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

Welcome!

READ OUR STORY

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

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The WHPC Office & Campus Will Be Closed:

December 24, 25, 26, & 31 | January 1 & 2

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Christmas Eve Offering

Each Christmas Eve, our church family gives a special offering dedicated entirely to a selected mission partner. This gift is our way of making a meaningful, focused impact—supporting their work and extending care to the people they faithfully serve.

At Christmas, we tell a story about a Child— born into darkness, bringing light and hope for us all. Every year, our church carries that same light forward— bringing safety, belonging, and a future to children and families in need. This Christmas, we carry that light from this sanctuary into the world. Your gifts will bring hope for children— in the Texas Hill Country, in East Austin, and in Pátzcuaro, Mexico.

We are grateful that a church member has offered a dollar-for-dollar match for this year’s special offering, up to $100,000—doubling the impact of every gift.

GIVE HERE

SUNDAY MORNING

December 28 - one worship service at 11

11 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary

january 4

9 & 11 am | Worship Service in the Sanctuary
9:45 am | Sunday Classes for All Ages
9:45 am | Christian Peacemaking Symposium for Adults
11 am | Happy New Year Celebration

Sunday School childrens Christmas breakfast-0379.jpg

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

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Feb 27

Austin Pilgrimage 54

Save The Date | Feb 27-March 1, 2026 | T Bar M
This is an amazing three-day experience of community, enriched with conversation, music, prayer, worship, unexpected moments of grace, and delightful surprises.

For more information, contact Teresa Ward or Martin Hunt.

Apr 24

Annual Church Retreat

April 24-26 | Mo Ranch

Save the date for a relaxing, fun weekend with your family & friends.

Registration will open January 15. Contact Teresa Ward
if you have any questions.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL EVENTS

OUR LATEST STUDIES & READINGS

CLICK HERE FOR ALL SUNDAY CLASSES

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The Great O's of Advent

Sundays, Nov 30, Dec 7, & Dec 14 | 9:45 am | Parlor
Come to learn about these special prayers traditionally sung the week before Christmas in many Christian traditions. These are petitions for the coming of hope into the world - all taken from the Book of Isaiah. Stacy Ikard and Anne Nabors will lead us as we study the Bible, listen to the music and consider the spiritual significance of these ancient yet very relevant prayers of longing.

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).

Tuesday Morning Men’s Group

Tuesdays | 7:00 am I Church Parlor
Through December 23, our study will be "Who Needs Christmas" by Pastor Andy Stanley. 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.

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

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Jan 8

Evening Women's Book Club

Jan 8 | 6:30 PM

Ghost Justice‍ ‍by Helen Currie Foster F

Outsiders seize permits to build a concert venue which threatens a small town's water supply. The mayor demands help. Lawyer Alice Greer is determined to solve the death of the engineer hired by the venue developers. * Helen will attend and provide her author’s insights!

Jan 15

Daytime Women's Book Club

Jan 15 | 11:00 CST in-person/Noon

The Only Woman in the Room by Marie Benedict HF

Join us at 11:00 CST for lunch and a discussion. Her beauty saved her from the rising Nazi party and led to marriage with an Austrian arms dealer. Underestimated in everything else, she overheard the Third Reich's plans and understood more than anyone would guess. She devised a plan to flee from their castle, and the escape landed her in Hollywood. She became Hedy Lamarr, screen star.

Feb 12

Evening Women's Book Club

Feb 12 | 6:30 PM

Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson NF, Memoir

Every Saturday afternoon, a boy who loves to cook walks to his grandmother's house and helps her prepare a roast chicken for dinner. The grandmother is Swedish, a retired domestic. The boy is Ethiopian and adopted, and he will grow up to become the world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson.

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

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Manos De Cristo Tamale Sale

It’s Fall, which means it’s time to purchase your Tamales for a cause! WHPC’s goal is 100 dozen—that’s a whole lot of flavor and a whole lot of love for our neighbors at Manos de Cristo! Every order supports Manos de Cristo’s mission to bring hope and help to families across Austin. Orders will be delivered to WHPC on Friday, December 5th and available for pick up. Don't delay, order today: www.manosdecristo.org/tamales/

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

FIND AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

MISSION BLOG

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Come to the Table at King Park

Once a month, a small band of WHPC folks (10–12 of us) heads to Community First! Village and throws a block-party–style dinner at King Park. We set tables, cook a simple meal, decorate around a theme, say a prayer (often led by a neighbor), and—most importantly—sit down and talk. Thirty to forty-five neighbors from the 400s–600s streets show up. We learn names. We hear stories. We laugh. We belong to each other for an evening.

This is not a “serve and leave” project. It’s shared life. It’s our church’s commitment to dignity, discipleship and education —neighbors leading prayers, requesting themes, shaping menus, and helping host.

And it’s working—building a community that is not just for the neighbors, but is for all who attend.

High School Senior, Henry Files first came to King Park four years ago to help install the park. He’s been back nearly every month since. Here’s what he’s learned:

“Homelessness is isolation. Community First! gives support, but our Meetups help with belonging. Blair, the self-appointed mayor, has taught me to advocate for people. Charles, in his metallic-pink construction clothes, reminds me to never be ashamed of who I am. Brian, the artist, showed me that work can be joyful.
Every time I look someone in the eye and greet them by name, I watch their face light up. They feel seen. And honestly, they’ve helped me as much as I’ve helped them.”

That’s the jewel of King Park: seeing and being seen on a regular basis. It is rhythm, relationship and the love of God in action.

If you want to learn more about how to get involved with this meaningful monthly gathering, reach out to Martin Hunt (martin4hunt@gmail.com).

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.

EMPLOYMENT

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Co-Director of Student Ministry

The Co-Director of Student Ministry provides collaborative leadership to the middle and high school ministries of Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church (WHPC). This role helps students experience faith in Jesus Christ in ways that connect meaningfully to their everyday lives. The Co-Director works alongside a fellow Co-Director and the broader Faith Formation team (Preschool, Children, and Young Adult Ministry) to develop students who are equipped as apostles of Jesus for their adult lives—grounded in faith, rooted in community, and confident that WHPC will always be “home.” The Co-Director of Student Ministry will serve in a collaborative leadership model, leveraging individual strengths while continuing to grow alongside the other Co-Director to best support the overall ministry.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Contact

Kory Tomlinson kory@whpc.org

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

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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!