Electronic Newsletter Debuts

Posted December 11, 2006

Members and other interested parties may now sign up for our new electronic newsletter. This newsletter is sent via email about every 1-2 weeks. The newsletter highlights new items on the website, as well as reminding members about events happening at the church. This is a very convenient and painless way to keep up to date on what's going on in the church. If you are not receiving the newsletter you can Click HERE to subscribe to the newsletter. You do not have to be a member to receive this publication.

Cookbook Arrives and is for Sale

Posted December 10, 2006

Aimee Markussen, our cookbook editor, announced that our new cookbook has arrived and is for sale on Sundays before and after church services. The cookbook, in preparation for over a year, contains over 300 recipes submitted by church members and is for sale for $8.00. Click HERE to learn more about our cookbook.

Annual Meeting Approves Budget and New Council Members

Posted November 19, 2006

The annual meeting of the congregation was held today with the approval of a slightly increased budget and the election of new council members. Carol Fulmer, Susan Sherman, and Diane Bursey were elected to new terms and Michael Mohr and Ruth Monzillo were newly elected to the council. More details about the meeting can be found in the Member's Blog on the church website.

Thanksgiving Worship Nov 22

Posted November 7, 2006

Pastor Jon has announced that our annual Thanksgiving worship will be held on Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 p.m. Worship will include a litany of thanksgiving, special music, Holy Communion, prayer and a sermon. As a sign of Thanksgiving, please bring a can of food to share with the neighborhood Center so we can include the less fortunate in our celebration. Following worhip, please stay as we gather to share coffee, tea, spiced cider, and a dessert bar. Please bring a dessert to share.

Red Shirts Arrive in Time For Reformation Sunday

Posted October 24, 2006

New supplies of our church shirt have arrived -- and they are in red. They will be sold for the first time at Oktoberfest and on Reformation Sunday.

Quilt Circle Fundraiser Dec 3

Posted October 19, 2006

Get an early start on your Christmas gifts. The Quilt Circle will have some of the quilts they have worked on all year available for your shopping pleasure on Sunday, December 3 from 8:00 a.m. to noon. There will be a limited number of quilts available, as most of the quilts will still be donated to Lutheran World Relief. Only enough quilts will be offered to raise the needed funds to cover 2007 quilt making efforts.

For a minimum gift of $50, you may choose your favorite handcrafted gift of warmth and love from this large selection of quilts. Tops are pieced from squares or strips and are hand-tied. Quilts are a minimum of 60" by 80" and are a good size for a twin bed or couch throw.

Lutheran World Relief began distributing quilts over 50 years ago after World War II and distributed globally almost 500,000 quilts in 2005. In 2005, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church's Quilting Circle made over 80 quilts. 50 quilts were taken to Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina and the other 30 were donated to Lutheran World Relief. In 2004, 53 quilts were made, blessed, and given to Lutheran World Relief for worldwide distribution. Every year the number of quilts Shepherd of the Hills donates to LWR increases. For 2006, the Circle expects to top the 100 quilt mark.

Funds raised from your gifts will only be used to purchase supplies to continue the Quilting Circle outreach ministry to those who need the warmth of quilts. Your generous donations of material, sheets, blankets, batting, thread, crochet thread, embroidery floss help keep this outreach ministry going. The Virginia Circle donates what they can to buy batting. Thrivent Funds for 2006 have been used up.

Quilt batting is the supply that must be purchased more than 90% of the time. It is expensive. Being good Lutheran Ladies, they only buy the batting when it is on sale PLUS they request the 10% discount for church charitable activities. Even with these discounts, it still costs around 70 dollars for a roll of quilt batting that will make 17 quilts.

So in the spirit of Christmas, donate $50 or more and receive a quilt for a thank you gift and KNOW That you helped support this outreach ministry to those in need of warmth Simplified your Christmas shopping Will have a unique, hand crafted quilt to give warmth & your love to another. Quilts will be blessed by Pastor Jon. Thank you for your generous support of the Quilting Circle and this Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church outreach ministry.

Bible Study Classes Resume

Posted October 17, 2006

Bible Study classes will resume during theweek of October 22. Pastor Terry Krier will again teach the evening Bible Study of the New Testament. First class is Tuesday October 24 at 7:00 p.m. This class will meet each tuesday.

Morning Bible Study will begin on Wednesday October 25 at 10:00 a.m. and continue each Wednesday morning.

