SHEPHERD'S E-NEWS
SHUMC CELEBRATING 40 YEARS
Take a Moment to Stay in Touch
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For the month of April, the church office will be open to the public from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM, Monday through Friday. Masks are required.
The Library will be open to the public from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM Tuesday through Friday. The Library will be closed on Mondays. Masks and social distancing are required. Guidelines to use the Library are posted outside, with a limit of one person at a time in the Library.
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PALM SUNDAY VIRTUAL CHOIR
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EASTER SUNDAY VIRTUAL CHOIR
Did you miss our online Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Worship? You won’t want to miss our Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday virtual choir anthem!
Amazing amounts of time and effort go into these pieces. They are a great offering of love to our congregation. Take a moment to enjoy our choir by clicking the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29qA_fSKUpk - Palm Sunday Virtual Choir
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7cbFz_WS-I&t=3329s - Easter Sunday Virtual Choir
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MAKE YOUR RESERVATION FOR INDOOR IN-PERSON WORSHIP
SUNDAY, APRIL 18 AT 9:00 AM
April 18 - In-person Worship in Fellowship Hall at 9:00 AM
with pre-registration by April 16
140 person maximum
The service will require masks and social distancing
and we will be very careful to keep everyone safe.
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In-person worship has begun with
Sunday service 9:00 AM
Be safe out there. God is with us.
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SERMONS BY PHONE
Our weekend services, in a slightly shortened version, will be available by phone on Saturday
at 3:30 PM. Please share this news with friends who are not able to join us online or via DVD.
Simply call 1-623-223-9151.
The service will begin playing immediately.
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If you are on our email contact list:
We will send you an email Saturday afternoon containing a link to the worship service. When you open this email, you will see a picture with a triangle over the picture. Click the triangle, and the video will begin to play.
If you are not receiving these emails and wish to,
please contact the office to add your email address.
Click the triangle above the date you want to watch.
If you are a Facebook user, find it posted on either our Shepherd of the Hills page and/or the Shepherd Hills Facebook account. Click the triangle.
Please watch, then forward to a friend or two.
Click the link in the email labeled Online Attendance Card and
let us know that you are worshiping with us.
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During this time when we are unable to worship together, please know that your request to have a Mission Candle will be honored. It will be mentioned during the worship service that we record each week.
Please note: The price to light the Mission Candle has increased to a minimum donation of $20.00. The cost has been the same since the program's inception in 1995. Through your generosity, the UMW will be able to raise more funds and allow the opportunity to help support approximately 13 local charities.
The Mission Candle can be dedicated to anyone to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, honor or in memory of someone special. Please call or email the office to set this up.
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Please join us in prayer for… |
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Our sister United Methodist Congregations:
Epworth UMC, Phoenix
Faith UMC, Phoenix
First UMC, Glendale
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INTERCESSORY PRAYER
Everyone prays to God for help in their time of need. Everyone prays to God to help others.
During this time of isolation when we are unable to gather and pray together, Bill and Linda W., our Prayer Ministers, will pray with you over the phone. Feeling the need to pray, and hearing a voice pray with you, does not run on a scheduled day or hour. You do not have to give your name or the detailed reason for your prayer request.
Bill and Linda are available any time YOU feel the need for prayer. All calls will be kept confidential. This is between you and God, with Bill and Linda W. as Intercessors. Call the church office for their contact information and they are listed in your church directory.
Bill W.
Linda W.
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LEAVE A PRAYER REQUEST
On Our Prayer Line
Please call our prayer line at 623-584-2922 to hear a short prayer. Then you will be invited to leave specific prayer requests, which will be forwarded to the Prayer Team.
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ZOOM LINKS FOR MEETINGS AND CLASSES |
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MEETINGS AND ZOOM LINKS
Every time a committee, class or bible study has a meeting, the office will send out a meeting reminder on the morning of the meeting day, along with the Zoom link and any attachments (such as an agenda, etc).
For meetings or classes with an open invitation to join in, the notice and the link are located in this section of the E-News every week.
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MID-WEEK COFFEE WITH THE PASTORS
JOIN US!
Wednesday, April 14, 2021
3:00 PM
Reminder Zoom link will be sent to your email inbox at Noon every Wednesday, or you can click on the link below.
Topic: Weekly Coffee Hour
Time: Apr 14, 2021 03:00 PM Arizona
Contact the church office for the Zoom link at 623-584-2280.
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LIFE CHANGING BIBLE STUDY
The weekly Bible Study has resumed and meets on Thursdays, at 1:30 PM. We hope you will join us!
The Bible Study is held via Zoom. The link is provided below.
We will use the "Life Journal" which identifies scripture readings for each day of the week. Journals are available at the church. They are on the bench in front of the glass sliding door or at https://www.liferesources.cc. It's okay if you don't have one. We will give you the daily scriptures. A reminder email will be sent Thursday morning with the link to join the bible study group. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at 623-584-2280 for contact information and zoom link.
