Christmas Joy and Blessings in Peru
Christmas joy and blessings delivered in Peru. Thank you for extending your love and care by sharing and showing Christ 3000 miles away. We are blessed to be a blessing!
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 …
Worship – December 29th
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 …
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Worship Services
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 …
Christmas Worship Services
Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Live Stream Information
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 …
Worship – December 22nd
Christmas Eve Cookie Fellowship
We invite you to help celebrate the season with a time of fellowship following each Christmas Eve service and Christmas Day service.
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) …
Shepherd Shelves
We have seen a real uptick in recent weeks and your care of our community is a real blessing. Please put dry goods on the marked shelf in the Gathering Area to be checked in and give cold items to a staff member or one of the Pastors. Our current needs are breakfast cereals, pasta …
Holiday Harmonies
Christmas Day Potluck
Join us! Any who would like to gather after the 10:30am worship service are welcome to attend a casual potluck luncheon. The meats and drinks will be provided and all other dishes will be welcome additions to the table. If you think you will join us, please sign up on the Connect Card or contact …
Worship – December 15th
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 …
Youth Christmas Party
Christmas Eve Worship
Holiday Harmonies
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 …
Christmas Caroling
Worship – December 8th
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 …
Grief Support
A six-week session will begin Monday 12/9 at 6:30pm and will be held Mon 12/16, Tues 1/7, Mon 1/13. On Tuesday, 1/21 and Monday 2/3, we will meet at a new time of 12:30 pm. If you have an interest in participating, please indicate this on the yellow Connect Card and you will be contacted by …
Christmas Caroling
Spread the Joy! Join us as we go caroling to shut-in and to assisted living facilities to share the good news of the season through song and smiles. Join us on Sunday, Dec 15 at Noon for a quick lunch. We will divide into groups and set out as soon as we can. This will …
Ladies Luncheon
Women of all ages are invited to our annual Salad luncheon December 14th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. You are welcome to bring a salad of any kind. We will also do a cookie exchange and you are welcome to bring a dozen of your favorite cookies if you would like to. This year we …
Bloodmobile
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 …
Parents Night Out
“Women of the Woods” will be hosting a Parents Night Out on Fri, Dec 6th Parents, come out and take advantage of time to shop or go out for a quiet meal. Drop off as early as 5:00pm – we will feed and entertain them while you are out and ask that you pick them up by 8:00pm. A …
Worship – December 1st
Angel Tree Gift Tags
We are pleased to be able to support Port in the Storm this holiday season. This ministry works with young men and women who have aged out of the foster system or who are homeless due to a crisis in their family. They offer safe housing, and job skill training . They have approximately 30 residents who …
Advent Fellowship Dinner & Service of Light
Join us Wednesday, Dec 4 – We begin the Advent season with a soup and salad fellowship meal at 5:30pm and special Service of Light at 6:30pm. This beautiful candlelit service is a time of worship and reflection as we eneter the holy time leading up to the birth of Christ. Invite a friend or neighbor …
The Advent Season
The Advent wreath is a centuries-old Christian tradition. It symbolizes themes and beliefs central to the Christian faith. The symbolizes Hope – the first Sunday of Advent not only leads us to anticipate the birth of Christ but celebrate the beginning of a new liturgical season as well. The first candle is purple, the primary color of Advent and a …
2024 Holidays
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 …
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Worship – Christ The King Sunday, November 24, 2024
Kitchen Reno Update
We keep working on the kitchen renovations and look forward to completing the work in the next few weeks. Cabinets should be installed this week and the final electrical work should be done. We are very close to meeting our fundraising goal of $20,000 – with nearly $18,000 donated. Many thanks to all who have helped make …
Calling Thrivent Financial Members
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 …
First Fruits Update
Each month we set aside 10% of undesignated giving to support a variety of ministries in Christian love and care. Your stewardship and generosity reach people near and far! This past month, our Benevolence ministry supported a global and local mission:
Little Lambs Early Learning Center Fundraiser
Get a new BJ’s Club Membership for Just $20 – for yourself or as a gift. There are fliers available in the Gathering Area or call 800-313-8887 and reference group promo code 813058. Little Lambs will receive 50% of all new memberships through this program!! Even renewing members can call and connect their renewal to the fundraiser. …
Peru Mission Update
Each month, Pastor Araujo sends us ministry reports highlighting what God has been doing and how the Spirit is moving. This past month Pastor Araujo was able to visit and extend God’s love and care to several sick people. He also continues his ministry of presence and encouragement with those imprisoned and awaiting trial in Tarma. He …
Worship – November 17th
Final Pumpkin Patch Tally
After taking in more than $16K in sales and sending the fundraising company their share (we keep 33%), and after expenses, we were able to put a little more than $5,000 into a variety of ministries – The Peru mission, a food bank in Jacksonville, the Pastors’ discretionary fund, the Youth Life ministry, and the Little Lambs …
Knowing Christ – Week of November 17th
• Bible Study on Matthew – Wednesday at 6:30pm• Bible Study on 1 Samuel – Thursday at 1:00pm• Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast – Second & Fourth Saturdays, at 8:00am – next on 11/23• Bible Study – “The Divine Drama” – Saturdays at 4:00pm• Women’s Bible Study – Second & Fourth Mondays at 10:00am – next on 11/25• Adult Studies – Sundays at 9:30am Gospel of John and NEW Study on Luther’s Small Catechism
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 …
Stewardship Response Weekend
We pray during this season of stewardship, you have taken time to read the weekly Monday Mission Moment devotions and reflected on the weekly “temple Talks” during the worship services. Our theme, “Take My Life and Let it Be” has helped us reflect on how we might be stewards of His gifts – our resources but also our talents …
Faithful Friday – November 15th
And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. – Luke 2:7 Dear Disciple of Christ, I expect few if any of you had the verse above in mind when you clicked to open …
Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Luncheon
Party In The Patch
Thank you to the Jacksonville Camera Club for capturing the event!
