SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT
This Sunday we begin the season of stewardship, an opportunity to focus on our intention to support the mission of the church through our gifts of time and money. We hope that as you make a commitment to God, you find your relationship with God growing. Keep an eye out for a stewardship letter in your mailboxes with more information.
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday online or in person.
STEWARDSHIP SMALL GROUP GATHERINGS
September 18–October 27 | various times, offsite
Meet fellow parishioners and hear from the clergy and vestry about the state of the parish and ministry goals for 2024. These stewardship small group gatherings take place in parishioners’ homes. For a list of dates, times and locations, and to RSVP, please click HERE or contact Dawn at the church office at 512-476-3523.
FALL GOOD SHEPHERD FARMERS MARKET
Saturday, October 14 | 9:00a–1:00p
Windsor, the common and outdoor parking lot
Each week, we bring you a variety of new and all your favorite vendors. Start your Saturday at the market with fresh coffee and breakfast tacos. Shop for produce, eggs, gluten-free alternatives, ready-made foods, and artisanal goods. Enjoy live music and lunch from our food trucks and chefs in the courtyard at our tables under the oak trees. Kids and dogs are always welcome. If you know of any vendors you'd like to see at the market, please have them contact the market coordinator. For a list of market vendors and events, visit the market's Instagram page by clicking HERE.
FINAL AFFAIRS FAIR
Sunday, October 15 | 12:00p–2:00p, Windsor, Allen Hall
It can be difficult to start conversations about planning for the end of life. The final affairs fair is a way to open the discussion and provide important information, assistance and resources. Like a ministry fair, participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, take home relevant information and arrange follow-up appointments if desired. Let us provide the space to help you think about the importance of planning for the end of life. For more information, please contact the Rev. Paige Alvarez Hanks.
MUSIC ON THE HILL FEATURING: MYSTERY BEANS
Sunday, October 15 | 6:30p–8:00p, the Hill
Music on the Hill is a concert series featuring world-class musicians in the intimate setting of the Hill (1700 Woodland Ave.). In October, the Hill welcomes folk ensemble Mystery Beans. Blending folk, country, and bluegrass elements, Mystery Beans songs are sometimes goofy, sometimes true, and quite often a little bit of both. Sing and dance along to fun folk music that will get you out of your chair! $10 Suggested donation, BYOB. If you'd like to volunteer to help with set-up and greeting our guests, please sign up HERE. For more information please contact Matt Bradshaw.
WEDNESDAYS ON WINDSOR:
WHEN IN OUR MUSIC GOD IS GLORIFIED
Wednesday, October 18 | 5:00p–7:30p, Windsor, PLC
Music is a powerful aspect of our worship experience. Join us as we discuss and consider the meanings behind some of our most popular hymns. Led by the Rev. Terry Gleeson, Priest for Liturgy. Register for dinner served from 5:00p-7:00p in the Parish Life Center by clicking HERE. For more information please contact Jessica Riels.
10.18 Menu:
Turkey Pot Pie
Spinach Salad
Fruit Salad
Pumpkin Tarts
Upcoming Wednesday on Windsor schedule:
SINGLE PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
Wednesday, October 18
6:30p-7:30p, Windsor, Reflection Room
Parenting is hard when there is a partnership, but it has particular challenges when you are doing it solo. Join with others as we build a community of support for one another. This is open to members of Good Shepherd as well as members of the larger community in need of this kind of support. This group is open to any adult who parents without a partner and childcare is available if needed. Come and have dinner in the PLC beginning at 5:00m and then head upstairs to gather in support with other single parents. Led by the Rev. Paige Alvarez Hanks, Priest for Pastoral Care.
PARENT BOOK CLUB
Wednesday, October 18
6:30p-7:30p, Windsor, Admin Building, 2nd Floor
Join with the Rev. Brin Bon and your fellow parents of young children for a 3-session book group reading Emily Oster’s, “The Family Firm.” This book explores the idea of “mission-first” or “values-driven” decision making for families of elementary-age kids and younger. Alongside a discussion of Oster’s book, we will talk about the role of faith in determining your family’s values and how to prioritize spiritual growth and Christian formation—for you and your children— in your busy life. Nursery care available upon request. Contact the Rev. Brin Bon with questions.
