- Sonya is asking for prayers for her brother Chris who is dealing with severe health challenges. We pray for better health and that he would gravitate to faith.
- Leslie is asking for prayers for Debbie who is going to have back surgery on December 14
- Barbara is asking for prayers for Aunt Stella who fell again at home and is back in rehab.
- Prayers of praise and thanksgiving for Rachel as she has finished grad school and now has her Masters Degree.
- We are requesting prayers for two mothers in the Child Care Center who have breast cancer. Specifically, prayers are needed for healing, comfort, and strength during treatments and surgeries. – Marianne
Announcements: December 9, 2018
Joining Jesus on His Mission: God has called each of us to join Jesus on His Mission, but many of us struggle in figuring out how to do that. This coming January, Good Shepherd will be launching new groups to help us learn how to do it and encourage us to follow through. If you would be interested in being part of one of these groups or leading a group as a facilitator, let us know on your connection card.
Youth Group Fundraiser: TODAY! Make and take boards. Sunday December 9th immediately following the 10:30 service. You can design your own “board”and make it and then take it home with you. You can make something for your own home, or maybe make something to give as a gift. $10 gets a 4 x 12 board and $20 for a 4 x 24 board. (cash and check ONLY) Please sign up on connection card or email Rachel at: and let her know if you are coming.
December 30TH – ONE service at 9:30 am – NO Sunday School.
Confirmation Program: The Confirmation Program can be a little costly for some families. If you would like to help,you can donate towards the confirmation program, please do so by using the envelope in the pew and clearly marking it “Confirmation Program”.
Christmas Eve Music: If you would like to be part of the Christmas “Choir”, weather it be as a singer, guitar player, instrumentals, percussionists, etc., we want you. Services are at 5 and 7 pm there will be a “rehearsal” on Sunday December 16 & 23 at 11:45 (immediately following the 10:30 service) If you are interested in taking part, please sign up on today’s connection card.
Angel Tree Gifts: DUE BACK TODAY: We ask that you spend approximately $25 on each Angel. There is a brief description of each group on the table near the Angel book.
Christmas Poinsettias: If you would like to order a poinsettia for Christmas, please use the signup sheet on the table in the Narthex. Poinsettias are $5.00 each
Children’s Center: Is in need of substitute teachers. Hours are varying. Please call Marianne at 732-679-8887 or email her at
Flowers on the Altar: You can have flowers put on the altar in celebration of an event,anniversary, birthday, baptism, etc., or in memory of a loved one. There is a book in the Narthex to signup. They are $30 for a bouquet, and you can take them home after the 10:30 service if you wish.
SCRIP is gearing up for Christmas. Don’t forget your child’s favorite teacher, bus driver, crossing guard, that hard to get for friend or relative. Gift cards of all kinds can be ordered and be here with in a week (or two). There are order forms on the kitchen counter, and inserted in today’s bulletin. So be sure to stop at the kitchen counter and see what is available to purchase or order. There will also be little purses and gift card holders available for purchase too.
Shopping with Scrip is at the KITCHEN COUNTER! Be sure to pick up your gift cards. There are many cards to choose from. You can visit the website, shopwithscrip.com to purchase gift cards to hundreds of shops and restaurants. Support the ministry of your choosing. Good Shepherd’s code is F67D7L9421914.
- SUNDAY: Worship service @ 9 &10:30; Sunday School 9 am; Angels Visit; Superhero Day! Dress to Impress in your favorite superhero outfit;Angel Tree Gifts Due Back; Youth Group Fundraiser – Make and Take Boards 12 pm in Fellowship Hall ($35.00 pp) MONDAY: NA Group 7 pm
- TUESDAY: Children’s Center Chapel 9:30 am
- WEDNESDAY: Children’s Center Chapel 9:30 am; GA Group 7 pm
- SATURDAY: AA 8:30 am
- SUNDAY: Worship service @ 9 & 10:30; Sunday School 9 am; Jesus is Born: Ugly Sweater Day – wear the ugliest Christmas Sweater you can find! Christmas Choir Rehearsal 11:45 am
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- December 9 – Youth Group Fundraiser –Christmas plank painting 11:30 am (immediately following the 10:30 service) Angel Tree Gifts Are Due Back
- December 16 – Christmas Choir Rehearsal 11:45 am
- December 23 – Sunday School Birthday Party for Jesus (Bible Bucks Exchange); Christmas Choir Rehearsal 11:45 am
- December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship Services at 5 pm and 7 pm
- December 30 – ONE service at 9:30 am; NO Sunday School
- January 12 – Children’s Center Open House
- January 25, 2019 – LifeLine Screening
Bible Reading Plan 2019
Join us in reading the New Testament in 2019. Read one chapter each weekday. There are no readings on Saturday and Sunday. Use these two days to catch up with readings you missed or use the time for reflection on the readings from the previous week.
