Fear Not – We are all in this together – Second Sunday of Advent 12/05/21
No doubt you’ve heard the expression, “All for one, and one for all”. This concept is not new. In fact, it was developed among first-century Christians. This Sunday, Pastor Jack will explore St. Paul’s writings which encourage us to support one another during times of need. Nobody should be isolated. Instead, we can gather around whomever is hurting and offer support and encouragement.
CHRISTMAS EVE – candlelight services will be held at 7 and 8:30 p.m. No reservations are required and all CDC recommendations will be observed. Fully vaccinated worshippers are not required to wear a mask but may do so if they wish. Please watch for sign-up sheets or call the church office to volunteer as a worship servant.
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING and 2022 Spending Plan approval is scheduled for 12/12 at the conclusion of an abbreviated worship service in person and via YouTube. Details and documents were emailed on Dec. 2 including this Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
BE SURE TO BE – in church for worship next Sunday, Dec. 12 to hear an ensemble of the Sussex County Youth Orchestra perform during the service. You won’t want to miss it!
YOU ARE INVITED – to the Sussex County Youth Orchestra’s holiday concert on Sun., Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at Newton High School. This is a free concert, but donations are gratefully accepted.
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN will be singing during the service on 12/19. Be sure to come and show your appreciation for their hard work. Another performance you won’t want to miss!
HELP SOTH WHILE SHOPPING ON AMAZON SMILE
192 PAIR of men’s socks were donated to the Woodland Behavioral and Nursing Center at Andover. Wow! They will be added to the resident’s holiday gifts. A very heartfelt note of appreciation was received from their Director of Recreation. Many thanks to all who participated and to Diane F, Ashli R., and Pat K. for leading this effort!
FEAR NOT – click HERE to see the topics for the 12-part sermon series beginning 11/28. Don’t miss a week of this re-assuring series!
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – CONTROL ROOM HELP, OFFICE VOLUNTEERS, COFFEE HOUR HOSTS, FINANCIAL COUNTERS, 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.
SUNDAY SCHOOL HAS EXPANDED– We are now welcoming children ages 4 (must be toilet trained) – grade 5 during the 9 AM worship service. Please contact the church office if you would like to help or register your child. Teachers and assistants are needed! Masks required of all participants. No prior experience necessary!
COFFEE HOUR has returned! We are looking for volunteers to host this fellowship time. Duties include: putting on coffee, serving beverages, and providing an optional snack of your choice. In order to be better stewards of God’s creation, we are asking folks to bring their own reusable coffee cups to use and take home. Please sign up on the sheet in the narthex.
WWW.SOTHNJ.ORG – The church’s website is the place to look for upcoming events. Please consult the calendar there. The weekly email can be found under News at the bottom of the home page.
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/
WORSHIP INFO FOR Dec. 05
This Week’s Bulletin
Kid’s Celebrate Bulletin
Spark Worship Bulletin (Pre-Reader)
New Link for Zoom Bible Study, Wed. at noon
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 FitzpatrickA 2nd CLOTHING DONATION BIN – has arrived. 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!
PLEASE CALL AHEAD- before venturing a trip to the church office. Office hours are subject to change
SPARTA COMMUNITY 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 is needed to deliver the food to the pantry. Please contact the office for the pantry’s hours of operation.
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.
September 12 was God’s Work. Our Hands. Sunday. This year we collected 192 pair of men’s socks for the residents at Andover Subacute & Rehab Center.
If you would like to donate online: please consider one or more of the following. 1) For Lutheran World Relief
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)
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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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
Sparta Township, NJ 07871