Welcome
Shepherd of the Hills 
United Methodist Church
13658 W Meeker Blvd.        
Sun City West, AZ 85375-3730
Office: 623-584-2280
 
 
SUNDAYS, 10:00 A.M. – ONE SUNDAY SERVICE
Spirited Traditional Worship Service – Sanctuary
Communion – First Sunday of Month
PRAYER MINISTERS are available Sundays in front of Sanctuary.
after worship if you would like one-on-one prayer.
Coffee Hour at 11:00 a.m. in Fellowship Hall
 
Sundays, 8:45 a.m.
Connections Sunday School – Fellowship Hall 
 

SATURDAY WORSHIP SUMMER BREAK

June 3 – August 26, 2023

Saturday worship is taking a break,

Saturday worship resumes Saturday, September 2 at 4 PM

 
Informal Praise Service with Praise Band
Communion Served Weekly
Will resume October 1, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
 
 
Worship with us www.shepherdofthehills.org (link below)
 
 
 
Our Sunday services are live streamed and recorded (and occasionally sections of the congregation are shown). Please see a Worship Host if you would like to be directed to a “camera-free” section of our seating.
 
 
 
 

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.

 

On remaining Sundays, we will offer communion immediately after the 10 AM service for anyone wishing weekly communion. Those wishing to receive it are invited to come down to the front as soon as the service ends. It will be served at the altar rail or in the front pews. 
 
Email: church@shepherdofthehills.org
Pastor-On-Call for Emergencies: 623-584-7642
Prayer Requests: 623-584-2922
Partners in Prayer: prayers@shepherdofthehills.org
 
 

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!)

 
 
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 – Thursday
 
8:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M
CHURCH OFFICE: 623-584-2280
 

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.

 

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.

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

 
Julie Calvert, our Financial Secretary, is temporarily changing her work schedule to Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 9 AM until Noon. She will be available during those hours to help you and answer your questions. 

 

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

 

 
Welcome, Lisa Widowski
 
 
The Staff Parish Relations Committee, Pastor Deborah, Pastor Alma and Jodi De Luca, our Administrative Secretary, recently conducted interviews for our Assistant Secretary position.
 
We are happy to share with you that Lisa R. Widowski has accepted our offer of the position and plans to join our staff May 15.
 
Lisa has extensive experience with the Maricopa County Community College District, in a variety of senior roles. She retired from the Community College system a year ago and now looks forward to using her exceptional skills in a part-time position. 
 
We enjoyed our time getting to know her and know you will also find her helpful and a valuable addition to our staff. 
 
Please greet her warmly sometime after May 15.
 
 
 
Pastoral Team News
 
After careful consideration, the pastoral team and Staff Parish Relations Committee have decided to change our model of caring.
 
As of May 1, 2023, Pastor Ron will step up from half-time to three-quarter time to help us best meet our care goals.
 
Our former position of half-time Faith Community Nurse, will be reduced to a one-quarter time Health Education Facilitator. We are grateful for Pastor Ron’s willingness to step into a fuller role.
 
If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact Pastor Deborah or Pastor Alma.
 
Blessings Always,
Rev. Alma Aguirre-Olivares
Associate Minister
pastoralma@shepherdofthehills.org
 
 
APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE WEST DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT
REV. JAVIER OLIVARES
 
 
 
April 2, 2023

 

 

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,

 

Rev. Javier Olivares

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

 
36 l F AX: 602 . 266. 5343  l  WWW.DSCUMC. ORG/WEST
JOIN US FOR A FAREWELL TO PASTOR ALMA
 

Sunday, 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.

 

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM PASTOR ALMA
 

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!
 
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 Thurday of each month 9:30 a.m. SHUMC Book Club, Conference Room
 
Third Thursday of each month from 10 a.m. to Noon, Volunteer at St. Mary’s Food Bank, located at 13050 W. Elm St., Surprise, AZ. Please call 623-584-2280 and leave message for Becky F. prior to attendin
 
Fridays:
Bell Choir – Fridays at 10:00 a.m., Bell Choir Room
Choir Practice – Fridays at 1:00 p.m., Choir Room
 
Sunday, May 7 – September 30, 2023, One Sunday Service at 10 AM. Praise Service will return Sunday, October 1, 2023.
 
