January 12, 2024
Join us at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church this Sunday as we continue the celebration of Epiphany as we carry the light of Christ into the world.
SUNDAY WORSHIP
WORSHIP FOR JANUARY 14
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
During the Season of Epiphany the Lutheran liturgy of Now the Feast and Celebration by Marty Haugen will be sung at both worship services, recalling that Jesus’s birth has begun our celebration of new life in him!
BREAKFAST
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Activity Center
Come each Sunday morning and enjoy a hot breakfast with your faith family.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
The Bible is a book that never grows old as we gain new insight into its stories with each season of life. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL (Toddlers thru Grade 4)
9:40 a.m. | Family Ministry Center
Kids learn about Jesus and his unconditional love through stories, activities, and song! Contact Megan Getman.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
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.
NEXTGEN (Grades 5-8, 9-12)
6:00 p.m. | Activity Center
Come grow your uniquely Lutheran faith through laughter, Bible discussions, and goofy games. Contact Joel Timmons.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
6:00 p.m. | Solomon’s Porch
Parents are invited to stick around for a time of prayer, study, and community with other NextGen parents. Contact Pr. Lauren.
CHURCH 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.
QUILTING FOR LWR
Saturday, January 13
9:00 a.m. | Rm 205
Pick up a needle and sew for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary! Contact Linda Fiandacca.
YOGA
Every Tuesday
3:30 p.m. | Rm 203 + Zoom
Join certified instructor Richard Arndt to unwind, breathe deeply, and find solace in gentle movements.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY RESUMES
Wednesday, January 17
7:30 a.m. | Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Great reading, great discussion, TWO TIMES. Contact Pr. Lauren.
CONGREGATIONAL TRIPS IN 2024
Our church is excited to offer two great journeys in 2024:
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.
UPCOMING EVENTS
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. Help us get a head count for lunch by responding to the Evite sent to your primary email.
CAMP CHRYSALIS – REGISTRATION OPEN
June 30-July 5, 2024
Camp Chrysalis | Kerrville Texas
A week at Lutheran Camp Chrysalis is something everyone should experience! Activities like archery, swimming, hiking, pottery, and rope courses keep kids on the go and having fun while forming friendships and a Christian faith that will last a lifetime. 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. *If camperships are needed, please don’t hesitate to contact Joel Timmons. We never want cost to prohibit attendance.
DAY CAMP AT SHEPHILLS
July 21-26, 2024
Day Camp is summer fun (and parent sanity) for kids having completed kindergarten through 5th grade. Trained counselors from Camp Chrysalis lead the camp. Registration information will be ready soon!
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
MISSION SUPPORT
Each month ShepHills financially contributes to a different organization, designated by the Developing Missions Team, that is doing the work of Jesus in the world. These contributions are funded by your yearly giving and special offerings.
This month ShepHills is contributing $1000 to Gather : Austin, the Austin chapter of the Gather Network, a ministry of the ELCA. Gather : Austin connects young adults in our city, creating a space for them to join together in fellowship, worship, community, and discussion. Check out what they’re up to on Instagram, or ask Joel Timmons of the Developing Missions Team for more information.
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, Anita Knight, Dale Petersen, and Betty Lueders.
God of New Life, we give thanks for the birth (January 8, 2024) of Huck Alexander Dawson, son of Brian and Jessica, grandson of Bill and Sara, nephew of Doug and Sara. We pray for Huck to grow in faith, hope, and love throughout his life. Use us to surround Huck with your love.
We pray for Joan Byrne on the death of her father, Craig Johnson. Give peace and comfort to Joan, Clay, Chris, and all the family as they grieve this loss, and may the promise of resurrection be our hope.
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, our sister congregation in Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala, and the ministry of ILAG, the mission of Charis in Haiti, and 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.