So, if someone asked you what was happening at Shepherd of the Hills, what would you say?

You might answer about Generations in Faith Together (GIFT), our total-family Sunday school. You could talk about the Faith 5 becoming a part of our worship and devotional lives, or our striving to think in terms of discipleship not membership. Perhaps you'd tell of our efforts for the food bank for October or look ahead to the Alternative Giving Fair coming up in November. You might talk about weekly youth meetings or youth preparing for the ELCA Youth Gathering, an   intergenerational game night, confirmation off to a great start, or the wide variety of worship styles on Sunday mornings. Or Bible Fitness or choirs or Stephen ministry or RE:New worship on Saturdays or the group going to the HPI soup supper or men's Bible study or women's Bible studies or the "date for eight" fellowship event-groups that are starting. Or, or, or...

There are so many things happening at SOTH right now! Thanks be to God!! We are a busy place but not just a busy place. We seem to have purpose in the things we do, like we are doing...mission!

So, how would I describe our mission? Fair question, since I asked you. The phrase that sticks in my head right now is Building Disciples Together. This is what I believe that God is calling us to do and be here at Shepherd of the Hills.

Building

At SOTH we seek to grow and build our faith, to pursue a deeper understanding of God's will in our lives, to press on to see what God has in mind for us. The Christian faith is dynamic, that is it's always moving and changing and we seek the presence of God to build up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12) in this place.

Disciples

We've been saying it for a while now-the great commission was not to go and make members! Jesus calls us to be disciples-followers, learners and servants. We give because God has given to us and instilled in us a need to give; we serve because Jesus became a servant and we love because Christ's love has been poured into us (Romans 5:5). Being disciples takes

effort but we are fueled by the Holy Spirit!  

Together

Shepherd of the Hills values community-we do this disciple-building in our community! We want folks to hear the invitation: you are welcome at Shepherd of the Hills. We value all generations and we celebrate the variety of people who have found community among us. We also know that faith happens in community, that is, we learn how to grow and love and serve best when we are among others on the same learning journey.

Ok, that's my thought. Mull it over and comment on it. I'll post it on my blog http://ontherideofmylife.blogspot.com/ and we can have some conversation. Or just give me a call. I am wondering if Building Disciples Together is a template for the mission ahead of us. I am excited to see what God has in store.

Blessings,

~PD 

The Rocky Mountain Synod Hunger Network invites all who care about hunger and poverty to an equipping workshop on Saturday, October 29, from 8:45 am to 1:00 pm, at King of Glory Lutheran Church, 2919 North Wilson Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. There is no fee for this event, but participants are asked to pre-register as soon as possible.

Why should you be interested in this event?? The goal is to give social action/mission committees, hunger/advocacy contacts, and pastors information and updates on current work here and around the world PLUS practical resources and ideas to raise awareness of the amazing work of ELCA World Hunger AND to raise money!

We are pleased to have two special speakers for this workshop: The Rev. Daniel Rift, Director of the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal, and Mikka McCracken, Program Director for Constituent Engagement and Interpretation.

The absolute registration deadline is Monday, October 24---but the Hunger Network encourages you to register TODAY so planners know what workshop topics are most interesting to you and how many lunches to order. Go to www.rmselca.org/hunger, click on the link and complete the form. Contact Carol McDivitt (mcdivittc@mindspring.comor 970.669.4090) for additional information.

The Thrivent North Larimer Chapter and Paul A Caylor are hosting an entertaining and educational event.

Jim Caulder, a nationally known social security expert and former administrator with the Social Security Administration will be the featured presenter.  Jim will be talking about how to optimize your social security benefits, and will help you to understand your retirement benefits and opportunities.  The event will be hosted at Ptarmigan Country Club, 5416 Vardon Way, Fort Collins.  Please RSVP to 970.225.6169 by Monday October 3rd.  We strongly urge you to make plans to attend now, and bring a friend.  Refreshments will be served.

Our 4^th All-Congregational Game Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 16, 2011. From 4:00-6:30 pm, we'll be in the Fellowship Hall (or stay longer if you have your homework done and no bedtime!). Bring your favorite games from home as we love to have a lot of choices. The Youth and Household Ministry Team will have a complimentary baked potato bar ready at 5:30 pm, complete with snacks and trivia. Everyone is welcome to join us for a great event that is always enjoyable. Sign up at the Welcome Center Sunday, October 2, 9,or 16 so we'll have your potato hot!