THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Mark 13:1-8 Join us this Sunday as Jesus reminds us of the enduring strength of God’s promises, even when the world feels uncertain. During worship, we’ll take time at the font to give thanks for our baptism, grounding ourselves in God’s unwavering love!
Altar Flowers are given by Robert Vorkoper in celebration of our 51st wedding anniversary and thankfulness for God’s blessings.
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 will follow the lectionary with a study of Hebrews 10:11-25 and Mark 13:1-8. 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.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
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.
INTENTION 2025
GENEROUS LIVES – LIVING WITH INTENTION
Sharing our time, talent, and treasure is at the heart of our faith! It’s never too late to set your intention, and this invitation continues all year as we reflect on how to live generously and share the blessings God has given us. If you’d like to complete an intention card online, please click here.
SEASON OF GENEROSITY
There are so many ways to share our blessings. Join us in leading generous lives and spreading joy this holiday season!
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.
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. Return it to the table by Wednesday, November 27.
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.
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH YOUNG-UNS’
This 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.
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.
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 EVE WORSHIP
Wednesday, November 27
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Join us in giving thanks with this worship of gratitude, music, and communion. Everyone is invited to bring non-perishable food for the Bread for All Food Pantry and give towards our special offering supporting Meals on Wheels.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
Sunday, December 1 (First Sundays)
6:00 p.m. | Library
Mark your calendars to join us for a supportive gathering of study, prayer, and honest conversation. Contact David Davies for more details.
CAMP CHRYSALIS SUMMER CAMP
As was presented at the Summer Ministry Fair earlier this Fall, we’re doing group registration for summer camp in order to be sure we get the week we want.
Dates: June 15th-20th
We’re hoping to have all our sign ups in by this Sunday, November 17th. Please ask Joel Timmons if you have any questions!
Register here: https://onrealm.org/shephills/PublicRegistrations/Event?linkString=Y2MyYWJiMGMtZjMwNi00MzAzLWI2NjMtYjFkOTAxMzUwMjA2
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
ADVENT IS ALMOST HERE!
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS
Gathering Space
Carve out time for God amidst the busyness of the holidays with daily devotions. We have three this year: Rejoice in Hope (for families) by Jonathan Sullivan, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel by Henri Nouwen, and The Word Made Flesh by Jacob Torbeck. A limited number of Advent devotionals will be available on a first come first serve basis after Thanksgiving.
SUNDAYS IN ADVENT
December 1, 8, 15, and 22
8:15 + 10:45am | Sanctuary + 10:45am Livestream
Come gather in the stillness of morning to light the advent candles and worship with us, providing space to slow our frenzied lives and make room for the hope, peace, joy, and love of Jesus.
ADVENT MID-WEEK WORSHIP
Wednesdays December 4, 11, 18
6:00pm | Sweet Treats
6:30pm | Holden Evening Prayer
In the Courtyard!
In the early evening glow of the courtyard, lit by twinkling Christmas lights, come early for sweet treats and then join us for a peaceful midweek worship centered on the Holden Evening Prayer. This brief service offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and focus on the hope Christ’s birth brings, surrounded by the warmth and beauty of the season.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
Sunday, December 15
Sanctuary
Join us immediately following the late service (this will not be live-streamed) as the children bring to life the nativity story, complete with wise men, a star, a baby, and a humble manger.
FAITH AND HEALING
THE MISCHIEF MAKER AND ME
In Part 4: Final Thoughts, Adelle blogs about her journey of finding God’s presence in every moment, her hopes for the future, and an unexpected acceptance – even when things don’t go as planned.
In His Hands, Testimonies of Faith and God’s Love. If you have a faith story to share, Adelle’s daughter Michaela Conner is creating an inspirational book that brings together faith stories from people of all ages. Her book, In His Hands: Testimonies of Faith and God’s Love, will be published and available for purchase by the summer of 2025, with all proceeds going to charity. Please contact Michaela (mic.conners@iCloud.com or call 737-280-9844) to learn more about sharing how God has moved in your life!
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.
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.
If you have an emergency and need a pastor, please call (512) 222-3831. One of our pastors will always be on-call and available to you.
We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; Ann Watt; John Fenton; 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; Clair Troftgruben, uncle of Megan Getman; Kae Self, aunt of Megan Hansen; Brittany Benzel, niece of Janice Benzel; Tom Rieger, father of Tommy Rieger; and Jason Heard.
God of life, be with our youth and adult leaders who are at Camp Chrysalis for the Middle School Retreat this weekend. May they find rest in time set apart, joy in time together, and love in time spent with you.
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 ourselves, our time, and our treasures. May we hold more tightly to you than to our money. May our whole lives reflect your goodness.
God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life. We commend them to your everlasting love as we trust in the promise of resurrection in Christ.
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.