Announcements for Sunday, December 21, 2025

Worship

• Sunday, December 21 — Fourth Sunday of Advent — Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent with readings from Isaiah 7:10–16, Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19, Romans 1:1–7, and Matthew 1:18–25. Pastor John Stennes-Spidahl will preach, with music led by Randy Lyden, Karl Greenfield, and Dave Osley. Communion will be served at both services. The 8:30 am service will be livestreamed, and Sunday School will not meet.

• Sunday, December 28 — First Sunday of Christmas — Next Sunday we celebrate the First Sunday of Christmas with readings from Isaiah 63:7–9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10–18, and Matthew 2:13–23. Pastor Harald Bringsjord will preach, and music will be provided by Randy Lyden, Karl Greenfield, and Dave Osley. Communion will not be served. The 8:30 am service will feature a recorded livestream, and the 10:30 am service will be traditional.

Gather & Celebrate

• Family Game Night — Friday, January 9, 6:00–9:00 pm, Mattes Center — Enjoy a relaxed evening of board and card games for all ages.

• Bunco Night — Friday, January 16, 6:00 pm, Mattes Center — Adults 18+ are invited to bring a $5 wrapped gift with a winter theme for a fun night of games and fellowship.

• Sunday School Christmas Program — Sunday, December 14, 8:30 am — Children will share the Christmas story during this special service, which will be livestreamed. A traditional 10:30 am worship service will follow.

• Christmas Worship

  • Candlelight Christmas Eve Services: December 24 at 4:00*, 6:00, and 9:00 pm (*4:00 pm service livestreamed)

  • Christmas Day Worship: December 25 at 10:00 am

Small Groups & Support

• Cancer Support Group — Tuesday, January 20, 5:00 pm, Mattes Center — Provides a confidential, supportive space for adult cancer patients and caregivers.

• Good Shepherd Men’s Group — Sundays, 6:30 pm, Mattes Center — Open to all men for conversation, reflection, and fellowship.

• Lydia Circle — Tuesday, January 6, 1:00 pm, Quilt Room — All women are invited for coffee, dessert, and conversation.

• Good Shepherd Women (WELCA) — Thursday, January 8, 6:00 pm, Quilting Room or via Zoom — Contact the church office for the Zoom link. Officer elections will be held at the February 5 meeting.

• Grief Support Group — Thursday, January 8, 3:00 pm — A caring space to share, listen, and find comfort.

Get Involved & Support

• Good Shepherd Caring Tree — All tags have been claimed. Please return wrapped gifts with tags to the church by December 12.

• Food for Schools Project — Support local school food banks with a donation by check (memo: “Food for Schools Project”) or online.

• Support the Youth Group — Purchase Scrip gift cards in the Welcome Area or church office (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–1:00 pm). Kwik Trip cards are always available.

• 2026 Offering Envelopes — Available in the Welcome Area. Contact the office if you would like envelopes but haven’t received them.

Other Announcements

• Quilting — No quilting in December. Sessions resume Monday, January 12, 2026 (second and fourth Mondays, 9:00 am–3:00 pm).

• Hospital Visits — Hospitalized members wishing a pastoral visit should call the church office, as hospitals cannot release patient information without a name.