Weekly Services

Weekend Worship Series: House of Hope

One of the best predictors of individual and community success is homeownership. People who own their own homes are financially more stable and less likely to face a variety of social ills.

Even more – communities where residents own the homes in which they live are more stable and less vulnerable to a variety of crimes. This is one of the more hidden realities in our culture – a house brings hope.

Over the next few months, Sheridan will work together to build a Habitat for Humanity home on the northeast corner of the parking lot. This is an amazing undertaking! As a “Lutheran build” we will be working in conjunction with ELCA congregations throughout Lancaster County. Over the years, Sheridan has experienced the incredible benefits a family receives when they come to own a Habitat home. The hope that this ministry brings is immeasurable and literally changes the lives of everyone involved.

In the Bible, the people of Israel, throughout their history, experienced both the best and the worst of “homeownership.” They were transformed from a wandering, ragtag people, to becoming the greatest nation in the history of the world. Much of their success rested on having a home for God. That home, the Jerusalem Temple, was thought to be the very place God rested. This led to many good things. It also brought with it a selfishness in the faith that Jesus came to change.

During the months of April and May you will watch with amazement the great work of the Habitat house rising in our midst. It will be the center of prayer, sacrifice, service and joy! In worship during those months, we will explore Israel’s walk with our God and how God now calls each of us to live out our faith beyond church and focus our faith in our homes. When we build our home-life on our faith, and bring worship to our daily routine, it is then that each of us will build a “house of hope.”

Weekend Worship Themes and Scriptures

April 6-7 “The Promise of a People” – Genesis 15:1-6  God makes a covenant with Abraham and Sarah that they will have a family.  God has always been committed to families, for it is through family that God has been revealed.  Being a house of hope begins with bringing God into our family life.

April 13-14 “Sacrifice” – Genesis 22:1-14.  Abraham is commanded to sacrifice Isaac on the altar.  This story is beyond what we can comprehend in our culture.  Yet, we hear in God’s word that nothing good comes without a commitment to sacrifice the very things we hold dear.

April 20-21  “Homelessness” – Exodus 16:4-7, 31,35.  After the people escaped from captivity they wandered in the wilderness for forty years.  In this time they were kept safe but not blessed.  Cycles of poverty are real and they can teach about faithfulness.

April 27-28 “A Place Called Home” – Deuteronomy 34:1-11.  Moses leads the people to the Promised Land.  Having a place we call home – a homestead – creates the foundation for much that is good.  For those without that experience, what do they have to hold on to?

May 4-5 “A Great Nation” – 1 Chronicles 16:7-20, 34.  King David grew Israel to into a mighty nation.  In the midst of their great success, worship and giving thanks flowed freely from the hearts of God’s people. 

May 11-12  “Making a Home” – 1 Chronicles 17:1-5, 32-27.  David takes on the task of making God a home.  The task of making a home is a sacred one.  Today we honor our mothers for making our house a home.

May 18-19  “The Evil Empire” – Luke 19:41-48.  Jesus predicts the eventual destruction of the Temple and seeks to rid it of abuse.  Sometimes we can make our home, and even our church home, places of pride and ambition.  Jesus calls us to remain faithful.

May 25-26  “The Home Altar” – Acts 2:43-47.  The beginning of Christianity had people worshipping solely in their homes.  Is your place a place of worship?  How can you bring your faith to your daily life?

Join us for worship...

Saturday 5:30 PM

Take some time to center in God’s promises after your day of Saturday activities at this contemporary style worship service. Worshippers are led by piano and song leaders using a contemporary music style. This relaxed and intimate setting of worship offers relevant preaching that addresses the question of what it means to live a life as a Christian today. Each week, this service offers the Lord’s supper, time for quiet prayer and the opportunity to be the community of God’s people. This service is a great alternative to Sunday morning worship. All people of all ages and all faith traditions are welcome!

Sunday 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 AM

The pinnacle of Sheridan’s ministry is worshipping our loving God! Over a thousand people will come through Sheridan’s doors on Sunday morning to hear yet again of Jesus’ love in their lives. We invite you to join in and experience this love of Jesus in a very real and authentic way at Sheridan. People often comment on Sheridan’s warm and inviting atmosphere, beautiful music, meaningful dramas, and sermons that connect with everyday lives. These worship services are contemporary in music style and are led by excellent singers, piano, guitar players and drums. The Lord’s Supper is served twice a month. All people of all ages and all faith traditions are welcome!

Special Services

During the year, there are special times in the church where we celebrate the awesome gifts of God. At these times, we gather for special worship opportunities. Some of these special services are Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunrise and Confirmation. Each of these times highlight key moments in the life of Jesus and the impact these moments have on our faith community. These historical events come alive in a contemporary way as the greatest story ever told is retold again. These services are listed in the bulletin and on our website and give specific times and dates. As with all worship at Sheridan – all are welcome!

TV Ministry

Television Production is our newest addition to our ministries. Each week our Sunday morning worship at 9:45 is video recorded and edited down to 30 minutes for broadcast on Cablevision channel 13. There are 3 different times during the week to view our Sunday service just in case you could not worship with us in person. They include every Thursday night at 7:30, Friday afternoon at 12:30 and Sunday morning at 11:30 on Channel 13.

If you want to get involved with the worship hospitality ministry of Sheridan, contact Brenda Carpenter at b.carpenter@sheridanlutheran.org

If you want to get involved with the worship arts ministry at Sheridan, contact Bryan Tepe at b.tepe@sheridanlutheran.org

If you want to get involved with the Wednesday at the Well ministry, contact Pastor Jeremy Freye at j.freye@sheridanlutheran.org