A Note From Pastor & Church Council April 19, 2016 Dear friends and family of SOTH, As we’ve announced in worship, Sunday May 1, 2016 is a special day in the life of Shepherd of the Hills. This Sunday is a Unity Sunday, with one worship service followed by the …
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The resurrection of Jesus ushers in a new way of living for everyone. This Sunday, the disciples are still trying to figure that out – in a locked room. What does it mean to believe, to live in faith? Are we like Thomas? the disciple Jesus loved? Mary Magdelene? The …
This week we gather to remember a meal, a trial, an execution, and a burial. For most, the story would end there. But we meet as community again to remember and celebrate a resurrection and a promise kept. It’s a lot. And its magnificent and painful and glorious. It’s a week to …
Passover is about to begin and you can feel excitement in the air. Folks are streaming into Jerusalem for this feast. And so does Jesus, with folks shouting, “Hosanna!” But excitement gives way to something more urgent, more perplexing. The one who was praised is now despised and rejected. How …
This year, our Lenten focus is “Gifted and Giving”. We will look at how we’ve received so many gifts from God and how we give those back. This week we will focus on the gift of being gathered as one in Christ – and how much that costs – both …
This is the final week of the liturgical season of Epiphany. As is custom, we read the story of Jesus and the disciples, who witness the transfiguration of Jesus into his real and not yet glory. But there is more to this lesson than just the mountain top experience. At …
This week, we encounter Jesus’ ministry start through the words of Luke. Jesus has been preaching in the region and people are excited. But when Jesus goes home to Nazareth, that’s not so much the case. How can this boy read so well and make claims that about fulfilling scripture? …
Jesus’ ministry, according to John, begins at a celebration. Weddings in the first century were week long elaborate affairs that demonstrated the host’s abundance and generosity. But at this wedding, a miscalculation could mean trouble. Prodded by his mother, Jesus not only saves this feast – but makes it so …
This week – we remember Jesus’ Baptism according to Luke. This account is different from the others – Jesus has been baptized, was praying, and then the heavens broke open, the spirit descended, and God claimed him as “My Beloved.” I am struck by the fact this isn’t about the relationship between …