The Challenge of Mercy 2-20-22
Scholars and counselors often agree about one of the greatest “relationship challenges”…
CHARITABLE DONATIONS – Thanks to the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, four of the temporary tax changes originally enacted by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act now apply through the end of 2021. Individuals who do not itemize can claim a deduction of up to $300. for cash contributions made to qualified charities during 2021, while married individuals filing joint returns can claim up to $600. See IRS publication 526 for details.
CHURCH OFFICE IS CLOSED – on Monday, Feb. 21 for President’s Day.
MASK REQUIREMENT EXTENDED – and other changes have been extended until further notice by decision of the church council on 1/24/22. This decision will be revisited at the Council’s discretion. Regardless of your vaccination status, masks are required in our church. In addition, communion kits will be used, and physical distancing is required until this decision is revisited by the Council.
FISH N CHIPS DINNER is coming back on Sun., Apr. 3 from 4-7 p.m. Tickets will be available starting Sunday, 1/23. Be sure to get your tickets as soon as possible as a limited number of extra meals will be available that day. Thank you to Judi Wolff for leading this event.
THRIVENT COORDINATOR – Denise Leifken has graciously volunteered to coordinate our programs. If you are a Thrivent customer, please reach out to her for help with your annual direction of Choice dollars and for assistance writing grant applications. Those coordinating programs that would like funding should reach out to her and she will match your need with a Thrivent customer. All customers can write up to two grants per year and can receive help from Denise. Please contact Denise at dleifken@aol.com Thank you Denise!
FOOD DONATIONS – for Connect for Community can be placed in the shopping cart in the narthex. Click here for a list of items they would like.
HELP SOTH WHILE SHOPPING ON AMAZON SMILE
SUNDAY SCHOOL
– is back in session, and its never too late to join in the fun! Many thanks to Nancy Wood and her staff as well as the parents who support them.COFFEE HOUR HAS been suspended until further notice.
EASTER EGG HUNT – returns to SOTH on Sat. April 9 from 2-4 p.m. rain or shine! Ages walking to 10 years old are welcomed to this CDC compliant event. Please spread the word and see JD Allen if you would like to help.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HAS EXPANDED– We are now welcoming children ages 4 (must be toilet trained) – grade 5 during the 9 AM worship service. Please contact the church office if you would like to help or register your child. Teachers and assistants are needed! Masks required of all participants. No prior experience necessary!
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 at the back of the church.
- Mail your offering to: SOTH 246 Woodport Rd., Sparta, NJ07871
- 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!
DID YOU KNOW – that you can donate your used car to benefit SOTH? Please visit this site to get started:
https://careasy.org/nonprofit/
WORSHIP INFO FOR Feb. 20
This Week’s Bulletin
Kids Celebrate Bulletin
Spark Worship Bulletin (Pre-Reader)
New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon
President: JD Allen
Vice President: Emery Malasits
Treasurer: Brett Maynard
Recording Secretary: Celeste Bethmann
Financial Secretary: Steve Lewandowski
Property: Patrick Wood
Nurture (Worship & Music): Wendy Whipple
Social Ministry: Diane Fitzpatrick
A 2nd CLOTHING DONATION BIN – has arrived. 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!
PLEASE CALL AHEAD- before venturing a trip to the church office. Office hours are subject to change especially in the event of bad weather.
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. AT-HOME COMMUNION KITS – If you are worshiping with us from home and would like a communion kit, please contact the church office and arrangements can be made for you to receive the number you would like.
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Copyright © 2021 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.
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Sparta Township, NJ 07871
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