MidWeek Lenten Service

Midweek Lenten Worship Services Wednesdays at Noon – Live-streamed Wednesdays at 6:30pm Each Wednesday through April 9th Fellowship Meal – Soup and Salad Wednesdays at 5:30pm – serving continuously through 6:15pm – please reply to this message to RSVP if you have not already signed up. A suggested donation of $5 per person is appreciated. On-Line Worship Service – For …

Bake Sale Weekend

It’s Bake Sale Weekend – our volunteers have baked an amazing array of delicious goodies which are on display in the Gathering Area. All proceeds benefit our Little Lambs Early Learning Center. Items are not priced but free will donations are appreciated, as your heart leads you and you are able! And we’re not sure it’s true, but …

Youth Life News

Sunday, March 23rd is Top Golf youth outing. More details to follow, but it will be after worship on Sunday. Cost is estimated at $50-60 per person for food and fun.  Mark your calendars for two summer youth events: 

Lenten MidWeek Service – March 12th

The Lenten season and is a time of personal reflection, repentance, and renewal. We gather each Wednesday at Noon and at 6:30pm for worship. We pray this Lenten season is a time of reflection and growth in faith. Lenten 5-5-5 Service Project – This year we will support our local community by collecting and delivering items that …

Lenten Discipline Ideas 2025

Lent is a season in the church in which we especially focus on examining our hearts, confessing our sin, and reflecting on the significance of Christ’s death on the cross. Lenten disciplines are a tool in turning our hearts and lives to Christ. Below are some ideas for you, or you may think of some …

Palm Sunday

Mark Your Calendars for Palm Sunday – April 13 – It is our practice to greet the community on Palm Sunday by waving palm fronds on the sidewalk before the services. We even do this before the 5:30 service on Saturday, April 12! We hope to line the entire length of the property with volunteers, and we’ll have a few …

Lenten 5-5-5 Service Project

 This year we will support our local community by collecting and delivering items that will be of help to the homeless. We will be helping Beaches Mission House in Jacksonville Beach and St Francis House in St. Augustine. We have a goal to collect 500 items and raise $500 during the 5 weeks of Lent. Please use the link below for the list …

Monthly Game Night

Our next Game Night is Saturday, March 15 at 6:45. This is a fun gathering with cards, board games and more. And, when we meet – we eat!! Bring a snack or other item to share if you want. This is for all ages, but we do not provide childcare or a nursery. Please let us know …

Women’s Conference 2025

Uplifting teaching, great fellowship, crafts, and Spirit led ladies who reflected on “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” -Romans 5:1

Yard Sale – Next Weekend

The Yard Sale is next weekend, and we continue to collect housewares, dishes, cookware, small appliances, books, linens, working electronics with cords, furniture, seasonal items, artwork, lamps, home décor, tools, toys, games, puzzles, baby items, craft items, clothing of all sizes. If you have not yet dropped your items off, you can do so through Tuesday …

All Hands Work Day

All Hands Spring Cleaning Workday – Saturday, March 8 from 9am to Noon – We invite you to come out and help us with a variety of spring-cleaning projects both outside and inside our buildings. There will be jobs for everyone as we are seeking to reorganize our sacristy, our cry room, and a utility closet; continue final …

Yard Sale Updates

The Yard Sale donation storage bins are in place and we seek to collect housewares, dishes, cookware, small appliances, books, linens, working electronics with cords, furniture, seasonal items, artwork, lamps, home décor, tools, toys, games, puzzles, baby items, craft items, clothing of all sizes. Kindly include only clothing that is clean and in “gently worn” condition and …

Shepherd Shelves

We are blessed to support many families, and the faithfulness of our congregation has had an impact on our surrounding community. We gladly receive fresh, frozen and shelf-stable items. Please put dry goods on the marked shelf in the Gathering Area to be checked in and give cold items to a staff member. Our current needs are pastas & …

Thrivent Choice Dollars

Are you a Thrivent customer? If you have any Thrivent financial products such as insurance, annuities, etc., you have the opportunity each quarter to “vote” your Choice Dollars which provides a donation to the non-profit organizations of your choice. You may direct them to Shepherd of the Woods if you want (and we are very grateful when …

