Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church

UPCOMING CLASSES (a complete list of classes can be downloaded at the bottom of this page)

Flunking Sainthood
September 19, 26 and October 3 – 6:15-7:15 pm
Led by Pastor Scott Searl
Ever felt like your faith life could use a little recharge? Ever felt like you’d like to be more spiritual, but weren’t sure you were up for it? Ever found traditional Christian faith practices boring, confusing or impossible… then this is for you! The author of the book “Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor,” Jana Riess is a fellow Princeton graduate. We will take three weeks and follow her along her quite comical journey through her attempted traditional Christian spiritual practices. Each week we will cover four short chapters participants will choose a spiritual practice to try and put into practice in their daily life. If you’ve always wanted to find new ways to practice daily faith, this is a lighthearted, yet quite honest and practical course that will give you some ideas, inspiration and many out-loud chuckles.

Introduction to Mormonism - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
October 10, 17 and 24 – 6:15-7:15 pm
Led by Pastor Scott Searl
A brief three-week tour through the basics of the Mormon faith. A look at the history, beliefs and practices of the more than 6.3 million Mormons who currently live in the U.S. We will also spend some time discussing what, if any impact the Mormon faith has had upon Mitt Romney, our presumptive Republican presidential candidate. Students are encouraged to purchase and read “The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated and Explained” by Jana Riess and Phyllis Tickle. 

"Lessons from Lars - Listening for God's Voice of Compassion"
October 10, 17 and 24 – 6:15-7:15 pm
Led by Wade Wacholz
The Hollywood film "Lars and the Real Girl" is a quirky, fun exploration into what it can mean to hear God's voice in situations that are difficult or uncomfortable.  When a young man develops an odd delusion how will his family, his community and his congregation respond?
What can happen when the challenges of mental illness or other difficulties "visit" a community? We'll watch scenes from the film (feel free to rent and watch it before the course) and discuss how a caring family and community listens for God's voice and learns the miracle of compassion.

The Psalms
September 19, 26 and October 3 – 6:15-7:15 pm
Led by Kaye Wothe
Luther called the Psalms the "little Bible." Discover the human stories imbedded in the Psalms, learn to lament, hear the stories behind the praise, follow David's vivid life, and find your solace in the Psalms.

Three Short Books: Parables of Grace
November 7, 14 and 21 – 6:15-7:15 pm
Led by Pastor Hub Nelson, Senior Pastor Emeritus
“I heard the Owl call my name” – Craven
“Bright Valley of Love” – Hong
“The Prodigal God” - Keller

Introduction to the Gospel of Luke
November 28, December 5, 12 – 6:15-7:15 pm
Led by Pastor Scott Searl
“Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus.” Luke 1:3. We are again using the “Narrative Lectionary” as the basis for our Sunday morning worship and preaching. Beginning at Christmas with the birth of Jesus we will work our way through the Gospel of Luke. This course will provide a three-week overview of the major themes, stories, theology and impact of the Gospel of Luke. In addition to history, background, author and dating, special attention will be given to reading and interpreting the Gospel as story.