Good Shepherd Update in Brief

Dear Good Shepherd,

With the excitement of the last week, I have not written an official update, but there are some important things that need to be passed on.

A Time of Waiting: The judge did not give a ruling yesterday. He reserved judgment. It is difficult to wait, I know, but I think that this too is a way for God to test and strengthen our trust in him. And we can take the first step in that trust by expressing our thanks and gratitude to him for the wonderful gift of letting us celebrate Christmas together at our present location. That in itself is an answer to prayer. Be confident and sure that God is for us in all things, even this.

In the News: If you have not seen the news reports on television from yesterday, or read the newspaper articles, I've linked them here

Thank you: Thank you to everyone who was at the courthouse yesterday. It seemed like we packed the place out and it was so encouraging to Raymond.

Last Week's Sermon: The Truth about Tithing

Pledges/tithes: Last week was "Stewardship Sunday" and we have achieved enough to cover only one-half of our proposed budget for 2009. We have a very long way to go, especially if we have to move to another location. If you have not filled out your pledge sheet yet, please do so. You can find some in the Narthex on the table or ask an usher. When you have it completed, please give it to Cookie so that all amounts will be held in confidence. Please remember that the Vestry needs a definite number to plan for our future.

Kris Kindle: if you put your name in the basket, please draw out a name. In order for this to work, the number of names put in must match the number taken out. Remember to pray for your person all during Advent and send them a card signed only "Your Kris Kindle." Also...don't put your return address on the envelope! On January 4th, we will celebrate the Epiphany and you will bring a small gift for the person you have been praying for all this time. Then, and only then, reveal your name on the gift card.

Christmas Flowers: There are sheets in the pews for you to remember a loved one with flowers on the altar for Christmas. They must be returned by December 21 to be included in the Christmas bulletin.

Christmas: "Greening" of the Church will take place on December 21 after the 10:30 am service. Please bring a dish to pass for the pot luck lunch and stay after to get all the decorations up for a festive Christmas service.

Christian Education: will continue our look at Christ and Culture this week...focusing on Jesus clashes with his culture...then moving on to start an investigation of our own culture.

Good News for the Week
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”

Hope all is well, see you tomorrow
In Christ,
Matt