Announcements

† IN OUR PRAYERS  The R. family, at the death of Fred; Kes K.,  recovering at St. Luke’s from hip surgery; Barbara S., recovering from shoulder surgery; Stella Q., at Silver Creek, (3321 Texas Ave,   Joplin, MO 64804), struggling with her loss of memory; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Mary C., Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† FUNERAL  The funeral service for Fred Ramm will be held tomorrow at 11:00 am at Good Shepherd.

† CALL ACCEPTED  The Call Committee received word from Reverend Silas Mehl that he will be accepting the call to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  Tentatively, he is looking towards some time in February for his installation.  Please continue to keep Pastor Mehl, Pastor Mackie, Good Shepherd, and Pastor Mehl’s South Dakota congregations in your prayers as we move through this process.

† GOODBYE PASTOR MACKIE  There will be a potluck dinner on Sunday, January 29, after the 10:45 am service.  Everyone, please join us and bring your favorite dish or two.  The fellowship committee will provide fried chicken but other main dishes would be appreciated too.  If you have any questions, you can contact Dave or Lora W.

† SECRET SISTERS  If you didn’t get a chance to sign up to participate in the 2017 Secret Sister Program, there is still time.  There are forms on the round table in the narthex.  If you haven’t already turned in a form  and would like to participate please fill one out and return it to the church office today.

† HEAD START ON “SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY  Through the month of January we are asking for canned soup, dried beans and rice to help fill  the shelves at Crosslines of Carthage.  Bring your donations and place them in the round container in the narthex or the shopping cart in the  entry downstairs.  If you would prefer to give a monetary donation there are envelopes on the round table in the narthex.  The envelopes can be returned to Nan Borg or dropped off at the church office.  Everyone wins when we team up to help!

† OFFERING STATEMENTS  The 2016 offering statements are on the round table in the narthex.  If you need your statement mailed, please contact the church office, 358-1325.

† LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS  It’s about your faith, your church, your world.  Subscription cost is $15.96.  A sign up sheet is on the round table in the narthex and you can pay by simply writing a check to Good Shepherd and putting Lutheran Witness in the memo line.

† OFFERING ENVELOPES  2017 offering envelopes are on the information table in the narthex.  Please remember to discard your 2016 envelopes and use only the 2017 envelopes.  If you do not see your name and want envelopes, please contact the church office.  Likewise, if you prefer not to use them and see your name, simply write NO on the label.

† PRAYER BEARS are in the sanctuary pews and available to be signed out (notebook in narthex by nursery) and given to anyone that needs God’s love,  comfort, and peace.

† ASSISTIVE LISTENING  If you are having a hard time hearing the service, assistive listening devices are available from the ushers.  They work like a transistor radio and you can control the volume.

† IN OUR PRAYERS  The D. family, at the death of Linda; Barbara S., recovering from shoulder surgery; Stella Q., at Silver Creek, (3321 Texas Ave, Joplin, MO 64804), struggling with her loss of memory; Kes & Betty K., dealing with various health & mobility issues; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Mary C., Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† BAPTISM  We rejoice with Christopher and Amber W. at the baptism of their son, Ryan Christopher W., during the 10:45 am service this morning.  Ryan was born December 23, 2016.  His witnesses are Craig and Melissa S.  God be with this family as they grow in His grace and love.

† THANK YOU for your contributions to Good Shepherd’s holiday gift to me and for the other gifts, cards, prayers and expressions of support over the Christmas through Epiphany season. Though I am only an interim worker (really, after 17 months I am still only a temp), you have welcomed me into your family of faith. I am thankful our gracious heavenly Father has called me to serve here for a time. ~Pastor Mackie

† COMFORT DOG TEAM VISIT  Today, during the Sunday School/Adult Bible Class hour, the Comfort Dog Team from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin will be here to give a presentation on what their program is all about and to talk about the opportunities they have to serve others.  GSLC will also present them with   our donation from our Sunday School offerings we have been collecting over the last two quarters.  Please, come downstairs and join us to meet the dogs, their handlers and hear about this wonderful program located so close to us!

