Operation Christmas Child

Once again, Good Shepherd Church will be collecting shoeboxes filled with Christmas presents to be delivered to needy children throughout the world. Children who have suffered because of war, natural disaster, poverty, illness or neglect can receive a shoe box filled with gifts such as toys, school supplies, hygiene items, hard candy and gum.

Operation Christmas Child is a unique project of Christian relief organized through Samaritan’s Purse. Individuals and families are encouraged to participate in this project that can bring joy and hope to thousands of children.

If you are interested in participating, please look for the literature concerning Operation Christmas Child in the Narthex. We will need to have the shoe boxes in the church by November 16th, specifying if the contents are for a boy or girl, the age category (2-4, 5-9 or 10-14) along with $7.00 to help with shipping and other expenses.

Donations towards these expenses only (if you do not want to put a box together) would be much appreciated!

Operation Christmas Child – Gift Ideas

Something to Love: Teddy bear, doll, soft toy, etc.

Something for School: Pencil case, pens, pencils, coloring pencils, crayons, sharpeners, erasers, chalk, writing pads, solar calculators, picture books, etc.

Something to Wear: T-shirts, shorts, underwear, cap, beanie, sandals, thongs, etc.

Something to Play with: Tennis ball, small cars, dolls, skipping rope, marbles, musical instrument, yo-yo, slinky, finger puppets, etc. (No battery operated items)

Something for Personal Hygiene: Soap (in a plastic bag) and washcloth, toothbrush, hairbrush, comb, hair-clips, scrunchies, etc. (No toothpaste)

Something special: Carry bag, sunglasses, bangles, necklaces, craft kit, stickers, note or photo of yourself, etc.

Do Not Include

• Items that may leak or melt (toothpaste, shampoo, bubbles, playdough, batteries)
• Food or candy of any kind (including medicine and vitamins)
• Any used or damaged items (including toys and clothing)
• Any breakable items (including glass, porcelain, and mirrors)
• Any items that can scare or harm a child (including knives, war-related toys, toy guns)
• Any gambling related items (including play money, playing cards, dominoes)
• Anything of a religious, radical, or political nature

Sunday Notes – December 4, 2011

1. Foundations class meets next Sunday December 4th at 5pm. Topic: The sacramental system and prayer. All are welcome.
2. There is a Christian concert at Door Creek on Wednesday December 7th. The concert is Simple Gifts with Billy McLaughlin. Tickets are $20 adult, $10 student and can be purchased by calling 608-213-7209 or e-mailing ylsunprairie@gmail.com.
3. Elves Nite In Vendor Fair in at Good Shepherd is this Sunday December 4th from 1:00-4:00 PM. Tell and bring your friends.
4. Culver’s calendars are $5 and order forms for Culver’s scrip are available at church. Remember scrip for your holiday gift giving.
5. There will be a Christmas pageant practice after the 10 am service on December 11th.
6. Bishop Miller will be here on December 18th at 8am and 10 am for his visitation. We will also have our Christmas pageant that day at 10 am service.
7. Our Christmas schedule is:
   • December 23 – Eve of Christmas Eve: 7 PM
   • December 24 – Christmas Eve: 5 PM, 8:30 PM, and 12 AM
   • December 25 – 8 AM and 10 AM
   • December 31 – New Year Eve: 5 PM
   • January 1 – New Years Day: 8 AM and 10 AM

Have a great week.

God bless,

Fr. Mike

Put the Mass back in Christmas

A 30-second reminder that Christmas comes from Christ Mass, the worship service to give thanks for God coming to be with us in Jesus Christ.

