THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.
1 Corinthians 9:11
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
John 8:31-36 It’s an important Sunday in the life of our church! Please join us and WEAR YOUR RED as we celebrate the Reformation and renew our intentions to live out our faith in deep and generous ways. You will be invited during worship to bring forward your Intention Card, indicating how you will share your gifts financially and through participation in the year ahead. Special guest musicians Bob Cannon (trumpet 8:15 +10:45), Isaac Bishop (trombone 8:15), and University of Texas Trombone Choir (10:45) will fill the sanctuary with music.
Click here to complete the Intention Card online.
REFORMATION BRUNCH
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Food for Fellowship has “nailed it” with this brunch of homemade breakfast casseroles. It’s a Reformation feast, come hungry and leave inspired.
CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT
9:15 a.m. | Gym
EVERYONE is invited to join us in living out our intention to serve others as a faith community! Help assemble towels and other items into 200 Personal Care Kits that are desperately needed by Lutheran World Relief in the wake of recent natural disasters.
REALM DIRECTORY PHOTOS
9:15 a.m. | Gym
Help put faces to names – get your photo taken for the online directory (we’ll upload it) and be part of our church family’s story! Look for the photo backdrop in the Gym and come on over.
NAME TAGS
Gathering Space
Grab your name tag and help us create a welcoming, inclusive environment! Wearing name tags helps us connect AND makes it easier for newcomers to learn names and feel at home.
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
Since there is no Sunday’sCool this week, families are invited to join us in the Gym to help assemble Personal Care Kits as part of our Living Generously Congregational Service Project!
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.
INTENTION 2025
GENEROUS LIVES – LIVING WITH INTENTION
As Lutherans, sharing our gifts of time, talent, and treasure is an integral part of our faith lives, and these gifts from God are entrusted to us for sharing. This Sunday we celebrate Intention Sunday- a time of reflection and setting intentions for our gifts for the upcoming year. We hope you will join us. If you are unable to join us and would like to complete an intention card online, please click here.
Together we pray: Generous God, your intention for us is salvation and joy, found in your greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As we ponder your good gifts to us, providing for our every need and more, guide our own intentions in giving of our selves, our time, and our treasures. May we hold more tightly to you than to our money. May our whole lives reflect your goodness.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FALL INTO FAITH
Fall Events in 2024
Click here to discover the bounty of great worship services and more happening this fall!
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.
MARIPOSA DAY OF GIVING AND GRATITUDE
Rescheduled!
They are hoping to reschedule for sometime in February. Contact Director Sheila Pharis.
SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, November 2
9:00 a.m. | Shepherd’s Garden
Fall is a wonderful time to garden! Join us in learning and caring for our Creator’s garden.
ALL SAINTS + CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Sunday, November 3
8:50 a.m. + 10:45 a.m. | 10:45 a.m. Livestream
Welcome Pr. Ryan on his first Sunday as our Associate Pastor as we remember our saints, and join with the confirmands during 10:45 as we all say “yes” to God’s promise of unconditional grace.
GATHER US IN
Sunday, November 3
9:30 a.m. | Gym
We invite those interested in learning more about our community of faith to have a seat at our table (it will have a sign) during breakfast! Bring your questions and come for conversation. Contact Amanda Forsberg.
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES
Sunday, November 3
9:30 a.m. | Gym
The Christmas Giving Tree project returns! Three decorated trees will be in the Gathering Space, each supporting a charity: Upbring New Life Center, Upbring Foster Children, and Upbring BeREAL. Take an ornament, buy the listed gifts, and return them to the Gathering Space. For questions, contact Linda Roesle.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, November 3
4:00 p.m. | Memorial Garden
We gather to remember the holy gift of our loved ones and give thanks for God’s promise of eternal life. A light meal will follow in the Gym.
PRAYERS FOR OUR NATION
Monday, November 4
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
All are welcome to this nonpartisan service to pray for a peaceful path forward on the eve of the presidential election. This is a time to come together as a community to recognize our shared values and the beauty of our differences, lifting up our hopes for a future built on understanding.
