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 …
Stewardship: Living in God’s Abundance as Stewards of His Grace
We are blessed by God’s abundance in so many ways. We live loved by Him, redeemed by Him, led by Him and gifted by Him. Over the next few weeks, we invite you to continue reflecting on how God has blessed you through your time, talents and resources. May our prayers be shaped around how we …
Read more “Stewardship: Living in God’s Abundance as Stewards of His Grace”
Faithful Friday – November 3rd
Dear Disciple of Christ, By any chance do you remember your confirmation (if you had one)? I expect, if you had that class (most often led by a pastor), you might get some cold chills down your spine at the question. In my day, in my church’s practice, we studied for two years to be able to …
Looking Ahead…
Happenings – October 27th
Worship – October 29th
Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast
All men are invited to join us Sat., Nov 4 at 8:00am. We begin with breakfast and then our study starts about 8:30. An online Zoom option is also offered for those not able to attend in person. Please sign up on the Yellow Insert if possible so we can plan the meal. Bring your Bibles …
Pumpkin Patch Updates
We had a great time Saturday at Party in the Patch with more than 300 visitors. Your youth volunteered all day, along with lots of adults, doing everything from set up to manning games to ringing up sales to helping with the clean-up. Thank you! Thank you to all who have offered- and continue to …
Alpha Prayer Team
Alpha Prayer Team – Our first run of Alpha in the spring was successful and we will begin the series again in January. Alpha is a 10 to 12-week series that primarily targets people who are seeking a connection to God and want to explore information on who Jesus is and what becoming a Christian can mean …
Ronald McDonald House Support
Ronald McDonald House does a wonderful job supporting parents by providing housing and meals in a nearby facility while their child is hospitalized in a city somewhere other than where they live. Like most non-profit organizations, they are continuously striving to keep supplies and food on hand to keep this support available to those who …
Pacetti Road Property Update
We remain under contract for the purchase of the Pacetti Road Property where we hope to plant a mission congregation. The property is located just south of the World Golf Village area. During this time, we are working through all of the due diligence (surveys, soil borings, wetland delineation, etc.) to ensure the property can …
Pumpkin Patch Update
Beaches Mission House
SOTW visits Beaches Mission House on fifth Tuesdays to prepare and serve a meal. Our next scheduled date is Tuesday, Oct 31 and we meet at 5:00 pm at the facility. If you would like to participate, please indicate your attendance on the Yellow Connection Insert. If you are not able to arrive at 5:00 …
Faithful Friday – October 27th
Dear Disciple of Christ, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1 My family and I were visiting a pastor and his family in the parsonage of their church in Brooklyn. In fact, it was the church in Brooklyn where we served for a summer with the “Help a Child” program. Not …
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 …
Faithful Friday – October 20th
Dear Disciple of Christ, “Simon, do you love me more than these?” -John 21:15 Do you recognize that question? It was asked by Jesus and issued to Peter (whose name had been “Simon” until Jesus called him Peter, “The Rock”). This interaction took place on the seashore of the Sea of Galilee after the resurrection. They were there because Peter …
Monthly Game Night
Monthly Game Night is held on the third Saturday each month and meets again on the 10/21 at 6:45pm – All are welcome – Bring a snack to share if you want – when we meet, we eat!! Children are welcome but there is not a nursery provided.
Grief Support Group
Grief Support Group – We will begin a new series for those seeking support following loss of a loved one. This group begins Tues, Oct 24, 6:30-7:30pm. Please use the Yellow Connection Insert to indicate your participation. If you have any questions, please speak with Pastor DiBias.
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 …
Ministry Updates – Week of October 15th
Women’s Retreat
Please ensure your spot at this year’s retreat by submitting your registration and payment by October 29. We will gather from Fri, Nov 10 – Sun, Nov 12 and the $250 cost covers your lodging, meals, and all materials. Come and be blessed! Please download the flyer and registration form provided if you are planning …
Worship – October 15th
Worship Update
Worship Services: Saturday at 5:30pm (Traditional Liturgy) Sunday at 8:30am (Traditional Liturgy) Sunday at 10:30am (Contemporary) Nursery care (up to 3yrs old) is provided in the Shepherd Center for the 8:30 & 10:30am services. **Parking Update** For the next few weeks only, due to the Pumpkin Patch, parking is limited towards the entry of the church property. We have …
Donate Blood This Weekend
Bloodmobile –Sunday, October 15 from 9 a.m. until Noon (or later if they are still getting donors). If you would like to donate blood that day, you can pre-register at oneblood.org, selecting the Donate icon in the upper right-hand corner. You may also just visit the bus that morning and register then. If you donate, it is …
Party In The Patch
Faithful Friday – October 13th
“I thank God whom I serve with a clear conscience, as did my fathers, when I remember you constantly in my prayers. As I remember your tears, I long night and day to see you, that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother …
Blessing Of The Pets
All Creatures of our God and King! Thank you, Lord for our furry, feathery, and even scaly friends!
