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
Good Shepherd Food Pantry As you all know, our food pantry is pretty well stocked, but there are a few items that we still need.
Pantry Needs: Peanut butter, pasta sauce, canned ham, chicken or turkey, crackers, salad dressings, cooking oils or sprays, powdered milk packages, coffee singles, sugar free drink mixes, macaroni and cheese, instant potatoes, or anything else you’d like to bring.
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
Tuesday Morning Bible Study This Tuesday Morning’s Bible Study ‘Introduction to Romans’ was based on Romans 1. You can watch it here. 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 Matthew 2:1-12.
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:1-12 ESV)
Team Ephesians is working on the altar this Sunday with Ife Ojetayo.
The readings for this week are: Isaiah 60:1-6 and Ephesians 3:1-12.
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.