2014 December - The Shepherd's Watch Newsletter

The Shepherd’s Watch

December 2014

WHAT ARE WE PREPARING FOR AGAIN?

INSIDE

Issue 12

by Mary Aversa

Adult Ministry....................4 Mission..............................6 Children & Family Ministries...........................8 True Student Ministries...10 Connect, Concerns & Calendar........................13 Subscribe to this newsletter online at tinyurl.com/shpc-nl

Staff Guide Mike Killeen.......Assoc Pastor Britta Dukes.......Assoc Pastor

Have you started your Christmas shopping yet?

What...NO?! Well, according to the relentless fall soundtrack playing on every radio, television, social media sidebar and pop-up ad, you’re late...you’re about to miss the best prices of the season!

Ads promising, Black Friday Prices NOW! have flooded the airwaves before most of us have purchased our Thanksgiving turkeys (or Tofurkeys if that’s how you roll), and if you’ve been paying attention, those retailers are actually a little late to the game.

K-Mart aired one of the first Christmas ads right after Labor Day this year.

while the dishes soak, we can have an extra piece of pie then go for a walk to pretend we’re burning off the 4,500 calories we consumed throughout the day.

We could even break out the Christmas carols on our iPods or smartphones, flowing gracefully from a holiday of thankfulness to a season of preparation and anticipation of the birth of our savior. Don’t worry about your household contingent who might not be ready for Christmas music; at least half of your family will be groggily watching football and won’t even notice the music until they find themselves unconsciously singing Away in a Manger. By then, they’ll have given in to your Advent enthusiasm.

Chris Gordon......... Children’s Ministry

Year after year, we find ourselves bellowing with zeal the rallying cry, “Christmas isn’t about the stuff!” or, “Stop rushing the holidays! Let me get through Thanksgiving first!”

Beth Watson......Music Ministry

Or maybe “bellowing” is a stretch. At least we think those things.

Glad you asked. You can get dates on your calendar for Gingerbread Day, the Christmas Pageant, Christmas Carol singing and more at SHPC. The details are all inside this edition of The Shepherd’s Watch.

Of course it’s easier to let the battle cry play out in our minds instead of taking any sort of action. After all, we’re busy (not making Christmas lists while it’s still November), and just maybe the bigger impact we make is simply by deciding to stay at home and enjoy Thanksgiving with loved ones, not succumbing to the “Gray Thursday” hype.

Instead of shopping online

And you can worship with us every Sunday during Advent. The greens are already hung. The Angel Tree is glowing.

The Advent Wreath is placed. The band and choir are practicing and polishing, and once you’re in the doors, the anticipation of the birth of the Christ child will fill your heart.

Ted Thulin...........Assoc Pastor Sherry Smith......Adult Ministry

Zack Uzzle...........Music Ministry Josh Coulter.......Music Ministry Pattie Lawrence.......Preschool Director Belva Koerth............Office Mgr Mary Aversa...Communication/

Business Director

What else can you do?

You can pick your Angel from the Angel Tree and start planning and praying for the angel you’ll be shopping for.

See you Sunday.

One church, two locations William Cannon Campus: 5226 W. William Cannon Dr. Brodie Campus: 12420 Hewitt Lane

Shepherd of the Hills Presby Presbyterian Church

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Advent Season Events Worship Music for the Christmas Season!

Both Wm. Cannon and Brodie will enjoy wonderful music during advent. The choir will be singing their Christmas Cantata at Brodie during the 11:00 worship hour on December 14th, and at Wm. Cannon on December 21st during both worship hours. Bluegrass Christmas, now a SHPC tradition, will be at Wm. Cannon during both hours on December 14th, and at Brodie on the 21st. Don’t miss these special worship experiences during the holidays!

ALL-CHURCH FIRESIDE CAROL SING

Gather around the fire in the narthex at Wm Cannon on December 14th as we sing all our favorite carols and enjoy cookies, cider and hot chocolate. PJs are welcome! (Especially footy pajamas with reindeer…)

YOU'RE INVITED TO A FESTIVE AFTERNOON OF CAROL SINGING MONDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 3:30 P.M., EMERITUS AT BECKETT MEADOWS Every year, we gather around the piano with the residents of Emeritus at Beckett Meadows to sing our favorite Christmas carols together.

This is a multi-generational event that includes Children's Ministry, our SHPC Preschool families and anyone else who would like to join in the fun!

