Too Good to Be True? – Easter Sunday – 04/17/2022

Too Good to Be True?
Psychologists warn us that some people have difficulty believing the validity of really good news:  like the arrival of a pregnancy after a prolonged period of waiting; or like receiving news of a promotion after years and years of hoping.  Great news is sometimes difficult to digest, because we’ve all heard, “If it looks too good to be true, it probably is [too good to be true]”. This was the case for the disciples…until they met the risen Christ in person and shouted, “He is Risen!” Join Pastor Jack on Easter Sunday as he shares the joyous news of Jesus’ resurrection in his sermon, “Too Good to Be True?”.

 LUTHERAN DISASTER RESPONSEYour 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.

EASTER LILIES –please take the lilies you purchased by the end of service next Sunday.  All those remaining will be distributed to homebound or planted in the church gardens.

EASTER HAMS – your free ham can be donated for our soup kitchen ministry.  Contact Phyllis Fawcett: bfawcett@optonline.net.

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

SAVE THE DATES:

CHURCH WORKDAY AND EASTER EGG HUNT – thanks to all who helped.

EASTER BRUNCH will be held following today’s service. Thank you to the DiCola’s for leading this event.

BLOOD DRIVE is scheduled for Thursday, April 28 from 1-7 PM.  Please email Jeff Behling at behlingjl@gmail.com to help.

SPRING VENDOR FAIR – Sat., April 30 from 10 AM – 3 PM. Please see Barbara Osborne to volunteer or email SOThvendorday@gmail.com

PET FOOD COLLECTION – bin is in the narthex until the end of April. Please pick up some cat or dog food to share with patrons of the Sparta Community Food Pantry.

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 graciously offered Barbara’s stash for anyone’s use. Currently, the yarn is in the room between the office and Pastor’s office.  He will replenish the supply as needed. 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, NJ07871
  • 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 April 17

This Week’s Bulletin

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 KITSIf 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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Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

246 Woodport Road

Sparta Township, NJ 07871

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