Faithful Friday – September 15th
Dear Disciple of Christ, Have you ever heard of the “Worship wars”? If you’re not familiar with them you may think it’s a religious television program (like “Storage Wars” except for church goers). You might likely think they are battles between denominations. If you’ve been to a variety of churches you realize that not all churches worship the …
Mission Update – Thank You!
Many thanks to those who donated to our many needs in Peru!! We were able to assist with all the needs requested: computers, medical assistance for a young girl battling leukemia, and the young man with rheumatoid arthritis, and repairs for Pr Araujo’s “Punch Buggy” which gets him from Lima to Tarma each week. Thank you …
Monthly Game Night
Join us Sat, Sept 16th at 6:45pm in the Fellowship Hall. This is always an evening of fun, food and fellowship. Bring a snack if you like. Bring a friend!! All ages are welcome but we do not provide a nursery or childcare.
Pumpkin Patch Update
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 …
Worship – September 10th
Quilting Ministry
We normally meet on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays and next meet on Wed., Sept 13. There will also be an all-day drop-in Quilting Workshop on Sat, Sept 30th, 9am – 5pm. Men, women, teens and older children are all invited. There are many activities at these workshops and most do not involve sewing or require any experience! We hope …
Faithful Friday – September 8th
Dear Disciple of Christ, Do you have any traditions in your family or business? I know you have traditions at church. If you are like most worshipers in my church, you have a traditional place to sit at church. In fact you may be somewhat perturbed that someone (usually a visitor) doesn’t know they are sitting in your …
Pacetti Road Property Purchase Update
After a bit of delay, we now have a fully executed Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) signed by us and the seller. We are now working through all of our due diligence needs to ensure the property can be used to develop a mission church. Providing these items return favorably, we will close on the …
Count It All Joy – Women’s Retreat
Donations For Maui
if you would like to contribute to the relief efforts for the Maui fire recovery, please note Maui on your check or envelope or use the Care Square “relief” icon. Your contributions will be matched up to $1000 by our benevolence ministry.
Worship – September 3rd
Faithful Friday – September 1st
Jesus said, “Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, …
Wednesday In The Woods
Worship – August 27th
Youth Life News
Thank you to everyone who attended this past Sunday’s Youth Life event. You all prepared over 200 bag lunches which were delivered to St Francis House on Monday. Thanks to the generous donations from the congregation, we had enough food to not only make the 200+ lunches this time, but we have enough for close to 200 …
Resuming Programs
Resuming Programs – Autumn is right around the corner and many of our programs that take a little break in the summer will be resuming soon. Please note the dates below and make plans to join us! 5:30/8:30 Service Choir has resumed practice and is open to anyone with the desire to worship through song. Join us on …
Worship – August 20th
Faithful Friday – August 18th
Dear Disciples of Christ, Have you ever seen any movies of a city church’s children’s Christmas program? If you have, you have an idea of what really happens in a church like mine in Brooklyn. Let me describe the Christmas tableau (you know, the scene that develops as children come forward as various participants in the story). …
Women’s Bible Study
Women’s Morning Bible Study – Women of all ages are invited to join us as we resume studies on Monday, Sept 11 at 10am. This group will meet 2nd & 4th Mondays in the South Annex Room and the topic will be “In the Beginning, God – a study of Genesis”. Ladies of all ages are welcome!
