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Sparta, NJ 07871 (973) 729-7010 
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We Are ...
Since accepting the call to lead Shepherd of the Hills in 1994, Pastor Barry has created multiple avenues for spiritual exploration, from small group bible studies to weekly presentations and discussions on biblical and theological topics. His weekly sermons address biblical themes as a means of understanding ourselves and our world. Pastor Barry's first message to newcomers is this: God loves you unconditionally. He invites all members of the community -- regardless of background -- to come, learn, enjoy our Christian fellowship, and find answers for themselves in the spirit of Lutheranism. Pastor Barry's approach is relaxed and informal, and his door is always open. Barry began his religious studies at Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y., where he received his Bachelor of Philosophy in Religion. He received his Masters in Divinity at the Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia. During his time at Seminary, Barry intended to pursue a career in teaching, but after spending a year in an associate pastor role as part of his degree requirements, he realized that pastoral work was his true calling. After spending 4 years at a church in Union, N.J., Barry was called to lead a small urban congregation in Pennsauken, N.J. During Barry's 13 years there, he doubled the church's membership. He and his wife, Sue, an elementary school teacher, developed a vibrant Sunday school, energized adult membership to take on discipleship roles and promoted events that raised the profile of the church in the wider community. Since joining Shepherd of the Hills, Barry has more than doubled Sunday church attendance, and quadrupled the number of church members. He has built a community that meets, learns, celebrates and cares together. The church now has over 200 children ages three to 14 enrolled in Sunday school and Confirmation studies. Barry's philosophy is to get everyone involved in church life. For pre-teens and teens, the active Youth Group provides positive and rewarding fellowship. For adults, three key groups - the Nurture, Outreach and Administrative teams - offer opportunities for rewarding discipleship. Barry and the Church Council have also developed fun seasonal festivities that welcome and attract new members every year, as well as spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to our friends and neighbors. Come join our Sunday services some time. Look for Pastor Barry, and he'll tell you more about our church and our Christian fellowship. Email: Pastor Barry Music Director Ronn Sacchiero
Email: Ronn Sacchiero Council MembersThe Shepherd of the Hills Church Council provides guidance and direction for church programs, activities and services, offering team leaders support and direction for their ministries. Barbara Osborne, President The Nurture, Outreach and Administrative Teams are the nerve center of Shepherd of the Hills. Team Leaders work with their members to organize all church activities, including Sunday school, bible study, youth ministry, social events, choir, support groups and mission work. Teams also manage the church's upkeep, from maintaining church facilities to keeping the kitchen stocked. Being part of a team is a fun way to get involved and grow your faith. Get in touch if you want to learn more. Nurture GroupGinger Kozak, Worship and Music Team Patty Nam, Parish Activities Jim Perara, Property Team Sylvia Perara, Church Secretary Office Hours: 9-4:30 Monday through Friday. Contact church office or music director
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Barry
Benson has spent his life teaching and learning. Like Martin
Luther, Pastor Barry believes that spiritual growth cannot come from
blindly accepting religious doctrine, but rather we should read,
discuss and contemplate the Bible for ourselves to truly receive
God's message and apply it to our lives today.
Shepherd
of The Hills is fortunate to enjoy the talent and
tenacity of a Music Director who expects and gets great things from
himself and his choir. He has used his faith and vision to involve a
greater number of people than ever before. Our music program
has grown to include vocal, instrumental, and audio presentations on a
weekly basis. Music has taken on a pivotal role in our growth as a
worshipping congregation. Ronn first shared his talents with
us on Palm Sunday, 1996, to fill in when the previous music director
was ailing. He enjoyed the work as much as we enjoyed having him with
us, and he was officially installed as music director in
September of 1996. His gifts make him equally adept at performing
traditional worship music, contemporary Christian music and folk/pop
renditions that all can enjoy. His ability to extract the very
best effort from everyone he works with has allowed us as a community
of faith to show just how important our music and our gifts are to
showing God's love.
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