THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”. The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL: The children will study “An Angel Visits Joseph.” Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaimed to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death. Parents could ask, “What important message did the angel give Joseph? What important message do we hear in God’s Word?”
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Christians express their thanks to God in many ways: in prayer, in giving to the Lord word, in acts of service to others, in faithful living in their daily callings. Everything we do to honor God in our lives is a means of returning thanks for the Lord’s many gifts to us.
TODAY is our 2nd Sunday door offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and Seminarian Chris Suggitt.
POINSETTIAS: If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the altar at Christmas, the cost is $6.00. There is a sign-up sheet and envelope to put your money or check in available on the table in the narthex. We need to have your order by TODAY, December 14th. You may pick up your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve Worship Service. If you have any questions, please contact Luanne Huth.
THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE: Our Choir will lead the Midweek Advent Worship this week. This “Service of Lessons and Carols” will be Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. We have a meal served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church. The sign-up to prepare and bring food is in the narthex. The free-will Offering this week will support the Hilbert Family with Lutheran Bible Translators. They plan to return to Sierra Leone to continue their work once it is safe to do so.
FROM THE OFFICE: Good Shepherd has received a recent correspondence from both the Suggitt Family (at the Seminary in Ft. Wayne) and the Hilbert Family (LBT Missionaries). These have been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The January – March 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex. Please pick up your free copy today. Large print also available.
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell. We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee. If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled. We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.
ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN: John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN. Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex. The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February. Please see John or Paula if you have any questions. Thank you.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Surprised By Grace” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Luke 1:26-38. God’s grace comes as a surprise and blessing to those who deserve none of it. The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz. Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tune in! You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.