Announcements — December 6, 2009

REMEMBER IN PRAYER:  Heather U. and Jeanann G., undergoing chemotherapy;  Marty J., with cancer;  Ann L. and Chuck P., undergoing treatment;  Bill S., serving in the military in Afghanistan;  Ann W.’s family, at the death of her mother this past week.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS  We welcome the followings new members this morning:
   Ben & Pat S. by Confession of Faith
   Jeremy B. by Adult Confirmation
   Sal R. by Adult Confirmation
   Brandi R. and son, Jhaydon, by Transfer of Membership
   Roberta H. by Adult Confirmation
   Stephanie C. by Adult Confirmation
   Adam T.by Adult Confirmation
   Sara T. and children, Jacy and Rilyn, by Transfer of Membership
   Todd B. by Adult Confirmation

ADVENT  We will have special midweek Advent services on Wednesdays at 7:00 pm up to the week of Christmas.  Be sure to make these special services a part of your Christmas preparation and celebration.

FUNDRAISER  Our thanks to everyone who helped with the benefit chili/soup supper yesterday for the Heather U. family.  We are pleased that Thrivent is matching one third of the proceeds of the fundraiser.

LADIES HOLIDAY EVENT  The LWML is sponsoring a Christmas Holiday-centered evening for all the ladies of the congregation this evening beginning at 6:30 pm.  You don’t have to be a member of the LWML, or a participant in the Secret Sister Program, to take part and enjoy an evening of fun with your fellow Good Shepherd Christian Sisters.  If you’d like to participate in the fun ornament or cookie exchanges, just bring a wrapped Christmas ornament and some cookies.  If not, that’s fine, too.  Just bring your appetite and a smile.  Our hostesses for this special evening are Janet C. and Judy G. 

THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM will be included with the 10:45 morning worship service Sunday, December 20th.  All Sunday School aged students are encouraged to be a part of this wonderful program where the children tell the beautiful story of Jesus’ birth in a way only they can.  Practices for the program are during the Sunday School hour.

LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES OUTREACH BOOKLETS  Please check out the new assortment of Lutheran Hour Booklets located in the narthex.  There is a variety of topics for personal use or to give out to family, friends, and co-workers, that points us all to Christ and his endless love, no matter what the situation my be.  A booklet entitled, How to Share Christ Confidently, is also available.  Let Your Light Shine, and Reach Out!

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS  It is that time again to place our order for the poinsettias that help beautify our church at Christmas.  The cost will be $5.00 each, and as always, you are welcome to take the plants home with you after Christmas.  Use the sign up sheet in the narthex, and please make payment to Betty K.  

JOY COMES IN PAIRS  In light of the necessities of life, walking barefoot may seem minor, but for millions of children around the world their bare feet are subjected to infections that can lead to crippling consequences, disease and even death.  The Sunday School offerings, now through the end of the year, will go to help purchase and send pairs of clog type, all-terrain shoes to children in need worldwide.  This project is a division of Life Outreach International.

PRESERVING THE BEAUTY  We ask that you help us to preserve and maintain our facility, such as closely monitoring snacks given to children in the sanctuary, being careful not to mar or scratch the floors when moving tables and chairs, keeping food in the kitchen or Fellowship Hall, and seeing that your disposable cups, glasses, etc. are empty before you put them in the trash.  Together, we can preserve the beauty of our church, the Fellowship Hall and classrooms.  Thank you for helping us keep our church clean.

BLOOD PRESSURE  The opportunity to have your blood pressure taken and recorded after each service is still available.  We have moved the site to the nurse’s office located off the narthex.  You will be given a card to carry with you to record your readings.

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.