WEEKLY NEWS

November 7, 2024

The deep breath when you settle in your pew.

The way your skin prickles as the voices in the room combine to echo the familiar words of the prayers.

How all the scattered thoughts fall away as you become lost in the sounds and words the choir sings from the loft.

That sense of belonging and hope that swells inside you as the babies in front of you are baptized.

The knowledge that, no matter what else is going on outside the church doors and in our lives, at least this one thing is constant.

If you know…you know.

Our weekly worship, our sacramental life together, can often be countercultural. It requires us to put on a mantle of gratitude and grace, something often at odds with how the world wants us to act. Gratitude for the love that God so unconditionally offers us. Grace for ourselves and those around us. Our worship is our way of responding to those precious gifts. The expressions of love and gratitude found in our music, ritual, and preaching are our highest priority as disciples, and our budget reflects that emphasis.

Last Sunday, Pastor Melody reminded us that one step to living like a saint is to be faithful in worship, “in the breaking of bread and the prayers.” Nothing is quite as capable of reminding us to be generous than our weekly participation in communal worship. As we grow more connected with God and each other, every other ministry becomes stronger. So as you consider your pledge for the coming year, know that your generosity doesn’t just help us decorate the church with flowers or pay musicians or order prayer books for confirmands. Your generosity and its significance in our worship, helps us answer that fundamental question about who we want to be - a people devoted to God and one another.



From Stewardship Chair Chris Savage:



Take a moment to remember being with us on a recent Sunday morning and how worshipping together is foundational to our life together. Please generously support our sacramental life as you thoughtfully consider your pledge for next year. We hope that you will respond by returning your pledge by November 17 and join us in celebrating Sunday worship together.

This year you can make your pledge commitment through Realm. Use the button above to pledge from your browser or log into the Realm Connect app on your phone. 

Celebration Lunch

Sunday, November 17 | 11:45 AM

Let's celebrate! Make plans to join us for our annual Celebration Lunch to mark the end of stewardship.

Food & Entertainment by:

Taco Taxi

Fireova Pizza

Mister Softee Ice Cream

Clowning Around

RSVP today!

Day of Service & Sock Drive

Sunday, November 24 | 9:15 AM +

Fajitas are out and casseroles are in! We are switching it up to serve the 450 people at Austin Street Center later this month. Donate food items, prepare food during the formation hour, transport, or serve food on-site. It doesn't matter how you serve as long as we do it together. We are also collecting new socks to donate in anticipation of their winter needs. Bring socks on November 24 or drop them by the church office.

Volunteer Today!

THIS SUNDAY AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Guest Pianist at 10:30 AM- Claire Miller



A native of Garland, TX, Claire Miller received a BME in Choral music (piano principal) from Ouachita Baptist University in 2005. She moved to Faith Academy in the Philippines, where she accompanied for 10 years. She has played for large and small choral ensembles from elementary to high school and accompanied for choir festivals and a tour to South Korea. She has experience accompanying for Solo and Ensemble, UIL, and various church services. She has recently played keys for Sweeney Todd, Mary Poppins, and Chicago. Claire resides in Mansfield with her husband and four children.

The Angel Tree is Up

This Sunday | Return Gifts by December 8

Help us serve the children at Sylvia Mendez CREW Leadership Academy by picking a tag from the Angel Tree and purchasing Christmas gifts from the wish lists. Your generosity helps lessen the burden for many families during the upcoming holiday season. Choose a name (or two) and have fun shopping. Gifts must be returned by Sunday, December 8.

HAPPENING SOON

NOV

9

Social Saturday

Saturday, November 9 | 5:30 - 7:30 | Parish Hall

Social Saturday is back at the church for its November gathering! BYOB and an appetizer to share. RSVP on Realm or to Danna Jackson at 832-722-0506.

NOV

17

Stewardship Celebration

Sunday, November 17 | 11:45 A

Have you let us know that you are coming? RSVP on Realm today!

NOV

17

College Care Packages

Sunday, November 17 | 9:15 AM | Youth Room

Help us send a happy surprise to our college students before exams. Send names and addresses of your college students to Lauren. Students, come pack, decorate boxes, and help us write notes to send to our college students across the country. Community service hours are available for all volunteers.

NOV

24

Service Day with Austin Street Center

Sunday, November 24

How will you serve?