December 6, 2019
SERVICE TIMES THIS SUNDAY
Tapping into Abundant Life

8:00 am Traditional Service
9:30 am Adult Education
10:30 am Celebration Service

ADULT EDUCATION
Sundays, 9:30 am
Education Building
Second to the Resurrection, the birth of Jesus is so important to our faith. When we read the biblical account of Christmas, we find that even as a newborn, Christ was turning the world upside down. Outcasts became honored witnesses of His birth, gentiles recognized Him as King, and an earthly king turned violent out of fear. Join Pastor Jeff on Sundays for Christmas: The Real Story where you will discover new wonder, richness and inspiration in the story of the infant Jesus. Travel back 2000 years to relive the real reason for celebration.
MEN'S BIBLE STUDY
Wednesdays, 7:30 am
Fellowship Ha ll
Join us each Wednesday in the Fellowship Hall at 7:30 am, as we study the scripture for the coming Sunday. Questions, please contact Roger Miller. Bring a friend! December 15 - Matthew 11:2-11
2nd SUNDAY SOCIAL
Sunday, December 15, 4:30 pm
Home of the Tarr's
Due to scheduling conflicts the 2nd Sunday Social will now take place on  Sunday, December 15 at 4:30 pm for the Christmas Open House at the home of Lloyd and Elaine Tarr. Bring a dessert or appetizer to share and enjoy fellowship and sing Christmas Carols. All are welcome, bring a friend.
UPDATED DIRECTORY
We are updating our church directory. Please send us a picture of yourself(s) either by email to Julia@sothaz.com, mail it to PO Box 17444, Fountain Hills, AZ, 85269, or drop it off at the church office.
HELP NEEDED
Sundays
We are looking for volunteers to assist working sound, as needed, and Facebook Live on a rotating basis on Sundays at 8:00 and 10:30 am. Training provided. If you want to learn more please see Pastor Jeff or email Julia@sothaz.com
WOMEN'S FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
Fridays, 9:00 am in the Parlor
The subject Jesus most often talked about was the kingdom of God. The question then is, what is the kingdom of God? You are invited to join the study as we explore the nature of God's reign and how Jesus inaugurates and embodies the kingdom's program of renewal and restoration in His life and ministry. Study books are available in the church office for $7.00, or pick one up at the class on Fridays.
WALKING THE BIBLE LANDS
Thursdays, 9:00 am
We invite anyone who has visited the Holy Land or has wanted to visit, to join us as we view a video series called, “Walking the Bible Lands”.  Dr. Wayne Stiles has produced a fantastic series of videos capturing the biblical sites in Israel, Jordan and Egypt, and incorporating scripture and history in the video narratives. A small group is meeting Thursday mornings at 9:00 am at Lloyd and Elaine Tarrs’ home to enjoy this virtual journey. 

