Announcements

IN OUR PRAYERS Micki B. recovering from a broken arm; Lois H. (Pastor and Mary’s sister), Andrea H. (Joann W.’s mother), and Paula B., undergoing treatment for cancer.

NEW YEAR’S SERVICE WITH HOLY COMMUNION There will be a special New Year’s Eve service on Wednesday evening beginning at 7:00. During the service we will also remember those loved ones who are now in God’s grace and comfort. Begin the New Year worshiping the Lord.

MARY’S RETIREMENT LUNCH Plans for saying thanks to Mary are being made for Sunday, Jan. 12, with a salad lunch directly after the late service. Everyone bring a salad to share. Rolls and dessert will be furnished. Because many have asked, a box has been placed on the round table in the narthex where you can place your cards of congratulations and/or gifts to show your appreciation.

OFFERING ENVELOPES The 2014 offering envelopes are on the table in the narthex. Please remember to discard your 2013 envelopes and use only the 2014 envelopes beginning in January. 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.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY The new directory is done! You can pick up a copy at the round table in the narthex. It cost approximately $3.00 each to have them printed. If you would like to make a donation to help cover this expense, please use the basket provided. Thanks!

ALL MIDWEEK CLASSES will resume on Wednesday, January 8, 2014.

THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS will resume on Thurs., January 2.

LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS It’s about your faith, your church, your world. Subscription cost is $15.60. A sign up sheet is in the narthex and you can pay by simply writing a check to Good Shepherd and putting Lutheran Witness in the memo line.

POINSETTIAS Reminder, if you purchased a poinsettia it is yours to take home. Thank you for helping beautify the sanctuary.

PORTALS OF PRAYER You will find the newest edition of the Portals of Prayer on the table by the nursery in the narthex

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.

FLOWER CHART, 2014 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.

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

† IN OUR PRAYERS  George M. and family, at the death of Lois; Gary S., at the death of his father; Lois H. (Pastor and Mary’s sister), Andrea H. (Joann W.’s mother), and Paula B., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† LOIS M.  Lois Kay M., “Cake Lady”, 69, Neosho, MO, died Dec. 11, 2013, at her home in Neosho, following a short illness.  Lois was born March 18, 1944, in Chanute, KS, the daughter of Eugene and Alice (Schneider) Maxwell.  She moved to the Neosho area in 1979, from Osawatomie, KS.  She worked for 22 years at the Newton County Courthouse in the collector’s office, retiring in 2010, and also owned and operated Cakes by Lois.  She loved to fish, travel, raising roses, baking cakes and spending time with her grandchildren.  She was a member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Carthage and a member of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.  Lois and George M. were married on June 13, 1966, at Chanute.  He survives.  She is also survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Teresa and Matthew U., Kirkwood, MO, and Tracy & Jay B., Roeland Park, KS; one son and daughter-in-law, Todd & Teresa M., Burlington, Iowa; seven grandchildren, Allyson, Gabrielle, Iris, Isaac, Ethan, Samuel and Aaron; and two sisters, Donna J., Humbolt, KS, and Karen J., Harpers Ferry, WV.  Services were held Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10:00 am, here at the church.  Interment followed in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Cemetery.  Contributions in memory of Lois may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Avalon Hospice, in care of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.

† CHILDREN’S PROGRAM PRACTICE  Along with practicing during the Sunday School hour, the children will practice today after the late service.  A light lunch will be served.

† CHRISTMAS CAROLING  The Lutheran Youth Fellowship will gather here at the church this evening at 5:00 to go Christmas Caroling.  Anyone who would like to join us is very welcome.  The more voices the better!  When we return to the Fellowship Hall, there will be treats for everyone!

† ADVENT SERVICE  Our last Midweek Advent service will take place this Wednesday morning at 11:00.  The 7:00 evening service will be replaced by the Children’s Christmas Program.  Remember, Jesus is The One Who is Coming.

† OPERATION BABY KING will be presented by the Sunday School children this Wednesday evening, Dec. 18, at 7:00.  The birth of Jesus, a wonderful and beautiful story as seen through the eyes and told through the voices of our children.

† PICTORIAL DIRECTORY  The new directory is done!  You can pick up a copy at the round table in the narthex.  It cost approximately $3.00 each to have them printed.  If you would like to make a donation to help cover this expense, please use the basket provided.  Thanks!

† TAKE NOTE– THE MIDWEEK CLASS will not meet for the next three Wednesdays.  Class will resume at the normal time, 6:30 pm, on Jan. 8, 2014.

