Mission Impossible?
Is it really possible to be steadfast disciples for Christ? We’d like to think so but the real world often creeps in and we are left to make some difficult choices. The lessons for Sunday June 22 are brutally honest about discipleship – with good reason. Jeremiah knew the frustration of having his words rejected by the people that needed to hear them. Jesus declares that his words may not bring peace, but division. We are called to preach the Good News which comes at a cost to the things of this world.
But DO NOT BE AFRAID.
The God who sends us into the world is also the God who know the hairs of our head. Trusting this God, our fear is defanged and faith becomes a sort of courage. At baptism we died to sin and were marked with the cross of Christ forever. In that promise, we live in faithful relationship to the hair-counting God as we joyfully “acknowledge” the one who acknowledges us.
And as we take stands for the sake of justice and lose our lives for the sake of others, we need not be afraid. The hairs of our head are counted. We are called beloved. And we are never alone.
Please join us for worship at 8 AM or 10:15 AM this week!. See you in church!
New Member Class:
The last new members session is this Saturday June 21 from 10-12. In this session we will be talking about Shepherd of the Hills as a community of faith and how as members you join in the mission of being the Good News.
We will then receive new members through Affirmation of Baptism on June 29 – the day before our church’s anniversary. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Tina.
High School Graduation Recognition
On Sunday June 22 at the 10:15 worship, we as a congregation will bless our students that have graduated from our area high schools and are making a transition into adulthood. They will also share with us their plans for the future. We give thanks that they have grown up with us and have helped to make us a better place. Please join us!
Rise Up Together!
If you missed the kickoff meeting for the NYG-Detroit – don’t be afraid. Pastor Tina has info packets put together. The crucial deadline date to be all in isAugust 1, 2014.
The 2015 National Youth Gathering of the ELCA will be in Detroit, MI, a city that is rising up out of job loss and bankruptcy. God is calling us to bring our hands and feet and hearts to this place.
Summer Worship Series – “Summer at the Movies”
This summer, we will follow a pattern of readings that are semi-continuous from the book of Genesis. We’ll begin with the story of Isaac & Rebecca and finish with Moses and the Burning bush. Each of these stories has a theme that is helpful for us as we continue to live as God’s people.
For a twist and a bit of adventure, a movie clip will accompany the theme of the week – hence Summer at the Movies. (or at least be a part of the discussion). If you have some experience with cutting and editing digital media, please let PT know – she’d appreciate the help!
If you’d like to see the full feature movie and are willing to help coordinate Friday at the Movies, PT is also the person to contact.