenship in the kingdom of God and the democratic republic of the United States of America, if we consciously differentiate between the two, and how each might inform our choices. Click here for an in-depth agenda, and to register.
GOD’S WORK. OUR HANDS.
Sunday, September 8
9:15 – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
On Sunday, Sept. 8, ELCA congregations will join together for an annual day of service to celebrate who we are as the ELCA – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. ShepHills will honor the day by assembling over 200 Baby Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Come join us! Contact Kathy Gerhardt.
SNAPSHOT
DAY CAMP
It’s been a boisterous week at ShepHills with day camp going on! Each day overflows with laughter, song, games, and God’s love. We are so grateful to Sarah, Isabella, and Grace with Cross Trail Ministries for their leadership, and Megan Getman and our adult volunteers Jena Oberg, Calvin Auby, Megan Devaney, Elliott Stein, Jenifer Arndt, Arlene Morris, Jan Burnight, and June Spann for making it happen!
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 and Hunter Clark.
We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Gina and Steph Geller, friends of Dee Jackson; Justin Cain, son-in-law of Rex and Sheila Fortune; Mary Campbell, aunt of Laura Hills; and Amy Pike, friend of Pastor Lauren.
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: Elward Reiss, mother of Dee Jackson; Tom Lueders, husband of Betty Lueders; and Sarah Freehauf, cousin of Josh Norem. We pray for your comfort and peace to surround all who grieve, as we trust together in the resurrection promise. We commend Elward and Tom 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.
O God, you send us to serve. Bless our ministry partners, Charis, who serve your people in Haiti and who seek to bring your light and hope to those suffering. Even though hands-on ministry in Haiti is halted right now, we pray for your Spirit and your presence to be with and among the people there. Help Charis continue to be your hands and feet, serving your people, even from afar.
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.