† 2017 CHURCH OFFICERS INSTALLED TODAY  We are grateful to the following members of the congregation who were selected to serve this year in the following positions:

President: Mike S.

Vice-President:   Bradley M.

Secretary: Robin L.

Treasurer: Jim B.

Financial Secretary: Luke H.

Elders: Rick C., Michael G., Greg G.

Don L., John N., Shawn P.

Trustees:   Doug D., David E., Joe L., Doug S., Bob S., Walter R.

Dir. of Christian Ed: Cindy E.

† SECRET SISTERS  If you didn’t get a chance to sign up to participate in the 2017 Secret Sister Program, there is still time.  There are forms on the round table in the narthex.  If you haven’t already turned in a form and would like to participate please fill one out and return to the church office by Jan. 15.

† HEAD START ON “SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY  Through the month of January we are asking for canned soup, dried beans and rice to help fill the shelves at Crosslines of Carthage.  Bring your donations and place them in the round container in the narthex or the shopping cart in the entry downstairs.  If you would prefer to give a monetary donation there are envelopes on the round table in the narthex.  The envelopes can be returned to Nan Borg or dropped off at the church office.  Everyone wins when we team up to help!

† LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS  It’s about your faith, your church, your world.  Subscription cost is $15.96.  A sign up sheet is on the round table in the narthex and you can pay by simply writing a check to Good Shepherd and putting Lutheran Witness in the memo line.

OFFERING ENVELOPES  2017 offering envelopes are on the information table in the narthex.  Please remember to discard your 2016 envelopes and use only the 2017 envelopes.  If you do not see your name and want envelopes, please contact the church office.  Likewise, if you prefer not to use them and see your name, simply write NO on the label

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Linda D., back at home and on hospice; Stella Q., at Silver Creek, (3321 Texas Ave, Joplin, MO 64804), struggling with her loss of memory; Kes & Betty K., dealing with various health & mobility issues; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Mary C., Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† OPEN HOUSE  Linda D. is at home on hospice.  She would really like to see her church family so an open house is planned for today from 1:00 – 3:00 pm at her home.  Open house cancelled

† CALL APPROVED  After the Special Voters’ Meeting held on Sunday, December 4, it was voted to issue a Call to Reverend Silas Mehl.  Keep him in your prayers as he considers God’s Call to Good Shepherd.

† COMFORT DOG TEAM VISIT  Next Sunday, January 8, the Comfort Dog Team from Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin will be here during the Sunday School/Adult Bible Class hour to give a presentation on what their program is all about and to talk about the opportunities they have to serve others.  GSLC will also present them with our donation from our Sunday School offerings we have been collecting over the last two quarters.  Please, come join us to meet the dogs, their handlers and hear about this wonderful program located so   close to us!

† ELECTED CHURCH OFFICERS  The elected church officers for 2017 will be installed next Sunday, January 8.

† WEDNESDAY MORNING SCRIPTURE STUDY is back to meeting at their normal time, 10:30 am.

† SECRET SISTERS  If you didn’t get a chance to sign up to participate in the 2017 Secret Sister Program, there is still time.  There are forms on the round table in the narthex.  If you haven’t already turned in a form and would like to participate please fill one out and return to the church office by Jan. 15.

† HEAD START ON “SOUPER” BOWL SUNDAY  Through the month of January  we are asking for canned soup, dried beans and rice to help fill the shelves   at Crosslines of Carthage.  Bring your donations and place them in the round container in the narthex  or the shopping  cart in the entry downstairs.  If you would prefer to give a monetary donation there are envelopes on the round table in the narthex.  The envelopes can be returned to Nan Borg or dropped off at the church office.  Everyone wins when we team up to help!

† OFFERING ENVELOPES  The 2017 offering envelopes are on the information table in the narthex.  Please remember to discard your 2016 envelopes and use only the 2017 envelopes beginning today. If you do not see your name and want envelopes, please contact the church office.  Likewise, if you prefer not to use them and see your name, simply write NO on the label.

† FLOWER CHART, 2017  If you would like to place flowers at the altar for a special occasion or in memory of someone, please sign the flower chart hanging on the wall next to the water fountain in the hallway.  Simply write your name, phone number, and occasion with the pen provided.

