Welcome
Shepherd of the Hills 
United Methodist Church
13658 W Meeker Blvd.        
Sun City West, AZ 85375-3730
Office: 623-584-2280
 
Saturdays, 4:00 p.m.
“Sweet Hour of Prayer”
Communion Served Weekly
PRAYER ROOM MINISTERS are available Saturdays
after worship if you would like one-on-one prayer.
Coffee Hour at 5:00 p.m. in Fellowship Hall
 
Sundays, 9:00 a.m.
Spirited Traditional Worship Service – Sanctuary
Communion – First Sunday of Month
PRAYER ROOM MINISTERS are available Sundays
after worship if you would like one-on-one prayer.
Coffee Hour at 10:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
 
Sundays, 10:30 a.m.
Connections Sunday School – Fellowship Hall Meeting Room
 
 
Sundays, 11:00 a.m.
Informal Praise Service with Praise Band
Communion Served Weekly
 
 
Worship with us www.shepherdofthehills.org (link below)
 
 
Email: church@shepherdofthehills.org
Pastor-On-Call for Emergencies: 623-584-7642
Prayer Requests: 623-584-2922
Partners in Prayer: prayers@shepherdofthehills.org
 
 
 
If you would like personal prayer after the service, please come to the Prayer Room. Our prayer ministers will meet you there.  
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY
8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M
CHURCH OFFICE: 623-584-2280
 

 

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM PASTOR ALMA

 

Friends at Shepherd,

I have requested to go on a Voluntary Leave of Absence beginning July 1, 2023. Due to personal reasons, I hope to stay away from ministry for a season of at least 12 months and will not be reappointed to Shepherd for the coming conference year.

It has been a true honor and pleasure to serve with all of you for 5 years. I know I will greatly miss you and the ministry we have done together. The opportunity to have you be part of my life and be part of yours is something I will always treasure. I will also miss our wonderful staff.

The Associate Pastor position at Shepherd of the Hills will be put on the list of clear openings sometime soon. This allows any clergy interested in the position to submit their names to the conference cabinet for consideration. The cabinet will work with our senior pastor and the SPRC to discern my replacement at Shepherd of the Hills.

Blessings Always,

Pastor Alma Aguirre-Olivares

A New Option for Online Worship:

Live Stream our Service

If you are unable to join us for in-person for worship, the 9:00 AM Sunday service will be livestreamed each week. We start with Bill’s gathering music at 8:45 AM and move into the service at 9:00 AM (Winter Hours).

To join: Click on the picture below sometime after 8:45 AM (and before the service ends).                   

We will send out an email to all persons subscribed to our Constant Contact list on Sunday morning at 8:00 AM as a reminder. It will also include a registration link (which will take you to the live stream after you register) and a direct link to the live stream.
 
After an edited copy of the service has been uploaded, this link will be discontinued. The new video will be available below or on the Worship page.
 
If you worshiped with us take a moment to let us know. Click here to fill out our online attendance card.
 

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.

Previous Worship Services
Join us for online worship by clicking on the video below
OR go through our gallery of
past services and midweek devotionals on the Worship Tab.
 
Office staff are available through email or by phone during
normal business hours M-F 8:30-4:30 – 623-584-2280
if you need assistance.

9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

SEE CURRENT AND UPCOMING CLASSES MENU-SPIRITUAL GROWTH
 
 
Mini-Reference Calendar for Lenten Events
 
Palm Sunday
 
Saturday, April 1 — 4:00 PM, Sanctuary
Sunday, April 2 — 9:00 AM, Sanctuary

Choir Cantata, Festival of Faith”, By Joseph M. Martin

Live stream available

 

Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 6, 2023 – 4:00 PM, Sanctuary 

Dramatization of the Last Supper

Worship with communion, Live stream available

DVDs available on request
 
Good Friday
 
Friday, April 7, 2023 – 4:00 PM, Sanctuary
 
A solemn remembrance of Jesus’ death on the cross.
 

Live stream available

 

Easter

Join us to celebrate the Risen Savior!

 

 Saturday, April 8 – 4:00 PM in the Sanctuary

 

Sunday, April 9 – 9:00 & 11:00 AM in the Sanctuary

Live stream available
 
 
Connections Sunday School Class
 

 Join us any Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall Meeting Room.

Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws

by Adam Hamilton

 

 
 
Calendar of Upcoming Events
 
Mondays:
Sandwich Making for Justa Center – Mondays at 8:30 a.m Fellowship Hall
Life Changing Bible Study – Mondays at 3:00 p.m. by Zoom.
 
