April 29, 2024
This Sunday, we reflect on Jesus as the vine. Join us for nourishment and community in Christ.
SUNDAY, APRIL 28
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Gospel Reading…John 15:1-8 This Sunday, we reflect on Jesus as the vine to which we cling for nourishment, strength, and life! We will recognize and give thanks for the ministry of Rebecca Guengerich as she departs our staff team and enters retirement. Join us for worship and community in Christ.
In need of special prayer? Stephen Ministers are available each Sunday during communion for individuals in need of personal prayer.
BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Make your morning hassle-free and enjoy this chance to socialize, catch up with friends, and make new connections. Support this hospitality ministry and give online by selecting the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
The Bible is a book that never grows old. This week we’ll discuss more of 2 Samuel. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL (Toddlers thru Grade 4)
9:40 a.m. | Family Ministry Center
Meet us upstairs! Contact Megan Getman.
NEXTGEN (Grades 5-8, 9-12)
6:00 p.m. | Gym
Grow your uniquely Lutheran faith through laughter, Bible discussions, and goofy games. Contact Joel Timmons.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
6:00 p.m. | Room 205
The group continues to discuss the joys and challenges of parenting teens and pre-teens. Join us for supportive conversation! Contact Pr. Lauren.
CALENDAR
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, May 1
7:30 a.m. | on Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Pastor-led studies of the Good Book. Contact Pr. Lauren.
DAY CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN
July 22 – 26
8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Shepherd of the Hills
Join us at Day Camp, where the fun never stops and every day is an adventure with Jesus! Staff from Chrysalis Camp will be here to facilitate, so invite your friends and neighbors. The whole week costs $150, but if the cost is a barrier, please talk to Megan Getman, Coordinator of Children’s Ministry. Registration deadline is May 10th. There are only 13 spaces left, so register your kids today!
FAMILIES WITH YOUNG KIDS GATHERING
Saturday, May 4
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 am. | 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.
MAY FLOWERS AND MORE
May is all about Mariposa. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on the Mariposa May Flowers online fundraising campaign, Austin City Lutheran’s Garden Party, and Butterfly Christian Preschool’s Sip and Support Event – all benefiting Mariposa! Plus, join us on Sundays throughout May for plenty of opportunities to learn about and contribute to this wonderful ministry.
SNAPSHOTS
WOMEN’S RETREAT
On April 13, over 50 women gathered for Roots of Grace: Our Connections to God’s Earth, a day-long outdoor retreat held at the Plant in Kyle. The theme was built around the bestselling book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer (it’s a must-read!), with a reflection led by Pr. Lauren on the gifts and lessons of God’s creation. From stepping out of our comfort zones to heartfelt discussions on caring for the earth, each moment enriched us and strengthened our bonds, a testament to the beauty of connection and the grace of God’s earth.
It was so empowering to be surrounded by strong, faithful women who wanted to share their emotions about God’s beauty. It was a blessing to have attended and build stronger connections with everyone! – Jessica Borne
I felt the spirit ~thank you, Lord! I often meditate on Psalm 23. I love and trust how we are made, led, and guided to be joyful in the creation God has provided for us. I felt his rod and staff in the hands and shoulders of those who helped and supported me on the path to the grotto. The goodness, love, and mercy offered to us through conversations and worship were felt in our rooted connections to God, nature, and each other. – Nancy Etzler
EARTH DAY WATCH PARTY OF THE LETTER
On April 14, The Caring for God’s Creation team sponsored the viewing of the film “The Letter.” The film told the stories of people (the young, indigenous, and poor, as well as scientists) who met with the Pope in Rome to discuss dealing with and working with the devastating effects of climate change in their communities around the world. We encourage you to watch the film and explore the website and find ways to care for creation in your own lives. – Caring for God’s Creation Team
Church members were joined by a St. Edward’s Professor of Sustainability, reps from the Sierra Club, and CCL (Citizens Climate Lobby). Here is what the team heard from people who viewed the film:
I loved that the Pope brought attention to the issue of the environment. He reminded us that our hearts need to be transformed in addition to finding scientific solutions. I often deal with the facts. Yet the personal stories remind me why I am doing this! That changes my perspective.
