Good News from Good Shepherd!

SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT

This Sunday is the Feast of the Transfiguration, in which Jesus takes Peter, James, and John to a mountain, is transfigured with heavenly light, and God's voice speaks down from above. I encourage you to create time this week for prayer, as well as stay in silence afterwards until it feels complete. Watch more HERE.

We look forward to seeing you this Sunday online or in person.

BEWARE OF SCAM EMAILS AND TEXTS

Recently there has been an uptick in scam emails/texts sent to our staff and parishioners. These emails and texts typically purport to be from a member of the clergy. These are recognizable by multiple factors, including misspelling and requests for favors. As a general rule, if it looks, sounds, feels strange, or if it asks for money, gift cards or favors, delete the message and move on. We will never ask you to buy gift cards or anything of the sort. If you’re not sure, call the church and we’ll help. For more information click HERE.

HILLSIDE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER'S 3RD ANNUAL ART GALLERY AND SILENT AUCTION

Saturday, August 5 | 5:00p–7:00p, the Hill

Join us for an evening of art and philanthropy! Featuring works from Hillside children, our art gallery will showcase a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, and photography. Enjoy light refreshments as you peruse the gallery and bid on your favorite pieces. Proceeds from the auction will benefit Hillside Early Childhood Center.

RSVP HERE and support a great cause while adding a new piece of art to your collection.

HILL COMMUNITY MINISTRY: SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

July–August 9 | the Hill

Leading up to the Blessing of the Backpacks, the Hill Community Ministry will be collecting school supplies during the month of July through August 9. All the supplies collected will go towards students at our three AISD schools. Please click HERE for an Amazon wish list and help these students begin the year happy and confident. Your donations of school supplies make this ministry possible - thank you for your donations!

BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS

Sunday, August 13 | 9:15a-11:30a, both campuses

Bring your backpack to church! We will bless students and those who teach and learn during our 9:15a Early Church service and the 10:30a services on both campuses. Treats will be available after all church services. Come and celebrate back to school with us!

ACOLYTE TRAINING

Sunday, August 27 | 12:00p–2:00p, Windsor, nave

Acolytes serve a valuable role in our Sunday worship--carrying the cross and torches and assisting at the altar during Communion. Each fall we welcome new members and equip both current and new acolytes with the skills they need to participate in this important ministry. Our next acolyte gathering for both new and current acolytes will be on Sunday, August 27, 12:00p–2:00p, in the Windsor nave. Parents will join us from 1:30p–2:00p. Lunch will be served. Open to youth in 6-12th grade. To register, please click HERE. For questions, please contact the Rev. Terry Gleeson or the Rev. Brin Bon.

LITURGICAL VOLUNTEERS

Every week our Sunday worship is a team effort, involving not just clergy and staff but an array of volunteers. We especially need ushers to help distribute bulletins, show people to their seats, and generally assist with service. Lay eucharistic ministers and vergers are also needed. Please consider signing up to help as you are able. Contact the Rev. Terry Gleeson if you'd like to participate.

HONORING

THE VERY REV. DR. CYNTHIA BRIGGS KITTREDGE

The Very Rev. Dr. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge was honored for her ten tremendous years of impactful leadership as Dean of the Seminary of the Southwest at this year’s graduation with the creation of an endowment in her name and endowing her position at the Seminary. Cynthia has been a vital part of our clergy team for the past 20 plus years. We are so proud of her accomplishments as Dean and grateful for her ministry at Good Shepherd. We invite you to join us for a reception on Sunday, August 20 following our 10:30a nave service.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM) PROGRAM:

NEW CLASS FORMING FOR THE FALL

Interested in exploring the history and fundamentals of Christianity and nurturing your faith? If so, consider joining Good Shepherd’s Education for Ministry group. EfM is perhaps the best course of study in Christian basics. The development of adult discipleship and an informed and reflective laity lies at the heart of EfM’s thought-provoking curriculum which models the core study areas of a seminary education: The Hebrew Bible; The New Testament; the history of Christianity, and; theology and ethics. The EfM group meets weekly on Thursday evenings at the Windsor campus. The 2023-2024 class is forming now with a start date of September 7. Commitment is one year at a time. For more information, please contact mentors Bill Davies or Susan Harris

ADULT ED SUNDAY MORNINGS AT THE HILL

Sundays | 9:15a–10:15a, the Hill

Looking for an intriguing theological and spiritual discussion? Join us each Sunday at 9:15a for our adult education class at the Hill campus. The Hill is located at 1700 Woodland Avenue. Our focus starting July 23rd is Brian McLaren’s book Do I Stay Christian? These discussions provide a good opportunity to explore the deeper questions of our faith. All are welcome to attend. For additional information, please contact the Rev. Laurence Wainwright-Maks.

TRINITY STREETS

At Trinity Streets, we serve meals for 40-65 people coming in off the streets of downtown Austin on Sunday afternoons. Volunteers serve from 2:00p–4:30p by preparing and serving meals, hosting a worship service for those coming to Trinity Center, and cleaning the kitchen afterwards.

Next date is Sunday, August 13! To register please click HERE.

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES:

FOOD TRUCK PREP + RUNS

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!

Our next truck run is Thursday, August 17!

To sign up please click HERE.

COMMUNITY FIRST! VILLAGE: MOVE-INS

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 at 9:00a 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! Next date is Saturday, August 19!

Click HERE to sign up!