E-NEWS & WORSHIP for the week of… January 29th, 2023
JOIN US HERE FOR ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES and MEETINGS ~ CLICK HERE
PLEASE NOTE FROM WORSHIP TEAM: Thank you for serving at Shepherd of the Mountains! Please know that if the weather is bad and you are scheduled to serve on a certain Sunday, we want you be safe and stay home!
SUNDAY WORSHIP with Holy Communion at 10 am ~ Online Zoom Service: CLICK HERE
Those serving us In-Person Sunday, January 29th WORSHIP SERVICE are:
- Assisting Minister: Alison Vallejo
- Reader: Ann Miller
- Music: Stephanie Hurt
- Usher: Jerry Lorenzen
- Greeter: Barb Lorenzen
- Altar Guild: Barb Lorenzen
- Zoom A/V Operator/Monitor: JJ Ehlers
- Fellowship: Rhonda Schlegel
OTHER MEETINGS / EVENTS FOR SUNDAY and Upcoming week ~ CLICK HERE
- TRANSISTION INFO FORUM with Pastor Rob – Sunday, January 29th at 8:45 – 9:45 am
- TRANSISTION INFO FORUM with Pastor Rob – Sunday, February 5th at 8:45 – 9:45 am
- WORSHIP/MUSIC MEETING – Sunday, February 5th at 11 am
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS THIS WEEK:
Lectionary Bible Readings for Sunday, January 29, 2023: Micah 6:1-8, Psalm 15, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 and Matthew 5:1-12
~ ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK … ~
Help a Global family break the cycle of hunger and poverty — for good. A cow, a couple of goats, a dozen chicks, two pigs, farming tools, seeds and agricultural training can create a world of opportunity for a family living in poverty. With eggs, milk and meat to eat and sell, and tools and training to increase the harvest, this gift can make all the difference for a village in another country.
Place your contribution in the “Barn Box” on the display table in the narthex, cash or check to SOTM. Make sure to put in the memo field “Global Barnyard”. You can also donate via tithe.ly, our online giving platform. Simply >>CLICK HERE<< and in the dropdown box, choose “Global Barnyard” for any amount. Thank you!
JANUARY 2023
As much as I’m enjoying all the important worship during Advent/Christmas/New Year at Shepherd of the Mountains, there are additional things that we’ll be doing in the next twelve months (could be less, probably will be more). Here are the first two opportunities: First, now that the Christmas “chaos” is behind us, I can spend some time getting to know you, listening to you, and receiving your help in better understanding SOM. To that end I encourage you to participate in a “Coffee with Pastor Rob” time between now and the beginning of Lent (Feb 22).
These will just be informal conversations, based loosely on three questions: 1) what do you love about this congregation? 2) as SOM moves into our new future, what is one thing SOM should consider leaving behind? And, 3) what do you want to talk about?
You can come individually, with others in your household, or with a group—just come! I’ll set up a calendar with available times so all you have to do is show up. Figure on each gathering being about an hour or so (another option would be to invite me over for dinner! I’m always up for that!).
The other item about which I want you to be aware is the “Transition Overview” that is scheduled for two Sundays, January 29th and February 5th before worship (8:45-9:45 am). Alison Vallejo and I will provide some background on this process, some basic goals, some methods, and offer time to answer whatever questions you have. The first week will emphasize why we’re doing this transition process, and the second week will consider how we’ll go about it.
Please plan to invest in the future of SOM through both activities (be sure to watch for a few different congregational events upcoming). Your voice is needed in all this. The more you participate in transition events, the fuller the picture we’ll have in discovering what God has in store for SOM moving into the future. This investment of your time and input will pay off in the ministry you’ll eventually have with a new pastor.
In peace,
Pastor Rob Moss
Shepherd of the Mountains Mission Statement: God has called us to be in the mountains for good, centered in the story of Jesus for the sake of the world through worship, fellowship and service.
COFFEE WITH PASTOR ROB: As we begin a new year, Pr. Rob would like to spend some time getting to know you, listening to you, and receiving your help in better understanding SOM. We encourage you to participate in a “Coffee with Pastor Rob” time between now and the beginning of Lent (Feb 22). Please see the kiosk to sign up for a time with Pastor Rob to meet for coffee or if signing up for an evening meeting, please reach out to him by email to coordinate a time: moss.robert.g@gmail.com. He looks forward to meeting you all! Call the office if you would like to sign up.
Upcoming Events…
Transition Overview Sessions
Come join Pastor Rob and Alison Vallejo for the Transition Overview Sessions. They will provide some background on this process, some basic goals, some methods, and offer time to answer whatever questions you have. These will be held:
January 29th and February 5th from 8:45 am to 9:45 am
Please plan to invest in the future of SOM through these sessions and upcoming events. Your voice is needed in all this. The more you participate in transition events, the fuller the picture we’ll have in discovering what God has in store for SOM moving into the future.
This investment of your time and input will pay off in the ministry you’ll eventually have with a new pastor.
