How often have we heard, “Tis the season to be jolly”?  But what if you don’t FEEL like being jolly? According to the American Psychological Association, 38% of Americans feel so stressed by holiday preparations that they actually report feelings of depression and anxiety.  Amid this, our assigned Scripture this Sunday is St. Paul proclaiming, “Rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians).  Can we rejoice … always?  Even when we don’t feel like rejoicing? Join Pastor Jack as he offers a timely sermon, “Christmas Blues”… and discover some spiritual tips for coping with anxiety and depression during the holiday season.

SAVE THE DATES:

DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR BOOKS AND HELP SOTH – Click here for instructions to purchase books from LegacyBooksNJ.com or refer to the bulletin insert. This is the company that has placed the bins in our parking lot. You can order gently used books directly from their website and designate SOTH as the beneficiary at checkout.

MESSIAH CONCERT – Sun., Dec. 17 – 4 PM – NJ Conservatory Symphonic Chorus, accompanied by its Baroque Orchestra under the direction of Edwin Foster, presents Handel’s Messiah at our church.
Call 973-402-2004 for tickets. Prices: $45, $40, $35. Student discount 30%. No children under 8 years old. Contact Judith Stuss at 973-402- 2004 for more information.

BLOOD DRIVE is planned for Thurs., Dec., 21, 2023 from 1-7 PM. To make an appointment call 1-800-933-2566 or visit www.nybc.org.

HAMS NEEDED– for soup kitchen meal preparation. Please see Phyllis F. for further information

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP SERVICE will be on Sun., Dec. 24 at 7:30 PM

IMPORTANT MEETING – Mon, January 8, 2024 at 7:30 PM in Fellowship Hall to discuss (a) strategies for paying down the principal on our outstanding mortgage and (b) creative investment options of current funds in our savings account. The meeting is open to the entire congregation. Your input is valuable and encouraged!

NEW BIBLE STUDY TO BE OFFERED – Beginning in January, join us on the first and third Monday evenings at 7:00 pm for an in-person Bible study (with a ZOOM option). Please note: For January only we will meet on the second and third Mondays, to avoid New Year’s Day. See Pastor for details.

GIFTS FOR PASTOR AND R. SACCHIERO -As in the past, if you wish to contribute to a monetary gift expressing your gratitude, please see JD Allen, Council President, or send your contributions to the church office clearly labeled “holiday gift”. The deadline for a donation is Dec. 31, 2023.

JOIN US WITH GENEROUS GIVING TO OUR MISSION: with these gifts, we continue to welcome folks to our community, to equip them with faith tools – learning the word, prayers for one another, and communal support – and then to send us into the world to welcome others. Your donations to SOTH can be accomplished in the following ways:

• On Sunday, place your donation in the offering plate.
• Mail your offering to: SOTH 246 Woodport Rd., Sparta, NJ 07871
• Go online to setup your e-giving from your checking, savings, credit card or debit card http://secure.myvanco.com/L-YXCY
• Download Vanco Mobile (Faith) on your smartphone, search for Shepherd of the Hills (Sparta)
• Text Giving to 973-832-0226 You can make a one-time gift or setup recurring offerings.

PLEASE CONTACT STEVE LEWANDOWSKI FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH ELECTRONIC GIVING. (973) 670-0773 or sjlewan@gmail.com
 

Many thanks to all of the donors who support our mission!

STREAMING IS HERE!: We are excited to announce that you can now view our service live at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday. Click on this link to see the service and subscribe to our SOTH channel:  
https://www.youtube.com/@shepherdofthehillslutheran8820/streams  Don’t worry if you missed the live broadcast.  All services are archived on our channel.  You can also search for us on Facebook and like our page. https://www.facebook.com/SOTHNJ/.  

WORSHIP INFO For December 17, 2023

Worship Service Bulletin

New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon

Meeting ID: 829 4727 4304 Passcode: 002314

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL:
President: JD Allen
Vice President: Emery Malasits
Treasurer: Brett Maynard
Recording Secretary: Celeste Bethmann
Financial Secretary: Steve Lewandowski
Property: Patrick Wood
Worship & Music: Pat Kovacs
Community Relief: Diane Fitzpatrick
Giving: Arden Krych
Membership: Janine Shugan
Activities:  Judi Wolff

CLOTHING DONATION BIN –  Place clothing and shoes in plastic bags.  Proceeds will benefit SOTH.  Please do not leave items outside of the box. Please tell your friends and family so that we can fill those bins!

GOT BOOKS? – the New Legacy Books book donation/recycling bin is now in our parking lot adjacent to the clothing bins. This is a “green” fundraising activity.  New Legacy will accept books in good, readable condition that have an ISBN barcode label on the book cover.  Hardcover, paperback and textbooks are all welcome For further information, please check their website http://www.newlegacybooks.com  see their brochure on the bulletin board or ask Wendy in the office.

BROWN BAG BIBLE STUDY 
Continues in person at Holy Trinity Church or via Zoom, the first and third Wednesdays from noon-12:45. Join Pastor Jack for a lively discussion of the Bible. No prior experience necessary! Click here to join us via Zoom.