FALL 2024
Fall Into Faith
This fall we gather at ShepHills to embrace the richness of our faith and the anticipation of Advent. Whether in prayer, reflection, or fellowship, join us as we walk together through this sacred time, guided by the promise of light and grace.
Fall Events for 2024
Check the calendar for a full list of events this fall!
PET BLESSING
Sunday, October 13
5:15pm | Back Patio of Gym
Whether they bark, purr, chirp, or slither, all pets on a leash or in a carrier are welcome (as are you!) for a simple blessing and prayer for their well-being and happiness.
REFORMATION & INTENTION SUNDAY
Sunday, October 27
8:15 + 10:45am Worship
10:45am Livestream
It's a giant family reunion with your faith family all dressed in red (talk about unity!), celebrating our shared heritage and God's blessings. Listen to the UT Trombone Choir blare out your favorite hymns, and fill out an Intention Card (an indicaton of your intended gifts) to support our missions and ministries in the year ahead!
REFORMATION BREAKFAST AND SERVICE PROJECT
Sunday, October 27
9:15am | Activity Center
Come for a hearty breakfast of homemade casseroles and help us assemble 200 Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. Kits will be to send to victims of natural disasters and economic and political hardships.
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY & 10:45AM CONFIRMATION
Sunday, November 3
8:15 + 10:45am Worship
10:45am Livestream
This Sunday we learn what it means to grow in faith as we all say "yes" to God's promise of unconditional grace and the forgiving power of the risen Christ. Join us for Pr. Ryan's first Sunday as our new Associate Pastor!
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, November 3
4:00pm | Memorial Garden
As we gather in the sacred space of the Memorial Garden, we will acknowledge the holy gift of our loved ones, and give thanks for God’s promise of eternal life. This service is especially for those who have experienced the death of a loved one in recent years. A light meal will follow in the Gym.
PRAYERS FOR OUR NATION
Monday, November 4
Election Eve
7:00pm | Sanctury + Livestream
All are welcome as we pray for a peaceful path forward on the eve of the presidential election. This is a time to come together as a community to recognize both our shared values and the beauty of our differences, lifting up our hopes for a future built on understanding.
LEGACY GIVING SEMINAR
Sunday, November 10
9:45am | Room 205
Discover how your generosity can continue to make a difference beyond your lifetime. Join Signe Fredrickson, Gift Planner with Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest, for an insightful discussion on legacy giving.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, November 17
Noon | Gym
Come cast your vote in the election of new and returning council members. Lunch provided!
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP
Wednesday, November 27
7:00pm | Sanctuary + Livestream
Join us in person or livestream as we thank God for abundant blessings.
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS
Gathering Space
Carve out time for God amidst the busyness of the holidays with daily devotions. We have three this year: Rejoice in Hope (for families) by Jonathan Sullivan, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Henri Nouwen, and The Word Made Flesh by Jacob Torbeck. A limited number of Advent devotionals will be available on a first come first serve basis after Thanksgiving.
SUNDAYS IN ADVENT
December 1, 8, 15, and 22
8:15 + 10:45am Worship
10:45am Livestream
Come gather in the stillness of morning to light the advent candles and worship with us, providing space to slow our frenzied lives and make room for the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus.
ADVENT MID-WEEK WORSHIP
Wednesdays December 4, 11, 18
6:00pm | Sweet treats
6:30pm | Holden Evening Prayer
In the Courtyard (Inclement weather location: Butterfly Center)
In the early evening glow of the courtyard, lit by twinkling Christmas lights, join us for a peaceful midweek worship centered on the Holden Evening Prayer. This brief service offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and focus on the hope Christ's birth brings, surrounded by the warmth and beauty of the season.
ADVENT FAMILY RETREAT
December 6 - 8
Camp Chrysalis
The Advent Retreat is a favorite tradition for ShepHills families. It’s a weekend retreat in the hill country packed with meaningful and fun family time as you prepare for the Christmas season with Bible study, worship, crafts, and camp activities including decorating your own family gingerbread house. Registration opens every March, so keep a look out and join us next year!
LONGEST NIGHT WORSHIP
Saturday, December 21
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
During this special service, held on the longest night of the year when there are more hours of darkness than light, we remember that God joins us in our lament and holds us in tender care. This service offers space to share anguish, to plead with God to remember us, to pray for justice and restoration, even to hope against hope, through our doubts and tears and fears, that “God will set things right all over the earth.”
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP
Tuesday, December 24
4pm | Courtyard
6, 8, 10pm | Sanctuary
6pm | Livestream
Join us on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ. Whether outdoors in the courtyard under the canopy of trees or in our beautifully decorated sanctuary, each service features beautiful music, candlelight, and Holy Communion.