We invite anyone interested in taking an armchair trip to the Holy Land, to join us.  For more information and directions, please contact Elaine Tarr.
ABUNDANT LIFE WEEKEND
"How to Live Well in Order to Finish Well"
Dr. David Stoop, Keynote Speaker
Friday & Saturday, January 24 & 25
9:30 - 4:00 pm
Dr. David Stoop is a psychologist and family counselor, an ordained minister, a husband, father and grandfather. He is a co-host for the nationally syndicated radio and TV program, New Life Live, has authored over 40 books and was the co-editor of the Life Recovery Bible which has sold over 3 million copies. His current passion is helping people live well in order to finish well. More information and registration coming soon. Invite your friends and family.
DID YOU KNOW?
We would like to thank you for your generous donations in support of Pastor Rick and his wife Cheryl as they recover from their house fire. Pastor Jeff presented him a check for $2,650 and more continues to come in. Thank you for sharing God's Abundant Life.
HIS HANDS IN SERVICE
First Friday of each Month, 10:15 am
Education Building, Room 5
HIS Hands In Service (knitting group) meets the first Friday of each month at a new time, 10:15 am, in the Education Building. Please come and knit/crochet prayer shawls, baby blankets, and hats for the homeless, as well as spend time with friends. Any questions, please call Linda Marchi.
BOTTLE BLOWERS NEEDED!
Rehearsals Thursdays, 6:00 pm
Beginning December 5, Sanctuary
Now is the time to take advantage of a special opportunity to join the Lutheran Tabernacle Blowers. We are looking for additional members of this very special group (no auditions required). We will be playing for our annual performance at the Shepherd of the Hills Variety Show to be held on February 8, 2020. Please consider joining this group for a great time of fun and playing in one of SOTH's most unique musical groups. Contact Lloyd Tarr for more information.
PAZ DE CRISTO
2nd Tuesday of each month
The 2nd Tuesday of each month Shepherd of the Hills goes to Paz to cook for and serve the homeless. Carpooling is available.  We leave from the upper parking lot at 3:15 pm. For more information or to carpool, please contact Don Wirth.  
NEW ENTRY SYSTEM
Sanctuary
We are no longer using the swipe card system outside the sanctuary. Instead you will enter using a code. For access contact Julia@sothaz.com.
WOULD YOU LIKE PRAYER?
If you would like to have someone pray with you, our Stephen Ministers are available after the worship service each Sunday.
ANGEL TREE
Sunday, December 8 Gifts Due Back
 Fellowship Hall
WinGS have the Angel tree set up in the Narthex. Please select an angel tag from the tree and purchase a special gift for a child/youth. We are supporting families from our congregation, the Fountain Hills community, and the Battered Women's Shelter. Please help us make Christmas a little brighter for those less fortunate. Gifts are due back Sunday, December 8
ADVENT SERVICES
Wednesdays, Dec. 11, 18, 6:30 pm
Soup Supper 5:30 pm
We invite you and your family to attend our Advent Services. Prior to the service, join us for soup suppers in the Fellowship Hall at 5:30 pm. Please contact the church office if you can contribute a pot of soup.
SR. HIGH YOUTH
Sunday Nights, 6:00-8:00 pm
Youth Room
All 9th-12th grade students are welcome to join us on Sunday's for pizza, music games and Bible study. No charge for this event. Bring your friends!
FOOD DRIVE
EXTENDED HANDS FOOD BANK
Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills supports over 1,000 men, women and children in our town. They are in need of items such as soups, peanut butter, jelly, vegetables, spaghetti, tuna, main dish meals, etc. We need your help...please bring your items on Sunday to the Narthex or during the week to the church office. 
CHRISTMAS CANTATA
Sunday, December 15
8:00 & 10:30 am
This year our Choir is presenting "Let the Whole World Sing" at both of our services. Come and enjoy this beautiful musical an be filled with the Christmas Spirit.
WATER COLLECTION
Waterbottles
We are asking for water donations to provide assistance for those on the street. Please bring your water to the Narthex or church office. Questions, email Julia@sothaz.com
INTERCESSORY PRAYER GROUP
Wednesdays, 1:00 pm
Sanctuary
Pray for our church, specific people's needs, the Fountain Hills community, our country and world.
PRAYER CARDS are available in the pew backs. You may place your prayer requests in the prayer boxes located on the Usher's table, in the Narthex, and outside in the prayer box on the circle drive.
RECYCLING
Bring your newspaper, cardboard, and soft cover books for recycling. Tell your family and friends. The bins are located in the lower parking area off of Fountain Hills Blvd.
LIVE STREAMING - VIDEO FREE ZONE
Shepherd of the Hills is live-streaming the worship service each Sunday on Facebook.

If you want to sit in a “Video Free” area of the Sanctuary, please ask an Usher where they would recommend you sit.

It is a great way for our winter visitors and church family to view and participate in the service.
DAILY DEVOTIONS
We encourage you to continue or start a daily devotional reading plan. Below are two excellent devotional sites. Both offer a variety of ways to study and be inspired. 

Bible Gateway
https://www.biblegateway.com/

YouVersion Bible
https://www.youversion.com/
YOUR GENEROSITY
As we near yearend and you are making your last tax decisions, remember...

Donations Via Online Bill Pay.   No more checks, easy tracking.  Set up Shepherd of the Hills on your banking website under “pay bills” to send one-time or recurring payments directly from your bank account. The bank will issue and mail a check to SOTH. 
 
Save on Your Income Tax
Even if you can no longer have itemized deductions for your income tax return, you can still give to the church and save on your taxes by having your IRA required minimum distributions (RMD) donated directly to Shepherd of the Hills. The RMD distribution will not be included in your taxable income. Please contact your accountant or tax advisor for more details.
 
Give via Debit/Credit Card
Go to our website ( "click here") and then click on "Give" at the top. Follow the instructions to sign up for one-time or recurring donations.

Stock Donations . Please contact Julia Becklund in the church office for specifics on transferring stock. Please note that all stock that is transferred to SOTH is immediately sold. 
 
Estate Giving .  Another way in which you can remember Shepherd of the Hills is through your trust, will, IRA, life insurance, etc.  See your attorney, tax advisor or estate planner to make this donation. For more information, email julia@sothaz.com.  
QUILTERS
Tuesdays, 9:00 am
Fellowship Hall
The quilters meet in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays and invite you to join us. The quilts that are sewn support many ministries. The ability to sew is not a requirement. For questions, contact Sharon Johnson.
CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

This year our Christmas Eve services will all be with candlelight and communion.
4:00 pm - Family Christmas Favorites
6:00 pm - Praise Team & Band
8:00 pm - Choir & Bells

Christmas Day - 10:00 am
Communion with singing the great Christmas Carols
Followed by a Potluck Lunch. Turkey, ham, potatoes and gravy will be provded - just bring a dish to share. RSVP after services at the Welcome Cart on the patio or contact Donna Hawkinson.