Shrove Tuesday

We will celebrate Shrove Tuesday…on a Sunday! Whether you call Shrove Tuesday “Mardi Gras” (France), “Dia de la Tortilla” (Spain), “Pancake Day” (England) or “Fettisdagen” (Sweden), please join us on Sunday, March 2 after the 8:30am or the 10:30am services for a Pancake Feast. This is an annual fundraiser for our Youth Life group as they seek …

Youth Life News

Hats off to you all!!!! What a great event! Dine with Us was a huge success. Thank you all for all of your hard work and great service to not only our guests but to each other. Thank you to our hard working volunteers who worked behind the scenes to help make this event a success. Please …

Yard Sale Donation Bins

The Yard Sale donation storage bins have arrived and we seek to collect housewares, dishes, cookware, small appliances, books, linens, working electronics with cords, furniture, seasonal items, artwork, lamps, home décor, tools, toys, games, puzzles, baby items, craft items, clothing of all sizes. Kindly include only clothing that is clean and in “gently worn” condition and electronics …

Souper Bowl of Caring

Our Youth Life group collected loose change, paper money, checks and even card swipes for a total of nearly $1,000. 100% of these funds will go to support local hunger programs. Your care of those in our community makes a difference!

Update From Mission Partners in Peru

A very brief, yet fruitful and Spirit inspiring, trip to Lima. We conducted our annual administrative and mission planning trip meeting with Pastor Araujo, our Mission Pastor in Tarma, Peru.  God is doing great things! He continues to build the community and the witness of HIS church. Thanks be to God. Also pictured is Pastor Araujo’s …

Monthly Game Night

Join us for some fun on Saturday, February 15th at 6:45pm. There will be games and cards and, of course, snacks!! Bring something to share if you like. All ages are welcome but there is no childcare.

Women of the Woods

All ladies are invited to join us Wednesday, February 19 at 6:00pm for dinner and a meeting. Newcomers are welcome! We gather for dinner first but if you can’t make it for the meal, join us for the meeting at 6:30pm. This group is growing and making plans to support the ministries of the congregation.

Youth Life News

Our annual Dine with Us fundraiser is Saturday, February 8th and our theme is “Hats Off to You!” This is a major fundraising event for your youth group and for your upcoming youth events. Help is needed on Saturday, February 8th from at least 3pm until 9:30pm. In addition we will be having a training session on Friday, February 7th in the afternoon from 4pm-4:45pm with Dennis …

Souper Bowl of Caring

For over 30 years, the Souper Bowl of Caring movement has been inspiring people across the nation to tackle hunger in their local communities. Mobilizing grassroots resources including churches, schools, civic groups and caring individuals, this movement has created over $193 million worth of support that stays completely local. Over the last three years alone, …

Shepherd Shelves

We are blessed to support many families and the faithfulness of our congregation has had an impact on our surrounding community. We gladly receive fresh, frozen and shelf-stable items. Please put dry goods on the marked shelf in the Gathering Area to be checked in and give cold items to a staff member. Our current needs are …

Monthly Game Night

Join us for some fun on Saturday, February 15th at 6:45 pm. There will be games and cards and, of course, snacks!! Bring something to share if you like. All ages are welcome but there is no childcare.

Valentines For Veterans

Thank you to all who participated in our card-making party. To learn more, please visit: Valentines for Veterans. Most importantly, thank you, veterans for your service.

Year-End Giving Statements

Year-End Giving Statements have been printed and are available for you in the Gathering Area. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties with the software company we use to track donations, we are still in process of attempting to send out electronic statements. If you want a pdf copy of your statement, please email Rhonda Taylor. Otherwise, all …

Thrivent Long Term Care Workshop

The Thrivent Long Term Care Workshop was rescheduled for Tues, Feb 11 at 5:30 pm. It includes dinner. Reservations are needed for the meal and are due by Thurs, Feb 6. Contact the church office to make a reservation or for more details.

Come Dine With Us – Hats Off To You!

Dinner includes a soup course, friseé salad, entree, vegetables and dessert. Water, tea and coffee, plus a specialty “mocktail” will also be served. Please also indicate your selection of entrees – beef, chicken or vegetarian and your dessert choices. If you have any dietary restrictions, please share those and we will do our best to comply! …

Outdoor Columbarium

The retaining wall is installed and we continue to work on filling and leveling the ground. We anticipate the new 96 niche columbarium to arrive at the end of February. We will also spend time beautifying the area with some landscaping, including a butterfly garden!