If a little "Joy to the World" and some "Fa La Las" sound like something you'd like to add to your Advent season, please meet us in the lobby of Emeritus at Beckett Meadows (just around the corner from the church at 7709 Beckett Road) at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 9th. Please contact Pastor Ted with any questions about this event: ted@shpc.org

Sunday, December 28th, 10:30 a.m.  All-Church worship at William Cannon No Worship at Brodie 2

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

Session Update The session of Shepherd of the Hills held their regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, November 11th, where they received 7 new members and discussed committee reports. Here are some highlights of the meeting. To read more, go to www.shpc.org/session-updates.

Finance And Stewardship

Interim Pastor Search

The Finance Committee reported that, while we continue to run a deficit budget, we are at a smaller deficit than projected. The 2014 budget gap was approximately $250,000, (with a pledged income of approximately $1M) but because giving has exceeded pledges and ministries have been diligent in tightening budgets, our 2014 deficit is currently around $25,000 smaller than anticipated.

The committee continues to meet weekly and is currently conducting interviews. They have some good prospects in the pool and continue to receive interest in our Interim Pastor position.

2015 Commitments are still coming in, and the SHPC family has been faithful and generous in making those pledges! Pledge totals are at around $700,000 as of this week, which is ahead of congregational commitments for the same week in 2013. With $1.25M being the income that would close our deficit, we continue to pray for the church as many of you continue to prayerfully consider your commitments for 2015.

Denomination Issues The denominational issues discernment team continues to examine our relationships with both of our denominations. Some members attended the Mission Presbytery (PC(USA)) meeting in October, where they reported unity was emphasized.

The team recommends that interested members continue to study the various denominational issues and attend the spring 2015 Presbytery meeting (March 6th-7th in Corpus Christi) which will include a general vote on some key resolutions. The team continues to reinforce that the mission of our church and Shepherd of the Hills’s “DNA” has not been changed by denominational influences, and we don’t see that changing in the future.

290 Land As we know, there are costs associated with maintaining the property on 290, costs associated with building on the property and costs associated with selling the property (including back-taxes that would be owed should we ever

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

sell). Those costs are each being examined by the committee. The 290 discernment team has received input from members both in favor of maintaining the land and those in favor of potential sale of the land.

The team reiterated that any action regarding the land is a process of months or years, and they aren’t rushing to act in any way.

Personnel A search is underway for a parttime Office Administrator to replace Belva Koerth following her retirement.

Because the position will move from full-time to part-time, we are looking for additional office volunteers to fill several week-day shifts.

Five-Year Plan The session received and approved the final report of the 5-Year Strategic Planning Committee. The report, which can be downloaded for viewing at shpc.org/five-yearplan, will be a guiding document in several key processes in the coming months. The report includes broad recommendations for each of our areas of ministry and results from the Reveal spiritual growth survey. It will be used in some ministries’ 2015 planning and will also inform the “Mission Study,” a document that will be produced by the session as part of the pastoral search process.

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ADULT MINISTRY ADULT MINISTRY SHPC Study Travel 2015 Announcement Dear SHPC Friends, On Sunday, December 7, at 7:00PM in Portable B, I will be officially announcing the plans for the next SHPC Study Travel Experience. Details will be given at that meeting, but I can tell you now that our destination will be Greece, and we will be walking in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul. The trip will also include a cruise to some Greek islands, and to Kusadasi, Turkey, where we will have the opportunity to visit Ephesus. This will be an 11-day trip from May 12 to May 22.

It is very important for any of you who have not traveled with us before to know that these trips usually sell out within 48 hours of being officially announced. You need to come to the meeting prepared to make a decision after the presentation and be ready to write a deposit check of $400 per person. I know that seems strange

but that is just how popular these trips have been. I have already had people trying to give me deposit checks without even knowing the itinerary or the final cost.

If at this first meeting I receive more deposit checks than the number we can actually take, then there will be a lottery type drawing to see who makes it to the initial list and who gets on the waiting list. In the past we have usually been able to eventually accommodate those on the waiting list. Any individuals wishing to go will eventually have the opportunity to be paired with a roommate if you wish.

As Director of Adult Ministry, I have helped lead these study travel trips for SHPC since the first one to Greece in 2002. Prior to each trip there are various classes and activities planned to prepare you to get the most out of what you will

be seeing and experiencing. This also helps you to meet the other travelers so you already know each other before traveling together.

That is what I can tell you at this time. The actual trip plans won’t be finalized until just before the meeting. If you can’t be at the December 7th meeting, please contact me to find out how to receive information and to submit your deposit.

Since I have led a similar trip to Greece before, I can discuss general information about such a trip if you have never traveled with me before. Contact me at sherry@ shpc.org and I will answer as much as I can but I will not be able to give out any more specific information on this particular trip until the December 7th meeting. I look forward to the possibility of walking in the footsteps of Paul with you!

Blessings, Sherry Smith, Director of Adult Ministry

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Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

Fellowship @ Altitude!