Women’s Retreat
WNALC Meeting
All ladies – members and visitors – are invited to our second meeting of the Women of NALC (North American Lutheran Church). This newly formed group draws women of all age groups together to discuss how they can contribute to the various ministries of Shepherd of theWoods and the NALC at large. The next meeting will be on Wed, Nov 13 …
Adult Study on the Small Catechism
New Adult Study on the Small Catechism will begin Sunday, Nov 17 at 9:30am – This group will meet in the annex and explore the meaning and beauty of each section of Luther’s Small Catechism which he wrote in 1529. It covers six topics: the Ten Commandments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, …
Shepherd’s Shelves Update
During the holiday food drive, we continue to accept donations for our small (but mighty) Shepherd’s Shelves food pantry ministry. We are blessed to be able to serve our community through this process. It wouldn’t be possible without your ongoing support. We have added a small freezer to hold things like meal kits, meats, and bread. To …
Worship – November 10th
Footsteps of Paul Pilgrimage
Last call to experience this amazing pilgrimage, grow in faith and knowledge of Scripture, and travel with some amazing people who may be strangers now… but friends by the end!
FYI – We have a roommate opportunity for a solo female traveler. Contact Pastor Phillips for more information.
Thanksgiving Worship and Luncheon
We will hold Thanksgiving worship on Wed, Nov 27 at 12:00 and 6:30pm as we gather to give thanks and praise for our blessings. Please join us for one of these services and invite a friend or neighbor! Our annual Community Luncheon will be at 1:00pm following the Noon service. We are seeking help with …
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Thanksgiving Baskets
As our thoughts turn toward the holidays, we would like to make sure that we are showing care for those in our community in need of feeding their families. We will be putting together baskets of staples and of holiday items. If you are connected to an individual or family in need, please pass that …
Worship – November 3rd
Pumpkin Patch – Thank You!
The Pumpkin Patch was just fantastic this year – more than $16k in sales! Thanks to all who volunteered in any way. Our best guess is 750+ volunteer hours not counting staff and Pastors! Your hard work will result in thousands of dollars going to support a variety of ministries. Truly a village!
All Saints’ Day – Remembering Our Loved Ones & Faith Mentors
On All Saints Day we give thanks for those people we have known and loved as exemplary Disciples of Christ who are now resting from their earthly labors. We give thanks to God for all the saints, but especially remember those who have impacted our lives so much and remember them today.
Confirmation 2024
Confirmation Blessings to Christopher and Ellie! May the Lord guide all your days!
Youth Life News
Awesome job everyone with Party in the Patch! Thank you to all the volunteers- you all did a fantastic job! Your hours at the patch do count for community service. If you need any service forms signed, just let me, Jackie or a Pastor know. Congratulations Ellie and Christopher on their Confirmation. Blessings on your faith journey! Pictures …
Stewardship Monday’s
Take My Life That I May Be, Consecrated Lord To Thee The word in the Bible translated as steward is οἰκονόμος pronounced, oykonomos. It is the root of the word economics which is the science of managing resources. Naturally, then, a steward is the manager of what belongs to someone else. In these “Stewardship Monday” reflections, some members of our church …
Mission Planting Call Committee
Please keep in your prayers the work of the call committee as they begin their work on developing a profile for a Mission Planting Pastor for the mission plant we are doing in St. Johns County. For a pastor to lead the planting of a church involves specific gifts beyond serving an established congregation and …
Worship – October 27th
Youth Life News
Party in the Patch is this Saturday, October 26 from 11am-1pm. This is a great family event with games, pumpkins, food trucks and Halloween fun! We need youth to hand out candy and run these games. Please arrive by 10am to help with setup. We will be starting setup at 9am if you want to arrive early. You will …
Confirmation – October 27th
On Sunday, Oct 27 we celebrate at the 10:30 service as some of our Youth are confirmed. Be sure to join us after the service for a time of Fellowship so that you can pass along your congratulations for reaching this important milestone.
