Did you know that in some parts of the Scriptures, the Devil is described as a “roaring lion” about to pounce on its prey? This Sunday, Pastor Jack takes a closer look at 1 Peter 4:8…quite an intimidating image of the Devil like a lion, attacking us when we are weak and vulnerable. So…how can we fortify ourselves against the surprise attacks of the Devil? Join us this Sunday to hear PJ’s sermon “Watch Out for the Lion!” and get some tips on how to stay strong in the Spirit of God.

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 included in the communion trays, along with grape juice and gluten-free wafers. It will be white wine.

The Easter season is a time to give thanks for the gift of baptism. All ELCA congregations are encouraged to have a “Thanksgiving for Baptism” portion in worship services each week until May 21. Give thanks for the refreshing waters of baptism, which point to the promise of eternal life!

COFFEE HOUR HOSTS – are needed. Please see the sign-up sheet on the narthex table. Thanks to the DiColas for leading this fellowship activity.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped during the workday last Saturday. Our church grounds look terrific!

SAVE THE DATES:

WINE TASTING – Sat., May 20, between 6:00 to 8:00 PM in the fellowship hall. Tickets are $20 for adults 21 years of age or older. Please sign up on the event bulletin board. Please contact Solveig Schunk for further information at 201-919-2015.

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.

LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL – June 11.

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.

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

WEBMASTER URGENTLY NEEDED -If you would like to maintain the church’s website, please contact 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!

WORSHIP INFO For May 21, 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.

Copyright © 2021 Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, All rights reserved.
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