Men’s Ski Trip February 5th-8th Monarch Colorado Cost: Approximately $800 Come be a part of a weekend of fellowship at altitude with the Men of Shepherd of the Hills!

We will spend 3 days in Monarch, Colorado skiing, studying God’s word, and building lasting relationships.

The cost of $800 is an estimate for food, transportation, airfare, ski rentals, lift ticket, etc. and may be subject to change as the date grows closer and we have a better idea of how many will be in our group.

Contact Beaman Floyd (beamanfloyd@earthlink. net) or Mike McLatcher (michael.j.mclatcher@ gmail.com) soon to ask questions and secure your space for the February 5th through 8th trip!

PRIME TIME

50± Adult Ministry

Mary Martha Circle The Mary Martha Circle meeting and annual Christmas Luncheon will take place Thursday, December 4th at 10 a.m. in the William Cannon Sanctuary.

We hope you’ll join us for wonderful food, entertainment and conversation!

The cost is $9.00. Please RSVP to Diane O’Leary at 512-263-2083

Christmas Luncheon The Annual PrimeTime Christmas Luncheon will take place on December 13th at 11:30 a.m.. The restaurant will be North by Northwest at the corner of MOPAC and Slaughter in front of the Alamo Draft House. Seating is limited, and registrations filled up very quickly, so contact Mary Helen MacAllister to find out if there is space available. (512) 2886362; or mary.macallister4@gmail.com

Association of Retired Christian Men The Association of Retired Christian Men (ARCM) meets Thursdays in the William Cannon library from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30. All are welcome!

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

SHPC Women in Action: Traveling Postcards

By Joyce Stewart, SHPC Traveling Postcards Facilitator

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” –Mother Teresa The violence against women sweeping our local and global communities is overwhelming. It is a storm of pain too vast for any one person to grasp—like trying to catch sight of a snowflake in the midst of a blinding blizzard. Yet, when we slow down to focus on some small thing—we capture a glimpse of beauty that moves us to effect change and heal hearts.

Traveling Postcards is a global initiative that exists to empower women and fight oppression and discrimination of women worldwide.

Through creative action, handmade postcards deliver hope and healing to survivors of rape and domestic violence. Yes, postcards! Tiny 4 x 6” visual art messages of love tucked into the pocket of a Traveling Heart Hospital Bag. Beautiful canvas bags sewn in Nashville, TN by Sew For Hope, an organization offering classes and training skills to international refugees.

Each bag provides the necessary toiletries, clothing and information to survivors of sexual assault and a compassionate message of hope and solidarity.

Never underestimate the power of small things.

Imagine walking into a room with tables filled with all sorts of beautiful craft and art materials. At a Traveling Postcards Workshop, the creative process with the freedom to choose— vibrant colors, textured papers, sumptuous fabrics, and more. Words of compassion, strength, and empowerment are shared with women you will never meet but to whom this card may be a ray of light during a dark time. At the end of your creative time together there is a time to pray together and to share feelings about how the process has affected you creatively and spiritually and your hopes for the women who will receive them. Shifting our focus from the storm of pain to the healing power of small acts of love could change a day or transform a life, perhaps the world.

Watch for SHPC’s next Traveling Postcards Workshop in January 2015 and join us in doing small things with great love. To learn more about the Traveling Postcards project and their Traveling Heart Hospital Bags, please visit: www. travelingpostcards.org and Like them on Facebook!

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MISSION What Should We Celebrate?

By Terry Cole, Street Youth Ministry We asked one of our work-fromhome volunteers to talk with some of our recovering clients and to write an article for the newsletter.

Alexander Kao is from New York but volunteers remotely for Street Youth Ministry (SYM).

Here is what Alex shared on the subject of celebration as seen through the eyes of SYM clients: One might argue that the greatest celebration of all time will occur when Jesus comes back for a second time. But I would propose that we need to celebrate small things just as much. The greatest celebration might be when a child got straight As. Or when a baby was born. Or when a child read his first book.

This season we could consider celebrating more than what might be considered normal. You have a

dad? Celebrate by thanking God. Have a penny? Wear clothes?

Celebrate! It is great to celebrate

Advent. However, do not forget that you can celebrate almost everything in life with zeal.

What can other people celebrate? I interviewed David Doyle, a recovering client from SYM, and he has a lot that he can celebrate.

David was homeless. He was living in squats (abandoned sites), the woods,

Angel Tree This Advent season we will provide Christmas gifts in partnership with four agencies—Refugee Services of Texas, Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services, Trinity Child Development Center and Angel Tree of Prison Fellowship.

All you have to do is visit the Christmas tree in the narthex covered with paper angels and choose one. Each angel will have a recipient's name and gift wish (most in the $25-50 range, but there will also be bicycles and a few other “special” requests).

