FOR THE WEEK OF… January 9th ~ 2022
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STEVE…
“Out of life no deed could come, no virtue could emerge that was not distinguished by the quality of its source.” I recall that statement by Harry Fosdick when I celebrate the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. For by Jesus’ presence in our lives, his gift of love, his mercy and forgiveness, and by the power of his Spirit, we are empowered to faithfully reflect God’s love and care for our neighbors and creation.
I pray that the peace of our Lord will continue to fill your hearts and minds each and every day.
Pastor Steve
JOIN US FOR ONLINE WORSHIP SERVICES and MEETINGS ~ CLICK HERE
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE and HOLY COMMUNION: January 16th at 10:00 am ~ Online Spoken Word Zoom Service: CLICK HERE
Meeting ID: 565-414-081 – Please be patient as you will be in a waiting room to be admitted into the service.
Those serving us online and in the Sanctuary this Sunday are:
- Assisting Minister: Julie Cooper
- Reader: Val Thurnell
- Music: Stephanie Hurt
- Usher: Dave Vecchi
- Greeter: Pam Evans
- Altar Guild / Communion Assistant: Pam Evans
- Zoom A/V operator and Monitor/Co-Host: Steve Hoffman and JJ Ehlers
OTHER MEETINGS / EVENTS FOR SUNDAY and NEXT WEEK ~ CLICK HERE
- Monday, January 10th at 6:30 pm – Council Meeting
LECTIONARY BIBLE READINGS THIS WEEK:
Lectionary Bible Readings for Sunday, January 16, 2022: Isaiah 62:1-5, Psalm 36:5-10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, John 2:1-11
~ ANNOUNCEMENTS THIS WEEK … ~
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AT SOTM:
To: All members and supporters of Shepherd of the Mountains Lutheran Church
As a result of the sale of the church’s shares in the Davis & Weber Counties Canal Company and the generosity of everyone who has contributed to the Capital Campaign over the past 8+ years as well as those who have supported Shepherd of the Mountains through the General Fund, we have been able to reduce our mortgage balance from $700,000 to $20,633 as of 12/31/2021!
While our budget for 2022 is predicated on paying this balance off by the end of June, the Church Council is requesting your support and cooperation in putting this debt to bed once and for all as soon as possible. To that end we are requesting:
- Those who have pledged to the Capital Campaign for 2022 complete their pledge by May 1st if that can be done without reducing pledges to the General Fund
- Those who have not contributed to Capital Campaign in the past make a one-time contribution to assist in making Shepherd of the Mountains free of long-term debt.
We continue to thank each and every one of you for your generosity and support of the Mission of Shepherd of the Mountains. Elimination of the mortgage debt will finally allow Shepherd of the Mountains to move forward with “Being in the Mountains for Good”!
On behalf of the whole Council, God bless each of you and your families.
Dave Vecchi, Treasurer
CHURCH MEMBER SEEKING HELP WITH DOG WALKING: Deb Cupal is seeking some nice people that would be willing to help her out with Walking her lovely 10 Year old dog Kali. She does great on and off leash and is located near the Pinebrook Park. If you are walking your dog daily in that area, would you be willing to take on another dog to walk for 30 + min? Please contact the church office or Deb Cupal at: dddwil13@gmail.com / text at 801-660-0542. Or contact her daughter Kami at 435-901-1776. Thank you!
OUR WORSHIP SERVICES AND SUNDAY SCHOOL WILL ONLY BE OFFERED ONLINE VIA ZOOM FOR THE REST OF JANUARY 2022
** NO IN-PERSON WORSHIP SERVICE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME **
Due to the tremendous increase in Covid (Omicron) cases in Summit / Wasatch Counties and the surrounding areas, the Health / Worship Teams along with the Church Council has made the decision to move Sunday Worship Services to online at this time. Links to the 10 AM Sunday Worship Service and Meetings can be found above this text.
Bulletins and the Readings can be found on our website under ONLINE WORSHIP & MEETINGS. You may pick up paper bulletins and communion elements at the church in the box on the bench by the entrance.
