We are so excited and blessed to be able to come together to prepare for the celebration of Christmas. Finally, we will join with the angels who sang praises to God over the plains of Bethlehem announcing the birth of our Lord! How we need our Savior! God in his mercy sent us His Only Begotten Son in the manger so long ago. He came to save us from our sin, our broken world, Satan, and death. What a joyous season to gather as God’s people and celebrate. For as that mercy came to us from heaven above as the babe of Bethlehem, he has given us a new birth in Jesus Christ and raised us up as children of our Heavenly Father. So we gather to worship, whether it be at church or online, to praise the newborn king as brothers and sisters of Christ.
We know many are trying to plan their holiday schedule during this joyous time. So to aid you, we would like to announce all the upcoming services centered on Advent and Christmas! Here are the worship opportunities that where you can hear the life-giving message of God’s Word and to respond in songs of praise and service to our Lord. Please note that all services will also be available online!
This Weekend, December 19-20, 4th Sunday of Advent
Saturday, December 19, Grace Place at 5 pm
See link below for downloading service.
Drive-up communion offered at 3 pm-3:45 pm
Sunday, Dec 20, Traditional @ 9 am & Contemporary at 11:15 am.
See links below to download services
Drive-up communion offered at 12:30 -1:30 pm
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Christmas Eve, the Birth of our Lord,
Worship Opportunities
Dec. 24 at 5 pm, Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall
Drive Through Communion will be offered from 3:15-4:15 pm
December 24 @ 7 pm, Traditional Candlelight Service in Sanctuary
Drive Through Communion will be offered from 7:30-8:30 pm
December 26 @ 5 pm, Grace Place in Sanctuary
Drive Through Communion will be offered from 3:00-3:45 pm
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Click on buttons below to be directed to our
Facebook Group and online bulletins.
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Announcement Concerning Safe Worship Practices and Precautions for the Holiday Season
As has been our policy to help keep safe by following the recommendations from professional health officials. So we will be checking temperatures at the door and ask everyone to adhere to the following guidelines:
- Everyone is to wear a mask. If you do not have one, we will provide you one at the door.
- Please practice safe social distancing. If you have questions, ushers will assist you with seating for worship and with participation in holy communion
- Please wash your hands
- Worship services will be limited to a max time of 60 minutes.
That special time of year is also here, and with it comes the joy of gathering together with those we love. This year’s holiday season may look different than years past in many ways, but the gratefulness in our hearts remains the same. Being with family and friends is always a special time, and certainly, in light of these new difficulties we’re facing, we all want to be near to those who are dear to us. We all know there’s a risk involved, but we also know that each one of us needs something a little different right now. We’re here to help meet everyone’s needs, no matter the nature - physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual - and we hope we’re managing to do so. However, we do need to put a bit more emphasis on your physical wellbeing right now, which is why we’d like to ask you a favor.
Since so many of us will be traveling home or even hosting family members from out of town, our medical professionals are reminding us to be smart as we gather. Of course, we know the “wash your hands a keep your distance” drill by now. But in addition to that reminder, they are also advising that family gatherings be limited to 10 members and that all participants wear a mask if those who are gathered are not within your immediate household. This could help lessen the likelihood of spread.
So, if your family gathering happens before worship and was more than 10 people, we would ask that you consider taking a week off from in-person church and tune in with us online instead, just to give yourselves time to see if any symptoms arise within your household before you come back to join us again in person. Our leadership team believes this would be a wise precaution to help minimize the spread of Covid at our worship services and would help us keep our door open.
Please know that you and your family are covered in prayer this season, and we are excited to share these special holidays with you. We’re thankful for the technology which allows us to stay connected and share God’s Word each week via live streams and zoom calls, and also for the opportunities we have to receive communion at the front door - both before our Grace Place service on Saturday, as well as after our Contemporary service on Sunday. If you need anything, or would just like someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out. Pastor Sheets, Pastor Rosser, Katie, Vicar Wes, and our Lay Ministers are always ready to minister to you on a personal basis. We’re a family too, after all, and families stick together!
“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7
May He grant us all hope, health, and joy this season - and may we receive them with humility and gratefulness. Amen.
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THE SERVING OF HOLY COMMUNION
Communion will be served during the worship services on the following dates:
-Traditional Service: Dec. 6 & Dec. 20
-Contemporary Service: Dec. 13 & 27
-Grace Place: Every Saturday
DRIVE-UP COMMUNION
Pull your car around to the designated area. Only 1 car at a time.
Communicants are to bring their own bread and grape wine. Just enough for communion. Please make sure it is grape wine.
GSLC uses Mogen David Concord Grape.
The pastor will consecrate the elements.
-Every Saturday: 3:00 - 3:45 pm (narthex/front door drop-off)
-Every Sunday: 12:30-1:30 pm (narthex/front door drop-off)
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To receive the sacrament worthily, a baptized Christian who is able to examine themselves in accord with the Word of God must be able to say yes to the following questions:
- Am I sorry for my sins and repent of them intending to amend my sinful life?
