Summer 5 – 5 – 5 Project
A Great Big Summer 555 Program Thank You – Wow!! What a caring and giving community we have! The call went out – we need new and gently used clothing, shoes, backpacks, sock & undies as well as financial contributions. You provided more than double our goal of items and dollars!! We collected more than …
Faithful Friday – July 31st
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Dear Disciple of Christ, So, can I ask, “where did your life come from”? I’m not referring to the miraculous gift from God, giving each of us an estimated 30 trillion human cells (each one …
Youth Life Luau
Worship – July 26th
The Pumpkins Are Coming
The Pumpkins Are Coming! – Save the Date – We will unload pumpkins on Saturday, October 3rd at 8:45 am!! Mark your calendars!! If you are connected to any group needing community service hours or just a group that would like to have some fun working together – please invite them to join us. Many …
Quilting Update
Quilters meet weekly on Wednesdays at 1:30pm – No experience needed, and no sewing skills required – there is a job for everyone!! This group works on both prayer quilts and the quilts for disaster relief efforts. All are welcome and we will show you everything you need to know! Special Quilting Session – join …
Parents Blitz – Youth Life Families
Youth Life Families – Save the Date – We will hold a Parents’ Blitz on Sunday, August 15 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm for all Youth grades 7-12 and their families. There will be a time of fellowship over dinner, we’ll introduce Sunday Youth Nights, and review the school-year Calendar which outlines proposed Youth Life events. …
Worship – July 19th
VBS Party
VBS was an Awesome Success! – VBS Party after the 10:30am Service Sunday, July 19th! Last week was just great as we hosted nearly 50 children for a time of learning, crafting, study and fun! We give a HUGE thank you to all the volunteers – both youth and adults – who made the week …
Peru Mission Trip
There is still time to make plans to join us on our next trip to Peru which will be Sept 8 through 14. While in Tarma we will assist with maintenance projects, visit the community in Huancal, have events with the children and teens and attend Sunday worship! A US passport is required, valid through …
Youth Life – End of Summer Party
Youth Life – Save the Date – The end-of-year party will be on Saturday, August 8 from 4:00 – 8:00pm. Please mark your calendars so you don’t miss out on this fun event before heading back to school.
Monthly Game Night
All are invited to Game Night on Saturday, July 18 at 6:45pm. This is a great time to invite friends and family to visit SOTW. Bring a snack or dish to share if you like. This group meets on third Saturdays and it is always a time of fun and fellowship. You can sign up …
Rally Day
Our Back-to School Rally Day and Backpack Blessing will be on Sunday, August 9th at the 10:30 am worship service. We hope all children can attend! This is a special day for the children to gather with their backpacks as we, as a community, pray for our children and teens to have a safe and …
Worship – July 12th
Shepherd’s Shelves Update
Shepherd Shelves Update – we are making a change to our service hours – Beginning July 30, we will modify our pantry hours to Thursdays only, 9am to 1pm. Since opening in September 2025, we have made several changes based on the needs of the community, the availability of donations and the availability of volunteers. …
Worship – July 5th
Vacation Bible School 2026
Vacation Bible School 2026
Women of the Woods – July 6th
Women of the Woods Potluck & Meeting – all ladies are invited to join us Mon, July 6 at 6:00pm. This month, our ladies who are married are encouraged to invite their husbands!! Bring a “family favorite” for the potluck! Sign up on the yellow Connect Card!
Holiday Weekend Updates
July Fourth Game Day & Luncheon – Noon to 5pm on Sat, July 4th – Please join us for a potluck lunch and an afternoon of games. All are welcome! Beat the heat (and the rain!) and enjoy cards and board games, and lots to eat! Bring an appetizer, snack, salad, entree item or dessert if …
Vacation Bible School 2026
Worship – June 28th
Lutheran Social Services Update
An important Message from Tracy Williams, Chair, Board of Directors Lutheran Social Services: Today, I am pleased to share exciting news about the future of our organization. After a thoughtful and thorough search process, the Board of Directors has selected David Clark as the new Chief Executive Officer of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida. …
Faithful Friday – June 19th
Dear Disciple of Christ, You know that pastors are called to Word and Sacrament ministry, right? That’s what we do. That’s why we are so blessed. But the blessing of the Word came long before I was ordained. As I mentioned, in my family, we were rhythmic when it came to worship each and every week. I had classmates (and I’ve …
Confirmation/Faith Camp
Confirmation/Faith Camp, St. Simons Island, GA for 7th – 12th Grades – Our annual summer camp will be at Epworth by the Sea beginning Sun., July 26 through Thurs., July 30. This allows rising 7th graders – 9th graders to begin or continue their Confirmation studies and provides a time of study for our older …
Vacation Bible School 2026
Rainforest Falls Vacation Bible School
Saturday Quilting Opportunity
When the calendar permits, the Quilting group will hold some workdays on Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm. The first one will be this coming weekend, Sat., June 20 at 10 am! No sewing skills needed – no experience necessary – there are tasks for everyone! Please indicate your interest on the yellow Connect …
Worship – June 14th
Faithful Friday – June 12th
Dear Disciple of Christ, This coming weekend, we will be bringing forward a disciple of Christ who has heard a call to serve as a pastor in the church. Vicar Watts has his own stories to tell and I’m hoping he’ll be able to do that over the next months he is with us. Sheperd of the …
Summer 5-5-5 Project
Our Summer 5-5-5 Program begins this week and runs through July 20th and allows our Youth Life group to participate in a community service project. Our 5-5-5 program is designed to collect 500 items, $500 in financial donations, all in 5 weeks. This time we will be supporting MissionJax Kids’ Shop, a local non-profit connected …
Game Night
June’s monthly Game Night will be Saturday the 20th at 6:45pm – Join us for cards, board games and more. Bring a snack or food item to share if you want – when we meet, we eat!! All are welcome – come share a few hours of fun!
