Weekly Connections

IT’S ALMOST HERE!

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.

SNAPSHOT

FAMILY ADVENT RETREAT
It’s not Advent without the Advent Family Festival Retreat at Camp Chrysalis! Our families LOVE this time away to connect, craft, and celebrate this holy season with each other. It was a cold ‘n rainy weekend, but we still had a wonderful time–because it’s camp! Join us next year!

BUTTERFLY CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL
It’s a busy time as Butterfly Preschool gets ready for Christmas break! This month, in Chapel and the classroom, the kids are learning about giving to those in need and are hosting a food drive for Bread for All Food Pantry!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

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.

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.

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.

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!

DEAR GOD

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; Carmen Adams-Schulz; and Dana Dertien.

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; Taylor Schobey, daughter of Deanna Schobey; and Steph and Gina Geller and family, friends of Dee Jackson.

O God, we thank you for our ministry partnerships, both local and global. We lift up ILAG in Guatemala, especially our sister congregation in Aurora, and Charis ministry in Haiti. We also pray for the ministries of Upbring, especially New Life and BeReal. Bless our mission together in sharing your love with all people.

O God, we give you thanks for the saints who have gone before us in faith and now rest in eternal life.  We especially remember Leon Sliwetzka, son of Katy Miller and Michael Sliwetzka, on the anniversary of Leon entering eternal life. We commend Leon and all the saints 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.