A recent survey revealed that most Americans do not believe they have enough money, wealth, or possessions in order to feel “content.” In contrast, St. Paul once wrote a letter to the Philippians challenging the philosophy of “scarcity” and uplifting the philosophy of “abundance.” Paul encouraged everyone to count their blessings. He then urged his followers to give generously and not feel deprived. This Sunday, Pastor Jack unwraps this Biblical concept in his message, “What is Most Valuable?” Don’t miss this intriguing look into wealth … and generosity … and how it all affects you!

HURRICANE & FLOODING VICTIMS – Lutheran Disaster Response is coordinating with other partners to provide assistance. Checks or money orders can be sent to:
Lutheran Disaster Response
P.O. Box 1809
Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
Give by phone at 800-638-3522 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Central time or online.

SAVE THE DATES:

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS – Sat., Oct 7, 10 AM – All animals are invited (leashed or crated) for a blessing from Pastor Jack. Goodie bags and a free entry to win a basket full of goodies for a dog or cat will be available. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex and consider helping to set up or clean up.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE – We are once again participating in Operation Christmas Child. Guest speakers will be here to present the program information during the Sun., Oct 8 worship service; more to follow.

FALL FESTIVAL at SOTH – Sat., Oct 14, from 4 – 9 PM – Featuring Kevin & Jayne Collins leading songs at the campfire! Sun., Oct 15 is “Bring a Friend to Sunday School,” so please consider inviting your children’s friends to the campfire, host a sleepover at your home, and bring everyone to Sunday School the next day. Many volunteers are needed. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex.

GENEROSITY SUNDAY & Visit from the Bishop – Sun., Oct 22 – Please sign up for the luncheon on the bulletin board in the narthex.

VENDOR FAIR – Sat. Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Please sign up in the narthex to volunteer for set up, clean up, and to donate coffee supplies. Father John’s will be bringing animals for adoption! Please spread the word to your friends and neighbors.

CHRISTMAS WREATH ORDERS – Please return all order forms with payment by Sunday, Oct. 29. Please email the church office if you do not have the order form. Pick-up is Sunday, Nov. 26.

IT’S TURKEY TIME! – We are again partnering with Project Self Sufficiency to provide turkeys and Thanksgiving meals to 20 families here in Sussex County. Diane F. and her team are in need of food, turkeys, monetary donations, and folks to deliver on Sunday, Nov. 19, after church. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex to donate turkeys and to deliver. Checks made to SOTH with PSS on the memo line would be appreciated. Phyllis is also in need of large paper bags in which to pack the food.

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 STEVE LEWANDOWSKI FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH ELECTRONIC GIVING. (973) 670-0773 or sjlewan@gmail.com

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 October 8, 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

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.