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
All men are invited to gather on Sat, June 13 at 8:00am for breakfast and time in the Word. This is a casual, friendly gathering with lots of coffee, good food and the opportunity to study and discuss the Word of God. Newcomers are very welcome.
Worship – June 7th
Vacation Bible School
Confirmation Camp 2026
It’s that time of year again!! Summer is here and, with school out, that can mean only one thing – CONFIRMATION CAMP!! 2026 Confirmation Camp will be held July 26-30th! This year’s theme is “FOLLOW GOD!” Cap will be held at Epworth by the Sea in St. Simons Island, GA. We will start with worship on Sunday 7/26/26 at …
Faithful Friday – June 5th
Since the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same nature, that through death he might destroy him who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong bondage. 16 For surely it is not with angels …
Congregational Meeting
Our next Congregational Meeting will be Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 pm and all members are encouraged to be there to vote. Non-members are encouraged to attend as well to hear all the updates on the ministries of our congregation. The meeting agenda includes important and exciting updates on the mission plant in St. John’s …
Call Committee Update
The Call Committee met on April 24th and May 19th and is working with Pastor Shelly Schultz, the NALC Call Process Coordinator, to fill the Senior Pastor vacancy at Shepherd of the Woods. We are moving forward and the next step is a Congregational Workshop this summer. We ask for the congregation’s prayers at this …
Youth Life Update
Happy Summer, everyone! Thank you to those who helped out with the latest youth gathering event this past Sunday. Great planning session for VBS and then a fun off site activity at the Escape Room! See pics below. Great way to celebrate the end of school and beginning of summer! Come Dine with the Vicar! This …
Faithful Friday – May 29th
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints …
Dine With The Vicar
Vacation Bible School 2026
Vacation Bible School is Just Around the Corner! – Our VBS will be July 13-17, 9:00 am -Noon. If you would like to assist in any way – planning, decorating, teaching, preparing snacks, helping with music or crafts or projects – please indicate your interest on the yellow Connect Card. The theme is Rainforest Falls.
WOW Potluck and Meeting
The next WOW Potluck & Meeting will be Monday, June 1st, 6-8 pm. We are having a “Picnic Party”!! You are invited to bring any item for the potluck, if you are able. We will spend some time in fellowship with the meal and a game and then have our business meeting. This focuses on …
Worship – Pentecost 2026
Faithful Friday – May 22nd
Gospel Lesson of the Day: John 7:37-39 On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and proclaimed, “If any one thirst, let him come to me and drink. 38 He who believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart shall flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this …
Church Council Nomination Forms
Church Council Nomination Forms – We will have three vacancies on the Church Council beginning in July due to term limits and are seeking nominations. Blank forms are available in the office and can be used to nominate another individual or submit information for yourself. All nominees will be contacted by the Council for next …
Youth Life Ministry News
Mother’s Day Breakfast was a wonderful fundraiser! Everyone had a great time and the food was fantastic. Thank you to everyone who helped make this a success. Looks like you raised $600! You all worked very well as a team to make this happen. Thank you again! See pics below! Peterbrooke Chocolate Sale for Mother’s Day. This …
Quilting Update
Quilters meet weekly on Wednesdays at 1:30 pm – No experience needed and no sewing skills required – there is a job for everyone!! This group works on both prayer quilts and the quilts for disaster relief efforts. There are also Sewing Kits in the Gathering Area for those who would like work on them …
Youth Life – End Of The Year Celebration
Faithful Friday – May 15th
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “These are my words which I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and the psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, …
Memorial Day Weekend
