Announcements January 3, 2025

BOOK OF ROMANS

BEGINS JANUARY 7

Paul the Apostle has often been read in ways that feel heavy or exclusionary. Join us as we explore his Letter to the Romans with fresh eyes, hearing it as a bold proclamation of God’s grace, liberation, and good news for all. Wednesdays at 11:00 AM in the Parish Hall.

THEOLOGICAL BOOK STUDY BEGINS JANUARY 8

New year, new book! Beginning January 8, the Theological Book Group will start a 6-week study of Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus, by Elaine Pagels. Written like a historical mystery, the book explores enduring questions about Jesus—his birth, resurrection, miracles, and lasting influence. Join us for lively conversation Thursdays at 4:00 PM in the library, or via Zoom. Start 2026 with something new! For more information, contact Mary Lou Crifasi in the church office.

HALLOWED HIKE: JANUARY 10, 8:30 AM

Our hike will take us through Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area, 12201 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL on Saturday, January 10. Nestled among densely populated neighborhoods, the area is teeming with wildlife and is home to old-growth flatwoods, live oak hammocks, cypress swamps, and mangroves, among other foliage. There are paved paths and wood walkways throughout the forest. No restrooms. Meet in the parking lot at 8:30 AM.

Looking Ahead

FAITH AND FAILURE

January often invites reflection—on what didn’t go as planned and what still feels unfinished. This month at Barn Raising, we’ll talk honestly about failure, disappointment, and the gap between who we hoped to be and where we find ourselves now. Together, we’ll explore how faith reframes failure—not as the end of the story, but as a place where grace meets us and something new can begin.

Stewardship Campaign 2026

At Good Shepherd, we know that generosity doesn’t just sustain a budget—it shapes lives, forms faith, and builds a community where love grows.

When you give, you help create a church where welcome is real, worship is vibrant, and people of all ages find belonging. Your gift becomes the seed that helps ministries take root—from Sunday School to pastoral care, from music and liturgy to outreach and fellowship. It nurtures the soil of our shared life by supporting essential staff, maintaining our sacred spaces, and preparing us for growth.

As Scripture reminds us, we are “built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:22). And at the center of all we build stands Christ—our cornerstone, our strength, our joy.

This year, we invite you to be part of a harvest of hope. By making a pledge, you’re not just giving to a church—you’re helping love take root in every heart we serve.

Join us as we grow something beautiful—together!

Pledge Online

Program Ministry Guide 2025/26

Program Ministry Guide

Check our our Program Ministry Guide for information on many of our events and programs in the coming year!

Program Ministry Guide

click image for Children's Ministry Newsletter

Vestry Highlights

A Moment of Gratitude

This month’s Moment of Gratitude comes from Mike Grashof, who lifts Dr. Ian Anderson, former Senior Warden, with deep appreciation. For many years, Ian has faithfully shepherded our youth, serving as our interim youth director, a volunteer youth leader, and our sole catechist, with wisdom, creativity, and steady care. He also leads our Morning Prayer ministry with great diligence and sings in the choir, offering his gifts across the full life of the parish. Ian’s leadership has enriched our community in countless ways, including the creation of truly phenomenal events, most especially the wine tasting dinner. We hold Ian and his wife, Letty, in our prayers as she continues her recovery at their summer home in Tennessee.