SATURDAY WORSHIP SUMMER BREAK
June 3 – August 26, 2023
Saturday worship is taking a break,
Saturday worship resumes Saturday, September 2 at 4 PM
COMMUNION DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS
Starting Sunday, June 4, we will offer “pass by” communion on the first Sunday of each month with our servers carefully sanitizing hands and dipping the bread before handing it to those being served (whose hands will also have been sanitized). Individual Ziploc bags containing pre-packaged elements will also be available for those who prefer this form of communion.
FATHER’S DAY RECOGNITION
Join us Sunday, June 18 at 10 AM when all men of the church will be recognized and will receive a small gift. (And…there will be cake!)
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY – Thursday
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
Friday: 8:30 am—Noon
The church office will close at Noon on Fridays during the summer. Staff MAY be available occasionally with advance requests for appointments. If you need pastoral assistance for emergencies, please call the Pastor-On-Call at 623-584-7642.
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While you watch the live stream, we would like you to be aware of two things. First, you may notice a small delay (up to two minutes) when watching the live stream. Second, while you may still experience buffering it should be short lived (15-30 seconds), but it will recover quickly and there should be no loss of content.
Thank you all for your patience as we worked to correct and improve our live streaming.
OR go through our gallery of
past services and midweek devotionals on the Worship Tab.
10:00 a.m. Worship Service
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
SUNDAYS: May 7 – September 30, 2023
One Sunday Service at 10 AM
Our informal praise team will take a break for the summer.
They will return Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Saturday worship will take a brief break for summer.
June 3 – August 27, 2023
We will resume on Saturday, September 3 at 4 PM.
SCHEDULE CHANGE
Welcome Julie Killebrew!
The Staff Parish Relations Committee and pastoral staff are pleased to announce that our new part-time Health Education Facilitator position has been filled. Julie Killebrew, who has been a member of our care team for several years, has stepped forward to take this position. Julie holds a Master’s Degree in Nursing from the University of Utah. She completed a long and distinguished career as a nurse at Intermountain LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, followed by 15 years as an associate professor of Nursing at Weber State University in Ogden.
Many of you know her as the new coordinator of our Rummage Sale, completing her first year of service in that volunteer position last year, and as the incoming president of United Women in Faith, or as a member of both our worship and caring ministry teams.
This new position is focused on supporting the existing, as well as innovative wellness opportunities, which add value to the life and wellbeing of our congregants and community. It also directly supports the functioning of our Heartsaver’s ministry.
We look forward to all God has for us to do together in this new position and staff configuration. Please welcome her warmly. Julie will begin her work among us as part of our staff on June 1, 2023.
Blessings Always,
Rev. Alma Aguirre-Olivares
Associate Minister
Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church
13658 W Meeker Blvd
Sun City West, AZ 85375-3700
Dear Members and Friends of Shepherd of the Hills UMC
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Rev. Alma Aguirre-Olivares has served Shepherd of the Hills UMC since 2018. Her caring and compassionate spirit uplifted many people. Her creativity in designing a care ministry program moved the congregation into a new way of doing care ministry. We know that Rev. Aguirre Olivares’ gifts will be greatly missed at SHUMC. Pastor Alma will be taking a Personal Leave of Absence. In the time between now and when Pastor Alma begins her personal leave, we know you will find ways to express your gratitude to Alma for all that she means to you and the ministry of your church. We celebrate Pastor Alma and pray for her in her journey.
After a time of consultation and prayer, Bishop Carlo Rapanut intends to appoint Pastor Daniel Gomez as Associate Pastor of Shepherd of the Hills UMC, effective July 1, 2023. Pastor Gomez is currently serving as Associate Pastor at Velda Rose UMC in Mesa, AZ.
Pastor Gomez has a vast experience working in associate pastor settings and enjoys working in collaboration and individually. He loves connecting with people and has experience in care ministries. He has developed also programs for the congregations working with laity and staff. Pastor Gonez has a deep knowledge of scripture and enjoys teaching.
Let us be in prayer for Rev. Aguirre-Olivares, Pastor Gomez, and Velda Rose UMC, and Shepherd of the Hills UMC.
Bishop Rapanut and all of us on the appointive cabinet pray for you during this transition. In Christ,
Missional Strategist & West District Superintendent
Cc: Bishop Carlo Rapanut
Rev. Melissa Rynders
Rev. Alma Aguirre-Olivares Pastor Daniel Gomez
PO BOX 32830, PHOENIX AZ 85064
JOIN US FOR A FAREWELL TO PASTOR ALMASunday, June 11, 2023
11:00 AM in Fellowship Hall
Join us for brunch and a program.
