The Shepherd's Voice
What's Happening Today
As We Gather
A new year begins! Yet, often so little changes. For most, a new year means little difference regarding life, vocation, house, and home. Outside of annually changing one number on our calendar, much of life remains the same, including the daily battles we face against Satan, sin, and our own flesh. With that, we rejoice today not just in the year’s changing, but a daily changing we recognize every day as we live in this world through the blameless One born for us. Christ has fulfilled God’s Law perfectly for us, even as an infant child brought to the temple for circumcision under Mosaic Law. It would mark both the promise of redemption and the burden of the Law—and with Jesus making the sacrifice that would set us free. Rejoice in the newness that has come! More than a new year, we are given a new life, for Christ has fulfilled all and set us free! As we are marked in Baptism and bear Christ’s name, we become inheritors of His promise. It is a newness to celebrate each day of every year!
Today’s Readings
O.T. Numbers 6:22–27 (The Aaronic blessing) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/numbers/6/22-27?_ga=2.263851148.1661412138.1672155708-257035986.1643645019
N. T. Galatians 3:23–29 (The Law and the promise) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/galatians/3/23-29?_ga=2.263851148.1661412138.1672155708-257035986.1643645019
Gospel Luke 2:21 (Jesus is circumcised and named.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/luke/2/21?_ga=2.263851148.1661412138.1672155708-257035986.1643645019
Reader: Matt Martz
Many Thanks
to Vicar Jeff Campbell for filling in for Pastor Schonberg today, who has been on his last "stay-cation" of 2022 this past week. Pastor will be back in the office on Wednesday, January 4. May God bless Vicar Campbell as he brings us God's Word and leads us in worship today.
January Mission of the Month
Epiphany Lutheran Church, which traces its beginning to the oldest and only historically black Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) church in Jackson, Miss., burned down in the early morning hours of Nov. 8. They are now without a permanent facility to worship God due to this evil act of arson. Please consider donating to help them rebuild.
Seasonal Insight
Our chancel is vested with white paraments to indicate the joy of Jesus’ birth.
Worship in the Woods
We will be meeting in the Sanctuary for the winter starting January 8th.
Free Stuff Table
There’s new stuff available, so please browse and help yourself. Take something for your family or friends.
What's Happening Soon
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
Sunday School
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.
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
Under Doctor’s Care:
Joan Aldarelli J.R. Aldarelli,
Carlee Allfrey, Alice Blaze,
Kieran Dillane, Garrett Gruendling,
Dale Kaster, James McCaffrey,
Linda McKelvey, Erna Meyerle
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 42:1–9 (God delights in His Servant.)
Romans 6:1–11 (Buried and raised with Christ in Baptism.)
Matthew 3:13–17 (The Father proclaims Jesus His beloved Son.)