Tuesdays:
Strength Training – Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:45 to 10:30 AM in the Choir Room
 
Wednesdays:
Men’s Prayer Group – Wednesdays at 7:00 a.m., Prayer Room
Grief Group Support – Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m., Prayer Room
 
Thursdays:
Strength Training – Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:45 to 10:30 AM in the Choir Room
Chess Club – Noon, Narthex
GriefShare – Thursdays at 2:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall Meeting Room
Third Thursday of each month from 10 AM to Noon, St. Mary’s Food Bank, located at 13050 W. Elm St., Surprise, AZ
 
Fridays:
Bell Choir – Fridays at 10:00 a.m., Bell Choir Room
Choir Practice – Fridays at 1:00 p.m., Choir Room
 
 
Thursday, March 23, Sort & Pack at 8:30 am
 
Thursday, March 30, 6 am – 6 pm, Prayer Vigil, Chapel
 
Thursday, March 30 at 7 pm, WEST VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT, Shepherd of the Hills in the Sanctuary
 
Friday, March 31 deadline for collection for Undie Sunday Undies
 

Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7 – Stations of the Cross in the Courtyard. Follow the posted signs.

Monday, April 3 deadline for Easter Honorarium
 
 
Thursday, April 6, United Methodist Women in Faith Tea Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Cost $10.
 
Thursday, April 20, SHUMC’s Book Club, Conference Room
 
 
 

INVITATION TO THE OBSERVANCE OF LENTEN DISCIPLINE

 

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

the early Christians observed with great devotion

the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection,

and it became the custom of the Church that before the Easter celebration

there should be a forty-day season of spiritual preparation.

During this season converts to the faith were prepared for Holy Baptism.

It was also a time when persons who had committed serious sins

and had separated themselves from the community of faith

were reconciled by penitence and forgiveness,

and restored to participation in the life of the Church.

In this way the whole congregation was reminded

of the mercy and forgiveness proclaimed in the gospel of Jesus Christ

and the need we all have to renew our faith.

I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church,

to observe a holy Lent:

by self-examination and repentance;

by prayer, fasting, and self-denial;

and by reading and meditating on God’s Holy Word.

 

LENTEN CLASS
 

 

 Join us any Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall Meeting Room.
 

Jesus and the Outsiders, Outcasts and Outlaws

by Adam Hamilton

“A first-century portrait of Jesus that explores Luke’s sentiments on our Savior’s love for outcasts and strugglers — like you and me.”

What is distinct about the way Luke can help us see Jesus, that is hopeful and inspiring for our lives today?

This class accompanies the Lenten Sermon Series. Rev. Russell Urban will facilitate this 6-week series in the Sunday Connections class.

There are a few books available for $15 in the church office, but are not required to participate in the class.

2023 Order Form for Easter Honorariums

                                                           $11.00 per Honorarium

 

Deadline to order Easter flowers is Monday, April 3, 2023. Order forms are printed in the announcements and are also available on the table by the church office window.

 

 

Your Name _________________________   

# of Plants Ordered_____ 

Total Enclosed_________

 

(PLEASE SELECT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

In Honor of ________________________________________

 

In Memory of ______________________________________

 

To the Glory of God ________________________________    

         (Donor name(s) will be printed as an insert in the bulletin)

 

_____I will pick up my plant(s) after the 11:00 AM service on Easter Sunday (April 9).

_____I would like to donate my plant to someone who can enjoy it during the Easter holiday. 

Please make your check payable to: SHUMC (Shepherd of the Hills UMC)

and on the Memo line: “Easter Flowers” 

 

Please place your check and this completed form in an envelope marked “Easter Honorariums.”

 

Prayer Vigil
In preparation for Holy Week
 
Thursday, March 30
6 am – 6 pm
Chapel
 
This prayer vigil will prepare us to be with Jesus, as he would soon depart from his disciples, his family and people. It will prepare us for the sad and painful moments of his passion and crucifixion. It will remind us of Jesus’ sacrifice, his gift of new life through love and forgiveness.
 
Join us in closing this 40-day season of reflection with a focus on prayers for church family members by name, for a Holy Week blessing and to be      Photo by Elizabeth Wales     ready for the joy of resurrection.
 
Please call the office to register for a spot or use the sign-up sheet available at the kiosk and by the church office.
 

 

Saturday, April 1 — 4:00 PM

Sunday, April 2 — 9:00 AM

in the Sanctuary

Live stream available

 

Choir Cantata

Festival of Faith”

By Joseph M. Martin

 

DVDs available on request

 

Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7

in the Courtyard

 
 
 
 
 
 

                                                                                   Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7

                                                                                          in the Courtyard

 

                                                                                        Follow the posted signs.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Thursday, April 6, 2023

4:00 PM

Sanctuary 

 

Dramatization of the Last Supper

Worship with communion

Live stream available

DVDs available on request

 

Good Friday Service

Friday, April 7, 2023

4:00 PM

Sanctuary / Live stream available

A solemn remembrance of

Jesus’ death on the cross.

 

Join us to celebrate

the Risen Savior!

