Hard economic times, natural disasters, and divisive, party strife can make us feel helpless and hopeless, as if we have been abandoned by God. Even the church—local congregations as well as denominations—may feel fear and panic in the face of declining numbers and revenues, loss of loyalty from members, indifference …
By whose authority? That’s the question that the synagogue leaders asked of Jesus as he healed a man of evil spirits. For all they knew, Jesus was just this itinerant guy who had some knowledge of the scriptures – but that didn’t make him a healer. And it certainly did …
OK folks – this is going to be the big one for the season. Please stay safe. Don’t be heroes. Check on neighbors and family. Keep tuned to Sparta Township website (and all those other townships where we live). If power is lost, Sparta Emergency Team will start to open …
Last week our texts focused on the invitation to come and see who Jesus was and what he was doing. Philip invited Nathanael and their lives were changed forever. This week – we turn to the other thing that Jesus said – Follow Me. It’s not just about marveling at …
We live in a culture of invitation. Television invites us to join complicated story arcs so that we feel connected to the characters. Commercials invite us to see their product as a new movement and invite us to join it. We are invited to join groups on Facebook and invited …
This week things seem to have returned to normal. The kids are back in school, we’re working our normal hours, and the routine of our lives moves on as if the holidays never happened. But wait – life can’t be normal once you have experienced Christ in your life. The …
A Blessed Christmastide to all. It’s still Christmas – we’re coming up to the second Sunday of the Season – but it doesn’t feel that way in the ‘real world’. Who and what we proclaim butt against deadlines, commercial forecasts, and New Year resolutions. But it’s still Christmas – and …
Financial Statement The above information is the current financial position of the Congregation. We share this information with you so that you are aware of how the congregation operates and why your giving is important to the continuing mission of Shepherd of the Hills. If you have questions, please don’t …
The event we anticipated arrived on Thursday. We heralded and praised God for promises kept and for Word made Flesh. But the season of Christmas is NOT over! In fact, it has just begun – with growing and learning and introspection of how God comes into our worlds and breaks …
Love is the last theme in our advent season. Love coming to dwell among us. Love that surpasses all of our expectations. Love that called a young woman in a small town to be the mother of Love Incarnate. Love that caused that young woman to sing praise to God …