Sunday Notes – November 20, 2011

1. Foundations Class meets Monday November 21st at 6pm. Topic: Holy Scripture and how it weaves through our worship and lives. We will meet Sunday November 27th at 5pm. The topic will be the history of Anglicanism. All are welcome.
2. Thanksgiving Day services will be at Bristol Lutheran on November 23rd at 6:30pm and 9am at Good Shepherd.
3. We will be doing Rite 2 at both services for advent starting on November 27th.
4. There is a Christian concert at Door Creek on Wednesday December 7th at 7:00pm. The concert is Simple Gifts with Billy McLaughlin. Tickets are $20 adult, $10 student and can be purchased by calling 608-213-7209 or e-mailing ylsunprairie@gmail.com. See Simple Gifts Music for more information or to listen
   to a sample of the music.
5. We are collecting blankets and newborn diapers for the Community Help Organization between until December 10th.
6. The Elves Nite In Vendor Fair is at Good Shepherd on December 4th from 1 to 4 pm. It’s a great opportunity to order Christmas gifts. Mark your calendars.
7. Culver’s calendars are $5 and order forms for Culver’s scrip are available at church. Remember scrip for your holiday gift giving.

Sunday Notes – November 6, 2011

1. Our fall stewardship drive is under way please return your estimate of
   giving cards and your time and talent form this weekend or as soon as
   possible.
2. Please come to the annual meeting this Sunday November 6th at 11:30am.
3. Foundations class meets Sunday November 6th at 5pm. Topic: How to get through an Episcopal service. All are welcome.
4. Next Sunday, Novemver 13th is the closing date for collecting Operation Christmas Child gift boxes at Good Shepherd. Please bring your donations next week.
5. Veteran’s Day is next Friday thank a vet!!!
6. The Elves Night In Vendor Fair will be held on December 4th from 1-4 PM. We are looking for volunteers.
7. Gloria King passed away on Wednesday. Mother of Dan King and homebound member of Good Shepherd. We will have a time a celebration of life on Monday from 4pm to 6pm at
   Good Shepherd.
8. Sun Prairie Middle school wrestling and Cub Scout Pack 143 asks for your help in supporting our Culver’s fund raiser.When:  November 14, 2011 from 5pm to 8pmWhere:  Sun Prairie Culver’s 1501 W. Main St. Sun Prairie.Welcome to Delicious while helping our Team and Pack raise funds to help our program needs.
9. Cooking class with Deacon Regs is coming on 11/13, we are making sweet breads. Please sign up in the narthex.
10. Thanksgiving day services will be at Bristol Lutheran on 11/23 at 6:30pm and at 9am at Good Shepherd.

Have a great week.
God bless, Fr. Mike

Sunday Notes – October 16, 2011

1. Our Fall Stewardship drive will kick off this weekend October 16th. Please pick up info on time, talent, and treasure drive in the Narthex this weekend.
2. Mark your calendars! The annual meeting is set for November 6th at 11:30am.
3. We are forming a stewardship group and a building and grounds group. If you are interested please sign up at Church in the Narthex.
4. Ladies Night Out is this Thursday October 20th at 7pm at Cannery Grill.
5. There will be no 5pm liturgy this Saturday on October 15th due to the Diocesan convention in Racine.
6. The mentor program will meet this Wednesday October 18th from 5 to 6pm. We are shortening the time and the agenda to accommodate a smaller group that is attending the class.
7. Please pray for the Diocese of Milwaukee and Bishop Miller as we attend our annual Diocesan Convention.
8. Foundations class meets this Sunday from 1 to 3. Topic: How to get through an Episcopal service.  All are welcome.

Sunday Notes – October 9, 2011

1. Welcome to Jake Abely who will be our new church musician.
2. The rummage sale is this Saturday from 8am to 2pm.  Please drop off items for the sale through Friday evening.  Please come and help evening pricing and sorting and Saturday working the sale.
3. St. Francis House meal is this Sunday October 9th. We are very short on
   people to help with the meal.  Call Fr. Mike if you can help. We will leave
   from Good Shepherd at 3:30pm.
4. Our Fall Stewardship drive will kick off on October 16th.
5. The annual meeting is set for November 6th at 11:30am. Mark your calendars.
6. We are forming a stewardship group and a building and grounds group if
   you are interested please sign up at Church in the Narthex.
7. Ladies Night Out is October 20th at 7pm at Cannery Grill.
8. There will be no 5pm liturgy on October 15th due to Diocesan convention in Racine.
9. The mentor program will meet on10/18 from 5 to 6pm. We are shortening the time and the agenda to accommodate a smaller group that is attending the class. 

