Follow Me. Come and See
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 into chat rooms and blog responses. The number of social networks is exploding as we are invited into ever expanding ways to connect.
Invitation is an essential part of our walk of faith, but here we frequently see ourselves not as the invited but rather the one who is supposed to be doing the inviting. We pride ourselves on being ‘welcoming’ to others and may identify with being the ones who welcome in our readings today. But today’s gospel emphasizes Jesus’ invitation to us to follow him. Jesus’ invitation is not that we carry him with us but rather that we follow where he would lead. When Christ invites Philip to “follow me,” may we hear that invitation in our own ears. Come and see…
Arise! Your light has come!
Worship with us this Sunday at 8 AM and 10:15 AM!
Join us as well on our website, Facebook page, and Twitter (@spartapastor).
Living in the light,
Pastor Tina +
We Welcome.
Pathways to Prosperity will be returning February 10 to begin a 6 week course on Financial Strategies for low income families. We are excited to welcome them back – and to have their energy in the house. If you know of anyone that may benefit from this program, please contact Dianna at 973-383-4787 ext. 255
P2P is looking for some help with meal preparation for these Tuesday evenings. Here’s what Dianna sent to PTina:
Our cooking teams usually pick one Tuesday a month to prepare a meal. We reimburse up to $125/meal. We feed approximately 50 people. Cooked chickens from Costco (only $4.99 a piece) make an excellent meal served with side dishes. The team delivers the meal to the Shepherd of the Hills, assists with serving and clean-up. We use paper plates, plastic cups and plastic silverware to streamline clean-up. Volunteers with P2P meet extraordinary people who are so appreciative of all of the efforts of the volunteers.
New Members Class: Are you interested in becoming a member of Shepherd of the Hills? Are you interested in the basics of Christianity and Lutheranism? We will meet on Saturday January 24, January 31 and February 7 from 10-12. You will also be able to meet with folks from our church council and learn how your hands and feet help to make our mission of Welcome, Equip, and Sent Out come alive. Please contact Pastor Tina so we have materials for you.
We Equip.
Faith Formation:
Christian Education for those 3 yrs to 7th grade returns this week. Our theme this month is “Called to be a Neighbor”. We will focus on how friends/neighbors help in need. All members are invited to participate in Outreach Sunday on January 25 – as we craft Good Neighbor bags. FF begins at 9:15 in the education wing.
Adult Brown Bag Bible Study @ Noon is back!. We are studying of the Gospel of John. Next week we will be studying John 6:25-29. Please let PTina know if you are interested in joining us to study this Gospel so that you can receive a learner’s guide to prepare and use.
Confirmation tonight (1/14/15)! We will continue to learn about our faith in action as we study “Stewardship of Money”. Please be on time for worship at 6:30 so we end on time at 8 PM.
Looking ahead, the Middle School Retreat at Crossroads Camp and Retreat Center is April 24-26. The cost per student is $95. You may register directly with Crossroads. This is a great weekend of fun and fellowship with other youth. If you have questions, please see PTina!
We send.
Fellowship Hour: We are in need of folks to host our time of coffee and sharing on Sundays after the 10:15 am worship service. This involves setup and cleanup. Direction and help provided as needed. Sign up on white shutters.
Thrivent Action Teams: Want to do something positive to strengthen your community? Think you can organize a team to help bring it to life in 90 days or less? If you said “yes” to both, simply gather your team, submit an application to Thrivent and—once your idea is approved—you’ll receive up to $250 in “seed money” to help cover promotional, production and material expenses. This offer is for Thrivent members – and if you are wondering how you can be involved, see PTina – she’ll help you to get started.