WEEKLY DEVOTIONS
Here is the Blue Sheet home devotional for the week of Sunday, December 9th. Please download and use in your household to sanctify your home with the Word and prayer this week!
THIS WEEK AT GOOD SHEPHERD
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS HYMN FESTIVAL ~ Tonight at 6:00 p.m.we will gather to listen to some wonderful music of the Advent and Christmas seasons. We will also have the opportunity to sing together some of the classic and beloved Advent and Christmas hymns. Following the festival will be the annual dessert smorgasbord. Bring your voices, friends and family and your favorite dessert to share!
ADVENT MIDWEEK SERVICES ~ Our Advent devotion to the Scriptures continues on Wednesday, 12/12. Service is at 7 p.m., with a meal served beforehand at 5:45 p.m. This is one of those special Lutheran “extras” that helps us prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, at Christmas!
SUNDAY SCHOOL CHOIR ~ The Sunday School children (preschool through 5th grade) will be singing during the Divine Service on Sunday, December 16th. Please, deliver your children to the pews in front of the organ that morning by 8:40 for warm-ups. Thank you!
FRIDAY NIGHT SHOES ~ The search for the best horseshoe continues this Friday, 12/14, at 6:00 p.m.We will travel a short distance to the north to Athens and the Boar’s Nest. Sign up today!
MID-MONTH MEAL ~ Chicken noodles, pork roast, tomato soup, strawberry cheesecake, and many friendly faces made appearances at last month’s mid-month meal. Mark your calendars for December 16thand bring one entrée along with a side or dessert to share at our next monthly church family potluck. We can’t wait to break bread — and cookies — with you! Questions? Ask Katie Schuermann.
JUNIOR ALTAR GUILD ~ Calling all daughters of the congregation! Advent and Christmas are soon upon us, and there is much decorating to do. The Altar Guild would like to invite you to join them for the following festive activities this winter:
- Saturday, December 22, 10:00 AM – Arrange poinsettias around the chancel
- Saturday, January 6, 11:30 AM – Take down the sanctuary Christmas tree and decorations
Cookies and hot chocolate will be provided. Won’t you please join us?
NEIGHBORHOOD CHRISTMAS CAROLING ~ Sign up on the bulletin board to go around the local neighborhoods, Christmas caroling and inviting to Christmas services here at Good Shepherd. We’ll go on Sunday, December 23, from 2-4 p.m. Any questions? Speak with Pastor Schuermann.
DECEMBER YOUTH EVENTS ~ See the youth bulletin board for sign-ups for the December events! Events include our regular Saturday Youth Night from 6-8 p.m. on 12/22, the Christmas Movie Marathon from 2-7 p.m. on 12/30. The sign-up sheet is posted for the youth-sponsored Advent dinner on 12/19. The HS youth will serve dinner at Contact Ministries on 12/13 and 12/27. Please speak with Betsy if you have any questions.
PROGRESSIVE DINNER ~ All adults are invited to attend our annual progressive dinner on Saturday, January 5th, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. starting with appetizers at Perry & Nadine Kraft’s home (25 Cabin Smoke Trl), followed by dessert and a $15.00 gift exchange in the parish hall at 7 p.m. If you are interested in attending this fun event, please sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Joan Dannewitz at (217)899-0141.
TALK RADIO FOR THE ADVENT SEASON ~ Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. This week’s teachings include: The Advent Hymns “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” & “Once He Came in Blessing,” Messengers from John the Baptist, Mary Visits Elizabeth and more. You can listen at live or on-demand at www.issuesetc.org and on the LPR mobile app.