Thank you and please be safe while we all navigate the rapid changes of the virus in our communities.
SUNDAY SCHOOL AT 11:00 AM ONLINE LINK: >>CLICK HERE<<
GOOD GIFTS FOR GOD’S GLOBAL BARNYARD – Mooo! Give the gift that is hard to wrap – an ANIMAL this Holiday season! Help us reach our goal of $500 to purchase a COW for a village in need 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 “ELCA Good Gifts”.
SIGN UP TO DONATE ALTAR FLOWERS: If you would like to donate Altar Flowers for a Sunday Worship Service. Click the Image or this link: >>CLICK HERE<<
Flower Arrangements are created by Kathryn at Flowers By You in Kimball Junction. NEW 2022 Pricing is: $35.00 for ONE VASE and $70.00 for TWO VASES. Please indicate the occasion and how many vases you would like to order. You then can send in your payment to the church office. If you have any questions please email the office at: office@shepherdofthemountains.org or call 435-649-2233.
SUNDAY SERVANTS – WE NEED VOLUNTEERS: Thank you to all of our current volunteers that help with Sunday Worship Service. As our attendance is growing, so is the need for additional volunteers to serve each Sunday. This could be a once a month commitment. We are seeking new volunteers to help with Greeting, Ushering, Altar Guild, Zoom Monitor from home. If you would like to be an assisting minister or reader, we could always use more volunteers there to rotate every other month. Please let the office know if you would like to help on a Sunday or sign up on the kiosk in the narthex. It is a great way to be involved and give the gift of your time and talent. Thank you!
ZOOM AUDIO / VISUAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – The Worship Team is seeking 1 to 2 people to help with Sunday Zoom Services from the Sanctuary. Steve Hoffman will train you on the operation of the Zoom Cameras and the Audio / Visual part. Please consider helping out, as there a a few dates that Steve is not available at the end of September to conduct the zoom part. For more information or to reach out to Steve, email him at: sagahoffman@msn.com. Thank you for considering being a part of the Audio / Visual Ministry!
FELLOWSHIP:
BOOK CLUB MEETING – The next Book Club meeting will be held by Zoom on Friday, February 11, 2022 at 6:30 pm for socializing and 7:00 pm to discuss the book. The next book is, THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY by Amor Towles.
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:
We, as core team, have spent time training and exploring the ELCA supported Welcoming program called Reconciling in Christ (RIC). At the Congregational Meeting, a “vote of confidence” was approved by the congregation to move forward in this training program that will guide our congregation in advancing our intentional welcome to all people.
We now embark on a 2-year journey that will encourage education and intentional changes to our welcoming statement that we would vote on later in the process. This is a congregational driven process and we have had 6 months of discussion with church council, Fellowship & Social Ministry Committees, and various individuals in our community who have all supported the proposal to support this journey of becoming a Reconciling in Christ community. Please reach out with any questions to Ann Hoffman, Kim Fry, JJ Ehlers and Pastor Steve Leiser. And please consider joining us as we would welcome more people in this important work!
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO. Frequently Asked Questions for Reconciling in Christ: CLICK HERE
ADULT EDUCATION with RIC: These classes will take place January 9th, 23rd and February 13th & 27th for anyone interested in knowing more of this mission to educate our congregation. In addition to this, there will be RIC Core Team Meetings that will take place on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. To join the Team, please call the office to get Ann Hoffman’s contact information. Thank you!
SUNDAY SCHOOL and YOUTH:
**IN PERSON SUNDAY SCHOOL IS ON HOLD** – ONLINE AVAILABLE AT 11 AM EACH SUNDAY –
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 (CURRENTLY ON HOLD – ONLINE ONLY) after the Children’s Sermon each Sunday. Masks and Social Distancing will be in effect for these lessons.
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! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday mornings this September and throughout the coming church year!
NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING PLANNING MEETINGS – The National Youth Gathering has be rescheduled for next July 2022. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor Steve as we know there are some youth that are attending from the Salt Lake City Lutheran churches.