Other Information…
The Church Phone / Address Directory has been updated and a new BLUE copy is available in the office to pick up. If you prefer to have an electronic copy, please contact office and we will email you that version.
The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) committee is moving to the next step and will begin reaching out to have one-on-one conversations with members of the congregation. Reconciling in Christ is the process our congregation is undergoing to become more hospitable to all, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. If you receive a call from a committee member, please be open and available. If you are interested in being part of the discussion, then please reach out to J.J. Ehlers, jrhehlers@sisna.com, or Kim Fry, kimfry5416@gmail.com, and we will be happy to set up a time to meet with you.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO DONATE ALTAR FLOWERS ON AN UPCOMING SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE? Our Floral supplier “Flowers by You” will create and deliver the arrangements and you can dedicate them to whatever you would like (In Memory of, In Celebration of or To the Glory of God, etc). Please see the sign up on the kiosk or scan the QR code to sign up for your date. YOU CAN ALSO >>CLICK HERE<< TO SIGN UP. Cost is $35 per arrangement/vase. Contact the office for more info.
FELLOWSHIP:
FELLOWSHIP HOUR – Join us each Sunday after Worship for Coffee, treats and visiting. We are always looking for new people to help with Fellowship. It is simply a once every other month commitment to set up cups, make coffee, set our treats and clean up. If you would like to help and volunteer for this committee, please click on the image above or >>CLICK HERE<<
BOOK CLUB MEETING: The next Book Club meeting on Zoom will be WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25th at 6:30 pm for socializing and 7:00 pm. The book we will be discussing is science fiction “PROJECT HAIL MARY” by Andy Weir.
THE ZOOM LINK FOR BOOK CLUB : >>CLICK HERE<<
If you would like to join the Book Club, please contact the office HERE and we will add you to their Book Club List. Join this fun group for lively discussions and fellowship!
SOCIAL MINISTRY:
ALWAYS COLLECTING DONATIONS FOR THE CHRISTIAN CENTER FOOD PANTRY: We have a basket set up in the narthex to collect any non-perishable food for the Christian Center’s Food Pantry. Expired or pre-opened food will not be accepted. Most needed items include canned tuna or chicken, peanut butter, cereal, beans and rice, pasta and pasta sauce, diapers, and infant formula.
The RIC core team here at Shepherd of the Mountains would like to take a moment to thank all of you for your support and interest as the congregation moves forward in our commitment to become a visibly welcoming community to all, irrespective of gender, sexual expression or skin color.
Our work this past year has centered around small group conversations, practicing the arts of listening, and facilitating adult education. Members spent hours researching interesting content intended to challenge all of us as we increase our understanding of what it means to truly love and welcome our neighbors.
Some topics in adult ed included the ELCA endorsed origins of the Reconciling in Christ program, verbiage and definitions related to the LGBQTIA community, and conversations centering around racial justice and racial equity. Val Thurnell, J.J. Ehlers and Jerry Lorenzen took additional online education to become more familiar with the RIC program. No two people look at issues in exactly the same way. However, there is consensus in our church community that we are all beloved children of God and we are called upon to demonstrate that love.
Again, a big thank you to our core team and the congregation, who is truly the core here of our faith community. We look forward to more conversation in the future as we move in the direction of becoming an ELCA recognized RIC church. ~ Kim Fry and JJ Ehlers – Co-Chairs
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO. Frequently Asked Questions for Reconciling in Christ: CLICK HERE
SUNDAY SCHOOL and YOUTH:
The congregation of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church will continue to offer Sunday School for our children. This year we are happy to announce that Sunday School classes will be offered in person after the Children’s Sermon each Sunday.
A calendar for the Sunday School year can be provided upon request; it typically is in line with the Park City School calendar. Erin Thomas will craft and lead these classes. These classes should last no more than 10-20 minutes each Sunday. This year, classes could be more diverse than previous years, depending on the ages of the children attending Sunday School. With great joy we again look forward to being with your children each Sunday morning. Please encourage your children to attend Sunday School. Encourage them to invite their friends! Invite your friends!
ROCKY MOUNTAIN SYNOD:
The Rocky Mountain Synod has many opportunities including Adult and Young Adult education. These are also Study Guides or Meetings / Discussions on Zoom. Please see the following links if any of these interest you.
- To learn more about the Rocky Mountain Synod – >>CLICK HERE<<
- Women of the ELCA – RMS “Views from the Rockies” – DECEMBER 2022 Newsletter: >>CLICK HERE<<
- RMS Annual Report: >>CLICK HERE<<
STAY SAFE and STAY HEALTHY:
MASK RECOMMENDATIONS BASED ON COMMUNITY LEVELS: The Health Team at SOTM recently had a meeting to discuss the new implementation of Community Risk Levels in Summit County. We will follow the same data from the CDC to indicate our community transmission levels of Covid-19. High Level of Transmission is considered RED and Masks will be required in the building. Medium Level is YELLOW and Masks are recommended in the building and Low level is GREEN where masks are optional / no mask is needed to enter the building. We will update the sign on the door when we check the CDC data each Friday. THIS WEEK IS GREEN!
