Serving Others

Outreach - Benevolence - Social Ministry Serving the spiritual and physical needs of others.
From the beginning, the people of Shepherd of the Hills have made it a high priority to serve the needs of others, both in the local community and the world.
Benevolence contributions further the Gospel in many places including: ELCA & SW Texas Synod World Hunger Lutheran World Relief Lutheran Social Services ELCA Disaster Response Missions San Lucas, Eagle Pass Cristo Rey, Piedras Negras Ocho de Octubre, Guatemala Casas por Cristo Educational Ministries Seminary Scholarships Seminary Program of SW UT Campus Ministry TLU College Scholarships Cross Trails Ministry Local Charities Aus.Area Interreligious Min. Caritas of Austin Foundation for the Homeless Volunteer Healthcare Clinic Habitat for Humanity World Bible Translation Salvation Army Mobile Loaves & Fishes Capital Area Food Bank	SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE FOR OUR MISSION PARTNERS During July and the first part of August we will be receiving donations of school supplies for the young people of our Mission Partner congregation in Eagle Pass, Texas. As you are shopping for your school supplies, please pick up some extra items and place them in the box in the narthex. Or, if you prefer, donations by cash or check [to Shepherd of the Hills] may be made and supplies will be purchased for you. If you, your family, or high school youth would like to participate in the Saturday, August 14 one day trip to deliver the supplies, contact Mark Dellagiacoma, Director or Youth and Family Ministry or Amy Ruedas, Director of Child and Family Ministry. BREAKFAST FOR THE HOMELESS Shepherd of the Hills is responsible for preparing [August 30, 5:30 pm], and serving [August 31, 5:30 am] breakfast for the homeless this month at First Methodist Family Center downtown [maps are available in the Narthex].	The Endowment Fund for Benevolence is a perpetual fund that receives gifts of cash or property, invests those gifts, and uses the generated earnings for benevolence. click here for information Some of the projects sponsored by the Social Ministry Committee School Clothes Drive Quilting Project Texas Ramp Project Breakfast for the Homeless Mission Partners Caritas' Faith Food Drive Christmas Families New Life Treatment Center CROP Walk Safe Place 911 Cell Phones Teddy Bear Drive SOTH Food Pantry
AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT COLLECTIONS Phones and Teddy Bears TEDDY BEARS WHAT: Shepherd of the Hills is collecting new teddy bears placed in one or two gallon zipped plastic bags to be donated to Austin area police. WHY: The teddy bears help bring comfort to children of domestic disturbances and traumatic incidences. WHERE: Pastor Heidi, a chaplain for the Austin Police Department, will make sure the teddy bears get into the squad cars of Austin police officers. CELL PHONES We are collecting old cell phones to be given to Victim Services of the APD. These phones are then reprogrammed and given to victims of domestic violence for emergency purposes. Please consider donating your old phone to help protect the life of another.There is a wooden 'treasure chest' labeled “old cell phones” on the small table in the narthex [next to the library] where the phones can be dropped off. Please help the Austin area police bring comfort and protection in times of stress and danger. The bears and the phones DO make a difference! Questions? Contact Pastor Heidi.