Lent begins on Ash Wednesday – February 18 – and lasts the forty days (not counting Sundays) until Easter. It has traditionally been a solemn time of fasting, meditation and sacrifice. To use up supplies, that would otherwise go bad during these 40 days, a Feast was created and celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday – Some …
Save the Date – It’s almost time for Come Dine with Us!! – Each year our Youth Life group hosts a fantabulous dinner as a fundraiser for camps and mission trips. This year, it will be held on Sat., March 7, with seatings at 5:00pm and 7:00pm. Our theme is “Southern Comforts – Home Cookin’ …
Bowling- February 8, Plan for a fun afternoon this Sunday! The group of 13 youth and adults are gathering after the 10:30 worship for lunch in the annex and then off to bowling at 1:30pm. You will go to Jax Lanes on Beach Blvd for an afternoon of fun! Parent pickup is at 4:15 at the bowling alley. Cost for the …
Join us on February 8th for the SouperBowl of Caring! This is a weekend set aside for the nation’s Youth to collect loose change after worship services. 100% of funds stay local to support hunger initiatives right in our community. You are encouraged to bring in your loose change and place in the soup pots …
Shepherd’s Shelves Celebration Weekend – February 7th & 8th – It seems like just a few weeks ago that we launched our community food pantry, but it has been almost five months!! We are now seeing 30+ visitors each time we open which means we are assisting 300+ individuals each week when you consider other …
Everyone had a great time at Rock the Universe this past weekend. Judging from the pictures, it was a great event. Thank you to our chaperones and youth leaders for their help making this a truly special weekend. See pics below! Mark your calendar for several upcoming youth events:
Valentine’s Cards for Veterans & Military – our local First Coast Group – Thrivent is helping spread the love this Valentine’s Day with a card collection drive for veterans and our military. They have partnered with Naval Station of Mayport for their local and deployed service men and women. We will have a collection bin …
Join us Sunday, December 14th at 1:00pm – Carolers gather at 11:45am for a quick lunch together before setting off to spread holiday cheer. All ages are welcome – children need to be accompanied by a parent or designated adult. We will try to depart by 12:30 so, if you are not joining us for …
Mark your calendar for your Youth Life Christmas Party, December 12! It’s a Christmas Pajama Party on Friday night, December 12 from 6:30-9:30pm. Bring a gift to exchange ($25 max). More info to follow!
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser this past Saturday. You all worked very hard and did a great job with this event. Everyone has spoken of how wonderful the meal was. Thank you also to the adults who pitched in and helped as well. You raised over $900! Great job! …
Join us as we offer thanks to God for our abundant blessings and for the grace we receive through Jesus Christ. We gather for worship on Wednesday, Nov 26 at Noon and at 6:30pm. This is great time to invite someone to join you – a friend or neighbor who might not have Thanksgiving worship …
The Pumpkin Patch was Lovely – thanks to our countless volunteers who helped with set-up, decorating, unloading, assisting with pre-school field trips, worked shifts throughout the weeks, and those who broke everything down and put it all away for next year. So, save the date: Oct 3, 2026! We were able to host hundreds of …
Congratulations to Mya Smith who was confirmed this past Reformation Sunday during the 8:30 worship service! Thank you to everyone who participated in Party in the Patch. Looks like everyone had a great time- especially those who were visiting our church for the first time. We had several folks return this past Sunday for worship! Thank you …
Save the Date AND Sign Up! – Our Youth Life group is hosting a spaghetti dinner on Sat, Nov 8. This is a fundraising event for Youth events like Rock the Universe and Confirmation Camp. Please see the insert in today’s Announcements or contact the church office to sign up. A free-will donation is suggested …
We celebrate Confirmation and observe the rite of Confirmation as Mya Iyalorde Smith makes public the affirmation of her baptism. We ask God’s blessing on her life as she seeks to show Christ’s love in the world. This is not the end of study, but the beginning of her journey of faith and service as …
Save the Date – Party in the Patch – Saturday, October 25, 11:00am – 1:00pm – kids’ games & food trucks!This is a fun day for the kids to dress up, come to patch and play games, do crafts, take family photos and enjoy ayummy lunch at one of the food trucks! As with all …
Our delivery has been scheduled! Monday arrive on Monday, October 13th at 4:00pm! We will hold a Patch work day on Monday, October 13 from 9am to 1pm. If you are able to come for a few hours we could use helping hands to put up fencing, move hay bales, move pallets, hang lights, decorate the tent, …
Our delivery will not be on time – NO unloading on Saturday 10/11. We will not unload on Saturday. We have not received information yet to know if we will unload Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday evening. Please continue to check your emails from us and/or the SOTW Facebook page for updates! The harvest in New Mexico experienced delays which …
Important Pumpkin Dates to Remember – Yes, we are thinking about pumpkins, and our delivery date is getting closer!! Please mark your calendar for these important dates!
