THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Join us this Sunday as Rev. Brad Fuerst of Lutheran Campus Ministry gives a message centered on Mark 10:2-16. Jonathan Davies, the Bells, and Choir share their musical talents at 10:45 a.m.
Altar Flowers are given by Rob and Lynn Spillar in celebration of the 3rd wedding anniversary of Kelton and Jessica Spillar.
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.
GRIEF GROUP
12:00 p.m. | Room 205
Group discussion starts at 12:30 p.m. Light lunch served.
This group provides a safe, compassionate space for those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, loss of a job/career, or experiencing a life change. Whether your loss is recent or some time has passed, you are welcome here. During our sessions, we share stories, offer mutual support, and explore ways to cope with our grief. Each meeting is guided by empathy, respect, and confidentiality. Contact Tamara Allen or Virginia Bosman.
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.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
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.
EVENTS
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
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.
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.
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.
SEWCIAL FOR LWR
Saturday, October 19
10:00 a.m. | Room 106 (Breezeway Building)
Come join us for a “sewcial” morning of sewing and service! People of all ages and skill levels are invited to help make flannel receiving blankets for Lutheran World Relief’s Baby Care Kits. Bring a sewing machine and we’ll supply the materials and refreshments. Contact Kathy Gerhardt.
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.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, October 17
1:00 p.m. | Library + Zoom
Shepherd of the Hills offers a group for all caregivers of people with short- and long-term illnesses. If you care for someone in person or from a distance (child, spouse, parent, friend), we welcome you to join us! While caregiving is a gesture of love, it also brings many challenging moments. The fellowship of other caregivers acknowledging those challenges and joys and sharing practical tips from experiences can be helpful and supportive. Meet in person or via Zoom (as we know it is difficult for caregivers to leave home). For information email Sandy Smith or call 512-569-6453.
SAVE THE DATE
SHEPHILLS WOMEN’S DAY RETREAT
Saturday, March 29, 2025
Camp David Retreat Center in Dripping Springs
Plan to spend the day with us in the beautiful hill country, away from your normal routines, to engage with women of all ages in faith conversations, creative activities, fellowship and fun!
More details and information coming soon!
SNAPSHOT
YOGA
For over 10 years Richard Arndt has been leading people in a weekly practice of yoga, offering space to reconnect, find inner calm, and strengthen your mind, body, and spirit. Whether you are new to yoga or have practiced for years, join them each Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. in Room 203 and on Zoom. Volunteers like Richard are the heartbeat of our church community. They give their time, talents, and energy to create meaningful experiences that deepen our faith and strengthen our bonds with one another. Thank you, Richard!
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
You’re invited 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.
GENEROSITY MOMENT
LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY (LuMin), ELCA
LuMin of UT Austin is a ministry of the ELCA committed to creating a space where students can feel at home, loved, and encouraged as they engage big questions, explore their faith, and discern who God is calling them to be in the world. Shepherd of the Hills provides financial and volunteer support to this amazing ministry. Click here to give, and come this Sunday to learn more from our guests Rev. Brad Fuerst and several LuMin students.
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)
Read the BFA September Report from Pr. Tim Anderson. 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.
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; 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; Janice McBride Frizzell, aunt of Sheila Fortune and Debra Schoenfelt, sister of Keith Schoenfelt. We commend Audrey, Janice, and Debra to your everlasting love as we trust in the promise of resurrection in Christ.
God of new life, we give you thanks for the birth of Niya Genet Dogale, daughter of Lado Dogale and Bayush Smith, sister of Henock. Bless Niya with your love and grace as she grows and give Lado and Bayush your wisdom and strength as they rejoice in this gift you have given them.
God, we pray for all the victims of the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Be with emergency response teams and all who render aid. Give strength and comfort to all who are affected by this catastrophic event.
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!
God, we give you thanks for the ministry partnership we share with LuMin Lutheran Campus Ministry at UT. We pray for Pastor Brad, for the students, for all who encounter your love through their ministries of feeding and tending. Strengthen LuMin with your grace, that students may know you more deeply.
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.