Youth Life Game Day
Music Rehearsal Update
Back Pack Blessing
Sunday, August 17 is Children’s Rally Day and Backpack Blessing! Calling ALL children and families! Our summer has flown by and it’s time to prepare for the beginning of the school year. Be sure to throw those backpacks in the car and bring them to the 10:30am service on August 17. We will have a …
Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
Men of all ages are invited to join us. Sat., Aug 9 at 8:00am in the Fellowship Hall. We begin with breakfast and then move on to time in the Word together about 8:30. Please indicate on the yellow Connect Card or contact the church office if you will attend. Newcomers are always welcome. Didn’t …
End of Summer Waterpark Day
Four Week Study – Led by Pastor Eric Swensson
Pastor Eric Swensson will be leading “Secularism: Threat or Opportunity?” – a four week study on being an evangelical people in our changing culture. Vibrant faith in the Triune God can survive in a secular culture, but it flourishes only within a Christian community that models discipleship and loving service. The fact is we live …
Summer Calendar Updates
Summer is in full swing and we have several programs and studies “on break” for a period. So, we thought we would put everything in one place so you can plan ahead and mark your calendars for when these regular programs resume, and you don’t miss out on first sessions.
Fourth of July Potluck and Game Day
Fourth of July Potluck and Game Day – Friday 7/4, 12:00 Noon until….. Everyone is invited, all ages are welcome although there is no childcare provided. We will gather beginning at noon, but you can “drop in” or “drop out” as you like! Invite a friend or neighbor to join you. It’s a potluck, so …
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
Our men gather on second and fourth Saturdays and always welcome newcomers. The next study will be Saturday, June 28 with breakfast at 8:00am and study beginning around 8:30. Bring your Bible (or use one of ours) and feel free to invite friends and neighbors. The current focus is on the the Epistles of First, …
Summer 5 – 5 -5 Program
Our summer 555 program has begun and runs through July 20th and allows our Youth Life group to participate in a community service project. This time we will be collecting backpacks and school supplies for children in need. We strive to receive 500 items and 500 dollars in 5 weeks. Please ensure all donations are …
Monthly Game Night
It’s time for Game Night and all are invited! Join us Sat, June 21 at 6:45pm for a time of fun, food and fellowship. Games of all tyes are available and you are welcome to bring a snack to share if you would like to. This gathering is open to all ages but there is …
Vacation Bible School
To register, volunteer or learn more, please visit: Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School.
Women Of The Woods
Women of the Woods Monthly Meeting will be on Wed, June 18 at 6:00. It begins with a potluck dinner so bring whatever you like (finger foods, casserole, salad, side dish, etc.) and we will begin with a time of food and fellowship before the meeting begins at 6:30pm. This is a great time for …
Summer 5 – 5 – 5
Our summer 555 program begins next weekend and runs through July 20th and allows our Youth Life group to participate in a community service project. This time we will be collecting backpacks and school supplies for children in need. We strive to receive 500 lbs of items and 500 dollars in 5 weeks. We’ll have …
Men’s Bible Study
Calling All Men – this group meets the second and fourth Saturdays at 8:00am and they begin with a time of food and fellowship followed by time in the Word. Newcomers are always welcome so come, bring a friend, your Bible and a hearty appetite! Need a Bible, just let us know. Please RSVP on …
End Of The Year – Waterpark Day
Vacation Bible School – True North
Pointing kids to Jesus, a faithful friend we can always trust. From July 14th – 18th, join the ultimate Alaskan adventure where northern lights glow over majestic mountains, racing rivers, and glistening glaciers. As kids trek the tundra, they’ll explore how easy it is to lose sight of what’s true in our wild world today. …
Youth Life News
He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Happy Easter season! This weekend marks the end of our two week Peterbrooke Chocolate sale. Yes, it’s that time again which means Mother’s Day is right around the corner. We will have a sales table set up in the gathering area this Sunday. And yes, there will be samples! Please …
Youth Life Summer
Mark your calendars for two summer youth events:
Faith Camp 2025
Youth Life – Adventure Camp 2025
Shoe Us The Love
The First Coast Group of Thrivent, in partnership with The Exchange Club, invites you to support their 2024 Shoe Drive. Donate your gently worn used shoes or new shoes today! The shoes will be reused and given new life through #microenterprise to help those in need. To make sorting easier. Please tie shoes with laces …
Little Lambs Bake Sale Weekend
Little Lambs Bake Sale Weekend – Sat Aug 24 & Sun, Aug 25 – We will have a wonderful assortment of cookies, cakes, tarts and breads, many sugar-free or gluten-free for those of you who prefer these items! Be sure to stop by the Gathering Area that weekend and select a few goodies to support our Early Learning Center. …
Youth Life Pool Party
Music Ministry Updates
Choir Rehearsals Resume, Tuesday, August 6 – For ANYONE who would like to offer the gift of worship through song, you are welcome to be a part of the choir that sings at the Sunday 8:30am service and very occasionally at the Saturday 5:30pm service. This group gathers to practice on Tuesdays at 6:00pm. ALL are welcome! …
Youth Life Pool Party
On Sun, Aug 11, our Youth will gather for worship at 10:30am and then depart for a fun afternoon of swimming and a yummy lunch. Please watch for the Youth Life email with details or call Rhonda Taylor in the church office with any questions.
