The Voice of the Shepherd – 4/30/23

Did you know that sheep are not very intelligent?  Yet, they have an uncanny ability to identify the voice of their shepherd, and then they follow that voice! This Sunday, we recall the words of Jesus:  HE is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture.  Let’s all learn to follow that beautiful voice of Jesus…a voice that should ring louder and clearer than the voices of the secular world. Join Pastor Jack this Sunday as his sermon unpacks this challenge to follow the voice of Jesus!

WE WELCOME VISITORS – Please sign the guest book on the table in the lobby.

FREE ENSEMBLE BENEFIT CONCERT – At SOTH, Sunday, April 30 at 2 p.m., performed by the Sussex Co. Youth Orchestra. Please join us for this performance which benefits M.S. and their scholarship fund.

   CHANGES IN WORSHIP beginning 3/12:

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!

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS – are needed. Please see the sign-up sheet on the narthex table. Thanks to the DiColas for leading this fellowship activity.

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.

SPRING VENDOR FAIR – Sat., May 6 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Please see Barbara Osborne to volunteer or email SOThvendorday
@sothnj

ORIENTATION CLASSES – 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!  For more information see Pastor Jack or email him at jackspartan79@gmail.com. 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.

CHURCH WORK DAY – Sat., May 13 from 8:30 a.m. – ? Please bring your garden tools and your energy! Many hands make light work.

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 NEEDEDIf 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? –A book donation/recycling bin is in 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.

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, 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 set up recurring offerings.  

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

WORSHIP INFO For April 30, 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
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. 

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