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.
- Living Faith: Church in Society – a New Adult Forum/Small Group Discussion Guide: CLICK HERE
- ELCA – “Stories in Action” 2020 – 2021 virtual annual book: CLICK HERE
- Women of the ELCA – RMS “Views from the Rockies” – NOVEMBER 2021 Newsletter: CLICK HERE
STAY SAFE and STAY HEALTHY:
MASK UPDATE FOR SHEPHERD OF THE MOUNTAINS: By recommendation from our Health Team, we will REQUIRE that face coverings (masks) be worn in our building at all times. Exception is 2 year and under in age and being outdoors. For more information regarding Summit County Health Department and Covid related notices. CLICK HERE
REOCCURING MEETINGS:
AA – 7:00 pm every Wednesday (co-ed) and 7:00 pm every Thursday (men only)
Monthly Committee Meetings:
Council – 6:30 pm, 2nd Monday of the month – (2/14/22 on zoom)
Fellowship – 12:00 pm, 2nd Sunday of the month (1/27/22)
Finance – 5:30 pm, 4th Monday of the 1st month of the quarter (TBA)
Property – 6:30 pm, 4th Monday of the month (1/24/22)
Shepherd Connections & Social Ministries– 12:00 pm, 2nd Sunday of the month (1/27/22)
Worship/Music – 11:00 am, 1st Sunday of the month (2/6/22)
CALENDAR and EVENTS:
Please view the Worship Schedule and other events happening this week on our CALENDAR ~ Calendar is subject to change due to our current gathering situation ~
ONGOING AT SHEPHERD OF THE MOUNTAINS:
RECYCLING – 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 for 2019 – 2020: 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 2022 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.
DIGITAL and IN PERSON HOLY COMMUNION EVERY SUNDAY! Join us each Sunday for Digital Holy Communion. Please come prepared with the elements of bread and wine/juice each Sunday morning. If you would like prepackaged communion cups, we have these available at the church. You can stop by and pick up what you need from the office. There is a wafer on top and a portion of juice in the cup. Please note to shake before opening – see below. If you are attending IN PERSON, Communion Chalice with wafer will be available on the Communion table before you enter the sanctuary. Gluten Free Wafers are also available in the narthex.
FOOD PANTRY – We are not excepting donations at this time at the church. We suggest you drop off your pantry donations to the Christian Center of Park City on Deer Valley Drive. Thank you!
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 SOM. 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.
SOLAR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE: (NEW REPORT COMING SOON) This report is for the months of September and October 2021. The panels were at near maximum performance during the two month period although there were fewer daylight hours from month to month (or day to day).
The solar panels generated 1,924 kWh for Aug 9 to Sep 8 and 1,672 kWh for Sep 8 to Oct 7. In each month, we put more electrical energy back into the grid than we drew from the grid. Over the two month period, we banked 622 kWh to bring our total bank reserve to 3,622 kWh which we will be drawing down over the balance of the year as our generation drops off but should leave us with very little expense for the balance of the year, a goal set by the Finance Committee. For each month of the reporting period, and hopefully for the balance of the year, our payment to Rocky Mountain Power was less than $10 per month, the fee to be hooked to the grid. – Tim Fehr
~ In Our Prayers ~
We ask your continued prayers for Healing and Wholeness for:
Don & Pat, Keith & Sharan, Deb Cupal, Kaitlin, Jamie Jones, Chloe Rodchester, Jim & Joy, Mary, Judy, Nicole, John M., Cathryn, Terri Anderson, Carole Van Hook, Clayton, Kurt, Nicole, Brian Case, Bill Murray, Vera Palomaki, Mark, Marlene, John Sandstrom, Marge Neumayer, Leslie Smith, Lizzy, Lori D, Thomas Ryan, Kitty, Kira, Dylan Wilcox, Jim VanderLinden, Kimberly Gosell, Jill L., Aunt Lou, Robert Howell, Sam, Bonnie Futch, Mary Jane Schmidt, Pat Rusk, Bob, 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!