Our New Worship Center Building
Our New Worship Center Building
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Worship Services
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Heart of the Shepherd's VISION  Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church – Howell, Michigan July 14, 2005 Phase I – Mission Headquarters Family Life-Worship-Child Development Center
Heart of the Shepherd’s Vision: As you travel down Burkhart Road just south of the I-96 Exit 133, a large heart attached to a cross catches your eyes and draws your attention to Heart of Shepherd Lutheran Church’s campus. Closer examination reveals that the cross with the heart on it is unique in nature with its vertical beam extended and curved to resemble a shepherd’s staff. This shepherd’s cross with the heart stands directly next to the colorful sign welcoming people to Heart of the Shepherd’s Family Life Center which also serves as its Worship Center as well as housing its quality Child Development Center. The well-positioned signs along the driveway direct you to the main entrance of the Family Life Center. The massive, attractive, outdoor playground equipment located by the south wing of the building complex and the athletic fields serve as a visual display of Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church’s commitment to the total development of families and to the community. As you pull into one of the dozen RESERVED FOR OUR GUESTS parking spots, you can’t help but notice the large arrow that points one in the direction of the groomed Nature Trail that weaves its way throughout the wooded portion of the property, connecting with the paved portion of the trail at the outdoor pavilion that serves as a place for special events and activities Entering the Family Life Center, you are drawn to the Information Station with the church’s motto carved into its front panel with bold burgundy letters – The Shepherd’s Heart of love and compassion Empowers our hearts and lives and church for Christlike action. Directly behind the Information Station is a large sign identifying the entrance to the Family Life-Worship Center, a large gymnasium-styled room used for church and community activities during the week and as the Worship Center on the weekends. To the right is a Ministry Wing where the offices and work areas for the ministry staff are located. To the left is the Child Development Center Wing used for the child care ministry as well as the location for the many meetings and educational and community offerings for all ages throughout the week. A person at the Information Desk welcomes you and asks how he/she may assist you and offers you a Guest Packet of information with a floor plan of the Center, pictures of the ministry leaders and their areas of responsibilities, and descriptions of the various inter-generational church/community programs and activities offered at the Center. You’re invited to read over the Guest Packet’s material in the Center’s mini café and to help yourself to a nutritious drink and healthy snack. It’s very apparent as you page through the information that here is a Bible-based place designed to strengthen the whole family, from infants thru seniors. Besides the weekend worship celebrations offered on different days and times, Tender Loving Care (TLC) cell groups, support groups, and Bible Study opportunities on a variety of topics exist throughout the week at the Center and in homes and restaurants and businesses scattered around the community. The number of wholesome activities for preschool, elementary thru senior high, and young adults reinforces HOTS’ (Heart of the Shepherd’s) commitment to the youth of the community. The many recreational and musical offerings for the church and community…the available service projects and short term mission opportunities offer you and your family, not only a place for fun and fellowship, but also a chance to get involved in doing something of significance – touching the hearts and lives of others. A tour of the facility and the introduction to a number of the young people, parents, and ministry staff, affirm in your heart that Heart of the Shepherd Lutheran Church is a church with a heart for you, your family and the community. Leaving the Family Center, your eyes can’t help but notice the large lettering above the exit doors expressing the mission of Heart of the Shepherd: GO - with passionate, Spirit-given power – AND MAKE DISCIPLES By boldly speaking, living, and loving God’s Word Into the hearts and lives of others. |
