THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Mark 12:38-44 Join us this Sunday as Jesus honors the wholehearted giving of a widow, challenging us to reflect on the ways we can give from the heart. We welcome new members Jena and Anusha Oberg at 8:15 and rejoice in the baptism of Lucas and Niko, children of Courtney and Lars Hjaltman, at 10:45.
Altar Flowers are given by Mary Louise Behrhorst in celebration of Wallace Behrhorst’s birthday.
Baptismal Flowers are given by Judy and Bob Moore to the glory of God in thankfulness for Lucas and Niko and in honor of their baptism.
BREAKFAST HOUR
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and good company to fuel your learning and worship!
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.
LEAVE A LEGACY – ESTATE PLANNING WORKSHOP
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!
GRIEF GROUP
12:00 p.m. | Room 203
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. Light lunch served. 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.
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES
On the Floating Shelf by the Stairs
The annual Christmas Giving Trees are back! In the Gathering Space, you’ll find three decorated trees supporting Upbring New Life Center, Upbring Foster Children, and Upbring BeREAL. Simply take an ornament, buy the listed gift(s), and return it to us by Sunday, November 24.
Here’s what’s new:
BeREAL: Along with the $40 gift card, please pick one item listed on the ornament – no preferences, so it’s your choice!
New Life: There are two ornaments per teen: one for clothing and one for a towel set and a requested item. You can choose one or both, with a $50 limit per ornament.
Questions? Contact Linda Roesle.
KIOSK FUNDRAISER
Shepherd’s Garden
The Shepherd’s Garden is coming together! To be most beneficial to our congregation, the pre-school, and all who are invited into the garden and the prayer walk, an all-weather, heavy duty display cabinet is needed. If you would like to donate, please click here. Find more information and offering envelopes for cash and check contributions displayed in the Gym during breakfast.
NEW MEMBERS
Jena and Anusha Oberg moved to Austin from Pittsburgh in January. Jena, with a BS in Theatre and a recent MS in Speech-Language Pathology, works at Texas School for the Deaf, where Anusha is in 3rd grade. Anusha loves gymnastics, art, and math, while Jena enjoys travel, history, and knitting. Originally from Hyderabad, India, Anusha joined Jena’s family in 2019. They live in Buda with their dog, Chai, and cat, RooBoo.
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 continue to gather intentions for our financial gifts and participation 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
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. Ryan.
QUILTING
Saturday, November 9 | 9:00 a.m. in Room 205
Wednesday, November 13 | 1:00 p.m. in Room 205
Sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary! Contact Linda Fiandaca.
REMEMBERING ADRYANA ALDEEN
Saturday, November 9
Mariposa Family Learning Center | 403 Vargas Rd, Austin, TX 78741
You are invited to gather in memory of Adryana Aldeen, a passionate supporter and past Director of Development for Mariposa. Contributions may be made for a butterfly to hang on Mariposa’s wall in Adryana’s honor.
SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH YOUNG-UNS’
Saturday, November 16
9:00 a.m. | Butterfly Center
If you’ve got kindergarteners or younger, this is where you want to be! Contact Megan Getman.
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Sunday, November 10, 17 and 24
Gym
With the help of Global Refuge (LIRS), we are collecting Christmas cards and spreading holiday cheer to individuals and families in migrant detention centers and shelters along the border. Let’s remind them they’re seen, loved, and not forgotten this season! Find the table with cards and instructions in the Gym.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, November 17
12:00 p.m. | Gym
Join us for the semi-annual congregational meeting to elect Church Council members and learn about upcoming ministry events at ShepHills! Tamara Allen, John Robertson, Denise Seidel, and Michael Watt are running for second terms. Read their bios to discover why they’re inspired to serve again.
CAREGIVERS SUPPORT
Thursday, November 21
1:00 p.m. | Library + Zoom
This group is for all caregivers of individuals with short or long-term illnesses. 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. For information email Sandy Smith or call 512-569-6453.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
November 10-November 27
Table in the Gathering Space
Join us in this season of generosity by helping ensure everyone has a meal to be thankful for! Pick up a grocery bag from the Gathering Space, check the attached list, and fill it with an assortment of food items for Bread for All Food Pantry.
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
FAITH AND HEALING
THE MISCHIEF MAKER AND ME
In Part 2 of The Mischief Maker and Me, we walked alongside our author as she embraced strength and gratitude amid her journey through cancer. This week, Part 3: The Future (Back to the Unknown: The Hopeful Phase) reveals the hope she’s finding for what’s ahead.
CALLED AND SENT
SYNOD SPOTLIGHT ON BABY CARE KITS
Big news! Our very own Shephills Baby Care Kits and Tea for Tots ministry, led by Kathy Gerhardt and others, is featured in the SWTX Synod Newsletter! When you are done reading, scroll down to the bottom of the page and sign up for the Synod newsletter to stay abreast of what’s happening in our synod.
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
MARIPOSA FAMILY LEARNING CENTER
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; Jason Heard; and Lydia Perkunas.
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; Kaye Self, aunt of Megan Hansen; and Brittany Benzel, niece of Janice Benzel.
God, we give you thanks for the baptism of Lucas and Niko Hjaltman, sons of Courtney and Lars Hjaltman. As you have planted the seed of faith in Lucas’ and Niko’s hearts, use us as teachers and witnesses of your love as they grow.
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.
Gracious God, we come together in the spirit of unity, acknowledging our shared hope for peace and well-being for all. Guide our newly elected leaders with wisdom and compassion as they take on the responsibility of serving our nation. Help us, as a community, to support one another, to listen, and to strive for understanding even in our differences. May we each find ways to build bridges, foster kindness, and seek the common good.
God of peace, in honor of Veterans Day tomorrow, we pray for those who have served our nation and laid down their lives to protect and defend our freedom. We pray for those who still bear the scars of their service, asking for healing for them in mind, body, and spirit. We pray for those who serve us now, especially for those in harm’s way, asking that you shield them from danger and bring them home in safety. Above all, we pray that your peace may reign, God, throughout the world.
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.