March 22, 2024
Join us for Palm Sunday, as we look toward Holy Week.
SUNDAY, MARCH 24
PROCESSION OF PALMS WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Sing Hosanna! This Sunday we begin worship in Gathering Space (8:15) or the Courtyard (10:45) and will process into worship, waving palm leaves and singing songs of praise to celebrate Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. Join us as we journey to the Cross and find detailed descriptions of all our Holy Week services at ShepHills.org/HOLYWEEK.
PALM FESTIVAL
9:30 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Courtyard
Spring has sprung! Enjoy a beautiful morning with breakfast, pony rides, and a petting zoo.
ORDER EASTER LILIES BY SUNDAY, MARCH 24
Help us decorate for Easter Sunday! Purchase an Easter Lily in honor of a loved one BY NEXT SUNDAY. You can pay online or get an envelope for cash or check as you enter the Sanctuary.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
The Bible is a book that never grows old. This week we’ll discuss more of 2 Samuel. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL (Toddlers thru Grade 4)
9:30 a.m. | Courtyard
Please meet us in the Courtyard at the Palm Festival! Contact Megan Getman.
NEXTGEN (Grades 5-8, 9-12)
6:00 p.m. | Gym
Come grow your uniquely Lutheran faith through laughter, Bible discussions, and goofy games. Contact Joel Timmons.
NEXTGEN PARENTS GROUP
See you next week! Contact Pr. Lauren or Joel Timmons.
EASTER INVITE CARDS
Get yours in the Gathering Space
Pick up your Easter Invite Cards to share with friends and neighbors!
In need of special prayer? Stephen Ministers are available each Sunday during communion for individuals in need of personal prayer.
HOLY WEEK
Join us on this journey of faith that follows Jesus’ walk to the Cross. Find detailed descriptions of each service at ShepHills.org/HOLYWEEK and ShepHills.org/EASTER.
EASTER
Jesus has risen, the tomb is empty, and the trumpet sounds! Find detailed descriptions of each service at ShepHills.org/EASTER.
LENT AND EASTER OFFERING
As an ELCA church, we are called to do God’s work in local communities and the world pursuing justice, peace, and human dignity for and with all people. Our special Lent, Holy Week, and Easter offerings are designated to the Lutheran ministries of ELCA World Hunger and Global Refuge (previously Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services). Special offering envelopes will be available during services, or give online to the Lent/Easter Offering.
JOIN US!
Find more events at ShepHills.org/EVENTS.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT
TONIGHT! Friday, March 22
6:00 p.m. | Gym
Join us as we gather for fun activities and a kid-friendly meal at church. Contact Megan Getman.
CAMPUS WORKDAY
Saturday, March 23
9:00 a.m. | Courtyard
Come help beautify our campus for Palm Sunday and Easter visitors by lending a hand spreading mulch and pulling weeds. Contact Bill Dawson.
SEW-CIAL FOR LWR BABY CARE KITS
Saturday, March 23
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Room 205
Come sew baby-receiving blankets for our LWR baby care kits! We’ll sew-cialize and have refreshments AND Mary McCauley will also demonstrate how to make a baby hooded cape, which is used instead of the hooded sweatshirts. Fabric and thread are provided, please bring your sewing machine! Contact Kathy Gerhardt.
WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY
Wednesday, March 27
7:30 a.m. | Zoom
10:00 a.m. | Room 205 + Zoom
Great reading, great discussion, TWO TIMES. Contact Pr. Lauren.
WOMEN’S RETREAT
Early Bird Rate Ends March 31
We will be gathering on April 13, 2024 for the Roots of Grace: Our Connections to God’s Earth Women’s Retreat at The Plant in Kyle, TX. Register by March 31 for a $30 discount!
CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED
Monday, April 1 + 8
If you require pastoral care when the office is closed, please email sheep@shephills.org or Joel Timmons at joel@shephills.org.
FUTURE EVENTS
UPBRING SUNDAY
Sunday, April 7
We will join churches across Texas in showing our support of Upbring by highlighting their work to increase child wellness, vitality, and safety during the Generosity Moment in worship.
CONGRESATION
Sunday, April 14 at 9:30 a.m. | Gym (during breakfast)
Wednesday, April 17 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
The Call Committee needs YOUR input! As we look for our Associate Pastor, we invite you to share your ideas and dreams for this role at Shepherd of the Hills. Also be on the lookout for a form where you can offer your thoughts. Contact: Call Committee Co-Chairs Janice Benzel or Kathy Gerhardt
AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS (ACL) SUMMIT MEETING
Sunday, April 14
2:00 p.m. | St. Martin’s Lutheran Church
Come hear about the positive changes taking place in Austin due to our support of the ministries of ACL. Executive Director Sheila Pharis of Mariposa FLC will bring us up to date on the center’s range of services and programs benefiting the community, bolstered by parent testimonials attesting to the positive impact of Mariposa’s efforts. We will also hear from grateful neighbors served by The Bread For All Food Pantry. Reverend Tim Anderson will highlight the Move-In Ministry that assists individuals in transitioning into new homes, with recipients offering their own testimonials about the support received. Additionally, updates will be offered on the Mariposa expansion efforts, advancements in ACL services, and rent assistance initiatives. For more information or inquiries, interested parties can contact Reverend Tim Anderson at tca.balm@gmail.com.
WAYS TO GIVE
In ordinary life, we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer
PLEDGES, GIFTS, AND DONATIONS
Giving online is a great way to stay current with your pledge or set up a recurring gift. Questions? Contact Bill Dawson for help. Thank you for your continued support of our missions and ministries.
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!
BREAD FOR ALL
Special Donation Requests
In addition to regular items, Bread for All is requesting donations of peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, sturdy paper bags with handles, and thick plastic bags (like the red or green ones from HEB). Contact Weldon Allison.
PRAYERS
In need of prayer? Please contact a pastor to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for Rodney Varner, Bob and Judy Moore, and Courtney and Lars Hjaltman.
We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Milton Volney, uncle of Debra Wissman.
O God, we give you thanks for all the saints who have gone before us in faith, and now rest in your eternal life, especially Carolyn Holmquist, sister-in-law of Mary Macaulay. We pray for your comfort and peace to surround all who grieve, as we trust together in the resurrection promise. We commend Carolyn to your never-ending love.
God of Unity, we thank you for the many different people and perspectives that fill your world and our lives each day. We pray that our church may continue to live out and share the welcoming love of Jesus for all people. As the root of conflict is so often misunderstanding and judgment of others, may we be instruments of your peace as you open our minds and hearts to see every person as your beloved.
Holy God, as war continues in the Holy Land, we lift to you prayers for peace and resolution. Draw near to the victims, and inspire leaders to seek your will and your guidance.
Almighty God, you inspire and equip us to serve your people, both here in our community and around the world. We thank you for our mission partners of Austin City Lutherans and the ministries of Mariposa Family Learning Center and Bread for All. We thank for our partnership with Upbring Ministries. We are grateful to serve your people alongside Lutheran World Relief, Global Refuge, ELCA World Hunger, and other ministries across the world. We pray for our sister congregation in Aurora 8 de Octubre, Guatemala, and the ministry of ILAG. We pray for the mission of Charis in Haiti. We thank you for our Butterfly Christian Preschool and the many young minds and hearts that are formed in faith here. May we be your hands and feet!
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.