Tuesday, May 23, UMF Sew Happy Meets
 
Wednesday, May 24, UMF Miriam Circle Meets
 
Friday, June 2, 9:30 – 10:30 AM, Coloring our Faith, Fellowship Hall, Facilitators: Russ and Sharon Diaz
 
Wednesday, June 7 CANCELLED Grief Support Group
 
Wednesday, June 7 at 1:30 pm, FREE MOVIES  will be shown in Fellowship Hall on alternating Wednesdays through October 11.
 
Sunday, June 11, JOIN US FOR A FAREWELL TO PASTOR ALMA at 11:00 AM in Fellowship Hall
 
Sunday, June 11, Begins – GOSPEL OF LIGHT, JOHNSUNDAY CONNECTIONS CLASS AT 8:45 a.m., Fellowship Hall
 

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.

 
June 20, 2 to 5, Counteracting Bias: Seeing People as They Are, Lakeview UMC; 10298 W. Thunderbird Dr., Sun City, AZ —RSVP by calling Lakeview at (623) 974-5821or Via Email: LUMC@lakeviewumc.net
 

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

 
Rummage Sale – Thursday, November 9 through Saturday, November 11, 2023
 
 
 
 
 
 

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.

 

Sometimes it is helpful for us to look at people by age groups (recently we have been trying to identify all who are over 90 so we don’t inadvertently lose track of them). Contact Jodi in the church office to be sure your birthday is correct. Let us know at the same time if it is ok to publish your name in our monthly birthday list (we do this only with permission).

An Invitation to

Counteracting Bias: Seeing People as They Are

 

Culture is as much a part of our daily lives as the air we breathe. It shapes everything from what we wear to how we think, and yet culture is often an invisible force. Learning how to navigate diverse cultural spaces is a crucial part of ministry in the 21st century.

 

Even in congregations where everyone identifies with one particular ethnic community, diverse cultural influences impact our ministry efforts. We will look at these important issues and how we best respond as people of faith to ensure our ministries are welcoming and attentive to hidden biases that can be harmful. All church leaders are encouraged to attend at least one session of this workshop. 

 

Lakeview UMC will be holding a session on their campus and our church is invited to participate with them. They just need to know we are coming.

Counteracting Bias: Seeing People as They Are

June 20, 2023; 2 to 5 p.m.

Lakeview UMC; 10298 W. Thunderbird Dr., Sun City, AZ

 

RSVP by calling Lakeview at (623) 974-5821

or Via Email: LUMC@lakeviewumc.net

 

 
SEE CURRENT AND UPCOMING CLASSES MENU-SPIRITUAL GROWTH
 

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

Starts a new study on April 23 and runs through May 28
 
Join us ANY Sunday at 8:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
 

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 11
Join us ANY Sunday at 8:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
 

Join 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

 

Facilitated by Ginny Griffin

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.

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 CANCELLED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7TH!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grief Group Support

Meets every WEDNESDAYS at 10:00 a.m.

Location: Prayer Room

Facilitated by Rev. Ron Friesen

 

                                             GRIEF SHARE

14 Week Program

Thursdays at 2:00 PM
 

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.

Sign up at the office or at the Kiosk on Sunday or call 623-584-2280.

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.

Everyone is welcome. Bring your friends and neighbors on Wednesday, June 7 at 1:30 pm for summer movie fun in a cool environment. Light refreshments will be served. 
 

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

 

CALLING ALL KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS

 

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.

                                                                      
 
A Special Thank You
 
 
A Big THANK YOU to all who helped us removed those invasive sissoo trees from the courtyard! It was a huge job–as there were 8 trees, each of which had dense and tangled foliage, requiring many trips to the dumpster.
 
 
    BEFORE                                                                                                     AFTER
 
Below is a list of folks we KNOW helped Shawn and Terry H., the chair of trustees, with this work, saving us a substantial sum of money (although there may have been a few more quiet helpers here and there). If you encounter any of these folks, please let them know how grateful we are for their labors.
 
Clark R.
Rich V. V.
Mike M.
Doug C.
Don T.
Rich B.
Russ U.
 
If you want to be included in the next work party, let Terry know and he will be glad to notify you when we start a new project!
 
Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Deborah Lerner
Senior Pastor
 
 

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

 

 

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).

 

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.
 
Monday, July 17 through Wednesday, July 19
 
July Donations will be sorted and packed Thursday, July 20.
 
We need large moving boxes!
 

 

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

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

 

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.

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.

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

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 MAY 15 in order to be included in the June 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 

 
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