Splashing with Joy 4-23-23
When was the last time you got into the water and started splashing around…with sheer joy? It is invigorating! In our assigned Scripture reading this Sunday, we read a narrative about 3,000 people all splashing for joy one day…they had just been baptized in the liberating waters of new life…and they were exhilarated! Join Pastor Jack this week for his message “Splashing with Joy,”; and let’s all reaffirm the gift of baptism in our daily lives!
WE WELCOME VISITORS – Please sign the guest book on the table in the lobby.
EASTER LILIES – will be available after church today. Our cost was $10.00 per plant and free will donations will be gratefully accepted. Please indicate “lilies” on your check or in a note attached to your gift of cash.
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!
HAM DONATIONS are needed for the soup kitchen meal prep. Please label it and put it in the church refrigerator.
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS – are needed. Please see the sign-up sheet on the narthex table. Thanks to the DiColas for leading this fellowship activity.
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!
SAVE THE DATES:
FOOD DRIVE (4/2 -30) organized by Alex and Sophie Ibaceta as their confirmation project will benefit Connect 4 Community see the bulletin for further details.
MOZART REQUIEM & BACH’S CANTATA #80 (A Mighty Fortress) – The NJ Conservatory Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra will perform on Sun., April 23, 2023 here at SOTH at 4 PM. Please contact Judith Stuss at 973-402-2004 stussj@gmail.com for tickets.
ORIENTATION CLASSES ARE OFFERED – Pastor Jack will offer a series of informal orientation classes for those considering membership at SOTH, or for those who desire a “refresher course”. Topics will include ministries and activities at SOTH, what Lutherans believe, our “call” as Christians, and more! Each Monday night (May 1,8,15) from 7-8:00 pm).
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.
For more information, see Pastor Jack or email him at jackspartan79@gmail.com.
SPRING VENDOR FAIR – Sat., May 6 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Please see Barbara Osborne to volunteer or email SOThvendorday@gmail.com
SPRING WORK DAY – Sat., May 13 from 8:30 a.m. – ? Please bring your garden tools and energy. Remember many hands = light work!
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.
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 !
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 April 23, 2023 Worship Service Bulletin New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon Meeting ID: 829 4727 4304Passcode: 002314 |
| CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL: President: JD Allen Vice President: Emery Malasits Treasurer: Brett Maynard Recording Secretary: Celeste Bethmann Financial Secretary: Steve Lewandowski Property: Patrick Wood Nurture (Worship & Music): Pat Kovacs Social Ministry: Diane Fitzpatrick 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 07871 |