OKtoberfest Details Released

Posted October 1, 2006

The Oktoberfest committee has released some details of the events which will occur at our Oktoberfest Celebration on October 28: Festivities will begin at 3:00 p.m. with kids games and activities. The covered dish dinner will be served from 5:30 to about 6:45 p.m. Brat, drinks, etc. will be provided. Bring a covered dsih to share (German theme is always appropriate). The "Taste Off" contest will judge and award prizes for the best dish in the categories of appetizers, soups and salads; main dishes; vegetables and salads; and desserts. A "Fun House" will be provided for the little ones by the older youth groups. Costume judging will be held for both kids ad adults. Raffles for a selection of prizes will be offered. Raffle tickets will be offered at $1.00 each. "Trunk or Treat" will occur before dinner for the kids in the parking lot. Adult fun and games after dinner. Lots more . . . Be sure to come and bring your friends (No charge --free will offering to help cover costs.)

Reformation Brings Special Services

Posted September 28, 2006

As usual, the last Sunday in October (October 29) will commemorate the Reformation and has been designated as Reformation Sunday. All attending services are invited to wear red -- a sign of the season. On October 29 we will be dedicating our new choir robes, as well as receiving new members.

November 5 has been designated as All Saints Sunday. At our Sunday services we will be remembering with love and thanksgiving our loved ones with carnations. To order a carnation for a loved one, fill out a form provided at Sunday services -- carnations are $2.00 each. The names of loved ones and donors will appear in the bulletin on All Saints Sunday.

Ladies Evening Circle

Posted September 26, 2006

There has been a change in dates for the Ladies Evening Circle for October: We will be meeting on Thursday, October 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the church to set up for Oktoberfest -- instead of Tuesday, Oct 24th. We can use some strong arms to help set up tables and chairs

We are going to see the musical "Menopause" on Sunday November 5 at 3:00 p.m. We will be leaving church after the second service to have lunch and then go to the theater. This outing is open to all women and friends of the church. Please come join us for some fellowship and fun. Tickets are $36.00 and all monies must be turned in to Diane Bursey by Sunday October 8. Call Diane at 352-243-0083 for more information.

Congregational Meeting

Posted September 18, 2006

The church council has scheduled the annual congregational meeting for Sunday, November 19 following the 10:15 morning worship. Business will include election of council members, presentation of the 2007 operating budget and reports of the standing committees. All confirmed members are encouraged to attend.

Rummage Sale November 18

Posted September 4, 2006

The women's groups have announced they will be holding a rummage sale on November 18 beginning at 8:00 a.m. at the church. Start saving those items to donate now. However, we won't be able to accept them until a few days before the sale (due to space constraints at the church).

Confirmation Classes To Begin

Posted September 4, 2006

Pastor Jon has announced that Confirmation Classes will begin on September 17 at 3:00 p.m. Normally, these classes will meet the first and third Sundays of each month. Please contact the church office if you have someone interested in joining this class.

Youth Programs Begin Again After Summer Vacation

Posted September 1, 2006

Laurie Freshour, Director of Family Ministries, has announced that several programs will begin again September 10 after recessing for the summer. Alleluia Singers (youth choir) will practice each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. Alleluia Ringers (chimes choir) will practice on Sundays at 11:30 a.m. D.O.G.S. and I.C.E., two youth groups will meet the first and third Sundays of each month at 4:30 p.m. King's Kids will meet on some Sundays at 3:30 p.m. Watch for dates. Children's Chapel will be held on the first and third Sundays of each month in conjunction with the 10:15 a.m. worship.

Church Council Fills Vacancy

Posted September 1, 2006

The church council has appointed Gary Janz to fill an open vacancy on the church council. Gary is a member of our congregation and is affiliated with Thrivent Financial

Local Schools Receive Donations

Posted August 13, 2006

As usual, congregational members have been generous in their giving. Pastor Jon took car loads of school supplies to Clermont Elementary and Groveland Elementary schools as a result of our "Christmas in July" celebration (see photo below). These supplies were collected during the month of July and dedicated during our Blessing of the Backpacks celebration last week. The supplies will be used by students who are unable to financially afford to purchase the materials they need for school. Donations of food and other materials are continuing in August -- donations will be given to the Neighborhood Center for distribution.

New Church Logo Being Considered

Posted August 12, 2006

We've been asking for volunteers to design a new church logo for us and one of our talented members, Mr. Aziz, has given us the following designs to consider. Watch for more information as we select our "official" logo.

