“Who Is In Charge Here?” 4th Sunday Of Epiphany 1/31/2021

Did you ever walk into a place and wonder “Who is REALLY in charge here?”  The answer may surprise you…the one in charge may not be the boss or the “authority” figure.  This Sunday, we will explore the authority of Jesus in our daily lives and we will ask the critical questions:  Do we live each day acknowledging the lordship of Christ?  Are other priorities competing for first place relative to our time and attention demands?  Join Pastor Jack as he explores these issues from a Biblical perspective.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED! Think of someone from SOTH you have not seen or heard from in a while and give that person a call this week! Please remind them about our youtube worship service.  As the Scriptures remind us:  “We are all members of the body of Christ”. (1 Cor. 12)

WORSHIP INFO FOR JAN. 31

This Week’s Bulletin

Kid’s Celebrate Bulletin

Spark Worship Bulletin (Pre-Reader)

Announcements for Jan. 31

New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon

Meeting ID: 829 4727 4304
Passcode: 002314

Faith Together At Home
(Faith Formation Activities)

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL UPDATES:
The congregational council is currently reorganizing. Congratulations to all who have agreed to serve!
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
Diane Terhune
Jeff Behling

HELP IS NEEDED IN OUR CONTROL ROOM – Sunday morning assistance is needed for audio, visual, and internet streaming…let’s proclaim the Gospel near and far.  Training joyfully provided! Contact Patrick Wood:  phwood@optonline.net

YOUR GIFTS ARE GREATLY NEEDED – We are hoping to raise $2,000.00 by the end of February for tech equipment to solidify our live worship online streaming ministry, to improve visuals, to avoid computer crashes, etc.  Please earmark your gift as “tech support“.  Every gift matters and no gift is too small. Thank you!

FOUND MONEY? – Some of us have recently received government stimulus checks. Please pray about sharing a portion of this gift with your local faith community, with other social services organizations, or local businesses to assist those in need. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

BULLETIN PRAYER LIST – Please check the current list and send any corrections and/or additions to the church office.

2020 GIVING STATEMENTS – were emailed on Jan. 5 so that you may print and keep them for your tax filing needs.  Please contact the church office if you did not receive yours.

2021 OFFERING ENVELOPES – are located on the table in the narthex.  If you would like to arrange for “curbside pick- up”, please email the office to set up a time.

CHURCH DIRECTORY – In an effort to maintain contact with our church community, we are updating our church membership directory.  If you do not wish for us to share your contact information with other members, please email the church office before Feb. 1, 2021.  After that time, a preliminary directory will be emailed to all who are included requesting  confirmation of the information before the directory is distributed in its final form.

PLEASE CALL AHEAD- before venturing a trip to the church office. Office hours are subject to change especially during the winter months.

SPARTA ECUMENICAL FOOD PANTRY – Please remember that a shopping cart is located in the narthex for donations to our local food pantry.  The pantry has been serving an unprecedented number of our area residents during this challenging time.

HELP SOTH WHILE SHOPPING ON AMAZON SMILE


Click here to find out how you can donate to SOTH when you shop on Amazon.  We have raised in $203.89 to date!
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.

God’s work. Our hands.
God’s work. Our hands Sunday has passed, but the needs of these various organizations continue. Please consider one or more of the following. 1) For Lutheran World Relief
Personal Care Kits consisting of 1 lightweight bath towel (20” x 40” to 52” x 27”) dark color, 2-3 bath-size bars of soap in original wrapping, 1 adult size toothbrush in original packaging, 1 sturdy comb no packaging, 1 metal nail clipper, no packaging. LWR.org/kitvideos for reference if needed.  2) Donation to the Lutheran Disaster Response,  can be designated to a specific disaster on the check memo line. 3)  The Sparta Ecumenical Food Pantry.  Donations can be mailed to 32 Main St. Sparta, NJ  07871 or if you prefer to donate food items, place them in the shopping cart at SOTH. 4).Connect for Community is a very worthy organization. Donations can be placed in the collection plates, made out to the organization.
Volunteer Opportunities:  More hands are needed to make light work.  No prior skills necessary to help your church in these ways:
1. Bring in items for” God’s Work our Hands” organizations.

2. Serve on the church audit team.

3. Serve on Church Council.

4.. Become a Sunday worship servant.

5. Sing in the choir (post-COVID)

6. Help to run a parish activity (post-COVID)

7.  Join the volunteer church office staff.

8. Organize Faith Formation opportunities by serving as the FF Superintendent.

9. Prep a meal for the Trinity Faith Kitchen.

Please email the church office at office@sothnj.org or call 973-729-7010 for more information!

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Our mailing address is:

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

246 Woodport Road

Sparta Township, NJ 07871