To participate: 1. Choose an angel.

2. Register your choice by signing out the angel at the Angel Tree table.

3. Buy and wrap the gift, attaching the angel to it.

4. Return the gift under the tree by December 14th.

Another fun and meaningful way to participate is to help deliver the gifts. On Saturday, Dec. 20th and Sunday the 21st we will have opportunities to actually take the gifts to families.

For more information contact Cathy Beard at 512-829-4500 or beardfamily@austin.rr.com or Mike Killeen at 512-892-3580/ mike@shpc.com.

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and under bridges for about 5 years.

Working with social workers, he got his GED. Then he got a job. Because of these, he found housing. He applied for financial aid and was accepted to community college.

(Supporters of SYM helped provide college textbooks for David.) He did well, making straight A’s. He applied to UT and was accepted.

Now, he has completed at least 111 hours in college towards his degree in Physics!

David can celebrate the positive things that have happened in his life.

He’s worked hard to accomplish a lot. However, he can also celebrate the negative things that have happened in his life.

He can even celebrate that he was homeless! It’s part of his life and his story.

So Far...

Thank you for supporting our mission partners! We kicked off our Christmas Missions with a bang this year! We don’t yet have numbers on Meals on Wheels Christmas boxes, Angel Tree, or Christmas Eve Joy Gift, but in just the first two weeks of Christmas giving, here’s what you’ve done.

• The annual Guatemalan Craft Fair brought in $4,000.

• Manos de Cristo’s tamale sales were at $4,500 in the first week.

God is Good!

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

Faith in Action - Drive a Senior South Austin Needs Drivers!

Faith in Action - Drive a Senior South Austin is a nonprofit with a passion to offer older adults the assistance needed to remain independent in their own homes.

Top 5 Reasons to Support Drive A Senior

Transportation is the main service requested and is so important in maintaining mental, physical, and spiritual health. Volunteers are needed to drive clients to medical appointments and personal errands. Every drive is an opportunity for a social interaction that can gift a client and the volunteer with a smile and a good story!

4. It keeps our community safe. An average of 500 older adult drivers are injured in car accidents each day in the U.S.

We all take our abilities to drive for granted, but imagine your life if you were no longer able to drive for yourself…this is the circumstance most of our clients find themselves confronted with.

While transportation is the most requested service, some clients need minor home repairs and yard work help to maintain a safe living environment. Additionally, board members and committee volunteers play a vital role in sustaining the organization at a time of immense growth.

If you have some time in your schedule to serve in any capacity, please contact Debbie Brockman at 512-445-5552 or email us at sa@driveasenior.org. Volunteers serve on their own schedule!

Check us out at www.driveaseniorsouthaustin.org.

Freeze Night The first Freeze Night for SHPC took place Thursday, November 13th. Our volunteers staffed the overflow shelter for women at Central Presbyterian Church, preparing and serving dinner and breakfast.

A very special thank you goes out to coordinator, Jess Goulding, and volunteers Sue Lagerquist, Jason Perkey, Michael McLatcher, Mike Killeen, Chester Wuest, Mary Lynn Shierer, Brian Dennis and Tom O’Meara.

5. There is a high probability that YOU will need assistance with transportation one day!

3. Our services help keep our seniors independent while maintaining and quality of life in their own community.

2. You can help a senior get to their medical appointment, grocery store or beauty shop! Last year, Drive A Senior provided nearly 4,000 rides to over 300 clients in the South Austin community.

And the #1 Reason: 1. We are the hands and feet of Christ. Faith in Action Drive A Senior provides the wheels!

Trinity CDC Sharing with Santa Event Do you have something new or gently used you could “regift”? Are you willing to spend some time putting together silent auction baskets? Well Trinity CDC could use your help!

At their Sharing with Santa event, Saturday, Dec. 6th, volunteers are needed to help set up and/or help during the event. Or you can volunteer Dec. 1-5 to put together silent auction baskets. Donations are also needed for the “Elf Room” where children can shop for their parents. There will also be a room where parents can shop.

Please contact Gloria Neunaber at trinitycdc@ hotmail.com or 512-928-2212.

If you have questions, contact Rhonda Cabello at rcabello9@ hotmail.com or 512-301-4683.

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

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CHILDREN & FAMILIES It’s Gingerbread Time!

Join us for a Saturday morning packed full of fun and festivities as we get creative with our gingerbread kits!

Christmas tunes and the aroma of hot chocolate will fill the air, and sweet treats will be plentiful (both for eating and decorating)!

Top perks of this event include bonding as a family, bonding with other families and a real favorite… not having to clean up your own kitchen when it’s over because we’re taking care of the mess!

