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You are welcome at Hutto Lutheran Church
regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, belief, income level or education. We invite you to be a part of this faith community
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Our Mission
We are one body in Christ, sent in Faith to share God's Love, through Worship, Service, Fellowship and Witness.
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Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
July 5, 2026
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Paraments color: GREEN
Scripture Readings for July 5, 2026
The mystery of God’s ways is sometimes hidden from the wise and intelligent. The prophet describes an everlasting realm that contrasts with earthly nations, one marked by peace, humility, and freedom. Jesus associates with those excluded from the religious community. Like Paul, we struggle with selfish desires; we lament flawed systems; and we seek God’s mercy and forgiveness. We gather around word, water, and meal by Christ’s invitation: “Come to me, all you that are weary.” Here we find rest for our souls and hope for life in beloved community.
Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
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Grace and peace to you,
What does church look like to you? Have there been moments when you look around at what God is doing and you say, "this is church!" It is a profound gift to look around me and witness the many many way that you shine Christ's light within and beyond HLC's walls.
This past week was one of those moments when images of Christ's love in this place were everywhere all around me.
Last week began with the transformation of our Fellowship Hall and classrooms and hallway into a deep underwater Adventureland, with decorations lovingly made over many hours over the course of VBS workdays and some made by the Arc of the Capital Area.
I saw an amazing crew of cooks in the kitchen (Daily Bread Bay and Provision Pier), night after night making meals for kids and volunteers and snacks to remind them of the stories of God's love, of Lumi the jellyfish and Tilly the Turtle and Ollie the Octopus (all of this in addition to preparations for other ministries, Feeding of the 5000 breakfasts and breakfast bags and super senior bags).
I saw adults and youth leaders alike (HLC youth and some returning youth from VBS past) leading stations to help the stories of God's love come alive and engage children of all ages: leading games in the "Wave Walkers Reef" (many thanks for the brand new playground, one of the highlights of games this summer!), leading a puppet show to share the stories of God's love in "Living Waters Lagoon," and leading crafts in "Creator's Cove."
I saw crew leaders and floaters return night after night to shepherd children to stations, help them find their water bottles and get their meals and make trips to the bathroom, and ask them about their life. I saw welcoming faces at the registration table, ready to great parents and children to VBS. I saw many different "lifeguards" (nurses) ready to care for those in need, and adults in the "safe harbor," ready to welcome kids in need of a calming space to reset. I saw youth leading skits and leaders helping children raise their voices in song.
Many thanks to Emily Hill for writing the curriculum and casting a vision. Thank you to Lou Brown for keeping council in the loop and doing work behind the scenes. And a huge thank you to Victoria Huerta, for all she did as director, inviting the community, organizing workdays, taking on the mental load of preparations, communicating with everyone, gathering us all together and empowering us to be church together.
From my kids for a huge highlight to their summer, and from this pastor whose heart is filled with renewed hope for what God can do, thank you!!
God’s peace,
Pastor Amanda
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HLC Committee Meetings Week
Hutto Lutheran embodies the body of Christ at the beginning of each month by the meeting of 7 active committees (Fellowship, Outreach, Property and Cemetery, Worship and Music, Christian Education, Stewardship and Finance and Communications). There are other committees that meet as needed including the Vacation Bible School and Fundraising committees. Guests are welcome to these meetings. Times and locations (in person or online) are listed in the Sunday bulletin and on the HLC google calendar through the HLC website. Questions can be directed to points of contact for each committee listed in the bottom of the elink or to the church office.
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HLC Office will be closed the week of July 6th through July 10th
If you are in need of assistance or prayer, please reach out to Amanda directly
at 512-687-4292 or 512-636-9784.
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Make a Splash with Us at Rock'N River!
Join us for a fun-filled afternoon at Rock'N River Water Park on Sunday, July 19, immediately following church! Everyone is invited to come cool off, float the lazy river, lounge by the pool, and enjoy fellowship with friends of all ages.
