Condolences

Updated August 25, 2008

We are sorry to announce the passing of Harold Raymond Reed or Ray as he was known in our congregation. Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 29 at 11:00 at the church. Please keep Carole and the family in your prayers.

Rally Day & Oktoberfest

Updated August 25, 2008

Laurie Freshour, Director of Family Ministries, has announced some details of the upcoming Rally Day and Oktoberfest. Rally Day will be held on September 7 and commemorates the beginning of the new church school year. Our Youth will participate in morning services, will meet their teachers during the normal Sunday School hour, and participate in special crafts and snacks. Oktoberfest will be held on October 18. The format will be similar to previous years with lots of activities including a costume contest, raffles, mummy wrap, lots of games for the kids, Bingo, and a bratworst and pot luck dinner. More information will be released as we near the celebration. We are looking for donations for prizes from local merchants, so if you know someone who would donate, please contact Laurie. She is also looking for volunteers to help on the committee.

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Updated July 22, 2008

Laurie Freshour, Director of Family Ministries, has announced a need for Sunday School teachers for the coming school year. If you can volunteer, please contact Laurie.

School Supplies Collection

Updated July 15, 2008

We are beginning our annual collection of school supplies for needy children. Bring your donations to church and place on the back table. We will donate the supplies to the Neighborhood Center and several local elementary schools. Last year we had a fantastic response, and are looking forward to a successful drive again this year.

New Council Positions Named

Updated July 14, 2008

Laura Dilley has been elected as Vice President of the Congregation. Irving Jones has been elected to the council and will serve as chairman of the Worship and Music committee. Both positions are effective immediately.

Student Recognition Sunday

Updated May 21, 2008

Shepherd of the Hills would like to honor our students. If you have a student who is moving from elementary school to middle school, from middle school to high school, graduating high school, moving from high school to college or receiving an honor award, academic award or athletic award please call the church office at 352-394-3382. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00am-1:00pm.

Annual Meeting

Updated March 3, 2008

The annual meeting of the congregation was held on March 2 with more than a quorum. Committee reports were reviewed and approved. The 2008 budget was approved with only a $4,000 increase from last year. The capital fund is being retired at a rate faster than required. Council members Carroll Fulmer, Diane Bursey, and Troy Evans are leaving the council due expiring terms. Peggy Wilk is leaving due to a move to another city. Ken Stoyer, Milan Barabas, Karla Carson, and Laura Dilley were approved as new council members. Ken Felt will serve as the new Council president. Minor changes to the church constitution were approved. Thanks to all who helped make our past year a success.

Condolences

Updated February 16, 2008

Our condolences to Marie & Jim Johnson on the death of their Uncle; and to Dennis and Dorothy Anderson on the death of Dennis's Sister.

Bernadine Delbridge Passes

Updated January 15, 2008

We have been notified that Pastor Ostenburg's sister, Bernadine Delbridge died on January 14. More information will be forthcoming. The Wednesday night worship service scheduled for January 16 has been cancelled.

Quarterly Planning Schedules Events

Updated January 15, 2008

At our quarterly planning meeting last Sunday, many events were planned for the first quarter of 2008. Our usual events like Souper Bowl Sunday, Lenten dinners and worship, Easter week, Congregational Meeting and Pledge events are being supplemented by several new items. A choir cantata on Good Friday, Movie Nights, Game Night, and Student Recognition Day are being added to the calendar. Watch for details on our church calendar and events web page.

Lena Rotto Passes

Updated November 4, 2007

We wish to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Lena Rotto who died on Thursday. Many of you will recall the many winters that Pastor John and Lena spent with us here at Shepherd of the Hills. Lena and John both sang in the church choir and held us i n prayer during our building process and move. Services for Lena will be this coming Friday.

Oktoberfest October 27

Updated September 10, 2007

Our annual highly-anticipated Oktoberfest will be held this year on October 27 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Children's games will begin at 3:00 and end at 5:00. Bake-off judging will be held at 5:00 and dinner at 5:30 p.m. Bingo will be held for the adults after dinner. All proceeds from the event will be used for re-painting the church.

Sunday School Staff Announced

Updated September 2, 2007

Laurie Freshour, Director of Family Ministries, has announced that Diane Bursey will continue as Sunday School superintendent during the new Sunday School year. Joining her will be Christine Grussaute (Pre K), Heather Faraci (1st-2nd grades), Leslie Smrekar (3rd grade), Michelle Candage (4th-5th grades, and Aimee Markussen (6-12 grades). Children will be introduced to teachers on Rally Day (September 9) between services. Sunday School will start at 9:00 on September 16.

Sunday School Starts Sept 16, Children's Chapel to start Sept 9

Updated August 31, 2007

The new Sunday School year will begin on September 16. Children will meet in the sanctuary at 9:00 for a short session and then go to their classes. Classes are available for all ages, and the pastor holds a class for the adults. All are welcome! Children's Chapel will begin on September 9. Children attending the 10:15 a.m. worship will leave the service for a chapel of their own. They return to the main sanctuary in time for communion.