Sign up now! Registration forms are available in the

narthex areas of both Brodie and William Cannon, as well as in the Children’s Ministry welcome areas of both campuses. You may also register by e-mailing Pastor Britta with your name, number of family members attending and number of kits needed at brittadukes@ gmail.com. Can’t wait to get creative with you!

When: Saturday, December 6th, 10:00a.m.-noon Where: William Cannon FMC Cost: $10 per kit

Preschool News

The kids have had fun celebrating Fall activities, starting with a costume parade and trick-or-treating on Halloween day. As always, they were adorable all dressed up in their costumes as they sang songs for their families in the Chapel. Moving into November the children have focused on Thanksgiving and giving to others.

They were delighted to partake in a Community Helper Museum, where they were able to experience how various members of the community help others every day. There was much excitement as the Lions and Monkeys classes even took their first field trip to Fire Station 27!

Currently we are looking forward to our Thanksgiving celebration, and holding a canned food drive for Manos de Cristo.

During Chapel time the children are learning the Bible verse from Psalm 107:1: Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

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Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

Holiday Activities for Kids & Families at SHPC Saturday, December 6th..................................... 9:00am – Christmas Pageant Dress Rehearsal

10:00am – Gingerbread Building Family Event

Sunday, December 7th – 5:30pm ..................... SHPC 2014 Children's Christmas Pageant Friday, December 12th – 7:00pm....................... Big Story LIVE! Presents JINGLE JAM

DON’T MISS BIG STORY LIVE! JINGLE JAM

Friday, December 12th at 7:00pm at the Wm Cannon FMC

Get WRAPPED UP in Generosity as we play, One Hoof, Two Hoof, None; hear a few interesting renditions of the Christmas story, and learn that it’s not about the shopping or the things wrapped up under the tree. Christmas is about l i v i n g out GENEROSITY in our lives. For all Elementary-aged kids and their families. This is a great time to invite friends and neighbors!

Family Fall Festival Thanks go out to all of the Angels who made the Family Fall Festival such a huge success! Over 150 folks came out to the Brodie campus for Trunk or Treat, the petting zoo and hot dogs, and over 100 people stayed to watch Big Story Live!

You’re Invited The presence of your company is requested at the Children's Christmas Pageant, Sunday, the 7th of December, at 5:30pm.

Photo opportunities and a reception for all performers and their guests will be held immediately following the performance.

Please join us in celebrating the story of Christmas in this fun and special way!

December’s Virtue...

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

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TRUE STUDENT MINISTRIES God’s Love is Always True Every week it’s our goal to celebrate God at True.

Our True student ministry programs are designed to be large, loud, and filled with tons of energy. True is a place where anyone can come--and bring their friends--to have fun, laugh, and learn about God in an environment that allows them to check out the church thing with little risk.

masses. That's where our True Crews and True Deep come in. These are small groups designed to grow deeper relationships and ask more difficult, and sometimes funny, questions of faith.

At True, students will • Be accepted • Be known • Encounter god’s word

At some point, most students will be ready for more. They’ll no longer be content as nameless faces among the

• Meet others from your school

HOW DOES IT WORK? Helping students meet and connect with other like-minded people is a major goal within True.

After an interactive teaching time, we break into small groups of about 5 - 10 people for discussion, sharing, and prayer requests.

We hope you'll check us out sometime. We're sure that after a couple of visits, True will draw you in!

• Connect with a caring leader

IT’S HARD TO CONNECT! Significant relationships don’t just happen; they take a lot of work, and we are committed to helping you get and stay connected. Here are a few ideas to help you build stronger relationships and get connected at True Student Ministry

• LIKE us: www.facebook.com/ Truestudentministry • FOLLOW TRUESHPC

Come to church...EVERY WEEKEND Consistency is a great way to get connected at True. Therefore, we encourage you to make the commitment to come every weekend.

We know it’s tough! There’s always a reason not to come to church. If you show up every week, two things will happen: (a) You’ll be in the loop with upcoming events, happenings, and hooplas, and (2) you’ll have a greater chance to meet someone and make a personal connection. Show up open to spiritual encouragement and relational connection.

Build Friendships We connect to people, not programs. Programs create a great opportunity to meet others and build friendships. Programs can set the stage for friendships, but only individuals can make them happen. You don’t need a planned “thing” to spend time with a friend. Make a commitment to do your part to develop your friendships.

Check out a True Wednesday night.

Crew

on

Sunday

or

Stay in the loop Make sure you get connected to the happenings and hooplas of True. Be sure to: 10

us

on

Instagram

Summer Camp…Grow Retreat…

Winter Ski Trip…Student leadership conference. At least once a quarter we take a trip to some place great. Check out what’s happening next and register today.

