THIS SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20
WORSHIP
8:15 a.m. | Sanctuary
10:45 a.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
Mark 10:35-45 Join us this Sunday as Jesus defines “greatness,” teaching us that true glory is found in serving others with humility and love.
Altar Flowers are given by the Church Council on behalf of the congregation in celebration of Pr. Lauren Dow Wegner and her faithful call to serve God and Shepherd of the Hills, sharing His love and grace with all!
Altar Flowers are given by Bill and Sara Dawson in celebration of granddaughter Chloe Dawson’s first birthday!
GENEROUS LIVES – Living with Intention
Next Sunday, October 27 is Reformation and Intention Sunday, a time to reflect and set our intentions for using God’s gifts faithfully in the year ahead. While the language may be different from past years, our goal remains the same: to embrace generous living with purpose. What was once called a Pledge Card is now an Intention Card. We invite you to complete your Intention Card by October 27, indicating how you will share your gifts financially and through participation. Thank you for your commitment to God’s work!
NAME TAGS
Gathering Space
Grab your name tag and help us create a welcoming, inclusive environment! Wearing name tags helps us connect AND makes it easier for newcomers – especially our new Associate Pastor (who joins us on Sunday, November 3) – to learn names and feel at home.
BREAKFAST FOR ALL
9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Gym
Feed your body and soul by joining us for breakfast.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
9:30 a.m. | Library + Zoom
This Sunday we continue our study of the Book of James. 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 in Room 203 and then gather for stories, crafts, and games to learn about God’s everlasting love. Contact Megan Getman.
NEXTGEN (Grades 9-12)
4:45 p.m. | Austin’s Pizza
New this fall, 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. While you wait for Sunday evening to roll around, sign up for the Middle School Retreat at Camp Chrysalis on November 15th-17th.
OCTOBER IS PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH
This Sunday
This Sunday in recognition of Pastor Appreciation Month, Church Council will recognize Pr. Lauren for her faithful call to serve God and Shepherd of the Hills during worship. Everyone is invited to reach out and let her know how wonderful she is!
REFORMATION + INTENTION SUNDAY
NEXT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
It’s an important Sunday in the life of our church, WEAR YOUR RED as we celebrate God’s church!
WORSHIP
8:50 a.m. + 10:45 a.m. | 10:45 a.m. Livestream
It’s a giant family reunion with your faith family all dressed in red (talk about unity!), celebrating our shared heritage and God’s blessings. Listen to the UT Trombone Choir blare out your favorite hymns at 10:45, and fill out an Intention Card to support our missions and ministries in the year ahead!
REFORMATION BREAKFAST
9:15 a.m | Gym
Come for a hearty breakfast of homemade casseroles that would make Martin Luther proud!
CONGREGATIONAL SERVICE PROJECT
9:30 a.m. | Gym
EVERYONE is invited to join us in living out our intention to serve others as a faith community! Help assemble towels and other items into 200 Personal Care Kits that are desperately needed by Lutheran World Relief in the wake of recent natural disasters.
DIRECTORY PHOTOS
9:15 a.m. | Gym
Help put faces to names – get your photo taken for the online directory (we’ll upload it) and be part of our church family’s story! Look for the photo backdrop in the Gym and come on over.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
FALL INTO FAITH
Fall Events in 2024
Click here to discover the bounty of great worship services and more happening this fall!
SATURDAY MORNINGS WITH YOUNG’UNS
Saturday, October 19
9:00 a.m. | Butterfly Center
If you’ve got kindergarteners or younger this is planned for you-come gather for some playtime with your little ones! We’ll have some breakfast tacos and coffee (for the adults!). It’s a great time to get to know each other. Contact Megan Getman.
SEWCIAL FOR LWR
Saturday, October 19
10:00 a.m. | Room 106 (Breezeway Building)
Come join us for a “sewcial” morning of sewing and service! People of all ages and skill levels are invited to help make flannel receiving blankets for Lutheran World Relief’s Baby Care Kits. Bring a sewing machine and we’ll supply the materials and refreshments. Contact Kathy Gerhardt.
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.