Rally Day – August 20th
Sunday, August 20th, is RALLY DAY for all from 4 Years through 12th Grade! Backpack Blessing & Prayers for All School Teachers & Staff – All children and Youth are invited to bring their school backpacks with them next week for a special time during worship to ask God’s blessings of safety and focus in the coming school year. …
Youth Life Summer Get-Together
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 20th, 10:30-3 pm. We are getting together for 10:30 worship followed by lunch, Sandwich Sunday service project, and a ping-pong tournament! You all had so much fun playing ping pong at camp, that we have purchased more paddles, nets and lots of ping pong balls This is a great day to get together …
Save The Date – Peru Mission Trip Update
We hope you have enjoyed the Peru Post emails, the Facebook updates and the photos shared in recent Announcements and online. The Mission Team certainly had some challenges getting to Tarma but all made it safely and managed to get a lot done in a short period of time!! The team will be sharing their …
Beaches Mission House
Beaches Mission House – On Tuesday, Aug 29 we will cook and serve dinner at Mission House. If you would like to provide any of the following as donations, we will take them with us that evening: New or gently worn tennis shoes and sandals, sun screen, bug spray, men’s & women’s socks and underwear, new …
Youth Life News
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 20th, 10:30-3pm. We are getting together for 10:30 worship followed by lunch, Sandwich Sunday service project, and a ping-pong tournament! You all had so much fun playing ping pong at camp, that we have purchased more paddles, nets and lots of ping pong balls This is a great day to get together and …
Worship – August 13th
LED Work Day
LED Work Day – Join us this Saturday, 8/12 at 8 am to help install 28 LED ceiling lights. All skill levels are needed as we will need those who are comfortable dealing with electricity but also runners, holders, trash crew, and general support. If you are available to serve, please contact the church office.
Updated Rehearsal Information
5:30/8:30 practice will resume Tuesday, August 22 and is open to anyone with the desire to worship through song. Join us on Tuesdays at 6:00 pm. If you worship on Saturdays or at 8:30 am on Sunday, play an instrument and would like to occasionally accompany the pianist and organist, please use the Yellow Insert to indicate your …
Faithful Friday – August 11th
Dear Disciple of Christ, I’ve mentioned before the matriarch in my Brooklyn Church, the widow of the first pastor who was there 42 years. A “matriarch” is a woman who has a position of authority (often based on some actions or positions held in the past). Being the widow of the founding pastor gives that person a …
Youth Life Notes
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 20th, 10:30-3pm. We are getting together for 10:30 worship followed by lunch, Sandwich Sunday service project, and a ping-pong tournament! You all had so much fun playing ping pong at camp, that we have purchased more paddles, nets and lots of ping pong balls This is a great day to get together and …
Food Pantry Needs
Thank you so much for your continued generosity in supplying our community food shelves – we see visitors almost every day in need of supplemental items. We are currently low on canned meats, boxed milk, oatmeal, grits, canned vegetables, canned fruits, jams, and pasta and pasta sauces. Also appreciated, paper products, hygiene and toiletries. If you can …
Worship – August 6th
Music Rehearsals Beginning
5:30/8:30 Service Choir resumes practices on Tuesday, August 8th and is open to anyone with the desire to worship through song. Join us on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. If you worship on Saturdays or at 8:30am on Sunday, play an instrument and would like to occasionally accompany the pianist and organist, please use the Yellow Insert to …
Faithful Friday – August 4th
Dear Disciple of Christ, One of the “new things” pastors deal with as pastors, are the “rites” of the church. We do baptisms and confirmations, weddings and funerals. It is most often the decision of a pastor whether they will set “restrictions” on any of these rites. For example, the pastor (or congregation) may have standards for a …
Men’s Bible Study
Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study – Men, please make plans to join us Saturday, August 5 at 8:00 am. We start by sharing a meal together and then begin studies at 8:30 am. The current focus is on the 1st & 2nd Epistles of Peter. If you are not able to join in person, please join by Zoom – the link …
Need of Men’s Shoes