- Do I believe that Jesus died for my sins and forgives me?
- Do I believe I am receiving the true body and blood of Jesus under the bread and wine for the forgiveness of my sins?
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OFFERINGS & BUDGET
Weekly Need: $7,764
12/6: $9,693
12/13: $8,272
You can mail in your tithes to 822 Belvoir Ave., Chatt. TN 37412 or give online at gslflock.org/give
Fiscal YTD as of Nov. 30, 2020
Offerings: $203,099
Expenses: $193,482
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There are several ways you can give online!
Click the button below!
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--Just a reminder--
Prayer requests posted on social media or verbal in-service requests are not placed on the prayer list. You must notify the church office of the prayer request by a written note, an email, or phone call (423-629-4661).
Weekly email prayer chain goes out with the announcements on Fridays. If you have a prayer request, let us know by Thursday.
Click the Prayer Requests button below to send your prayer request.
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PRAYER REQUESTS AS OF DEC. 18, 2020
GSLC CONGREGATION
NEW: Tim Eachus, his mother Diane, and Family- Tim's father, Darrell, passed away.
SHORT-TERM: Joan Hearn, Jim Cutcher, Libby, Tim, and Chloe Eachus, Daryle Beam and Family, Family of Barbara Dautrich, Family of George Johnson, Roberta Robinson
LONG-TERM: Rick & Karen Brines and Kaitlin, Linda Brown, Joanne Brownlee, Makala Bumgarner, Debi Cate, Karen Colbert, Hope Crawford, Kay Dintsch, Bertie Fann, Donna Henson, Pattie Henze, Karin Hubby, Leona Hunter, Theresa Johnson, Penny Jordan, Bernard Meinert, Dave Mietzner, Doris Morris, River Polley, Bob Robinson, Fred Schert, Kevin Skidmore
OUR HOMEBOUND: Sheila Arnold, Sandy & Wayne Babb, Gloria Bevill, Connie Foster, Arlene Feinauer, Betty Frischmann, Bob & Sara Newman, Hilda Ramsey, Virginia Smith, Jane Williamson
PRAYERS FOR OUR COLLEGE STUDENTS: Adam, Andrew, Alex, Brenley, Brogen, Chloe, Christopher, Cole, Edna, Evan, Grayson, Hamilton, Jackson, Jacob, Kaitlynn, Kirsten, Lexie, Mary Catherine, Megan, Miranda, Sara, Sophie, Tabitha, Taylor, Tyler
FAMILY MEMBERS
NEW: Gisela Norey (Dan Norey's mother)- healing; covid-19 and pneumonia. Clara August (Pat Ortega's sister)- healing; covid-19.
SHORT-TERM: Kirk Sheets Jr., Darrell Eachus (& the Eachus Family), Pam Dufrain, Hilda Babb, Shirley Jones, Jeane Stamey, Ann Marie Voelcker
LONG-TERM: Bud Adkins, Wilma Adkins, Melissa & Jeff Austin, Linda Baldwin, Joanne Barney, Devin Brady, Jeanie Buckingham, Samuel Charlton, Sharon Coleman, Karen Diehm, Lee Ewton, Rhonda Gilliland, Lee Hane, Beth Ann Johnson & her family, Lindsey Kyle, Jerry & Nancy Lee, Bethany M., Duane Mann, Christina Miller, Kim Morris, Ryan Satterfield & his family, Corinne Sheets, Melanie Skelton, Diane Smith, Myra Slaten, Arnold Torkelson
COMMUNITY & FRIENDS
NEW: Toni & John Drummond (sister & brother-in-law of former member, Jason Shaneyfelt)- In ICU w/ Covid, Toni is on a ventilator. Family of Werner Kierschberg- Werner passed away. Stephanie Pearson- Covid-19
SHORT-TERM: Mary, Chris Gordan, The Burley Family, Ken Jacobs
LONG-TERM: Michael Armbruster, Mary Baba, Kyle Baker & Family, Janet Bean, Susan Bettinger, John Brown, Joyce C. & Family, Harold Cash, Rob Chadwick, Cherry, Hazel Dorsey, Kent Dungan, Patti Duarte, Patty Emery, Jerry Gann, Charles Geter, Donna Gobert, Leslie A.H., Kerwin Hetzler, Michelle Iffert, Ron & Carolyn J., Patricia K., Barney Larry, Lindsey, Jim Lopko, Phil M., Maria Martinez, Dean Matthew, Ricky McConnell, Matthew McGraw, Melissa, Kevin O’Brien, Dewayne Rose, Amy Rossi, Betty S., Gene S., Phil & Carol S., Marlene Schiavon, Jan Stutzman, Eddie Tallent, Bob & Linda Thompson, Trish, Olivia Weatherford, Carolyn White
WE ALSO PRAY FOR
All teachers and students this school year, All those in active duty dealing with the current violence and protests, etc. Our Pastors, All those who are homeless. All marriages & families. All those unemployed. All those battling addictions. All those persecuted. All those actively serving in the Military–Wes Morris, Matthew George, Corey Brown, Christian Warnock. Israel & our Political Leaders. Missionaries around the world- Rachel Meyer in Uganda. Josh Woodrow– Bridge City Church. All unspoken prayers in our hearts.