Work Day Aug 25

Updated August 15, 2007

The church council has announced a work day on Saturday, August 25 beginning at 9:00 a.m. We need volunteers -- bring your friends. We will get our facility ready for the new church school year prior to Rally Day. We'll do some floor cleaning and waxing, as well as lots of other projects. See you there! UPDATED: AUG 21: THIS WORKDAY HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED. WATCH FOR DETAILS.

Lunch Bunch organizes

Updated August 11, 2007

Do you like to eat out occasionally, but hate to eat alone. We have started a group called the Lunch Bunch that meets once a month for lunch. The next lunch is scheduled for Wednesday, August 15 at the Rusty Fox at noon.
If you are interested please contact Doris Scharnitzke or Peggy Wilk . Please watch the Sunday bulletin or call church office for more information.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Posted August 4, 2007

Blessing of the Backpacks will be held at both services on Sunday August 19. All school children are encouraged to bring their backpacks for a blessing to start the new school year.

Rally Day Announced

Posted August 4, 2007

Our annual Rally Day, which marks the beginning of our church school year has been scheduled for Sunday, September 9. The celebration will be held between services starting at 9:00. Refreshments will be served and children will meet their new teachers.

Choir Practice Begins

Posted August 4, 2007

Music Director, Ed Frame, has announced that choir practice will begin again on August 22, and as usual, he is looking for choir volunteers. Anyone is welcome to come and join the choir. The choir sings for us att worship services, special recitals, and sponsors church events including advent and lenten suppers. They also have a "whale of a Christmas party"! Contact Ed, the church office, send an email or contact a choir member if you are interested in joining. All practices begin at 7:00 p.m. each Wednesday at the church.

Karl Krier Passes June 1

Posted June 2, 2007

Karl Krier was born September 1, 1917 in Columbia County, Wisconsin. He died Friday, June 1, 2007 in Groveland, FL. In 1939 he married Ella Kreuger and they had three children: Sandra, Baraboo,WI, Susan Peterson (Lu) Plymouth, MN and James (Joyce) Waunakee, WI. Ella died in 1980. A life altering experience for him was serving in the US Army during World War II. He was part of a special invasion unit with the first troops that landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day, the 6th of June, 1944. He took part in 5 major battles including the Battle of the Bulge. After discharge, Karl served at the Veterans Administration hospital in Tomah, WI for 32 years as a nursing assistant in acute psychiatric service. He loved the out doors and was an accomplished hunter and fisherman. In May, 1982 he married Thyra "Terry" Mollberg and they spent 25 good years together. Besides his first wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers and a sister. He is survived by his wife, his 3 children, and 4 grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Viola (Howard) Onsgaard and Leona Phernetton, both of Madison, WI as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Clermont on Tuesday, June 5, 2007 at 11:00 AM. In place of flowers, memorials may be sent to Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 13600 Caspian Lane, Clermont, FL 34711 or Hospice of Lake and Sumter, 12300 Lake Park Rd., Tavares, FL 32778. Internment will be held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN at a later date.

Memorial Garden Planned

Posted May 20, 2007

A new memorial garden is being planned for the front of the church. It is anticipated that we will be selling memorial bricks and other memorials to help finance the garden. We are looking for volunteers to serve on the garden committee. Please notify the church office if you are interested in helping.

Pastor Continues Weight Loss Challenge

Posted April 11, 2007

The pastor lost 16 pounds during his Lent weight loss challenge. Pledges (per pound) netted over $1,000 to help pay off the new Powerpoint projector. Now he has extended his challenge through Pentecost. You can renew or submit a new pledge . . per pound lost. Proceeds will continue to go to pay off the projector.

Thrivent Fundraiser Events in May

Posted April 6, 2007

Spring Spruce-Up Day: A Thrivent Join Hands Day Event

Saturday, May 5, 2007, we will have a Spruce-Up Day for the Education wing. This is a multigenerational project where everyone can help! The Sunday school rooms need a good cleaning and to have the floors re-waxed. Thrivent will be donating funds to go towards the purchase of new chairs and tables for the classrooms.

Project: PowerPoint Projector:A Thrivent Fundraiser

Sunday, May 6, 2007, there will be a light brunch between services with breakfast hor'de ourves, coffee and juice. We will collect a free will offering to help cover the cost of our newly acquired PowerPoint projector. Thrivent will also be donating funds.

We need a minimum of six Thrivent families involved in each project. Check for sign-up sheets on back tables in church or contact Laurie Freshour - 352-242-1803.

Vacation Bible School -- June 11-15

Posted February 26, 2007

Vacation Bible School - Team Building for VBS: Date & time: June 11- June 15, 2007, 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. We need volunteers in several different areas: set building, publicity, crafts, science, stories, music, games, and behind the scenes. Intergenerational opportunity! Teens can earn volunteer hours, check with your guidance counselor. First Team meeting March 18, following 10:15 service. Contact Laurie Freshour at 352-242-1803 or fllj01@aol.com. Come out and help support this great community outreach program.