Topic: Life Changing Bible Study
Time: April 15, 2021 01:30 PM Arizona
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BOOK CLUB
The Book Club meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 9:30 AM. The link to join the discussion is listed below. Each book listed looks very interesting and the club hopes you enjoy them. Everyone is welcome to participate.
April 15 - Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. This book is a story about eight strangers who are held hostage during a failed bank robbery. During the hours of waiting, these people discover they all have anxiety and many other traits in common. Backman writes about ordinary people with feeling and humor.
Please contact the church office at 623-584-2280 for contact information and the Zoom link.
Topic: Book Club
Time: April 15, 2021 09:30 AM Arizona
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Who Is Your Favorite Person In The Bible?
What Have You Learned From This Person?
The Bible is full of wonderful and amazing characters and personalities.
Please join us as we explore their journeys throughout the Bible.
Classes will be held at 10:30 AM via Zoom on
Fridays, April 23 and April 30
If you are interested, please contact the church office at 623-584-2280
so we can provide additional information before the class begins.
Topic: Who is Your Favorite Person in the Bible?
Time: April 23, 2021 10:30 AM Arizona
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Beyond the Broken Heart -
A Journey Through Grief
by Julie Yarbrough and Gregg Medlyn
Beginning Thursday, April 29 at 10:30 AM
in-person in Fellowship Hall
Class will meet for 8 sessions ending on June 17
Led by Pastor Stephanie Soon
Each session begins with prayer, a brief video presentation, content review of the week's materials, scripture and closing prayer. We are hopeful that following this in-person 8 week class, we may be able to form a grief support group for those interested.
If you are interested in participating, please call or email the church office to sign up. Books will be available in the office for $10.00.
We will be meeting in-person in Fellowship Hall. Please wear a mask and we will maintain social distancing. Class will be limited to 12 persons.
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STAYING IN TOUCH WHILE WE ARE APART |
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Please be sure to have all articles submitted to the church office by Thursday, April 15 if you want your information included in the May newsletter. Thank you. |
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CHURCH PICTORIAL DIRECTORY
Copies of the church pictorial directory are available in the church office. If you had your photo taken for the book, there is a free copy reserved for you. If you did not have a photo taken, but would like a copy of the book, they are $10 each.
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A “THANK YOU” FROM UNITED METHODIST WOMEN
The UMW at SHUMC would like to thank the congregation for helping us with our Easter Basket Project this year. We delivered 38 baskets to A Mighty Change of Heart, an organization supporting Arizona’s foster children. We also gave a check to Jesse at Valley View Food Bank for $379.00 to purchase ready-made baskets to be delivered to children served by this important organization.
Your donations were greatly appreciated!! We could not have done it without your help!! Thank you for helping us help make children happy. It is a wonderful feeling to know we can always depend on the love and generosity of our church family as we reach out to our community.
Blessings at Easter-time,
The UMW Team
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THE SHUMC NURSERY IS BACK!
Spring is in the air! The quails are using the columbarium as a hatching nursery again. Quail eggs and the mama quail were spotted nestled in the large pot by the columbarium gate doorway, just off the courtyard (behind the chapel). If you go into the columbarium and walk past their nest or startle them, both of you may be in for a surprise.
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Sandwich Making for Justa Center
Thank you for your continuing support of the Justa Center ministry to homeless seniors in Phoenix. We have been very diligent in our sandwich making commitment.
We meet in-person (limit of 10) for sandwich making in Fellowship Hall on Monday, April 12 at 9:00 AM. Please call Pam R. to reserve a spot.
Special thanks to Ken P. who is our Justa Center sandwich courier.
We continue to accept donations of peanut butter and jelly. Please bring them to the outside bench at the church office before 1 PM. If you have questions about this service opportunity, please call or text Pam R.
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EASTER HONORARIUMS THANK YOU
Thank you to everyone for your Easter donation. SHUMC was able to send a check for $800 to the medical homeless service, Circle the City. They have four mobile medical trucks that "circle the city" looking for homeless people in need of medical help. I have seen them in the homeless camps.
If you want to know more about the organization, contact me and you will have the opportunity to attend another wonderful, zoom meeting next Tuesday, April 13 at 9:00 AM, when they are doing a presentation to the Missions Committee. I will send you the link on Tuesday between 8:00 - 9:00 AM. I know how much you want to do another Zoom!
Thank you for your generosity. We are not just a peanut butter church!
Blessings and love,
Pam R.
Chair of Missions Committee
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MISSIONS COMMITTEE NEEDS
Although everything has changed in our lives this year, some things remain the same. The need for warm clothing, gloves, socks and food are still needed for those in our community. Monetary donations are always welcome. Send the money to the church, addressed to Julie Calvert, and note which group the money is to go to. We can shop for you or order things online.
Missions (UMOM): UMOM has contacted the Missions Committee regarding their need for Bibles. (See article below).
