NEWS & EVENTS

Children’s Christmas Pageant – Sunday, Dec. 22nd during the 10:30am worship service

Christmas Eve Worship Services - Tuesday, December 24th at 3 pm and 8 pm (new time)

Annual Cookie Walk - The Cookie Walk, a major fundraiser for our church, will be Saturday, December 14, from 9 am - 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall. WELCA sponsors the event, but we need EVERYBODY to help us out. Please bake cookies - there's a sign-up sheet in the church narthex. We need your help!   If you want to help out on Dec. 14, we need all sorts of workers! Sign up for a job, or just appear on December 14 and join us for all the fun!

Craft Sale - The Senior Shepherds will be having a Craft Sale in conjunction with the Cookie Walk on December 14, 9 am - 1 pm.  Great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers!

Mitten Tree – We will be collecting mittens, hats, and scarves for our friends at the Outreach Center. The tree is in the church narthex. If you knit, please lend your talents and help those in need of items to keep them warm. If you prefer to purchase and donate a new item, please do so!

WELCA Christmas Party – The Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Christmas party will be Friday, Dec. 6, starting at 6 p.m. with potluck supper. We'll have a grab-bag gift exchange (new or gently used, $15 maximum). Please join us for this fun, annual event. There's a sign-up sheet in the narthex, but you can come even if you don't sign up ahead of time. If you need a ride, please call 518-330-6741 and leave a message.

Caroling for the Sick and Homebound – Help to brighten the Christmas season for members and friends of Good Shepherd who are unable to attend services! On Sunday, December 8, pizza and beverages will be available after the 10:30 service for volunteers who will travel to several locations for caroling to the sick and homebound among us. We’d like to have enough people to put together two groups. We have a lot of people to visit and need lots of people to sing and/or volunteer to drive. You don’t have to be a good singer; just a desire to bring joy to others. If you are willing to add your voices or drive to help with this wonderful ministry, please contact Susan Perkins.

Christmas Decorating – Christmas tree trimming and other holiday decorating will take place on Sunday, December 15th at 12 noon following fellowship. Please join in the festivities! We would like white lights for the tree this year. If you can donate strands of white lights, please contact Pastor Edwina.

Longest Night Service – For many people who are experiencing grief and loss, the Christmas season can be a very difficult one. Good Shepherd will hold a Longest Night Service (also known as Blue Christmas Service) on Thursday, December 19th at 7:00 pm. There will be time during this service for anointing with oil and laying of the hands. If you or someone you know is experiencing a difficult time, please join us for this beautiful service.

Leading with Wonder Workshops - Practicing Skills for Being in Times of Transition”
Pastor Lori Kochanski, Assistant to the Bishop for Faith Formation, will lead an exciting series of workshops here at Good Shepherd. Over the course of three, 1.5 hour meeting times we will explore elements of wonder as they relate to leadership in community.
TOPIC: Curiosity, Equanimity and Play
Tuesday, January 7 at 12 noon (bring your lunch!) and again at 7:00 pm

Game Night – Every Monday at 6:30 pm here in the fellowship hall. Bring your favorite board game or enjoy playing with one of ours. Adults and children of all ages are invited. Invite your friends and neighbors for a fun night out! Light snacks will be provided. So mark your calendars and come join in on the fun!

Qi Gong Classes – Saturdays- 9:30 am to 11:00 am. (No class on December 14th.)  Registration is required. You can call or text Maria at (518) 629-5800. Email CoreFourHC@gmail.com. Website is CoreFourHealthcoaching.com or MariaPatrickHealthCoach.com. Classes are $10 per session.

Hoffman Car Wash Helping Hands Fundraiser – Proceeds will now go to the Hillenbrandt Scholarship Fund. Tickets available from Chris Kleinhenz at 518-441-8719 or ONLINE. Exterior $10 – Interior $25. They make great gifts!