Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

The Advent and Christmas season at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is full of activities and worship. This page summarizes the activities of the season.

The church is decorated with the signs of the season and is highlighed by our large tree with handmade ornaments. The annual "Hanging of the Greens" will be held after the morning service on December 7. A soup and sandwich lunch will be served.

Each Wednesday in advent we meet at 7:00 p.m. to explore one of the following models of faith as we gather for a shared meal, family and community sharing, and worship. Special projects and studies will be available for our younger members during worship time. Please join us in our worship and fellowship.

Dec 3 - Here with us: To Give Us Hope
Dec 10 - Here With Us: To Call Us Back
Dec 17 - Here with Us: To Bring Us Joy

Each week during Advent we meet at 6:00 p.m. (prior to our Advent worship) for an advent dinner. Each week the meal is sponsored by a different organization in the church. The entree is furnished by the group. Members bring pot luck dishes to round out the meals. Guests are always welcome -- don't bring a thing!

Dec 3 - Sponsor: Virginia Circle. Menu: Potluck
Dec 10 - Sponsor: Women's Evening Group. Menu: Chicken
Dec 17 - Sponsor: Choir & Council. Menu: Soup and Sandwich

Poinsettias decorate our chancel area on Christmas Eve, as members and friends donate them in celebration of, or in memory of loved ones. The cost is $10.00 each.

Click HERE to order a poinsettia.

Our children will present their annual Christmas Program, on Sunday December 14. Click on the album or video to view excerpts from a previous program.

Click on PLAYLIST above to select which of the Children's program videos you wish to view

The choir will present its annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 21 at the 10:15 worship service.

Choir sings

Ken Felt narrates program

We collect toys for the Neighborhood Center and they will sponsor many families for Christmas. Donations of food, clothing, and money are also collected for the center as they sponsor many families at Christmastime.

On Sunday morning, December 14, during Sunday School, the children are invited to attend a birthday party celebrating Jesus' birth. Children bring canned goods and food for the Neighborhood Center as gifts.

Pastor discusses Jesus' birthday party with children last year.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we celebrate the coming of Jesus with four worship services. All members, asociates, guests, and visitors join us as we celebrate the birth of the Lord. Our service includes Christmas carols, a candlelight blessing, a recitation of the Christmas story, prayer and praise, and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. Special music is provided at each service with our full choir at the 8:00 p.m. service.

Pastor and choir at Christmas worship

Pastor lights Christmas Candle

Communion at Christmas

Peace on Earth

We hear the Christmas message of
Good will to all on Earth,
And long for harmony and peace
To spread and share their worth.

But where might harmony’s roots grow?
Could frozen hearts thaw out like snow?
Can we respect both friend and foe?
Is love a blessing we will sow?

Let’s not keep nursing ancient wrongs,
But live with faith our Christmas songs.
Forgive and love unboundedly.
Let peace begin with you and me.

—Peggy Ferrell, Poems and Prayers

Our Christmas season ends with our Epiphany Bonfire on Saturday, January 3, 2009. It begins with a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. and ends with burning of the Christmas trees at 7:00 p.m. You may bring your trees to the church for the bonfire on January 1 and 2.


	SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN CHURCH	Christmas '08
	Service Times: Wednesday - 7:00 p.m. Sunday - 8:00 & 10:15 a.m.