Sunday, December 22
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Luke 1: 39-55 Celebrate with us on the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the final step in our journey to Christmas!
ADVENT BREAKFAST HOUR
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and a special treat of cinnamon rolls and a hot chocolate.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Join us every Sunday for a study of the Good Book. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL AND NEXTGEN
NextGen resumes Sunday, January 5 and Sunday’sCool resumes on Sunday, January 12. Same time, same place!
Jesus is Born!
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP (More at ShepHills.org/Christmas)
All services feature candlelight and Holy Communion. Come early to get a seat.
4:00 p.m. Courtyard (or Sanctuary if it rains) – Perfect for families. BRING A CHAIR!
6:00 p.m. Sanctuary + Livestream – Bells, choir, strings, and harp.
8:00 p.m. Sanctuary – Traditional Lutheran liturgy with strings, trumpet, and harp.
10:00 p.m. Courtyard (or Sanctuary if it rains) – Join us under the stars. BRING A CHAIR!
CHRISTMAS DAY ONLINE
Wednesday, Dec. 25
Cozy up in your jammies and watch the 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Livestream anytime at ShepHills.org/Watch.
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
This year’s offering supports Upbring, a change-making Lutheran organization whose mission is to create a world where all children are cherished. By giving today, or on Christmas Eve, 100% of your generosity will go to Upbring’s New Life Center in Canyon Lake and BeReal Program in Austin/San Marcos.
UPCOMING EVENTS
THE LONGEST NIGHT
Saturday, December 21
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
On the longest night of the year, you’re invited to this special service to remember that God meets us in our lament and holds us with tender care. It provides sacred space to share our anguish, cry out for God’s remembrance, and dare to hope—amid doubts, tears, and fears—that “God will set things right all over the earth.”
CHURCH OFFICE HOLIDAY CLOSURES
Monday, December 23 | Closing at Noon
Tuesday, December 24 | Closed (see you for Christmas Eve Worship)
Wednesday, December 25 | Closed
Thursday, December 26 | Closed
Tuesday, December 31 | Closing at Noon
Wednesday, January 1 | Closed
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES
There will be no studies on Wednesday, December 25, or January 1. We will resume on Wednesday, January 8.
WEIHNACHTSFEST GERMAN CHRISTMAS
Sunday, December 22
4:00 p.m. | St. Martins Lutheran Church + Livestream
Head downtown for a German language celebration with carols, readings, and festive music. The worship service is in German with English translation in the bulletin. The prelude begins at 3:30 p.m. Find more information here.
CHALKING THE CHURCH DOORS FOR EPIPHANY
Sunday, January 5
Following 8:15 a.m. + 10:45 a.m. Worship | Gathering Space
Join Pr. Ryan immediately following worship for the history of this rich tradition. Together, we’ll chalk the church doors for 2025 and provide chalk kits for you to take home, so you can bless your own doors.
PR. TIM ANDERSON – A BALM IN WICHITA FALLS
Sunday, January 5, 12, + 19
9:45 a.m. | Room 205
Join Pastor Tim Anderson to explore restorative justice, featuring biblical insights, personal narratives, and themes of revenge, forgiveness, and restoration from his new book There is a Balm in Wichita Falls. Copies of the books will be available for purchase.
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
Wishing You A Merry Christmas
May your days be merry, your sweaters be ugly, and your hearts be full of the hope of Christ’s birth! Merry Christmas from the ShepHills Staff
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
INSTALLATION AND RECEPTION FOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR RYAN DOCKERY
Sunday, January 26
3:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Mark your calendars to celebrate the installation of Pr. Ryan! Then, per ShepHills tradition, we’ll gather in the gym for a reception featuring delicious BBQ with all the fixins.
MARIPOSA SPREAD THE LOVE GALA
Thursday, February 20
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Vuka Event Space, 5540 N. Lamar Blvd.
Mariposa Family Learning Center invites you to an evening of impact and inspiration! Come for appetizers, drinks, an auction, prizes, and more. Registration information will follow. Contact Sheila Pharis.
UPBRING MAKE A DIFFERENCE GALA
Saturday, March 1
6:00 p.m. | Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center
Wear your boots and bling and turn out for this fundraising event for your chance to join Upbring in changing the course of children’s lives. Click here for sponsor information and to register online.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS
- The Enochs family, in memory of Jim and Lillian Enochs; and Roy and Kathy McAlister
- Mary Macaulay, in honor of her family, “all 16!”
