News

† 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.