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 …

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 …

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 …

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!

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Youth Life News

Confirmation classes continue this Sunday, September 22nd. 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 …

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 …

Youth Life News

Great turnout for Shipwreck Island! More than a dozen youth turned out for this afternoon of fun. It might have been cloudy and rainy, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of our youth life group! Thank you to Michelle, Heather and Michael for being the designated chaperones for this event. Please see pics below! Confirmation classes …

Youth Life News

We are having a water day this Saturday at Adventure Landing- Shipwreck Island water park. Saturday, September 7, from 11am-2:30pm. Bring a towel, sunscreen, dry clothes, water shoes and about $15-20 cash/debit card for lunch! Meet at the park at 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach at 11am to gather with your Youth Life(7-12th grade) friends for a day of …

NALC Disaster Response Update

Remember our Lent 5 x 5 x 5 program? The congregation supported NALC by collecting cleaning supplies for flood buckets, items for hygiene kits and loads of handmade quilts. Volunteers worked at different times and assembled more than 100 buckets and 80+ hygiene kits. A team from NALC Disaster Relief stopped by and we loaded …

Youth Life News

We are having a water day at Adventure Landing- Shipwreck Island water park. Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 7, from 10am-2:30pm. Bring a towel, sunscreen, dry clothes, water shoes and about $15-20 cash/debit card for lunch! Meet at the park at 1944 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville Beach at 10am to gather with your Youth Life(7-12th grade) friends for a …

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 …

Youth Life News

Awesome pool party! 15 youth plus adults gathered at Dennis and Sherrie Faye’s home last Sunday. Everyone had a wonderful time. Thank you to our hosts and to the chaperones who also provided lunch. Great way to end the summer and begin the school year! Confirmation classes will begin September 8th. More details to follow! …

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.

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!

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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.

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 …

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!!

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 …

Youth Life News

Peterbrooke Chocolate fundraiser continues this weekend, May 4-5. We have a table set up in the gathering area. Youth are needed to be at the table taking orders. It is set up to be “self serve” but it’s always nice to be present for a fundraiser. There will be samples available as well as the order …

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.

Youth Life News

Good afternoon, friends!  We welcome Vicar Luke Beaver this weekend with his installation as our new vicar. Please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome him to Shepherd of the Woods!  Peterbrooke Chocolate fundraiser begins this Sunday, April 28. We have a table set up in the gathering area. Youth are needed to be at the …

Beaches Mission House

Join us on Tuesday, April 30th at 4:30pm – SOTW supports Mission House by sending a team to cook and serve dinner on months with a Fifth Tuesday. If you would like to participate, please indicate on the Yellow Insert. We gather at 4:30pm to prepare the meal and serve by 6pm. With serving and clean-up we are …

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 …

Youth Life News

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Happy Easter season everyone! It was wonderful seeing everyone in worship.  Thank you to our youth who volunteered to help with worship this weekend and during Holy Week. Any youth interested in helping with worship as acolytes, ushers, assisting ministers, etc, please let me know and we can …

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 …

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 …

Youth Life News

Welcome to the season of Lent. The altar colors (paraments) have changed to purple. They remain purple through Palm Sunday, March 24. During Lent, we have added worship opportunities on Wednesdays at noon and 6:30pm. The evening service is preceded by a soup and salad dinner. Please join us at these reflective services.  Thank you to all …

Sandwich Sunday

Our Youth Life Group were busy Sunday afternoon – making 104 bag lunches for the St Francis Mission House in St Augustine. Thanks to all the helping hands who made and transported the food for those in need. Thanks also to Thrivent Financial for $250 to cover our supplies and lunch for the volunteers.

Youth Life News

Awesome job with the Pancake Breakfast fundraiser! Your hard work paid off and you all raised over $800! And Souperbowl of Caring raised over $1300 including $500 matching funds from Benevolence. Thank you all for participating! You can get community service for Souperbowl, just bring the forms in. As a reminder, you do need to track your own …

Lenten 5 – 5 – 5 Service Project

This year we are introducing something new for our Lenten Project! We will be supporting the NALC Disaster Relief Program. NALC – The North American Lutheran Church to which SOTW belongs, has a team of dedicated staff and volunteers who work throughout the year to be ready to assist in times of natural disaster. We are setting a goal …