To help us plan for food and seating,
we need to know if you are coming,
so please sign up at the Kiosk.
Pastor Alma’s Plan for the next conference year.
It feels like the announcement of my request for a year of personal leave was shared only yesterday. Time went really fast and I have been enjoying every moment left at this appointment. Deciding to leave for one whole year was difficult, but the more I prayed and discerned, I discovered it was the right thing to do. It will allow me the opportunity to recharge and be able to come back into ministry for hopefully many more years after that.
I am truly looking forward to some of the things I am planning to do during this year of renewal. The first few months I will be doing some traveling to California, where a couple of friends lead a group and personal retreat home. Some of my travel will be to spend unhurried time with my father, doing some of the things we both like to do, such as one day trips to the beach, having deep conversations about our lives and the world, eating some of our favorite foods together, etc. My goal is to later visit the southern part of Mexico where my husband grew up, where his family still lives, but I have not yet been able to visit since we got married!
Self-care will be an important part of my plan, including the processing of grief for special loved ones I have lost in recent years. I may also have time to schedule some relaxing massage sessions, and I hope there will be time to reconnect with some friends too. Then I will look at some ministry projects such as planning for six months of sermon outlines and assisting as appropriate at a UMC congregation of my choosing, where I will attend. I think it will be a fun year where I want to be open God’s presence and provision. The annual conference also expects a yearly report on my involvement in the local church, which I will provide to them along with any other requested information.
I can only tell you that I am treasuring every conversation, every hug, every opportunity to serve, for the next month and a half before my appointment ends at Shepherd. The time of my leaving will be sometime around mid- June. A good-bye celebration date will be announced. An expectation for pastors leaving an appointment is that they are not in contact with their former congregation for one year. This is a time when you will be meeting and getting to know your new Associate Pastor Daniel Gomez, whom I am sure you will come to love and appreciate. Know that I will still continue to carry you in my heart and in my prayers as my greater church family.
Thank you for all your love and support in the past five years!
Blessings Always,
Pastor Alma Aguirre-Olivares
JOIN US FOR A POTLUCK
To Welcome Our New
Associate Pastor Daniel Gomez!
Followed by
The History of America’s Patriotic Music
Presented by Gretchen Dempsey
Sunday, July 2 at 11:00 AM
Fellowship Hall
- Be sure to wear your favorite hat!
- Please bring a salad or side dish to share.
- Fried chicken & rolls will be provided.
- Please sign up to attend!
JUNE RUMMAGE SALE DROP-OFF DATES: We are getting ready for another big sale! Please bring your gently used or new items and place them in the open container between 8 AM and 1 PM on the following dates:
Monday, June 19 through Wednesday, June 21.
June Donations will be sorted and packed Thursday, June 22.
Sunday, July 2, JOIN US FOR A POTLUCK To Welcome Our New Associate Pastor Daniel Gomez!
Followed by The History of America’s Patriotic Music Presented by Gretchen Dempsey
11:00 AM, Fellowship Hall
- Be sure to wear your favorite hat!
- Please bring a salad or side dish to share. Fried chicken & rolls will be provided.
- Please sign up to attend!
BEGINS SUNDAY, Time and place to be announced – JULY 30, August 6, & August 13 – SPIRITUAL PRACTICES when Dr. Glenn Meeden will discuss practices and/or disciplines that help enhance a person’s spiritual well-being.
Saturday Services will resume, September 3 at 4 PM. Only one Sunday Service at 10 AM. SATURDAY, June 3 – August 27, 2023 No Saturday Services
ARE YOU PART OF THE 226 CLUB?
Thank you to everyone who responded and sent in your information to help get our database current.
And…to all those who have not yet responded…please take a moment to send in your information before you turn 227!
Anyone in our database who has not provided a birth month and year is automatically assigned a month and year which results in the computation of age as 226 years. We know at least SOME of you are not yet that old. 
We are reaching out to those who show up this way with an invitation to correct this obvious error by providing your birthdate, at least month and year. If you receive one of these communications from us, consider helping us out.
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“Coloring our Faith”
The God of Creation has given us many gifts of creativity. One of the ways to express our creativity is through art, specifically, coloring.
You are invited to join a group using coloring as a way of exploring your faith and expressing our faith. Come and find Biblical inspiration and encouragement from God’s Word.
Beginning: Friday, June 2, 9:30 – 10:30 AM
Where: Fellowship Hall
Facilitators: Russ and Sharon Diaz
(P.S. you do not have to be an expert in coloring….and you don’t have to stay within the lines either!)
