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One of the most important expressions of our faith is how we care for God’s creation; our stewardship of God’s world. Faithful stewardship means caring for the earth. It means recognizing God’s ownership over all things. It means a willingness to give back to God and God’s people from what belongs to God.
Shepherd of the Hills’ stewardship theme for 2009 is Let the River Flow. Please click here for the Let the River Flow brochure.
Faithful stewardship comes in many forms, including giving, serving, and caring. Shepherd of the Hills offers many ways you can learn to experience joy in your care of God’s creation.
Giving
Raindrops become streams, then rivers, then oceans. Likewise, our dollars become hundreds, then thousands, then hundreds of thousands. When the resources of a few are poured out for many, God’s will is realized on the earth. Every dollar Shepherd of the Hills receives makes a difference in the life of the church. It is only through faithful giving that the ministries offered here can continue.
Why should I give? Your giving is a commitment between you and God, an outward expression of faith. People who give find that their relationship with God is strengthened. People who tithe or beyond find that they are blessed beyond measure. Giving is good for God, it is good for the church, and it is good for you.
How much should I give? At Shepherd of the Hills we believe in the biblical principles of stewardship: giving first fruits to God (Exodus 34:26), the earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord (Psalm 24:1-2), and a tithe of 10 percent as a worthy goal to reach and surpass (Leviticus 27:32). Tithing and beyond may mean that you have to make choices about dining out regularly or taking an expensive family vacation. But when you are making those choices so you can give back to God, you will find your decisions extremely rewarding. If you are new to giving, start somewhere. Designate a percent of your income and make a plan to increase that percentage each year. Please click here to view a chart that can help you make a plan of giving.
Pledging
Why should I pledge? Our annual budget is based on member pledges. Without your pledge our budgeting process is stifled, and the work of the Spirit is not what it could be. Not pledging can also make it challenging for you to be faithful in your commitment with God throughout the year. Please turn in your pledge cards each November. If you join us mid-year, your mid-year pledge will help us sustain the budget and continue vital ministries. Please click here to download a pledge card.
What if my financial situation changes? Life comes at us quickly sometimes. If your financial situation changes, please inform the church so we know what we can expect.
Is my pledge confidential? Yes. Only the Council’s financial secretary, the office administrator, and the pastors have access to your pledge information. These individuals must know for purposes of record keeping, budget planning, and pastoral care.
Budget
Where does the money go? Money from pledges and gifts from the offering are used to sustain the church’s budget. Categories of spending include:
Celebrating God’s Presence (Worship)
Growing in Faith (Adult, Children, Youth, and Family Ministries)
Inviting Others (Evangelism and Communications)
Caring for Those in Need (Benevolences and Caring Ministries)
Calling and Equipping for Ministry (Staff)
Special Gifts
Memorials and Honorariums. Beyond the operating budget, there are other opportunities for you to give, and there are many reasons to give. Instead of a giving an object to someone who doesn’t need another thing cluttering the house, consider giving a gift to the church in their honor. This is a great way to honor young people who are being Confirmed or are graduating. It’s a great way to recognize special anniversaries and birthdays. Be creative and enjoy giving a gift that will be turned into a meaningful ministry.
The Foundation is a fund designed to provide opportunities for new ministries and to support those who are entering the seminary with the intent of becoming a pastor. Gifts can be made to The Foundation at any time for any reason.
Mission Trip Scholarships is another opportunity to support young people as they learn to serve God. Money given to the Scholarship Fund helps young people who cannot afford a big trip to experience service and fellowship in a unique way. In the recent past, young people have been able to go to summer camp at Luther Park and Green Lake Bible Camp because of the Scholarship Fund. They have also been able to go to a 10-day mission trip to the Eastern Shore in Virginia and on a 7-day mission trip to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Please click here to learn ways to maximize your charitable giving.