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SATURDAYS:
Bible Study with Pastor Rosser @ 3:45- 4:35 pm before the Grace Place service in the sanctuary.
SUNDAYS:
Bible Study with Paul Henze @ 10 am
New Member Class with Pastor Sheets @ 10 am
TUESDAYS:
Bible Study with Pastor Sheets @ 10:30 am.
(Except the 2nd Tuesday of the month!)
THURSDAYS:
Men's Group/Bible Study @ 6:30 pm.
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ONLINE BIBLE STUDIES!
from Lutheran Hour Ministries! LHM LEARN. FREE!!
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THIS WEEK'S LESSON
THE BIRTH OF JESUS
Scripture: Matthew 1-2
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WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!! We want to start WOW and Children's Sunday School again but we can't without leaders! We need YOU to help lead!
Please contact Wendy Wade for more info or to sign-up to volunteer. Call/Text: 423-421-1487 or Email: deedle215@aol.com
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ADVENT DEVOTIONS FROM LHM |
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Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries-- "God with Us"
What better news is there than to know that God is always by our side! In God with Us, we learn again what God the Father has done—He has kept His promise. In so doing, He has announced that grace and forgiveness are available to all, freely given in the birth of Jesus: God’s Son, our Savior. He is Immanuel, “God with us.”
The story of God coming to earth as a human child is a profound one. In God with Us, we find no aloof divinity who is unconcerned and remote somewhere in the cosmos. Rather, He is deeply involved in all our affairs—our joys as well as our heartaches. He knows us for He became one of us. At Christmastime, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, Lord of the universe, Savior of the world, Shepherd of our lives.
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Download the December Everyday Faith Calendar to keep reading about what God’s Word has to say about light. Each day has a Scripture passage to read and a prompt to consider. |
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SPECIAL CHRISTMAS LETTER FROM THE BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY
Click on photo to download a PDF version of the letter.
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Includes Pen of the Pastor, Birthdays and Anniversaries, Calendar and more.
Click on link above to download a PDF.
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MINISTRY TO THE HOMELESS
FILL THE TRUNK and THE WHEEL BARREL!
Help us by donating items for the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
Immediate needs:
Grits (not the individual packs), Oatmeal (not the individual packs), Coffee Creamer, 12 oz coffee cups, Bottled Water, Laundry pods
Ongoing needs:
Individual Fruit Cups, Small Canned Items such as Pork & Beans, Beanee Weenee, Vienna Sausage, Cheese & Crackers
PREPARING BREAKFAST FOR THE HOMELESS:
Sunday, Dec. 20 after the late service.
(Around 12:30 pm)
We are doing this every other Sunday for the time being. It takes 4-5 people to prepare breakfast sandwiches for 150 people.
DONATE! Can't attend? That's okay. You can donate to our Homeless/Outreach Ministry online! Click the box to donate online OR you can send a check to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church,
822 Belvoir Ave., Chatt., TN 37412.
Put Homeless Ministry in the memo line.
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If you have any questions about any of our homeless ministries,
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A Note from Pastor Ed & Barbara Rosser
A blessed, joyous Christmas to you and yours from Barbara and I. May this be a time of anticipation and expectation as we await the celebration of the birth of the Christ child. As we travel to Bethlehem in just a few days, may your hearts and minds be on the wondrous gift each of us received. To quote the Words of God from the book of Isiah—”For unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.”
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YOUTH FUNDRAISER!
Help us upgrade our Youth Area!
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LCMS Mid-South District News |
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Update from Rachel Meyer in Uganda |
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Update from Pastor Josh @ Bridge City Community Church
Stay in the Know!
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At-Home Resources from
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES
for You and Your Family!
FREE & DOWNLOADABLE!
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God has called all believers to be powerful witnesses for Christ to their families and communities. In addition to proclaiming Christ via mass media, Lutheran Hour Ministries has a long and respected track record for partnering with congregations to enact outreach activities that work in concert with their Gospel proclamation mission. This foundation serves as a catalyst as we equip and embolden laypeople to be missionaries in their communities by developing resources that lay members can use to address situations in people’s lives or answer questions about Christianity and faith.
At LHM, we strive to create convenient ways for you to connect with Jesus and share your faith with others. Our products are free, easy, and digital so that you can use them in your home, on-the-go, or wherever you may be.
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