Upcoming Sunday Connections Class
Join ANY Sunday
Christianity & World Religions
Book by Adam Hamilton
Why are there so many different religions? How should Christians view other
religions? How is God at work in other religions? What is the fate of those who earnestly
pursue God through other religions?
Learn about Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, as well as how these compare or connect in belief and practice with our Christian faith.
Facilitated by Ginny Griffin
Books will be available in the office, but are not required to attend. Donation $12.00
UPCOMING SUNDAY CONNECTIONS CLASS
The Gospel of Light: Begins June 11Join ANY Sunday
How can those who believe in Jesus Christ have life in his name? Through Adam Hamilton’s DVD-study series, follow the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus through the Gospel of John and understand the context of some of the best-known verses in the New Testament.
Books will be available in the office for a donation of $15
SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
BEGINS SUNDAY, JULY 30
Join us for three consecutive Sunday mornings – time and place to be announced. 0n 7/30, 8/6, and 8/13), when Dr. Glenn Meeden will discuss practices and/or disciplines that help enhance a person’s spiritual well-being. Glenn will engage you in conversation about his own current research on the concept of spiritual well-being within the Old and New Testaments, along with the general idea of spiritual well-being. Several practices will be mentioned, including prayer, mindfulness, fasting, worship, and Sabbath-keeping. It is not necessary to be at all three (although Dr. Meeden would love it!) but simply come when you can. Please bring a bible either on your smartphone or print (old school!)
STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISE CLASS
Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 9:45 to 10:30 AM
in the Choir Room
Everyone is welcome.
MEN’S PRAYER GROUP CHANGES TO WEDNESDAYS
The SHUMC Men’s Prayer Group meets every Wednesday morning at 7:00 AM in the Prayer Room. Call Cal L. at 623-584-2280, if you have any questions.
Grief Group Support
Meets every WEDNESDAYS at 10:00 a.m.
Location: Prayer Room
GRIEF SHARE
14 Week Program
May 4 through July 27
Fellowship Hall Meeting Room
You don’t have to go through the loss of
a loved one alone.
Each of the sessions is designed so that any person can feel welcomed, no matter what session number they are attending the first time. We affirm that each person’s grief journey is unique. Therefore, in an environment of respect
and confidentiality each participant can explore the questions and experiences of grief they bring to this safe space.
SUMMER MOVIES ARE COMING!
Starting Wednesday, June 7 at 1:30 pm, free movies will be shown in Fellowship Hall on alternating Wednesdays through October 11.
Watch the announcements and the newsletter for the complete list of movies to be shown.
June 7: The Fabelmans August 16: 80 for Brady
June 21: Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris August 30: Elvis
July 5: Top Gun: Maverick Sept. 13: The Phantom of the Opera
July 19: Where the Crawdads Sing Sept. 27 Jerry & Marge Go Large
August 2: Marley & Me (The Puppy Years) Oct. 11 Ticket to Paradise
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Our church is restarting the making and distributing of prayer shawls and knee or body robes. This project was “put on hold” during the start of the pandemic.
To get the project going, the church does have a small amount of yarn, patterns and lots of knitting needles in various sizes that can be used. Also, if you have yarn that you would like to contribute to the project, look for a box by the office, labeled “Yarn.”
If you are interested in being part of this group of knitters and crocheters, please call Gail K. and leave a message at 623-584-2280. |
CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS
TREE REMOVAL WORK BEGINS
You may have noticed our trustees and maintenance engineer working in the courtyard on our trees. These Sissoo trees have been a great blessing for us, providing shade and an environment for wildlife, including our beloved quail.
They have also become a great challenge, lifting sections of the concrete to create tripping hazards, constantly dropping leaves and providing a perch from which our beautiful little birds constantly leave their calling cards below.
Here is what we discovered about Sissoo trees:
Sissoos grow to a moderate height of 35 to 40 feet, but their vigorous root systems can threaten underground irrigation lines, sidewalks, block walls and even lawns. The invasive roots can take over a yard after only a few years.
Our trees have been here many decades already and the damage they are inflicting is rapidly spreading. As a result, our trustees have made the decision to remove these, very carefully (one arborist cautioned about ongoing damage even after removal, as the roots continue to grow and seek the sun). The plan is to find another way to provide shade for the courtyard that will be safe for people, sidewalks, buildings and everything else. Thanks for bearing with us as we move through this season of change.
The photos below were taken on Friday, April 28, 2023. There is one tree left standing at this time, but will be removed early in the next week.
DOES GOD LEAD YOU TO THIS NEW OPPORTUNITY?