Have a great week.  God bless,  Fr. Mike

October 2011 Newsletter

October 11 Newsletter

Sunday Notes – October 2, 2011

1. There is a rummage sale on October 8th.  Work dates are scheduled for Sunday and this week.  Sign up to help in the Narthex.
2. There is ministry training this  Sunday October 2 at 9 and 11:45; Wednesday October 5 at 5:30pm; and Saturday October 8th at 4pm.
3. Our fall foundations class starts this Sunday October 2nd. Sign up in the Narthex.
4. We will be blessing pets inside or out of church on October 1st and 2nd in honor of St. Francis day.
5. There is a sign up to help with our meal at St. Francis house October 9th. We will leave from Good Shepherd at 3:30pm.
6. Mark your calendars for the annual meeting which is set for November 6th at 11:30am.
7. We are forming a stewardship group and a building and grounds group. If you are interested please sign up at Church in the Narthex.
8. Ladies Night Out is Thursday October 20th at 7pm at Cannery Grill.

Pentecost 16 – Great Faithfulness-A love letter. Oct. 2, 2011

16 Pentecost
Great faithfulness- A Love Letter
Oct 2, 2011

Great is Thy faithfulness
Mode: MP3/MIDI

1. “Great is Thy faithfulness,” O God my Father,
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.
o “Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness,” Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
Sun, moon and stars in their courses above,
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
© 1923. Ren. 1951 Hope Publishing Co., Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.hopepublishing.com
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Source: http://www.hymnal.net/hymn.php/h/19#ixzz1ZDpUjGee
Giving It All…

Once upon a time at a church meeting a wealthy member of the church rose to tell the rest of those present about his Christian faith.

“I’m a millionaire,” he said, “and I attribute my wealth to the blessings of God in my life.” He went on to recall the turning point in his relationship with God. As a young man, he had just earned his first dollar and he went to a church meeting that night. The speaker at that meeting was a missionary who told about his work in the mission field. Before the offering plate was passed around, the preacher told everyone that everything that was collected that night would be given to this missionary to help fund his work on behalf of the church. The wealthy man wanted to give to support mission work, but he knew he couldn’t make change from the offering plate. He knew he either had to give all he had or nothing at all. At that moment, he decided to give all that he had to God. Looking back, he said he knew that God had blessed that decision and had made him wealthy.

When he finished, there was silence in the room. As he returned to the pew and sat down, an elderly lady seated behind him leaned forward and said, “I dare you to do it again.”

Brett Blair, www.eSermons.com

Isn’t that what God does every single time. He does it all again. Like the opening collect says. Please give us what we cannot nor dare not think of. Great is God’s faithfulness. This story on the first glance looks like a awful story of ungratefulness. As I look deeper at this story it does not look that different than me sometimes. This story is really not about me or you. This story is about a faithful God who never gives up trying to help us understand how real and powerful God’s love for us is. This story is about how far God will go to tell us He loves us.
This story is like so many other stories in the Bible. It is really the purpose of the Bible. God is love beyond human understanding. The only thing asked is for us to respond to God in our own faithfulness to the best of our ability. I dare you to give it all and do it again and again because that is what our God does time after time until the Kingdom comes.
In the name of God.

Sunday Notes – September 25, 2011

1)   There is no 5pm liturgy on Saturday September 24^th 

2)   Park Crawl is this Sunday September 25^th; mark your calendars. Sign up to help is in the narthex. We still need help.

3)   There is a rummage sale meeting Wednesday September 25^th at 5pm.

4)   Wednesday is our next middle school/high school mentoring Wednesday night. There is a sign up to provide the meal for these nights in the Narthex.

5)   Our fall foundations class starts October 2^nd. Sign up in the Narthex.

6)   We will be blessing pets inside or out of church on October 1^st and 2^nd in honor of St. Francis day.

7)   There is a sign up to help with our meal at St. Francis House October 9^th. We will leave from Good Shepherd at 3:30pm.

8)   Mark your calendars the annual meeting. It is set for November 6 at 11:30am.

9)   We are forming a stewardship group and a building and grounds group. If you are interested please sign up at Church in the Narthex.

Have a great week.

God bless, Fr. Mike