The Shepherd's Voice
What's Happening Today
The prophet Isaiah encouraged his people by assuring them that God would bring about justice to His enemies. “Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you” (Isaiah 35:4). The heart of Isaiah’s promise is that through His justice, God will save us. God alone knows what is appropriate for each situation and what each person truly deserves. And ultimately, Christ’s coming will make all things right again.
Today’s Readings
O.T. Isaiah 35:1–10 (The desert shall rejoice and blossom.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/isaiah/35/1-10?_ga=2.89445656.247680092.1670251619-257035986.1643645019
N. T. James 5:7–11 (An encouragement for Christians to wait for the Lord with patience) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/james/5/7-11?_ga=2.92797470.247680092.1670251619-257035986.1643645019
Gospel Matthew 11:2–15 (Jesus speaks about John the Baptist.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/matthew/11/2-15?_ga=2.92797470.247680092.1670251619-257035986.1643645019
Reader: Jamie Hawthorne
Today’s Altar Flowers are Given to the Glory of God
By the Zeidler family in remembrance of Pop.
December Mission of the Month
Upon recent routine inspection of Good Shepherd, it was found that we have many doors and signs around our church that need to be added and upgraded to meet the current fire code. This will unfortunately cost tens of thousands of dollars for our already struggling financial situation but is necessary for the safety and longevity of Good Shepherd. Therefore, this month’s Mission of the Month will contribute to upgrading the building to meet fire safety regulations.
Seasonal Insight
Our chancel is vested with blue paraments to indicate the hope within us as we await the arrival of God’s Son to save us.
Winter Devotions
The winter editions of Portals of Prayer and Hope-full Living are available on the table in the foyer/Narthex. Please take one for yourself and a friend.
Poinsettias
It is that time again! Once again, we will be placing poinsettias around our altar area. The cost per plant remains $9, cash only. Please see an Altar Guild member in the narthex/foyer to place your order. Your plant(s) may be taken home after Christmas morning Service. Only 6 plants are available!
Free Stuff Table
Please browse and help yourself. Take something for your family or friends.
What's Happening Soon
Advent Services
We will be having a mid-week Advent Service on Wednesday, December 14, at 11 am. We are looking at the three legs of the stool of spiritual growth. Please join us!
Holiday Services
Sunday, December 18 9:00 am Worship in the Woods will be indoors (we will attempt to sing)
10:00 am Scripture, Song, and Sacrament (a Service of Advent and Christmas Readings and Carols)
Saturday, December 24 4:00 pm Christmas Eve Family Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 25 9:00 am NO Worship in the Woods
10:00 am Traditional Christmas Day Service with Communion
Sunday, January 1, 2023 9:00 am NO Worship in the Woods
10:00 am Traditional New Year's Day Service with Communion
Please join us and invite or bring someone with you!
2023 Offerings:
As we prepare to close out the year and start a new calendar year, I wanted to share some details about the different ways you can give your offerings.
You have several options available to you at Good Shepherd!
1. Offering Box Set: This is an annual box set that is provided to you, with an assigned number and a variety of different envelopes for different offerings throughout the year.
2. Online Offering: This is available directly through our website for a one time or a recurring debit. This is a great way to "set it and forget it"! Check it out at https://gsppnj.org/
3. Mail in Offering: For members who are not local throughout the year or unable to attend church, you can send in your offering via Mail. You do not need a box set for this but if you prefer to have a box set, please contact our Financial Secretary, Dani Sloan @ 732-608-1641 to reserve your box set for 2023.
4. Check or Cash, no envelope: This is an option for those who prefer not to use a box set or don't have their envelopes with them. You can place a check or cash in the offering plate or use a pew envelope. As long as your name is on the check or pew envelope it will be applied to your Annual Statement.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me directly at danisloan3264@gmail.com or 732-608-1641 (call or text). I will be happy to help you choose the option that's best for you! Blessings, Dani Sloan Financial Secretary
Thank You Fund
It's the time of the year that we want to say "Thank You" to the people who serve us, Pastor and our Administrative Assistant. You can make your contribution in-person on Sunday or by mail to the church office. Please make your check payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and memo it “Thank You Fund”. You can also label your envelope “Thank You Fund”. Thank you!
What's Been Happening
Altar Flowers
The sign-up sheet for 2023 altar flowers is now available. One vase is $14. We will not be offering two vases at this time. The sign-up book is located in the foyer/narthex. We appreciate your contribution to our Services.
From Pastor Dale
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In this month in which we give thanks, we pause to remember the Lord's many gifts to us. Even in the midst of our struggles, we see the hand of God supporting and providing for us. One of the ways He provides for us is through generous supporters such as yourself, who see our work as the mission of Christ. He seeks to bring more within the Church so that they might know the salvation He freely gives. So, receive this note of thanks, and we pray that God will richly bless you with all things needed and with His Holy Spirit to make you bold as a witness to Christ.
Giving thanks to God for you, Pastor Dale and Suzanne Kaster
Your missionaries to the Czech Republic
Church Life Photos
We have dedicated one of our bulletin boards to church life and memories. If you have photos of any events or happenings with Good Shepherd then please email them to gsppnj@gmail.com or pop them in the church office mailbox. Thank you!
Remember Our Homebound and Elderly
Please remember our homebound and elderly in prayer or with a card or phone call: Annaliese Benson, Fran McCallum, and Robert Mueller. Contact information is listed on the board in the foyer/Narthex.
This Week at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
In Our Prayers
To add someone to our list, please fill out a pink Prayer Request Form and submit it to Pastor or the Church office. Also, please let us know when we can remove names. Prayer requests submitted without a pink form are removed after one week. If we have removed a name in error, please resubmit the name and accept our apologies. Thank you.
Missionaries:
Rev. Dale and Suzanne Kaster, Prague
To Those Who Mourn: Family and friends of Robert Dolan and David Loveless
Hospitalized: Joann Hrunka, Dale Kaster, Dan McCallum, and John Meyerle
Under Doctor’s Care:
Joan Aldarelli J.R. Aldarelli,
Carlee Allfrey, Alice Blaze,
Kieran Dillane, Garrett Gruendling,
Dale Kaster, James McCaffrey,
Linda McKelvey, Tammy Pausz,
Susan Rentas, Kate Rubin,
John Shand, Amelia Shappell,
Harler Jean Visbeck, Carlie Zeidler
Special Needs: The Brown family, Kim DeAngelo, James McNellis, Robert H. Mueller, the Murray family, and the Zupanc family. All who serve to keep us healthy, fed, and supplied.
Armed Forces: All who serve to keep us safe.
Daniel Gewecke Katie Gruendling
Kelly Handy Jonathan Kaster
Matthew Orgill Mason Remondelli David Schauer
Readings for Next Sunday
Isaiah 7:10-14
Isaiah 9:1-7
Isaiah 11:1-10
Isaiah 40:1-11
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:39-56
Matthew 1:18-25
Matthew 2:1-11
