Announcements

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Fern H., moved to Webb City Health and Rehab; Karen P.’ Mother-in-law, seriously ill; Lois H. (Pastor and Mary’s sister), Andrea H. (Joann W.’s mother), and Paula B., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† MARY’S RETIREMENT LUNCH  There will be a salad lunch today after the late service in honor of Mary Parks’ retirement as GSLC Office Coordinator.  Join us in recognizing Mary’s faithful service and in celebrating this new chapter of her life.

† PRAYER CHAIN  If you are not already on the prayer chain and would like to be added so you can receive the e-mails, give your e-mail address to the church office or Gloria E.

† SERVICE PROJECT  On January 21, Corinne W. and Janet S. will be participating in a service project putting together baby baskets at LifeChoices.  A list of needed items is in the narthex if you would like to donate items or money to support their efforts.  Contact Corinne if you have questions.

† THRIVENT CHAPTER BOARD MEETING  Come and join us on Monday, Jan. 13^th, at 6:30 pm in the Youth Building at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Everyone is welcome.  We will be planning activities for the coming year.

† 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.  Everyone wins when we team up to help!

† 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.  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!

† 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. 

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

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

FLOWER CHART  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

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Fern H., hospitalized; Judy H., recovering at home; Lois H. (Pastor and Mary’s sister), Andrea H. (Joann W.’s mother), and Paula B. undergoing treatment for cancer.

† 2013 CHURCH OFFICERS INSTALLED TODAY  We are grateful to the following members of the congregation who were elected to serve this year in the following positions:

President:            Jim G.

Vice-President:   Dave W.

Secretary: Clarice O.

Treasurer: Glenn M.

Financial Secretary: Luke H.

Elders: John N., Rob S., Vern W. (1 year)

Trustees:           Bill C.

Christian Ed: Earl K.

† LAY ASSISTANT   Earl K. is being installed this morning as a Lay Assistant to Pastor.  He will be helping with the worship services, giving some added leadership to selected programs of the congregation, assisting in visitation and making available to the congregation his skills as a licensed counselor.  For the time being, he will be working on a volunteer basis.  We really appreciate Earl’s willingness to give of his time and abilities in this way and are looking forward to how God will bless his expanded involvement with the congregation.

† 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.

† 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.  Everyone wins when we team up to help!

† THE LWML will meet this Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 6:30 pm.  All ladies of the congregation are encouraged to be a part of this church mission group.       

† 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 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.

† 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.

† 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. 

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

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.