NALC Disaster Relief

Do you like to knit or crochet? Come join us any Wednesday at 1:30 pm as we begin to make baby blankets for Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital and NALC Disaster Relief. If you can’t make it during the day, we are exploring an evening/weekend gathering as well.

Oneblood Bloodmobile

Oneblood Bloodmobile will be onsite this weekend – Sunday, Jan 26 from 9am to Noon. Just walk up to the bus even if you have not pre-registered. Donors will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt, a wellness check and a $20 electronic gift card! Blood donations save lives!

Youth Life News

Rock the Universe 2025 is here! January 24-25 at Universal Studios, Orlando. We’ve got a great group of 17 adults and youth attending! We meet at church at 4:00pm with a 4:15 departure time. Tickets have been purchased for all who signed up and hotel reservations at Cabana Bay have been paid for. Prayers for a wonderful weekend full …

Quilting Ministry Update

163 Quilts made to the Glory of God! May they provide warmth & security to those who have experienced tragedy, disaster, displacement, or have no other shelter. May all who receive them be wrapped in His love & encouraged with His hope. Amen.

Shepherd Shelves

We were blessed to support many families in 2024, and the faithfulness of our congregation has had an impact on our surrounding community. We gladly receive fresh, frozen and shelf- stable items. Please put dry goods on the marked shelf in the Gathering Area to be checked in and give cold items to a staff member. Our …

Quilt Blessing

Our Quilt Blessing will be Saturday, January 18th and Sunday, January 19th. Our quilters have been VERY busy this past year making dozens of quilts for disaster relief efforts via Lutheran World Relief and NALC Disaster Response Team. More than 200 beautiful, unique pieces of art grace our sanctuary this weekend and we offer our …

Youth Life News

Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions.  Rock the Universe 2025 annual Christian Music Festival is being held January 24-25 at Universal Studios, Orlando. We’ve got a great group of 17 adults and youth attending! We will leave Friday afternoon, meeting at church at 4:00pm with a …

Valentines For Veterans

Valentine’s Cards for Veterans & Military – our local First Coast Group – Thrivent is helping spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a card collection drive for veterans and our military. They have partnered with Naval Station of Mayport for their local and deployed service men and women. We will have a collection bin in the Gathering Area through …

Come Dine With Us

Join us Saturday, February, 8th – Our annual Youth Life fundraiser is a great opportunity to have a wonderful evening out. Invite some friends, another couple or make it a date night! We offer two seatings – at 5:00pm and 7:00pm and we always have a fabulous menu! The suggestion donation is $35 per person. Reservation sheets will be …

Long Term Care Workshop

Thrivent will host a Long-term Care Workshop on Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30pm which will include a buffet dinner. Please see the insert in the church bulletin for more information or contact the church office to register by Jan 16.

Women of the Woods

Women of the Woods gather Wednesday, January 15th at 6:00pm for dinner and a meeting as this group continues to develop and explore ways to support the ministries of SOTW. All women are invited. If you can’t join us at 6:00 for dinner, please come for the meeting at 6:30pm. Please use the yellow Connect Card to …

Transportation Ministry

One of the many ways we support each other within our congregational community is to provide occasional transportation to medical appointments and grocery shopping for those who are temporarily not able to drive due to illness or surgery or for those who are no longer driving. If you would like to offer the gift of …

First Fruits

Did you know….The Core Values of Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church First Fruits – Each month we set aside 10% of undesignated giving to support a variety of ministries in Christian love and care. This past month, our Benevolence ministry supported a global and local mission: Vision First Fruits – Each month we set aside 10% of undesignated …

Annual Congregational Meeting

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 22nd at 6:30pm. A fellowship meal will be held at 5:30pm. Mark your calendars and plan to attend the meeting to hear important updates and share your vote on important matters related to our life together and the development of the mission church plant in St. Johns …

The Annual Yard Sale

We will be holding our sale a little earlier this year – On Saturday, March 15, from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm. All proceeds from the sale support our Tarma, Peru Mission Church. The storage bins will arrive the week of February 17th so now is the time to begin cleaning out closets, drawers and the garage!!! If …

Peace in Christ – Women’s Retreat

This year we will gather at the St. Stephen’s Retreat and Conference Center in Titusville, FL from Friday, Feb 28 through Sunday, March 2nd. St. Stephen’s is a lovely waterfront retreat center with beautiful study and worship spaces. There will be time for study, worship, individual time and fellowship. Our retreat speaker is the Rev. Julie Smith (co-founder …

Quilting Workshop

Save the Date – All Day – Drop-In Quilting Workshop on Sat, Jan 18 – men, women and teens are invited to come for an hour or come all day! No experience needed and no sewing skills required. There is a job for everyone and teens earn community service hours for school. Stay tuned for sign-up opportunities.

