NEW ASSOCIATE PASTOR
WELCOME PR. RYAN!
We are thrilled to announce that Pastor Ryan Dockery (aka soon-to-be PR) is joining us as Associate Pastor starting November 1! We can’t wait to welcome him, his wife Bre, and their two energetic boys, Emmett (5) and Nolan (3), into the ShepHills family. Stay tuned over the next month as we share more fun facts and stories about PR and his family while we wait for their November arrival! When you get a chance, make sure to thank the Call Committee (Janice Benzel, Kathy Gerhardt, Kristina Bishop, Bob Cannon, Seth Hansen, Bob Haugen, and Josh Norem) for their time, energy, and faith in negotiating the in-depth call process for the past 8 months!
THIS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
In this Sunday’s Gospel of Mark 9:38-50, Jesus reminds us to remove anything that keeps us from fully living out our faith. Come, join us in living out our faith through radical love and inclusion! Jonathan Davies and the Choir share their musical talents at the 8:15 a.m. service.
BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Feed your body and soul by joining us for breakfast.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
This Sunday we continue our study of the Book of James. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
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.
ASSISTING MINISTER TRAINING
9:45 p.m. | Sanctuary
Both new and experienced individuals are invited for tips and training. If you are unable to attend this training, there is another opportunity offered on October 13 at 9:45 a.m. Want to know more? Contact Amanda Forsberg.
NEXTGEN (Grades 9-12)
4:45 p.m. | Austin’s Pizza
New this fall, 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. While you wait for Sunday evening to roll around, sign up for the Middle School Retreat at Camp Chrysalis on November 15th-17th.
EVENTS
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
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. Lauren.
REV. BRAD FUERST of LUMIN
Next Sunday, October 6
8:15 + 10:45 a.m. Worship
Join us next Sunday as Pr. Brad takes a break from the “grilling” work of Lutheran Ministries (LuMin) at UT to preach at both services!
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
Beginning Next Sunday, October 6
6:00 p.m. | Library
Parenting teens and preteens is both rewarding AND challenging, and you don’t have to go it alone! Join us on the first Sunday of each month for a supportive gathering of study, prayer, and honest conversation. David Davies will take the lead for this group, and the first gathering will focus on topics and themes for faith-filled discussion. Contact David Davies.
SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, October 5
9:00 a.m. | Shepherd’s Garden
Every first Saturday! Join us this month for garden chores and camaraderie. Contact Jeri Porter.
QUILTING
Wednesday, October 9 @ 1:00 p.m | Room 205
Saturday, October 12 @ 9:00 a.m. | Room 205
Sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary! Contact Ruth Felger or Linda Fiandaca.
ASSISTING MINISTER TRAINING
Sunday, October 13
9:45 a.m. | Sanctuary
You have an important role in leading the congregation in worship–you provide, alongside the presiding minister, a consistent presence guiding the assembly’s worship, from gathering to sending. At Shepherd of the Hills, we have incorporated your leadership into multiple parts of the service, but there’s even more you can do! Contact Amanda Forsberg.
PET BLESSING
Sunday, October 13
5:15 p.m. | Back Patio of Gym
Our pets bring joy to our daily lives, offering unconditional love, comfort in tough times, and perhaps a nudge to get outside when we don’t want to get off the couch. Whether they bark, purr, chirp, or slither, all pets on a leash or in a carrier are welcome (as are you!) for a simple blessing and prayer for their well-being and happiness.
SNAPSHOT
SUNDAY’sCOOL
Sunday’s are always cool, and sometimes slimy, for toddlers through Grade 4! Special thanks to Megan Getman (Children’s Ministry Coordinator), Kevin McClure (Director of Worship and Arts) and teachers Megan Devaney, Katie Eckermann, Lacee Fortune, Jessica Garrett, Tara Grove (Music with Kevin), Madeline Hartmann, and youth Flannery and Juliet, who channel God’s love and find fun ways to teach our kids about Jesus!
FAITH IN ACTION
TEXAS IMPACT
Voter Registration Deadline
Monday, October 7
Texas Impact encourages people to live out their faith, and wants to remind everyone to register to vote by October 7! This is especially important for those who have recently moved to Texas or turned 18. Everyone should take time to check their voting registration status to make sure it is current, and update it if you have a new address, changed your name, or need to update other information. More information can be found online with the Texas Secretary of State.
ELCA WORLD FOOD DAY
Tuesday, October 15
7:00 p.m. | Webinar
Register today to tune in and hear firsthand stories from ELCA World Hunger partners — including Educación Popular en Salud (EPES), a community health organization in Chile founded over 40 years ago, and more recent starts such as Tapestry Farms, a Midwestern urban farm system in the Quad Cities of Iowa and Illinois. You’ll hear about their work with ELCA World Hunger and their impact on these communities. Come celebrate 50 years of ministry and get excited for our shared work toward a just world where all are fed.
MARIPOSA DAY OF GIVING AND GRATITUDE
Sunday, October 27
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Vuka Event Space
RSVP today for an afternoon of giving and gratitude for Mariposa Family Learning Center. Mariposa is a ministry of Austin City Lutherans ensuring all families receive an exceptional level of childcare for their children regardless of their ability to pay. Contact Director Sheila Pharis.
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.
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 Finance Officer Hilary Russell for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF
By giving to Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR), you enable the ELCA to act quickly to aid those affected by Hurricane Helene for as long as the recovery takes. LDR has strong relationships in the region and is already at work on the ground. Click here to give.
DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
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 contact Pr. Lauren to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; Ann Watt; and John Fenton.
We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Justin Cain, son-in-law of Rex and Sheila Fortune; Mary Campbell, aunt of Laura Hills; Amy Pike, friend of Pastor Lauren; Joyce Carter, cousin of Karen Flint; Joe Carlos, father of Sandy Wikelius; Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas; Emma Katherine Phillips, sister of Hilary Russell; Linda Maidment Meyers, daughter of Helen and David Maidment; Paula Diaz, friend of Bob Cannon; and Steph and Gina Geller and family, friends of Dee Jackson.
God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life, especially Audrey Lentz, sister of Donna Auby and Janice McBride Frizzell, aunt of Sheila Fortune. We commend Audrey and Janice to your everlasting love as we trust in the promise of resurrection in Christ.
God, we give you thanks for the culmination of our call process as we have called Pr. Ryan Dockery to serve alongside us as Associate Pastor. We pray for Pr. Ryan, Bre, Emmett, and Nolan as they say goodbye to their current church and prepare to move to Austin. Bless our ministry together!
O God, we give you thanks for our mission partners, Austin City Lutherans. We pray for continued solidarity in seeking to care for and improve the lives of your people–be it through providing food, shelter and comfort, or education. Strengthen ACL in its mission, and inspire us in our partnership together.
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.