Serve in a Ministry Serving is a great way to get connected, and True needs you! The Bible clearly teaches: everyone is gifted and called by God to serve. We have a few ways that you can get plugged in to serve. Just text or call pastor Mike (512)560-0423.

Let’s Do Food.

Our high school students typically eat together after True on Sunday night. Come with us to simply hang out and shoot the breeze.

Keep Trying, Don’t Give Up! It may seem like everyone else is connected, but no one knows everyone in our Student Ministry. If you are feeling disconnected, we get it, it’s totally normal. You may feel like you’re an outsider, but the truth is that everyone was an “outsider” at one point. Jump in with both feet and work building some deeper connections with others.

• True HS meets on Sunday nights 6-7:45 pm • True Tween and True Middle meet on Wednesday nights 6-7:45 pm Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

HIGH SCHOOL SKI TRIP

January 16th, 2015

Join the True high school team as we travel to ski the best slopes in New Mexico. This years trip we be like no other before it. The snow should be so sweet after a summer like the one we just had. What can you expect This year’s Lift Ski Trip? Adventure, Purpose, Justice. Love. You can also bring your friends to this life changing 4 day weekend with 2 days on the slopes.

Space is limited and going fast so Sign up now at total Registration cost is $450 A $100 non-refundable deposit secures your spot as well as first choice of seating in your van! Save $50 and get an early bird discount for registrations before Halloween! Register at www.iamtrue.org

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

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We Are the Church In the last couple of months, many of you have stepped up in new ways to say, “I am Shepherd of the Hills!”

You’re giving of your time, talents and treasure in ways you haven’t before, and we’re grateful! Are you still looking for ways you can serve the SHPC family? Here are some great opportunities that happen to be big needs for us to fill.

Office Volunteers Needed

have afternoon shifts from 1:00 to 4:00

Do you love to meet new people while serving the church? Do you have a 3 to 4 hour block of time available each week? If so, being an office volunteer may be for you!

We’ll soon be looking for several “shifts” of office volunteers to work at the reception desk, answering phones, greeting folks who walk in and helping the staff out with small tasks. We will have some daytime shifts from 9:00 to noon and Monday through Thursday, we’ll

If this appeals to you, start praying about it, and call Mary Aversa in the office at 512.892.3580.

True Wants You! True Student Ministry needs small group leaders for middle school and tween groups. This is a great way to connect not only with students but also their families! True Tween & Middle takes place Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:45. Email Pastor Mike at mike@shpc.org or call him in the church office.

Property Team Looking for a Few New Players!

Our property team is made up of a few handy folks who do everything from making repairs to buildings and playground equipment to changing light bulbs.

If you are a handy DIY-er, call Mary Aversa in the church office to learn more!

Dear Friends, On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in December 1984, I was a site coordinator for Meals on Wheels. One day I mentioned to two of my volunteers, SHPC members Don and Carrie Pace, that after three years of cooking and cleaning up after 80 meals a day, three times a week, I was thinking of getting back into office work. A couple of weeks later Carrie told me that her church was looking for a person for the office.

To see if I liked it and also whether David Evans liked me, on Tuesdays and Thursdays in December I volunteered in the church office here. Fortunately, David and I found ourselves to each other’s’ liking and on January 1, 1985, I went on the payroll. To give you an idea of how the church has grown, at first I worked MondayThursday, 9 a.m. – noon. The church then was in almost a rural area. William Cannon Drive didn’t even exist.

I appreciate very much having had the honor to work in such a caring and supportive place. This work can make a person cry, sigh, moan and laugh, often in the same day.

Funny things happen, such as the phone call, “Is this a church?” “Yes, it is.” “How do you spell Methuselah? It’s from the Bible, you know.” The first time I typed, “Exodus” in my new computer, spell-checker suggested, “Excedrin.” Odd things can happen, such as two foxes being caught in a wall. Practical jokes can happen, such as convincing Larry Coulter on his first Easter here that we’d arranged for buses to transport worshipers back and forth from Bowie High School to keep cars from getting tickets for parking on the grass at the church.

I know that God will continue to bless Shepherd of the Hills. I know that people in crisis, people in need and people searching for a better way to live will continue to make Shepherd of the Hills their home. As I leave what I consider my ministry here, I will always hold you in my heart and ask for God’s blessing on each and every one of you.

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Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

Asking For Help

Tax Prep Reminders

Some people tough out their rough times on their own.

They remain the strong, silent type (like John Wayne) or wear a smile across their face (like Lucille Ball) while holding back a flood of tears. It is difficult to ask for help, but suffering alone is not God’s intent for us!

