Announcements — December 4, 2016

† 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.

† SPECIAL VOTERS’ MEETING  There is a Voters’ Meeting this evening at 7:00 pm to review the pastoral candidates submitted by the Call committee with the intent of potentially voting to issue a Call to one of the candidates.  A brief summary of the candidates is on the round table in the narthex.

† LINDA D. is recovering at Landmark Hospital, 2040 West 32nd 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.

† 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.

† THE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM is scheduled for Sunday, December 18, at 7:00 pm.  Along with working on the songs and speaking lines in Sunday School, there will be a rehearsal today and on Sunday, December 11, after the late service.  A light lunch will be provided before we start rehearsal.  Please encourage your children to get excited about this special opportunity to tell the story of Jesus’ birth to our church family!

† 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 E. with any questions and about payment.

† LWML CHRISTMAS PARTY  There is a sign up sheet on the round table in the  narthex for this year’s LWML Christmas Party.  The event is scheduled for Sunday, December 11, at 5:30 pm.  It will be held at the Rollins Creek Clubhouse in Carthage.  All ladies of the congregation are invited to join us for this fun evening.

† 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 E.’s mailbox in the church office by Sunday, December 11.  You do not have to be a member of LWML to participate; all women are welcome.

† LYF will be hosting Christmas Caroling next Sunday, Dec. 11, 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.

† CHRISTMAS COLLECTION  During the months of November and December the  Sunday School children will be collecting new, small stuffed animals which will be placed in the Bright Futures food backpacks that go home with the school children over Christmas break.  There is a tree set up in the Sunday School opening area for you to drop off your donations.  Thanks for your support of this project.

† SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERING  Just a reminder, through the end of the year, Sunday School offerings, both the adult and the children’s, are being designated  to Immanuel Lutheran’s Comfort Dog Team’s fund for medical expenses.  We are almost up to $500.  To track our progress, keep an eye on the bulletin board in the Sunday School opening area.  Thanks so much for your support of this project.

† 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.