Open the Doors 5-15-22

Did you know there were times in Christian history when doors were closed to certain cultures?  When “certain people” did not fit the criteria for Christian fellowship?  Well…not anymore!  Join Pastor Jack this Sunday as he delivers his message “Open the Doors”…and discover with Pastor the true inclusive nature of the church…starting from Jesus…to St. Peter…to St. Paul….to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church!  You won’t want to miss this inspiring message.

NEW FIVE-PART SERMON SERIES– entitled, “What Shall We Do?; Lessons Learned from the 1st Century Christians.” begins May 8 – June 5.  Click here for more information.

LARGE PAPER BAGS – are needed for our Thanksgiving baskets. Please give to Phyllis Fawcett.

MASKS ARE OPTIONAL -Traditional communion has returned, but communion cups will still be available.

 LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSE –Your gifts will support Ukrainians and others. Gifts to “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” will be used in full (100%) to assist those affected by the crisis in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Checks or money orders can be sent to:
Lutheran Disaster Response P.O. Box 1809 Merrifield, VA 22116-8009
Write “Eastern Europe Crisis Response” on your check memo line.
Give by phone at 800-638-3522 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. CT) or online.

SAVE THE DATES:
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN – are singing at the 9 a.m. service on May 15.  You won’t want to miss this!

NEW MEMBER CLASSES –May 16 in the Parish Hall at 7 p.m. All are welcome!

FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES – May 12 at 6 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  Please contact the church office for further information.

C4C TRICKY TRAY – May 21, Sussex County Fairgrounds 2 p.m.  Click here for further information.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE – for Elsie Haller. Visitation at 2 p.m. and service at 3 p.m.

SPARTA DAY – is scheduled for Saturday, June 4. Please sign up to help on the upcoming events bulletin board in the narthex.

BLOOD DRIVE is scheduled for Thursday, July 28 from 1-7 PM.

PLEASE CALL AHEAD – before venturing a trip to the church office.

HYMN SUGGESTIONS – can be given to Ronn or emailed to ro2nkate@gmail.com

NEED YARN? -Marty Nielson has replenished the supply of  Barbara’s stash for anyone’s use. Currently, the yarn is in the room between the office and Pastor’s office.  You are welcome to it. We will be collecting handmade blue hats for #Hat Not Hate again this year. Faith Kitchen does not accept any clothing.

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 at the back of the church.
  • 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!

HELP SOTH WHILE SHOPPING ON AMAZON SMILE

Your shopping can benefit SOTH. Click here to find out how you can donate when you shop on Amazon.  We have raised $426.41 to date!DID YOU KNOW – that you can donate your used car to benefit SOTH? Please visit this site to get started: 
https://careasy.org/nonprofit/shepherd-of-the-hills-lutheran-church 

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/channel/UCH8w_r1Rb9HH7i6SD15Tu6w  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 15

This Week’s Bulletin

Kids Celebrate Bulletin

Spark Worship Bulletin (Pre-Reader)

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): Wendy Whipple
Social Ministry: Diane Fitzpatrick

A 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!

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.

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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 Township, NJ 07871