Confirmation Enrollment

Posted August 1, 2006

Have a 7th or 8th grade student? If so, it's time to register for confirmation. The class is a two year program that runs through the academic year. Confirmation studies educate students in the Christian traditions and prepares them for adult membership in the Church. The classes are also open for older students who have not yet been confirmed. To register, please call Barbara in the church office (352-394-3382) or CLICK HERE to request a packet. The start day for confirmation classes wil be shortly after Rally Day and will be announced shortly.

Wanted: Oktoberfest Planning Team

Posted August 1, 2006

We are assembling the Oktoberfest Committee and need volunteers. We'd like to have at least one representative from each of the fellowship groups as part of the team. Contact Diane Bursey or Laurie Freshour if you are interested or need more info. Or contact them via this link: I'm Interested! The committe's first meeting is set for August 20 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

Quarterly Planning Meeting

Posted August 1, 2006

The Quarterly Planning Meeting will be held on August 13 after the 10:15 worship. All church groups need to have a representative. The agenda will include Rally Day coordination, Oktoberfest planning, and Christmas season events. Anyone with an interest in planning and coordinating church activities is welcome.

Choir Practice Begins August 23

Posted August 1, 2006

Music Director, Ed Frame, has announced that choir practice will begin again on August 23, 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.

Wanted: Oktoberfest Planning Team

Posted July 30, 2006

The Oktoberfest is our biggest fellowship activity for the year and this year promises to be the biggest ever. We need volunteers for the Oktoberfest Planning Team. We need at least one person from each fellowship group and any others interested in working on the committee. Please contact Diane Bursey or Laurie Freshour if you are interested in serving.

Christmas in August

Posted July 27, 2006

Due to overwhelming response, our Christmas in July celebration has been extended into the month of August.

Sunday School Teachers Announced

Posted July 23, 2006

Laurie Freshour, Director of Family and Youth Ministries, has announced the Sunday School teachers for the new year: Sunday School Superintendent: Diane Bursey Pre-k Christine Grussaute Grades 1-2: Kadie Senesi and Heather Feraci Grades 3-5: Michelle Candage Grades 6-8: Rick and Suzie Engelking High School: Aimee Markussen and Debbie Kieley Rally Day will be held this year on Sunday, August 27 with an open house of the newly decorated education wing. A teacher open house will also be held. Light refreshments will be served. The first day of Sunday School will be held on Sunday, September 3.

PASTOR JON ON VACATION

Posted July 5, 2006

Pastor Jon will be gone from July 20th through August 1st. Pastor Terry Krier [retired] will cover for emergencies and lead regular Sunday worship services at 8 am and 10:15 am Thank you Pastor Terry. In case of an emergency, Pastor Terry can be reached at 352-429-9190 or 407-484-9151. Pastor’s Breakfast on July 18th, 25th, and August 1st is cancelled. Wednesday night worship services on July 19th and 26th are also cancelled.

Craft Circle Joins Community Outreach

Posted July 2, 2006

The Craft Circle [meets 4th Tuesday of month at 10 am] began a new community outreach effort to medically ill children 2 months ago. They began crafting “ME Dolls”. Florida Children’s Hospital gives hospitalized children a “ME Doll” upon admission. These are special dolls that have no face. The children can they draw their own face upon the doll. Some children prefer to leave the face blank, so they can imagine their doll’s face with different expressions. The doll is also unique because it has detachable hair. Hair is attached with Velcro; some children lose their hair due to medical treatments. Each doll wears a children themed fabric hospital gown and has a very special heart appliquéd on it’s chest. Florida Children’s Hospital was paying $15 for each doll. In just 2 months, over 20 dolls have been crafted. These dolls will be donated this summer. Supplies have been available from scraps and pieces leftover from other projects. The only supply needed at the present time is sew-on Velcro. Donations may be left at the church [please label ‘Craft Circle’] or contact Merideth Felt 352-394-6858.

First Communion Celebrated

Posted July 2, 2006

Ten children celebrated their first Sacrament of Holy Communion with their parents on June 25th. The children are: Marc R. Faraci, Danielle McDuffie, Nicolas McDuffie, Logan Noack, Mark Allan Grussette, Annette Victoria Senesi, Monica Lee Johnson, Jenna Ashley Frich, Nico S. Gallo, and Nolan Cox. The choir came together for a special offering of music “Every Breath Will Be a Prayer”. Ken Bursey, baked unleavened bread to use for Communion. A very special family tradition also continued. Danielle McDuffie wore an elaborate First Communion Dress and veil that her grandmother and mother also wore on their First Communion.

