SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 Volume 21, No. 18 Day of Service October 2, 2016 Good Shepherd Child Development Center will host a Fall Festival. Located on Good Shepherd's back lot all of the children and their parents who participate in our Child Development Center will be treated to pumpkin crafts, farm animals for petting, a hayride, and a bounce house. It will be loads of fun for everyone involved. Good Shepherd members are encouraged to come out, and help out! You'll meet parents and children involved in our school and help the children enjoy all the fun. You can sign up to help at one of the four activity areas for as long as you are free. Here's how you can help: 9:00 a.m. A light Continental Breakfast for parents will be available in the Conversation Corner. This will give teachers and children an opportunity to get their day started without distractions. 9:30 11:00 a.m. Festival for our 3-year olds begins on the back lot. 2:00-2:40 p.m. The same stations and activities are offered for our toddlers and two-year olds. This year's Fall Festival offers you the opportunity to serve parents and children and extend the love that's ours in Christ. Get in on the fun. The job is simple: meet parents, help children and ensure everyone has a great time at the Fall Festival. Plan to attend. Contact our CDC Director, Jennifer Rice, to find out how you can help. 918-333-1708 or jennifer@gspcok.org WHAT S INSIDE Birthdays... page 2 Sunday Breakfast... page 2 By Still Waters-Janis Lussmyer... page 4 Pastor s Pen... page 5 Events... page 6 October 10 is the deadline for articles for the Newsletter If you have a small group meeting you would like included on the calendar please contact Julie 918-333-1708.
Mikey Glenn 9/7 Dwight Boesiger 9/13 Tim Johnson 9/17 Jeremy Welch 9/27 I m Thirsty! I was running on pathfinder yesterday afternoon when I turned a corner and found myself about ten feet from three deer. Needless to say, we startled one another! Once we each ran away from each other, I realized that I was thirsty. Immediately I thought of Psalm 42:1: As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. For the rest of my run, I thought about those deer and that Psalm Most of us have been so thirsty that having water was all we could think about. When we thirst, it seems to override our brain; and our desire for water is consuming. The Psalmist is using a beautiful poetic simile here to illustrate how much he needs God. Do we really thirst for God though? I don t mean that we occasionally read the Bible or pray. I mean that our need for God in our lives is so consuming that it is all about which we can think. For the Israelites after 70 years in exile in Babylon and Persia, this thirst is evident. They returned to Jerusalem to find it in ruins. During that time, the Israelites had not been able to go to the Temple. They did not even realize the thirst and need for God until... Nehemiah 9:3: They remained standing in place for three hours while the Book of the Law of the LORD their God was read aloud to them. Then for three more hours they confessed their sins and worshiped the LORD their God. They spent 6 hours (!) in a worship service. Not only that, they stood for at least 3 hours of it! That s thirsty for God! I am not saying that we should spend hours and hours standing while the Scriptures are read! However, my hope is that our thirst for God is so strong that we are open to where the Spirit leads in worship. Soli Deo Gloria! Worship Announcements Handbell Choir will begin Wednesday 10/5 at 6:30 pm in the choir room. We are just starting back up, but I hope some of you will join us (and stay for choir practice!). Adult Choir is Wednesday from 7:00-8:30 pm. All are welcome and we would love for everyone to join us! Micheal Stevens Contributions to the ENDOWMENT FUND were made by Thanks to: Beth Hesling and Calvin Miles for providing breakfast for DAY OF SERVICE. Volunteer Opportunity for October 9th for continental breakfast Conversation Corner Lela Warzel in Celebration of her birthday THANK YOU The Endowment Committee wishes to thank all church members that have participated in the Endowment Fund Birthday Program so far this year. The birthday program is a great way to build the endowment fund. Just donate your age in dollars in your birthday month to help this fund grow. Happy Birthday! Child Development Center Silent Auction Fundraiser! During the month of October the Child Development Center will be raising funds to help remodel the bathrooms upstairs in the 3 s preschool wing. These bathrooms are in great need of an update. Planned projects are new: floor underlayment, floor tile, stall partitions, wall tile, toilets, and paint. Our CDC families are contributing items for the silent auction baskets. The auction will begin Wednesday, October 12 and end Wednesday, October 19. Tables will be set up in the hallway near the CDC office during this week. Please stop by and bid on the amazing items that have been donated!
