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 morning worship at 11:30 am on Sunday, December 4. Bring a potluck dish to share. Help us decorate our church for the holiday season.

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. Please join us in our worship and fellowship.

Nov 30 - Our Preparing is our Preparation presented by Ken Felt
Dec 7 - Giving Gifts to the Giver presented by Debbie Kiely
Dec 14 - Messengers and Their Words presented by Steve Tolander
Dec 21 - The Picture-Perfect Christmas? presented by Laura Dilley

Each week during Advent we meet at 6:00 p.m. (prior to our Advent worship) for an advent dinner. Each member is asked to bring a pot-luck dish to share

	Poinsettias decorate our chancel area on Christmas Eve. This year's cost is $6.00 each. Order poinsettias by completing the form below and put the money in the offering plate or send to the church office.

This year's Christmas program The Christmas Angel drew rounds of praise from the congregation.

The choir presented its annual Christmas cantata at both services on December 18..

Choir Cantata - Dec 2011

Ken 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. This year tons of toys were donated by generous members and friends.

toys

On Sunday morning, December 18, 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.

On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day we celebrate the coming of Jesus with four worship services - 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Christmas Day. All members, asociates, guests, and visitors join us as we celebrate the birth of the Lord. Christmas Eve services include a visit from the innkeeper's wife, prayer, a candle light blessing, and the sacrament of Holy Communion. Christmas Day services include scripture, Holy Communion, prayer and Christmas music. Special music is provided at Christmas Eve services.

Christmas worship

Lighting of the 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 7, 2012. It begins with a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. and ends with the bonfire (this year - firepots) at 7:00 p.m. S'mores are roasted around the fire..


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