The Latest – Page 19 – The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Worship with us this Christmas!

Post author By Pastor Bob Schaefer
Post date December 21, 2020

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!

Tags Christmas, Worship

Announcements

Support your church, claim a $300 deduction – Win/win!

Post author By Pastor Bob Schaefer
Post date December 20, 2020

Under the CARES Act, you can deduct up to $300 in donations to qualified nonprofits in 2020 – even if you take the standard deduction. Now is the perfect time to financially support your church’s ministry!

Visit the IRS website to learn more about this opportunity.

Tags Stewardship

Announcements

Are you having a blue Christmas? Here are eight online services to help you through the holidays.

Post author By Pastor Bob Schaefer
Post date December 11, 2020

The world around you insists “it’s the most wonderful time of the year!” You try to smile politely, but inside your feelings of sadness, loss and loneliness seem to get worse around Christmas. You steel yourself up to “have a blue Christmas.”

If this is painfully familiar, we invite you to one of eight “Blue Christmas” or “Longest Night” services being offered by congregations around our synod. These services are intended to give those grieving a safe place to gather in God’s presence to receive comfort and encouragement during what can be a difficult season.

Especially convenient, you don’t even need to leave your home to attend.

If you’re struggling to put on a brave face this Christmas, why not let down your mask for a little while among people who understand what you’re going through, and hear the good news once again that Jesus is with you right where you are?

Tags Blue Christmas, Christmas, Longest Night, SWPA Synod, Worship

Announcements

Find Help in the Monroeville Area

Post author By Pastor Bob Schaefer
Post date December 11, 2020

If you or someone you love is in need, the Monroeville Public Library maintains a list of resources in our area for seeking help.

Tags Assistance, Monroeville

Announcements

Christmas Card Request

Post author By Donna Wenger
Post date December 7, 2020

We will not be able to provide gift bags to our homebound members this year for Christmas, SOOOO let’s shower them with Christmas cards! A list of our homebound members is available from Donna, our secretary. It is available as a paper copy or it can be emailed to you. While you are at it, think of some of our other members that could use some Christmas cheer and send them a card too!

Announcements

Mask Makers

Post author By Donna Wenger
Post date December 6, 2020

Val Corbin has placed a sign by our church driveway entrance which contains FREE masks. She could use some help keeping it supplied. If you can help, there are Joann Fabrics gift cards available in the church office to help purchase supplies. Please call the office if you are interested.

Please wear your mask, limit group activities and stay 6 feet away!

Announcements

Food Donations: Helping Our Neighbors

Post author By Donna Wenger
Post date December 5, 2020

Harvest Sunday was November 22 but we are continuing to collect non-perishable food and personal care items. These items will go to local food banks, restock the pantry at Good Shepherd and, be used to provide food for several families in the Gateway School District. Recently a request was made to the Monroeville Interfaith Ministerium. The Gateway School District asked for food and cold-weather clothing items for families in the district in need. The Service Committee used some of the money in their budget to purchase food and Giant Eagle gift cards. Bags were delivered to Ramsey Elementary on November 17th. Seven additional bags have been assembled and will be taken to University Park Elementary next week. If you have new or gently used hats, gloves, coats or boots that you can part with, we will be collecting those at Good Shepherd too. We will donate those to families in the school district as soon as we get more detailed information. Thank you for all that you do for our neighbors in need!

Announcements

Share Your Advent Wreath Creation

Post author By Donna Wenger
Post date December 4, 2020

Did you pick up your Advent wreath making supplies yet? They are available in Fellowship Hall. Here is a picture of what one member did…

Show us what your family has created with your Advent Wreath!

Advent wreath created by Georgie and Fred Wiesner.

This Advent wreath was created by Gretchen Wiesner.

Announcements

Angel Tree Gift Drop

Post author By Donna Wenger
Post date December 3, 2020

Angel Tree-Every one of the 25 names from our Angel Tree was claimed! We have received some monetary donations that we will use to cover gift requests. Remember to bring your gifts/donations to the church on or before December 6. Service Committee members will be in Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 6 from 11am until 1pm.

News

Our Virtual Choir leads the way

Post author By Donna Wenger
Post date November 30, 2020

The Good Shepherd Virtual Choir is featured on the SWPA Synod website! Deacon Beth Caywood writes in her article “What About Christmas Music?” about the process of making music virtually. She draws on an interview with Pastor Bob, whom she calls “our resident expert” on virtual choirs, noting that he has “explored, experimented with, and perfected many tools necessary to provide beautiful music online.”

Congratulations to the musicians of The Good Shepherd for being at the cutting edge of musicmaking in our synod!