 

Saturday, April 8

4:00 PM in the Sanctuary

 

 

Sunday, April 9

9:00 & 11:00 AM

in the Sanctuary

 

STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISE CLASS

Join us on Tuesdays and Thursdays

from 9:45 to 10:30 AM

in the Choir Room

Everyone is welcome.

Low impact—sit or stand exercise

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

Facilitated by Rev. Ron Friesen

 

 

 

 

 

 

GRIEFSHARE

14 Week Program 
Thursdays at 2:00 p.m.
                 Fellowship Hall Meeting Room
 

The group will meet on Thursday afternoons from January 5 through March 30 in Fellowship Hall. 

 

You don’t have to go through the grieving process alone.
 

 

Each of the sessions are designed so that any person can feel welcomed, no matter what session number they are attending for 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.

 

Community members are welcomed. Sign up at the office or the Kiosk on Sunday. 

For more information, please contact Kathy C. at 623-584-2280.
 
 

                                                         RECYCLE YOUR ELECTRONICS

 AT DESERT GARDEN UCC 

 March 20-23, 2023 9am-Noon

Recycle through AZ StRUT, any used or non-working electronics such as audio/video equipment, answering systems, cable boxes, cables, wires, digital/film cameras, calculators, computers, phones, copiers, printers, etc.

For a complete list go to www.azstrut.org  where they explain security measures taken to wipe out information on any donated device. $25.00 is charged for any CRT (tube TVs) or rear projection TVs to defray costs of safe recycling. The church address is 18818 N. 128th Ave., Sun City West, AZ. 

WEST VALLEY CHORALE CONCERT

Thursday, March 30 at 7 pm

In the Sanctuary

 

Tickets are available for $15 in the church office or from Ken G. (SHUMC Choir Director) and will also be available at the door for $20. 
 
WEST VALLEY CHORALE 
 
 Ken Goodenberger, Director
presents
All MOZART
THE REQUIEM & MORE
 
7:00 pm
Tuesday, March 28
                                                      American Lutheran Church
17200 N. Del Webb Blvd.
Sun City
 
7:00 pm
Thursday, March 30
Shepherd of the Hills UMC
13658 W. Meeker Blvd.
Sun City West
 
 
 
Tickets: $15.oo Advance Sale – $20 At the Door
Available from Chorale members or at 
www.westvalleychoraleaz.org
 
Our 2022-2023 Season Sponsor
Sanderson Lincoln
The Valley’s Exclusive Black Label Dealer
 
 
 

UNDIE SUNDAYS RETURNS 

Through March 31

 

Please drop off NEW underwear, socks and diapers (child and adult) when you come to church on Sunday. All sizes and genders  appreciated. Donations will benefit UMOM and the Wesley Community Health Centers. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Please note on the memo section of your check, Undie Sundays. If you use cash, place your name on the envelope. Thank you for your generosity. 

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

 

 

THINKING ABOUT JOINING SHUMC?
 

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).

 

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

For WAYS TO GIVE go
 

Your donation is 100% deductible and may

 
 
ST. MARY’S FOOD BANK VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 
 

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

WILL MEET MONDAYS At 8:30 AM 

 

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.

ITEMS NEEDED: big jars of creamy peanut butter and grape jelly (preferred).
Please bring donations to the church office or leave them on the counter in the kitchen.
 
“You are always touching more lives than you realize.” 

 

To learn more about how Justa Center provides for homeless seniors, justacenter.org
 

SHUMC’S BOOK CLUB

 

On Thursday, April 20, the group will read and discuss Clementine, by Sonia Purnell and on Thursday, May 18, 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.

For more details, call Kathy C. at 623-584-2280
 
 
 

CHESS CLUB    

 

The Chess Club meets on Thursdays at Noon in the Narthex

Call the office 623-584-2280 for more information.

 

 
 

TIE A KNOT AND SAY A PRAYER

The Prayer Quilt is in the Fellowship Hall to the right as you enter. Tie a knot in the yarn and say a prayer for the events listed. You may add other prayers, as well. Every knot represents a prayer said. Watch for new events to pray for.
 

 

 

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.

 

Please have all articles in the office no later than April 15 in order to be included in the May issue of the Voice newsletter.
 
 

THE PRAYER LABYRINTH

A Labyrinth is a sacred space where one can talk and listen to God. It is based on the ancient practice of pilgrimage. You journey away from the noise and distractions of life as you walk toward the center where you rest with Christ.
 
 As you walk your way out you are returning to the world renewed and empowered. 

 

 
 
 

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.

If you have questions regarding the classes, you may contact Betty S., West District Director of Lay Servant Ministries or John H., Desert Southwest Conference West District Associate Lay Leader.
 
Click link below:
 

 

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.

      Blessings and Peace, 

      Rev. Deborah Lerner, Senior Pastor 

 
CONNECT WITH US