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

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Office Hours

Welcome!

READ OUR STORY

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

Dear God Prayer Journal

Download you Prayer Journal
to participate in our 6-week focus
on personal prayer.

DOWNLOAD PRAYER JOURNAL HERE

Connect Through Prayer

Receive our weekly prayer email and join us in lifting up our church family in prayer. Together, we can encourage, support, and care for one another through the gift of prayer.

October 4 - World Communion Sunday

9 & 11 am | Communion Service in the Sanctuary
9:45 am | Study Hour for All Ages
12 pm | Mission Volunteers Luncheon

October 11

9 & 11 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary
9:45 am | Study Hour for All Ages

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Live stream at 11 am

WORSHIP BULLETIN

SUNDAY CLASSES

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 1

1st Thursday Women's Luncheon

Thursday, October 1 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | Dining Hall
We look forward to welcoming WHPC member and staff member,
Mel Murray as our speaker. Childcare is provided with a reservation. We look forward to connecting with you at the luncheon!

Oct 2

Holy Rollers Youth and Children Event

Friday, October 2 | 5 - 8 pm | Dining Hall
🥖 Calling All Bread Makers! 🥖 We’re so excited to have your children join us for Holy Rollers! Our children and youth, will knead, pray over, and bake delicious bread to be served on World Communion Sunday. No experience needed—ages 3 years through 12th grade. Come roll up your sleeves for an evening of faith, friends and fun!

Oct 4

World Communion Sunday

Sunday, October 4 | 9 & 11 am | Sanctuary
This year, our Children's Ministries will bake the bread and help serve Communion in worship. Come and share in this special World Communion Service and celebration.

Oct 8

Westlake Storytellers: Bridges

Thursday, October 8 | 6:30 - 8 pm | County Line at Bee Caves Rd
Join us for an unforgettable evening where real people share their tales of shared hope, restored lives and inspiring opportunity. This in-person event is all about connection, inspiration, and those moments that change everything. Bring a friend or come ready to make new ones — stories are best enjoyed together! Don’t miss out on a night full of heart, laughter, live music, and surprises. See you there!

Oct 25

Trunk or Treat

October 25 | 5-7 pm | WHPC Parking Lot
Decorate a Trunk for Trunk or Treat! We’re looking for families, individuals, and groups to decorate trunks for our annual Trunk or Treat celebration! 👻✨

Choose a fun theme, get creative, and help us provide a memorable fall experience for our community! Children and families will dress up and travel from trunk to trunk to play games and collect candy and prizes. We’ll also have hot dogs, chips, sodas, festive photo props, and plenty of fall fun for everyone!

Gather your family, friends, small group, or ministry team and sign up to host a trunk. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🧡🎉

Sign up to decorate a trunk—we can’t wait to see what you create!

If you need ideas for trunk themes or games, contact Amanda Wallace.

Mar 15

Family Mission Trip Spring Break 2027

March 15-18, 2027 | Mustang Island Conference Center
Make plans to join us for a special family mission trip to Mustang Island. Families will spend the mornings serving together through meaningful, age-appropriate mission projects, with afternoons free to enjoy the beach, explore the island, and spend time as a family.
This trip is designed to help children and adults experience the joy of serving others while building friendships and making lasting memories. Families of all ages and stages are welcome—more information and registration details are coming soon.

For more information Stephen Finkel, stephenf@whpc.org

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EVENTS

OUR LATEST STUDIES & READINGS

CLICK HERE FOR ALL SUNDAY CLASSES

Featured

Momma's Bible Study

Thursdays, October 1 - November 12 | 9:30 - 11 am | Room 202
Join Pastor Emily and Director of Children’s Ministry Outreach Amanda Wallace in a fall bible study. Childcare is provided with registration. This is open to all moms.

Westbank Women Bible Study

Wednesdays | Beginning Sept 16 | 10 am | Parlor
This welcoming group of women invite you to join them this fall as they begin a study by Jennifer Cowart called Thrive. For more information contact Christy Engemoen, Christyengemoen@gmail.com.