Women of the NALC
Greetings from the Women of the NALC Council – On August 6, 2024, we will gather online at 3:00 PM ET to discuss the business of the WNALC and planning for next year. The focus for this year’s meeting is The Love of Christ Compels Us and our keynote Speaker is The Rev. Melinda Jones. We will be …
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 …
Alpha Updates
Sandwich Sunday
“Sandwich Sunday” to benefit the Port in the Storm ministry in St. Augustine. The confirmation camp youth made over 200 sandwich lunches before heading to camp. Thanks to Thrivent for the Action Team funds to feed the hungry!
Updates From Camp
A blessed day at faith camp learning, serving and playing!
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.
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 …
Youth Life News
Confirmation Camp is here! This Sunday marks the start of Confirmation Camp 2024 beginning with worship together at the 10:30 service. Following worship and lunch, we have our first service project: Sandwich Sunday! The plan is to bag 200 lunches for those who are food challenged. Following the service project, you all will caravan up to St Simon’s …
Shepherd Shelves Food Ministry
If you are able to provide items for the Shepherd Shelves, there is a collection bin in the Gathering Area. We are currently low on the following items: Thank you for your care for those in our community who faces issues with providing nutritional meals for their household. This ministry positively impacts people every week.
Adventure Camp 2024
Ordination of Pastor Luke Beaver
Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Ordination blessings to Pastor Luke Beaver!
Sandwich Sunday
Sandwich Sunday will be held Sunday, July 21 as our first service project for Confirmation Camp. After the 10:30 service we will put together bag lunches for 200 food challenged youth in St Augustine through Port in the Storm ministry.
Summer 5 5 5 Program Continues
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 not knowing if they …
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 …
Ordination Invitation
Youth Life News
Happy Independence Day! Welcome back all of our Adventure Campers! A very fun week was had by all. Thank you to our youth leaders who helped with this event. We had 7 youth and 4 adult leaders spend the week, along with a few helpers who prepared some of the meals. Thank you! Stay tuned for pictures …
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 …
Donations For Ghana
Pastor Eric and Mrs. Joyce Swensson will be going to Ghana in July and while there, they want to distribute a few things to the students at the Lutheran School for the Visually and Hearing Impaired – Legos blocks, soccer balls, shorts, shirts, and used laptops and tablets. They use Legos blocks to teach Braille, so if …
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
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 …
Monthly Game Night
Monthly Game Night will be held Saturday, June 15th at 6:45pm. Come and enjoy some fellowship, food and a friendly game or two! Invite a friend.
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 …
Donation for Ghana
Pastor Eric and Mrs. Joyce Swensson will be going to Ghana in July and while there, they want to distribute a few things to the students at the Lutheran School for the Visually and Hearing Impaired – Legos, soccer balls, shorts, shirts, and used laptops and tablets. They use Legos to teach Braille, so if you …
Meals On Wheels Volunteer Openings
We have a few more openings on one of our routes right now. If you have ever considered volunteering for this ministry, most people drive just one day each month (more if you choose) and the route takes about an hour and a half (from 10:30 or 11am). If you would like more information or would …
Vacation Bible School – 2024
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 …
Confirmation Camp 2024
Join us from July 21 – 25th at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon’s Island, GA. This event is open to rising 7th graders- 12th grade. Registration is open now and due by June 23rd. The cost for the camp is $250.
Youth Life News
Thank you to everyone who helped out with the Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast this past Sunday. You all raised over $750! Awesome job everyone! And a special thank you to our adult helpers- Heather, Sherrie, Sara, Charlotte, Adam, Jackie, Joe, Anita, and David. See pictures below. Vacation Bible School is June 17-21. Volunteers are needed to help …
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 …
Youth Life News
Sunday, May 12th is our Mother’s Day “Pancakes and More” Breakfast! Please mark your calendars. This fundraiser is a bit more involved than our last breakfast as we will have more variety in the menu. Help will be needed to serve after both the 8:30 and 10:30 services. So plan on being here from 8:30 until about 12:30pm. You can earn …
Peru Mission Trip
Youth Life News
Happy Easter season! We continue in this season of Easter until Pentecost Sunday, which is May 19, followed by Holy Trinity Sunday, May 26. We then continue in the season of Pentecost through most of October. The colors in the church will change from white to green. Our next youth fundraiser is Sunday, May 12th …
Adventure Camp – Summer 2024
Youth Life News
The season of Lent is comes to an end as we observe Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services tonight and tomorrow. Sunday is Easter Sunday! Sunday services are at 6:30am, 8:30am and 10:30am. Thank you to those who have volunteered to assist with worship. Blessings on your worship during this Holy Week. See you Sunday! Our …
Youth Life News
The season of Lent is coming to an end with Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday worship services next week. Next Sunday is Easter Sunday! There are many worship opportunities ahead, please prayerfully consider attending or even serving at one or more services. Thank you to those who have already volunteered! Our next youth fundraiser is …
Adventure Camp Retreat
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 Bryan and is open to youth currently in the Youth Life group. This event is full of adventure for sure: kayaking, paddle boarding, boating. glow in the dark laser tag, miniature golf along …
Summer Camps with 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. …
Read more “Summer Camps with Little Lambs Early Learning Center”
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, …
Youth Life Adventure Camp
Vacation Bible School – Save the Date
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 …
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 …
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.
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 …
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 …
Youth Life – Summer Get Together
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A.D. – A Choir 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 …
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) & …
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 …
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
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 …
Youth Life News – Easter & Summer Updates
Good afternoon, friends! Happy Holy Week! Thank you to the youth who were able to help out with Maundy Thursday services today. Good Friday services are at Noon and 6:30 pm tomorrow. Please prayerfully consider joining us. Mark your calendars for this Saturday, April 8th, to help with the annual Easter Egg Hunt. This event is …