WESTLAKE HILLS
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
We’re glad you’re here

Welcome!

Our mission is to invite people into God’s larger story as we follow Christ together.

New Sermon Series

This October, we explore the issue of poverty and how Jesus invites us to engage with the poor, both among us, within us, and in the stranger. Jesus calls us to see that all people are beloved children of God.

Humans of WHPC

Inspired by Brandon Stanton’s Humans of New York, this series is our way of shining a light on the incredible individuals who make up our WHPC family. Through their unique perspectives and heartfelt experiences, we’ll celebrate the stories of faith, resilience, and love that define our community.

VISIT HERE

SUNDAY MORNING

October 12

9 & 11 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary,
9:45 am | Sunday Classes for All Ages

October 19

9 & 11 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary
9:45 am | Sunday Classes for All Ages
11 am | Youth Choir

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Live stream at 11 am

WORSHIP BULLETIN

SUNDAY CLASSES

The Gratitude Project Art Exhibit

Submit your piece
by October 20

We’re excited to announce the 3rd Annual WHPC Art Exhibit.
This year’s theme is The Gratitude Project. We invite you to share artwork that expresses gratitude to God, inspired by the Doxology’s words: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Your “art” doesn’t have to be something you created yourself; any piece that reflects gratitude is welcome.

Please include the title, medium, artist’s name, and a 1–2 line reflection to accompany your work.

Details:

Theme: The Gratitude Project
Medium: Any (painting, sculpture, photography, mixed media, etc.)
Deadline: Monday, October 20
Drop-off: Church office, Lorraine Harbour’s desk

This exhibit is a celebration of creativity and faith, a shared expression of how gratitude shapes our stories. To participate,
contact Lorraine Harbour with with your intent to submit.

UPCOMING EVENTS, CELEBRATIONS & GATHERINGS - JOIN US!

Our Ministries offer a variety of events to help families, groups, communities, and individuals join together and learn more about God.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EVENTS

Featured

Oct 17

Friday Night Lights

Friday, October 17 | 5 - 8 pm | Rec Center
🎉Parent’s Night Out!🎉

Drop the kids off for an evening of fun!

We’ll have games, dinner, and a movie - ALL included!🍕🎲🎥

While your kids enjoy a night packed with laughter, friends and activities, you can enjoy a night to yourselves-whether that’s relaxing at home or heading out on the town. We hope you can join us!

Oct 19

Take the Next Step to Membership Lunch

Sunday, October 19 | 12 pm | Parlor
Learn about WHPC & Meet New Friends!

A warm and welcoming opportunity to explore what it means to be part of the WHPC community. Enjoy a casual lunch, connect with others, and discover ways to deepen your faith and get involved in the life of the church. All are welcome.

Childcare will be provided with a reservation.

There will be a Called Session meeting at the end, for those who are ready to become members.

Oct 20

Christmas Choir Kickoff

Monday, October 20 | 6:30-8 pm | Sanctuary
Fill your heart with joy and singing! Join the Christmas Choir to sing on a short-term basis! Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays in the weeks before Advent. The Christmas Choir sings the 4 weeks of Advent through Christmas Eve. If you have any questions, contact Emily Craven.

Oct 26

Lunch & Learn with Author of Trust The Whisper, Kathy Izard

Sunday, October 26 | 12–1 pm | Parlor.
Meet Kathy in person, hear about her inspiring journey, and ask questions about her book and ministry.

Oct 26

Trunk or Treat

Sunday, October 26 | 5 – 7 pm | WHPC
Come join us for our annual Trunk or Treat! We will have creative, fun, and thrilling trunks for our families to Trunk or Treat, great community, and hot dogs! It will be an evening you, your families, and friends will not want to miss!

Trunk or Treat Vehicles Needed!
Team up with your friends or family and provide candy for the kids, and enjoy their adorable costumes. If you need ideas for trunk themes or games, contact Amanda Wallace.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EVENTS

OUR LATEST STUDIES & READINGS

CLICK HERE FOR ALL SUNDAY CLASSES

Featured

Book Study Class

Sundays Through November 21 | 9:45 am | Room 205

Gather to discuss and enjoy a good book with Pastor Stacy! "Beyond: Create a Life You Love After 50, 60, 70, and More" and "Trust the Whisper" by Kathy Izard.