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

† 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  Lois M., seriously ill; Lois H., (Pastor and Mary’s sister), Andrea H., (Joann W.’s mother), and Paula B., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† WEDNESDAY EVENING SCHEDULE  Please make note that the Wednesday evening schedule reflects the Advent season with the following time changes: Band will remain at 5:30, all other classes and the men’s ensemble practice will begin at 6:00 pm.  Advent services are 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

† ADVENT SERVICES  We are having special midweek worship services on Wednesdays at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.  We invite you to take the time and join with others for these special Advent services and remember, Jesus is The One Who is Coming.

† CHILDREN’S PROGRAM PRACTICE  Along with practicing during the Sunday School hour the children will have two practices after the late service, both today and next Sunday.  A light lunch will be served.  It’s important that your children are present for these practices…it helps to reinforce the importance of this wonderful time, the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.

† OPERATION BABY KING will be presented by the Sunday School children on Wednesday evening, Dec. 18, at 7:00.

† TAKE NOTE– THE MIDWEEK CLASS will not meet for the next three weeks.  Class will resume at the normal time, 6:30 pm, on Jan. 2, 2014.

† WOMEN’S HOLIDAY EVENT: Dinner, Secret Sister Reveal, Ornament Exchange, Cookie Exchange  IT’S SO MUCH FUN!  The LWML sponsored evening for all ladies of the congregation, is this evening.  Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 pm.  Hostesses for the evening are Janet Chambers and Nan Borg.  Not an LWML member?  No problem, we want you to join us for this always fun evening. To participate in the ornament exchange game, simply bring a wrapped tree ornament (no more than $5.00).  All those who wish to participate in a cookie exchange should bring batches of cookies on a decorative plate.  We will be revealing our 2013 Secret Sis plus drawing for Secret Sisters for 2014.

† POINSETTIAS  If you would like to purchase a poinsettia(s) to help adorn the sanctuary at Christmas (as in the past, it’s yours to take home after Christmas), please use the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.  The cost is $8.00 each.  See Diana E. about payment, and if you have any questions.

† FLOWER CHART, 2014  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.

† 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  Kelli S. and family at the death of her dad,  Paul L.; Louise O., at the death of her sister; Lois M., diag- nosed with cancer; Lois H., (Pastor and Mary’s sister), Andrea H.,  (Joann W.’s mother), and Paula B., undergoing treatment for cancer.

PAUL L. was received into the arms of his Lord on Sat., Nov. 23, 2013.  He was born April 3, 1928.  He is survived by his wife Bonnie, son Howie, and daughter Kelli S., three stepsons, 7 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.  A funeral service was held Wed., Nov. 27, at 2:00 pm at Good Shepherd.  Burial was in Park Cemetery.  We pray for peace and comfort to Paul’s family.

WEDNESDAY EVENING SCHEDULE  Please make note that beginning this Wed. evening the schedule will reflect the Advent season with the following time changes: Band will remain at 5:30, all other classes and the men’s ensemble practice will begin at 6:00 pm.  Advent services are 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.

ADVENT SERVICES  We will have special midweek worship services on Wednesdays at 11:00 am and 7:00 pm.  We invite you to take the time and join with others for these special Advent services and remember, Jesus is The One Who is Coming.

THE BELL CHOIR from Trinity Lutheran Church in Freistatt will be with us to play during the first evening Advent Service, this Wednesday, Dec. 4.

CHURCH OFFICE COORDINATOR  Because Mary is retiring as the Church Office Coordinator at the end of this year, the Board of Elders is accepting applications for this position.  It is part time requiring 20-25 hours per week.  Mornings are preferred, but times are flexible.  Proficient skills required: organization, writing and grammar, Microsoft Publisher.  Duties include preparation of newsletter, maintaining membership records, coordination of church and other office activities.  A complete job description is available in the church office.  Prior to December 8, 2013, individuals should send a resume and cover letter to: Board of Elders, PO Box 257, Carthage, MO 64836 or bring it by the church office.  The cover letter should explain how you believe you will benefit by working for the Church, and also how the Church can benefit from your employment.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

WOMEN’S HOLIDAY EVENT: Dinner, Secret Sister Reveal, Ornament Exchange, Cookie Exchange  The LWML sponsored evening for all ladies of the congregation, is next Sunday, December 8.  Dinner will be served promptly at 6:00 pm.  Hostesses for the evening are Janet Chambers and Nan Borg.  To participate in the ornament exchange game, simply bring a wrapped tree ornament (no more than $5.00).  All those who wish to participate in a cookie exchange should bring batches of cookies on a decorative plate.  We will also be drawing for our Secret Sisters for 2014.  Not an LWML member?  No problem, we want you to join us for this always fun evening.

POINSETTIAS  If you would like to purchase a poinsettia(s) to help adorn the sanctuary at Christmas (as in the past, it’s yours to take home after Christmas), please use the sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex.  The cost is $8.00 each.  See Diana Endicott about payment, and if you have any questions.

FLOWER CHART, 2014  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.

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.