Youth Life News

Youth Life Game Day February 18th, from 12:30-4:30 is our next game day. We will be combining a service project with that as it will be Sandwich Sunday, which benefits homeless and food insecure youth. Mark your calendars to attend this event! See pics below from Game Day’s January event. We are planning a Youth Life afternoon out at Top Golf …

Youth Life News

Join your Youth Life friends this Sunday, January 28, 12:30-3:30 for Game Day. Makayla and Braden have put this afternoon of fun together so you all can get together for some fellowship time! Lunch will be served and games will be played! Refer to the flyer for more information. Drop in anytime between 12:30-3:30! See you …

Youth Life News

Can you believe Ash Wednesday is right around the corner on February 13? So, we are going to have a “Shrove Tuesday” breakfast youth fundraiser on Sunday, February 11. We will serve a pancake breakfast between the services and after the 10:30 service. You all do an amazing job cooking breakfast for our fellow church members. If you …

Youth Life News

Happy Epiphany! Did you notice the change? We’ve changed colors again, going from blue for Advent to green for Epiphany. Notice the color change on the altar and the banner change. As the seasons of the church change, so do the colors on the altar.  Our next youth fundraiser is a Pancake Breakfast coming up Sunday, February …

Youth News

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2024! Welcome back youth who attended Equipped this past weekend. All had a great time immersing themselves in the Word, enjoying fellowship time with each other, and enjoying the beauty of Jekyll Island. Please see the pictures below. Thank you to Pastor DiBias, Pastor Phillips and Shelley DiBias for chaperoning this event.  …

Equipped Youth Retreat

Equipped Youth Retreat is December 29-31, Villas by the Sea, Jekyll Island. This weekend event full of service, reflection, study and fun is open to those in 7th-12th grade(youth life youth). The cost is $110 per person and includes lodging and food.

Weekend Worship Services

Weekend Worship Services Saturday at 5:30pm (Traditional Liturgy) Sunday at 8:30am (Traditional Liturgy) Sunday at 10:30am (Contemporary) – Live-streamed Other Information: Access to Online Worship Information Christmas Worship Services Christmas Eve Services – Sunday, Dec 24 at 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm & 11:00pm 5:00pm – Traditional Service with Children’s Homily ** Live Streamed 7:00pm – Traditional Service 9:00pm – Cantata …

Family Christmas Caroling

Join us Sunday, December 10th at Noon – All are welcome as we visit shut-ins and to minister to members and others in our communty. We gather in the Shepherd Center at 11:40 for a quick meal. Please indicate your participation on the Yellow Insert so we can plan the groups & routes.

Youth Life News

Christmas Caroling is this Sunday, December 10th, following the 10:30 worship service. This is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer to our friends who are “shut-ins”. Folks will carpool after a quick lunch following the worship service to various locations. If you would like to participate, let me know. Songbooks are provided. Families are encouraged to participate!  …

Youth Life News

Happy Thanksgiving! Thank you to everyone for helping with Sandwich Sunday. We made over 100 sandwiches in about 30 minutes! You all are awesome! See pictures below.  Wreaths Across America is a service project we will be participating in on Saturday, December 16, starting at noon. This is a community service hour event. We are in need …

Updated National Youth Gathering Information

We are excited to share with you the information we received regarding the NALC Continental Youth Gathering for 2024! The youth gathering is open to any 7th – 12th grade youth. We hope you’ll prayerfully consider this opportunity to grow in faith with disciples from across the country!! Please see the general “who, what, when and …

Youth Life News

Happy November! Thank you to everyone who helped with the Pumpkin Patch this year. Your help was greatly appreciated!  Confirmation Blessings to Saraya Howard, Freya Lindstad, and Christian Sheprow who celebrated their confirmation this past Sunday during the 10:30 worship service! See their pictures below. Continue to keep them in your prayers as they continue their …

Youth Life News

Our next event is this Saturday, October 21: Party in the Patch, from 11 am-2 pm. We need youth to help hand out candy at the “carnival” games the children will play. Feel free to wear a costume! Party in the Patch is a community service event! We will also need help with setup and cleanup. For …

Youth Life News

Such a fun weekend! Thank you to everyone who helped unload pumpkins Saturday morning. Beautiful day for sure. And thank you to those youth who were able to attend the lock-in Friday night! Big thank you to the adult chaperones: Dennis, Savanna, Adam, and Pastor Phillips. Our next event is Saturday, October 21: Party in the …