Happy to Be Presbyterian Class with Pastor Al

Sundays | Beginning September 13 | 9:45 am | Room 205
Join this class for middle aged adults with Dr. Al Krummenacher.
What makes Presbyterians unique?
Where did we come from, and where are we headed?
Join Pastor Al for an engaging study and conversation about our denomination’s history, identity, and future. Pastor Emily will back up the conversation with additional perspective and help connect the discussion to life at WHPC.

Sunday Morning Bible Class with Dr. Chris Knepp

Sunday Morning Bible Class with Rev. Chris Knepp
Sundays | Beginning September 13| 9:45 am | Room 200
Rev. Chris Knepp will begin the semester by exploring three Old Testament prophets: Amos, Hosea, and Micah. Come ready to learn, reflect, and be inspired by ancient wisdom that still speaks powerfully to our lives today.

Full House Family Class: Tools for Family Life presented by Ellen Johnson, MA, LPC

Sundays | Beginning September 13| 9:45 am | Downstairs Room 109
This class will be presented by Ellen Johnson, a licensed counselor and founder of Decades Counseling, an Austin-based practice serving individuals, couples, and families. Working from a faith-informed, trauma-sensitive framework, Ellen brings both clinical expertise and genuine warmth to the families she serves. WHPC holds a special place in Ellen’s story—her very first job was with our youth ministry! This class offers parents a welcoming place to connect, learn practical tools, and focus on what matters most in the parenting journey.

Prayer Path Class

Sundays | Beginning September 13 | 9:45 am | Chapel
Come explore a deeper relationship with God and a richer awareness of God’s presence in everyday life. This class will offer a gentle, welcoming space to be heard without judgment or problem-solving—a space where we can make room for the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Each week, we will discuss meaningful readings and authors on the spiritual life, share together, and practice prayer. Everyone is welcome!

Thursday Women's Bible Study

Begins Thursday, September 10 | 1 pm | Room 200
Join Pastor Emily in a 10-week study of 1 Samuel. We will explore how we can discern and trust the voice of God, what obedience looks like today, and following God when life is uncertain. This is a drop-in class with no homework.

Tuesday Morning Men’s Group

Tuesdays | 7:00 am I Church Parlor
"Becoming Like Jesus"
From September 1 through October 6, we will delve into a six-week study by Pastor Matt Chandler, "Becoming Like Jesus" based on the Beatitudes. All men are welcome to join us in the WHPC Parlor from 7:00 to 8:00 am for coffee, breakfast snacks & a great study.
For more information contact Mike Ussery .

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.

FEATURED SERVE OPPORTUNITIES

Opportunities

Flood Relief Service Opportunity

WHPC is offering two different opportunities to serve alongside the Kerrville community: hands-on flood recovery work based on the community’s most urgent needs, and a project helping rebuild the playground at the Doyle Community Center.

Choose the opportunity that works best for you and join us in offering practical help, encouragement, and care to our neighbors.

Family Mission Trip Spring Break 2027

For more information Stephen Finkel, stephenf@whpc.org

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

LIBRARY EVENTS

Featured

Oct 8

Evening Women's Book Club

Oct 8| 6:30 PM

The Sisters of Sinai by Janet Soskice NF

This emotional novel that explores grief, trauma, art, and the transformative power of lifelong human connections. The narrative alternates between a coming-of-age summer and the present day to trace the ripple effects of a fierce, unbreakable bond. It follows a traumatized teenage girl who embarks on a cross-country journey inspired by a famous painting of four friends, unraveling a beautiful story about loyalty, trauma, and chosen family.

Oct 15

Daytime Women's Book Club

Oct. 15 | 11:00 CT in-person/Noon Zoom

Life, and Death, and Giants‍ ‍by Ron Rindo F

Join us at 11:00 CT for lunch and a discussion of this novel that follows the extraordinary story of Gabriel Fisher, an orphaned, gentle giant with pituitary gigantism. Raised in an Amish community, his growth to nearly 8 feet tall, extraordinary athletic talents, and connection with animals transform the lives of those around him.