Our next youth event is Sunday, October 5th. TMeet at church for 10:30 worship, lunch following and then the chaperones will drive you all. There has been a venue change for the Escape Room. It will now be at Prototype Escape Rooms, address is 3546 St Johns Bluff Rd S UNIT 113, Jacksonville, FL 32224 in the Shoppes at East …
Confirmation Classes have resumed and meet at 9:45 Sunday mornings. The pumpkins are coming! Yes, it’s that time again. Well not yet, but soon! Pumpkins arrive Saturday, October 11. Mark your calendars for this fun family activity where we unload the truck full of pumpkins. Once the patch opens, we need a lot of volunteers to staff the pumpkin patch. …
Important Pumpkin Dates to Remember – Yes, we are thinking about pumpkins, and our delivery date is getting closer!! Please mark your calendar for these important dates! Many hands make light work! Most are 2 or 3-hour shifts, you work with others and we provide all the instruction you need. It’s fun, it’s easy and …
Confirmation Classes resume for all 7th & 8th graders on Sunday, September 7th at 9:45am. Participants meet weekly with one of the pastors in the small hallway conference room. Please note on the yellow Connect Card or contact the church office if you have a youth who will be participating.
Important Pumpkin Dates to Remember – Yes, we are already thinking about pumpkins! And we invite you to save a few dates to help if you are able. Sign-up opportunities are coming soon but please mark your calendar for these important dates!
Calling all Youth Life – Time for some fun & games on Sunday, August 24. Join us for worship at 10:30am and then from Noon to 4pm it is all about food & fun!!! Please indicate on the yellow Connect Card if your Youth Life youth will be attending.
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 …
Confirmation Camp is here!!!!! That’s right! It’s time for Confirmation Camp! You all will meet Sunday for worship at 10:30, have lunch, complete two service projects and then go to Epworth mid-afternoon. Thank you to our drivers!!!!! Please see the note below and review the packing list (click on the red button) to be sure …
Our Summer 555 Program was a huge success! We collected backpacks and school supplies for children in need and will provide them to two non-profit agencies – Port in the Storm and Somebody Cares®. Thanks to all who provided so generously and helped us meet our goals. The individual donations really add up and will …
We hosted more than 40 children each day this past week using our True North curriculum, teching children that following Jesus is the best path for their lives. Thanks to all who planned, decorated, taught, sang, played, fed and cleaned up!! VBS would not be possible without our dedicated volunteers!
Adventure camp is in the books! We studied, learned, served, worshipped, and were blessed living out God’s call on our lives.
Youth Life Adventure Camp was in full swing! Thank you Lord for the opportunity to learn & grow in faith! The future is bright with these disciples.
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.
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 …
To register, volunteer or learn more, please visit: Shepherd of the Woods Lutheran Church Vacation Bible School.
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 …
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. …
Join Youth Life on Sunday, May 11th 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.
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 …
Mark your calendars for two summer youth events:
Thank you for your support and involvement with our Lenten 5-5-5 congregational outreach project. We had a goal of receiving 500 items and collecting $500, all in 5 weeks’ time for two local agencies supporting the homeless in Northeast Florida. We give thanks to God for the love and care you have extended and rejoice at His …
Vacation Bible School Planning Session – if you would like to support VBS in any way, you are invited to attend a planning session on Sat, April 26 at 10am in the Fellowship Hall. We need assistance with planning, decorating, teaching, music, snacks and clean up! VBS will be July 14 – 18.
