Sunday, JANUARY 12
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 Jesus’ baptism is our gift of being named and claimed by God! Enjoy the music of the Vibetet at both worship services and join us at 10:45 as we welcome Rhea Ruth Melendez, child of Rachel Graham and Richard Melendez III, as a new member of God’s family.
Altar flower arrangements are given by Brian and Jennifer Graham, and Rich and Veronica Melendez, in celebration of the baptism of their granddaughter Rhea.
BREAKFAST HOUR
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Come nourish both body and soul this Sunday! As a special bonus, Pastor Lauren will introduce us to star words—what they are, how to use them—and everyone will have the chance to choose one from the star word tree. Give here to support our breakfast ministry.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Join us every Sunday for a study of the Good Book. This week we begin our study of Hebrews. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
PR. TIM ANDERSON – A BALM IN WICHITA FALLS
9:45 a.m. | Room 205
Pastor Tim Anderson is here for the second of three sessions to discuss and explore themes from his new book A Balm in Wichita Falls. This Sunday’s session will look at forgiveness. Refer to Upcoming Events below for more information.
SUNDAY’sCOOL
9:40 a.m. | Family Ministry Center
PreK through Grade 4 are invited to join the group upstairs in the Family Ministry rooms. We begin the morning with Music with Kevin in Room 203 and then gather for stories, crafts, and games to learn about God’s everlasting love. Contact Megan Getman.
GRIEF GROUP
12:00 p.m. | Room 205
This group provides a safe, compassionate space for those mourning the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or experiencing a life change. Whether your loss is recent or some time has passed, you are welcome here. Light lunch served. Contact Amanda Forsberg.
NEXTGEN (Grades 9-12)
4:45 p.m. | Austin’s Pizza
High school youth meet for Bible Study down the street at Austin’s Pizza and are welcome to join grades 5-8 for games at the church at 6pm. Contact Joel Timmons.
NEXTGEN (Grades 5-8)
6:00 p.m. | Gym
Games, friends, and a quick Bible Study make for a great start to the week. Contact Joel Timmons.
LIVESTREAM
A Note to Our Livestream Viewers
We’re excited to share that we’re making some important upgrades to our audio/visual infrastructure and control processes to better serve our church community. While we don’t anticipate any major issues, these changes may temporarily impact the quality of our livestream over the coming weeks.
We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work to improve your viewing experience. Thank you for being part of our church family, and for your understanding during this transition!
Blessings,
Dave Wegner, Digital Media & IT
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
TOM FELGER
This Saturday, January 11
11:00 a.m. | Sanctuary
Please join family and friends as we gather in gratitude and joy to give thanks for the life and witness of Tom Felger, with a reception immediately following in the gym. For those unable to attend in person, the service can be viewed online using this link. Please keep his wife Ruth, daughters Michelle and Lisa, the Dogales, and all of Tom’s family in your prayers.
Gifts in memory of Tom will support the ministries of Austin City Lutherans and can be made online or by check. Please note Felger Memorial in the memo line.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Jan. 5, Session 1: Vengeance and Retribution – Purpose and Limits
Jan. 12, Session 2: Forgiveness – Two Kinds, and Don’t Forget It
Jan. 19, Session 3: Restoration – What Is and Isn’t Possible?
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES
7:30 a.m. | Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Join us in lively and thought-provoking discussions on the weekly scriptures. Choose the time and place that works for you. Contact Pr. Ryan.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, January 16
1:00 p.m. | Library + Zoom
If you care for someone in person or from a distance (child, spouse, parent, friend), please join us and connect with other caregivers. We will acknowledge our challenges and joys, and share practical tips from experiences. Contact Sandy Smith or call 512-569-6453.
SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH YOUNG’UNS
Saturday, January 18
9:00 a.m. | Butterfly Center
Here’s a chance to meet up and connect with other families with young children. We’ll provide plenty of age-appropriate toys to keep their busy bodies happy and coffee for the adults. Come bond and grow together! Contact Megan Getman with questions.
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
FAITH IN ACTION
TEXAS UNITED WOMEN IN FAITH
38th Annual Texas Legislative Event
Texas United Women in Faith invites all women who are committed to justice, freedom, and opportunity for all people, especially women and children. Presented in partnership with Texas Impact, the event includes two days of speakers, inspiration, workshops, and legislative visits at the Texas Capitol. Register here.
REBECCA GUENGERICH, SOUTHWEST TEXAS SYNOD
Invitation to Grow Your Faith Online
Rebecca Guengerich, an active leader in our congregation, is the Chair of the Southwest Texas Synod Leadership Team. On behalf of the Synod, she’s inviting you to join a special online course, Taste and See: Connecting with God Through Spiritual Practices, which she will co-lead with Becky Rische. The course begins Monday, January 20 at 7pm. Click here to register and join Rebecca for this six-week experience that will grow your faith and leadership!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
INSTALLATION OF ASSOCIATE PASTOR RYAN DOCKERY
Sunday, January 26
3:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Mark your calendars to return to church in the afternoon to celebrate the installation of Pr. Ryan! Then, per ShepHills tradition, we’ll gather in the gym for a party featuring a BBQ dinner with all the fixin’s.
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, prizes, an auction, 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.
GIVING
Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness!
INTENTIONS (PLEDGES), GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
January is here and you can start giving toward your 2025 Intention (and more!). The easiest and safest way is to set up recurring giving in Realm. Click here for helpful instructions or contact Finance Officer Hilary Russell. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
GATHER:AUSTIN
Our Generosity Moment this week highlights Gather:Austin, an ELCA ministry connecting young adults through fellowship, worship, community, and discussion. Click here to give in support of this ministry, and contact Joel Timmons for more info, especially if you are interested in joining!
LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE (LDR)
Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with the Southwest California Synod and Pacifica Synod to assess the needs of people impacted by the LA wildfires. Give now to to help address immediate needs and long-term recovery.
DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
In 2024, ShepHills donated 16,517 lbs of food! Thanks to everyone for their support and participation in this vital ministry.
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.
PRAYERS
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; Yolanda Heine; and Tobias Hartmann.
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; Winnie and Brad Nelson, sister and nephew of Mary Macaulay; Taylor Schobey, daughter of Deanna Schobey; Steph and Gina Geller and family, friends of Dee Jackson; Kyle Lowke, son of Richard Lowke; unborn son of Jason and Celeste Powell, grandson of Ted and Corky Powell; and Melody Davis, daughter of Arlene Morris
God of love, we give you thanks for the marriage of Bril Flint and Kelli Trussell. Bless their life together, as they witness to your love and faithfulness.
God, we give you thanks for the baptism of Rhea Ruth Melendez, daughter of Rachel Graham & Richard Melendez III. As you have planted the seed of faith in Rhea’s heart, use us as teachers and witnesses of your love as she grows.
O God, we thank you for our ministry partnerships, both local and global. We lift up Gather: Austin and their ministry with young adults. Bless our mission together in sharing your love with all people.
God, we pray for those who are traveling to Camp Lutherhill for the Mother-Daughter Retreat next weekend. Bless their time in your creation, and strengthen their relationships with you and with each other.
Gracious God, we pray for all those affected by the devastating wildfires in California. Sustain all who have lost property and life, and comfort them with your presence. We also pray for the victims and witnesses of the tragedy in New Orleans on New Year’s. Comfort those who are grieving. Bring healing to those who are injured.
God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life. We commend them to your everlasting love as we trust in the promise of resurrection 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.