Welcome!
Our mission is to invite people into God’s larger story as we follow Christ together.
ADVENT DEVOTIONAL CALENDAR
BEGINS DECEMBER 1
This Advent, take a few minutes a day for reflection and prayer.
Use this calendar for a moment of quiet and calm in the busy Advent season as we reflect on the word of the day.
WHPC Stewardship 2025
All are invited to Step Up and meet our goal of
a $3.5 million dollar budget for 2025.
Thank you for partnering in ministry and mission at WHPC.
SUNDAY MORNING
november 24
9 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary
9:45 am | Sunday Classes for All Ages
11 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary, ASL Interpreter
december 1 - advent #1
9 & 11 am | Communion Service in the Sanctuary, Christian Choir
9:45 am | Sunday Classes for All Ages
11 am | ASL Interpreter
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.
November 21 | 6 to 8 pm | Home of Cindy Gangstad
Join us for a fun evening designed to build relationships, and share stories, among the single women at WHPC. We will be serving appetizers, soup and dessert. Cindy will teach us to play Bunco. When registering, please indicate if you would like to play Bunco. No need to bring anything unless you have a favorite beverage.
Sunday, November 24 | 12 pm
Join us to decorate the church for Advent.
Lunch will be provided. Many hands make for a quick set up!
Sign up on Realm or contact Emily Craven with questions.
December 5 | 11:30 a.m. | Dining Hall
Join us for the We are excited to offer a festive holiday tea with a variety of sandwiches and holiday treats.Britta Dukes will speak about the JOY of Advent and Christmas! Christmas carols led by Emily Craven and friends.
Rev. Dr. Britta Martin Dukes received her MDiv and DMin degrees from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and served at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian in Austin for 17 years. She is happily married to Glenn (who she happened to meet here at WHPC!) and they parent two young adults, both seniors graduating in May 2025 (Caleb with an MFA from Pace University in NYC and Atalie from Westlake High).
This is a fun, relaxed way to meet other women, so please join us and invite a friend.
June 15-20, 2025
Middle schoolers are invited to join us in the heart of San Antonio this summer, we will serve others by making homes safe, warm, and dry. Students will get the opportunity to gain new skills like working with power tools and tarring roofs (under adult supervision). This project is safe and done along side the empowering staff at Blueprint.
July 5-11 | Alaska
This summer, we’re thrilled to partner with Praying Pelicans Mission for an incredible journey to Alaska! Known for its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming communities, Alaska is a vast land with unique challenges. Home to around 730,000 people, half of whom live in cities like Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau, many Alaskans reside in remote areas only accessible by planes, boats, and ATVs. Despite its natural beauty and vibrant summer tourism, Alaska faces deep struggles, including poverty, homelessness, mental health issues, and addiction. On this mission trip, you’ll team up with local churches, nonprofits, and Christian camps to make a positive impact.
OUR LATEST STUDIES & READINGS
Sundays, December 1, 8, & 15 | Dining Hall
Join us for an engaging adult Sunday school series exploring the nativity story through the lens of fine art. Together, we will examine depictions of often-overlooked characters in the birth of Christ and consider the theological themes they highlight. Through the beauty and depth of these artistic works, we’ll deepen our understanding of the story beyond the familiar manger scene.
Our spiritual journey is not one to be taken alone. This four week study on Joseph’s life will help your small group grow closer together and deepen everyone’s understanding of the road-blocks and difficulties of the life of faith. The videos and study guide for each week can be found here.
Began Wednesday, September 11 | 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. This fall Dr. Sinclair Ferguson will be teaching 1 Peter where the apostle shares the value of our faith in Christ and how to live as Christians in a society opposed to Christian beliefs.
Contacts: Christy Engemoen (cengemoen@aol.com) or Mary Allaway (mballaway@aol.com).
Began Wednesday, Sept 18 | 10 am | Parlor
Join us for connection and study as we journey through the Psalms. No homework! Childcare provided with registration. For more information, contact Jessica Golm, jessica@golm.com
September 9 - November 18 | Mondays | 9:30 am | Room 200
Join Stacy Ikard, Kevin Ireland, and others as we cover some of the major themes of the books of Genesis and Exodus. This class is designed for serious Biblical scholars as well as beginners in Bible study. Come to discuss and learn of the abiding, important themes of these foundational books of Hebrew Scripture. You can attend in person or on Zoom. Register here for more info and for the zoom link.
September 8 - November 24 | Sundays | 9:45 am | Parlor
Join Al Krummenacher and Chris Knepp for this serious and fun exploration of what the Bible is, how it came to be and what we are supposed to do with it. Whether you are a serious Bible student or a beginner, come to discuss and learn more about the “rule of faith and life” that is our Bible.
September through June | Church & Off-Site
Be part of a Grow Group this Fall! These groups are for adults who want to connect, share and serve while growing in faith. Groups will meet twice a month and participate in an outreach project together.