Christian Education will cover the cost of youth tickets, and adults are asked to purchase their own tickets ($20). If the cost is a concern, please reach out to Christian Education—we want to make sure finances are not a barrier to joining the fun.
We've reserved a shaded umbrella area, and outside food is welcome, so pack a picnic lunch, drinks, snacks, and anything else you'd like for the day.
Please RSVP to lesprecher@me.com by July 17 so we can purchase tickets in advance. Not sure if you can make it? That's okay! Tickets can still be purchased at the gate—we'd simply appreciate a headcount for planning purposes.
We hope you'll join us for a splashing good time and some summer fun together!
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Christ In Our Home Devotionals
Christ in Our Home is a quarterly Christian devotional that brings you a daily message of God's amazing grace. Reflections and prayers are based on scripture readings from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings. Each day offers a Bible verse, a personal commentary or meditation, a suggested prayer concern, and a unique prayer.
Free devotionals for July-September available in the Narthex
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404 Ramp
The property committee has secured a contractor to install a ramp on the 404 building. Several members have already committed funds for the ramp. If you feel called to help with the ramp, you can make a gift to capital improvement. Feel free to reach out to Dennis Slocum or the property committee with questions (512-689-5141). Stay tuned for a ramp installation date!
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ELCA Youth Gathering 2027
Incoming 8th-12th graders are invited to an interest meeting for the ELCA National Youth Gathering on Sunday, August 16th after church in the fellowship hall. For questions contact Leslie Doty, 512-496-2004.
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Women’s Retreat 2026- "I am the Vine - you are the branches"
Event Timing: October 9-11, 2026
Event Address: Camp Chrysalis, Kerrville, Texas - 391 Upper Turtle Creek Road
Contact for info: 210-416-0210 or boossheri@gmail.com
The event begins on Friday, October 9 at 5:00. The registration fee covers all meals and programming. The event ends on Sunday, October 11 after brunch and worship.
This year's registration fee is $200.00. Please know you can break this up as needed. All we ask is that you bring the final payment to the retreat on Friday, October 9. We also ask that the first $100 be paid by August 16, 2026 to hold your spot as we must report our final numbers to camp. If there are special needs, please let us know. If you would like to attend on Saturday only, let us know and we can get you a price. We so look forward to having you and remember, friends are welcome! Please click the form below to register.
Women's Retreat 2026
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Children's Christian Education
All children's & youth Sunday school classes are on break for the summer and will resume in the fall.
Adult Bible Studies & Classes
All adult bible studies and Catechism classes are on break for the summer and will resume in the fall.
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Knot Perfect Quilters
"Those who sleep under a quilt, sleep under a blanket of love."
Knot Perfect Quilters will meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday at 3PM in the 502 building. Members will tie finished tops, match squares and design layouts to be sewn into tops. Members who sew will bring their machines and supplies to sew blocks and piece tops. Extra machines will be available for Knot Perfect friends to help beginners. Other members may lay out new quilt tops for sewing.
These quilts are sent to Lutheran World Relief to be distributed throughout the world where there is great need in times of hardship and disaster.
All are welcome.
Contact Barbara Sylvester.
Email: bnsylvester@twc.com Cell: 903-819-4004.
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Prayer Shawl Ministry
Prayer Shawl Ministry Learn to knit or crochet on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month in the church office meeting room at 1 PM.
For more information, contact Jane Bolgen, 512-413-7242.
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Feeding the 5,000
Join us every month on the 1st and 3rd Saturday morning from 9am to 12 Noon to help feed a free breakfast to the community. Volunteer opportunities are available for welcoming guests and spending time visiting with the community. To volunteer, Please use this link. Also, just a reminder that a Food Handler’s card is required to volunteer in the kitchen. Please direct any questions to Irene Hackbarth or Jackie McGary.
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HLC Music
Bell choir- If you are interested in playing in a bell quartet contact Frank Simon, 512-554-5741
Voice choir on break for the summer and will resume in the fall.
