Dearly Beloved in Christ,

This weekend we have had such a rich time of meeting together and of being encouraged by Bishop Howe's teaching to do good deeds through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and by means of the gifts that each of us has received from the Holy Spirit.  And to show forth love which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

During our time together this question was raised: "How do I know what my gifts are?" To which Bishop Howe responded by asking us to consider the following: "What do you enjoy doing?  What blesses you?" "Do you have something on your heart that you want to see accomplished for the good of the whole Body of Christ?" "Where are you already blessing others?"  "What do you do that others affirm?"

I pray that we would be a community that encourages each other to love and good deeds by being those with an "attitude of gratitude."  There are those who have the spiritual gift of encouragement, but all of us can make a point of affirming those who are exercising their gifts in our midst, whatever that might be: the music on a Sunday morning, the cheerful greeting of the ushers, the volunteers in the Food Bank, the Altar Guild who prepare our sanctuaries for worship, the beautiful flower arrangements, the Christian Formation teachers, the hospitality/food teams, the people who have worked so hard on the grounds and the buildings (some are very, very quiet in their ministry), surprise them with a "thank you." There are many others not listed here, some also whose gifts extend into the workplace. 

Especially during this season of Thanksgiving let us give thanks for the many ministers of God's grace whom he has drawn into this family.  And in being grateful we will become a people who indeed "stir up one another to love and good works."

In the Peace, Grace, and Love of our Lord,
Rev'd Sarah+ 

PS If you want to be involved in a ministry but are still unsure what that might be give call or email me to set a time for us to meet together and to pray for the Lord to give us discernment as to where he would bless you to be a blessing.

Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist 

Wednesday, November 21 at 5:00 pm 

in the Chapel 

Angel Trees have been set up in the Chapel and Church with the names of needy children in local schools.  Over the next couple of weeks you are invited to take one or two names from the tree, purchase an age and gender appropriate gift and return it by December 2nd with the "angel" tag attached.  Please do not wrap the gifts.

Sign up for the Christmas Eve Children's Pageant and Children's Choir will take place after the 10:30 am service on Sunday, November 25

Rehearsals will take place on Sundays after the 10:30 am service as follows:

  ADVENT CHURCH CLEANING WORKDAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1
FROM 8:30 AM - NOON

Bring rags, furniture polish, window cleaner, bathroom scourers and let's get the inside of the Church, Chapel, bathrooms, Parish Hall and Roberta's Hall sparkling! 

at The Burgess' Sunday, December 9, 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Jim and Irene have once again graciously offered to host a Christmas Party for everyone involved in a ministry at Good Shepherd - that's a lot of people!

 

Sara Pierce, Rich Thompson