MUSIC ON THE HILL FEATURING MUJEEB RUZIK
Thursday, October 19 | 7:00p–9:00p, the Hill
Join us at the Hill for a performance of traditional Pakistani folk music by Mujeeb Ruzik. Mujeeb Ruzik performs traditional Hunza music on the rubab and the xingini, traditional Pakistani instruments. This is a rare opportunity for the Austin community to hear this music. Mujeeb will be accompanied by sitar and percussion. In the midst of an uncertain and divided world, let’s reach beyond ourselves and take action to keep Austin welcoming. This special performance is brought to us by Austin Against Hate Initiative. Learn more HERE. For more information about Music on the Hill please contact Matt Bradshaw.
COMMEMORATION OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED:
NAME SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Sunday, October 22
We will celebrate All Souls’ Day on Sunday, October 29. That day’s worship services will include a reading of the necrology, the names of those in this parish family who have died. To submit a name to be read aloud during the services please email Kathy Jolink no later than Sunday, October 22. In addition, the musical setting of the Requiem service by John Rutter will be presented by the Good Shepherd Choir and Orchestra during the 10:30a service in the Windsor church building on Sunday, October 29.
NEWCOMER WELCOME COFFEE
Sunday, October 22 | 11:30a-12:30p, Windsor, Allen Hall
All parishioners, old and new, are invited to our fall Newcomer Welcome Coffee. Following the 10:30a services, join us for coffee, refreshments, and connection. For more information contact Kathy Jolink.
ST. ANNE'S GUILD MONTHLY MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 | 10:00a-12:00p, Windsor, PLC
Please join Saint Anne’s Guild for the monthly meeting on October 24 at 10:00a in the PLC. Our speakers will be Jessica Riels, Director of Programs and Karolina Gwiazda, Creative Director at Good Shepherd. They will share with us what Good Shepherd has to offer for the new program year and new theme “Reaching Beyond Ourselves”. You won’t want to miss this one! Light snacks are provided afterwards. All members of the church are always invited.
TRUNK OR TREAT
Sunday, October 29 | 5:30p–7:00p, the Hill
Join us for our second annual Trunk or Treat at the Hill! Sign up for a parking spot and decorate your car trunk (keep it family friendly, please!) and fill it with goodies. Children will trick or treat from all the car trunks in the church parking lot. This event is open to our community and the surrounding neighborhood–all are welcome! We are accepting nut-free candy donations at Windsor, in the bin located in the Education Center, atrium. To sign up to volunteer please click HERE. For more information please contact the Rev. Laurence Wainwright-Maks.
✨JUST FOR GS KIDS!✨
CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
So much is happening in children and youth ministry! If you want to stay in the know, please contact the Rev. Brin Bon to be added to the children, youth and family ministry e-mail list. to see this month's newsletter, click HERE.
DRIVE A SENIOR - ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
Saturday, October 14 | 4:00p–7:00p, offsite
Join us as we celebrate Drive a Senior ATX's signature fundraising event, Oktoberfest! Located at First Unitarian Universalist Church (4700 Grover Ave.). Oktoberfest brings together our clients, volunteers, supporters, and friends who know how important it is to enable older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation, and age in place by providing free, volunteer-based transportation and other services. For more information click HERE.
MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES:
FOOD TRUCK PREP + RUNS
Thursday, October 19, 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 sign up please click HERE.
COMMUNITY FIRST! VILLAGE: MOVE-INS
Saturday, October 21 | 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, November 5 | 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.
TURKEY PILGRIMAGE INFO SESSION
Sunday, November 5 | 10:30a, Windsor, PLC
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. Follow in apostle Paul’s footsteps as we 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. Save the date and plan to join us for an informational meeting on Sunday, November 5, 2023 after the 10:30a services at the PLC at Windsor to learn more. For additional information, please contact Mary Hilliard.
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.