November 3 - 24 | Sundays | 9:45 am | Ross Hall
Full House is a community of parents with children under the age of 18 supporting each other through the adventures of parenthood!
For more information, contact Sarah French at sbradbur@alum.trinity.edu or 210-882-6400.
Began September 18 | 6:30 pm | Room 202
Join Pastor Emily on Wednesday evenings for a six-week study of scripture and sexuality. We will look at a spectrum of interpretations together in this discussion-based class. The goal is to talk about the scriptures directly addressing sexuality and read them within the entire scope of the Word, Jesus Christ himself.
Tuesdays | 7:00 am I Church Parlor
October 29 - December 3 - How We Got The Bible
December 10 - 24 - On The Way to Bethlehem
For more info, contact Mike Ussery.
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.
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
Nov 21 | 11:00 CST in-person/Noon Zoom
The Kitchen Front by Jennifer Ryan F
Join us at 11:00 CST for lunch and a discussion about four British women competing in a cooking contest during World War II. The winner will become the first female host of the BBC radio show “The Kitchen Front,.” The show guides listeners in creative ways to use food rations.. The winner will be presented a crucial chance to change her life.
December 12 | 6:30 PM CST in-person
Dinner with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships by Nina Tottenberg NF
Celebrated NPR correspondent Nina Totenberg delivers an extraordinary memoir of her personal successes, struggles, and life-affirming relationships, including her beautiful friendship of nearly fifty years with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Dec 19 | 11:00am CST in-person only
Bright Lights, Big Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews F
Join us at 11:00 am CST for lunch and a discussion of this charming and witty story, set in New York City during the Christmas season. Enjoyable tropes include slow-burn sweet romance, multigenerational friendship, community spirit, sunshine sister + grumpy brother, helping others, and found family.
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.
SERVE
Hi!
Meet Élida, an extraordinary woman who works in the kitchen of a local hotel, cares for her family, and attends ESL class at Manos de Cristo. Élida’s story is not only inspiring, but also a powerful reminder of the grit, determination, and resilience that immigrants bring to this country.
As an ESL instructor, I had the pleasure of teaching Élida in an Introductory ESL (English as a Second Language) class. During one of our classes, we worked on English vocabulary for weekly schedules, and I asked Élida to share her schedule with the class. What I heard next completely blew me away!
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.
Visit www.mlf.org to learn more.
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.
MISSION BLOG
Written by Handy and Barbara Williamson
Anyone who doubts the saying, “the gift is in the giving,” should try volunteering, especially given multiple opportunities through Caring Ministries at WHPC. For us, it began with The Gathering and expanded to include Community First. In addition, we spent a Sunday afternoon riding in the Mobile Loaves and Fishes truck delivering meals to the homeless.
Although each experience was different, the commonality was meeting people where they were, without judgment, and trying to lend a helping hand.
Attending a mission trip to Belize with 25 WHPC students and other adult leaders was deeply spirit-filling and humbling at the same time. We served alongside the San Lazaro Pentecostal Church community in sharing God’s Goodness and Grace with children, youth, adults and those of all ages and stages homebound and in need. Getting to know the local children was amazing and we played every version of every game you can play with a soccer ball and shared hugs, laughter and fun in the sweltering heat and humidity while surrounded by Belize’s natural beauty!
I was honored to get to know some of our high schoolers and experience and validate how their time in relationship with the holy spirt at WHPC has given them these amazing gifts of loving and knowing a GOD who is Good, Steadfast and an ever-present friend to all. Their unique talents, gifts, strengths and even their struggles allowed them to connect with the 50 plus children in attendance at our Vacation Bible School throughout the week.
For me, the everlasting impact of this mission trip is a reminder that this community of Christians in San Lazaro know that there at 30 Americans over 1500 miles away, who will never forget them, prays for them and is reminded in big and small ways daily of their open hearts, generosity and kindness (and some of the best chicken we’ve ever had!!!) The tangible ways the people of San Lazaro showed and shared God’s love with us in those 6 days is more than we could have ever hoped to receive, and I think I speak for all of us there, our cups runneth over. Praise be the Lord!
Every year, WHPC hosts a special offering on Christmas Eve. In 2022, you all raised $100,000 that went to the Afghan Refugee Ministry and Memory Care Academy of Austin.
In 2024 we have high hopes to bring independence to our Afghan Refugee women.
Our refugee women rarely if ever leave their home. The local mosque here in Austin contacted us and asked us to encourage the women to experience community and education beyond their homes. They have encouraged the women to come to the Mosque during the day so that they can receive English as a Second Language classes while free childcare is provided. The mosque is eager to see the women break the cycle of dependency!
WHPC BLOG
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!
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!
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.
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 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! 🎨✨
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!
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.
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 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!
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!