TODAY, NOVEMBER 27
THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP
Tonight!
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Join us in person or online and give thanks in worship for the blessings in our lives. 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.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1
FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Luke 21:25-36 Advent is here, and with it comes hope! Join us this Sunday as we light the first candle and hear Jesus’ words, calling us to trust in new beginnings. Katie Evans of Upbring joins us at both services, and we will have a special blessing for the Prayer Shawl ministry.
HANGING OF THE GREENS
Join us after the late service for Hanging of the Greens, the perfect chance to share the joy of the season and transform the church for Advent and Christmas!
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.
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! Katie Evans of Upbring will also be around for one one-on-one conversations about Upbring.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Join us each and every Sunday for a study of the Good Book. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL
9:40 a.m. | Sanctuary
Meet us in the sanctuary for Music with Kevin and Nativity Story practice (we’ll bring the story to life after the late service on December 15). Contact Megan Getman.
NEXTGEN (Grades 9-12)
4:45 p.m. | Austin’s Pizza
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.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ADVENT MID-WEEK WORSHIP
Begins this Wednesday, December 4
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!
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.
SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Saturday, December 7
9:00 a.m. | Shepherd’s Garden
Roll up your sleeves and make a difference with the Caring for God’s Creation Team this month! Whether it’s weeding, tidying, or giving our space the attention it needs, all are welcome and our master gardeners are eager to share their knowledge. Bring your own gloves, tools, and gear Contact Jeri Porter.
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!
QUILTING
Wednesday, December 11 | 1:00 p.m. in Room 205
Saturday, December 14 | 9:00 a.m. in Room 205
Sewing quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Let us teach you what we know, no experience necessary! Contact Linda Fiandaca.
NATIVITY STORY
Sunday, December 15
Noonish | 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.
GRIEF GROUP
Sunday, December 15
Noon | Room 205
Join us for a light lunch and group discussion in a compassionate space. During our sessions, we share stories, offer mutual support, and explore ways to cope with our grief. Contact Amanda Forsberg.
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.
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
CHRIST IS BORN!
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Lutheran liturgy, a family-centered gathering, or a quiet outdoor celebration, there’s a place for everyone here. Each service includes candlelight, the singing of ‘Silent Night,’ and Holy Communion. Find in-depth descriptions at ShepHills.org/CHRISTMAS.
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
Calling all digital evangelists! Take a moment and click here to leave a review. One sentence will do, and it will help us spread the word by making sure our website is easily found. Here are some examples:
- I love the music on Christmas Eve!
- Such a warm and welcoming church.
- The 4pm Christmas Courtyard service is great for the whole family, especially if you have young kids! Remember to bring a chair.
- Or write your own!
SNAPSHOT
MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL RETREAT
Who says camp is just for summer? Last month our middle schoolers headed to Camp Chrysalis for a weekend retreat full of outdoor fun and bonding. From campfire chats to team activities, they deepened friendships and explored their faith, creating memories to last a lifetime!
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.
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
• Tom Rieger, father of Tommy Rieger
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. Bless also the food collected for Bread for All, that it might nourish bodies, build community, and be a sign of your abundant love in action.
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.