January 5, 2024
Saturday is Epiphany! Chalk your front door with a blessing and get your star word for the year at church this Sunday.
JOIN US!
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
This Sunday we celebrate the Baptism of Jesus and share in the wonderful expression of faith and new beginnings as we baptize Penn Leinenkugel Ritter and Rooney Bee Ritter, son and daughter of Lexi and Jake Ritter, at the 10:45 a.m. service.
BREAKFAST
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Activity Center
Come enjoy a hot breakfast and the company of friends.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
The Bible is a book that never grows old. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL (Toddlers thru Grade 4)
9:40 a.m. | Family Ministry Center
Join us for learning about Jesus and singing with Kevin! Contact Megan Getman.
INFORMATIONAL MEETING ON CONGREGATIONAL TRIPS IN 2024
12:15 p.m. | Butterfly Center, Flex 1 and Zoom
ShepHills is excited to offer two great journeys in 2024 to European holy lands:
Ireland, May 21-31 Enjoy a full itinerary of destinations in this beautiful country as we share insights into the down-to-earth spirituality of Celtic Christians.
Rhine River Cruise, Oct. 24-Nov. 3 Explore the region with local tours and learn about Medival Mystics while traveling through lands they once walked.
The deadline for committing to either (or both) trips is January 28th. If you have questions please do not hesitate to contact Amanda at Amanda@shephills.org or Tom Grevlos at revgrev86@gmail.com.
NEXTGEN (Grades 5-8, 9-12)
6:00 p.m. | Activity Center
Come grow your faith through laughter, Bible discussions, and goofy games. Contact Joel Timmons.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
6:00 p.m. | Solomon’s Porch
Stick around for a time of prayer, study, and community with other NextGen parents. Contact Pr. Lauren.
EVENTS
Find in-depth descriptions on the website calendar at ShepHills.org/Events.
PRAYER SHAWL
Every Sunday
5:00 p.m. | Library
This fantastic group of people will gladly teach you to crochet the prayer shawls given at Baptisms and to those in need of comfort and prayer. Already know how? That works too! Contact Sharon Collins.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
Wednesday, January 10
7:30 a.m. | Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Great reading, great discussion, TWO TIMES. Contact Pr. Lauren.
QUILTING FOR LWR
Wednesday, January 10
1:00 p.m. | Rm 205
Saturday, January 13
9:00 a.m. | Rm 205
Pick up a needle for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary! Contact Linda Fiandacca.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Sunday, January 14
12:00 p.m. | Rm 205
The Care Team and Stephen Ministers invite you to gather for lunch to meet and share with others who are experiencing grief or loss. RSVP Rebecca Guengerich.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR WALTER DEBILL
Sunday, January 21
2:00 p.m. | DeBill Residence, 1110 Shiloh St., Cedar Park, TX 78613
A memorial service for Walt DeBill, husband of Stacia DeBill, will be held at their new home. All are invited to bring a memory to share at the gathering after.
INSTALLATION OF PR. LAUREN DOW WEGNER
Sunday, January 28
One Worship | 10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream | Lunch to follow
EVERYONE is joyously invited to the installation of Pastor Lauren Dow Wegner as Senior Pastor. PL will preach and Bishop Sue Briner of the Southwestern Texas Synod will lead the installation rite during this special worship. A celebratory lunch will follow in the Activity Center.
CAMP CHRYSALIS – REGISTRATION OPEN
June 30-July 5, 2024
We’re planning to go for Week 4, which is June 30 – July 5. Registration is open and parents will need to register their campers by going to the Camp CrossTrails website and scrolling to “Individual Registration” for the correct information. Here’s what you need to know:
Youngns: Completed grades 1-3
Explorers: Completed grades 2-3
Yearlings: Completed grades 4-6
Adventurers: Completed grades 6-8
Extreme Adventurers: Completed grades 6-8
For High School students interested in the LYLE Program, the options are:
Week 1 (June 9-14), Week 3 (June 23-28), Week 5 (July 7-12)
*If camperships are needed, please don’t hesitate to contact Joel Timmons. We never want cost to prohibit attendance.
WAYS TO GIVE
In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
CHRISTMAS GIVING
What a joy it was to worship together on Christmas Eve! Over 700 people joined us to celebrate the birth of Christ, and just under $12,500 was given to support the Upbring ministries of New Life and BeReal. We extend special thanks to each of you for inviting friends, volunteering to help with worship, sharing your musical talents, and exchanging smiles and hugs aplenty. Thanks be to God for you!
PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Giving online is a great way to stay current with your pledge or set up a recurring gift. Questions? Contact Finance Controller Kevin Marlow for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
VOLUNTEERING
Whether you are interested in serving locally, being part of a global mission, or volunteering to help in a variety of ways on Sundays, we have a place for you!
PRAYERS
In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for Rodney Varner, Betty Lueders, and Dale Petersen.
We pray for Will Johnson and his family on the death of his mother, Becky Johnson. May the hope and promise of resurrection bring comfort and peace to all who mourn.
We pray in celebration of the baptism of Penn Leinenkugel and Rooney Bee Ritter, son and daughter of Lexi and Jake Ritter.
God of Unity, we thank you for the many different people and perspectives that fill your world and our lives each day. We pray that our church may continue to live out true inclusion of all people, and that the welcoming love of Jesus may always be our message. As the root of conflict is so often misunderstanding and judgment of others, may we be instruments of your peace as you open our minds and hearts to see every person as your beloved.
Holy God, as war has once again broken out in the Holy Land, we lift to you prayers for peace and resolution to this age-old conflict among your people. Draw near to the victims, and inspire leaders to seek your will and your guidance.
Almighty God, you inspire and equip us to serve your people, both here in our community and around the world. We thank you for our mission partners of Austin City Lutherans and the ministries of Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread for All, and Upbring Ministries. We thank you for our sister congregation in Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala, and the ministry of ILAG. We thank you for the mission of Charis in Haiti. We thank you for our Butterfly Christian Preschool and the many young minds and hearts that are formed in faith here. May we be your hands and feet!
Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? Contact Rebecca Guengerich to find (or learn more about) a Stephen Minister who can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road.
*Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks unless we are notified otherwise.