So… You Want to be First? – 9-22-24

So… You Want to be First?

Our society loves to honor and adore the winners:  the best actors, the best athletes, the best musicians, etc.  We often place these people high up on a pedestal … but that’s not what Jesus once spoke about.  Jesus said, ” Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.”  Join Pastor Jack this Sunday as he unpacks this counter-cultural directive from Jesus. Find out what it means theologically to place the needs of others first. Don’t miss this intriguing message!

SAVE THE DATES:

BAKE SALE – Sun., Sept. 22 to support Adrian Appelbaum’s Eagle Scout Project to purchase an AED and three first aid kits for the ed. wing.

LINE DANCING – Sat., Sept. 28 – 6-9 p.m. ($12. Entrance fee, cash only) Please sign up in the narthex and come join the fun!

COUNCIL & TEAM MEETINGS:: Mon., Sept. 30Community Relief Team – 6 p.m. to plan for PSS Thanksgiving baskets Council -7 p.m. All are invited

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – Sat., Oct. 5 – 10 a.m. Rain or shine. All animals ae invited but must be leashed or crated. Snacks for furry friends and humans will be provided. Enter to win a basket full of pet goodies!

FALL VENDOR & CRAFT FAIR -Sat., Oct. 26- 10-3 p.m. Please contact Barbara O. (973) 462-7006 to volunteer and spread the word to friends and family!

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – Sun., Oct. 27after a shortened worship service. Please plan to participate so that we can have a quorum to vote on constitution changes and conduct church business.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS NEEDED – Please sign up in the parish hall and see MaryAnn DiCola with any questions.

EVENING BIBLE STUDY – In person at SOTH, the first and third Mondays at 6 PMAll are welcome.

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. 

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 GEOFF JOHNSEY FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH ELECTRONIC GIVING at gjohnsey@icloud.com.

Supplemental Opportunities For Giving – In addition to financial offerings mentioned above, there are additional ways to support our congregation that are mentioned on our website: https://www.sothnj.org/giving.

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

WORSHIP INFO For September 22, 2024

Worship Service Bulletin

New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon

Meeting ID: 829 4727 4304 Passcode: 002314

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL:
Janine Shugan – Council President
Don Wolff – Vice President
Brett Maynard – Treasurer
Solveig Schunk – Recording Secretary
Geoff Johnsey – Financial Secretary
Pat Kovacs – Worship and Music
Nancy Wood – Christian Education
Arden Krych – Giving
Rick Erck – Membership
Russell Shields – Community Relief
Judi Wolff – Activities
Patrick Wood – Property

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/.