Pastor Ken Stoyer Celebrates 45 Years of Ordination

Posted June 27, 2006

We celebrate with Pastor Ken Stoyer as he celebrates 45 years of Word and Sacrament Ministries. Pastor Ken was ordained in June of 1961. He accepted his first call in July 1, 1961 to St. Paul Lutheran Church, Vandergrift, Pa. He subsequently served at St. John Lutheran Church, New Castle, Pa; Resurrection Lutheran Church, Franklin Park, Il; St. Peter Lutheran Church in Forest Park, Il; and his last call at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bloomingdale, Il. He retired in June of 2000. June 2006 is his 45th anniversary of ordination. Pastor Stoyer is a member of Shepherd of the Hills.

Karissa Bursey Receives 2006 Tunila Confirmation Award

Posted June 27, 2006

Karissa Bursey, one of our 2006 confirmands has won the 2006 Tunila Confirmation Award. This monetary award is given for the best confirmation essay which explores the confirmand's faith.
This award was established at Shepherd of the Hills in 2002 by the Tunila family in memory of their daughter Geraldine Constance Tunila who died at the age of 11 with Cystic Fibrosis.

Confirmation 2006

Posted June 27, 2006

Richard Freshour and Karissa Bursey received the Rite of Confirmation at our June 18 service.

Backpacks for the Needy

Posted June 23, 2006

The Education Foundation of Lake County will be the recipient of $500 from Thrivent Financial given in the name of Shepherd of the Hills for school supplies and backpacks -- if we give volunteer hours to put backpacks together. The largest group that has been involved so far has been St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Leesburg. In two days and 224 hours of donated time, they put together 3,200 backpacks with school supplies. Help is needed THURSDAY, JULY 27 at the Minneola City Hall on Route 27 between 4 pm and 6 pm. We will need at least six Thrivent members. Other volunteers from the congregation are welcome. Many hands make for light work! We are working on this project in conjunction with St Phillips, Faith, and St. Mark's Luteran churches. The backpacks will be given to low-income families with children in elementary school. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please call Carol Rosum at 407-469-2742. We really need your help. This is also a great opportunity for teens to serve their community.

New Choir Robes Purchased

Posted June 19, 2006

New choir robes have been purchased and will debut on the choir when it resumes singing in late summer.

Pastor's Blog Coming to Website

Posted June 14, 2996

Watch for an exciting new feature: the Pastor's blog coming soon to this website. The pastor will communicate with us on many topics and we can respond, ask questions, and communicate with each other. Also recently added to the website: A new feature called "Meditations" -- accessible from several pages including the home page -- will feature "Conversations With God", "Thoughts for the Week", "Sermon Meditations" and "Nurturing Faith Through Life Transitions". The children's page has a link to Davey and Goliath talking about natural disasters and a link to a children's disaster response page.

Confirmation June 18

Posted June 12, 06

Pastor Jon has announced that Confirmation Sunday will occur on June 18 at 10:15 a.m. Richard Freshour and Karissa Bursey will enjoy the Rite of Confirmation

Pastor Terry Krier to Bless the Harvest

Posted June 5, 06

Pastor Terry Krier, one of our parishoners, will be "Blessing the Harvest" at the Lakeridge Winery on June 16, 17, and 18, each day at 1:30 p.m.

New Members Received

Posted 6/1/06

On May 21, we received 17 new members at our 10:15 service and honored them after the service with introductions, coffee and cake. Please welcome the following: Mike and Gwen Pertell, James and Phyllis Barrett, Arief and Kimberly Azis and Braden, Graham and Deb Kolterjohn and Owen and Lilly, Art and Diane Rode, Bradley and Carolyn Bauer and August and Evelyn.

Website Server Down

Posted 6/1/06

Our website has been down almost a week due to a server malfunction. We have migrated to a new server at 1and1.com. It is one of the largest and most reliable servers, and we hope we will not experience downtime again. We apologize for the problem, which was beyond our control.

New Website Features

Posted 5/23/06

New website features added: Added ELCA Mosaic Television and Grace Matters radio links; Enabled downloads of Conversations with God and Thoughts for the Week in Adobe Reader; Added Talking Books Ministry to Community tab; and Added Youth Activities picture album for car wash and egg hunt.

