The Shepherd's Voice

As We Gather

The land where the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali settled was repeatedly overrun by the armies of other nations. It was the invasion route into the Promised Land, the route for conquerors God allowed to punish errant Israel. But another “alien” would come one day on another mission: Isaiah used the land as a metaphor for our Lord’s coming to begin a new rule in our hearts. He would be as light in the darkness and joy in the harvest. His coming to save us by going to the cross was so different that it seemed to be folly. Yet, to those who came to know our Lord personally, like the disciples in today’s Gospel, there was no question but that they would follow this man. Today’s worship is an opportunity to rejoice over the light, joy, and salvation Christ brought from heaven to this dark, sad, and fallen world.

Today’s Readings

O.T. Isaiah 9:1–4 (Light and joy will replace gloom and sadness.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/isaiah/9/1-4?_ga=2.7601138.1533527955.1673885322-257035986.1643645019

N. T. 1 Corinthians 1:10–18 (There should not be divisions in the one Church.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/1-corinthians/1/10-18?_ga=2.7601138.1533527955.1673885322-257035986.1643645019

Gospel Matthew 4:12–25 (In Galilee, Jesus calls the first four disciples.) https://bible.faithlife.com/bible/matthew/4/12-25?_ga=2.7601138.1533527955.1673885322-257035986.1643645019

Reader: Ed Mohlenhoff

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-Last Call!

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!

Congregational Meeting

On January 29th at 11am there will be a Voters meeting to approve the budget for this year and celebrate the blessings of God over the past year. Please join us. 

Bible Class Resumes

Monday at 4pm in the Fellowship Room. Please join us on this journey in growing our faith.  We are exploring the Biblical timeline. 

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.  

Free Stuff Table

Please browse and help yourself. Take something for your family or friends.

Our Christian Congratulations

are extended to Michael and Emily (nee Schonberg) White on the birth of Michael Christian White on Sunday, January 15. May God our heavenly Father keep Michael and his family in His protection and care!

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.

https://faithlife.com/goodshepherdppnj/calendar?view=Week

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

Micah 6:1–8 (The Lord indicts Israel, asks for justice and kindness.)

1 Corinthians 1:18–31 (Paul contrasts God’s folly with worldly wisdom.)

Matthew 5:1–12 (Jesus explains that God’s blessings abound for people of faith no matter their circumstances.)