The Full House Young Family Class

Sundays, September 7 - November 23 | 9:45 am | Ross Hall
Join this group of parents in a weekly gathering of study and support.

Pastor's Class

Sundays, Sept 7 - Nov 23 | 9:45 am | Parlor
Join Al Krummenacher and Chris Knepp in a theological discussion of salvation and atonement. How are we saved? How do we know we are saved? How many images and theories exist of salvation? This will be an interesting and informative class!

Monday Morning Bible Study

Mondays, Sept 8 - Nov 24 | 9:30 am | Room 200 & Zoom
Monday Morning Bible Study Join Pastor Stacy for a 10 week study of these important books of the Bible. Read and discuss Paul’s understanding of “God on the move” in his world, and explore how God is still on the move in ours!

Westbank Women Bible Study

Wednesdays | 10 am | Parlor
WWBS is for women of all ages who desire to keep their faith steady as well as enjoy and support one another. Join us for fellowship and Bible study.

Sept 10 - Dec 10: Study on Ephesians

Contacts: Christy Engemoen (cengemoen@aol.com) or Mary Allaway (mballaway@aol.com).

Thursday Women's Bible Study

October 2 - November 20 | 1 pm | Room 200
Come and study the hands on gospel. Matthew is filled with stories of Jesus with the people, touching those that needed healing, spending time with those that needed compassion, and much more.

Tuesday Morning Men’s Group

Tuesdays | 7:00 am I Church Parlor
Through November 25, we will be studying "Every Thought Captive" authored by Pastor Kyle Idleman. All men are welcome on Tuesday mornings at 7:00 am in the WHPC Parlor. For more information contact Mike Ussery .

Contemplative Christianity

Sundays | 9:45 am | Room 202
Contemplative Christian practice quiets the mind to allow for the experience of God’s presence in that moment and (eventually) in every aspect of life. Our Contemplative Christianity class offers the opportunity for group study, discussion, and experience of this ancient-yet-modern Christian approach to knowing God. We share a group reading and discussion, often accompanied by a practice opportunity.

Janis Claflin facilitates the class and is happy to answer questions, 512-657-5498, jcforpeace@gmail.com.

Sr. Men’s Bible Study

Tuesdays | 8 am | Zoom

Join this small group of men who read through the Bible, explore the context in which it was written and discuss its meaning for our lives today. Contact Bill Allaway for a Zoom invite.

LIBRARY EVENTS

Featured

Oct 16

Daytime Women's Book Club

Oct 16 | 10:00 CT in-person/Noon Zoom

Lily’s Promise by Lily Ebert NF

Join us at 10:00 CT for brunch and a discussion of this heart-wrenching and ultimately life-affirming Holocaust survivor story that demonstrates the power of love to see us through the darkest of times.

Nov 13

Evening Women's Book Club

Nov 13 | 6:30 PM

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood F

An unsparingly honest and profoundly hopeful story about letting go of guilt, seizing second chances, and the power of books to change our lives. With the heart, wit, grace, and depth of understanding that has characterized her work, Monica Wood illuminates the decisions that define a life and the kindnesses that make life worth living.

Nov 20

Daytime Women's Book Club

Nov 20 | 11:00 CST in-person/Noon Zoom

Be Ready When Luck Happens by Ina Garten NF

Join us at 11:00 CST for lunch and a discussion. In her long-awaited memoir, Ina Garten—aka the Barefoot Contessa, author of thirteen bestselling cookbooks, beloved Food Network personality, Instagram sensation, and cultural icon—shares her personal story with readers hungry for a seat at her table.

NEW IN THE WHPC LIBRARY
The WHPC Library adds new items to it’s collection each month. Visit the Library and find treasures for all ages.