MARIPOSA DAY OF GIVING AND GRATITUDE
Sunday, October 27
3:00 – 5:00 p.m. | Vuka Event Space
You’re invited for an afternoon of giving and gratitude for Mariposa Family Learning Center. Mariposa is a ministry of Austin City Lutherans ensuring all families receive an exceptional level of childcare for their children regardless of their ability to pay. Contact Director Sheila Pharis.
ALL SAINTS + CONFIRMATION SUNDAY
Sunday, November 3
8:50 a.m. + 10:45 a.m. | 10:45 a.m. Livestream
Welcome Pr. Ryan on his first Sunday as our Associate Pastor! We remember our saints and join with the confirmands during 10:45 as we all say “yes” to God’s promise of unconditional grace.
GATHER US IN
Sunday, November 3
9:30 a.m. | Gym
We invite those interested in learning more about our community of faith to have a seat at our table (it will have a sign) during breakfast! Bring your questions and come for conversation. Contact Amanda Forsberg.
CHRISTMAS GIVING TREES
Sunday, November 3
9:30 a.m. | Gym
The Christmas Giving Tree project returns! Three decorated trees will be in the Gathering Space, each supporting a charity: Upbring New Life Center, Upbring Foster Children, and Upbring BeREAL. Take an ornament, buy the listed gifts, and return them to the Gathering Space. For questions, contact Linda Roesle.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE
Sunday, November 3
4:00 p.m. | Memorial Garden
We gather to remember the holy gift of our loved ones and give thanks for God’s promise of eternal life. A light meal will follow in the Gym.
PRAYERS FOR OUR NATION
Monday, November 4
7:00 p.m. | Sanctuary + Livestream
All are welcome as we pray for a peaceful path forward on the eve of the presidential election. This is a time to come together as a community to recognize both our shared values and the beauty of our differences, lifting up our hopes for a future built on understanding.
Check the calendars on Realm or the website for a complete list of events!
SNAPSHOT
AUSTIN CITY LUTHERAN (ACL) MOVE-IN MINISTRY
Your generosity at work! ACL’s Move-In Ministry reached a significant milestone by serving its 175th household in October, providing essential furniture and household items to individuals and families exiting homelessness. One recipient, Mariah, a single mother of two, received a dresser, beds, and a kitchen table, transforming her new apartment into a home and igniting her motivation to build a stable future through various jobs and plans to obtain her CNA certification.
FAITH IN ACTION
HOLY CROSS 60th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
This Weekend
The Lutheran community is invited to join Holy Cross in celebrating their legacy and future at one or all three events this weekend. More details here.
GENEROSITY MOMENT
AUSTIN CITY LUTHERANS
Stay up to date with the works of Austin City Lutherans in our community by reading their fall newsletter!
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.
HURRICANE RELIEF
Two ways to give to relief efforts:
Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is matching all gifts up to $125,000 – lwr.org/hurricane-match
Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) – elca.org
DONATIONS FOR BREAD FOR ALL (BFA)
Read the BFA September Report from Pr. Tim Anderson. 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 email the church at Sheep@ShepHills.org to be put on the prayer list.
We pray for: Marie Fortune; Hunter Clark; Ann Watt; John Fenton; Jena Oberg; and Wallace Behrhorst.
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; Joyce Carter, cousin of Karen Flint; Glenda Rumble, cousin of Terrie Thomas; Emma Katherine Phillips, sister of Hilary Russell; Linda Maidment Meyers, daughter of Helen and David Maidment; Paula Diaz, friend of Bob Cannon; Steph and Gina Geller and family, friends of Dee Jackson.
God, we pray blessings and safe travel for the group from Shepherd of the Hills traveling to the Rhine River this week. May their journey be filled with spiritual awakening, friendship, and joyful experiences. Keep them safe as they explore and enjoy time away among another land and people.
God, we give you thanks for Pr. Ryan Dockery who will be joining us as our Associate Pastor. We pray for Pr. Ryan, Bre, Emmett, and Nolan as they transition to life in Austin and at Shepherd of the Hills. Bless our future together!
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.
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.