WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Luke 3:1-6 Prepare the way! Join us this Second Sunday in Advent as we embrace the hope and promise of this season.
This week’s altar flowers are given by Sara and Charlie Enochs in celebration of the birthdays of their son, Charlie Enochs, and Sara’s mother, Kathy McAlister.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome new members Hilary Russell, son Roen, and Eric Raschke at the 10:45 service.
ADVENT DEVOTIONALS
Gathering Space
Get yours this Sunday, there are only a few left!
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!
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
Join us every Sunday for a study of the Good Book. Contact Ruby Cadenhead.
SUNDAY’sCOOL
No Sunday’sCool this week, as the families are at the Camp Chrysalis Advent Retreat! Contact Megan Getman.
WESTLAKE WONDERFEST
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Westlake High School Stadium Parking Lot
Come visit ShepHills’ booth at Wonderfest, a community event featuring 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!). You can also start your Christmas giving by participating in the blood drive. Special thanks to Janice Benzel, Juliet Auby, Jessica and Kevin Garrett, Amanda Forsberg, Dabney Gomes, and Pr. Ryan for all the planning and preparation in creating our booth!
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.
SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
Canceled due to weather!
See you January 4th! Contact Jeri Porter.
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
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.
ADVENT MID-WEEK WORSHIP
Wednesday, December 11
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!
HOLDEN VILLAGE 2025
Sunday, December 15
9:45am | Room 205
We’re planning an unforgettable trip to Holden Village from August 2 – 9, 2025, and you’re invited to be part of the journey. Join us for an info meeting to get all the details on travel logistics, what makes this trip so special, and how to secure your spot when registration opens in January. Contact Joel Timmons.
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.
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!
Whether you’re looking for a traditional Lutheran liturgy, a family-centered gathering, or a quiet outdoor celebration, find the worship service that fits! Each service includes candlelight, the singing of ‘Silent Night,’ and Holy Communion. Click on ShepHills.org/CHRISTMAS for in-depth descriptions.
HELP SPREAD THE WORD
This is the easiest Christmas invite you’ll ever make! Please take a few minutes and click the links below (it’s all super easy!) and help raise our public profile in the digital domain for those searching online for a place to worship on Christmas.
REVIEW US ON GOOGLE
It’s quick and easy. Click here, rate us with stars (5 is the best!), and take a moment to write a simple sentence. If you include “Christmas,” “Christmas Eve,” or “Christmas Eve Services” it’s even better! Your review helps build trust and visibility for those searching online.
VISIT OUR CHRISTMAS WEBPAGE
Take a peek at our Christmas webpage! Every click moves us further up the Google search for “Christmas services near me.” Plan your Christmas Eve while you’re there!
POST A CHRISTMAS PHOTO
Photo Op in the Gym
Capture your holiday spirit by snapping a picture at our Festive Christmas photo spot in the Gym, then post and tag us on social by typing @shephillsaustin (Facebook) or @shephillsatx (Instagram) in your comment!
If you have questions, email Dabney Gomes and she’ll be happy to help you!
INSTALLATION AND RECEPTION FOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR RYAN DOCKERY
Sunday, January 26
3:00 p.m. | Sanctuary
Mark your calendars to celebrate the installation of Pr. Ryan! Then, per ShepHills tradition, we’ll gather in the gym for a reception featuring delicious BBQ with all the fixins.
UPBRING MAKE A DIFFERENCE GALA
Saturday, March 1
6:00 p.m. | Junior League of Austin Community Impact Center
Wear your boots and bling and turn out for this fundraising event for your chance to join Upbring in changing the course of children’s lives. Click here for sponsor information and to register online.
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE
Thank you for showing up in such a big way for our Thanksgiving Food Drive. Your generosity raised 1,602 lbs of food for Bread for All!
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.
END OF THE YEAR GIVING
End of the year giving is upon us! Learn about the different ways to give when considering your end-of-year tax and financial planning, including marketable securities and non-cash assets.
- Check envelopes must be postmarked prior to December 31, 2024 to be eligible for a 2024 tax deduction. Please remember that December 31 is a Sunday.
- Wires or electronic funds transfers must be sent by December 29, 2024 to be eligible for a US 2023 tax deduction (December 29 is the last banking day).
For assistance in arranging gifts to Shepherd of the Hills, please contact Hilary Russell, Finance Officer at controller@shephills.org or call the office – 512-327-3370. Please consult your financial and tax professionals for further information and any financial or tax advice. The above opportunities are only to suggest some possible alternatives and do not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice.
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!
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; and Carmen Adams-Schulz.
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; James Dunn Russell, Sr., grandfather of Hilary Russell; Winnie and Brad Nelson, sister and nephew of Mary Macaulay; and Taylor Schobey, daughter of Deanna Schobey.
God of love, we give you thanks for the marriage of Vicki Matava and Eric Raschke. Bless their life together, as they witness to your love and faithfulness.
God of joy, we thank you for the gift of community and the opportunity to gather at Camp Chrysalis for the Advent Family Retreat. Bless all who attend, that they may experience rest, renewal, and joy in this holy season. May this time together deepen their faith, strengthen their relationships, and prepare their hearts to welcome Christ anew.
O God, we thank you for the ministries of Upbring, especially BeReal and New Life, as they seek to support and care for young people. Bless their efforts in all they do, and keep us connected in showing your love and mercy to all people in need.
God, we give you thanks for the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life. We commend them 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.