Desert Southwest Conference Seeks UMVIM
(United Methodist Volunteers in Mission) Coordinator
Check out this video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na–xFHgTig
SHUMC RECEIVES AWARD
Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church has been selected three years in a row for the Best of Sun City West Awards for Places of Worship and now qualifies for the 2023 Sun City West Business Hall of Fame.
For details and more information please view our website:
2023 Best of Sun City West Awards – Places of Worship
We are not having new member classes right now, but we welcome persons who wish to join. Let the church office know you are interested or have questions and Pastor Deborah will contact you. If you want to remain a member of “the church back home” you are welcome to become an affiliate member (a person who belongs primarily to another United Methodist Church or an associate member (a person who belongs to a church from another denomination).
JUNE RUMMAGE SALE DROP-OFF DATES
We are getting ready for another big sale! Please bring your gently used or new items and place them in the open container between 8 AM and 1 PM on the following dates:
Monday, June 19 through Wednesday, June 21.
Our sale will be held Thursday, November 9 through Saturday, November 11, 2023. Thank you!
FOOD BANK DONATIONS NEEDED
Food banks are way down. But hunger is up! Can you help? The Missions Team is extending food bank collections to be continuous during the summer. Next time you shop, please grab a few extra items that can be donated to our local food banks. Donations can be brought to the church during office hours and placed in the hall between the Library and Choir Room. Or feel free to donate by phone or online,
Call (602) 242-FOOD
Your donation is 100% deductible and may
Volunteers are needed to help at St. Mary’s Food Bank, located at 13050 W. Elm St., Surprise.
We meet on the third Thursday of each month from 10 AM to Noon. The task is to sort food that has been donated. No heavy lifting is required. If interested, please contact Becky F. at
623-584-2280.
SANDWICH MAKING FOR JUSTA CENTER
The peanut butter party (weekly sandwich making) will meet on Mondays, at 8:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall to make sandwiches for Justa Center. Masks are mandatory during sandwich making.
Please call Mary G. at 623-584-2280 if you would like to join them.
SHUMC’S BOOK CLUB
Thursday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.
in Conference Room.
The group will discuss The Woman They Could Not Silence, written by Kate Moore. Everyone is welcome to attend.
LIFE CHANGING BIBLE STUDY 
The weekly Zoom Bible Study will meet on Mondays at 3:00 P.M. We hope you will join us! The Zoom link will be sent out every Monday morning to those interested in participating.
CHESS CLUB 
The Chess Club meets on Thursdays at Noon in the Narthex.
Call the office 623-584-2280 for more information.
A beginner chess group meets Wednesday at Noon in the SCW Library. If you have any questions, call Jerry N. at 623-584-2280.
TIE A KNOT AND SAY A PRAYER
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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. Your request will be read during the worship services each week. Your donation of $20 or more will enable the United Women in Faith to raise more funds and allow the opportunity to help support approximately 13 local charities.
MISSION CANDLE PHOTOS
If you would like to have a photo displayed on the screen when the Mission Candle is being read, please provide a photo to the office with the Mission Candle request. We need a week’s notice to be sure all the information is in the hands of the VEW person making the slides. If you have any questions, please contact Jodi.
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THE PRAYER LABYRINTH
Check out the painted rocks in the Prayer Labyrinth!
They are absolutely beautiful!
SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE
United Methodists and others wishing to provide humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people in the wake of the Russian invasion of their country may contribute to Advance #982450, UMCOR International Disaster Response and Recovery. This fund will provide direct assistance to those in Ukraine as well as assistance to Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.
Gifts to support the people of Ukraine can be made in the following ways:
Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450
- By toll-free telephone: 888-252-6174
- By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line, either mailed and addressed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068 or given at or through any United Methodist church
One hundred percent of all Advance contributions go to the designated cause.
The United Methodist community in Ukraine, though quite small, is actively engaged in assisting neighbors in need. Global Ministries is in touch with the church’s leadership as well as with church leaders in countries welcoming those who are fleeing from violence in Ukraine.
2023 LAY SERVANT CLASSES
Lay Servant classes are being offered through the Southwest District. Click on the link below to register for the different classes being offered.
REMEMBER: NO! PASTOR DEBORAH WILL NOT ASK
YOU FOR GIFT CARDS OR MONEY!
Friends,
Apparently they are at it again. Several members have received texts that purport to be from me asking for gift cards and/or money. The phone number is NOT MY PHONE NUMBER! (First thing to check). Call the church office to check phone number of pastor 623-584-2280.
But you really do not have to check, because you KNOW that I will not ask you for help/gift cards/money by email.
Be careful out there.
Rev. Deborah Lerner, Senior Pastor
