Announcements for Sunday, December 7, 2025
Worship
This Sunday (December 7) — Second Sunday of Advent — This Sunday we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent with readings from Isaiah 11:1–10, Psalm 72:1–7 and 18–19, Romans 15:4–13, and Matthew 3:1–12. Pastor Harald Bringsjord will preach, and music will be provided by Randy Lyden, Karl Greenfield, and Dave Osley. Communion will be served at both services. A Burrito Breakfast will be offered between services in the Mattes Center, and the 8:30 am service will be livestreamed.
Next Sunday (December 14) — Third Sunday of Advent — Next Sunday we worship on the Third Sunday of Advent with readings from Isaiah 35:1–10, Psalm 146:5–10, James 5:7–10, and Matthew 11:2–11. Pastor Harald Bringsjord will preach, and music will again be provided by Randy Lyden, Karl Greenfield, and Dave Osley. Communion will not be served. The Sunday School Christmas Program will take place during the 8:30 am service, which will also be livestreamed, and a traditional worship service will be held at 10:30 am.
Gather & Celebrate
Family Game Night — Friday, December 12, 6:00–9:00 pm, Mattes Center — Family Game Night will take place on Friday, December 12, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in the Mattes Center, offering a relaxed evening of board and card games for all ages.
Bunco Night — Friday, December 19, 6:00 pm, Mattes Center — Bunco Night will be held on Friday, December 19, at 6:00 pm in the Mattes Center. Adults 18 and older are invited to bring a wrapped $5 “Thanksgiving”-themed gift and enjoy an evening of fun and fellowship.
Sunday School Christmas Program — Sunday, December 14, 8:30 am — The Sunday School Christmas Program will be presented on December 14 at the 8:30 am worship service, where the children will share the Christmas Story. This service will also be livestreamed, and a traditional worship service will follow at 10:30 am.
Christmas Worship — Candlelight Christmas Eve worship services will be held on December 24 at 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm, and 9:00 pm, and the 4:00 pm service will be livestreamed. Christmas Day worship will be held on December 25 at 10:00 am.
Small Groups & Support
Cancer Support Group — Tuesday, December 16, 5:00 pm, Mattes Center — The Cancer Support Group will meet on Tuesday, December 16 at 5:00 pm in the Mattes Center, offering a confidential and supportive space for adult cancer patients and caregivers.
Good Shepherd Men’s Group — Sundays, 6:30 pm, Mattes Center — The Good Shepherd Men’s Group meets every Sunday at 6:30 pm in the Mattes Center for conversation, reflection, and fellowship, and anyone interested is welcome to attend.
Lydia Circle — Tuesday, January 6, 1:00 pm, Quilt Room — Lydia Circle will gather on Tuesday, January 6 at 1:00 pm in the Quilt Room for coffee, dessert, and conversation, and all women are invited to join.
Good Shepherd Women (WELCA) — Thursday, January 8, 6:00 pm — Good Shepherd Women (WELCA) will meet on Thursday, January 8 at 6:00 pm in the Quilting Room or via Zoom, and those who wish to attend online may call the church office for the Zoom link. The Election of Officers will take place at the February 5 meeting.
Grief Support Group — Thursday, December 11, 3:00 pm —The Grief Support Group will gather on Thursday, December 11 at 3:00 pm to offer a compassionate space to share and receive comfort.
Get Involved & Support
Good Shepherd Caring Tree — All Caring Tree tags have already been taken this year, and wrapped gifts with their tags should be returned to the church by December 12.
Food for Schools Project — The Food for Schools Project continues to support area school food banks, and donations may be made by writing “Food for Schools Project” in the memo line of a check or by giving online.
Support the Youth Group — Support the youth of Good Shepherd by purchasing Scrip gift cards, available in the Welcome Area or in the church office Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm; Kwik Trip cards are always kept in stock.
2026 Offering Envelopes Available — Offering envelopes for 2026 are available in the Welcome Area, and anyone who has not been issued envelopes but would like them may contact the church office.
Other Announcements
No Quilting in December — There will be no quilting in December, and quilting sessions will resume on January 12, 2026, continuing on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Hospital Visits — Members who are hospitalized and would like a visit from a pastor are encouraged to call the church office directly because hospitals cannot release patient information without a name.
