GOOD SHEPHERD WOMEN'S RETREAT 2024
ABIDE: TAKING TIME AWAY TO PAUSE TOGETHER
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: February 16
February 23–25 | off-site, The Retreat at Balcones Springs
Join us for this transformative Lenten women's retreat and make space to dwell in God again. Guided by the Rev. Callie Swanlund—Episcopal priest, spiritual companion, and coach trained in the wisdom of Brené Brown—this retreat will take us on a profound journey recalling Jesus' time in the wilderness. Please register HERE by February 16!
GODLY PLAY AT THE HILL
Sunday, February 18 | drop off begins at 10:15a, the Hill
Our Godly Play program is a creative, imaginative approach to Christian formation and spiritual guidance for children 3 years old (and potty trained) through 5th grade. Every Sunday children gather in our Godly Play classroom to learn about the Bible and explore God's expansive presence and unconditional love for them. Beginning on February 18, we will have a Godly Play classroom at the Hill. Check-in begins at 10:15a with Godly Play lessons starting at 10:30a. Pick up children at the peace so they can join you for Holy Communion. Register your child for the 2024 Godly Play program by clicking HERE. With questions, please contact the Rev. Brin Bon.
SOLEMN CHORAL EVENSONG:
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT
Sunday, February 18 | 6:00p, Windsor, nave
Evening Prayer is the time when the church gathers to give thanks for the day that is ending, and Evensong is an expression of this, unique to the Anglican tradition and a treasure of our church's heritage. This evening's music will consist of masterworks by Robert Sumsion, Gerald Near, Giovanni Palestrina, and others. Join us after Choral Evensong for a reception in the Parish Life Center.
LENTEN MEDITATION BOOKLET: AUTHORS’ RECEPTION
Sunday, February 18 | 7:00p–8:00p, Windsor, PLC
Join us after Solemn Choral Evensong for a reception honoring our Lenten meditation authors in the Windsor, Parish Life Center. Come grab a bite, pick up a booklet, and toast the creators! With questions, please contact Holly Noelke.
WEDNESDAYS ON WINDSOR:
A JOURNEY THROUGH LENT
Wednesday, February 21 | 5:30p–7:30p, Windsor, PLC
Dinner is served 5:30p-6:30p. Consider adding a Lenten Bible study to your spiritual practice this season. Join fellow parishioners at 6:30p-7:30p in the PLC for a study of Biblical passages that inform our journey during Lent.
  • 5:30p–6:30p - Dinner
  • 6:30p–7:30p - Program
To attend, please register for dinner by clicking HERE.
LENTEN ORGAN RECITALS
Thursdays during Lent | 12:15p–12:45p, Windsor, nave
Join us in the Windsor, nave at 12:15p, for a 30-minute organ recitals are offered on Thursdays in Lent, featuring fine organists from the Austin area. The concerts are free and open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted.
February 22:
Chris Oelkers, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church
February 29:
Dr. Eun Joo Fierro, University Methodist Church 
March 7:
Gregory Eaton, All Saint’s Parish
March 14:
Dr. Jill Nennmann, St. Louis Catholic Church 
March 21:
Brian Tanaka, Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church
PREPARING FOR OUR RECTOR SEARCH:
WHO ARE WE TODAY? WHO DO WE ASPIRE TO BE?
Wednesday, February 28 | 6:00p–8:00p, Windsor, PLC
Saturday, March 2 | 9:00a–11:00a, the Hill
As an important early step of our rector search process, we have scheduled two forums to discuss these questions. They will be facilitated by the Rev. Francene Young from the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Parish-wide input is important to the search process. Please attend at least one of these forums and encourage your fellow parishioners to attend and provide their perspective.
Register HERE for dinner served at 5:30p–6:30p during the February 28 forum.
RACIAL HEALING MINISTRY MEETING
Wednesday, February 28 | 7:30p-8:30p
Windsor, media room
Good Shepherd's lay-led racial healing ministry will host a presentation by Pamela Bryant of the non-profit, Walking By Faith.This prison ministry goes over and beyond to be the hands and feet of God. Walking By Faith is committed to servicing Austin and surrounding areas by reaching the formerly and currently incarcerated, as well as the homeless community. All are welcome to attend! With questions, contact Paul Sarahan.
SHEPHERD + EDGE CAMP 2024
DOWN BY THE RIVER: PREPARE THE WAY
FOR THE LORD!
June 24 - June 28 | Windsor campus
We will follow the story of John the Baptist through a week of music, art, mindfulness, and lots of fun. Shepherd Camp is designed for children in Pre-K (3 years old and potty trained) - 2nd grade. Edge Camp is designed for children in 3rd-5th grade. Shepherd Camp is 9:00a-noon, and we are excited to extend Edge Camp this year from 9:00a–3:00p.*Campers should be registered for the grade level they just completed for the 2023-2024 school year. Registration is now open through May 1 for our favorite week of the year!