- Linda Roesle, in memory of Laverna and Arthur Kalbow
- Connie Astrachan
- Mona Jones, in honor of Addison Ava Jones and Carter Anniston Jones
- Anne McDonald
- Don and Ruby Cadenhead
- Mark and Kathy Gerhardt, in honor of grandchildren Nicolette, Eloise, Alora, William, and Madelyn
- Sam and Brooke DeVaney, in memory of Helen DeVaney
- Betty Lueders, in memory of Tom Lueders
- Bill and Sara Dawson, in memory of Patricia Reed and Art Sunkel, parents of Sara Dawson; in memory of Janet and Lee Dawson, parents of Bill Dawson; and Gene Fens, sister of Bill Dawson
- Richard Lowke, in honor of Marilyn Lowke; Adrienne Lowke Stoinoff; Kyle Lowke; Wanda Lowke; Bob Lowke; and Joe Lowke
- George and Kissiah Carlson, in memory of Joyce Howell; Ann Andersen; George and Adelaide Carlson; Benton and Phyllis Howell; and Mikey and Phyllis Brickley
- Mike and Adelle Connors, in memory of Jason Wright; and Danny and Theresa Pampell
- Lindsay Walsh, in memory of Dr. John H. Walsh and Mr. Joseph H. Price
- Pam and Jeff Petrik, in memory of Vernon, Pearl, and Mitch Lee
- Cathy Thompson
- Larry and Sandy Wikelius, in honor of Carol Carlos; and Irvin and Bernette Wikelius
- Pr. Lauren and Dave Wegner, in thanksgiving for the people of God at Shepherd of the Hills
- Heather Martin, in honor of Rudy Martin and Vivian Danz
- Audrey Lunecki, in memory of John Perkunas
- Kitt and Glenn Richter, in honor of our children and grandchildren
- Pete and Amanda Forsberg, in honor of our mothers, Carol and DeeAnna
- DeeAnna Frounfelter, in honor of her family
- Judy and Bob Haugen, in loving memory of our parents
- David and Cindy Nelson, in memory of Sam and Minette Evans
- Jeff and Megan Johnson
- Jeri Porter
- Pam and Jeff Petterson, wishing all a Joyous Holiday!
- Dick and Donna Auby, in honor of grandchildren!
- Richard and Jan Burnight
- Anita S. Knight
- Jan Wilson, in honor of my daughters Jennifer, Erin, and Sarah
- Ethel Kunze, in celebration of Christmas everywhere
- Diane Peterson
GIVING
Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give financially and through serving.
END OF THE YEAR GIVING
End of the year giving is upon us! Learn about the different ways to give when considering your end-of-year tax and financial planning, including marketable securities and non-cash assets.
- Check envelopes must be postmarked by December 31, 2024, to be eligible for a 2024 tax deduction.
- Wires must be sent by December 31, 2024, to be eligible for a US 2024 tax deduction.
For assistance in arranging gifts to Shepherd of the Hills, please contact Hilary Russell, Finance Officer at controller@shephills.org or call the office – 512-327-3370. Please consult your financial and tax professionals for further information and any financial or tax advice. The above opportunities are only to suggest some possible alternatives and do not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.
PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving has never been easier because you can do it all online! Questions? Contact Finance Officer Hilary Russell for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
All sizes of diapers are needed and we continue to covet (in a good way) donations of peanut butter, dried beans, and canned goods. Bring your donations to the bins on weekdays from 9am-4pm, Saturdays from 9-11am, and Sunday mornings.
VOLUNTEER AT BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Volunteers are welcome to help with setup and food distribution at the Bread for All Food Pantry. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals and groups of all ages. For more information on descriptions, times, and locations, please visit the calendar or contact Weldon Allison.
MARIPOSA YEAR-END GIVING
After reaching our original $75,000 goal, an additional $35,000 match has been pledged to help us close out the year strong! Learn more about how your donation will help, and please double your impact and donate today!
DEAR GOD
In need of prayer? Please email the church at Sheep@ShepHills.org to be put on the prayer list.
If you have an emergency and need a pastor, please call (512) 222-3831. One of our pastors will always be on-call and available to you.
We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; Lydia Perkunas; and Dana Dertien.
We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Emma Katherine Phillips, sister of Hilary Russell; Linda Maidment Meyers, daughter of Helen and David Maidment; James Dunn Russell, Sr., grandfather of Hilary Russell; Winnie and Brad Nelson, sister and nephew of Mary Macaulay; Taylor Schobey, daughter of Deanna Schobey; and Steph and Gina Geller and family, friends of Dee Jackson.
God of love, we give you thanks for the marriage of John Turman and Danny Ramirez. Bless their life together, as they witness to your love and faithfulness.
O God, we thank you for our ministry partnerships, both local and global. We lift up ILAG in Guatemala, especially our sister congregation in Aurora, and Charis ministry in Haiti. We also pray for the ministries of Upbring, especially New Life and BeReal. Bless our mission together in sharing your love with all people.
God, we give you thanks for the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life. We commend them to your never-ending love as we trust in the promise of resurrection life in Christ.
Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? A Stephen Minister can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road. Contact Alana Oehler with inquiries about this confidential ministry.
*Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks unless we are notified otherwise.