Beaches Mission House Needs Men’s Shoes – we received an email this week that the inventory of men’s shoes is extremely low in the Clothes Closet. If you have new or gently worn men’s tennis shoes, sandals, work shoes, or other casual shoes to donate, please bring them in next weekend. There will be a collection box …
Peru Mission Continues
Prior to our departure, we had the opportunity to meet with the ministry team in Tarma. In our discussions, we were made aware of some needs that we have been invited to support. Please prayerfully consider making a difference in the life of others. The requests made are as follows: One of the local schools, …
Worship – July 30th
Peru Mission Updates
Greetings from the Peru Mission Team. By the grace of God we have safely traveled down the mountain from Tarma to Lima and are happy to report we are now safely home in the States. Despite the delays in getting to and from Peru, God has been gracious and merciful watching over us in His …
Mission In Peru
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 …
Our Time in Tarma
JOY is the word of the weekend! This includes the joy of being with our brothers and sisters in Christ at Shepherd of the Woods Mission Tarma. We’ve waited 3 years to return and God finally opened the doors for us and said, now is the time. We consider ourselves richly blessed. Our Sunday began …
Greetings From Peru
Updates From Peru
Greetings from the Peru Mission Team and your brothers and sisters in Christ. After some flight cancellations and delays, we made it safely to Tarma on Friday evening instead of Tuesday evening. By the grace of God, all the travel delays kept us from being stuck on the central highway following a horrible accident. So, …
Alpha Training
Our first Alpha run lasted 11 weeks and just concluded with almost 30 people participating! th We have tentatively set our next sessions to begin Tues, Jan 9 , 2024. There will be a training webinar on Thursday, August 17th at 8:30pm EST for anyone who is interested in volunteering to help with future Alpha sessions. If …
Youth Life – Summer Get Together
Worship – July 23rd
Faithful Friday – July 21st
Dear Disciple of Christ, For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not …
Pumpkins
The Pumpkins Are Coming! – Yes, even in the heat of July we are planning on pumpkins! We are just thirteen weeks away so, while our little baby sprouts are growing like crazy in the fields in New Mexico, so we have work to do. If you would like to be a part of the Patch Planning …
Youth Life News
Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 20th, 10:30-3 pm. We are getting together for 10:30 worship followed by lunch, Sandwich Sunday service project, and a ping-pong tournament! You all had so much fun playing ping pong at camp, that we have purchased more paddles, nets, and lots of ping pong balls so you all can challenge …
Worship – July 16th
Waving Ministry
We need Wavers to greet the community before EVERY service, EVERY weekend!!! But it only works if we have volunteers. A Pastor is almost always out waving but it sends a special message when our people are out greeting as well. please consider offering the gift of your time once per quarter or once per …
Faithful Friday – July 14th
Dear Disciple of Christ, I wonder if I could pause here for a moment and spend just one more posting looking at the issue of our visitors and how we can welcome them. Toward the end of my first 5 years of ministry (and pastoring that church in Brooklyn), I went back to “school.” Actually, the program …
Peru Mission Trip
After 3 years we are so excited to return to Peru this month to serve in partnership with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Tarma. We have a small, but mighty team who will travel to Peru July 17 – July 28 . We look forward to worshipping together, hearing the stories of how God has …
Worship – July 9th
Eye Glasses
Do you have any prescription eyeglasses at home you can part with? If so, please bring them in by July 9th and we will take them to Peru where we have partnered with a ministry that distributes them to those in need. Our Missionary Team leaves on July 17th! For those going on the trip, a …
Youth Faith Camp
Our Youth returned just over a week ago. But even in just the first few days of camp, the Youth had already placed mulch between the two buildings, made almost 200 sandwiches & bagged lunches for St Francis House, shopped for additional 555 food, and helped load the truck going to LSS. Plus time in …
Food Pantry Needs
We are currently very low on canned meats, boxed milk, cereal, oatmeal, grits, canned vegetables, (other than green beans and corn!), canned fruits, boxed juice & milk, jams, and pasta and pasta sauces. Also appreciated, paper & hygiene products and toiletries.