Click here to view “What’s New”

SERVE

Featured

Central Texas Flood Relief Special Offering

The Session of WHPC has voted to receive a special Central Texas Flood Relief Offering. In response to the recent devastating floods across Central Texas, we invite you to join us in providing critical relief to those affected. Your generous donation will help bring hope, comfort, and essential support to families and communities in need.

75 % of the offering will go to Presbyterian Disaster Assitance and 25% will be reserved to support local, hands-on projects in the affected area through direct engagement.

Why Presbyterian Disaster Assistance?

PDA brings both expertise and deep local partnerships to every situation they serve. They are often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, committed to long-term recovery, not just immediate relief. Most importantly, PDA is guided by a Gospel-centered commitment to justice, ensuring that aid reaches all who are impacted, especially the marginalized and overlooked.

Why retain 25% for project support?

This will allow our church and its members to participate in meaningful recovery work alongside those impacted. This effort is especially close to the hearts of many in our church family who have roots in or loved ones living in the affected areas. We invite you to give generously and, as opportunities arise, to serve personally in the work of rebuilding and restoration.

Donations Received To Date: $88,000

GIVE HERE

Featured

MOBILE LOAVES & FISHES

Through the Mobile Loaves & Fishes (MLF) food truck ministry, volunteers provide food, clothing, hygiene products and other life-sustaining items to our homeless neighbors 7 nights a week, 365 days a year.

Mobile Loaves & Fishes is also the visionary organization behind Community First! Village, a master planned development in east Austin that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the disabled, chronically homeless in Central Texas.

WHPC is responsible for make-ready and truck run shifts on the first and second Sundays of every month.

SIGN UP HERE

Visit www.mlf.org to learn more.

SERVE AT COMMUNITY FIRST!

NEW, REGULAR OPPORTUNITIES

WHPC has a long history of supporting MLF with transitioning people from homelessness to being part of a community that includes housing, dignified income, physical and mental well being, and supportive relationships. We are continuing to do this with monthly gatherings at King Park area of Community First. These gatherings focus on hanging out with neighbors and sharing a meal. Think of it as cul-de-sac party/cook out in your neighborhood. Grilling, games & conversations … This is a family friendly event that will bless all those that participate.

Please sign up here

Manos de Cristo Food Run

February 22 & March 22 | 11:30 am | Central Texas

Manos de Cristo is looking for one to two volunteers to pick up food from the Central Texas Food Bank and deliver it to Manos on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Contact Pastor Stephen Finkel for more information.

FIND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

MISSION BLOG

Featured

Faith Rising After the Flood

A Visit to First Presbyterian Church, Kerrville
by Pastor Stephen Finkel

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting our faith partners at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville—a congregation that has become a lifeline for their community in the wake of the devastating Central Texas floods.

Eighty-two days after the floodwaters rose, I sat in the pastor’s office, jaw dropped, listening to story after story of heartbreak—and hope. The room was calm, but just outside its walls, the work of rebuilding lives continues in full force.

Finding Hope, Building Futures: An Update from PCHAS

At Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church, we believe in the power of restoration—the kind of transformation that happens when someone hears, perhaps for the first time, “You matter. You are not alone. There is hope.” That’s exactly what Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) offers families across Texas—and why we’re proud to call them a mission partner. We recently got an update from PCHAS during our monthly Mission Spotlight at WHPC.

Building Hope: WHPC’s Commitment to Ending Homelessness

We believe that faith calls us to action at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church. Throughout Scripture, God commands us to care for the vulnerable, provide shelter for the homeless, and extend love to those in need. This mission drives our deep commitment to supporting families experiencing homelessness in Austin. One of the most powerful ways we are living out this call is through our partnership with the Foundation for the Homeless (FFH) and Peace Lutheran Church’s Peace Family Housing Project, a collaborative effort to provide transitional housing for families in crisis.

EMPLOYMENT

Featured

Organist/Pianist

The Church Organist/Pianist at WHPC is a part-time, non-exempt position accountable to the Senior Pastor through the Director of Music. The primary responsibility is to provide organ and piano music for worship services, funerals, and special events while accompanying the congregation, choir, and Worship Band in various musical styles. Additional duties include attending staff and worship planning meetings, educating the congregation about the sanctuary organ, overseeing its maintenance, and organizing the Annual Lenten Organ Recital Series. The role also involves serving on the Worship Ministry Team and managing relevant budget items.

