ANNOUNCEMENTS for August 8, 2010

Prayer updates: Periodically it is necessary to reduce the number of intercessions listed in the prayers about health concerns and bring them up to date.  The health prayers have been reduced to Good Shepherd members.  If you know of someone who still requires our prayers, please notify the church office and that name will be added to the list.

Junior catechesis meeting: The organizational meeting for junior catechesis will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 11 at 7:00 p.m.  The meeting is mandatory for seventh and eighth graders who will be in catechesis this year and at least one parent.

Junior catechesis: Junior catechesis will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 18.  Youth will meet at 6:00 p.m., and parents and youth will meet for Learn by Heart at 7:00 p.m.

LWML meeting: The LWML will meet for Bible study and fellowship on Thursday, Aug. 19 at 9:30 a.m.  For more information, contact Barb Jennings (618-771-2397).

Nursery volunteers: Volunteers are needed for the nursery during August.  If you are able to help, please sign up on the sheet in the hallway.  For more information, contact Judi Harland (995-1694).

Ladies’ bunko: Ladies’ bunko will take place on Friday, Aug. 20 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.  In the future it will meet on the third Friday of the month at 7:00 p.m.  For more information, contact Lisa Drury (579-9019).

Acolyte, crucifer and torch bearer training: There will be a training session on Sunday, Aug. 22 after the 10:15 a.m. service for all congregation children who would like to serve as acolyte, crucifer and torch bearer.  All children who are in third to sixth grade are invited to serve at Good Shepherd in this way.  If your child would like to serve, but will be unable to attend the training session, please contact Pastor Surburg.

Youth ministry planning meeting: Adults who wish to be involved in youth ministry (God Squad, Junior High and High school) are invited to attend the youth ministry planning meeting on Thursday, Aug. 26 at 7:00 p.m.

Rally Day: Rally Day and the start of the new Sunday school year will take place on Sunday, Sept. 12.   Parents will receive a mailing describing Sunday school, and prior to the 10:15 a.m. service on Sept.12 children entering into a new Sunday school class will receive a book gift from the congregation.

Junior high Goofy golf: The junior high youth will go to Goofy golf on Sunday, Sept. 12 (time will be announced at a later date).  Catechumens who beat Pastor Surburg will receive two free days from memory work which can be redeemed at their discretion.

High school bowling: The high school youth will go to Herrin Bowl on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 3:00 p.m. for bowling followed by pizza.  The cost is $5.00 for two games and shoes.  Pizza will be provided.  For more information, contact Pastor Surburg.

LWML News: LWML is collecting empty prescription containers and seed packets (food only) for an organization that sends them to Haiti.  Please put them in the LWML cabinet in the church nave. 

LWML is sending 2 delegates to the SID Convention in September.  They are looking for anyone who would like to go as a guest.  The cost is $25 and information is on the LWML bulletin board or call Barb Jennings (618-771-2397).

Bible study: The Bible study entitled, “The Sacrament of the Altar: Body and Blood of Christ for you” meets in the Fellowship room.

Today in Sunday school: “Jesus Heals with Mud” (John 9:1–7) served as the basis for our Sunday School lesson this week. Have students note how this miracle is different from many others mentioned in Scripture. Parents could discuss, “How has God healed each one of us? What does God use to bring about that healing?”

Stewardship Sentence: Hebrews 11:1-16:  Hebrews 11 is the great “faith chapter” of the Bible, pointing out that by faith the saints of old lived their lives to the glory of God.  By faith they were able to do great things that demonstrated that God was at work in their lives.  By faith we are also the children of God and are equipped to do great things that give evidence that God is at work in us.  By faith we are sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not yet see.  That makes for joyful living!

Scripture lessons for next Sunday: (Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost)

Jeremiah 23:16-29; Hebrews 11:17-31; 12:1-3; Luke 12:49-53