Author: Pastor Bob Schaefer

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Announcements

It’s easy to support our ministry

Supporting the work of The Good Shepherd is easy to do, no matter how you prefer to give.

God’s called us to important work in Monroeville and the surrounding community. We provide food to hungry neighbors. We support our local men’s shelter with clothing, food donations and in-person service. We provide a home to many community support groups and other organizations. And we witness to our faith in big and small ways every day so that Jesus is made known in us.

You’re a part of that work. Now, more than ever, your contributions empower The Good Shepherd to do this ministry.

Visit our Donations page to learn how you can make a one-time gift… or choose a recurring contribution, if set it and forget it is the way you roll.

Thank you for your partnership!

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Announcements

Inspiration on Demand – We’re on YouTube

Have you visited The Good Shepherd’s channel on YouTube? We’ve got a growing collection of videos to inspire you, with more added every week.

Here’s just some of what you’ll find:

  • Sunday morning’s worship service – and an archive of our previous services, too.
  • A library of more than three dozen hymns, solos, virtual choir anthems, bell performances and other musical selections.
  • Hundreds of episodes of Daily Prayer, our nationally recognized daily devotional.
  • And more!

Be inspired!

While you’re there, be sure to click on the “Subscribe” button and the 🔔 icon to be notified every time we post a new video.

Take Me There
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Announcements

Midweek Worship during Lent

Lent Midweek Worship

Throughout the season of Lent, The Good Shepherd will be holding joint midweek worship services on Zoom with our friends at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Eastmont.

Wednesdays @ 7 pm

Join us for a special Lenten presentation of Daily Prayer, cohosted by Pastor Linda Theophilus and featuring a familiar sung version of Psalm 141 from the LBW Evening Prayer service. Hang around after the episode of Daily Prayer for a thought-provoking conversation about the daily readings, and a time of fellowship with our friends and neighbors.

It’s easy to join us – just use the normal Sunday Zoom link and phone number, or click below.

Wednesdays in Lent, February 24 – March 24, 2021.

Let’s Pray…
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Announcements

Get Your Ashes to Go

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 17 is Ash Wednesday. We are offering a safe, socially-distanced drive-thru distribution of the ashes to help you mark the beginning of Lent.

Ashes to Go will be offered from 12:00 – 1:00 pm in the church parking lot:

  • As you enter, stay to the left and turn around in our circle – you’ll approach with your driver’s side window toward the building. It’ll feel like you’re driving on the wrong side, but you’re not.
  • For your safety and the pastor’s, masks are required for all occupants of the vehicle. If you’re unmasked the pastor will offer you a blessing from a distance, but you will not be able to receive ashes.
  • Ashes will be imposed with a single-use cotton swab, one per person.
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COVID-19 News

“It’s your turn!” What it’s like to get the vaccine

Council president Bob Rossetti gets the COVID-19 vaccine

Our council president Bob Rossetti recently got the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s what you can expect when you go…

Get the Vaccine!

One of the best things you can do for yourself, your loved ones and your congregation is to get the vaccine as soon as you’re able. Take the quick eligibility quiz to find out when you can get it – you might already be eligible!

Check Your Eligibility

I received my first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine today.

Being over 65 and in an early group I made my appointment online and received an email verification of my time slot. The Allegheny County Health Department opened a Point of Dispensing (POD) in Monroeville.

Today I went to the Doubletree Mall Hotel at my scheduled appointment time. It was a very well organized, and efficient process with many workers happy to assist. After checking in at the registration desk I received a text: “You’re Checked In! We will text and/or email you when we’re ready for you.” And then a second text “It’s your turn! Please proceed to the clinic for your appointment.” No lines and just a short wait until I was sitting in one of the ten private clinic vaccine area chairs. The Moderna shot was quick and painless. 

I was led to a waiting area and told to sit for 15 minutes to make sure there are no side effects. There was a mix of over 65 people and younger health care professionals in the waiting room. We were on our way home in only 40 minutes.

ACHD will email us in 3 weeks to schedule the second dose. 4 weeks in between shots. I also received a vaccine record card to verify my immunization.

My overall experience from signup thru vaccine is extremely positive. The only side effect after 4 hours is a slight pain when I move my arm.  If you had any doubts about getting the vaccine I hope my experience helps in your decision making.

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Announcements

Attend the Annual Meeting this Sunday, January 31

It’s easy to attend the annual meeting. Be sure to also come early at 10:30 for worship before the meeting – you can use any of the three ways to attend both worship and the meeting:

Online Using Zoom

Use our normal Sunday morning Zoom instructions. (Please note that the annual meeting will not be livestreamed on YouTube.)

In Person at the Church

We will set up stations around the church building where small groups can participate in the Zoom meeting together. Each station will have a facilitator to run the technology and assist in voting and speaking. No technological skills are required for you to participate. These pods will follow all appropriate COVID-19 guidelines, including the use of masks. Please RSVP with the church office by January 29 if you plan to attend in person.

Dialing in by Phone

Use our normal Sunday morning dial-in instructions:

  1. Dial 1-929-436-2866 (long distance rates may apply)
  2. When asked, use the buttons on your phone to enter our Meeting ID. It is 266 831 067. Push the # key to continue.

Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we experience a new way of being Church together. We look forward to meeting with you after worship on Sunday, January 31!

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Announcements

Don’t miss it! Stream “Christmas at The Good Shepherd” on YouTube

Christmas at The Good Shepherd

“Wonderful!” | “Beautiful!” | “Awesome!” | “Nothing short of spectacular!” | “Filled with Gospel!”

Our Christmas worship service is getting rave reviews! Take a few minutes during these twelve days of Christmas to celebrate the beauty and mystery of the Incarnation.

Featuring the gifts of Liz Smith, Bob Rossetti, Matt O’Donnell, Leigh Pogue, Andrew Imblum, Matthew Walley, Gretchen Wiesner, Mary K. Walley, Pastor Bob and The Good Shepherd Virtual Choir, this worship service will move you and inspire you.

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Announcements

Pastor Bob on vacation

Pastor Bob here – I’m taking some vacation time in the weeks after Christmas. We’ve got some great worship lined up for you on the two Sundays I’ll be out. If you’re in need of emergency pastoral care, just give the church office a call – I’m doing a covid staycation at home, and am still here if you need me.

Wishing you all a joyous new year!

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Announcements

It’s time to pick up your Christmas flowers

Thanks to everyone who donated flowers to decorate our worship space this Christmas! Filming has wrapped in the sanctuary, and you are welcome to bring your Christmas flowers home to enjoy. Please call the office to schedule a pick-up time.

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Announcements

Worship with us this Christmas!

Join us this Christmas Eve for a beautiful candlelight worship – right from your own home! It’s easy and you don’t even need a computer or a smartphone.

You can join us live at 7:30 pm using the usual instructions for our Sunday morning worship, which can be found here.

And if your family likes a midnight mass or church on Christmas morning, our service will be available for you to watch and rewatch any time on YouTube.

Thanks to all of our talented worship leaders and musicians… we can’t wait to share this most special service with you!