What’s Happening at Good Shepherd
A Big Thanks to all who participated in the Christmas Outreach activities for the children at Future Faces and those at Saratoga Youth Center! The children at Future Faces enjoyed fresh fruit (thanks to Jeanie, Bev and Anne F.) and cookies at their party in the Parish Hall. We explained to them the true meaning of Christmas and reinforced that message with a game of Jesus/.Faith Bingo. Of course, the children were most impressed with the arrival of Santa (Bill Freund) who presented each child with a coloring book which recounted the nativity of Jesus.
Nancy Marlett and her friend Nancy of Children’s Evangelism Fellowship helped with the Saratoga Party. It was beautiful and so are the children! When asked what they would take on a trip (in time), they replied, “A picture of Jesus!” “A bible!” “A picture of God.” The gospel was then clearly articulated and again we used Christmas Bingo as a fun reinforcement of the message. The refreshments were fresh fruit and Christmas cookies which the children had made with me the week before. Finally Santa (Bill) arrived with all the gifts. Many thanks to all who purchased presents so that each child got his/her wish! May God bless our efforts! May He bless the children!
A Heartfelt Thanks We share our thanks for the music ministry of Liz and James Hull. They have volunteered their time for the last year and a half. We look forward to their return after a much needed time of rest.
Did You Know? You can now give online to Good Shepherd! Use the link below to give via credit card or bank account transfer. You can even set it up to give automatically, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting your check book on Sundays! Keep in mind that the processing cost is less for bank account transfers than for a credit card.
If you prefer to use envelopes, you can continue to do so. Giving online, however, is easier, and it helps you keep track of your giving more easily. I would definitely encourage you to try it!
Shortly after the start of the year, we will have Breeze set up so that you can go online to your own account and keep track of your giving.
For now, please use this link…it is very straightforward and easy to use! If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact Lauren Kirst.
Go to https://goodshepherdbinghamton.breezechms.com/give/online now to give!
Lauren Kirst
A Special Day On January 3, 2016 Mary Lindsey turns 99..yes 99! Good Shepherd will celebrate Mary with a birthday cake after 10:30 service this Sunday! Please be sure to stay and help us celebrate.
Hospital visits A number of parishioners have recently been hospitalized and have wondered why they have not received a visit from someone at Good Shepherd. In the past hospitals notified clergy when parishioners were admitted. Several years ago laws were changed to protect patient privacy. Hospitals no longer inform clergy when you are admitted. You must volunteer the information or we will not know that you have been hospitalized. Last week we distributed cards with information about the church and numbers to call if you are hospitalized. If you did not receive one, they are still available from the church office. Call 607-723-8032 or email our secretary, Stephanie, at: gs.binghamton@gmail.com.
Ongoing Ministries
Health and Wellness Our bodies are “the tents” that the Lord has given us to house our souls. Begin to take care of the body which God Has given you. Check your blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight every Sunday in the Parish Hall 9-10AM. Please see Dolly Shaller or Carmen Swoffer-Penna for more details.
Good Shepherd Food Pantry The food pantry has recently been blessed to overflowing! Thank you all so much for your generous donations. The food pantry has all it needs right now to feed many hungry families.
Last Week
Sermon Last week’s sermon, ‘And the Word Was God’ was based on John 1:1-18. You can listen to or download it here.
Tuesday Morning This Tuesday Matt took a much needed rest for the holiday. Bible study will resume January 5th. You can catch up on all of the older Tuesday morning Bible studies you might have missed here. You’ll need to have a LiveStream account, but it’s free and easy to sign up for.
This Week
This week’s sermon is based on Luke 2:41-52.
Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, but supposing him to be in the group they went a day’s journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:41-52 ESV)
Team Galations is working on the altar this Sunday with Jerry Shriver.
The readings for this week are: Jeremiah 31:7-14 and Ephesians 1:3-6; Ephesians 1:15-19.
The PDF Bulletin for this Sunday’s 10:30 service can be downloaded here.
Have an item for the Update?
Email the secretary at:
gs.binghamton@gmail.com
by Monday night.