
Christmas Worship Services
Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Live Stream Information
Upcoming and Special Events at Shepherd of the Woods Church
Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Live Stream Information


Bloodmobile on Sun, Dec 8 – OneBlood will have a mobile donation bus onsite from 9:30am to Noon. Those who donate will receive a wellness check including blood pressure and cholesterol screening and iron count check; a travel mug; and a $20 online gift card. If you are able, please pre-register at oneblod.org/donate-now and use sponsor …
We have a busy holiday season ahead of us. 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. We encourage you to be prayerful throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons, both in offering …
As part of a Thrivent Member Network, you’re among a group of local Christians who come together to learn, support one another and make a real impact in our communities. We invite you to join us for The 5 Love Languages with Dr. Gary Chapman, hosted by the Southeast Thrivent Member Network. Discover the keys to unlocking …






Our children’s party will be Saturday, October 26th from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. We could use help with decorations on the 24th and 25th, help setting up the morning of the 26th, help during the event and help with clean-up. If you would like to be a part of the fun, please indicate your …

Please plan to help if you can on Sun, Sept 29 as we set up the large tent for the Patch – we meet at Noon after 10:30am Fellowship. We also need helping hands all week the week of Sept 30th. The delivery truck arrives on Sat, Oct 5 and we will gather at 8:45am. All helping hands are …
We are booking guests on our upcoming trip which focuses on the “Footsteps of Paul”. Travelers will visit many towns where Paul spread the message of Jesus in the early days of Christianity in Turkey and Greece. We will also visit beautiful places such as Crete & Santorini! Our trip originates in Orlando on Friday, March …

Men, women and teens are invited to join us on Saturday, September 28 from 9am to 3pm in the Fellowship Hall. There will be tasks for every skill level as we work on quilts for Lutheran World Relief and NALC Disaster Recovery. The gift of your time translates into the blessing of warmth and comfort …


We have been working on the Pumpkin Patch plan since March, placing our order with Pumpkins USA and slightly increasing our count this year! We are asked to list 4 delivery dates and we were slotted in our first pick! Lots of things will have to happen before delivery day and we are looking for …
Read more “The Pumpkins Are Coming – October 5th at 9:00 am”

We have been working on the Pumpkin Patch plan since March, placing our order with Pumpkins USA and slightly increasing our count this year! We are asked to list 4 delivery dates and we were slotted in our first pick! Lots of things will have to happen before delivery day and we are looking for …
Ladies, mark your calendar for Fri, Feb 28 , 2025 – Sun, Mar 2 , 2025 for the annual women’s retreat. The retreat will be held at St Stephen Christian Retreat & Conference Center in Titusville, FL.
PERU MISSION TRIP SUPPORT As the mission trippers prepare to depart for Tarma Peru on August 6th, we have an opportunity to support the work and outreach they will be doing. To support this mission, indicate “Peru Mission” on your envelope or check. Please keep the mission team in your prayers! May our Lord use …

Quilting Ministry Update – Our quilters now meet EVERY Wednesday at 1:30pm! No experience is needed and no sewing! This group cuts squares, organizes them by color, creates quilt top patterns and matches already- sewn quilt tops with filler and backing. Even if you have never volunteered before, you can be trained in minutes!! If good …
Hey Ladies! You are invited to join in on the Women of the North American Lutheran Church on-line Gathering on August 6th. The keynote speaker is Pastor Jones! Registration is now open. To learn more, please visit: WNALC 2024.

