Weekly Connections

February 10, 2023

Sunday is almost here, don’t forget to bring food for the Souper Bowl of Caring benefiting Bread for All!

THIS SUNDAY

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING
Bring non-perishable goods and diapers no later than this Sunday! All proceeds go to Austin City Lutheran’s Bread for All Food Pantry. Monetary donations may be made here.

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
This Sunday we continue our arc through the light of Epiphany with Matthew 5:21-37, “You have heard it said, but I say to you…”

BREAKFAST
9:15 a.m. | Activity Center
Food for Fellowship is serving up breakfast from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. every Sunday. Support this hospitality ministry and give online anytime by selecting the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund.

GATHER US IN
9:45 a.m. | Activity Center
Interested in learning about our community of faith? Join us for breakfast and conversation as we get to know each other and answer questions you may have about life at Shepherd. Please contact Ministry Coordinator Amanda Forsberg if you plan to join us.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:45 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Great discussions of the Good Book. Contact Ruby Cadenhead for more information.

SUNDAY’sCOOL
9:45 a.m. | Family Ministry Area
Calling all toddlers thru 4 grade, come upstairs for a sensory workout as we learn about Jesus. Contact Megan Getman with questions.

NEXTGEN
6:30 p.m. | Activity Center
Bible study and games for grades 5-12. Contact Joel Timmons, Student Ministry Coordinator.

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SUMMARY OF SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Last Sunday’s Special Congregational Meeting yielded a positive affirmation of the Pastoral Transition process. By a 96-0 vote from both in-person and Zoom participants, you have expressed confidence and trust in your Church leadership and in the movement of the Holy Spirit in the process. If you missed the meeting, stay up to date and watch it here.

THE SEASON OF LENT

“This is My Story, This is My Song” During Lent we will look for the intersections of God’s Story and our story, revealing Jesus in his full humanity. Join us for Worship on Sundays and “Once Upon a Time” on Wednesdays as we create space for story-telling focusing on those who were witnesses to Jesus’s journey.

LENT DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, February 19
Pick up a devotional and prepare your heart during this important season of reflection. Find them in the Gathering Space.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKE SUPPER + YOUTH FUNDRAISER
Tuesday, February 21
6:00-7:30 p.m. | Activity Center
Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras…whatever you call it…if you love pancakes, butter, and sticky fingers, this is your day! Find more info here, you can even put in an order to-go!

ASH WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, February 22
Our Story-My Song. This service, with the Imposition of Ashes, marks the beginning of Lent as we surrender our old life for a new life in Christ. Choose a time that works for you.
6:30 a.m. | Sanctuary
Noon | Sanctuary Stay after – soup’s on in the Activity Center following worship.
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream Come early – soup’s on at 6:00 p.m. in the Activity Center.

THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG
Sunday Worship, February 26 – March 26
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream

ONCE UPON A TIME…
Wednesdays, March 1 – March 29
Each Wednesday we will hear a dramatic reading telling the story through the eyes of those present: from the thief crucified next to Jesus; to Mary, the mother of Jesus. We will hear their story and experience the passion of that moment. Two times, your choice.

12:00-12:30 p.m. | Activity Center Soup’s on!
12:30-1:00 p.m. | Activity Center Stories + Scriptures

6:00-6:30 p.m. | Activity Center Soup’s on! Kid-friendly food too.
6:30-7:00 p.m. | Activity Center Stories + Scriptures

CELEBRATING BLACK LEADERS IN AUSTIN

Honoring Black History
Don’t miss the slideshow in the Gathering Space featuring different black leaders & their contributions to society and our community.

Special thanks to Ruby Cadenhead and Robert Spillar of the Welcome & Inclusion Team for creating this presentation to expand our education and knowledge of Black leaders in our world. Members of the Welcome and Inclusion Team are Ruby Cadenhead, Sean Murray, Lauren Paulson, June Spann, Robert Spillar, and Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner.

SUPPORT UPBRING BEREAL

VALENTINES DAY!
Gifts for BeREAL Young Adults
Purchase Appliances Online
Give a microwave ($55), blender ($20), or can opener ($6) in honor of Your Valentine and help an Upbring BeREAL client furnish their kitchen. Choose from a whole list of items that will help someone aging out of foster care become self-sufficient. If you choose from our list they will be sent directly to the church. Don’t like to shop? Make a financial contribution! Questions? Contact Kathy Gerhardt.

WHAT’S AHEAD

Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events including Pickleball, Prayer Shawl, PALS, Yoga, and more!

MEN’S NIGHT OUT
This Friday, February 10
7:00 p.m. | Easy Tiger Austin Beer Garden & Bakery South Lamar
Time to restart the Men’s Night Out. Tonight, February 10, we are meeting at Easy Tiger Austin Beer Garden & Bakery at 7 pm. Why you’ll want to come: fellowship, beer, food, fun, and watching John Robertson pay off his bet with me for the Cowboys’ loss to the 49ers a couple of weeks ago.  Hope to see you Friday. Contact Michael Watt.

MEN’S BREAKFAST
Saturday, February 11
8:00 a.m. | Activity Center
Good eats, good conversation, good men, and a great way to find your community. Contact Weldon Allison.

QUILTING
Saturday, February 11
9:00 a.m. | Rm 205
Time to get started on those senior quilts! Please come lend a hand- we have quite a few students graduating this year. Contact Linda Fiandaca.

WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES
Wednesday, February 15
7:30 a.m. | Early Riser’s Study on Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Late Riser’s Study in the Library + Zoom
Gather with others to dive into Scripture! Both are Pastor-led. Contact Pr. Lauren or Pr. Tom

GUATEMALA TRIP AND ILAG UPDATE
Rescheduled for Sunday, February 19
9:30 a.m. | Family Ministry Office (Joel and Megan’s Office)
One more chance to hear about plans for the upcoming Guatemala Trip (June 22-June 30) and ask us all the questions you have! This is a multi-generational trip (meaning your age doesn’t matter if you’re over 11) to build relationships with our ILAG ministry partners. Here is an edited video of ILAG’s most recent update from Pastor Karen and Diego. Contact Joel Timmons if you would like to Zoom.

GRIEF SUPPORT LUNCH
Sunday, February 19
Noon | Family Ministry Center, Rm 205
Grief is experienced with any loss, not just the death of a loved one. Grief can be experienced with any life transition such as job or school changes, retirement, breaks in relationships or children leaving home, illness, or family conflict. If you experience feelings of profound loss, distress, anger, depression, guilt, or pain, consider dropping into our group. Please R.S.V. P. to Rebecca Guengerich, Spirituality and Wellness.

AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS (ACL) SUMMIT MEETING
Sunday, February 26
2:30 p.m. | St. Martin’s Lutheran Church, 606 W. 15th Street
Plan to join us, and please spread the word about ACL’s 2023 Summit. More than an update – more than a meeting – but a time to take action and participate in meaningful and impactful ministry! Learn more about the Summit Meeting here.

JAZZERCISE AT SHEPHILLS
6 Days a Week!
Activity Center + Remote Access through Vimeo Live and Recorded
Jazzercise is a combination of aerobic exercise, HIIT cardio, and dance fitness safe and effective for all ages and fitness levels. Try a class today! To receive a Mailchimp summary email each week, or daily text messages reminding us about the times and instructors for each class, contact Barbara Pereira, by email or text/call (512) 806-1412. If you have questions, ask ShepHills member Anita Knight about the program!

GIVING

Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give-both financially and through serving.

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF EFFORTS
Please help support Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) and Lutheran World Relief (LWR) efforts in response to the devastating earthquake in areas of Turkey & Syria. Your gifts provide help and hope for those whose lives have been devastated by the earthquake. Gifts designated for the earthquake relief effort will be used entirely (100%) for response efforts until they are complete. Love Offering envelopes will be available this Sunday and next for gifts of cash and check, or you may give online.

PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving has never been easier because you can do it all online!

DEAR GOD, THANK YOU! 2023 STEWARDSHIP
It’s not too late! Begin your new year by responding in gratefulness. Please prayerfully consider giving in support of our Mission and Ministry Fund and/or Facilities and Campus Care Fund for 2023 if you have not yet done so. It’s easy to make a pledge online or ask the front office for a pledge card. Thank you for helping us do God’s work in the world!

BEYOND CAPITAL FUND APPEAL
Please consider a gift to the Beyond Capital Fund Appeal. We currently have 148 households participating.  The more we collect early, the less we pay later!  Learn more about Beyond here.

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!

BREAD FOR ALL
Every Monday
Noon-3:00 p.m. | Preparation Shift
3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Preparation Shift
4:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. | Distribution Shift
Choose a time and come help Austin City Lutherans’ Bread for All Food Pantry, serving Southeast Austin. No need to sign up ahead of time! This is a perfect activity for families, retirees, or anyone with spare time and a big heart. The pantry operates out of Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 E. Oltorf. Please contact Weldon Allison with any questions!

You can also donate food! Bring non-perishable items and diapers to the collection bins located in the Gathering Space on Sundays or in the courtyard on Saturdays from 9-11:00 a.m.

If you would like to place flowers on the altar in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special occasion, you can sign up here!

PRAYERS

In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list.

Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? Contact a Stephen Minister who can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road.

We pray for Rodney Varner and Callie Ray Bell

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Marie Lindstrom, sister of Linda Fiandaca; Linda and Tom Ferris, sister and brother-in-law of Jennifer Arndt; Carmen Nuernberg, mother of Peter Nuernberg; Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas; Sophie Ahumada, granddaughter of Nader and Debra Ayoub.

We give thanks for the birth of Viola Ruth Theard, daughter of Kafuki Dogale-Theard and Aaron Theard, sister of Apollo. We pray blessings on Viola as she grows, and on her whole family as they surround her in love.

God, we lift up to you our Austin area community after the winter storm this week.  For those who have been without power and other necessities, and for the distress this creates, we pray for your peace and strength.  For work crews and emergency responders who have tended to the needs of the community, we give you thanks.  For the tree limbs and branches we have watched fall under the weight of ice, we pray for renewed creation and for swift recovery efforts.  Use us as your salt and light in the world, helping others and sharing your love.

Merciful and Loving God, as war and violence rages in Ukraine and other parts of the world, we pray that leaders of the world will practice peace-making, bringing together people of every tribe and race under the umbrella of your amazing grace.

We pray for the communities recently traumatized by mass shootings. We pray for the end of senseless violence, including the violence of abuse, the violence of words that spread lies and destroy reputations, and the violence of attitudes toward other people who are different than ourselves.

We pray for our global ministry partners: Rev. Karen Castillo in Guatemala; Iglesia Luterana Augustina Virgen del Rosario, Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala. We pray for Malcolm and Joy Henderson and the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti. 

We pray for our local ministries: Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread For All and Upbring Ministries.

We pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud…faithfully!

*Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks, unless we are notified otherwise.

DID YOU MISS LAST WEEK’S CONNECTIONS?

Catch up on what you might have missed by reading last week’s Weekly Connections by clicking here.