Never Alone – May 14, 2023 (Mother’s Day)
Medical doctors are identifying major health concerns in America. Guess which concern is near the top? Loneliness and isolation! People who are lonely and isolated often neglect their own health concerns and are far more likely to suffer from chronic depression. What can we do about it? Join Pastor Jack this Sunday as he explores theological and Biblical guides for reaching out to the lonely in our midst…we can be the heart and hands of Christ as we reach out to the lonely in our midst.
CHANGES IN WORSHIP beginning 3/12:
- In order to introduce the hymns, the cantor will sing the first verse of each song as a solo, and then the congregation will sing that same verse and any others as designated in the bulletin.
- Wine is now included in the communion trays, along with grape juice and gluten-free wafers. It will be white wine.
The Easter season is a time to give thanks for the gift of baptism. All ELCA congregations are encouraged to have a “Thanksgiving for Baptism” portion in worship services each week until May 21. Give thanks for the refreshing waters of baptism, which point to the promise of eternal life!
SPRING VENDOR/CRAFT FAIR – Thank you to everyone for making the Vendor Fair a success, especially Barbara O. for organizing the event. The net proceeds were $2,428.00!
SAVE THE DATES:
CHURCH WORK DAY – Sat., May 13 from 8:30 a.m. Please bring your garden tools and your energy! Many hands make light work.
PET FOOD MINISTRY– During the month of May, we are collecting pet food items for the Sparta Community Food Pantry. Let’s help their clients keep their pets healthy. The deadline is May 28, so please consider purchasing something next time you go grocery shopping. The pets will thank you!
ORIENTATION CLASSES – All classes at 7:00 PM in our Fellowship Hall: (all are invited) May 1 – Welcome to SOTH May 8 – Lutheran History and Doctrine May 15 – Specific Teams at SOTH; How to give of time, talents, and treasures. June 4 – Official Reception of New Members will take place during worship at 9 AM.
| VOLUNTEER FAIR – June 4 after service. Come see where the Holy Spirit is leading you to help here at SOTH! Representatives from all ministry teams will be here to explain ways you can offer your time and talents. Everyone who visits all tables and completes their “Bingo” card will be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 Visa gift card, AND if you volunteer to serve, you will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50.00 Visa gift card. Your joyful service is such an important reason why this is such a special church! Many thanks to Janine Shugan of the Membership team for leading this opportunity. WEBMASTER URGENTLY NEEDED -If you would like to maintain the church’s website, please contact the office. The time commitment wouldn’t be only an hour or so every week. Thanks! GOT BOOKS? – Please keep an eye out for a book donation/recycling bin coming soon to our parking lot from New Legacy Books. This is a “green” fundraising activity. New Legacy will accept books in good, readable condition with 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 events bulletin board or ask Wendy in the office. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – CONTROL ROOM HELP, OFFICE VOLUNTEERS, COFFEE HOUR HOSTS, FINANCIAL COUNTERS, PHOTOGRAPHER, DEACONS, AND USHERS are all needed. Training joyfully provided. If someone calls to recruit you, please prayerfully consider how YOU can serve. You can always volunteer by contacting the office. 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. 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 May 14, 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 Christian Education: Wendy Whipple 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! 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. ++++++ Copyright © 2021 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, All rights reserved. You are a treasured member of the church and here is another way to get information in a timely manner Our mailing address is: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 246 Woodport Road Sparta Township, NJ 07871Add us to your address book |