Lent 4: Light in the Darkness
We live in a world that is illuminated by natural and artificial light. it’s hard to imagine living in total darkness. But even as we are able to see what’s in front of us, we often miss what’s really in front of us. We don’t often look past the visible and then we miss some important things.
The readings for our fourth week in Lent shine a light on that very idea. Samuel, upset with King Saul’s reign, can’t believe that God will anoint a new king from a family of shepherds. A blind man receives his sight from Jesus – but is still kept from the community because a perceived sin – not anything that the man had actually done. Public and private perception often darken our understanding of what’s really in front of us.
Which I believe is the point in this week’s journey. Matters of faith and trust and ability are more than what we see. God knows what’s in our hearts. Samuel was called to trust God as were the Temple authorities. As we encounter folks in our lives, are we willing to see God in them? To trust that there is more than meets the eye? To love them as God loves us?
Worship on Sundays is at 8 & 10:15. Sunday School continues for our 3 yr old – 8th grade students at 9:10. See you then.
What’s happening at SOTH:
Wednesdays in Lent:
This week – we focus on the Lord’s Prayer. We learn it as young folks and we pray the words every worship. But what do those words mean? Just what are we praying for (which is what Martin Luther wanted all folks to understand)
Please join our prayer and discussion – either at Noon or at 6:30 PM.
Last week to support DASI and our Girl Scouts:
Thank you for your donations and your support through March. This will be the last week that goods will be collected for the Morning Glory Thrift and Gift Shop in Andover, which provides monetary support for the Domestic Abuse Sexual Assault Intervention Services (DASI). The following items will be greatly appreciated: clothes, shoes, movies, books, curtains/drapes/linens, kitchenware, garden/outdoor tools, hobby supplies, craft supplies, and jewelry or accessories. Please contact Carsen or Missy if you have any questions. Thanks!
Worship Assistant Changes:
Beginning April 6, a new ‘line-up’ will be introduced that will combine some server slots and create new ones. We hope that you will help us by noting when you are scheduled and then, if needed, finding replacements. If you have been a reader, deacon, usher, greeter, acolyte, counter…or if you wish to be a part of this team, please contact Curtis Terry, nurture coordinator.
We are also approaching a very important time in our church year and as such, we will need some extra support. If you are able to serve as deacon (reader or acolyte) or usher on Thursday April 17 or Friday April 18 for our 7:30 worship services, please contact Sylvia, the church secretary.
Save the Date – Annual Easter Egg Egg-stravaganza:
The bunny has confirmed and we are excited to announce that Shepherd of the Hills will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 12. We will gather at 1 PM in the sanctuary, do a little hunting in the yard, play some games, and help other kids know about friendship. This activity is free and open to the public.
We need some congregational help – individually wrapped candy (no peanut) for the eggs and baked goods for our hospitality area. Please check the clipboard wall for the appropriate sign up sheet.
Hot off the presses:
Poetry from the Next Room is an anthology of poems written and published by Jim Madonna, a member of our congregation. In his experience as a teen and now young adult, his insight to life’s joys and challenges is shaped through his journey of Asperger’s Syndrome. This book will be available from the publisher in a few weeks. Please see Jim on Sundays to learn more about his process and his writing.
First Communion Preparation – Spring Edition:
Twice a year, classes are held for our fourth grade students to prepare to receive communion. This is a 5 four session class, which includes a lock-in, for the youth and their parents. If you have a child in fourth grade or feel that your child is ready to receive communion instruction, please contact Denise Roberts for more information by March 30. The first class will begin on Monday May 5.
Looking ahead in to April:
Palm Sunday – April 13 – worship at 8 & 10:15
Maundy Thursday – April 17 -soup & bread at 6:30 PM; worship at 7:30 PM
Good Friday – April 18 – Devotions 12 PM; worship at 7:30 pm
Spring Clean up – April 19 -8:30 -?
Easter Worship – April 20 – 8 & 10:15; breakfast at 9 AM
And before summer – we will celebrate Baptisms, Weddings, First Communion, & New Members!
With praise and thanksgiving,
Pastor Tina 🙂