Faithful Friday – July 7th
Dear Disciple of Christ, And Peter testified with many other words and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. …
Worship – July 2nd
Worship – June 25th
Faithful Friday – June 23rd
Dear Disciple of Christ, If I were to ask you, what would you say is the “sine qua non” of the Church? That is, what is so essential that if it is not done, we have accomplished nothing? Are you thinking of the “Last Will” of Jesus, the directive (commission) He gave His disciples just before …
Youth Life News
It’s time for Confirmation Camp!!!! Youth will be meeting this Sunday, June 25 attending the 10:30 worship service and staying together for the whole week. There is a full week of service, study, fellowship, and fun ahead. After attending worship, the youth will work on their first service project for the week: Sandwich Sunday, making bagged lunches for the …
Worship – June 18th
Youth Life News
Good afternoon, friends! Happy Summer! All 7th-12th grade youth are invited to join the Youth Life Bible Study held in the Shepherd Center during the Family Hour each Sunday. You meet from 9:40-10:25 am. Thank you to all the youth who helped with Vacation Bible School this past week. All the participants had a wonderful time! Confirmation …
Faithful Friday – June 16th
Dear Disciple of Christ, A few days ago (on Wednesday), the choir presented the story of the life and death of Jesus in music. (It will be presented again this Sunday at the 10:30am service). In the cantata we walked with Jesus as He went from the celebration of Palm Sunday, through the night of betrayal, His …
Drivers Needed
Donation Drivers Needed – We often receive donations for various organizations like Mission House, PACE, Lutheran Social Service, Angel Aid, etc. and seek volunteers to pick items up from church and transport them to where they need to go. While you are encouraged to take your donations directly to these agencies we know that isn’t always possible. …
Congregational Meeting
Mark your calendar for the Semi-annual Congregational Meeting on Wed, June 21st at 6:30 pm with dinner at 5:30 pm. This is a great time to hear updates on all of our ministries including Peru, School, the Pacetti Property, and other ministry updates. We will also be voting on four nominees to the Church Council. Copies …
A.D. – A Choir Cantata
Worship – June 13th
Faithful Friday – June 9th
Dear Disciple of Christ, How do you feel about “dramas” in church? I know, as a worship leader, that they can, at times, be an effective way for people to “experience” some of the emotion of a particular point being made and message being proclaimed. So, for example, our church choir will, at times, do a cantata …
AD Cantata
CANTATA! The Choirs will be presenting “A.D.”, a cantata that journeys through Holy Week until the Day of Pentecost. Mark your calendars and don’t miss this opportunity to hear the Word proclaimed through music and narration. A.D. will be present on Wednesday, June 14 at 6:30 pm (preceded by a fellowship meal at 5:30 pm.) and Sunday, June 18 at …
To Know Christ – Bible Studies
Wednesday Night Bible Study – Join us Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the South Annex classroom as we resume the study of Matthew. Newcomers always welcome! If you are not able to join in person, please join by Zoom – click the link below about 6:25 pm. Women’s Evening Bible Study – The Women’s evening Bible study group will …
Worship – June 4th
Youth Life News
Congratulations to our 2023 High School Graduates! And Confirmation Blessings to Seth Kilpatrick who was confirmed this past Sunday. Starting June 4, all 7th-12th grade youth are invited to join the Youth Life Bible Study held in the Shepherd Center during the Family Hour each Sunday. You meet from 9:40-10:25. Vacation Bible School is June 12-16th, 9am-12pm. Volunteers are needed for this event. …
Faithful Friday – June 2nd
Dear Disciple of Christ, Have you ever heard the phrase (from a book by Robert Fulghum), “All I really needed to know I learned in Kindergarten”? I guess, in some ways, much of what I’ve learned for and about ministry came in my first 6 ½ years of serving my first church in Brooklyn. It was there that …
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study – our men meet most First Saturdays and will gather again on Sat, June 3rd at 8am. In addition to the fellowship over a shared meal, we gather to be in the Word together. Our focus continues this month with Messianic Prophecies Found in the Psalms: Christ will ascend to Heaven (Psalm 68:18) & …
Pentecost Worship – May 28th
Summer 5 x 5 x 5 Project