All contributions for the 2014 tax year must be at the church by December 31, 2014 or mailed in an envelope postmarked no later than December 31, 2014. Anything received or postmarked January 1, 2015 or later will be credited to 2015.

Are you in need of…

Also, any 2014 pre-payments for your 2015 pledge should be marked as “2015” in the memo line.

... someone who cares? ... someone who supports?

Haven’t Made Your Pledge Yet?

... someone who listens? ... someone who shares?

Then a Stephen Minister is available for you!

If you, or someone you know, could benefit from the Christian friendship and care of a Stephen Minister, please the church office at 512-892-3580

If you have not have a chance to turn in your Commitment Card yet, no worries! There are stacks of cards and envelopes on the tables in the Narthex, and you can place yours in the offering plate today, you can mail or bring it to the office during the week, or you can email your pledge to accountant@ shpc.org. Just make sure to include all of the same information in your email.

Visit www.shpc.org/giving for more information on how to schedule your contributions or download a tax statement.

Welcome, New Members!

Lauren, Amy & Philip Seiford

Marc Kirsch

Macon, Honor, Kellsey & Aiden Stokes

Kyle Boyd & Aubry Gabe

We’re glad you’re here!

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

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Anniversaries and Birthdays ANNIVERSARIES

Dec 10

Mason Macera, Laura Munoz

Dec 02

Mark & Tracy Lord

Dec 11

Dec 05

Steve & Deborah Wagner

Jana Collins, Graham Hutton, Susan Martin, Madison Vela

Dec 09

Jeff & Lori Whitmire

Dec 12

Kim Schafer, Sam Segura, Tara Thulin

Dec 11

Jaco Steynberg & Elna Reinach

Dec 13

Cindy Baschnagel, Lizzy Fisher, Annabella Smith

Dec 14

John & Sandi Moehlman

Dec 14

Dec 15

Tim & Summer Whitten

Ashley Adams, Nicki Gell, Colin Lineberry, James Peterson, Ben Valvano

Dec 18

Nona & Gary May

Dec 15

Dec 19

Bruce & Maryellen Albertson

Mario Andrade, Haley Coldsmith, Addison Garcia, Ashley Laird, Cora Lewis, AurĂŠlie Sulter, Frank Wade, Gene Wright

Dec 20

Steve & Elisa Donnell

Dec 16

Dec 21

Asa & Donna Sphar, Phillip & Jenny Callahan

Clint Batte, Doug Frye, Amanda Hyde, Gary May, Sherry Smith

Dec 17

Marilyn Cook, Rod Soto

Dec 18

Matthew Cabello, Darcy Garrett, Nate Groves, Steve Lenertz, Max Roland, John Thomas

Dec 21 Dec 23

Mike & Aimee Killeen

Dec 27

Dick & Susan Klusmann, Don & Jody Barrett, Tommy & Stella Warner

Dec 19

Dec 30

Daryl & Amie Chalberg, Mike & Jennifer Bullock

Billy Baschnagel, Davis Brigance, Braeden Long, Sebastian Segura

Dec 20

Megan Gerold, Radmon Rice, Elaina Saul, Azam Waugh

Dec 21

Marylou Busch, Britta Dukes, Mary Lynn Sheirer, Carson Valdes, Pat Webb

Dec 22

Aimee Kirkconnell, Stacie Tracy

Dec 23

Aaron Bohl, Brittany Budd, Kristin Johnson, Jim Meador, Maria Tissing

Dec 24

Laura Bost, Mary Carnes, Howard Haberman, DeAnne Pearson, Emily Pellerin, Corin Rerecich

Dec 25

Alicia Carr, Allison Schafer

Dec 27

Olivia Brady, Rose Broslat, Karen Hughes, Chris Huntley, Pam Immitt, Brenda Johnson, Ramsay Mudgett, Marc Padovani, Tim Whitten

Dec 28

Keira Jordan, Susan Klusmann, Martin Ramirez, Lynn Tunison

Dec 29

Major Bettridge, Kyle Parker, Sarah Peters, Frances Tomlinson

Dec 30

Nancy Hines, Bryan Parker

Dec 31

Shirley Henry, Chris Lenertz, Sally Schilstra, Sue Wendelin, Lori Whitmire

SILVER ANNIVERSARY Dec 30

Beaman & Carlen Floyd

BIRTHDAYS Dec 01

Gina Bogitch, Ken Clapham, Wesley Hackett, Kerry Long

Dec 02

Kelly Coleman Elna Reinach

Dec 03

Clem Hofmann, Debbi Toh, Alfonso Torres

Dec 04

Gina Hauck, Cheryl Olson, Taylor Robinson, Anne Streit, Sarah Wade, Bo Wilkes, Cade Wilkins

Dec 05

Mary Daves, Chris Holmes, Sarah Lane, Bethany Perkey, Danielle Perkey, Tommy Warner

Dec 06

Derek Brinks, Hannah Herrera, Betty Williams, Curtis Williams

Dec 07

Alex Bay, Suzanne Lunsford, Jamie May, Holly Spink

Dec 08

Jennifer Krajecki, Will Natale, Evelyn Sorrell

Dec 09

Cy Albertson, Fred Rothert

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Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

Please add to your prayers...

