Shepherd of the Hills names new interim pastor

SPARTA — Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church welcomed a new interim Pastor this summer. Rev. Scott C. Schantzenbach will be serving the congregation following the departure of Rev. Barry Benson in late July. “Shepherd of the Hills is delighted to welcome Rev. Schantzenbach, who has been a friend of the church for many years. He is a dynamic preacher and enthusiastic leader, and we’re greatly looking forward to working with him as we continue to serve faith-seekers in the area and undertake our search for a permanent pastor,” said Patrick Wood, president of the Shepherd of the Hills Church Council. Rev. Schantzenbach has served as assistant to the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America’s New Jersey Synod since 2003. Prior to that, he was a parish pastor for 25 years, serving congregations in Philadelphia, Jersey City and Washington, NJ. Pastor Schantzenbach was ordained in 1978 by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. He is a graduate of Moravian College and has earned a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. “I am dedicated to turning up the joy and enthusiasm in this community of the faithful. It is clear that Shepherd of the Hills wants its light to shine and has already begun to re-imagine how to strengthen both families and community,” said Rev. Schantzenbach. Shepherd of the Hills is located at 246 Woodport Rd. in Sparta. Sunday church times are at 8 a.m. (traditional service) or 10:15 a.m. (family service). Sunday School starts on Sept. 11, at 9:15 for grades 3-8 and 10:15 for pre-K thru grade 2. For directions or more information about church activities, visit http://www.sothnj.org/.