We recommend at least 15 minutes each day for devotion. But you can complete the reading in 5 minutes if that is all the time you can devote. A sample 15 minute devotion time might include:
- 5 minutes in silence to prepare your heart and mind to receive God’s Word.
- 5 minutes reading the appointed reading for the day.
- 5 minutes reflection, praying, or writing.
Read with Faithlife App
You can also participate electronically. Start by joining the Good Shepherd Faithlife Group. If you don’t have a Faithlife account, you will need to create one.
After you join the Good Shepherd Faithlife Group you can sign up for the ESV New Testament Reading Plan or the Free LEB New Testament Reading Plan. You will find these on the right-hand column of the Good Shepherd Faithlife Group Page.
To participate in the ESV New Testament Reading Plan you will need to purchase the $10 ESV Bible in the Faithlife Bible App. The ESV Version of the Bible is the same as our pew Bibles and the Bible we use for our readings on Sunday morning. The LEB Bible is a free electronic Bible used by the Faithlife Bible App.
You can get the Faithlife Bible on your iPhone, iPad, Android device, or Kindle Fire by clicking the appropriate link below.
After you sign up for one of these reading plans, you will also be able to opt in to receive them via email.
Accountability Partner
One final thing we are encouraging is that everyone who participates would find an accountability partner. Your accountability partner is someone who can encourage you in your reading. You can share together with your accountability partner the things that you are learning in God’s Word. The Bible Reading download includes a spot where you can include the name of your accountability partner.
Prayer Requests for December 3, 2018
- Laurie is asking for prayer for her brother Ed who is in the hospital with an infection.
- Linda is asking for prayers for the church to make the correct decision for our church
- Sonya is asking for prayers for her brother Chris, who is having heart issues and is undergoing testing. Also, please pray for him to grow in faith.
Announcements – December 2, 2018
Joining Jesus on His Mission: God has called each of us to join Jesus on His Mission, but many of us struggle in figuring out how to do that. This coming January, Good Shepherd will be launching new groups to help us learn how to do it and encourage us to follow through. If you would be interested in being part of one of these groups or leading a group as a facilitator, let us know on your connection card.
Youth Group Fundraiser: Make and take boards. Sunday December 9th immediately following the 10:30 service. You can design your own “board” and make it and then take it home with you. You can make something for your own home, or maybe make something to give as a gift. $10 gets a 4 x 12 board and $20 for a 4 x 24 board. (cash and check ONLY) Please sign up on connection card or email Rachel at: and let her know if you are coming.
Confirmation Program: The Confirmation Program can be a little costly for some families. If you would like to help,you can donate towards the confirmation program, please do so by using the envelope in the pew and clearly marking it “Confirmation Program”.
Christmas Eve Music: If you would like to be part of the Christmas “Choir”, weather it be as a singer, guitar player, instrumentals, percussionists, etc., we want you. Services are at 5 and 7 pm and we would like you to be at both services. If you are interested in taking part, please sign up on today’s connection card.
Angel Tree Gifts: When you pick your “Angel”, please be sure to sign the book with the appropriate Angel # so the group knows who has the Angel. Please be sure to bring the gift back NO LATER Than December 9th. We ask that you spend approximately $25 on each Angel. There is a brief description of each group on the table near the Angel book.
Christmas Poinsettias: If you would like to order a poinsettia for Christmas, please use the signup sheet on the table in the Narthex. Poinsettias are $5.00 each.
CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES: Christmas Eve Worship Services will be at 5 and 7 pm.
Flowers on the Altar: You can have flowers put on the altar in celebration of an event,anniversary, birthday, baptism, etc., or in memory of a loved one. There is a book in the Narthex to signup. They are $30 for a bouquet, and you can take them home after the 10:30 service if you wish.
SCRIP is gearing up for Christmas. Don’t forget your child’s favorite teacher, bus driver, crossing guard, that hard to get for friend or relative. Gift cards of all kinds can be ordered and be here with in a week (or two). There are order forms on the kitchen counter, and inserted in today’s bulletin. So be sure to stop at the kitchen counter and see what is available to purchase or order. There will also be little purses and gift card holders available for purchase too.
Shopping with Scrip is at the KITCHEN COUNTER! Be sure to pick up your gift cards. There are many cards to choose from. You can visit the website, shopwithscrip.com to purchase gift cards to hundreds of shops and restaurants. Support the ministry of your choosing. Good Shepherd’s code is F67D7L9421914.
Prayer Requests for November 28, 2018
- Veronica is asking for prayers for a childhood friend, divorced mom of 2 and oldest child is battling depressions and is having many set backs.
