Faithful Friday – July 19th
For it will be as when a man going on a journey called his servants and entrusted to them his property; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. –Matthew 25:14-15 Dear Disciple of Christ, I expect you know the story about the talents …
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
Worship – July 14th
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.
Faithful Friday – July 12th
Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury; and he saw a poor widow put in two copper coins. And he said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all …
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”
From The First Coast Group of Thrivent Financial
It’s that time of the year again for our Summer Thrivent Community Drive and this year, we are partnering with Exchange Club of Jacksonville and the Exchange Club Family Center with a back-to-school supply drive for the children in the Parent Aide Child Abuse Prevention Program. This program truly is helping the families on the prevention …
Read more “From The First Coast Group of Thrivent Financial”
Alpha Leadership Team
On July 14, we will be holding a 90-minute session for those who would like to volunteer with the leadership team for the upcoming Alpha Session. We will gather at 11:45am in the Annex South classroom and share a light lunch. Please reply to this email if you plan on attending and have not yet signed up.
Worship – July 7th
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 …
Celebrating Forty-Four Years
While we always give thanks and praise to God for his work among us now and promised work in the future, we also give thanks for all He has done! We are 44 years young! Who remembers? Give a shout out if you were a member and worshipped in the “original sanctuary”! Who remembers the …
Ordination Invitation
Faithful Friday – July 5th
“As each has received a gift, employ it for one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10 Dear Disciple of Christ, We pastors don’t live in a vacuum (at least, not most of us or most of the time). We are aware of and connected to brother and sister pastors who are …
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 …
Kitchen Renovation Update
Many thanks to those who completed the input form regarding the future kitchen renovation. All the information has been compiled which has helped us create a program document that establishes priorities. Over the next 30-60 days we hope to put together the plan using the program document and the wisdom of chefs, construction workers and those …
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 …
Worship – June 30th
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
Spring Tea Thank You
The Spring Tea held on Saturday morning was just lovely and the Staff of the Early Learning Center would like to thank everyone who purchased Tea tickets, raffle tickets and those who baked treats and made sandwiches and served in the kitchen. This is an impactful fundraiser for our Early Learning Center ministry, and we …
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 …
Worship – June 23rd
Faithful Friday – June 21st
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:1-2 Dear Disciples of Christ, Do you notice the distinction between those two verses? The first verse (of Hebrews 13) describes the care we should have for members of the body of Christ. This should be distinctive …
Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast
Worship – June 16th
Joining Jesus As A Family
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 …
Faithful Friday – June 14th
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” – Matthew 16:15 Dear Disciples of Christ, This is the last part of the orientation I do for new members. We cover lots of areas of church life but …
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.
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 …
Worship – June 9th
Disaster Response Update
Your love and care of neighbor and generosity abound. We look forward to getting these supples to those in need via the NALC Disaster Response. We are blessed to be a blessing!
Faithful Friday – June 7th
“So when Jesus and His disciples had come together, the disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has …
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 …
SOTW Happenings – May 24th
Worship – June 2nd
Faithful Friday- May 31st
And Jesus said, ”For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them. -Matthew 18:20 Dear Disciple of Christ, Do you have any idea what a “critical mass” is? What might first come to mind for you is that it is “the amount of fissile material needed to sustain nuclear …
Little Lambs Early Learning Center
Vacation Bible School – 2024
Women’s Retreat 2025
Worship – May 26th
SOTW Happenings – May 25th
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.
SOTW Happenings – May 18th
Worship – Pentecost
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 …
Monthly Game Night
Yes! It’s already that time again!!! Join us Sat, May 18 at 6:45pm for an evening of fun, food, fellowship, and friendly competition. Whether you like board games, card games, charades, you name it – we play it!! Except Twister – we don’t play Twister! Feel free to bring a snack to share if you want to. All ages …
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!!