We will begin our next Alpha course in August – this is 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 …
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Ordination blessings to Pastor Luke Beaver!
Congratulations to Vicar Luke Beaver who was called to serve Shepherd of the Woods as an Associate Pastor at our congregational meeting on Wednesday, June 26th. Vicar Beaver is in the Army Reserves and is seeking military endorsement as a Army Chaplain. His ordination will be one more step in supporting him on his journey. …
Read more “Invitation to Vicar Beaver’s Ordination & Installation”
The Bloodmobile – will be at SOTW on Sunday, July 7 from 10:30am to Noon. The time slot was previously advertised as 9am to Noon but OneBlood is not able to have anyone here until 10:30am now. We hope this does not present any issues to those wishing to donate blood. Please donate if you are able …
We will begin our next Alpha course in August – this is 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 …
Our quilters now meet EVERY Wednesday at 1:30pm! Volunteers gather to work on all aspects of our disaster relief quilts that are passed on to Lutheran World Relief and to the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Team. No experience is needed and no sewing! On Wednesdays, this group cuts squares, organizes them by color, creates …
Please plan to attend our summer Semi-annual Congregational Meeting on Wednesday, June 26th. This is an opportunity to get updates on our ministries, and to vote on our new Church Council nominees. We will also be voting on extending a call to Vicar Beaver to temporarily serve as an Associate Pastor until he is called …

Vacation Bible School (VBS) begins this coming Monday, June 17th! A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated supplies. We truly appreciate you! We still have a few items that we need to make this week a SCUBA-tastic success! Please read the list below and bring the items to church between now and this Sunday morning-June …
During the five weeks leading up to our Youth Life Confirmation Faith Camp, we strive as a community to collect 500 pounds of food and $500 in financial donations to support the Lutheran Social Service food bank and weekend backpack program. Each Friday, hundreds of children across northeast Florida leave school in the afternoon not …
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend our summer Semi-annual Congregational Meeting. This is a good opportunity to get updates on our ministries, and to vote on our new Church Council nominees. We will also be voting on extending a call to Vicar Beaver to serve as an Associate Pastor until he is called …

Vacation Bible School is June 17-21. Volunteers are needed to help with games, crafts and fellowship. Please let Kelly Clark or Cynthia Cannon know if you are able to help out this summer. Adventure Camp Retreat is coming this summer, June 30-July 4. This amazing, fun week takes place in Orlando at the Grand Beach Resort on Lake …
Thank you to all those who prepared, served, attended and supported our Mother’s Day Pancakes and More Breakfast. Thank you to those who participated in the Peterbrooke Chocolatier Fundraiser, as well. These donations will greatly benefit the Youth Life ministry at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church.
Our Little Lambs – Early Learning Center serves the community by offering a faith-based, educational curriculum for children 2-5 years-old. Unlike many preschools, we focus on reading literacy, math and language skills, and the development of social and problem-solving skills. Also uncommon, we offer full-day and year-round programs for households where all adults work during the day. We …
If you would like to volunteer with VBS this year and want like to help with the planning of this year’s program, you are invited to attend Sat, May 18 from 10am to Noon. This week-long program requires a lot of planning, set up and hands-on volunteers. All are welcome!!
Just in time for Mother’s Day! Pick up May 11 and May 12 If you would like to order, email the church office and indicate which items you would like, the quantity and the total amount of your order. Orders must be placed by Monday, May 6th. If you want something other than milk chocolate, …


Join Youth Life on Sunday, May 12th with our Mother’s Day “Pancakes and More” Breakfast! This year, there will be greater variety in the menu and we are excited to host you. Additional details will be published soon. Proceeds of this fundraiser will benefit Youth Life at Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church.
Vicar Luke Beaver will be joining us at the end of the month. It is our tradition to “Pound the Vicar” with a warm welcome. We do this by providing a POUND of anything you choose – groceries, sweets, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc. Anything he will need for his new apartment. Of course, it doesn’t …
Please make plans to join us for a lovely morning of tea and delicious finger foods and sweets. Our festive spring event will be Saturday, April 27th at 11:00am and the suggested donation for tickets is $25. In addition to the scrumptious fare and fun fellowship, we will have songs from the children and raffles for three exciting …
Read more “Spring Tea – An Early Learning Center Fundraiser “

Monday, March 18, at 10:30 am – Bring the kids out to enjoy some fresh air and burn off some energy during Spring Break! We’ll enjoy playtime and a picnic. Meet at Sunshine Park – located at 2514 S Beach Pkwy, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. There are cool playgrounds, a skate park, recreational fields, pickle …
Our annual Yard Sale will be Saturday, March 23rd and our storage pods have arrived! Please consider donating gently used items you no longer want – clothing, luggage, housewares, toys, seasonal decorations, electronics, bedding, lamps, decorative items, artwork, and even furniture and appliances. We kindly ask that you separate clothing, shoes and accessories as one pod will be …