Live-Stream Support Needed
We continue to live-stream the 8:30 am worship service and are seeking to develop a team of 3-4 additional volunteers to be trained in the live-streaming process and serve about once a month. If you would like to learn more about offering your gifts in this way, please speak to Pastor Peacock or contact him …
Worship – October 8th
Pumpkins With A Purpose
Sometimes it takes a village! Always, it takes the body of Christ! Thank you to the body of Christ for your tireless work. The pumpkins are here! The pumpkins are here! Thank you also men’s group for the yummy pancakes! And please enjoy these wonderful pictures!
The Pumpkins Are Coming!
Our truck has left New Mexico and is scheduled to arrive Saturday at 9:00 a.m .We need as many helping hands as possible!!! You are invited to join us at 8:00 am for a Pancake Breakfast in the Fellowship Hall so you will be fortified for pumpkin unloading!! Thank You to our Men’s Bible Study Group for cooking! Please …
Faithful Friday – October 6th
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and …
Pet Blessing – Sunday, October 8th
Sunday, October 8 at 4:00 pm – Join us for this fun and special event when we give thanks to God for the gifts of our beloved pets and ask God’s special blessings on them. Pets of ALL kinds are welcome but must be on a leash or in a secured kennel. We will have shade and water …
Youth Life News
We are having a church lock-in! All youth, 7-12th grade are invited Friday, October 6-Saturday, October 7th for a good ol’ fashioned church lock-in. Please let us know you are coming! You all love to get together and this is a great way to do so! Meet at church at around 6 pm Friday. We will provide dinner and snacks. New and …
Pumpkins With A Purpose
Thursday’s Pumpkin Update
Just a Few Days ‘til PUMPKINS! Saturday, October 7 at 9 a.m. – We hope you will make plans to join us as the truck arrives with our special delivery. It takes MANY hands to make light work unloading half of a semi-trailer!! Teens earn community service hours!! Bring friends! Breakfast provided! Please watch your email or check Facebook for updates …
Pancake Breakfast For Pumpkin Volunteers
Men’s Bible Study Group will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast for our Pumpkin Unloading Volunteers!! Calling All men – join us at 7:30am this Saturday to begin setting up and cooking pancakes. Volunteers – come early – anytime between 8am and 8:45am on Saturday, October 7th to enjoy a hearty hot breakfast which will fortify you for …
NALC Continental Youth Gathering
Worship – August 1st
Youth Lock – In
Faithful Friday’s – September 29th
“We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 I think I’ve mentioned that verse above being one of my favorites based on the fact that I experienced it over and over again in my life. I know that it is sometimes …
Pumpkin Patch Update
Mid-Week Bible Study Update
Midweek Bible Study – DOES NOT meet this week. We meet most Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Annex classroom with the ongoing study of the book of Matthew.
Quilting Workshop
Quilting Workshop – Sat, Sept 30, 9 am – 5 pm – There will be an all-day drop-in workshop and all 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 you will make plans to join us for part or …
NALC Young Adult Gathering
Worship – September 24th
Youth Life News and Notes
Youth Life Class and Confirmation Class are back in session. Please try to attend either class on Sundays from 9:40-10:25. We’ve moved confirmation class to the Youth Life room in the Shepherd Center. Youth Life (confirmed youth-12th grade) will now meet in the new conference room near the fellowship hall. We have several teachers lined up and …
Faithful Friday – September 22nd
Finally, all of you, have unity of spirit, sympathy, love of the brethren, a tender heart and a humble mind. – 1 Peter 3:8 Dear Disciple of Christ, Considering the stories I’ve been telling about my life starting out in pastoral ministry in Brooklyn, I wonder if you thought I had a tough time and …
Random Needs At Shepherd of The Woods
Youth Life News
We are having a church lock-in! All youth, 7-12th grade are invited Friday, October 6-Saturday, October 7th for a good ol’ fashioned church lock-in. You all love to get together and this is a great way to do so! Meet at church at around 6 pm on Friday. We will provide dinner and snacks. You’ll be able to …
Blessing Of The Pets
Worship – September 17th
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 …