REOCCURRING MEETINGS:
AA – 7:00 pm every Wednesday (co-ed) and 7:00 pm every Thursday (men only)
Monthly Committee Meetings:
- Church Council – 6:00 pm, 2nd Monday of the month – (2/13/23)
- Executive Council – 5:30 pm, 1st Monday of the month (TBD)
- Finance – 5:30 pm, 4th Monday of the 1st month of the quarter (TBD)
- Property – 6:30 pm, 4th Monday of the month (2/27/23)
- Social Ministries and Fellowship – 11:00 am, 3rd Sunday of the month (2/19/23)
- Worship/Music – 11:00 am, 1st Sunday of the month (2/5/23)
CALENDAR and EVENTS:
Please view the Worship Schedule and other events happening this week on our CALENDAR ~ Calendar is subject to change ~
ONGOING AT SHEPHERD OF THE MOUNTAINS:
This report is for 32 days starting on 7 November and ending on 9 December, 2022. We made a sudden shift to winter, got lots of snow, low temps, and high usage at the Church. The panels were covered with snow and were never completely uncovered so generation was very low.
During the reporting period, the panels produced 358 kWh of electrical energy, virtually all of which and much more was consumed by the Users of the Church. In total, the Church used 7,651 kWh during the month, almost 4 times as much as we used the prior month. It is time for another look into the efficiency and necessary use of electrical power.
Our use far exceeded the solar production so we drew down the bank by 1,154 kwh which effectively emptied the account. As a result , most of our energy came from the grid and we were billed for about 80% of our use.
We have fully satisfied the contractual reporting we needed to do based on the grant from Rocky Mountain Proper. And I have completed my pledge to faithfully report on the contribution of the solar panels. This will be my last report to Shepherd of the Mountains. Tim Fehr
THANK YOU TIM FOR ALL OF YOUR REPORTING!
RECYCLING – NEW INFORMATION COMING SOON FOR 2023!
Thank You to all of you who are recycling at SOTM. It’s a big job to take these items to the Recycle Center and if you would like to help in this wonderful “Save our Earth” mission, please contact the office. Also, please remember that if cardboard is contaminated with food particles, it can not be recycled.
SHEPHERD OF THE MOUNTAINS HAS JOINED RECYCLE UTAH’S GREEN BUSINESS PROGRAM – This program is a resource that helps us operate in a more sustainable manner through education and goal setting. We’ve identified three goals: 1) increase recycling and awareness in the building, 2) explore lighting efficiency options in the building and parking lot and 3) evaluate our energy usage throughout the building. Additional information on the program can be found at www.recycleutah.org/green-business-program.
SHEPHERD OF THE MOUNTAINS ON-LINE GIVING PLATFORM – TITHE.LY – We now have an On-line giving button on our web page to make it more convenient for members and visitors to contribute to SOTM. The donor has the option to cover the processing fees for the church or if they decide not to, SOTM will cover the administration fees that are processed through Tithe.ly.
To give on line – click here: GIVE TODAY This is a simple way to give if you don’t have cash or a checkbook on you at one of our worship services. Thank you for supporting Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church!
AMAZON SMILE – Help donate to Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church with every purchase you make on Amazon, click on link: AMAZON~SMILE
LIVING LUTHERAN MAGAZINE – THE JANUARY 2023 ISSUE HAS ARRIVED! If you would like a copy of of any issue mailed to you or left at the front door, let the office know and we are happy to take care of that for you. Either email or call the office: office@shepherdofthemountains.org or 435-649-2233.
EYEGLASSES FOR THE LIONS CLUB – Always in need for Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses. Please donate to the wooden box by the office or leave in the mailbox.
WENDY’S WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY WORKOUT – Every Wednesday, 7:00 am – strength, core and balance. Right here at SOTM. Just $5.00 per class.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY – These are postponed in our church building until further notice. Please reach out to one another and offer prayer for each other.
~ In Our Prayers ~
We ask your continued prayers for Healing and Wholeness for:
Koy, Bev, Elaine Ehlers, Lizzie, Walt Evans, Diane H., Jody, Zach, Nick Webb, Isabella, Val Thurnell, Lee Smith, Clayton, Kurt, Marge Neumayer, Thomas Ryan, Kira, Dylan Wilcox, Sam S., Mugridge Family.
SOM Prayer Chain:
We are updating our prayer chain. We have kept everyone on the list that has been added in the last 3 months. We will rotate names off the prayer chain after a month unless we receive a request to keep a name on. Please contact the office to add a name to the chain. Thank you!
Housekeeping
The date of the E-pistle is figured from “the first day of the week,” the day of Resurrection-Sunday.
The weekly E-pistle is an internet ministry of the congregation of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church. All announcements or subscriber list additions/subtractions should be sent to the Office Administrator, at: office@shepherdofthemountains.org.
Please note our church office hours are: Monday – Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM. Friday’s may be a modified schedule in the office. Thank you!