Young people need to know there is hope. We have focused on environmental doom to the point that young people have great anxiety about their future. This film left me with hope.
DISASTER BUCKETS FOR LDR
DONATIONS NEEDED!
by Thursday, May 2
Amazon Donation Wishlist
We are collecting trash bags and dust masks to put in Disaster Buckets for Lutheran Disaster Relief (LDR). Every conference in the synod is assigned different items for the buckets ranging from sponges to insect repellant, and the buckets will be assembled at the upcoming Synod Assembly the weekend of May 3-5. Go to the Amazon donation wishlist and send your donation to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 3525 Bee Caves Rd, Austin TX 78746. We need orders delivered by May 2, so order today. Thanks be to God!
FAITH IN ACTION
BIOINTEGRITY – FINAL G.I.F.T FEST
Sunday, April 28
Noon – 3:00 p.m. | 2200 Justin Lane, Austin, 78757
G.I.F.T. Fest is a series of classes, conversations, and work days with the goal of making the future better for God’s creation. Join them for the final event of the series, Carbon Landscaping and Rehydration. Find more info here!
PIPE ORGAN RECITAL: Kevin McClure
Sunday, April 28
3:00 p.m. | St. James Episcopal Church, 614 Davis St., Taylor, TX
Go for a Sunday drive after church and take in our very own Kevin McClure, Director of Worship and Arts, as he plays the historic pipe organ at St. James in Taylor, TX for a recital of some of his favorite composers.
PIANO CONCERT: Dr. Andrei Zimbalist + Dr. Anton Igubnov
Sunday, April 28
5:00 p.m. | Chateau Bellevue, 708 San Antonio St. ATX 78701
Dr. Andrei Zimbalist + Dr. Anton Igubnov will play pieces from Vivaldi, Rossini, Mozart, Grieg, Schumann, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff at a concert organized by the Austin Women’s Club in support of the historic Chateau Bellevue. Tickets are $50, and may be purchased online.
Here’s where we stand for third quarter (Q3) giving. Thanks for your continued support!
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.
YEAR TO DATE GIVING UPDATE FOR APRIL
Be on the lookout for your emailed quarterly giving statement next week. Please contact Bill Dawson with questions or if something is missing.
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 Bill Dawson for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
SERVING
Serving is a great way to give back and get to know others in our community. 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 Pr. Lauren to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for Rodney Varner, Donna Herschleb, Betty Lueders, and Bob and Judy Moore.
We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Milton Volney, uncle of Debra Wissman; Buddy Kopplin, uncle of Amy Bishop; Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas; John Fiandaca, father of Linda Fiandaca.
Merciful God, we pray for all peoples and nations. Free oppressed communities from occupation, exploitation, and abuse. Teach leaders your way of justice. Empower peacemakers and all who work to end violence and strife. We pray especially for the people of the Holy Land–for war and suffering to end.
God, you have given us freedom in the resurrected Christ. We pray for people everywhere who long for good news. Roll away the stones that keep people from living with dignity and wholeness. Breathe new life and hope into people struggling to make it through each day.
O God, you have empowered us with the risen Christ to serve your people, here and everywhere. We pray for our partner ministries of Austin City Lutherans–Bread for All and Mariposa Family Learning Center. We pray for the ministries of Upbring. We pray for the worldwide ministries of ELCA World Hunger, Global Refuge, and Lutheran World Relief. We pray for our sister congregation in Guatemala in Aurora 8 de Octubre, and for Pr. Karen Castillo and the leaders of ILAG. We pray for the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti and all the people there. We pray for our Butterfly Christian Preschool as young ones are formed in faith, hope, and love.
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 Rebecca Guengerich or Pr. Lauren.
*Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks unless we are notified otherwise.