Jesus is…the Good Shepherd
Shepherding was a source of life & wealth in Jesus time. So when Jesus uses this as a teaching illustration the folks understand it. The care and concern for all the animals is important because the sheep provide a means of life.
I am the Good Shepherd.
Jesus cares for all of God’s people – the ones who know his voice and the ones who do not – for there is only One God and only One Flock. This is GOOD NEWS for us – because WE matter to God – even if things of this world say otherwise.
I AM the Good Shepherd.
No matter where you are…know that you are most welcome here.
Join us as well on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter (@spartapastor).
Living in the resurrection promise,
Pastor Tina +
We Welcome.
Worship Guests: Due to February snow, we were not able to schedule two outreach partners until now! This week, we welcome Pam Ryerson from Family Promise in Newton. You may remember this agency as the Interfaith Hospitality Network. Family Promise is a shelter agency that helps families in need to move from homelessness to transitional housing to permanent housing. Ms. Ryerson will share the future vision of Family Promise. Please join the conversation as well at 9:15.
Spring Cleaning?: Connect 4 Community and SOTH will be holding a joint garage sale on June 5 & 6, 2015. If you have items to donate, please set them aside. We will share more information as we get closer. The fundraiser will benefit both groups. If there are folks who are interested in helping to organize, run, and clean up, please see PT.
Congregational Meeting:
On Sunday May 3, a congregational meeting will be held to share the activities of the church during 2014 as well as elect new council members. The schedule for the morning will be:
9:30 AM – Unity Worship
10:30 AM – Congregational Meeting
11:15 AM ish – Congregational Brunch
As such, a separate email will be sent with the annual report, an agenda, and the biographies of the candidates.
Also, we will have a sign-up for folks to share brunch items for our fellowship after the meeting.
We Equip.
Faith Formation:
On April 26, we will learn about the workers in the vineyard and how heaven is open to all. We’ll also check progress on our seedlings – which are growing nicely.
We start at 9:15 sharp so that we can complete all our activities on time.
The students also will be sharing a song they are learning on May 10 at the 10:15 worship service. We will practice during class time. Please inform your student’s teacher if they will be in church on that Sunday.
Extra Ham or Turkey?
We have a solution for you! The Faith Kitchen Prep team will gladly take your donation to be used for future meal preparation. Please bring them to church and leave them in the freezer. Mark them TFK. Thanks.
Fellowship Hour Hosts: We need your help! There are no hosts for our time together for April, May…please consider helping out with making coffee, setting up and breaking down the parish hall. Sign up is on the white shutters in the narthex.
We send.
New Book: Pastor Jack DiMatteo, a former associate pastor at SOTH, has published a book on the spiritual dimensions of saying good-bye to loved ones. It is titled “Faith and Farewell…When Your Parents Approach Their Final Days” and is available through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
Rev. DiMatteo is sharing his experience with churches throughout the state. On May 14, at 7:30 PM, he will give a talk and answer questions at the Lutheran Church of Our Saviour in Pompton Plains (the closest one to us). If you are interested but cannot attend that night, please call the office to learn of other dates/times.
SEC Food Pantry Gift of the Month:This year, we are switching up our offerings a bit. There are many things that folks need but are unable to buy with SNAP dollars. They are also things that we normally don’t think about when we donate our food. For the month of April, we are asking for donations of individually wrapped rolls of toilet paper for the Food Pantry. For the month of May, June & July, we are asking for donations to support the Summer Children’s Lunch Program. Look in the right column for a list of food to donate.
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle: The Ecumenical Prayer Cycle enables us to journey in prayer through every region of the world and through every week of the year affirming our solidarity with Christians all over the world, brothers and sisters living in diverse situations, experiencing diverse problems and sharing diverse gifts.