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From Pastor Kristen:
Happy New Year and Blessed Epiphany! We gathered last Sunday to celebrate the Magi following the star to find the child, Jesus and then going home by another way to avoid King Herod. My thanks to Rev. Judy Conoyer for preaching and reflecting on how we might share God's light. I'd like to highlight the quote she shared from Archbishop Desmond Tutu:
Current COVID Adjustments
With the extreme increase of COVID cases brought about by the Omicron variant, we will return to using "Fellowship Cups" (prepackaged individual servings of wine and bread) for Holy Communion. This will limit time spent moving around with masks down. The fellowship cups will be distributed during worship by the presider and assisting minister to individuals as they are seated. We hope this increases the sense of personal connection in this sacrament while eliminating other risk factors.
We understand if individuals choose to worship from home - especially during this current COVID surge. We will continue to livestream the worship service at 9 a.m. and post the recording on the church Facebook page, YouTube channel, and worship webpage.
In the midst of all these changes, we want you to know that you are deeply loved by God and by this community of faith.
- Pastor Kristen
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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:
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church (Springfield, MO)
Arab Fellowship - SAWC Exploration (Lenexa, KS)
St. Paul Lutheran Church (Lohman, MO)
Southern Sudanese Worshiping Community (St. Joseph, MO)
May these communities be inspired by the good news of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen.
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The congregation will host the 2022 Annual Congregational Meeting after worship on Sunday, January 30. If you head a team or committee that will report on the past year's ministry, please submit your annual report to Lauri at the church office by January 16.
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Nominations Committee
As we wrap up 2021 and look forward to 2022, the Nominations Committee will be inviting individuals to consider serving on Church Council.
We currently have positions open for both two-year and three-year terms. We will also be looking for one confirmed youth to serve a one-year term.
If you are interested in serving on Church Council please contact Pastor Kristen, Sam J., Julie H., Margaret K., or Kim S.
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Epiphany Hymns
As we enter the liturgical season of Epiphany we celebrate the light of Christ shining throughout the world. For your spiritual nurture and reflection, here is a collection of hymns from our Epiphany worship last year. https://youtu.be/Dv0yVttmAQM
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Worship
Join us each Sunday in-person or livestreamed at 9 a.m. on the Shepherd of the Hills ELCA St Louis YouTube channel.
We continue our mitigation practices of encouraging vaccination, wearing masks, keeping six feet apart, and limiting both time spent singing and length of the worship service. If you are not feeling well or are particularly vulnerable to infection, you can still join us remotely via our YouTube livestream rather than in person. Thank you for your understanding and support of those most vulnerable!
You are encouraged to click the "subscribe" button for our channel in order to get notifications when a livestream begins. Later in the day on Sunday, the video recording will also be linked on our church website and Facebook page.
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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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