Weekly Connections

September 6, 2024

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

WORSHIP
8:15 a.m.  | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Gospel of Mark 7:24-37
Join us this Sunday as we are reminded that God’s love knows no limits. We’ll also be blessing and presenting Bibles to our first and second-graders and those entering NextGen. Come celebrate this special milestone with us.

Altar Flowers are given by Mike and Bonnie Ensrude in honor of their daughters, their daughters’ husbands, and their grandchildren.

BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Simplify your morning and have breakfast here while you participate in…

BABY CARE KIT ASSEMBLY!
9:15 a.m. | Gym
Let’s do this! We will assemble 250 Baby Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief as part ELCA’s day of service called God’s Work, Our Hands. The “assembly line” will be open during the Breakfast Hour for all ages to lend a hand in this annual tradition. Contact Kathy Gerhardt.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
This Sunday we continue our study of the Book of James, looking specifically at James 1:1-18. 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 and then gather for stories, crafts, and games to learn about God’s everlasting love. Families are encouraged to come early this week and serve together by making Baby Care Kits during the Breakfast Hour. Contact Megan Getman.

NEXTGEN (Grades 9-12)
4:45 p.m. | Austin’s Pizza
New this fall, high school youth will 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. While you wait for Sunday evening to roll around, sign up for the Middle School Retreat at Camp Chrysalis on November 15th-17th.

GET IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!

MEET & GREET WITH PRIMARY CANDIDATE
Saturday, September 14
3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Gym
3:30 p.m. | Q + A begins
Join us for a special Meet & Greet with our Primary Candidate for Associate Pastor. The Congregational Q&A will begin at 3:30 p.m., offering an opportunity to hear directly from the candidate, ask questions, and gain insight into their approach to ministry. This is a vital part of our discernment process—your questions and feedback are invaluable!

Childcare will be available from 2:45 – 5:15 p.m. Contact Megan Getman.

HEAR THE CANDIDATE PREACH
Sunday, September 15
8:15 a.m. + 10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary
The Primary Candidate will preach at both services. For confidentiality, there will be no livestream, so we encourage you to attend in person and say hello to the candidate and their family at breakfast!

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING TO CALL ASSOCIATE PASTOR
Sunday, September 22
12:15 p.m. | Sanctuary
We will gather for a Special Congregational Meeting to vote on extending a call to the Primary Candidate and approving their compensation package. Your participation in this important decision is crucial!

AT SHEPHILLS

Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!

SHEPHERD’S GARDEN WORKDAY
POSTPONED to September 14
The workday scheduled for Sept. 7 is being moved to September 14, at 9:00 a.m.  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. Lauren.

QUILTING
Wednesday, September 11 @ 1:00 p.m. | Rm 205
Saturday, September 14 @ 9:00 a.m. | Rm 205
You only need to know how to tie a knot, we will teach you the rest of what it takes to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Contact Linda Fiandaca or Ruth Felger.

ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Thursday, September 12
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Home of Barb Hampton, 422 Brady Lane, 78746
Everyone is invited to drop in anytime for ice cream from Culver’s (thanks Elaine Fick!) and to catch up on all we did this summer. You are invited to bring cookies or brownies.  If your diet is restricted, please bring something that you will enjoy.  Please RSVP by Monday, September 9 to Amanda Forsberg, or 512-592-8607.

2025 TRIPS AND SUMMER CAMPS
Sunday, September 15
9:40 a.m. | Gym
THIS IS FOR EVERYONE! You’ll hear firsthand stories from past participants about our upcoming trips and camps. Whether you’re looking for a reflective retreat at Holden Village, an international mission in Guatemala, high-adventure thrills at Rainbow Trail, or fun-filled days at camp, there’s something for you. Plus, you’ll get all the take-home info you need to start planning for 2025!

LUMIN TAILGATE TUESDAY
Tuesday, September 17
Serve a two-hour shift
3 shifts btwn 3:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
It’s ShepHills’ Tuesday to serve! LuMin (Lutheran Campus Ministry at UT Austin) serves grilled hamburgers to 350 to 400 students (for free) every Tuesday and needs our help. Talk about some hungry college students! We have added more slots, click here to sign up and find directions. Contact Joel Timmons.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT
Thursday, September 19
1:00 p.m. | Library + Zoom
 If you care for someone in person or from a distance (child, spouse, parent, friend), you know that caregiving is a gesture of love and brings many challenging moments. This fellowship of other caregivers acknowledges those challenges and shares practical tips. For information email Sandy Smith or call 512-569-6453.

REV. TIM ANDERSON
Sunday, September 22
9:30 a.m. | Gym
Rev. Tim Anderson, director of Austin City Lutherans, will give an update on ACL’s ministry efforts, leading a conversation about Bread For All Food Pantry, Mariposa Family Learning Center, Move-In Ministry, and other ACL efforts. Come join the conversation!

FAITH IN ACTION

BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, September 6
10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Hotel Viata 320 S Capital of Texas Highway Austin TX 78746
Your donation won’t travel far, but it will go a long way to helping We Are Blood maintain its local blood supply! The Westlake Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Austin Westlake are hosting the Bloodmobile Bus at the Hotel Viata, click here to make an appointment, and make sure to eat a full meal before you give.

JUST SISTERS – A CONVERSATION ON THE 2024 ELECTION
Saturday, September 7
9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. | First Baptist Church of Austin
JustSisters invites Christian women into a safe space to discuss voting your faith. Click here for an in-depth agenda.

ROUND ROCK EXPRESS FAITH + FAMILY DAY
Wednesday, September 11
6:00 p.m. | Round Rock Express Ballpark
Faith and Family Day is returning to the Round Rock Express with discounted tickets ($9 Lawn, $15 Reserved) and $1 hotdogs!

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 Bill Dawson 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 contact Pr. Lauren to be put on the prayer list.

We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; Ann Watt; Larry Morgan; and Millie Combs.

We pray for family and friends of Shepherd members: Drew Officer and Kate Sheeran, friends of Kathleen Macaulay; Justin Cain, son-in-law of Rex and Sheila Fortune; Mary Campbell, aunt of Laura Hills; Amy Pike, friend of Pastor Lauren; Audrey Lentz, sister of Donna Auby; and Joyce Carter, cousin of Karen Flint.

O God, you have continued to guide our discernment process as we seek an Associate Pastor to join us in ministry.  We pray for your Spirit to guide and give wisdom to all those involved.  We pray for clarity when it is time to extend a call. 

O God, we pray for the victims and families of the school shooting in Georgia this week. We lament and grieve for this reality in our country that continues to rear its head, and we pray desperately for solutions that prevent this violence.

God, you send us to serve.  We are grateful for our partnership with Lutheran World Relief, and we pray your blessings on the work of LWR throughout the world.  We pray especially that the baby care kits we assemble today will convey your love to the babies and parents who receive them.  Strengthen the ministries of LWR as we seek, together, to meet the physical and spiritual needs of your people.

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.