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Financial Status
The Financial Status of HLC as of the end of May 2026:
Total expenditures $101,057
Total income $100,327
Expenses over Income by $730
Operating Account Balance: As of the end of May we have $40,895 available for paying expenses. We also have $40,255 in a savings account available when needed for paying bills if our Operating Account gets low.
Vision Fund balance: $21,739.90 This is as of the first quarter of 2026.
Capital Improvement: Our balance available in the Operating Account is $10,286. This has grown from contributions for the planned Handicap Ramp for the Office Building. We also have $26,569 in a savings account available when needed for paying Capital Improvement expenses.
The Operating Account is very healthy. The Insurance will be coming due in the coming months. Part of the insurance was paid in May.
If you have any questions about our Financial Status, please contact Rodney Westphal.
Attendance
June 7- 65
June 14- 60
June 21- 67
June 28- 78
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Prayer List
Have a prayer request? Email the Office with a prayer request for you or someone you love. Requests will be left on the list for a month. Feel free to submit request again for continued prayers.
Patti Krueger, Jill Johnson's sister, Rosie McCrady, friend of Irene Hackbarth, Bill and Marley, son and daugther in law of Kate and John Radzyminski.John Schwertner, friend of Anne and Johnny Walker, Paul Downs, brother of Angela Romo, Deborah Cook, friend of Claudia Cook.
Barbie Johnson, Ken Tuck and Corey Vollette, Don Wiederhold, Angela Pompa, Sara Bovit, Darlene Rydell and Stephen Miers.
Seeking personal prayer?
If your need is private, and you don't want your name publicly posted in this eLink your request can be shared with HLC's confidential prayer team. In life's difficult times (we all have them), know that HLC is ready to lift you up in prayer.
Know someone who could use a prayer blanket?
Many thanks to our prayer shawl ministry team for blankets made for HLC congregation. Supplies for fleece tie prayer blankets available to make a blanket for anyone in the community in need of prayer. Email Pastor Amanda pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org to find out more.
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Worship Participants
Council Rep
Victoria Huerta
Altar Guild
Darlene Rydell and Becky Zimmerman
Cantor
Barbie Johnson
Lector
Lloyd Mattingly
Assisting Minister
Frank Simon
Communion Assistant
Frank Simon
Children's Message
Barbie Johnson
Altar Flowers
Irene Hackbarth
Worship Volunteers
We are the body of Christ, and everyone's gifts are important! We need your help.
Sign up to lead at the Hutto Lutheran Church.
If you want direction on leading let Pastor Amanda know and she can train you.
Greeter - Welcome members and guests, contact Darlene Rydell if you are interested, 512-269-8981.
Lector - Read the lessons for the day in worship.
Assisting Minister - One or two people to offer the prayers of intercession.
Communion Assistant - Assist with serving communion.
Altar Guild - Set up for and take down communion settings.
Thanksgiving moment - One person to share briefly (two or three minutes) something they are grateful for.
Altar Flowers provide flowers for both sides of the altar.
Feeding the 5,000 Volunteer sign up
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July Birthdays
2 Nancy Johnson
2 Tami Johnson
4 Emily Gartner
6 Cass Cavvitt
7 Jill Johnson
8 Dagny Rydell
10 Kim Russell
12 Ursula Rydell
12 Rey Segura
13 Barb Kinnaman
14 Karen Bryant
14 Robert Lykins
14 August Rydell
16 Glenda Mattingly
19 Pat Bruce
22 John Kaminski
26 Lauren Johnson
27 Keith Hunter
28 Beth Noren
30 Joel Ullrich
31 Christy Noren
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July Anniversaries
20 Chris & Brenda Graham
20 Lance & Catharena Rydell
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Office Info
Pastor Amanda is in Hutto Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays either at the church or out making visits. If you would like to visit with her and want to confirm she will be in the office or schedule a time you can reach her by phone 512-636-9784 or by email pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org.
Office Hours
Tuesday - Thursday
9 AM - 1 PM
or by appointment.
Contact info
Church phone: (512) 759-2064
Text: (512) 759-2064
Email: office@huttolutheranchurch.org
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