Good Friday
Good Friday – this holy day recalls the last hours of Jesus’ life as the suffering servant is nailed to the cross, fulfilling his mission as the sacrifical Lamb of God. The sinless One takes on humanity’s sin as he is betrayed, arrested and sentenced to death, even as Pontius Pilate finds no fault in him. We …
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday – provides us the opportunity to recall Jesus’ last supper with his closest friends, during which he institutes what we call The Last Supper (the sacrament of Holy Communion). As a sign of his servant love, Jesus washes his disciples’ feet and gives them a new commandment, that they should love one another as he has loved …
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday
PLEASE JOIN US FOR WORSHIP Maundy Thursday, April 17 Join us for a traditional Maundy Thursday worship service with Holy Communion. The services will include a symbolic foot washing and concludes with the stripping of the altar. Services at Noon and 6:30pm. The Noon service is live-streamed Good Friday, April 18 Join us as we reflect …
Annual Spring Tea Fundraiser
Please make plans to join us for a lovely morning of tea and delicious finger foods and sweets. Our festive spring event will be Monday, April 28th at 11:30am and the suggested donation for tickets is $25. This event is for ladies AND gentlemen of all ages and serves as a fundraiser for the various ministries of Shepherd …
Holy Week Worship Schedule
Resurrection Sunday
Palm Sunday Worship
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 …
Church Yard Sale
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 …
Come Dine With Us
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 …
Mid-Week Lenten Worship
Church Work Day
Ash Wednesday Worship
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, …
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! …
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 …
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.
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.
Christmas Worship Services
Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Live Stream Information
Christmas Eve Worship
Holiday Harmonies
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 …
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 …
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 …
Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Luncheon
Women’s Retreat
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.
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Party In The Patch
Important Schedule Update
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
It’s Almost Pumpkin Time…
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 …
Footsteps of Paul – Group Tour
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 …
The Pumpkins Are Coming – Help Needed
All Day Quilting Workshop
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 …
Pumpkins With A Purpose
Blessing Of The Pets
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 …
Read more “The Pumpkins Are Coming – October 5th at 9:00 am”
Footsteps of Paul Update
The Pumpkins Are Coming
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 …
Women’s Retreat
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
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 …
Mark Your Calendars For Rally Day
Quilting Ministry Update
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 …
WNALC Online Gathering
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.
Shepherd of the Woods Movie Outing
Alpha Begins In August
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 …
Ordination of Pastor Luke Beaver
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Ordination blessings to Pastor Luke Beaver!
Invitation to Vicar Beaver’s Ordination & Installation
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 At Shepherd Of The Woods
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 …
Join Alpha!
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 …
Quilting Ministry Update
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 …
VBS Scuba 2024
Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting
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 …
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
VBS Needs
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 …
Summer 5 – 5 – 5 Project
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 …
Congregational Meeting – June 26th
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 – 2024
Women’s Retreat 2025
Youth Life News – Summer Updates
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 …
Mother’s Day – Thank You!
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.
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
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 …
Vacation Bible School Planning Meeting
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!!
Peterbrooke Chocolatier Fundraiser
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, …
Mother’s Day – Pancakes and More Breakfast
Peru Mission Trip
Mother’s Day: Pancakes and More!
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.
The Vicar Is Arriving Soon
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 …
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. 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 “
Joining Jesus As A Family
Now beginning Sunday, May 19th
Children’s Ministry Outing To Sunshine Park
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 …
Yard Sale Update
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 …
Yard Sale
Children’s Easter Festivities
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 …
Vacation Bible School 2024
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, …
Come Dine With Us – Australian Outback
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 …
Come And Dine With Us
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 …
Annual Yard Sale Update
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
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 …
Lenten Updates
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 and Blessing
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, …
Pancake Breakfast
Ash Wednesday Worship
Picture Directory Photos This Weekend
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 …
Congregational Meeting
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 …
Congregational Meeting
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.
Five Love Languages for Children Workshop for Parents and Grandparents
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 …
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Budget Information Meeting
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 Early Learning Center Open House
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.
Site Visit With Prospective Vicar
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 …
Welcome To Alpha
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 …