Worship for August 22, 2021
Join us for an uplifting Sunday worship experience at 10am. You can participate in-person, on YouTube, or on Facebook. Vicar Jeff Campbell will be sharing today’s message. Our prayer is that you will be encouraged through your worship experience with us.
Sermon Title: Discipleship, Submission, and Obedience
Readings: Ephesians 5:22-33, Mark 7:1-13
Today we will look at two examples of discipleship, Peter and Paul. We will ask ourselves, ”what is cheap grace?” And we will look to Jesus in his discussion with the Sadducees and Pharisees for an answer.
There is no sermon outline to go with today’s message.
Sunday School Begins September 19
Register Your Children!
It is time to start thinking about the new school year. Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 19 and registration is now available. Also, mark your calendar for Sunday, September 12 at 10am for our kickoff celebration, Blessing of the Backpacks, and church picnic.
Volunteer to Serve
Serving as a Sunday School Teacher or Helper is a great way to serve and to make a difference. Send Audrey, our Sunday School Superintendent, an email at audrey@gs4nj.org if you are interested in serving! There will be a volunteer meeting on Sunday, August 29 following worship for all our volunteers.
Men’s Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study will resume on Sunday, September 19 starting at 8:30am. We are still working on developing the topic and will share when that has been chosen. The study will meet in the church conference room and via zoom.
Sanctuary Carpet Installation
The new carpet has been installed in the sanctuary and it looks beautiful. We want to give a big thank you to everyone who donated and helped make this transformation possible. We now have a clean, uncluttered, and inviting sanctuary to welcome new families and people.
Gary & Sue Kessler to Serve as Missionaries in Belize
Some of you know Gary who helped us coordinate one of our mission trips to Haiti several years ago. Gary and his wife, Sue, have been called to serve as short-term LCMS volunteer missionaries in Belize for six months. This is an interview from last Sunday’s worship with Gary and Sue as they share about their anticipated work and how we as a church can help support them. They have a website you can visit to learn more at https://www.cwowusa.org/belize
August Verse of the Month
Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the Words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.”
(John 6:68-69, ESV)
COVID & MASK UPDATE
Based on recent guidance provided by the CDC and recommendations from the State of New Jersey, Good Shepherd encourages (but does not require) you to wear a mask. If you choose not to wear a mask, we ask that you would limit your contact with other people.
We will NOT be inviting people to come forward to receive communion. Everyone will receive communion in place this weekend.
The next LCMS National Youth Gathering is scheduled for July 9-13th 2022 in Houston, TX. The age range for the gathering is 14 years old or going into high school until they graduate. . As of right now, they are planning to go forward with the gathering. We will hold an informational meeting via zoom on August 11 at 7pm. We will talk about what the gathering is about, what to expect, costs, and expectations for the next year. The meeting will last about 45 minutes.
Voter’s Meeting October 17
Our next Voters’ Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 17 following worship. The purpose of this meeting will be the approval of the church budget and the election for members of the Admin Board. You can submit nominations for Admin Board to office@gs4nj.org.
Ways to Financially Support Good Shepherd
Online Giving
Visit gs4nj.org/give to donate. You can donate with a credit card or have the funds debited from your checking account. You can also set up automated giving set up on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or twice-monthly basis.
Another option to give is text to give. Text any dollar amount to 84321. We will reply with a link to a quick, self-guided setup process to tie your mobile phone to our church, your donor account, and a payment source.
All of this is easily managed through an online account that is set up the first time you give. There is also an app that can be used to manage your giving. It is available on iOS and Android.
As always checks can also be mailed. Visit our contact page for our mailing address.
Amazon Smile
If you already shop at Amazon, it is easy to support our ministry. Instead of going to amazon.com to shop, just add “smile.” before amazon.com. So the link will be smile.amazon.com. Any time you make a purchase at this link 0.5% of your purchase will go to the charity of your choice. It may not be much, but it adds up over time and as more of us make use of this service. Please keep in mind that you need to use the smile link every time you make a purchase. If you go back to using the regular Amazon link or use the Amazon app, we will not get a donation with those purchases.
Shop with Scrip
Scrip gift cards are available immediately following the Sunday worship in the Narthex. There are many cards to chose from and specific gift cards if you want. Be sure to ask what other cards are available. There are hundreds to choose from. We are grateful for all who have purchased these cards in support of our ministry. Be sure to stop and pick up a few cards.
Bible Reading Plan
Join us in reading the Bible in 2021. There is nothing more you can do the enhance your Spiritual Growth than to read the Bible on your own. Set a goal to read through the Scriptures for the purpose of connecting with God each day.
