Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church

04/24/2026

Join us Sunday, April 26, as we explore Belonging Beyond Labels using the beloved Dr. Seuss book, The Sneetches.

Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches is a short, rhyming story about prejudice and belonging. On a sunny beach live two kinds of yellow, bird‑like creatures: Star‑Belly Sneetches, who have green stars on their bellies and consider themselves superior, and Plain‑Belly Sneetches, who are excluded from games and gatherings. When a clever salesman named Sylvester McMonkey McBean arrives with a machine that can add or remove stars—for a fee—the Sneetches rush back and forth, paying to change their appearance and status.

After exhausting themselves and their money, they realize that the stars never truly mattered. The story ends with the Sneetches learning that no mark or label can define worth, and that all are equal and deserving of friendship.

This tale, first published in The Sneetches and Other Stories (1961), uses humor and rhythm to teach children—and adults—about the folly of discrimination and the joy of acceptance.

04/19/2026

04/17/2026

Not your average summer job… and honestly, way better.
No office.
No boring routine.
No wondering if what you do matters.
Just:
🔥 Campfires
🌲 Mountain air
💬 Real friendships
✝️ Faith that grows
Come spend your summer doing something that actually matters.
👉 campstory.org

04/14/2026

As requested, the Dr. Seuss books used each week for our "Oh! The Faith We Can Grow!" Sermon Series beginning on Sunday, April 19 is below, along with the corresponding Scripture readings!

04/12/2026

This Sunday, April 12, will be a Sunday full of joy!

Not only is this our final Youth Sunday, with the youth joining us in leading worship and leading all the hymns...

Not only is this Senior Sunday, when we will celebrate our graduating Senior...

It is also Holy Humor Sunday! Wear your Youth Group T-shirts, or your bright colors and fun clothing! Let us fill the sanctuary with joy!!

“Bright Sunday” – the Sunday following Easter – is an ancient tradition, started by the Greeks in the early centuries of Christianity. Continuing the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection, the faithful held parties and picnics and played practical jokes on their pastors. They danced and sang and told jokes. The custom was rooted in the musings of early church theologians (like Augustine, Gregory of Nyssa, and John Chrysostom) that God played a practical joke on the devil by raising Jesus from the dead. “Risus paschalis – the Easter laugh,” the theologians called it. Today, that custom is being revived in American churches of many different denominations with what is referred to as “Holy Humor Worship,” offering opportunity for congregations to join in the frivolity of Christ crucified and risen. (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)

Learn more about the history of Holy Humor

The Joyful Noiseletter is a voice laughing in the wilderness. Our modest aim is to recapture the spirit of joy, humor, unity and healing power of the early Christians.