October 27, 2023
Wear RED. It’s Reformation and Stewardship Commitment Sunday!
REFORMATION AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
9:15 a.m. | Reformation Brunch in the Activity Center
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
There are a lot of reasons to be here, and one of them is to hear PT’s last sermon before he retires from parish ministry and redirects his energies by serving God in new ways. Another is the fact it’s Reformation and Stewardship Sunday. We’re gonna have a giant reunion with our faith family all dressed in red, celebrating our shared heritage. Come enjoy a breakfast that would make Luther proud, sing along as the UT Trombone Choir (10:45) and the Adult Choir (8:15) belt out our favorite hymns, and fill out a pledge card of your intended gifts in support of our missions and ministries in the year ahead! Halleluiah!
Altar Flowers are given by Peter and Linda Miller’s Ignite Group, in celebration of Pr. Tom’s loving ministry at Shepherd of the Hills.
REFORMATION BRUNCH
9:15 a.m. | Activity Center
Food for Fellowship has “nailed it” with this brunch of homemade pancakes, breakfast casseroles, and sausage. It’s a Reformation feast, come hungry and leave inspired.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Join us as we move with intent through the book of Ephesians. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL REFORMATION FESTIVAL
9:45 a.m. | Family Ministry Center
Toddlers thru Grade 4
We have amazing plans for the kiddos to learn about the Reformation! Contact Megan Getman.
NEXTGEN
6:00 p.m. | Activity Center | Grades 5-8, 9-12
Ephesians Study and pumpkin carving. Contact Joel Timmons.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
6:00 p.m. | Solomon’s Porch
Stick around for a time of prayer, study, and community with other NextGen parents. Contact Pr. Lauren.
STEWARDSHIP FOR OUR VISION
STEWARDSHIP COMMITMENT SUNDAY IS HERE!
During the month of October, we lifted up and lived into our vision of strengthening connections, making disciples, and developing missions – all in the name of Jesus. We grew in Synergy by participating in outreach, learning, prayer, and worship. We come together this Sunday and ask you to be a part of this vision to spread God’s Word and do God’s work through your financial support. Please pray, make space for the voice of the Spirit, and be joyful. Click here and scroll to the bottom of our stewardship website page for prayers to guide you, as well as information and tools for giving. Pledge cards will be available on Sunday, or find them online. Thank you for joining us in faith-filled mission and ministry.
“Gratitude flows from the recognition that who we are and what we have are gifts to be received and shared.”—Henri Nouwen
EVENTS
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of all our events!
SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, October 28
9:00 a.m. | Shepherd’s Garden
The Caring for God’s Creation Team will finish spreading the gravel at the kiosk, move some of the mulch to the children’s seating area, work on weeding and cleaning up the flowerbeds, and spray for weeds in the walkway and the labyrinth. We have tools for most of the work but don’t hesitate to bring your own if you have favorites. Contact Jeri Porter.
OCT. 28 MEMORIAL GARDEN WORKDAY
Cancelled.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, November 1
7:30 a.m. | Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Great reading, great discussion, TWO TIMES. Contact Pr. Tom or Pr. Lauren
ALL SAINTS SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Wednesday, November 1
4:00 p.m. | Memorial Garden
As we gather in the sacred space of the Memorial Garden, we will acknowledge the holy gift of our loved ones and give thanks for God’s promise of eternal life. This service is for those who have experienced the death of a loved one in recent years, and for all who seek a space to remember. A light meal will follow. In the event of rain, we will move to the sanctuary.
PR. TOM’S RETIREMENT PAR-TEE
Sunday, November 5
Noon | Activity Center
Please join us for some Texas BBQ and tasty treats as we Par-Tee with Pastor Tom and celebrate his service and dedication at Shepherd of the Hills! RSVPs help us plan — but in true Texas fashion — we’ll have PLENTY of food so join us even if you forget to respond. The Church Council has a congregational gift for Pastor Tom which will be presented during our celebration. If you would like to make an additional gift, click here or contact Bill Dawson.
ILAG GUATEMALA SOCIAL
Thursday, November 9
6:30 p.m. | La Casa de Tim y Tiffany Stein (RSVP for address and gate code)
Have you ever wondered about the incredible work happening through the Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG)? Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer, a newbie with a curious heart, or somewhere in between, come sample Guatemalan cuisine and learn about their impactful ministries, from education to healthcare to community outreach. There will be information on how we support them here at home (can you design a baptismal font?), or think about joining us on our next trip. RSVP to Joel Timmons for gate code and address.
