Our hearts and prayers are with parents and children as we prepare for the start of a new school year. In today’s Sunday spotlight, I talk about a prayer from our tradition that beautifully describes our hopes for our children. Please join us for the blessing of the backpacks this Sunday. There’s more information below about a special 9:30 a.m. outdoor Sunday service.  I look forward to worshipping with you online and in person this Sunday.

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS 9:30 AM OUTDOOR SERVICE | THE COMMON, WINDSOR 10:30 AM SERVICES | ONLINE, WINDSOR AND WOODLAND This Sunday, August 15, we are excited to gather on The Common in the cool of the morning at 9:30 a.m. for a special outdoor worship service to bless backpacks as we prepare for the beginning of school. Dress comfortably and don't forget your backpack! We will have chairs and blankets, and you're welcome to bring your own. We will also bless students during our 10:30 a.m. services on August 15, including our online service.  Immediately following the 9:30 a.m. service and 10:30 a.m. services on both campuses we need your help to fill 200 backpacks for our neighbors in Austin. Thank you for fulfilling the needs of so many children with the generous donations of school supplies!

PANDEMIC PROCEDURES Masks are welcome at all parish services and events, and we strongly encourage wearing masks when indoors. Masks are required for those who are not fully vaccinated and for those who are participating in our Sunday liturgies (clergy, choir members, other liturgical participants). Our goal is to create a climate where people feel comfortable and safe worshipping and to keep from contributing to the spread of Covid-19.    We ask your prayers for all of those in our community affected by the ongoing pandemic and for those who are caring for them.

LONO'S SOUTHERN COOKING FOOD TRUCK SATURDAY, AUGUST 14 | GOOD SHEPHERD FARMERS MARKET For all you Holiday House burger fans, have we got some exciting news for you!! Lono's Southern Cooking & Keto Cuisine food truck will be at the Good Shepherd Farmers Market THIS Saturday, August 14 with their famous Holiday House flame-kissed hamburgers, fries & onion rings. Swing by and grab a burger and other goodies from our vendors! Market is open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Receive weekly updates from the Good Shepherd Farmers Market by sending us an email.

ONE BOOK ONE PARISH The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker “Gatherings crackle and flourish when real thought goes into them, when (often invisible) structure is baked into them, and when a host has the curiosity, willingness, and generosity of spirit to try.” ― Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering: Create Transformative Meetings, Events and Experiences We look forward to REgathering this fall with the hope that all we have learned over the course of the past several months will influence how we gather in the coming months. We will lean on Parker's research and experience to help us build community with the new perspectives and curiosity we have gained. Order your copy here and stay tuned to join the discussion!

OUTREACH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Opportunity of the Week: Mobile Loaves and Fishes Make Ready and Truck Run: We need YOUR help to feed our homeless neighbors this coming Wednesday, August 19th. Volunteers of all ages can help to make sandwiches and pass out food to those who most need it. Gather your family or invite a friend to share this experience with you. Please sign up here. Upcoming Opportunities: Community First Village: Last Friday several Good Shepherd volunteers gathered at Community First Village to prepare a home for a homeless neighbor in Austin. Watch this video to share the experience! Save the date for our next make-ready on Friday, September 3rd. Sign up here to get involved. After your experience please reach out to Aimee Bostwick to share your story of service.

SAVE THE DATE! Sunday, September 12 Formation REstart Episcopal 101 Rite 13 Communion Instruction Coffee Hour Conversations Wednesday, September 15 Wednesdays on Windsor Dinners begin Saturday, October 23 Celebration of New Ministry and Formal Installation of the Rev. Channing Smith

MORE WAYS TO CONNECT For information on all of the ways you can worship with us, take part in formation and serve others, please click here.