Adult Study: The Life of Martin Luther

New Adult Study Class on the life of Martin Luther – begins Sunday, Jan 5 at 9:45am in the Shepherd Center Conference Room. This nine-week course will present various events in Luther’s life and reflect on the Biblical themes underlying the Lutheran Reformation. It provides insight into Luther’s influence on shaping the development of the Lutheran Church. By …

Youth News

Happy New Year!!! Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions.  Youth Life Christmas Party was a great event! Thank you to our youth leaders for providing food and fun for this afternoon get together! See pictures below. I hope you all had a great …

Grief Support

This group does not meet this week and will resume at 6:30pm Tues 1/7, and will continue to meet on Mon 1/13. On Tuesday 1/21 & Monday 2/3, we will meet at the new time of 12:30 pm. We pray for the peace of the Holy Spirit for all who are grieving loved ones during …

Alpha

Just after Easter we will begin our next Alpha course – a ten-week series of weekly sessions for anyone who wants to find answers to questions like “Is there really a God?”, “What does it mean to be Christian?” or “Is there more to life than what I am living?” It is designed for those seeking a connection to God but who might …

Year End Giving

We are blessed to be a blessing and Shepherd of the Woods continues to be blessed by your faithful giving and stewardship. It has allowed us to reach & serve people with the love and care of Christ. It is the end of the year and we invite you, as you are able, to make …

Beaches Mission House

We support Mission House on months with a Fifth Tuesday by cooking and serving a home-cooked meal to the homeless community in Jacksonville Beach. If you would like to help, we will meet at 4:30 pm on December 31st to cook and serve about 6pm and are done by 7:00. Please indicate on the yellow …

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Advent wreath is a centuries-old Christian tradition. It symbolizes themes and beliefs central to the Christian faith. The fourth candle of Advent represents Love, the ultimate love of God that He might send His only Son for us. Called the “Angel’s Candle,” the fourth candle of Advent is lit the Sunday before Christmas, and it is the color purple, leading us …

Youth Life News

Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions. Monday, December 23rd from 12-4 is your Youth Life Christmas Party! Thank you, Michelle Pearson, for leading this event. Lunch will be provided and there will be a “white elephant” gift exchange so bring a small ($20 max) …

Third Sunday of Advent

The Advent wreath is a centuries-old Christian tradition. It symbolizes themes and beliefs central to the Christian faith. The third candle of Advent symbolizes Joy. As we continue to approach Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. The third candle takes us back to the joyful anticipation of the shepherds who journeyed to see Jesus in Bethlehem, even …

2024 Advent and Christmas Schedule

Our busy holiday season continues with a few more events. Please keep these dates handy and make plans to join us in worship and serving. There are many opportunities to volunteer both with worship services, special events and helping those in need. Christmas Season Schedule We encourage you to be prayerful throughout the Advent and Christmas …

Women of the Woods Quilt Raffle

The beautiful, hand-made quilts on display in the Gathering Area are being raffled to raise funds for the Women’s Retreat Scholarship Fund which will assist those in need with registration costs for the upcoming retreat. Tickets are available for $5 each or 3 for $10 or 7 for $20. You may choose the quilts you bid …

Christmas Blessings in Peru

 As we prepare to celebrate Christmas in the states, we have the opportunity to extend our care, and “show Christ” to those in need. Our Christmas outreach program this year will include providing small gifts, hot chocolate & panettone to approximately 100 children ($10 each) in the community plus the 40 children and 8 seniors …

Youth Life News

Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions.  Mark you calendars for Family Christmas Caroling (yes, it’s that time already!) which is on Sunday, December 15 from 12-3pm, following a light lunch. This annual event brings so much joy to the shut-ins you visit and to all who participate! A …