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You are here: Home › Uncategorized › Fear…and Great Joy 4-09-23

Fear…and Great Joy 4-09-23

April 6, 2023 | Filed under: Uncategorized

Have you ever walked through a cemetery after dark?  It can get kind of creepy and scary.  Well, almost 2,000 years ago a few women were walking through a cemetery in the pre-dawn hours…to be shocked by an earthquake, an angel, and other startling occurrences!  The Gospel writer Matthew claimed these women were afraid…and why not?  But then, they encountered the risen and victorious Jesus…risen from the dead.  And Jesus said, “Do not be afraid!” 
Having heard the Easter story, we can turn our fear of death into great joy!  Join Pastor Jack on Easter Sunday as he delivers his Easter message, “Fear…and Great Joy”.

CHANGES IN WORSHIP beginning 3/12: In order to introduce the hymns, the cantor will sing the first verse of each song as a solo, and then the congregation will sing that same verse and any others as designated in the bulletin. Wine is now included in the communion trays, along with grape juice and gluten-free wafers. It will be white wine.
HAM DONATIONS are needed for the soup kitchen meal prep. Please label it and put it in the church refrigerator.
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:

THANK YOU to everyone for making the EASTER EGG HUNT a fun time for all.

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. 

EASTER BRUNCH – Please sign up on the events bulletin board with the food item you will bring. Bagels and croissants will be provided. Please see Pat K. if you have any questions or would like to help

MEAT, EAT AND GREET at the Hassa’s on Sat., April 22, at 4 p.m. Please sign up on the events bulletin board or call Diane at (973-903- 9301) or Judi at (973) 224-0986

MOZART REQUIEM – The NJ Conservatory Symphonic Chorus and Orchestra will perform on Sunday, April 23, 2023, here at SOTH at 4 p.m. Please contaJudith Stuss at 973-402-2004 stussj@gmail.com for tickets.


ORIENTATION CLASSES – 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.

GOT BOOKS? – Please keep an eye out for a book donation/recycling bin coming soon to 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.

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – CONTROL ROOM HELP, OFFICE
VOLUNTEERS, COFFEE HOUR HOSTS, FINANCIAL COUNTERS,
PHOTOGRAPHER, DEACONS, AND USHERS
are all needed. Training
joyfully provided. If someone calls to recruit you, please prayerfully
consider how YOU can serve. You can always volunteer by contacting
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, 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. 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 April 9, 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.  ++++++
 Copyright © 2021 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.
You are a treasured member of the church and here is another way to get information in a timely manner

Our mailing address is: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church 246 Woodport Road, Sparta, NJ 07871

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Written by sothnj

Upcoming Events

Oct
1
Wed
12:00 pm Brown Bag Bible Study
Brown Bag Bible Study
Oct 1 @ 12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Join us for Bible Study on Zoom – Wed. at noon! Exciting New Opportunity for Adult Bible Study! Beginning on Sept. 9 at 12 noon, we will join the Holy Trinity “Lunch & Learn” group to have a class together, in person at the Rockaway church or via Zoom, moderated by Pastor …
Oct
4
Sat
10:00 am Blessing of the Animals
Blessing of the Animals
Oct 4 @ 10:00 am – 10:00 am
Bring your pet to SOTH to receive a blessing from Pastor Jack. Events start at 10am, rain or shine.
Oct
5
Sun
9:45 am Coffee hour after 9 a.m. service
Coffee hour after 9 a.m. service
Oct 5 @ 9:45 am
 
Oct
6
Mon
6:00 pm Bible Study – Monday Evening
Bible Study – Monday Evening
Oct 6 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Beginning in January, join us on the first and third Monday evenings at 7:00pm for an in-person Bible study (with a ZOOM option).  See Pastor Jack for details. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87871072581 Meeting ID: 878 7107 2581
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  • What is Your Victory Sign? 9-14-25
  • The Cost of Discipleship 09-07-25
  • Is it Hard to be Humble? – 8-31-25

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