THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
John 18:33-37 Come celebrate Christ the King Sunday as we reflect on Jesus’ kingdom, where love reigns and all are welcome!
Altar Flowers are given by Audrey Lunecki in thanksgiving for Lydia Perkunas.
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 Revelation 1:4b-8 and John 18:33-37. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL
Join us NEXT Sunday for Music with Kevin and Nativity Story practice (we’ll bring the story to life after the late service on December 15).
ADVENT BEGINS NEXT SUNDAY!
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 BREAKFAST HOUR
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and a special breakfast treat of cinnamon rolls and a hot chocolate bar!
HANGING OF THE GREENS
Sunday, December 1
Join us after the late service for Hanging of the Greens, which means “Deck the halls!” Stay after worship and share the joy of the season as we decorate and transform the church for Advent and Christmas!
ADVENT MID-WEEK WORSHIP
Wednesdays December 4, 11, 18
6:00pm | Sweet Treats
6:30pm | Holden Evening Prayer
In the Courtyard!
Come for sweet treats in the early evening glow of the courtyard and then join us under twinkling Christmas lights for a peaceful worship centered on the Holden Evening Prayer. This brief worship 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. Want a better feel for what the Holden Evening Prayer consists of? Click here, and imagine being in our Courtyard!
NATIVITY STORY
Sunday, December 15
Sanctuary
Join us immediately following the late service (the nativity story 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.
THE LONGEST NIGHT
Saturday, December 21
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
During this special service, held on the longest night of the year when there are more hours of darkness than light, we remember that God joins us in our lament and holds us in tender care. This service offers space to share anguish, to plead with God to remember us, to pray for justice and restoration, even to hope against hope, through our doubts and tears and fears, that “God will set things right all over the earth.”
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
Due this Sunday!
The deadline for bringing gifts is this Sunday! Thank you for sharing the joy of Christmas with the children supported by Upbring’s BeReal, New Life, and Foster Children ministries! Questions? Contact Linda Roesle.
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Last Sunday!
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.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Bring by 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. Ask your neighbors to join us! Return it to the table by Wednesday, November 27.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP
Wednesday, November 27
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Join us in giving thanks with this service 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.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
The Church Office will close on Wednesday, November 27 at noon through Friday, November 29 in recognition of Thanksgiving! But don’t worry, we will be here for Thanksgiving Eve worship at 7pm.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDIES
Will not meet on Wednesday, November 27.
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.
WESTLAKE WONDERFEST
Sunday, December 8
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Westlake High School Stadium Parking Lot
Come share your support and visit the ShepHills booth at Wonderfest, a community event with Santa’s firetruck, food from top-notch vendors, pony rides, choral performances, and booths featuring community businesses (John Robertson and Goosehead Insurance will have one too!) Special thanks to Janice Benzel, Juliet Auby, Jessica and Kevin Garrett, Amanda Forsberg, and Pr. Ryan for all the planning and preparation!
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
SNAPSHOT
Discover how Gather:Austin is creating a space for young adults to connect through worship, fellowship, and conversation! Co-led by our own Joel Timmons alongside Pr. Cecie Suknaic Saulnier, this ministry, supported by ShepHills, is featured on pages 8-9 of the ELCA Leadership newsletter. Read the article here. Both Joel and Jessica Garrett (Borne) are quoted in the article!
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.
KIOSK FUNDRAISER
Shepherd’s Garden
The Shepherd’s Garden is coming together! To be most beneficial to our congregation, the preschool, 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.
PEACE FAMILY HOUSING PROJECT
As reported in Sunday’s Metro and State section of the Austin American Statesman, Peace Lutheran on RM 620 is planning to demolish an old building on the property and build a transitional homeless housing facility in its place. The project has received donations from Lutherans statewide. For more information or to donate to the Peace Family Housing Project, click here.
MARIPOSA YEAR END GIVING
A generous Mariposa supporter has agreed to match all donations made until December 31, 2024, dollar for dollar up to $75k. Learn more about how your donation will help, and please double your impact and donate today!
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. This number does not receive text messages.
We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; 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; Kae Self, aunt of Megan Hansen; Brittany Benzel, niece of Janice Benzel; Tom Rieger, father of Tommy Rieger; Jason Heard; Aden Ray, grandson of Laura and Charlie Hills
God, you provide for our every need, and you fill us with good things. Bless the ministry of Meals on Wheels as they deliver and serve our neighbors with nourishing meals. May we never tire of your calling to feed the hungry.
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.
God, we give you thanks for the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life, especially Charlie Wikelius, brother of Larry Wikelius. We commend Charlie to your never-ending love as we trust in the promise of resurrection life 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.