Remind
Join us as we prepare our hearts for the birth of the Christ child. During the season of Advent, we will REmind one another that we are all God's beloved children. By creating Advent wreaths and lighting the first candle of Advent, learning about St. Nicholas, packing meals for Rise Against Hunger, and celebrating together on Christmas Eve, this Advent we REmember whose we are.
REFLECT AND SHARE
For our Advent calendar this year we are joining in a global experience through Adventword.org. Each day a word will be shared and you and others around the world are invited to share your reflections through words and photos. Around the dinner table, invite your family to engage in a conversation about the word, its meaning, and where you saw God through that word in your day. Each day the word and a link to the reflection will be posted on our social media. We invite you to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
WORSHIP
CHRISTMAS MUSIC AND FLOWER DONATIONS
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 17
Every year, we are fortunate to receive donations that allow us to afford the beautiful poinsettias and outstanding Christmas music for our Christmas Eve worship services. Click HERE to donate online. For recognition in the Christmas Eve leaflets, donations must be in the Good Shepherd office no later than Friday, December 17.
RISE AGAINST HUNGER SUNDAY: WORSHIP + PACK
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 | 10:30a
Both Campuses
Both campuses will host packs again this year. We will have a 10:30a combined worship service in the nave on the Windsor campus, and we will worship at 10:30a at the Hill. Please dress comfortably and join us after the 10:30a services to pack 35,000 meals for those who need them most.
Volunteers are needed for both campuses! You may register to volunteer at our Windsor pack HERE and our Woodland pack HERE.
PARISH LIFE
ADVENT WREATH MAKING
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28
Both Campuses
Good Shepherd will kick off the first Sunday in Advent with wreath making (9:30a at the Windsor Campus, after 10:30a service at The Hill). Everything you need will be provided, and together we will light the first candle of Advent.
AN EVENING WITH ST. NICHOLAS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 | 6:30p
Windsor Campus
An Evening with St. Nicholas will prepare our hearts for the season. Children should come in their comfiest pajamas to enjoy an enchanting evening of music and inspirational readings.
CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SERIES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 | 7:00p
Church Building, Windsor Campus
Good Shepherd organist Chris Oelkers presents Baroque Music for Advent and Christmas, with works by Buxtehude, Georg Böhm, and J.S. Bach. Join us for this unique candle-lit experience in our church building, Windsor Campus. Admission free.
WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS TEA
TUE, DECEMBER 14 | 4:00–7:00p
Parish Life Center, Windsor Campus
Women of all ages are invited to this beautiful Good Shepherd tradition. Join us for fellowship and merriment in celebration of the Advent season and one another. Drop by or stay the whole time. Sign up to bring your favorite goodies HERE.
FORMATION
ADVENT QUIET DAY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 | 2:00–5:00p
The Hill
Join us on for Advent Quiet Day held at The Hill. This time will be about quietening ourselves in order to REmind ourselves that God is all around. Let us set aside the busyness to intentionally seek time with God through quiet reflections shared by Elizabeth Ann Gates. The cost is $20 to cover materials for the day. Please register HERE.
OUTREACH
THE GIVING TREE
SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 28 + DECEMBER 5
Windsor campus
Share some happiness this Holiday season by adopting a family from the Good Shepherd Giving Tree! For more information, contact Kelley Mucci at 512.797.0295 or Aimee Bostwick.
CHRISTMAS BENEVOLENCE
SUNDAYS, NOVEMBER 28 + DECEMBER 5
Both Campuses
We will provide you a gift and ask that you give it directly to a person in need, extending Good Shepherd’s reach in the Austin community and giving our parishioners an opportunity to reach beyond themselves in a personal way this season. In return, we ask that you tell us about your experience of making the gift.
RISE AGAINST HUNGER PACK
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 19 | after 10:30a worship services
Both Campuses
Both campuses will host packs this year. We will have a 10:30a combined worship service in the nave on the Windsor campus, and we will have our 10:30a service at the Hill in its usual place. The pack will follow worship. Please dress comfortably and help us pack 35,000 meals for those who need them most. Volunteers are needed for both campuses! You may register to volunteer at our Windsor pack HERE and our Woodland pack HERE.