Estate Planning and Charitable Giving. Planning a gift from your estate is a significant way to support the ongoing ministries of the congregation. Please click here to learn many of charitable giving options available to you.
Children and Stewardship
 One of the best ways to become a faithful giver is to begin as a faithful giver. Children are bombarded with messages to “spend, spend, spend.” A healthy alternative is 10-10-80, or share, save, spend (in that order!).
Children have the opportunity at Shepherd of the Hills to give during Sunday School. Their offering goes to adopt a child from India through Lutheran Partners, to the ICA Food Shelf, and to adopt a family for Christmas through Family Networks.
Confirmation students give during Confirmation class. 100% of their dollars goes to the organization of their choice every year. In 2007-08 they raised over $170 in their first year, 13% over their goal!
Children and youth can be models of financial stewardship, since they often give freely and generously. Perhaps we can model our own giving after these young people who trust God without reservation.
Serving
Jesus Christ has called us into service, and in our baptism we proclaim our commitment to his service. “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Every person has been given gifts of the Spirit that enable us to serve according to our gifts. “We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us.” (Romans 6:12) For those who have not yet discovered or affirmed their gifts, Shepherd of the Hills offers LifeKeys, a spiritual gifts inventory. This course, taught by our Shared Ministry Coordinator, Pam Mitchell, can help you learn to affirm who God has made you to be.
Shepherd of the Hills takes seriously its mission to serve. We also take seriously the responsibility for matching gifts with service. There are many opportunities to serve at Shepherd of the Hills, and we are honored to be able use your gifts in one of our many ministries.
Creative Ability
drama &, music
graphic arts
newsletter
making stoles
quilting
Discernment
call committee
social justice committee
personnel committee
Encouragement
Stephen Ministries
youth mentors
youth leaders
Evangelism
temple talks
invite others
visit new members
Faith
Via de Cristo
Giving
contribute
lead stewardship
assist in fund drives
Healing
prayer shawl ministry
Hospitality
greeters & ushers
new member coordinator
Sunday hospitality
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Intercession
prayer partners
intercede for others
Leadership
council
executive committee
chair a committee
Mercy
send cards
stock the food shelf
liaison to crisis center
Service
nursery helpers
kitchen work
fall clean-up day
service projects & trips
transportation volunteer
Teaching
Sunday school shepherd
vacation bible school teacher
Bible study leaders
Worship and Music
Shepherd’s Song
Chancel Choir
Splash! Choir
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To become involved in one of these or other ministries available at Shepherd of the Hills, please contact Pam Mitchell or download this Time and Talent Form and return it to the church office.
Caring
We are called to be Christ for one another. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.” (Matthew 25:35-36) Jesus’ parable commends those who fed, clothed, welcomed, cared for, and visited others. We can do the same.
We can care for one another by our prayers and our presence. Through Shepherd of the Hills, you can serve at the Blake Road Corridor Project, Loaves & Fishes, or Dinner at Your Door. You can bring food, clothing, money, or other supplies to the ICA Food Shelf, Socks for the Homeless, Marie Sandvik Center, PCYC (Plymouth Christian Youth Center), or Hope 4 Kids,. You can care for someone through Stephen Ministries. You can pray for and visit those who are sick, suffering, or grieving. “Whatever you ask for in prayer with faith, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:22) To become involved in one of these or other ministries available at Shepherd of the Hills, please contact Pam Mitchell.
30 Days of Prayer
In response to the economic crises,
Shepherd of the Hills is engaging in
30 days
of intentional, focused prayer
for the month of November, 2008.
Members
are challenged to pray for the
congregation, for the congregation’s staff
and lay leaders, for a personal healthy life
of stewardship, for the healthy stewardship
of the congregation, and for a deeper
relationship
with God who created us and
sustains us.
For more information, please
download the 30 Days of Prayer brochure.
You may also
click on these prayer petitions
to get you
started each day.
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16
Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25 Day 26 Day 27 Day 28 Day 29 Day 30
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