Weekly Connections

September 2, 2022

We begin a new Message Series, “Be Strong… Put On… Stand Firm… Keep Alert!” 

Sunday Worship

8:15 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary
10:45 a.m.  Worship |  Sanctuary + Livestream

Come this Sunday and gather in community, remembering the baptismal promise of God’s love and grace.

Breakfast for All

9:30 a.m.  – 10:15 a.m. |  Activity Center
Looking for good eats and great company? Grab breakfast here on Sunday, and don’t forget to support the Fellowship Events/Breakfast Fund online.

Sunday Adult Bible Study 

9:30 a.m. |  Library + Zoom
Continuing our study of the Minor Prophets. Contact Ruby Cadenhead for more information.

Don’t forget to check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events.

Butterfly Preschool Begins a New School Year

THIS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
The sound of little voices returns this week as Butterfly Preschool begins a new school year in the newly renovated Butterfly Center! Thanks to all who have given through the BEYOND Capital Fund Appeal to make this dream a reality. Visit the Butterfly Preschool website to learn more, or follow them on Facebook!

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PALS)

NO MEETINGS IN SEPTEMBER
PALS will NOT meet on Sept. 5, 12, 19 & 26.   We will begin meeting again on October 3. Contact Rebecca Guengerich with questions. For more information about this group and others in the surrounding Austin area and other cities, visit the website, www.palgroup.org

Wednesday Bible Studies Return!

THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
7:30 a.m. | Early Riser’s Study on Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Late Riser’s Study in the Library
In need of a mid-week lift? Early Risers can hop online with us every Wednesday morning for a 30-minute look into the Gospel of Mark, or join us later in the morning for an hour-long study in the library. Both studies are Pastor-led. Contact Pr. Lauren or Pr. Tom with questions!

Bells and Choir Practice Return!

THIS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7
5:30 p.m. | Bells Practice in the Sanctuary
6:45 p.m. | Choir Practice in the Sanctuary
Our music programs are warming up for a spectacular fall! If you would like to join Bells or Choir, contact Kevin McClure, Director of Worship and Arts.

Baby Care Kit Assembly / God’s Work Our Hands Sunday

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
9:30 a.m. | Activity Center
ELCA’s “God’s Work-Our Hands” is a day for coming together in service and celebration of our neighbors in need. For this special Sunday, we will be assembling Baby Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. It’s a simple and rewarding activity, fun for every age, and all are encouraged to participate. Breakfast will be served!

Grief Support Luncheon

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Noon | Room 205
The Shepherd of the Hills Care Team and Stephen Ministers invite you to join this group that gathers for lunch to meet and share their grief with each other – allowing the feelings of sorrow, anger, depression, guilt, or pain to surface, and healing and hope to emerge.  Please invite others who may be interested in attending.

Please RSVP for the luncheon by contacting Rebecca Guengerich, or calling 512-796-0991. If you can’t attend the luncheon, we can talk about future support group options or receiving a Stephen Minister to personally support your time of change.

NextGen Youth Ministry Kick-Off

NEXT SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 (and every Sunday following)
7:00 p.m. | Activity Center
NextGen Confirmation Ministry (Grades 5-8) and NextGen High School Ministry (Grades 9-12) gather at this time to laugh and just have fun while we grow our Biblical literacy and interpret the Bible through the lens of our Lutheran theology.
Contact Joel Timmons, Youth Director.

Bread for All (BFA)

FOOD DONATION REQUESTS
We have received a special request from BFA for size 5 + 6 diapers, mac and cheese, and pasta (no spaghetti please). In addition, all non-perishable food is welcome. Thank you for loving and serving our neighbors!

FOOD IS DISTRIBUTED EVERY MONDAY
Find everything you need to know about volunteering here.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
8:15 + 10:45 a.m | Worship
9:30 a.m. | Butterfly Center
Dedication Sunday! The renovation of the Butterfly Center is complete and a celebration is in order. Special guests Pr. Karen Castillo and Diego Gil of ILAG, our mission partners in Guatemala, will be joining us with an update on their preschool renovation. Keep a look out for other information and times to connect with Pr. Karen and Diego during their visit.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25
9:45 a.m. | Gathering Space
Hey families, it’s Rally Day! AND WE ARE BACK! Faith Formation for Toddlers thru 4th grade kicks off with a party in the Gathering Space and then moves upstairs to the Family Ministry Center to meet the teachers and decorate the spaces for the start of a brand new year. Keep an eye on your mailbox for more exciting details on what is to come this fall.

Butterfly Renovation Update

Butterfly Renovations are nearing completion! Check here for new pictures, and come Sunday to hear first hand how things are progressing across the Courtyard mark the date – Sept. 18 for Dedication Sunday!

Giving is an expression of joy and gratitude for the bounty of God’s goodness! There are so many ways to give-both financially and through serving.

Pledges, Gifts, and Donations

Keeping current with your pledged or regular giving over the summer has never been easier because you can do it all online!

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!

Bread for All (BFA) Food Pantry
BFA is now serving upwards of 100 families every Monday due to the current crisis of inflation and rising rents. The pantry is in need of dried pinto beans 1lb, canned pinto beans, kidney beans, garbanzo beans, spaghetti, and baby wipes. Please check for expiration dates before giving items. Contact Weldon Allison. Donation Bins are out every Saturday + Sunday, and on weekdays by ringing the office bell.

In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list.

Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? Contact a Stephen Minister who can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road.

We pray for Rodney Varner, Linda Roesle, Stacia DeBill, Mary Louise and Wallace Behrhorst.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members:
Shirley Lunecki, Mother of Dan Lunecki Kenna Joy Kramer, Grandniece of Weldon and Mary Alison

We pray for all who mourn the death of Tom Moore, stepfather of Dabney Gomes.

We pray for Milt Nielsen and children, Michelle and Chris and their family on the death of Sandy Nielsen. Surround all who grieve your comfort and peace.

We pray for our country and our world, that as violence continues to eat at the soul of our lives we may learn how to be peacemakers. Calm our hearts and transform our mind and body with your love and peace.

We pray for the Butterfly Pre-School ministry as they begin this week. Be with the children, parents, and staff as they begin a new year filled with awe and wonder.

We pray for our global ministry partners: Rev. Karen Castillo in Guatemala; Iglesia Luterana Augustina Virgen del Rosario, Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala. We pray for Malcolm and Joy Henderson and the ministry of CHARIS in Haiti.

We pray for our local ministries: Mariposa Family Learning Center, Bread For All and Upbring Ministries.

We pray for our faith community, that we may be a church without walls and live out loud…faithfully!

*Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks, unless we are notified otherwise.