For Memorial Day Weekend – If you have photos of friends, relatives or other loved ones who have died in the line of duty and you would like remembered on Memorial Day, please bring a picture to the church office by May 20. We will have a slip for you to provide their name, branch …
Military Appreciation Month
May is Military Appreciation Month – we are grateful for the service and sacrifices of all who serve this nation’s military and their families. We will honor all our military, active and retired, and their families with breakfast after each service on Sunday May 24. Our men’s Bible Study group will be hosting this so …
Welcoming Vicar Jackson and Addie Watts
We are very excited to officially share with you that we have a new Vicar joining the staff and he will spend the next year as our intern! His name is Jackson Watts and he will be joining us Monday, June 1st, with his first weekend in worship Sunday being June 6th & 7th!! Jackson …
Worship – May 10th
Faithful Friday – May 8th
Dear Disciples of Christ, The focus this week’s posting will be less on how we hear the Word and more on how the Word we hear changes us. I made mention last week that one of the great values of participating in weekly worship is that the seed of the Word was planted in me, watered …
Welcome The New Vicar
Our new Vicar is joining us June 1st – We are delighted to introduce Jackson Watts, who will be completing a year of internship with us as our newest Vicar. Jackson and his fiancée Addie both graduate from seminary on May 16, get married May 17, and arrive in Jacksonville the last weekend of May!! …
Worship – May 3rd
Youth Life News
Mother’s Day Breakfast: Sunday, May 10: This is a huge fundraiser for the youth group and a great way to honor our Moms. We will be providing breakfast on Mother’s Day between the services and after the 10:30 worship service. Pancakes, casseroles, etc. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate moms and collect funds for future youth …
Faithful Friday – May 1st
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 Dear Disciple of Christ, If you’ve been reading the Faithful Friday postings for any length of time, you can understand how concerned I am for the next generation of disciples. I suppose this comes …
Mother’s Day Celebration Pancake Breakfast
Make plans to join us after the 8:30am or the 10:30am service on Sunday, May 10th. We will offer a fabulous breakfast/brunch of pancakes, meats, egg dishes and a yogurt & fruit bar. Free-will donations are appreciated as all donations will support our teens attending the National Youth Gathering and to summer Faith/Confirmation Camp.
Shepherd’s Shelves Volunteer Update
Volunteers Needed Saturday, May 9th from 2 to 5pm – Our Shepherd’s Shelves Food Pantry is blessed to be a part of the May 9th Postal Workers’ Food Drive where all residents are asked to leave non-perishable donations at their mailbox. We will receive all donations for an entire zip code!! We are seeking several …
Peterbrooke Chocolate Sale
Peterbrooke Chocolates on Sale – Just in time for Mothers’ Day! – Please see your insert in today’s Announcements. Our Youth offer a wonderful variety of items from our local Peterbrooke stores, and this serves as a fundraiser to assist those Youth going to the Continental Youth Gathering and to summer Faith/Confirmation Camp. These items …
Faithful Friday – April 24th
Dear Disciples of the Word, Last week we considered what it means to be an assimilated member of the body of Christ. In effect, we can use that as a check on our own discipleship. What are we doing and believing and sharing in our days that will ensure disciples being faithful witnesses in the next generation? Have …
Shepherd’s Shelves Update
The pantry is open Sundays and Thursdays 10am to 1pm and serves between 25 and 35 people each day on average. To sustain support for volume of food needed, we currently receive resources in several ways: We are grateful for your ongoing support. Food donations can be left on the shelves in the Gathering Area. …
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Men of all ages are invited to join us on second and fourth Saturdays at 8:00 as we gather for a meal together and then spend time in study of the Word. This is a casual group and newcomers are welcome. Already attending? Invite a friend! We meet this coming Saturday, April 25.
