Think about this: What is God calling YOU to become? What is God calling the CHURCH to become? Are we to be designated as “God’s Chosen Frozen”? Or are we set apart to be the energized assembly of believers sent to make an impact in the world? The answer is obvious! Join Pastor Jack as he preaches his Sunday sermon this week: “A Fire Under You.” Learn how we can all tap into God’s life-giving, liberating Spirit on a daily basis!

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 served in individual cups and grape juice is with the gluten-free wafers on the table in the aisle.

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:

PET FOOD MINISTRY– During the month of May, we are collecting pet food items for the Sparta Community Food Pantry. Let’s help their clients keep their pets healthy. The deadline is May 28, so please consider purchasing something next time you go grocery shopping. The pets will thank you!

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION –Sun. June 4 during worship at 9 AM.

SPECIAL MUSICAL OFFERING – from the Sunday School children, June 4, during the worship service.

VOLUNTEER FAIR – June 4 after service. Come see where the Holy Spirit is leading you to help here at SOTH! Representatives from all ministry teams will be here to explain ways you can offer your time and talents. Everyone who visits all tables and completes their “Bingo” card will be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 Visa gift card, AND if you volunteer to serve, you will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50.00 Visa gift card. Your joyful service is such an important reason why this is such a special church! Many thanks to Janine Shugan of the Membership team for leading this opportunity.

SCYO is having their Spring Flower Fundraiser. Beautiful flowering hanging baskets are available for $20. Please contact Mrs. Tedesco at dawnscyo@gmail.com. Flowers can be picked up at the Concert in High Point on June 4.

Sussex County Youth Orchestra Sun, June 4 at 3 PM at the High Point Regional HS. A free-will offering will be taken.

LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL – June 11.

Meat, Eat, and Greet June 17, 4-7 PM at the Wolff Home 36 Alexander Dr, Glasser (Hopatcong), NJ. Please sign up on the events Bulletin Board.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING – June 18, immediately following an abbreviated worship service.

Meat, Eat, and Greet July 22, 4-7 PM at the Schunk home. 64 Vail Rd, Landing, NJ. Please sign up on the events Bulletin.

WEBMASTER URGENTLY NEEDED -If you would like to maintain the church’s website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the office. The time commitment wouldn’t be only an hour or so every week. Thanks!

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 May 28, 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
Christian Education: Wendy Whipple

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.

Our mailing address is:

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

246 Woodport Road

Sparta Township, NJ 07871