† PORTALS OF PRAYER  The new Portals of Prayer for the winter are on the table by the nursery in the narthex.

† LWML QUARTERLIES  The new Quarterlies are on the table by the nursery in the narthex.  Ladies, remember to pick one up!

† BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS  GSLC is down to just a few people     providing blood  pressure checks on Sunday mornings, so we are in need a few more people who would be willing to help out one Sunday a month.  If you would be interested in helping with this, please      contact Jan Garoutte, (417)782-0769.

† PRAYER BEARS are in the sanctuary pews and available to be signed out (notebook in narthex by nursery) and given to anyone that needs God’s love, comfort, and peace.

† ASSISTIVE LISTENING  If you are having a hard time hearing the      service, assistive listening devices are available from the ushers.     They work like a transistor radio and you can control the volume.

† BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS are available in the nurse’s office after   the service.  You will be given a small form that can be carried in your wallet which will include medical information and a log of your blood pressure readings.

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Kes & Betty K., dealing with various health & mobility issues; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Mary C., Linda D., Sara P., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† CALL APPROVED  After the Special Voters’ Meeting held on Sunday, December 4, it was voted to issue a Call to Reverend Silas Mehl.

† LARGE PRINT BULLETINS are available in the back.  Ask an usher.

† LINDA D. is recovering at Landmark Hospital, 2040 West 32^nd St, Joplin, MO 64804.  She is not ready to receive visitors yet, but cards would be appreciated.

† WEDNESDAY MORNING SCRIPTURE STUDY started an Advent study on Nov. 30.  Due to the 11:00 am Advent service, they will meet a little earlier, at 9:30 am,  during the Advent season.

† LUTHERAN YOUTH FELLOWSHIP is hosting Christmas Caroling today at 3:00 pm.  The whole congregation is invited for some fellowship, singing, and wishing others a Merry Christmas.  There will be cookies and hot chocolate for everyone to enjoy.

† THE LWML CHRISTMAS PARTY is this evening at 5:30 pm at the Rollins Creek Clubhouse in Carthage.  All ladies of the congregation are invited to join us for this fun evening.

† A GIFT FROM HEAVEN ABOVE  The Sunday School Christmas program is scheduled for next Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 pm.  Along with working on the program in Sunday School, there will be a rehearsal today after the late service.  A light lunch will be provided before we start rehearsal.

† BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS  GSLC is down to just a few people providing blood  pressure checks on Sunday mornings, so we are in need a few more people who would be willing to help out one Sunday a month.  If you would be interested in helping with this, please contact Jan G.

† MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES  As in recent years, Good Shepherd will provide  midweek worship services at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm each Wednesday during Advent. This year’s theme is “The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns”. Lessons will show how certain kings of Israel prepared for the coming of Christ  our King. Please join us!

† POINSETTIAS  If you would like to purchase a poinsettia(s) to help adorn the sanctuary at Christmas, please use the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.  The cost is $8.00 each.  See Diana Endicott with any questions and about payment.

† SECRET SISTERS  If you would like to participate in the Secret Sister program for 2017, please take a form from the round table in the narthex, fill it out, and bring it along to the LWML Christmas Party or put it in Diana Endicott’s mailbox in the church office today.  You do not have to be a member of LWML to participate; all women are welcome.

† OFFERING ENVELOPES  The 2017 offering envelopes are on the information table in the narthex.  Please remember to discard your 2016 envelopes and use only the 2017 envelopes beginning on Sunday, January 1.  If you do not see your name and want envelopes, please contact the church office.  Likewise, if you prefer not to use them and see your name, simply write NO on the label.

† SCHEDULING SPECIAL MUSIC  If you want to provide special music during a worship service, please contact the church office at least two weeks ahead of time so plans can be made to include all who wish to participate.

† FLOWER CHART, 2017  If you would like to place flowers at the altar for a special occasion or in memory of someone, please sign the flower chart hanging on the wall next to the water fountain in the hallway.  Simply write your name, phone number, and occasion with the pen provided.

PORTALS OF PRAYER  The new Portals of Prayer for the winter are on the table by the nursery in the narthex.