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From Pastor Kristen
God loves us. That’s where it all starts, but it’s not where it ends, because God’s love is not just ours to receive and keep to ourselves. God loves us and God loves the world. God’s love is a love that is meant to be shared with others. “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.”
God’s plan is that, just as Jesus has loved us, we also should love one another. Living out that plan in our daily lives is a continual act of trust and generosity – and we can’t assume we know what that will look like. Sometimes it might come easily and naturally. But other times it might feel more like Peter’s experience with the Gentiles. Whether it’s easy or hard, it’s what we have been called to in our baptism.
I pray that God would grant us courage and open hearts as we discover and discern what loving one another with the love of Jesus looks like for our community of faith today.
-- Sermon based on John 13
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This Sunday, May 22
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Pentecost Languages
On Sunday, June 5, a portion of one of our readings will include people reading in different languages. If you would like to try reading aloud in another language for this service please contact Pastor Kristen. Possible languages include: French, Italian, Latin, Swahili, German, Spanish, Swedish, Finnish, Norwegian, or a language of your choice.
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Meeting the Bells
On May 15, the congregation got a chance to try out the handbells that the church received from Resurrection Lutheran Church. If you would like to find out more about the handbell choir beginning at SOTH, contact the church office or Daryn Holdsworth.
A special memorial fund to support this ministry has been established in memory of Daryn's mother, Gloria. If you would like to contribute specifically to the memorial fund, write "Handbell Memorial Gloria Holdsworth" in the memo line of your donation check, or reach out to Pastor Kristen directly.
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Conversations on Race and Racism
Everyone is invited to join the Central States Synod's Racial Justice Team for a 90-minute session of listening, brainstorming, scripture study, and conversation. Our goal is to better enable the synod to provide you with the resources you need to have conversations with one another and your community as we discern what God is calling us to do as individuals, as congregations, and as a synod.
Curious? Watch this video for an invitation to conversation.
Register online to join the conversation at the date and time that works best for you. Two more dates remain!
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May 19, 7:00 p.m.
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May 22, 4:00 p.m.
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Praying for the Central States Synod
Throughout 2022 we will be praying each Sunday for the congregations and ministries of the Central States Synod. This week we lift in prayer:
Denmark Lutheran in Lincoln, KS
Kaw Prairie Community in Lenexa, KS
Martin Luther Lutheran in Lee's Summit, MO and
Holy Cross in Overland Park, KS
May these communities be inspired by the good news of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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Worship at Shepherd of the Hills
Currently our faith community is worshipping both in-person and online (YouTube). In-person worship is mask-optional; however, those serving communion will wear masks. If you are not feeling well, please stay home and join us on YouTube.
We livestream the worship service at 9 a.m. here:
Shepherd of the Hills ELCA St Louis - YouTube
Later that day we will post the worship recording on the church Facebook page, YouTube channel, and worship webpage.
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Support Shepherd of the Hills
We encourage you to keep up with your pledged giving in support of SOTH’s continued ministry.
As always, you can mail a check to 4161 Cypress Road, St. Ann, MO 63074.
You can also give online by visiting https://www.churchtrac.com/donate?ui=0F8921C9
Please refer to instructions for setting up an online account.
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Stay Connected
Please stay tuned to sothstl.org and this email list for updates.
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