JOB DESCRIPTION

CONTACT:
Emily Craven emilyc@whpc.org

WHPC BLOG

Featured

Pizza and Game Night

Pizza and Game night was a wonderful evening of delicious DoubleDave's Westlake's pizza, fun games, and most importantly another opportunity for intergenerational connections with our faith community. The room was filled with joy & laughter as we played Bunco, Mexican Train Dominoes, Swoop, Golf and minute-to-win-it games with the kids! Thank you to everyone who attended, it was a blast!

Thrilling Thursday

WHPC's Thrilling Thursday was a complete success! Our children had an amazing time doing ALL the fun things. We had bounce houses, homemade bubbles, reading with Ms. Peggy, water slides on our playground, paining with Lorraine, a balloon parade, Olympic relays, themed snacks, and most importantly a lot of laughter, friendships, surrounded by love. Thank you to everyone who participated. We are SO excited for next summer! Stay tuned dear families!

VBS - Start The Party

The party never stopped at VBS this year. We had so much fun with our children and volunteers as we learned all about how Jesus gives us endless reasons to celebrate. All week we danced, played silly and sometimes messy games, flew paper airplanes, and painted paper mâché bowls. What a blast to start the summer with so much joy and celebration for the Lord.

Pop Up Sunday

School is over and our kiddos are moving up! Every child was celebrated and promoted as we paraded through the church wearing our graduation hats and waving our pom poms. Goodbye 2023/2024 school year!

Children’s Thrilling Thursday: Inflatable Funday

🎉🎈 Children’s Thrilling Thursday: Inflatable Funday was a blast! Our little artists had a great time drawing on balloons and letting their creativity soar. Stay tuned for more fun and exciting events coming your way! 🎨✨

Confirmation Sunday 2024

On April 14th, our church joyfully received 25 new members from this year’s confirmation class. These students gave so much of their time to this six-month experience of exploring their faith with gifted teachers and mentors. I was in awe when the three teachers spoke to their small groups at the breakfast that morning. One talked about the earnestness of her group - earnest in their pursuit of knowledge, with their questions and with their honesty. All talked about how privileged they were to walk alongside these students. It was such a beautiful example of the blessing that comes from serving others - especially young people.

It took a lot of people to make confirmation successful - staff, mentors, parents, teachers, and of course - you! Your financial giving allowed us to offer this amazing ministry for the year and to celebrate them well. Thank you!

Sunday Funday - Bingo & Bouquets

You could feel the anticipation when you walked into the dining hall for Sunday Funday. The kids’ eager eyes stared at the bingo prize table full of squishmallows, nerf guns, giant candy bars and games. We ate, we played, and we cheered for the winners. And everyone got to take home a beautiful bouquet of flowers. It was a lovely time together for the families of WHPC.

Stellar VBS

Our week of VBS was stellar in so many ways and we have much to celebrate! First, we want to thank all of our volunteers who dedicated their time to help the children of our church and community know Jesus better. We learned how to shine Jesus’ light in our lives, so people around us can see the love of God.

Easter Sunday Funday Egg Hunt

Easter is a time to celebrate and we did just that at our Sunday Funday. With over 1,000 Easter eggs, the kids filled their baskets with candy and treats as they hunted for eggs on the playgrounds. Family and friends enjoyed a wonderful lunch and fellowship throughout the afternoon. It was fun for all and we are so happy you joined us!

2023 High School Winter Retreat

This retreat was full of God-filled moments. From the student-led talks and student-written devotionals to the family-style meals and copious amounts of free time - these students I know experienced something miraculous. From camping on top of a mountain, to early sunrise kayak adventures, and all the free time to fellowship with one another in this community. I hope that you will be able to hear the God-filled stories in the coming weeks! To help you get a better picture of what it was like check out the pictures above!