LEGACY GIVING – A LASTING IMPACT
Sunday, November 10
9:45 a.m. | Room 205
Have you ever thought about how your generosity can live on after you? Join Signe Fredrickson, Gift Planner with Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest, as she shares how legacy giving can make a lasting impact. As Signe beautifully puts it, “We’re generous in life… why wouldn’t we continue to be generous when our life ends?” Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, explore how your generosity can continue to make a difference for years to come!
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
FAITH AND HEALING
THE MISCHIEF MAKER AND ME
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing a special multi-part blog series that chronicles a member’s journey through cancer, faith, and the unexpected blessings she finds along the way. Her story, ‘The Mischief Maker and Me,’ traces the highs and lows of her battle, moments of reflection, and gratitude for the power of God’s presence. No matter what path you’re on, her words will resonate. Read Part 1 and follow along each week as her story unfolds.
MORE ABOUT PR. RYAN!
We are so excited to have Pr. Ryan joining us next week. His first day in the office is November 1, and November 3 will be his first Sunday. If you missed the Meet & Greet, here is your chance to learn a bit more about our new Associate Pastor!
Pr. Ryan delights in forming meaningful relationships and meeting people where they are in their faith journeys. He has been married to his wife, Breann, since 2017, tying the knot during the historic Hurricane Harvey. Together, they have two energetic boys, Emmett (5) and Nolan (3).
In his free time, Pastor Ryan enjoys reading, playing guitar, watching sports, binging TV, listening to live music, and visiting local breweries. A fun fact about him: although he plays most sports left-handed, he writes, texts, and eats right-handed. He also surprises many with his dislike for chocolate and lack of movie knowledge!
Pastor Ryan has served in several ministry roles, including Director of Children, Youth, & Families at Tree of Life in Conroe, TX, Pastoral Intern at Messiah Lutheran Church in Vancouver, WA, and Mission Developer at Celebration Lutheran Church in Cypress, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Sam Houston State University and a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from Luther Seminary.
Pastor Ryan’s passion lies in learning new things, connecting with people through authentic conversations, and walking alongside them as they grow in faith and navigate life’s joys and challenges. We look forward to your leadership Pr. Ryan!
FAITH IN ACTION
HALLOWEEN CANDY COLLECTION
We will collect leftover Halloween candy to distribute to Bread for All and Mobile Loaves and Fishes beginning next Sunday, November 3. Look for bins in the Gym and Gathering space!
ABIDING LOVE HOLIDAY MARKET
Saturday, November 2
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Fetter Activity Center at 7210 Brush Country Road, Austin, TX.
It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping! Find handmade treasures and baked goods with proceeds supporting Lutheran World Relief Quilts & Disaster Fund, Austin City Lutheran’s Homeless Initiative, and scholarships for Abiding Love HS graduates.
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 RELIEF
Two ways to give to relief efforts:
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is matching all gifts up to $125,000 – lwr.org/hurricane-match
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) – elca.org
HURRICANE RELIEF
Reading Mariposa Moments, the monthly newsletter from Mariposa Family Learning Center, is a great way to stay in touch with this multi-generational ministry supported by Austin City Lutherans! Email sayda@mariposalearningcenter.org to subscribe to the newsletter.
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 email the church at Sheep@ShepHills.org to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; Ann Watt; John Fenton; and Jena Oberg.
We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Emma Katherine Phillips, sister of Hilary Russell; Linda Maidment Meyers, daughter of Helen and David Maidment; Steph and Gina Geller and family, friends of Dee Jackson; Clair Troftgruben, uncle of Megan Getman; and Jason Heard.
God, we pray blessings and safe travel for the group from Shepherd of the Hills traveling to the Rhine River this week. May their journey be filled with spiritual awakening, friendship, and joyful experiences. Keep them safe as they explore and enjoy time away among another land and people.
God, we give you thanks for Pr. Ryan Dockery who will be joining us as our Associate Pastor. We pray for Pr. Ryan, Bre, Emmett, and Nolan as they transition to life in Austin and at Shepherd of the Hills. Bless our future together!
Generous God, your intention for us is salvation and joy, found in your greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ. As we ponder your good gifts to us, providing for our every need and more, guide our own intentions in giving of our selves, our time, and our treasures. May we hold more tightly to you than to our money. May our whole lives reflect your goodness.
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.