Nov 12

Evening Women's Book Club

Nov. 12 | 6:30 PM

Life, and Death, and Giants‍ ‍by Ron Rindo F

This novel that follows the extraordinary story of Gabriel Fisher, an orphaned, gentle giant with pituitary gigantism. Raised in an Amish community, his growth to nearly 8 feet tall, extraordinary athletic talents, and connection with animals transform the lives of those around him.

Nov 19

Daytime Women's Book Club

Nov. 19 | 11:00 CT in-person/Noon Zoom

Before I Forget‍ ‍by Tory Henwood Hoen F

Join us at 11:00 CT for lunch and a discussion of this funny, heartfelt, late coming-of-age story that explores the nuances of family, the complexities of memory, and how sometimes, the people we know the best are the ones who surprise us the most.

Dec 10

Evening Women's Book Club

Dec. 10 | 6:30 PM

Time of the Child: A Novel by Niall Williams F

This novel set in the rain-soaked Irish village of Faha in December 1962, it follows a taciturn local doctor and his bookish adult daughter whose lives are upended when they take in an abandoned baby found in the churchyard.

Dec 17

Daytime Women's Book Club

Dec. 17 | 11:00 CT in-person/Noon Zoom

Time of the Child: A Novel by Niall Williams F

Join us at 11:00 CT for lunch and a discussion. This novel set in the rain-soaked Irish village of Faha in December 1962, it follows a taciturn local doctor and his bookish adult daughter whose lives are upended when they take in an abandoned baby found in the churchyard.

Jan 21

Daytime Women's Book Club

Jan. 21| 11:00 CT in-person/Noon Zoom

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page F

Join us at 11:00 CT for lunch and a discussion of this emotional, uplifting novel about Tilly Nightingale, a grieving widow who receives a posthumous year-long gift from her late husband. To help her navigate her first year without him, he arranged for her to pick up one book and a tender handwritten letter each month at her local bookstore.

Feb 11

Evening Women's Book Club

Feb 11| 6:30 PM

Kin by Tayari Jones HF

A deeply moving historical novel set in the segregated South of the 1950s and 1960s. It explores themes of motherlessness, womanhood, and the meaning of chosen family through the parallel lives of Annie and Vernice, two lifelong friends bound by an unbreakable, life-shaping connection. An unforgettable work from one of the brightest and most irresistible voices in contemporary fiction.

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

Flood Relief Service Opportunity

Choose the opportunity that works best for you and join us in offering practical help, encouragement, and care to our neighbors.

REGISTER FOR SEPT 11 - 12 (Sept 8 Deadline)

REGISTER FOR SEPT 24 - 26 (Sept 21 Deadline)

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

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

FIND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

MISSION BLOG

Featured

Mission Spotlight: Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services

On Sunday, June 14th, we welcomed James Lavender from Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS) as our Mission Spotlight guest.

More than 120 years ago, a local Presbyterian church responded to the needs of one mother facing an impossible situation. That faithful act of compassion grew into a ministry that now serves more than 5,000 children and families each year across Texas, Louisiana, and Missouri.

Training the Next Generation of Caregivers

This past Sunday, we heard from church member Fred Wilder about the work of the Memory Caregiver Academy of Austin (MCAA), a nonprofit founded by his wife, Debbie Wilder.

Mission Spotlight: Young Lives

Walking alongside young parents with hope and community

Teen parents often find themselves navigating overwhelming challenges—finishing school, raising a child, and figuring out their future—all at once, and often without strong support.

Young Lives meets them right there.

EMPLOYMENT

Featured

Associate Pastor for Congregational Life

WHPC is actively seeking our next Associate Pastor for Congregational Life. This pastor will shepherd our community, guide adult faith formation, and foster relationships among our older members. Please be in prayer for our APNC as they receive resumes.

CONTACT:
Primary Contact:
Lorraine Harbour - lorraineh@whpc.org

APNC Members: Alex Allemann, Craig McConnell, Patty Praytor

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!