- Janet is asking for prayers for her sister-in-law, Maria who is battling lymphoma for the 2nd time in a year. She is preparing to have a stem cell transfusion. Please pray for strength for her family at this time.
- Anonymous – pray that we all remember to go to Christ before every decision. Welcome Him every morning; say good night and thank you every night.
- Susan is asking for prayers for her sister, Lori; God knows what she needs.
Prayer Requests for November 19, 2018
- Praise God for
the all our many blessings. We thank God for our church. We thank him for a new adventure he is taking us on. We thank him for his provision through good times and bad. - Lois is giving thanks that her
grand daughter , Ruthie, escaped with only a broken collarbone from a school busaccident, and that her older cousin wrapped her arms aroundhe to protect her from the broken glass. Please pray for Ruthie’s healing and for the other 5 children involved in the bus accident. - Please keep Janet S and her family in your prayers. Janet’s mother-in-law, Dorothy, was called home on Saturday. We pray for comfort for the family.
- Marie is asking for prayers for her brother Paul who is having more biopsies done on several suspicious moles on his back. One has already shown to be cancerous.
Announcements – November 11, 2018
Town Hall Meeting: Tuesday, November 13th 7:30 pm
Good Shepherd has an upcoming Voters’ Meeting to be held on Sunday, November 18 following our 10:30 am worship. The purpose of this meeting will be to elect two members to our Admin Board for a three-year term. (Marianne Krawiec and Jan Boyd are both running again)
The second item on the agenda is to consider an offer we have received for the sale of our church property. In preparation for this meeting, we are hosting two Town Hall Meetings to share more details on this offer. These meetings are scheduled for Thursday,November 8 and Tuesday, November 13. They will be held in the Good Shepherd Sanctuary and will begin at 7:30pm. These meetings will be a time for us to listen, to ask questions, to share our feedback, and to pray together as we seek God’swill.
If you have not yet heard Pastor Phil’s sermon on this topic, we encourage you to check it out in our weekly podcast. Gs4nj.org/all-saints-sunday
Voter’s Meeting: Sunday, November 18th immediately following the 10:30 service.
Joining Jesus on His Mission: God has called each of us to join Jesus on His Mission, but many of us struggle in figuring out how to do that. This coming January, Good Shepherd will be launching new groups to help us learn how to do it and encourage us to follow through. If you would be interested in being part of one of these groups or leading a group as a facilitator, let us know on your connection card.
Thanksgiving Eve Prayer Service: Please join us on Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30 pm for Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service.
Thanksgiving Drive: We are in need of 3 turkey’s, and Shoprite or Walmart gift cards to give to 8 families in need. Please be sure to pick up gifts cards at the counter or leave your donation in the box outside the church office.
Youth Group Fundraiser: “Make and take boards”. Sunday December 9th immediately following the 10:30 service. You can design your own “board”and make it and then take it home with you. You can make something for your own home, or maybe make something to give as a gift. $10 got s 4 x 12 board and $20 for a 4 x 24 board. (cash and check ONLY)
Confirmation Program: The Confirmation Program can be a little costly for some families. If you would like to help, you can donate towards the confirmation program, please do so by using the envelope in the pew and clearly marking it “Confirmation Program”.
Angel Tree Gifts: When you pick your “Angel”, please be sure to sign the book with the appropriate Angel # so the group knows who has the Angel. Please be sure to bring the gifts back NO LATER Than December 9th. We ask that you spend approximately $25 on each Angel. There is a brief description of each group on the table near the Angel book.
Flowers on the Altar: You can have flowers put on the altar in celebration of an event, anniversary, birthday, baptism, etc., or in memory of a loved one. There is a book in the Narthex to signup. They are $30 for a bouquet, and you can take them home after the 10:30 service if you wish.
Shopping with Scrip is at the KITCHEN COUNTER! Be sure to pick up your gift cards. There are many cards to choose from. You can visit the website, shopwithscrip.com to purchase gift cards to hundreds of shops and restaurants. Support the ministry of your choosing. Good Shepherd’s code is F67D7L9421914.
EVENTS THIS WEEK
SUNDAY: Worship service @ 9 & 10:30; Sunday School at 9:15 am—David & Goliath – Pajama Day (wear your favorite PJ’s); Bergfeldt/Harning Wedding 2:30 pm MONDAY: NA Group 7 pm; Church Office Closed TUESDAY: Town Hall Meeting 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary THURSDAY: Admin Board Meeting 7 pm SATURDAY: AA Meeting 8:30 am SUNDAY: Worship service @ 9 & 10:30; Sunday School at 9:15 am—Jonah & the Big Fish; bring in a boxed or canned good to donate; Voter’s Meeting immediately following 10:30 worship service.