CAMP CHRYSALIS MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT
Friday, November 10-Sunday, November 12
Grades 5-8
Register here for camp fun and interactive, faith-filled learning with your NextGen friends. It’s like summer camp without the sweat!
SAVE THE DATE
WOMEN’S RETREAT
April 13, 2024
You may feel called by God to your profession, your family, or serving others, but a religion that doesn’t call us to rest leaves no room for the sacred to emerge within us. Shepherd of the Hills Women and friends will gather to breathe and be together for a one-day retreat at the Plant at Kyle, about 30 minutes from Austin. More details will come, but if you’re so excited you can’t wait, contact Rebecca Guengerich.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST BENEFITTING MARIPOSA
9-10:30 a.m. | December 9, 2023 | Triumphant Love Lutheran
Head over and eat your fill of yummy pancakes to benefit Mariposa Family Learning Center. For more information, to volunteer, and/or donate, contact Jan Richards at 512-791-4235.
CONFIRMATION
Last Sunday, October 22
As a congregation, help us in continued prayer and support of our newest confirmands (left to right) Ben Oehler, Katherine Oehler, Lena Dalton, Michaela Connors, and Jake DeVaney.
GIVING AND SERVING
PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Giving online is a great way to stay current with your pledge or set up a recurring gift. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
UPBRING BeREAL
Donation Needs
BeREAL, a ministry of Upbring providing services for those aging out of foster care, is asking for donations of hygiene items, silverware, and dishes (plates, bowls, cups). Please bring your donations to the small bin labeled “BeREAL”. Contact Kathy Gerhardt with questions.
BREAD FOR ALL
Donation Bins | Gathering Space
Thank you for keeping donations of non-perishable food and diapers flowing throughout the month by bringing it to the bins each week. Bread for All has urgently requested the following items. Contact Weldon Allison if you have questions.
- Pasta/spaghetti (the foodbank has not had any pasta for a few months)
- Canned soups
- Dry beans (pinto or black)
- Rice
- Bags (paper, plastic & 13 ga. plastic)
VOLUNTEERING
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!
MEALS ON WHEELS
We still need once-a-month volunteers on a Wednesday and/or Thursday. Volunteer duties consist of picking up meals from Holy Cross and delivering them on a dedicated route. A route typically takes about 30 minutes. Contact Weldon Allison.
PRAYERS
In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for Rodney Varner.
God of Life, we pray for Ruth Felger and family on the death of her brother, Donald Schrader, and for Donna Auby and family on the death of her sister, Maxine Johnson. Surround all who mourn with the peace and promise of resurrection.
God of new life, we give thanks for the birth of Chloe Michelle Dawson, daughter of Doug and Sara, granddaughter of Bill and Sara, niece of Brian and Jessica. We pray for Chloe to grow in faith, hope, and love throughout her life. Use us to surround Chloe with your love.
Loving God, we pray for the community of Lewiston, Maine, and for all who have been traumatized yet again by gun violence. We pray for the families of victims, for those who have been injured, and for those who work to rebuild a sense of safety and security. We pray for an end to these acts of violence, Lord. Send your peace, and fill leaders with your wisdom, so that weapons will no longer wield power over us.
God of Peace, as wars continue on the battlefield, in the halls of our government, in the online bullying and lying, equip us with the power of your Spirit to stand for those without power or position, and give us the courage to stand for what You stand for.
Holy God, as war has once again broken out in the Holy Land, we lift to you prayers for peace and resolution to this age-old conflict among your people. Draw near to the victims, and inspire leaders to seek your will and your guidance.
Lord of Life, as we focus our attention this month on renewal and unity as your church, inspire in each and every person a feeling of belonging and participating in a faith community that welcomes all, participates in the mission and ministry you call us to do, and generously supports the sharing of your love in Guatemala, Haiti, the ELCA, and the ministries of Austin City Lutherans: Mariposa and Bread for All. Be with all who lead those ministries and all whose lives are impacted.
Would you like someone to pray alongside you during troubling times? Contact Rebecca Guengerich to find (or learn more about) a Stephen Minister who can travel with you on life’s sometimes bumpy road.
*Prayers for family and friends are listed for 2 weeks unless we are notified otherwise.