Children’s Easter Festivities will be held on Easter Sunday, March 31 from 9:45-10:15 AM. An Easter Egg Hunt will be held for children, nursery-age through sixth grade. All families and their extended families are welcome to participate. Families will gather in the courtyard near the playground by 9:45. A photo station will also be available …
Take kids deep into an amazing undersea adventure where they’ll experience the ever-flowing, never-ending love of God. At Scuba VBS, kids will be immersed in the Word and discover what living water is really all about! Join us June 17 – 21st from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm! Registration opens March 30th. For additional details, …
If you have not already made a reservation, please reply to this message and let us know if you prefer the 5:00pm or the 7:00pm seating and how many people are in your party. Dinner includes an appetizer, salad, entree, vegetables and dessert. Water, tea and coffee, plus a mocktail will also be served. Please also indicate …
Our annual Come Dine with Us dinner is a much-loved event with great food, great service and benefitting a great cause – supporting our Youth Life group and their summer camp programs. Confirmation Camp provides time for daily study, relationship building and personal growth. Adventure Camp is all about fun – developing self-confidence, team building skills and accomplishment! On Saturday, March 9th we …
Our annual Yard Sale will be Saturday, March 23rd and we should have storage pods this coming Wednesday! As you begin your spring cleaning, please consider setting aside gently used items – clothing, luggage, housewares, toys, seasonal decorations, electronics, bedding, lamps, decorative items, artwork, and even furniture and appliances. We kindly ask that you separate clothing, shoes and …
Yard Sale Pods Are Coming! We should have the storage containers in place on Wednesday, Feb 28. We are very appreciative of our new partner Mi-Box and their generous discount for our storage pods. We ask that you kindly pack your donations separately so that clothing, shoes, purses & accessories can go into a dedicated pod …
Lent is Observed for the Forty Days begining Ash Wednesday until Easter – excluding Sundays. Join us on a Lenten journey where we will reflect on the battles we face in life; powers & principalities, evil, darkness, the devil, and even attempts at identity theft as a child of God. We will delve into the scriptures to …
Quilting Workshop – All-Day, Drop-In session on Saturday, Feb 3rd from 10am to 5pm. There will be stations for cutting squares, designing quilt top, sewing tops, matching tops to backing and for finishing the sides and threads for center knots. There is a job for every skill level. Men women and teens are invited – no experience needed, …


We will be taking photos in the Gathering Area and the Fellowship Hall Jan 20 & 21 before and after all services. Our church database software allows us to create our own directory (which we already do) and to add photos if we choose. These will not be professional photos. Please stop by either photo …
All are invited to receive information on the proposed budget, the Mission Plant Church property, and all ministries of 2023. All members will be able to vote to approve the budget for 2024. Your attendance and vote are important and we hope you will make plans to attend. A light lunch will be provided following …
Our annual congregation meeting will be held on Sunday, January 21st following the 10:30 worship service. We will present the Annual Report, Budget 2024, updates on the Pacetti Road Property and we’ll be sharing priorities and goals for 2024 and beyond.
Join us Saturday, January 20th from 9am-Noon. Cost is $15 per person which includes breakfast and your book. Por Peacock will lead participants through Dr. Gary Chapman’s book, incorporating Scripture with an eye toward building stronger relationships with all the children in our lives. Let love lead our relationships with children, not guilt and shame and help …
Read more “Five Love Languages for Children Workshop for Parents and Grandparents “
2024 Budget Information Meeting will be held on Sunday, January 14th at 9:40am for those interested in receiving more in-depth information. We thank you for your support. We are able to share and show Christ in our community and in the world because of you!
Little Lambs will host the community on Sat., Jan 13 from 10am to Noon. If you or someone you know is looking for a quality, faith-based preschool or for an accredited VPK program, please make plans to attend. Classrooms will be open, and you can meet the teachers and learn all about the robust curriculum.
Shepherd of the Woods has had a long history of encouraging and equipping individuals for ministry. Over the years we’ve been host to many vicars who were preparing to serve as a pastor in a church. Candidates are generally 3 or 4 years into their master’s degree program at a seminary and require one year in a …
Dear Disciple, You may have been heard about ALPHA recently and wondered what it’s all about! ALPHA is a series of structured sessions which explore the basics of faith in an open, informal environment with no judgement and no pressure. This is a great opportunity for those who are “seeking” or wrestling in the faith …

