Good Afternoon!
Here is an advance What's Happening report with our December calendar attached. If you are unable to join us for Thanksgiving Eve worship at 7:30 this evening, we hope that you have a blessed Thanksgiving, and are looking forward to the wondrous Advent season.
Some important worship news: The Church Council, with support of the Worship Team, has decided to temporarily move to one service on Sunday mornings. Beginning this Sunday, December 1, the service, which will be a blend of our traditional and praise-band led worship, will be held at 9:00am, followed by our Connection Café. We will continue one service at least through January 5, when we will hold our Annual Budget Forum. We know we may have difficult days in front of us and we wanted to offer a way for all of us to be there for each other in the midst of these times. The Council felt the season of Advent was a good time for us to come together to strengthen one another and unite together as a church family.
Advent Worship: Because of the way the calendar falls this year, there are four Sundays, but only three Wednesdays for Advent worship. On these three Wednesdays, we are having a soup supper at 6:30pm that will be followed by an Advent program/worship time at 7:30pm. We encourage you to take time out of the seasonal hustle and bustle to join us, and bring friends and/or family along. It will be a time to share the real reason for the season.
Light in the Darkness Service: Last year, we held our first "Light in the Darkness" service for those whom the holidays are a difficult time due to loss of loved ones, depression, etc. We will once again hold this service on Sunday, December 22 at 4:00pm. If you know someone who might benefit from attending, please invite them or let the church office know and we will send them an invitation.
Christmas Eve Worship: As we have done in the past, there will be two worship services on Christmas Eve, at 7:00pm and 11:00pm; both will be candlelight services with traditional Christmas hymns and Holy Communion.
Manna Card Info: The December Manna order form, as well as information about gift card boxes that Manna has available at the reasonable price of $2.25 each will be available in church on Sunday. Note that FTD has added a new denomination of $25 and has increased the percentage we receive to 19%! A FTD gift card would be a unique gift and allow the recipient to use the card whenever they felt like ordering flowers or any of the gift items that FTD offers. And, FTD orders come with a "Good as Gold" 7-day satisfaction guarantee. Manna gift cards are a great way to cut your holiday shopping list and allow the recipients to choose what they want so you don't have to fret about the size, color, or style, and they'll be able to take advantage of end-of-year sales! Department, discount, drug and grocery store cards are also popular to be used when you wish, and there are many to choose from. The Manna cards only cost what the face value of the card is. There are no hidden charges, and Good Shepherd benefits from each card ordered. If you have any questions about the Manna program, please call the office or talk with Carrie Worthington. Thank you for considering placing a Manna order.
Our Preschool had a wonderful Thankful Dinner last week that was well attended and enjoyed by all. Now Miss Marilyn and Miss Judith have transitioned to the Christmas décor and are ready to begin teaching the story of Jesus' birth in the manger. We're looking forward to the stories about preschooler's comments that Marilyn and Judith share each year!
Ministry Night will be held at 7pm on December 10th. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. We are having a cookie-sharing along with the sharing of ministry team reports and plans. Bring some treats and help plan what you'd like to see our church do in 2014.
Thank you! A load of donated supplies was taken to Washington, Illinois this past Tuesday by a local Romeoville resident, David Bird. Thanks to everyone who donated supplies. Please know that we will continue to collect supplies and get them to the affected areas. We will also be coordinating possible volunteer opportunities with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, once these are in place. For now, continued prayers for all affected are greatly appreciated.
While we try to be sure our church family is kept informed, sometimes we fall short. Please, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, talk to one of our Church Council members, Pastor Suzanne, or call the church office. We are here for you and would like to hear from you!
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church