Mark your calendars for two summer youth events:
Sunday, March 23rd is Top Golf youth outing. More details to follow, but it will be after worship on Sunday. Cost is estimated at $50-60 per person for food and fun. Mark your calendars for two summer youth events:
This year we will support our local community by collecting and delivering items that will be of help to the homeless. We will be helping Beaches Mission House in Jacksonville Beach and St Francis House in St. Augustine. We have a goal to collect 500 items and raise $500 during the 5 weeks of Lent. Please use the link below for the list …
You are dust, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19) Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the lenten season and is a time fo personal reflection and repentance. As a symbol of repentance and admission of our frailty, the imposition of ashes will be offered for those who desire to receive them. We invite …
Lent is Observed for the Forty Days – begining Ash Wednesday – until Easter – excluding Sundays. As we anticipate the season of Lent, you are invited to make time each week to join us in worship and take time to reflect on the gift of God’s son. We begin on Ash Wednesday, March 5, …
Hats off to you all!!!! What a great event! Dine with Us was a huge success. Thank you all for all of your hard work and great service to not only our guests but to each other. Thank you to our hard working volunteers who worked behind the scenes to help make this event a success. Please …
Our Youth Life group collected loose change, paper money, checks and even card swipes for a total of nearly $1,000. 100% of these funds will go to support local hunger programs. Your care of those in our community makes a difference!
Our annual Dine with Us fundraiser is Saturday, February 8th and our theme is “Hats Off to You!” This is a major fundraising event for your youth group and for your upcoming youth events. Help is needed on Saturday, February 8th from at least 3pm until 9:30pm. In addition we will be having a training session on Friday, February 7th in the afternoon from 4pm-4:45pm with Dennis …
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, …
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! …
Rock the Universe 2025 is here! January 24-25 at Universal Studios, Orlando. We’ve got a great group of 17 adults and youth attending! We meet at church at 4:00pm with a 4:15 departure time. Tickets have been purchased for all who signed up and hotel reservations at Cabana Bay have been paid for. Prayers for a wonderful weekend full …
Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions. Rock the Universe 2025 annual Christian Music Festival is being held January 24-25 at Universal Studios, Orlando. We’ve got a great group of 17 adults and youth attending! We will leave Friday afternoon, meeting at church at 4:00pm with a …
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 …
Happy New Year!!! Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions. Youth Life Christmas Party was a great event! Thank you to our youth leaders for providing food and fun for this afternoon get together! See pictures below. I hope you all had a great …
Tuesday, December 24 Wednesday, December 25 Live Stream Information
Confirmation classes continue. Thank you to those who attend and to those who lead these important instructional sessions. Monday, December 23rd from 12-4 is your Youth Life Christmas Party! Thank you, Michelle Pearson, for leading this event. Lunch will be provided and there will be a “white elephant” gift exchange so bring a small ($20 max) …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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!
Confirmation Blessings to Christopher and Ellie! May the Lord guide all your days!
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 …
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 …
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.
If you have never volunteered before, we will make sure you are equipped (it’s easy!) and that you have all the support you need. If you have any questions about what volunteers do, please contact contact the church office, and we can put you in touch with Jackie Hudson. Invite a friend or family member to volunteer with …
Party in the Patch – Volunteers Needed – We need help with set-up on Friday, October 25th from 10am to 2pm. We also need help from 9 to 11am on the Saturday the 26th, as well as during the event, and help with clean-up. If you would like to be a part of the fun, please indicate your support on the …
We pray that all are safe and cleaning up after Hurricane Milton. Your safety and the safety of your home are top priority. If you have everything squared away and can end a hand, we have listed below the current volunteer needs. If you have never volunteered before, we will make sure you are equipped (it’s easy!) …
We pray that all are safe and cleaning up after Hurricane Milton. We had minor damage in the Patch and will be cleaning up during the day Friday from 10am until we finish. We will reopen the Patch on Friday, Oct 11 at 3pm. If you are able to join us for clean-up, please come …
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 …
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 …