Condolences

Posted 5/15/06

Our sincere condolences to Harriet Loesch and family on the death of Harold Loesch who passed on Monday, May 15. Please keep the family in your prayers.

New Website Features Debut

Posted 5/11/06

Several new features on our website have been added today: 10 coloring book pages on the children's page and Weekly meditations reflecting the homily topic of the week. An audio player playing VBS songs on the VBS (Gospel Express) page We hope these new features will be of use to you.

New Member Sunday May 21

Posted 5/7/06

Pastor Jon has announced our next New Member Sunday will be on May 21. We will be receiving members at both services with a coffee and cake reception to follow the 10:15 service. Anyone wishing to become a new member or to transfer membership from another congregation should contact the church office.

Choir to Take "Summer Vacation"

Posted 5/7/06

Music Director Ed Frame has announced that the choir will recess for the summer after the May 14 services. Ed will be on vacation from May 15 to June 10. Choir practice will resume in late August or early September. Watch for details. Special music may be available at some services during the summer.

Pastor Krier Celebrates 25 Years

Posted 4/15/06

Pastor Terry Krier, one of our parishoners, celebrates her 25th anniversary of ordination as an E.L.C.A. pastor on April 26. She was ordained in Sioux Falls, S.D. and has served the church for 20 years before ordination. She has one of the longest service records for women in the E.L.C.A. and has retired from active ministry.

Virginia Group Helps Youth

Posted 4/12/06

The Youth groups express their sincere thanks to the Virginia Circle for the purchase of a new volleyball system and tetherball for the youth.

Vacation Bible School Dates Announced

Posted March 30, 2006

Laurie Freshour, Family and Youth Minister, has announced the dates for Vacation Bible School this year. It will be held from June 12-16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. More information will be released shortly. Contact Laurie Freshour or Diane Bursey for more info.

Pastor Art Krause Dies

Posted March 28, 2006

We have been notified that Pastor Art Krause, visitation pastor at Shepherd of the Hills in the mid and late 1990's has passed. We will post more information as we get it. We remember Art as a gentle and gracious man and a dedicated servant of Jesus Christ.

Carroll Fulmer Assumes Church Presidency

Posted: March 26, 2006

Rick Engelking has resigned as Church Council President due to the international travel requirements of his job. Thank you Rick for serving as President since 2003, seeing our church through the many changes associated with church life in a new building. Thank you to Carroll Fulmer, former Vice-President, for stepping up to become our new Church President. A Co-Director & Leader of the last 2 Capital Fund Drives, Carroll has blessed Shepherd of the Hills with his multiple, varied God-given talents & skills for many years. Welcome Carroll. We look forward to your leadership.

Susan Sherman New Financial Secretary

Posted: March 26, 3006

Paul Bachmann, financial secretary for seven years, has resigned due to a move. Welcome and thank you to Susan Sherman for agreeing to be our new Financial Secretary. Susan has taught classes in decision-making and budgeting with a strong interest in begin accountable and fiscally responsible. Susan Sherman & Roger Loos have been married for 8 years and moved to Clermont 2 years ago. Susan helped run the recent stewardship drive and put together the Gifts of the Spirit talent & Skills Sheet.

New Council Appointments

Posted: March 26, 2006

Wanda Koslap, Brian Grussaute, and Ken Felt have been appointed to fill vacant position on the church council.

Laurie Freshour New Youth and Family Minister

Posted: March 26, 2006

In November 2005, at the church congregational meeting, the church voted to create a new part-time paid position to increase youth and family activities. During the “We Say Yes” pledge drive, the church asked you to prayfully pledge & fund this new position. At the March 2006 Church Council meeting, the Council voted to hire Laurie Freshour for this new position effective 1 April. Laurie has over 10 years experience with youth, to include in-home day care for multiple children. Extensive church leadership & volunteer activities include music, Christian education, children’s programs, and Ladies of the Evening Circle activities. When asked what she wanted to accomplish in this new position, Laurie replied “I want to build a closer church family through programs & activities.” She stated that teamwork is essential. Upcoming activities include Easter holiday events, Vacation Bible School in June, and a Thrivent Join Hands project on May 6. Please contact the church office 352-394-3382 or Laurie Freshour 352-242-1803 for additional information or to find out how you can help build youth & family activities & programs at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.