This week at SOTH

From Pastor Kristen:

"We might find the gospel story of Simon, James, and John dropping their overflowing nets to follow Jesus to be a bit intimidating when we consider our own call as followers of Jesus.  But I hope that this larger view Simon’s faith journey can help us realize that God’s call comes to us over and over throughout our lives. This is not one moment that it we miss it we’re done. Jesus is continually calling us to something more.

"Again and again, God has called Shepherd of the Hills - and again you all have responded to that call. With all the changes brought about by nearly 2 years of pandemic, I believe that we will be called, again, by Jesus to more new things. It will likely not look like any of the things the congregation has done before, but it will certainly be an invitation to something more, grounded in God’s mercy and abundance.

"So I invite us, as individuals and as a congregation, to be intentional in the coming months about spending time with Jesus; spending time in God’s word. Then we listen for Jesus’ call, listen without fear of missing our one and only shot, and instead to listen with hope for Jesus’ invitation to be made known. May we listen with the ears of faith, trusting that again and again, God’s invitation will find us." 
From Sunday's sermon, based on Luke 5:1-11

Council Highlights:

Retiring Council Members

Many thanks to Josh, Margaret, and Sam (not pictured) for completing their terms on Council.

Installation of 2022 Church Council

Opportunities

Sunday, February 13

On Sunday, February 13, we will have a special collection in honor of the Souper Bowl of Caring. Donated items and cash will be dedicated to Butterfly Haven, a local non-profit organization serving children in foster care and families in immediate crisis situations. 

A collection bin will be available starting this Sunday.

The following items have been requested:
Pancake syrup
Canned ravioli
Macaroni and cheese
Jello and pudding
Peanut butter and jelly
Canned corn and green beans
Snacks
Crackers
Canned meat
Cereal
Baby Wipes
Size 5 diapers
Ethnic body lotion
Pullups 2T/3T and 4T/5T

Lent 2022

Ash Wednesday - March 2

• Worship at 7 p.m. (in-person and online)

Remaining Wednesdays in Lent

• Prayer around the cross at 7 p.m. (in-person, online TBD)
• In lieu of soup suppers, we will collect canned soup for those in need

Three Lenten devotions available:

• “Floriography” A Lenten Flower-Power Calendar
• Vincent Van Gogh and the Beauty of Lent
• Full to the Brim – An Expansive Lent

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:

St. Paul Lutheran Church, Galatia, KS
Lutheran School of Theology, St. Louis, MO
Kansas State Campus Ministry, Manhattan, KS 
Hope Lutheran Church, St. Charles, MO

May these communities be inspired by the good news of Jesus Christ and guided by the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Worship at Shepherd of the Hills

Currently our faith community is worshipping both in-person and online (YouTube). Our COVID mitigations include: wearing masks, physical distancing, and a shortened service. 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.

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.

Stay Connected

Please stay tuned to sothstl.org and this email list for updates.