I'M NEW
SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS
a compassionate, welcoming community
We want to personally welcome you to the hope and joy of life at Shepherd of the Hills. Here is a community filled with people who delight in being together, worshiping together, and growing together, all in the name of the one who brings us together—Jesus Christ. Shepherd of the Hills makes connections with people from all over the Austin-area region, as well as a growing online community from across the country. People come to ask deep questions. To discover new depths of meaning and experience God’s presence. We call this living in faith.
Are you looking for a place to center your spiritual life? A place to belong? People to grow alongside and make a difference in the world? Friendships that could change your life? We invite you to explore Shepherd – where we rely on the greatest gifts ever handed out: faith, hope, and love. It is such a blessing to work alongside a remarkably talented staff. And you will be hard-pressed to find a more generous church community, impacting ministry partnerships locally and globally. Our Butterfly Christian Pre-School is one of the most outstanding Early Learning Childhood Centers in the Austin-area.
Shepherd of the Hills seeks to live out its core value of welcome to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, race, language, or creed. We believe all are God’s children loved and saved by God’s grace. We’re glad you landed here! Check out our web site and dive into all that God offers through this unique and vibrant place. Come connect with our community of imperfect people who are saved by the grace and love of Jesus Christ!
We believe your life will be changed because of it. And ours will be, too.
We can’t wait to meet you!
- Pastor Tom & Pastor Lauren
OUR VALUES
LOVE
GROW
SERVE
WHAT TO EXPECT
WELCOME
When you walk onto our picturesque campus, you’ll immediately feel the serene and peaceful Spirit of God welcoming you here. The canopy of trees and gentle windchimes remind us that God is present in creation, and we are blessed to be part of it. You'll be welcomed into a friendly and casual environment by people who are genuinely excited to see you! Here, you are free to BE who you are, and you’re invited to participate as you feel comfortable or simply sit back and soak in the worship, prayer, and songs that tell of God’s love for you.
WORSHIP DURING COVID
Our policy for structuring gatherings during this pandemic is to follow CDC and Travis County guidelines. Both of these agencies currently recommend unvaccinated persons wear masks indoors in public areas. We endeavor to provide a safe environment in which to gather and hope that you will join us.
On Sundays, we gather in the Sanctuary at 8:15am and 10:45am for in-person worship, and virtually via Livestream at 10:45am. We also have an outdoor Contemporary Worship at 5:30pm every Saturday in our Courtyard. It is the Holy Spirit that gathers us as a “church without walls” whether in the sanctuary or outside in God's creation.
How Long is Worship?
Sunday worship is about 60 minutes and Saturday worship is about 45 minutes. It all depends on what the Holy Spirit has in store!
Which Worship Is For Me?
Our Sunday worship services are more traditional in nature, with a liturgy (i.e. how worship flows) similar to most protestant churches. We also hold a contemporary service every Saturday in the Courtyard that is purposefully casual, seeking connection with God through music and prayer. And young families enjoy a mix of learning, worship, and contagious smiles every Sunday in the courtyard at 9:45am. Visit us, and get a feel for how we praise God!
What About Kids?
We love kids in worship with us—no matter how wiggly or giggly they are! Bring them along to our family-friendly church service. Both the children’s Pray-Ground in our sanctuary (a space for children to gather and feel a bit more freedom to wiggle) and our professionally staffed nursery will return when it is safe. During COVID, we offer "High Five," special family worship in the courtyard at 9:45am every Sunday.
What Is The Music Like?
We celebrate variety in our music! Our church services are vibrant and modern, but not noisy. We enjoy live music and singing as part of our worship & praise to God. We love hearing the organ play traditional hymns as well as our contemporary worship music with guitars and drums.
What About Parking?
There is ample parking available. Accessible parking and building entrances are located on the west side of the Courtyard and in the rear parking lot.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
Shepherd of the Hills is part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), a group of Lutheran congregations across the country that seeks to live out the Gospel of Jesus through the particularly Lutheran lens. You can learn more about the ELCA here. Through the ELCA, we work with our local Southwestern Texas Synod churches to share the love of Jesus with those around us, and we partner with the Lutheran World Federation to change lives throughout the world.
· God created and continues to re-create us and the whole world.
· Jesus Christ is God’s Word made flesh, God-with-us, who died for the sins of the world and who was raised victorious over sin, death, and the grave.
· Because of Jesus, we are raised from death and gifted with eternal life.
· This amazing Good News of Jesus changes our lives and the world, and we are called to share it!
· God's Holy Spirit is ever-moving and ever-shaping us, inspiring us, and surprising us.
· God is always calling us to look beyond ourselves and reach out to our community and the world.
· God comes to us in the tangible gifts of water, bread, and wine, and the spiritual gifts offered through Baptism and Holy Communion.
· All are welcome here, and fully embraced as children of the God who loves us!
· We are wrapped up in that Love, even when we don't expect it or don't even believe it can be true.
· God is Love.
WORSHIP TIMES
Saturday @ 5:30pm
Contemporary Courtyard Worship
Bring a chair for this informal, music-filled worship in the Courtyard
Sunday @ 8:15am
Sanctuary Worship
Find community and experience the beauty of our Sanctuary with this traditional worship service
Sundays @ 9:45am
High Five for Families
A mix of learning and worship in the Courtyard for young families
Sundays @ 10:45am
Sanctuary Worship + Livestream Worship
Join us in-person or online
MINISTRY LEADERSHIP
PR. Tom Grevlos
Pastor
Experienced Pastor but always Learning Something New! Loves God, Loves Family, Loves People of all Ages, Loves the Challenge of being a Pastor-Leader, and Loves the Imperfect Church! Optimistic, Hopeful, Laughter, Caring, Visioning, Open, and Creative!
Favorite part of the job? Being informed by the always relevant Living Word of God in my reaching, teaching, preaching, and leading. Seeing lives changed and impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit!
Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner
Pastor
Pastor Lauren loves Jesus and loves people, so for her, there's nothing better than being a pastor! She loves to hear people's stories and experiences of God in their lives. A native Texan, Pastor Lauren has also served wonderful congregations in North Carolina and Chicago. She's thrilled to be settled in Austin with her family – husband Dave, and children, Owen and Caroline. In her free time, PL writes about faith, life, and motherhood, and you might find her with her guitar writing a new song to share with the community.
Favorite part of the job? Equipping God's people to practice and share faith in our daily lives!
Joel Timmons
Youth Director
Joel is a seminary student in Austin seeking ordination in the ELCA, so walking alongside youth and wrestling with questions about faith in their lives is incredibly gratifying work. Outside of his work and studies, you can find Joel out paddle boarding on Town Lake or playing cards with his friends.
Favorite part of the job? Building relationships with youth, whether it's during a Youth Group Bible study or sitting around a campfire on a retreat!