Joining Jesus As A Family
SOTW Happenings
Worship – May 12th
Faithful Friday’s – May 10th
The apostles returned to Jesus, and told Him all that they had done and taught. And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a lonely place …
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 …
Church Council Nomination Form
We will have two vacancies on the Church Council this summer due to term limits and are seeking nomination forms. Blank forms are available in the church office and can be used to nominate another individual or yourself. Please submit completed forms by Sunday, May 26.
SOTW Happenings – May 4th
Worship – May 5th
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, …
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 Breakfast
Shepherd Shelves Food Pantry
We continue offering food support to those in our community, both homeless individuals but also families trying to make it to the next paycheck. We have people come in most weekdays. There are many items we are fully stocked on but others we really need at this time. If you are shopping for this ministry …
SOTW Happenings – April 27th
Worship – April 28th
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.
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 …
Men’s Breakfast and Bible Study
Saturday May 11 at 8:00am – We normally hold this study on first Saturdays but will be meeting on the second Saturday in May. This group enjoys a great breakfast at 8:00am and begins their study at 8:30am. They continue the study of the books of Peter. A Zoom option is offered for those who are not …
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 …
Faithful Friday – April 26th
Dear Disciple of Christ, So, may I ask, why you think God has blessed you with health and talents and resources? You may consider it a sign of His love for you and that would be appropriate. He does bless us but could it really be that it stops with us? Is it only so we are …
Kitchen Renovation Questionnaire
A Kitchen Renovation questionnaire is available in the church office. If you would like to provide input, use th this form to share your ideas and thoughts. Return the form by April 28 . Once the information is compiled, we will create a program document and list of priorities as we create the budget and invite your …
ALPHA – Upcoming Course
Alpha is a program for people who are seeking more from life, seeking an understanding of who or what God is, or trying to uncover what is missing in their life. Each week participants gather and share a simple meal, watch a video about an aspect of faith, and then have conversations about what they …
Guest Chefs Email List
Over the last few years we have been blessed to have many in our congregation volunteer to cook meals for events like Alpha, Congregational Dinners, Youth functions, and Lenten and Advent Dinners. Some meals are prepared by one person, others by a couple and others by a team of two to four people. To reach …
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 …
SOTW Happenings – April 19th
Worship – April 21st
Mission Support
This weekend we are blessed to hear the testimony of Veronica Weeks and excited to learn of what God is doing in her life and how He has called her into the mission field by traveling to the Philippines to help establish campus ministry programing on 2 college campuses through Navigators. If you would like …
Joining Jesus As A Family
New Class begins on Sunday, May 19th at 9:30am! This class has been created to help anyone live a fruitful and fulfilling life as a disciple of Jesus. Parents, grandparents, foster parents, guardians and those who serve children will be inspired and blessed by our time together. Classes will meet the 3rd Sunday of every month between …
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 …
Monthly Game Night
Join us Saturday, April 20th for an evening of fun, food, fellowship, and friendly competition! There are games of all types available and there is always lots to eat. Feel free to bring something to share if you like. Please indicate your interest on the Yellow Connect Card Insert or contact the church office with questions.
SOTW Happenings – April 13th
Worship – April 14th
Faithful Friday – April 12th
Dear Disciple of Christ, If you remember when we paused to receive devotions provided by the national church office, I had received an unsolicited call to move from my first to my second congregation. I mentioned that those transitions in congregations are not always easy. It is not easy for the congregation “losing” their pastor, the next …
Peru Mission Update
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
SOTW Happenings – April 5th
Worship – April 7th
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 …
Yard Sale – Thank You!
Our annual Yard Sale last weekend raised more than $6,300 which will be used to further programs in our mission church and outreach ministries in Tarma, Peru and the Kingdom Kids after-school and tutoring programs. Thanks to all who donated and who worked all week getting ready for the sale!
Midweek Bible Study Resumes
Midweek Bible Study resumes this evening at 6:30pm in the Annex South classroom and continues the study of the Book of Matthew. All are welcome! If you are not able to join in person, please use the link below to join by Zoom.