The Summer 5-5-5 Service Project has begun! 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 …
Worship – May 21st
Faithful Friday – May 19th
Dear Disciple of Christ, Quiz question. What miracle performed by Jesus is the only miracle recorded in all four gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)? Any idea? Jesus went up on the mountain, and there sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that …
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
Join us as we celebrate the grand launching of our new Little Lambs Early Learning Center ministry. This will specialize in serving children 2 1⁄2 years old through VPK. We offer full-year programming accompanied by half and full-day schedules. Little Lambs Early Learning Center is grounded with academic excellence and rooted in the faith. An Open House is …
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
Faithful Friday – May 12th
Dear Disciple of Christ, Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. – 1 Timothy 4:12 In my office there used to be a picture on the wall of me on my first anniversary of my ordination. I was 27 years old …
Meals On Wheels Needs Driver
SOTW is a drop-site for Meals on Wheels, serving about 30 clients each weekday. There are six openings currently, so we are seeking new volunteers to take one or more days each month. The clients are all within a five-mile radius of the church and the route can be driven in about an hour. Some …
Preschool Summer Camp
Join this 5 week program with indoor and outdoor activities: early literacy, language, math, science, and arts. We will also be focusing on faith, social skills, technology, problem-solving, and outdoor fun.
Summer Kindergarten Readiness Camp
Join us three days per week as we grow in social and communication skills, become accustomed to a full day of academics, and learn independence in classroom routines while using technology and having fun!
Vacation Bible School
Donations Needed
Do you have shorts and T-shirts your young ones have outgrown? Want to donate a soccer ball to children who don’t have one? Have you replaced your laptop? Rev. Eric Swensson is headed to Madagascar for an annual trip to visit the eight ministries he volunteers with through The Friends of Madagascar Mission, and he …
Worship – May 7th
Youth Fundraiser
Youth Life News
Lots of wonderful ways to participate in the life of the congregation and in your Youth Life are coming up soon! From community service opportunities, fundraisers, camps, VBS and travel abroad, all help spread God’s love and share the good news. Please prayerfully consider where you can help out and participate. Peterbrooke Chocolate sales start …
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Worship – April 30th
Youth Life – Update
Good morning friends! Registration for Confirmation Camp is here! Please complete the Registration and Health form found below. Just click on the red box. Camp registration is due by May 14th, that’s less than 3 weeks away. Please also click on the link in the the camp letter which will detail plans for this year. Camp …
Spring Tea
Spring Tea – An Early Learning Center Fundraiser – Please make plans to join us for a lovely morning of tea and delicious finger foods and sweets. It’s this Monday, April 24 at 11:30 am and the suggested donation for tickets is $20. In addition to the scrumptious fare and fun fellowship, we will have songs from the children and …
Faithful Friday – April 21st
Dear Disciple of Christ, Last week I welcomed you back to these “Faithful Fridays” readings with a brief reflection on visions. From Proverbs we were reminded that…. “Where there is no vision, the people perish. ” (Proverbs 29:18) There is always more that can be said on any of these reflections and having set them aside for …
An Invitation To Alpha
Alpha is a program introduced in the 70’s in England as a way to reach 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 by the Alpha …
Shepherd Shelves
Shepherd Shelves – Currently, we are most in need of shelf-stable milks & juices, hot & cold cereals, pasta, and pasta sauces, rice, canned beans (lentils, kidney beans, black beans, etc.), peanut butter, jellies & jams, paper and hygiene products and toiletries. We can also accept loaves of bread. Many thanks for your care of those …
Worship – April 16th
Confirmation and Faith Camp 2023
Confirmation / Faith Camp is open to any youth entering 7th grade in the 2023/2024 school year through being a graduating senior this school year, or you have talked to one of the pastors about your young one participating. This is a great week of discussing and growing in faith, using our gifts in service …