Due to the American Embassy alert notification, we are postponing our January trip to Tarma. Mark your calendar, however, for July 29 , 2024 – August 8, 2024. If you would like information about possibly joining us on this trip, please indicate your interest on the Yellow Insert or contact the church office.
On Sat, Dec 30th there will be an All-Day, Drop-In Workshop from 9am to 4pm where all these activities will happen as well as sewing tops and creating new sewing kits and new cutting kits. Jobs for every skill level!! You can come for a few hours or for the entire day. We always have a pot …
Weekend Worship Services Saturday at 5:30pm (Traditional Liturgy) Sunday at 8:30am (Traditional Liturgy) Sunday at 10:30am (Contemporary) – Live-streamed Other Information: Access to Online Worship Information Christmas Worship Services Christmas Eve Services – Sunday, Dec 24 at 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm & 11:00pm 5:00pm – Traditional Service with Children’s Homily ** Live Streamed 7:00pm – Traditional Service 9:00pm – Cantata …
This year the Fellowship Hall will be a place to gather with brothers and sisters in Christ after the Christmas Day Worship service. We will have a good ol’ fashioned pot-luck luncheon after the 10:30 am worship service. For additional details, please contact the church office.

Dear Disciple, You may have been heard about ALPHA recently and wondered what it’s all about! ALPHA is a series of structured sessions which explore the basics of faith in an open, informal environment with no judgement and no pressure. This is a great opportunity for those who are “seeking” or wrestling in the faith and what …

We are beginning to plan our 2024 trips to Tarma, Peru, targeting late January for our first trip and mid-summer for the second one. Our early trip is usually more administrative in nature, planning projects and estimating needs but does include work on the property as needed. Our summer trip usually is more project-oriented with …
We have begun a new series for those seeking support following loss of a loved one. This group meets Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30pm on 11/14, and 11/28. These sessions are open to anyone who wants to participate. If you have a friend or neighbor that might benefit from participating, please pass on the information. Please use the Yellow Connection …


SOTW visits Beaches Mission House on fifth Tuesdays to prepare and serve a meal. Our next scheduled date is Tuesday, Oct 31 and we meet at 5:00 pm at the facility. If you would like to participate, please indicate your attendance on the Yellow Connection Insert. If you are not able to arrive at 5:00 …
Please ensure your spot at this year’s retreat by submitting your registration and payment by October 29. We will gather from Fri, Nov 10 – Sun, Nov 12 and the $250 cost covers your lodging, meals, and all materials. Come and be blessed! Please download the flyer and registration form provided if you are planning …
Bloodmobile –Sunday, October 15 from 9 a.m. until Noon (or later if they are still getting donors). If you would like to donate blood that day, you can pre-register at oneblood.org, selecting the Donate icon in the upper right-hand corner. You may also just visit the bus that morning and register then. If you donate, it is …

Sunday, October 8 at 4:00 pm – Join us for this fun and special event when we give thanks to God for the gifts of our beloved pets and ask God’s special blessings on them. Pets of ALL kinds are welcome but must be on a leash or in a secured kennel. We will have shade and water …


FOUR Weeks ‘til PUMPKINS! Save the date: Saturday, October 7th at 9 am – We hope you will make plans to join us as the truck makes its annual trek from New Mexico to Jacksonville with our special delivery. It takes MANY hands to make light work unloading half of a semi-trailer!! Teens earn community service hours!! We will be …