The Shepherd's Voice
What's Happening Today
As We Gather
When Jesus asked His two potential disciples what they were seeking, it was a most important question. People look for power and importance for themselves, relief from certain circumstances, and a host of other agenda items. But our Lord came with one overarching goal: He was needed as light for this dark world (as Isaiah wrote) and the only one who could take away the sin of the world (as John the Baptist announced). After seeking Christ’s help in our sinful condition, we hear that other great question, “Who do you say that I am?”—and when each of us answers it, then, as Paul told the Church in Corinth, we have all the spiritual gifts we need to ask the people around us, “What are you seeking?”
Today’s Readings
O.T. Isaiah 49:1–7 (God’s Servant is to be light for the nations.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/isaiah/49/1-7?_ga=2.166476350.1039239099.1673277538-257035986.1643645019
N. T. 1 Corinthians 1:1–9 (God called you into the fellowship of His Son.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/1-corinthians/1/1-9?_ga=2.166476350.1039239099.1673277538-257035986.1643645019
Gospel John 1:29–42a (Jesus invites two disciples to stay with Him.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/john-1-29--42a?_ga=2.166476350.1039239099.1673277538-257035986.1643645019
Reader: Jeff Largiader
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 green paraments to indicate the life that Jesus gives to His followers.
Worship in the Woods
We will be meeting in the Sanctuary at 9:00am for the duration of the winter. Feel free to join us for a brief spoken Service with communion.
Free Stuff Table
There’s new stuff available, so please browse and help yourself. Take something for your family or friends.
Sunday School
January 8th was our first Sunday for Growing God’s Kids, our new Sunday School program. Kids ages 3-12 are welcome to join us from 9:00-9:45 to learn about God in fun and interactive ways. Please contact Kristine DeGaetano at 732-406-9533 or Dani Sloan at 732-608-1641 if your child is interested in attending or you are interested in helping! We are so excited to kick off a new year and new program. Spread the Word!
What's Happening Soon
Bible Class Resumes
Monday at 4pm in the Fellowship Room. Please join us on this journey in growing our faith.
Congregational Meeting
On the 15th we will have the Installation of the 2023 Church Council, from which no one is leaving. We will be adding Deacon Jeanette Heckel and Trustee Rob Ziedler. On January 29th at 11am there will be a Voters meeting to approve the budget for this year.
What's Been Happening
Hurricane Ian Update
The NJ District matched the funds that were sent in from the congregations and individuals, so collectively we were able to send more than $12,000 to the Florida Georgia District to help with Hurricane Ian recovery! Thank you for your support!
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, Mary Skalitza
Harler Jean Visbeck, Janice Yunginger,
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 9:1–4 (Light and joy will replace gloom and sadness.)
Corinthians 1:10–18 (There should not be divisions in the one Church.)
Matthew 4:12–25 (In Galilee, Jesus calls the first four disciples.)