UP COMING EVENTS: November 18 – Congregational Meeting (immediately following 10:30 service) November 21 – Thanksgiving Eve Prayer Service 7:30 pm November 22 & 23 – Church Office Closed –Happy Thanksgiving December 1 – Children’s Center Christmas Programs December 9 – Youth Group Fundraiser – Christmas plank painting 11:30 am (immediately following the 10:30 service) Angel Tree Gifts Are Due Back December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship Services at 5 pm and 7 pm January 25, 2019 – LifeLine Screening
Prayer Requests for November 12, 2018
- Carol is asking for continued prayers for her daughter-in-law Lindsay who has been diagnosed with a brain abnormality
- Susan is asking for prayers for her sister Lori and her husband Stuart
- Judy is asking for prayers for strength and guidance for herself in helping her Aunt as she returns home from Rehab.
- A prayer request for the Church Body for discernment that we may all listen to each other; be patient. May we all pray that the Holy Spirit speak through our voices and votes. May GOD’s will be done.
- Marie is asking for continued prayers for her sister and brother-in-law and they continue to search for his uncle in Norway. The outlook now is not good and the family is struggling with this.
- Marie and Dave are giving thanks for God and blessings on Dan and Rachel as they begin their new lives together as husband and wife. Safe travels for them as they leave for their honeymoon on Friday.
Announcements: Nov 4, 2018
THANK YOU: Thank youto everyone who came out and helped last week at the Harvest Fest. The Care Center Staff who ran the games and photo op station; Audrey, Maureen, Sue, Linda and Stephanie who ran the kitchen and concession stand; (food was yummy); Dan and Rachel out in the parking lot with the fire pit and smore’s; Doreen running the pumpkin decorating station with Carol, Danica, Mackenzie and Alexis; the hay ride drivers and helpers, Wayne, Paul, Bobby; the crew who got the hayride out of the mud, the behind the scenes people doing anything needed; Martha, Jack and Christine, Mike, Ron, Greg; I know I have probably forgotten some people, but that doesn’t mean you are not appreciated; and all the people who handed out candy at the “Trunk or Treat”. Everyone put in their time and the Harvest Fest was a big success. THANK YOU!
Joining Jesus on His Mission: God has called each of us to join Jesus on His Mission, but many of us struggle in figuring out how to do that. This coming January, Good Shepherd will be launching new groups to help us learn how to do it and encourage us to follow through. If you would be interested in being part of one of these groups or leading a group as a facilitator, let us know via email: marie@gs4nj.org.
Voter’s Meeting: Our next Congregation Meeting will be on Sunday, November 18th immediately following the 10:30 service.
Thanksgiving Eve Prayer Service: Please join us on Wednesday, November 21st at 7:30 pm for Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service.
Thanksgiving Drive: Starting October 14th, we will be taking donations for “Thanksgiving Baskets” for families in need. Faith will have gift cards at the counter to purchase, and there are also envelopes in the Narthex to use if you wish to write a check. You can put in offering plate, give to Faith at the counter, or put in the mail box outside the church office. We will also need some turkey’s, so if you get a turkey, please bring to church BEFORE the 5th of November.
Youth Group Fundraiser: Make and take boards. Sunday December 9th immediately following the 10:30 service. You can design your own “board” and make it and then take it home with you. You can make something for your own home, or maybe make something to give as a gift. $10 got s 4 x 12 board and $20 for a 4 x 24 board. (cash and check ONLY)
Confirmation Program: The Confirmation Program can be a little costly for some families. If you would like to help, you can donate towards the confirmation program, please do so by using the envelope in the pew and clearly marking it “Confirmation Program”.
Flowers on the Altar: You can have flowers put on the altar in celebration of an event, anniversary, birthday, baptism, etc., or in memory of a loved one. There is a book in the Narthex to sign up. They are $30 for a bouquet, and you can take them home after the 10:30 service if you wish.
Shopping with Scrip is at the KITCHEN COUNTER! Be sure to pick up your gift cards. There are many cards to choose from. You can visit the website, shopwithscrip.com to purchase gift cards to hundreds of shops and restaurants. Support the ministry of your choosing. Good Shepherd’s code is F67D7L9421914.
Children’s Center Happenings:
Thanksgiving Pies – Last Chance to order: The Children’s Center will be selling pies for Thanksgiving again this year. All the pies come from Battleview Orchards and are 10” except for the sugar free apple pie which is 8”. Pies are $15.00 each. Order forms are on green paper and can be found on the kitchen counter. All orders must be in and paid for by November 5th. Pies will not be ordered unless paid for, and will need to be picked up on November 20th, time TBD.