Ray Wilk Dies

Posted February 13, 2007

To all our members and friends: We offer our condolences to the family of Ray Wilk, husband of Peggy Wilk and father of Chuck Wilk and Linda Haizlip. Ray died early this morning and his funeral will be on Friday, February 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, February 15 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Becker Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at Bushnell National Memorial. Please keep Peggy and all of the family in your prayers during this time of loss.

Habitat/Thrivent House Build Starts Feb 17

Posted February 6, 2007

On February 17, Thrivent Financial in conjunction with Lutherans throughout Lake County will gather to begin building a new Habitat for Humanity house in Leesburg Florida. Contact the church office if you can participate as we needs volunteers from our congregation to help. More details will be published shortly.

Stories to Tell and Gifts to Share

Posted February 6, 2007

As God's people, we have compelling stories to tell about what God has done for us, with us, and through us, and we have many incredible gifts to share with each other and the world. Stories To Tell & Gifts To Share is a collection of resources designed to guide the members of your congregation toward a deeper understanding of God's story as they tell their own faith stories, and respond to God's blessings by sharing God's gifts with the world.

Our annual stewardship drive with begin on February 11 with a "temple talk" and continue for four weeks. On February 25, pledge cards will be handed out and our annual Pledge Sunday (of monies, time, and talents) will be held on March 4. You will be asked to pledge to the general fund. You will also be encouraged to pledge to the capital fund (debt reduction) if you have not already done so.

Susan Sherman and Ken Felt are co-chairing this year's drive.

Website Wins Gold Award

Posted January 24, 2007

Our website has been awarded a Gold Award for excellence by Global Internet Directories for excellence in website design and presentation.

Comments from the judges included the following: I can see you have put time into the construction of your website, you have thought a lot about your content and the navigation is clean and easy throughout. Good use of code and I especially enjoyed your menus and fast page loading. Your site maintained its integrity and color scheme across a wide variety of browsers and screen sizes opening your site to a wider audience. From a design aspect your site is neatly laid out, easy to read, it offers your visitors detailed information your activities with the Church. Sites like yours truly advance the internet experience.

We are displaying the symbol of the award on our home page.

Volunteer Contacts

Posted January 14, 2007

We have a lot of opportunities to serve by volunteering for help in worship activities such as lectors, acolytes, usher, greeters, nursery, and powerpoint operators. Contact the following people if you are interested in volunteering for these activities:

• Lectors: Ruth Monzillo
• Acolytes: Diane Bursey
• Nursery: Diane Bursey
• Ushers: Susan Sherman
• Greeters: Ruth Monzillo and Heather Faraci
• Powerpoint operators: Larry Holihan

Phone numbers for the above contacts can be located in the Member's Directory (located on the Who We Are page).

Council Member Assignments

Posted January 12, 2007

Council member assignments for 2007 have been announced. They are as follows:

• Carrol Fulmer - President
• Ken Felt -- Vice President & Stewardship
• Troy Evans -- Secretary
• Dave Wallin -- Treasurer
• Susan Sherman -- Finance
• Brian Grussaute -- Social Ministry
• Heather Faraci -- Evangelism
• Ruth Monzillo -- Evangelism
• Gary Janz -- Future Planning
• Karissa Bursey -- Jr. Council
• Diane Bursey -- Christian Education
• Peggy Wilk -- Worship & Music
• Kate Baumann -- Youth

Souper Bowl February 4

Posted January 11, 2007

Once again we ask your help in supporting the Faith Neighborhood Center by reaching out to those who need our help. As you make your football plans and cheer your team on to victory, let's think of those less fortunate by saving up those soup cans and other non-perishable items to be brought to church on February 4th. After worship we can then share some homemade soup. Please bring sandwiches or dessert to share. We will also be taking a free will offering and Thrivent Financial will be supporting this project by giving us supplementary (matching) funds. Let's count our blessings and support this worthwhile project.

Global Mission Festival

Posted January 7, 2007

The Division for Global Mission/ELCA has an exciting winter -- "Global Mission Festival" -- planned for January 26 and 27 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Winter Park. This is a personal invitation to you, as part of a global community, to come. You are encouraged to listen and reflect in the midst of diverse cultural messages heard these days. There will be opportunities to hear international presenters, to be immersed in global music and to take part in a global fiesta (food, music, and displays).

Speakers include Rev. Rafael Malpica, executive director of Global Mission; the Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land; Rev. Ruben Durant from the Division of Outreach/ELCA; missionaries in the USA and others.

The festival will be held on Friday from 3pm to 9pm and Saturday from 9am to 6pm. The cost for the full festival (includes 2 meals but no housing) is $50 and for Saturday only $25. Registration forms and further information are on the bulletin board at the back of the Shepherd of the Hills sanctuary.

Don Scharnitzke Passes

Posted January 2, 2007

We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved member Don Scharnitzke on January 1 after a long illness. Don, a member of our choir, was a long-time and active member of our parish. A memorial service will be held for him on Thursday, January 4 at the church at 11:00 a.m. Fellowship will follow the service. The family asks that donations to Shepherd of the Hills or the Hospice Foundation of Lake and Sumpter be given in lieu of flowers. Internment will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at a later date.