ShepherdScroll™ — The Digital Bulletin of The Shepherd Network™ LLC

A WEEKLY PUBLICATION OF THE SHEPHERD NETWORK LLC

Volume 1 • Issue 1

August 10–16, 2026

August 13, 2026

"Trusting God's Plan"

✝️FAITH
|
🕊️TRUTH
|
🌳LEGACY

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." — Psalm 119:105

✦ AN INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE ✦

T

From Tammy's He♥rt

A Vision for ShepherdScroll™

For some time, I have carried a desire to see The Shepherd Network™ offer something that feels familiar, welcoming, and meaningful—a place where the simple beauty of a traditional church bulletin could find new life in a digital world.

That desire has now become ShepherdScroll™.

My hope is that opening ShepherdScroll™ will feel a little like opening the bulletin at church: finding a favorite hymn, reading Scripture, seeing a prayer need, celebrating an answered prayer, discovering what is happening in our community, and perhaps finding just the right word of encouragement for the week ahead.

The hymns are especially close to my heart. Music has a wonderful way of carrying the truths of our faith beyond the words on a page. I hope ShepherdScroll™ becomes a place where treasured hymns can be read, heard, remembered, and shared with another generation.

Most of all, I pray this bulletin becomes more than something we publish. I hope it becomes something people look forward to opening—a quiet place during a busy week where faith is strengthened, prayers are shared, praises are celebrated, and hearts are reminded of God’s presence.

From an ancient scroll to a digital one, the way we share the message may change, but the truth we carry does not.

Welcome to ShepherdScroll™ I am so glad you are here

Tammy J. Cooper

Senior Executive Vice President

The Shepherd Network™ LLC

✦ OPENING HYMN OF THE WEEK ✦

A

Amazing Grace

Words: John Newton (1779)

Tune: New Britain (Early American melody)

Scripture Connection: Ephesians 2:8-9

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed! Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease; I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, Will be forever mine.

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Behind the Hymn

John Newton wrote this hymn in 1772 as a reflection on his own conversion. A former slave trader who experienced a profound spiritual transformation during a storm at sea, Newton became an Anglican clergyman and abolitionist. The hymn's simple but powerful words express the wonder of God's unmerited grace. The tune 'New Britain' became associated with the text in the early 19th century and has made it one of the most recognized hymns in the English-speaking world.

✦ MAIN DEVOTIONAL ✦

T

Trusting God's Plan

A Work of Divine Renewal

There are seasons in life when the path ahead seems unclear. We stand at the crossroads of decision, searching for direction, longing for assurance that we are walking in the right direction. In these moments, the Word of God offers us an anchor that holds firm against every doubt. The writer of Proverbs reminds us: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). This is not a call to blind faith, but to a confident trust rooted in the character of God Himself. He who created the heavens and the earth, who knows the number of stars and calls them each by name, is the same God who watches over your steps. His understanding is infinite; His love is unfailing; His plans for you are good. When we cannot see the road ahead, we can trust the One who has already walked it. When we cannot understand the circumstances, we can rest in the knowledge that our God is working all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Today, wherever you find yourself, let this truth settle deep within your heart: God's plan is perfect, His timing is right, and His love for you is without end. Trust Him. Follow Him. And watch as He makes your path straight. — Craig Cooper, The Shepherd Network

"Trusting God's Plan"

DID YOU KNOW?

Ephesians 2:8-9 — 'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.'

BEHIND THE HYMN

Amazing GraceJohn Newton wrote this hymn in 1772 as a reflection on his own conversion. A former slave trader who experienced a profound spiritual transformation during a storm at sea, Newton became an Anglican...

Read more →

FAITH IN EVERYDAY LIFE

There are seasons in life when the path ahead seems unclear. We stand at the crossroads of decision, searching for direction, longing for assurance that we are walking in the right direction. In these...

Read more →

✦ CLOSING HYMN OF THE WEEK ✦

I

It Is Well With My Soul

Words: Horatio G. Spafford (1873)

Tune: Ville du Havre (Philip P. Bliss (1876))

Scripture Connection: Psalm 46:1-2

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. (Refrain) It is well with my soul, It is well, it is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain) My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!— My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain) And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so—it is well with my soul. (Refrain)

Behind the Hymn

Horatio Spafford wrote this hymn in 1873 after a series of devastating personal tragedies. He had lost his son to scarlet fever, suffered financial ruin in the Great Chicago Fire, and then lost all four of his daughters in a shipwreck crossing the Atlantic. As his own ship passed near the spot where his daughters perished, he penned these words of profound faith and trust in God. Philip P. Bliss set the text to music in 1876, naming the tune 'Ville du Havre' after the vessel on which Spafford's children were lost.

✦ CLOSING BLESSING ✦

"The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."

— Numbers 6:24-26

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