We all know what it is like to be tempted…temptations are everywhere! And did you ever notice that temptations feel even stronger during weak and vulnerable times? In this Sunday’s Gospel lesson we learn that Jesus was tempted by the Devil when he was at his weakest moments of feeling hungry, tired, and alone. Join Pastor Jack as he explores this theme…and provides encouragement from the words of Scripture, “When you are tempted, God will provide a way out’ (1 Corinthians 10:13). Don’t miss this one!
LENTEN OBSERVANCES – insert in the bulletin lists the events here at SOTH in bold type. Those scheduled for Holy Trinity in Rockaway are listed below if you want to visit there.
LENTEN LUNCHEONS AND WORSHIP– will be hosted by the Rockaway Ecumenical Group Churches on Fridays at 12 noon beginning on Feb. 24 at the First Presbyterian Church at 35 Church St. in Rockaway. Our very own Pastor Jack will be leading the service on March 10. All are welcome!
THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS – the deadline for directing your Choice dollars is March31. Please contact Denise L. at dleifken@aol.com or call 973-715-6611 for assistance. Thanks!
COFFEE HOUR HOSTS – are needed. Please see the sign-up sheet on the narthex table. Thanks to the DiColas for leading this fellowship activity.
PLEASE CALL AHEAD – before venturing a trip to the church office. Hours are subject to change due to the voluntary nature of our staff.
THRIVENT ACCOUNT HOLDERS – We are in need of Thrivent customers to write Action Team grants. All customers are entitled to submit one or two per year. Please contact Denise Leifken.
SAVE THE DATES:
FIRST COMMUNION classes will be offered for any child in third grade or above (accompanied by an adult) on Sunday evenings at 6:00 pm on February 26 and March 12. The first class session will last for about one hour. First Communion Service will be Sunday, March 19, at our 9:00 am worship service!
FISH ‘n CHIPS DINNER is scheduled for Sun., March 26, from 4 -7 PM. Please contact Judi W. (973-224-0986) to volunteer or sign up on the events bulletin board in the narthex.
EASTER EGG HUNT –on Sat., April 1, from 2-4 PM. rain or shine! Ages walking to 10 years old are welcome. More details to follow
SUPPER CLUB at the Hassa’s on Sat., April 22, at 4 p.m. Please sign up on the events bulletin board or call Diane at (973-903-9301) or Judi at (973) 224-0986
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.
DO YOU LIKE TO SING? Please join our choir, which practices on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. No experience is needed. Join the fun!
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/.
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): Pat Kovacs Social Ministry: Diane Fitzpatrick
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.++++++