Joys—Jessica & Ryan Stathos welcomed their twins, Connolly Thomas and

Witten Robert, on November 19th. New grandparents Mo & Tom O’Meara are thrilled to report that mom and babies are well and healthy—Carol Cunningham, celebrating CT scan showing no remaining problems

Sorrows—

Wendy Uzzle’s grandfather, Jared Alexander, passed away on October 25th.

Please pray for—

Jeff Gerold’s brother-in-law, Jim Bazar, heart surgery—Grady Morris, hospitalized—Mo O’Meara, recovering from successful back procedure—Diane O’Leary’s brother-in-law, Dr. John O’Leary, upcoming cancer surgery—Diane O’Leary’s daughter, Sharon Daniel, hospitalized for testing—Megan Gerold, daughter of Jeff & Allison Gerold, recovering from surgery—Morgan Bolt, son of Sam Brinks’ friend, tumor discovered—Terry Pace, friend of Anne Kirsch, cancer—Lara Manire, beginning cancer treatment—Corinne Davis, in memory care assisted living—Carol Cunningham, medical testing—Modena Dailey, recovering from heart surgery—Bob Carroll, rough recovery from hospitalization—Steve Pearson’s sister Vanessa, congestive heart failure and cancer—Sharon Rothert’s friends, Don & Margaret Trammell, terminal cancer (Don)—Austin, the city where we’re planted—Pastor Alfred Mtonga, his family, and Manyamula CCAP Church—Pastor Chimwemwe Mhango and his family—Pastor Clement Munthali and his family—Pastor Kenneth Muyila and his family—Ronica Ngulube

Please pray for our leaders and our loved ones in the military…

Members of the Armed Forces and all world leaders involved in war zone crises including: Lt. Cpl. Austin Soto, son of Rod & Rachel Soto...

Airman Mason Jenkins, son-in-law of Sue Lagerquist...David Floto, son of Carl Floto & Ruth Ann Widner… John Fisher, nephew of Derek & Kristi Fisher… Jose Fernandez, friend of Gaston & Junie Broyles and graduate of PPAS… Mitch Guile, friend of Eddie & Stacey Reynolds…

Teddy Sweredoski, friend of Stan & Jessica Wade… Kate Ingram, daughter of Temple & Janet Ingram… Christopher Lehmann, son of Mark Lehmann…. Larry Roberman, brother of Lori Whitmire…

Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

SHPC December Calendar Highlights

Rooms are at our William Cannon Campus (W) or Brodie Campus (B).

Regularly scheduled weekly events are not listed here. For complete calendar, including updates to rooms and times, visit calendar.shpc.org.

2 Tuesday

TAMALE ORDERS DUE 4 Thursday

10 a.m. Mary Martha Christmas Luncheon

7 p.m. Men’s Book Club, W-9 5 Friday

TAMALES DELIVERED TO WM CANNON 6 Saturday

9 a.m. Pageant Practice, W-Sanctuary

9:30 a.m. Gingerbread Day, W-FMC 7 Sunday

5:30p.m. Christmas Pageant, W-Sanctuary

7 p.m. Travel Study Meeting, W-B 12 Friday

6 p.m. Big Story Live! Jingle Jam, W-FMC

6 p.m. Handbell Concert, W-Sanctuary 14 Sunday

9:30 & 11 a.m., Bluegrass Christmas, Wm. Cannon

11 a.m. Cantata, Brodie 16 Tuesday

1:30 p.m. Women’s Book Club, W-9

7 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry, W-Lib 21 Sunday

9:30 & 11 a.m., Cantata, Wm. Cannon

11 a.m. Bluegrass Christmas, Brodie 24 Wednesday

OFFICE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

5 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship, Brodie and Wm. Cannon

7 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship, Wm. Cannon 25 Thursday

OFFICE CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS 26 Friday

OFFICE CLOSED 28 Sunday

10:30 a.m. ALL CHURCH WORSHIP AT WM CANNON: NO WORSHIP AT BRODIE 31 Wednesday

OFFICE CLOSED EARLY FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE *Please note that weekly classes and events are only listed on this calendar on their start dates. The full calendar may be viewed at calendar.shpc.org.

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