Worship – April 19th
National Day of Prayer
The 2026 National Day of Prayer is Thursday, May 7th. This year’s theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations – Seeking Him In All Generations” and we will have the sanctuary open from 6:00am to 8:00pm to allow people to stop in when they choose, with believers praying continuously all day. We will include Matins …
Faithful Friday – April 17th
Dear Partners in Mission, Are you familiar with the word, “assimilation”? Sometimes I wonder if what we use in the church is used very often in the “world.” With people moving in and out of jobs so many times in their lives, I assume there is less of a focus on someone getting assimilated to …
The Alpha Course
Alpha is a program for people who are seeking more from life, seeking an understanding of who or what God is, or seeking that which is missing in their life. Each week participants gather and share a simple meal, watch a video about an aspect of faith, and then they have conversation about what they …
Giving Through Shredding
Giving Thru Shredding – April 18 – 8–11 a.m. – Thrivent Financial – 4887 Belfort Rd Bring your documents to our on-site shredding truck to have them shredded. There is no cost to shred items, but Thrivent is asking for donations of full-sized hygiene items they will be given to a local non-profit. Items such …
Spring Tea
Our Spring Tea will be held Saturday, May 2 from 11:00am – 2:00pm – This is a fundraising activity with proceeds going to Youth and Family Ministries. Spring Tea tickets will be available in the Gathering Area beginning next weekend!! Suggested donation is $20 per person. This is a VERY fun and tasty event and …
Youth Escape Time
Church Yard Sale
Faithful Friday – April 10th
Dear New Members (OK, those who consider themselves “old” are included as well). I needed to add that additional comment or I think some of you (who have been members of your church for years and years) would think this “Faithful Fridays” posting was not for you. I hope you’d know by this time that I …
Yard Sale – Volunteers Needed
This annual fundraiser helps generate money in support of our Peru Mission in Tarma, Peru. All funds, beyond our expenses will help with building maintenance, community outreach services, children’s programs, the Kingdom Kids afterschool program and much more! It is also a great way to get our entire congregation involved – through your donations and …
Easter Worship – 2026
Resurrection Sunday
Holy Week and Easter Schedule – 2026
Maundy Thursday Worship 2026
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday Worship
Women of the Woods
The next meeting will be held April 6 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. We invite all women to join us. Bring a neighbor or friend, too. We will have a short devotional and potluck dinner. Bring your favorite dish to share. Our speaker will be Diane Rohr with Shepherd’s Shelves. Our Spring Tea will be …
Peru Mission Update
Due to both domestic and foreign travel challenges, the 2026 Peru Mission Trip has been postponed until September 8th through 18th. As we continue to plan, you are invited to prayerfully consider joining us. There will be an optional excursion to Machu Pichu available as well. While in Tarma we will work on a variety …
Spring Fling & Easter Egg Hunt
Worship – Palm Sunday 2026
Faithful Friday – March 27th
Dear Servants of the Lord, My reflections during my Sabbatical still impact my understanding of ministry and congregational life. Some of the books spoke more powerfully than others and one such book was, “What Every Pastor Should Know: 101 Indispensable Rules of Thumb for Leading Your Church.” Reflection #24 suggests that “Nine of every ten new members …
Palm Sunday Worship
Beaches Mission House
Cooking & Serving at Beaches Mission House – Tuesday, March 30, 5:00 pm – If you would like to help cook dinner at Mission House or help serve and clean-up, please join us for either or both! No experience needed and we supply everything. Just wear clothes that can get dirty and close-toed shoes! Please …
Children & Family Easter Celebration
Children & Family Celebration – Saturday, April 4 – 11am – 1pm – All families with children are invited for a time of fun, learning, games and an egg hunt. Please RSVP on the yellow Connect Card or contact the church office for more information. We will have food trucks – hot dogs & ice …
Worship – March 22nd
Youth Life – Lock-In
Dine With Us – Thank You
Dine with Us- Southern Comforts was a great success! You all served over 100 meals and received over $2100 in donations plus another $1000 in matching funds from Benevolence. This is before expenses but you all still raised a lot of funds for your upcoming trips. Thank you to all of our volunteers- youth and adults! …
Faithful Friday – March 20th
Dear Partners in the Gospel, I’d like to begin with a familiar reminder that Paul gave the Corinthians and that is always a good reminder for us. In the famous 12th chapter of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul talks about the nature of the body of Christ (with us being members of the body) and …
Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting
Join us Sat., March 28 at 10:00am – If you are interested in being connected to VBS this year – the dates are July 13-17 – please join us for this preliminary planning session. Please indicate your interest on the yellow Connect Card or contact the church office with any questions.
Yard Sale Donations
We will have our annual yard sale on Saturday, April 18th from 7am to 1pm. Your donations and your purchases support the ongoing mission work being done in Peru. Offering your time and energy during the week of April 13, preparing for and hosting the yard sale, has a direct impact on the mission. Thank you in advance for any …
Easter Preparations Underway
Easter Preparations will soon be underway!! And Many hands make light work! You are invited to help on Saturday, March 21 from 8:00am to Noon as we continue to make our grounds and our Prayer Garden & Columbarium area beautiful. We know we see a lot of visitors during Holy Week and Easter and we …
Peru Mission Trip & Life Changer Information
Shepherd of the Woods has been in mission in Peru since 2005. We’ve been blessed to make numerous trips over the years to share God’s love and hope and the Good News of Jesus Christ through word and deed. God has been at work through us and countless lives have been touched. We often say …
Monthly Game Night
Join us Sat., March 21 at 6:45 for fun, food and fellowship. This is a great way to meet folks who worship at different times. Bring a snack to share if you want to. All are welcome – invite a friend!
First Fruits Benevolence Giving
In February the benevolence Committee approved donations to SON – Spiritual Orphans network. This organization has strong ties to NALC and LCMC and serves in Eastern European countries to reignite Christianity in former Soviet and communist countries. Also, to Water Mission, a non-profit committed to bringing clean drinking water to impoverished communities and to Heifer …