November Verse of the Month
If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
2 Chronicles 7:14, ESV
All Saints Day Worship
Today is All Saints Day. We celebrate and remember the saints who have come before. We rejoice that they rest from their labor and have received their crown of righteousness. We give God thanks that he used them to build his church to pass the faith down to us. Our prayer is that we will continue to build upon that same foundation of Jesus Christ.
The livestream begins at 9:45am. There is no sermon outline for today’s message. We will continue with our Cross Training Series next week.
Question of the Day
What is your favorite trick-or-treat candy? Share your answer in the Facebook or YouTube comments during our live stream starting at 9:45am. Also, make sure to give a “Like” to our live stream and subscribe to our YouTube Channel.
In Memory of Elizabeth Pedersen
As we celebrate All Saints Day this weekend, we rember our sister in Christ, Elizabeth Pedersen, who joined the saints in the presence of the Lord. While we mourn this loss, we rejoice that she has finished her race and received the crown of righteousness.
There will be a funeral service at Good Shepherd on Tuesday, November 3 at 11am. A viewing will be held on Monday, November 2, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home for Funeral Home (3377 Route 9, Old Bridge) 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm.
Turkeys and Funds Needed
Every year, Good Shepherd helps to provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. This year, there are more people who are in need of help. If you are able, please donate towards our “Family Thanksgiving Dinner”. We need turkeys and funds. You can purchase gift cards after worship service from Faith, or donate towards gift cards. Please have turkey and money here NO later than November 18th. If you have any questions, please contact the church office at office@gs4nj.org.
Live Prayer – Wednesdays at 7pm
Join us for “Live Prayer” on Wednesdays at 7 pm. We will be streaming prayer live on Facebook and Youtube. We invite you to join in to submit prayer requests and more. You can join us via Zoom.
Attending Worship In-Person
Because of current restrictions caused by the pandemic, we are requiring everyone to make a reservation before attending in-person worship. Reservations are now available through the end of November. Please note that reservations close each week at the end of the day on Thursday. Reservations are first-come, first-served as we are limited to 75 people in worship.
Everyone who attends will be required to:
- Register on-line
- Wear a mask at all times – please bring your own. Masks will not be provided.
- Maintain social distancing – pews will be marked. Ushers will direct you to your assigned seats.
- Use hand sanitizer as needed.
We ask that you would not attend worship in-person if you have:
- a fever or felt feverish in the past 14 days,
- shortness of breath or are having difficulty breathing,
- a cough,
- flu-like symptoms,
- currently experiencing loss of taste or smell,
- tested positive for COVID19 in the past 2 weeks,
- been exposed to someone in past 2 weeks who was confirmed to have COVID19, OR
- visited one of the states that currently have a NJ travel advisory requiring a 14-day quarantine in the last two weeks.
As we enter cooler weather and the flu-season, it is important that we adhere to these guidelines. It is our desire to continue to be able to worship together in-person but it will require that everyone do their part. We would rather you err on the side of caution watch online than potential expose others and threaten our ability to continue to gather in-person.
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 to:
3139 County Rd 516
Old Bridge, NJ 08857
Cross Training Message Series
We are putting a pause on the Cross Training message series this weekend as we celebrate All Saints Day. Our Cross Training Series will resume on November 8. But you can still check out and review previous messages from this series.
Women’s Bible Study
It’s not too late to join Women’s Bible Study. We will wrap up this series on Monday, Nov 23. This fall, we are studying the book of James. We are reviewing and discussing the five chapters of this book, which is considered to be one of the earliest New Testament books to have been written. James presents a practical guide to a Christian living and chides those who would believe that faith alone is all that is necessary to lead a Christian life – “…faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17.
We will be physically meeting in the Conference Room on Monday, Sep 14 at 7pm. If you would prefer, you may join the meeting via Zoom by following the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88698488055
Please email Marie at marie@gs4nj.org to get a copy of the study guide if you plan to attend.
Men’s Bible Study
Please join us in our study titled “Man Up” and see how Jesus teaches us how to step as men of faith in the challenging times we currently live in. Learn how his selfless sacrifice on the cross serves as the perfect example for us to fix our eyes and hope on him as we embark on this challenging study. Written by a Lutheran Pastor on his quest in becoming a better man, “Man Up!” cuts through all the noise of the world and goes back to what our Creator says about being a man in His creation. This is not about taking down the feminists or reclaiming your rights as a man, but it’s about living in the example and grace of Jesus. Whatever your age, this book and its study will challenge you.
The course will be broken down into two 4-week units. The first unit will run on Sunday mornings from 8:30 through 9:30, beginning on October 25th and running through November 15th. The second 4-week unit will begin January 10th and conclude on January 31st.
The link below includes a course review along with the free downloadable videos and study guide. There is a separate book that will be made available that we will use weekly as part of the course. (You can also purchase an electronic version.) You will need to fill in the form at the bottom of the page and enroll in the individual course in order to view the videos and guides.
You have the option of participating either through Zoom (Meeting ID: 879 9376 6119 / Password: iloveGod) or in person at the Church for each session.
If you plan on participating or if you have any further questions, please text Scott Messler at 732-221-8077, or send email to Jeff Campbell at jeff@gs4nj.org or Tony Hansen at tony@gs4nj.org.
Get the Church Center App
Did you know there is an app to manage your giving and reservations? It is the Church Center app that is available on both iPhone and Android. It is quick, easy, and convenient. Make sure to check it out.
Shop with Scrip
Scrip gift cards will be available immediately following the 10 am service in the Narthex. If you are interested in purchasing gift cards please stop by and see Faith. There are many cards to chose from and Faith can order specific cards if you want. Be sure to ask Faith 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.
