It’s THAT Guy again

Did you ever go to the circus?  Usually there is a ringmaster who says, “Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls…” and then he/she introduces the astounding acts which will follow.  Similarly, years ago, a man named John was the ringmaster who introduced Jesus to the rest of the world. However, it wasn’t a circus.. it was the dawning of the age of salvation.  Join Pastor Jack this Sunday as he describes a man we now label “John the Baptist”.  Discover how the message of John (delivered two thousand years ago) is still relevant to us today. You’ll learn something new… for sure! 

2026 COMMITMENT CARDS – If you have not already done so, please complete one of the orange cards located on the table in the narthex and return it to the office for Barbara Osborne. Thank you.

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS URGENTLY NEEDED – Please sign up on the bulletin board in the parish hall.

RIDES FOR RONN – Drivers are needed to provide rides to and from church on Sundays for Ronn Sacchiero who lives in Mt. Arlington. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the parish hall. Thanks!

THE NOMINATING COMIMITTEE is seeking faithful and dedicated volunteers to fill several vital leadership roles on the Church Council. Please contact: Rob Shugan shugan@optonline.net (908-247-6909) to volunteer.

MINISTRY APPRECIATION “WALK” – Pastor Jack and the Church Council would like to thank everyone for praying for SOTH and doing so much to fulfill the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the many members, to date, who have returned their pledge cards. We thank you, in advance, for your support and involvement in the Second Annual Festival of Lights.

SAVE THE DATES:

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS– Tree decorating –Sun., Nov. 30 after service. Sat., Dec. 6 at 5 PM lighting of over 20 decorated Christmas trees. It is not too late to sponsor a tree! Carolers, bakers and children will be needed for the Live Nativity. Please contact Judi W. to sponsor a tree and see the bulletin insert for further information.

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & ELECTIONS – Sun., Dec. 7 after shortened worship service.

SOCKS IN A BOX – box in the narthex collected by the Sparta Kiwanis until Dec. 13. Socks to be donated to Benny’s Bodega.

BLOOD DRIVE – Thurs., Dec. 18, 1-7 pm Call 1-800-933-2566, appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.

HAT & MITTEN COLLECTION – The tree will be in the narthex for your donations.

LOOKING FOR A CHRISTMAS VILLAGE TO DISPLAY – The Kaprals have an extra which they would like to give away. Please contact Bob at rkap30@aol.com if you are interested.

MONDAY ADULT BIBLE STUDY – Beginning Feb. 3, if you cannot attend (in person) our Bible studies on the first and third Mondays at 6:00pm, you can join us live via ZOOM video conferencing.
Please use this link:
Topic: SOTH Bible Study
Time: Apr 7, 2025 05:45 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87871072581
Meeting ID: 878 7107 2581

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. 

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 Barbara Osborne FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE WITH ELECTRONIC GIVING at bjo1216@gmail.com

Supplemental Opportunities For Giving – In addition to financial offerings mentioned above, there are additional ways to support our congregation that are mentioned on our website: https://www.sothnj.org/giving. 

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

WORSHIP INFO For December 07, 2025
Worship Service Bulletin

New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon

Meeting ID: 878 7107 2581

SOTH CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL AND TEAM LEADERS
Janine Shugan – Council President
Don Wolff – Vice President
Brett Maynard – Treasurer
Solveig Schunk – Worship and Music
Barbara Osborne – Financial Secretary
Recording Secretary – vacant
Nancy Wood – Christian Education
Patrick Wood – Property
Rick Erck – Membership
Kathy Schwab – Marketing
Judi Wolff – Community
Relief Activities – vacant
Giving – vacant

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/.