Mats for the Homeless? Anyone interested in learning how to crochet mats for the homeless? If so, contact Pam Rice.
ONGOING We always need creamy peanut butter and jelly, lunch bags and sandwich baggies for the Justa Center Sandwich Program. Sandwiches are made from volunteer's homes at this time due to the pandemic. If you would like to help, call, text or email Pam Rice each week (pamean@MSN.com or 801-540-6573). We take 40-60 loaves of sandwiches each week to the Center. Thank you to the diligent workers who volunteer. We could not do this without YOU!
Thank you for your generosity.
Missions Committee
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BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
If you would like to have your name, birth month and day printed in the monthly newsletter, please send the information to Jodi. We need your permission in order to print your name.
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SEND US A POSTCARD
We realize many of you cannot get pictures to us, so we invite you to send us a postcard – a brief note to the church by email, or on the special “Postcard” section of your attendance/registration card.
We will put all your “postcards” together and send them out as part of Crazy Monday Photos and Postcards. It’s just another way we can stay connected, even when we cannot see each other. We love to hear from you. Send us a postcard this week.
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WHEELCHAIR RAMP MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY
The Desert Southwest Conference United Methodist Men's organization (UMM) has partnered with an organization in Indiana called SAWs (Servants at Work) which designs, fabricates, and installs (and funds) wheelchair ramps for needy residents.
They have an active group in the East District and in the South District, particularly in The Fountains UMC and at Sierra Vista UMC. They have installed a few dozen wheelchair ramps. The ramps are designed via CAD by the parent organization in Indiana.
David James, President of United Methodist Men, is looking for volunteers in the West District (in Las Vegas, Flagstaff and Tucson) to become involved in this ministry.
Volunteers do a site survey to meet the homeowner, to determine need, to assess the location and layout, and to make measurements and take photos. The measurements are used to design the ramp via CAD and the lumber requirements and cuts are determined.
BTW - the Fountains UMC group has also started framing and building "Tiny Houses" which have been sent to the Navajo Nation (Chinle - John Fairchild!).
The DSW Conference SAWs group currently has requests for several (4?) ramps in the west valley and are scheduling site surveys. They have one request in Yuma and at least a couple in Avondale/Goodyear.
Please let Pastor Deborah know if you are interested, and she will connect you to those working toward this goal.
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LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS
Several members and friends of Shepherd of the Hills Church volunteer at St. Mary's Food Bank on the third Thursday of each month.
The food bank is located at 13050
W. Elm Street, near the corner of Bell and Dysart roads, behind the DMV.
Donated food comes in bags and boxes and our task is to sort it into big bins in the warehouse. No heavy lifting is required, but some walking is involved. Up to 10 people can be in the sorting area. Everyone must wear a mask (bring your own or they will be provided) and remember to stay at least 6 feet of distance apart. Gloves will be provided. Wear a name tag and closed-toe shoes. For more information contact Becky Fay at 623-518-9502.
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JUSTA CENTER NEEDS YOU!
Click on the link below to see how you can help the Justa Center in providing for the homeless seniors.
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MONETARY DONATION
TO FOOD BANKS
Give hope to your neighbors in need. $1 helps provide enough food for 7 meals. Your donation is 100% deductible and may qualify for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. You may also donate on behalf of your business by clicking HERE.
If you have questions, or would like to donate by phone, call (602) 242-FOOD.
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To see our current calendar, please click on the link below:
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Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church
13658 W. Meeker Blvd.
Sun City West, AZ 85375
623-584-2280
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Pastor on Call for Emergencies: 623-584-7642
Prayer Line: 623-584-2922
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We are counting on your financial support, even when we cannot gather. You can give in many ways:
a. Mail a check to the office: 13658 W Meeker Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375 or drop your gift through the mail slot in the left side of the glass sliding doors.
b. Go to the website at www.shepherdofthehills.org and click on the ONLINE GIVING tab. You will be guided through several choices for your giving.
d. Call Julie Calvert, our Financial Secretary, and leave a message. She will return your call to set up regular online giving or to make a gift with credit or debit card by phone.
e. Add Shepherd of the Hills to your list of payees for bill pay from your checking account through your bank. This can be set up for weekly or monthly gifts to the church.
f. Donate right from your smartphone through our GivePlus Mobile app. Here is what you have to do:
1. Download the free GivePlus (Give+) app from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Find our church by Zip Code or by searching for Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church.
3. Give as a Guest or set up an account.
Thank you for your generosity!
Due to our current situation, Julie will have to call you back as soon as she picks up her messages and/or emails.
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Shepherd of the Hills
United Methodist Church
13658 W Meeker Blvd
Sun City West, AZ 85375-3700
Website: www.shepherdofthehills.org
Email:church@shepherdofthehills.org
Office: 623-584-2280
FAX: 623-584-1868
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Pastor-On-Call for Emergencies:
623-584-7642
Prayer Requests:
623-584-2922
Partners in Prayer: prayers@shepherdofthehills.org
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