Shepherd + Edge Camp is entirely made possible by volunteers. We need adults and youth to assist throughout the week. Nursery care is available for volunteers with children under 3 years.
EPISCOPAL 101 CLASSES
Sundays, February 18 & 25 | 2:00p 
Windsor, administration building 
Whether you are new to the Episcopal tradition or a longtime Episcopalian, our three-part Episcopal 101 classes are a great way to learn about our Episcopal roots. Led by different members of our Good Shepherd clergy, these classes introduce Episcopal Church history and theology, The Book of Common Prayer, and liturgy in the Episcopal tradition. Join us for three consecutive Sundays. For those interested in Confirmation, this series will lay the basis for a further commitment.
To register please contact Kathy Jolink. 
ALPHA COURSE
Beginning Tuesday, February 20 | 5:30p
Windsor, PLC
A series of group conversations over 11 weeks that explore the fundamentals of the Christian faith. Alpha participants meet weekly to eat together, watch a video on a faith topic and then break into small groups for discussion. Over 30 million people worldwide have participated in the Alpha course. We will gather each Tuesday evening in the PLC at 5:30p beginning on February 20 for dinner and our program. New members of Good Shepherd are especially invited, as well as anyone interested in exploring their faith in safe and encouraging environment. For information you may access the website.
A MATTER OF BALANCE
Mondays + Thursdays, February 26–March 21
1:00p–3:00p, The Hill, Parish Hall
According to the Center for Disease Control, one out of three older adults experience a fall each year. And falls are the leading cause of both nonfatal and fatal injuries in older adults. These are frightening statistics, but the good news is that falls are not a normal or inevitable part of aging—there are simple steps you can take today to reduce your risk or that of someone you love. A Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls and maintain an active, healthy lifestyle. For more information, please contact the Rev. Paige Alvarez Hanks. To register for the program, please contact Marcia Edwards or call 512-923-6115.
LENTEN WEEKDAY SERVICES
Weekday mornings | 7:00a
Windsor, chapel
We invite you to make our Lenten weekday services part of your Lenten discipline. We celebrate the Eucharist each weekday morning at 7:00a in the Windsor chapel.
TURKEY PILGRIMAGE
April 18–24
We have room for up to 6 more travelers!
Interested in visiting the sites of some of the earliest Christian communities including Ephesus, Cappadocia and Smyrna? Join the Rev. Stanford Adams on a pilgrimage to Turkey from April 18–28, 2024. We’ll explore the sites of Istanbul as well as tour historical Christian landmarks. We will visit some of the earliest churches on record, and witness where Paul gathered his first Christian congregations. We’ll reflect on how these events and places inform our faith today. We have the ability to add a few more spots. For questions or for more information, please contact Mary Hilliard.
CAMP ALLEN SUMMER CAMP
Registration is open for Summer 2024!
In 1921, Camp Allen was established as the camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas. Camp Allen's Summer Camp program offers one week sessions at its beautiful property in Navasota for ages 8–16. Camps are already filling, so register this month on the camp's website to ensure your child's spot. For more information, click HERE.
HAVE YOU PLEDGED YOUR SUPPORT FOR 2024?
All of our ministries depend on your financial support. We ask you to pledge now for 2024. We appreciate knowing what you are able to give. Please prayerfully consider your pledge to Good Shepherd to support the parish and the ministries we share.
MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES:
FOOD TRUCK PREP + RUNS
Thursday, February 15, offsite
Join Good Shepherd’s Team 102 for the Mobile Loaves & Fishes Food Truck prep and run. Sign up to prepare sandwiches and load the truck from 4:00p–5:00p at the Mobile Loaves and Fishes Commissary (at St. John Neumann’s Catholic Church). You may also sign up for the truck run from 5:00p–7:00p, where you’ll take food to several locations around Austin. All volunteers are welcome!
To register please click HERE.
COMMUNITY FIRST! VILLAGE: MOVE-INS
Saturday, February 24 | 9:00a, offsite
Community First! Village (CF!V) is a 51-acre community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for people coming out of chronic homelessness. Come be a part of the Spirit at work in our community. We will meet at Community First! Village and we will be guided to one of the new homes to clean and furnish for unhoused neighbors. This is a wonderful opportunity for families with teens to serve together. All volunteers are welcome. Click HERE to sign up.
TRINITY STREETS
Sunday, March 3 | 2:00p–4:30p, offsite
At Trinity Streets, we serve meals for 40-65 people coming in off the streets of downtown Austin on Sunday afternoons. Volunteers serve by preparing and serving meals, hosting a worship service for those coming to Trinity Center, and cleaning the kitchen afterwards. To register please click HERE.

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP
THIS SUNDAY
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday online or in person.
MORE WAYS TO CONNECT
For information on all of the ways you can worship with us, take part in formation and serve others, please click here. For a list of upcoming events, click here.