Pumpkin Patch Volunteers
If you have never volunteered before, we will make sure you are equipped (it’s easy!) and that you have all the support you need. If you have any questions about what volunteers do, please contact contact the church office, and we can put you in touch with Jackie Hudson. Invite a friend or family member to volunteer with …
Party In The Patch
Volunteers – Party in the Patch
Party in the Patch – Volunteers Needed – We need help with set-up on Friday, October 25th from 10am to 2pm. We also need help from 9 to 11am on the Saturday the 26th, as well as during the event, and help with clean-up. If you would like to be a part of the fun, please indicate your support on the …
Worship – October 20th
Hurricane Helene & Milton Relief
Shepherd of the Woods is receiving financial donations for the relief and recovery work being done to help those in need following the devastating effect of hurricane Helene & Milton. You can support NALC Disaster Relief teams two ways: Offering your gifts of time and energy: When it is safe and appropriate for us to …
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
Pumpkin Patch Volunteers
We pray that all are safe and cleaning up after Hurricane Milton. Your safety and the safety of your home are top priority. If you have everything squared away and can end a hand, we have listed below the current volunteer needs. If you have never volunteered before, we will make sure you are equipped (it’s easy!) …
Worship – October 13th
WNALC – Brainstorming and Bites
Now that our congregation has representation at the national level of Women of the NALC, we would like to organize our efforts locally with a Women’s Group within our congregation. Paprticipants will come together for service projects, fellowship and study. This group does not replace any current ministries but seeks to structure the gifts of time offered by …
Faithful Friday – October 11th
When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, 33 and he will place the sheep at his right …
Pumpkin Patch Volunteers
We pray that all are safe and cleaning up after Hurricane Milton. We had minor damage in the Patch and will be cleaning up during the day Friday from 10am until we finish. We will reopen the Patch on Friday, Oct 11 at 3pm. If you are able to join us for clean-up, please come …
Bake and Craft Sale
On Saturday, October 26th, there will be a tent set up for the Little Lambs Early Learning Center to share their information with the community. They will host a Bake Sale & Craft Sale during the event from 11am to 1pm. If you would like to contribute a baked item or, if you are a …
Shepherd Shelves
Current needs are condiments, shelf-stable milk, soups, toilet paper, bags of rice, and canned beans. We now have a small freezer and can take small quantities of frozen meats and vegetables. We see a number of folks each week needing supplemental support, your donations are a real blessing to these individuals and families.
Important Schedule Update
Blessing Of The Pets
Pumpkin Patch – Volunteers Needed
Opening day was quite rainy but we still had customers on both shifts! Thanks to our volunteers who worked through the showers. We are still setting up a few things and putting finishing touches on others. We have many open slots during our first week. Listed below are the current needs. If you have never volunteered before, we …
Pumpkins With A Purpose – Thank You!
The pumpkins are here! The pumpkins are here! It was a small but mighty group of volunteers offloading just over 1500 bulk pumpkins PLUS boxes of little ones. Thank you volunteers! We are ready for “Pumpkins with a Purpose!”
Worship – October 6th
Youth Life News
Youth Life classes for those 9-12th grade who are already confirmed are held 9:45-10:20am in the small conference room outside the fellowship hall next to Pastor DiBias’ office. Pumpkins are coming! We are scheduled to unload pumpkins this Saturday, October 5th. The scheduled time to meet is 8:45am. We need all hands on deck to unload the pumpkins. Even if you cannot …
Unloading Pumpkins
Our truck has left New Mexico and is scheduled to arrive Saturday at 9:00am. We need as many helping hands as possible!!! Please join us at 8:45am as we gather for instructions and begin our work at 9:00am. There is a task for every ability level and all are welcome! Invite friends. Teens earn Community Service …
Blessing of the Pets
Party In The Patch – Volunteers Needed
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 …
Pumpkins With A Purpose
Worship – September 29th
Women’s Ministry Updates
Now that our congregation has representation at the national level with the Women of the NALC group – Marti Baggs is on the Board – we are seeking to increase our efforts and participation locally with a Women’s Group. They would come together for service projects, fellowship and study. If you would be interested in attending events and helping with …
Peru Mission Presentation
We will gather on Wednesday, October 2nd for a fellowship meal of soup & salad at 5:30pm and a presentation at 6:00pm. Our Missionaros who journeyed to Tarma & Huancal Peru in August will share photos and stories of the work being done in our congregation there. A lot happened in a short visit!! Please help us …
Youth Life Update
Confirmation classes continue this Sunday, September 29th. You’ll meet at 9:45 in the Youth Life room in the Shepherd Center. Class will be done in time for you to attend the 10:30 service. Those being confirmed will meet in Pastor Phillips’ office. Youth Life classes for those 9-12th grade who are already confirmed are held 9:45-10:20am in the small …
Faithful Friday – September 27th
As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who utters oracles of God; whoever renders service, as one who renders it by the strength which God supplies; in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him …
Blessing of the Pets
All pets and their humans are welcome to join us for this fun and special service. We give thanks to God for the blessings our pets provide in our lives and the opportunity to provide love and care in return. We do require that all pets be caged, leashed or otherwise restrained. Please indicate your …