The Session has called for a MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION this SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2 for the purpose of electing a 2016 Nominating Committee composed of: Dwight Boesiger and & Sylvia McFarland. DAY OF SERVICE: OCTOBER 2, 2016 We will cancel our regularly scheduled service of worship, so that we can engage in various service projects. The goal of the Day of Service is to demonstrate the concern of Christians for the welfare of our community through our willingness to sacrificially serve Bartlesville. The morning will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Breakfast in Fellowship Hall. Various breakfast casseroles are being prepared along with regular breakfast beverages water, coffee, and juice. Contributions toward the cost of breakfast will be used to grow Good Shepherd's Endowment Fund. Additionally Christians around the world know October 2nd as World Communion Sunday, and we will celebrate the sacrament before going to our various projects. This year's service projects are: Kids Against Hunger Lead by J.B. Minor to be part of the solution and help make 6,000 meals to be distributed to children involved in Washington County's Head Start. Meeting in Fellowship Hall. Fresh Start Baskets Lead by Denise Griggs to bless first-time Moms with essential baby care items through this ministry. Baskets delivered to Jane Phillips Hospital are distributed by Delivery Room staff on an "as needed" basis. This project will be meeting in the Banner room. Comfort Blankets Lead by Sue Welch to tie blankets which will be delivered to wheelchair bound individuals at various public facilities around Bartlesville. Meeting in room 114. Osage House Lead by Tim Johnson to repair a small section of fence at the Osage house here in Bartlesville. Agape Lunch Lead by Rori and Mike Roark offering an opportunity to feed the hungry Bartlesville residents. OKC THUNDER GAME ONLY 8 TICKETS AVAILABLE BOK Center in Tulsa. The game is just 2 weeks away! OKC Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies Thursday, October 13, 2016 Doors open at 5:30 pm - Tipoff at 7:00 pm $25/ticket (reserved seating) Please see Melissa to pay for your tickets! Counseling Center Furniture Good Shepherd is looking for furniture in very good condition. We currently have two counselors seeing clients during the week in an office without any comfortable furniture. Upholstered love seat, small couch, or occasional chairs would be welcome if they are in good condition. Contact Melissa if you have something to contribute. Exterior door project begins At long last replacement of badly worn exterior doors at Good Shepherd begins on October 3rd. The south door to the Sanctuary is first. While it has taken some time to find durable doors that are suitable, along with finish/trim carpenters interested in installing them, we are grateful that we've lined up the materials and craftsmen needed. JB Minor has spent many hours on this project and would be happy to explain the process to anyone interested in knowing more about it.
Family Devotions There I was, curled up on the couch with my coffee and Bible, enjoying some moments of quiet before my children, ages nine and six, got up for school. Newly divorced and newly returned to my Christian faith after almost twenty years in Mormonism, I felt that the years ahead loomed large and lonely. My heart ached for my children, who missed their dad so desperately. And, to be honest, my heart ached for myself as well. How could I possibly raise Dana and Joseph alone? Rather quickly, my prayer turned into a pity party. I felt sorry for myself and scared for my children, so I started rehearsing my complaints to God. But before I was even close to done, an odd and unrelated thought popped into my mind: Do family devotions at breakfast. I knew that thought could not have come from me and grudgingly decided it must be God crashing my pity party. There was even a dusty family devotional book sitting on the shelf before me, the one I had purchased some months earlier thinking I really should start doing simple devotional times with my children. Naturally, I had never quite gotten around to it. I pulled the book off the shelf and, to my dismay, even though it appeared to start on January 1, the daily entries were not dated. Being rather more of a perfectionist than I cared to admit, I counted through to get to the correct date, and then I woke up the kids. I got them settled into their morning breakfast cereal and announced I was going to read while they ate. To be honest, I don t really remember what I read, but it seemed to command their interest. At the end of the devotional there was a Bible verse listed, Isaiah 40:11. Feeling virtuous about my fledgling attempt at family devotions, I decided to make the extra effort to grab my Bible, look up the verse, and read it to the kids: He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; He gently leads those that have young. I do not remember how I wrapped up that little family time, but I do remember the amazement and gratitude I felt. It was like God had sent me a love note in response to my fears and prayers. If He held my children close to His heart, they would be safe. And if He gently led me, their mother, I would be able to parent them alone. Well, not really alone, but with Jesus as my guide. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD BEGINS Every gift-filled shoebox is a powerful tool for evangelism and discipleship transforming the lives of children and their families around the world through the Good News of Jesus Christ. This year we are asking everyone to bring items to help fill the 50 shoeboxes we already have. It is recommended to begin with a medium to large Wow! item and then fill in with smaller items. Here are some suggestions for items appropriate for each age group. For ALL ages Personal comb, brush, toothbrush (NO toothpaste), washcloth/bar of soap, reusable plate, cup, bowl, water bottle, blanket (consider placing smaller items like washcloths, etc inside empty containers to maximize space) School Supplies pencils, pens, manual pencil sharpener, eraser, colored pencils, pencil case (consider placing pencils, sharpener, pens, etc in the pencil case to maximize space) Clothing/Accessories purse/tote, flip flops, sunglasses, underwear, t shirt, caps/hats, bandana In addition to the above items, here are some age specific suggestions: Ages 2-4 Wow! - dolls, trucks/cars, stuffed animals Toys, Crafts/activities crayons, coloring books, picture books, finger puppets, plastic dinosaurs, cars, trucks, foam balls, playdough (add some cookie cutters!), building blocks Ages 5 9 Wow! - dolls w/clothes, accessories, kickball/soccer ball w/manual air pump, stuffed animals Personal items non liquid lip balm, flashlight solar powered or hand crank, or add extra batteries School supplies solar powered calculators, glue sticks, blank index cards Toys, Crafts/activites watercolor sets (solid pan NOT liquid or tube), puzzles, chalkboard and chalk, costume dress up items (jewelry, crowns, etc), yo yos, small frisbee, small kite, etch a sketch, hacky sack, jump rope Ages 10 12 Wow! - nice nail care set (NO liquid polish), sewing kit w/1-2 yds fabric, thread, ribbon, etc, soccer ball w/manual air pump, tool set w/work gloves, wrist watch, binoculars, special set of clothing, small musical instrument like a recorder Personal items nail clipper, nail file, stick deodorant School supplies protractor, notebooks, drawing pencils/ sketch pad Toys, Crafts/activities playing cards, marbles, kaleidoscope, magnets, garden set w/trowel and gloves (NO seeds) These suggestions are meant to spark your imagination. Our collection day will be Nov 6. If you prefer, please donate $27 ($20 for the items and $7 shipping) and we will do the shopping for you!. On Nov 13 there will be a brunch after worship and then a big Pack the Shoeboxes party!
FROM THE PASTOR S PEN When I think of the Bible there are many wonderful instances of God's interaction with his people. A few days ago I found myself meditating upon the story of David and Goliath recorded for us in I Samuel 17. The encounter takes place just a few miles south of Jerusalem in the valley of Elah. As you may recall, Saul and his army have been fighting against the Philistines. David's older brothers have answered the call to arms, and they have joined Saul's army. David's father, Jesse, knows his older boys are in need of some provisions and sends David to them with bread, cheese, and grains. David finds the camp just as the men are lining up for battle. He left the food with someone at the camp and ran to the battle line to find his brothers. He locates his brothers and begins to catch up on how they are and what progress has been made against the Philistines. As they chat, one of the Philistines, Goliath steps forward to taunt the troops of Israel. Goliath has been calling for Israel to send one person into the valley to fight. Goliath suggests that if he wins the Philistines will be their servants and if he wins Israel will be the servants of the Philistines. In response to the taunt the men back away from the battle line and fall back to the camp. David asks what sort of reward may come to the soldier who kills Goliath and hears that the King will give the successful warrior a financial gift. Eventually, David's name makes its way to the king, and Saul calls for David to inquire whether or not he is serious about taking on Goliath. Saul warns David that he will not likely be successful since he's young and untrained. David replies that he's been successful against bears and lions and that since God has protected him in the past God will protect him in a battle against Goliath. Saul offers David his armor and sword, but they are not a fit for David. Instead, David decides to go out to battle Goliath armed with his sling and five smooth stones. You know how the story goes. Goliath taunts David by saying that his body will be good feed for the Ravens and other wild animals. David taunts Goliath by suggesting that his shield and sword are no protection against God. 1 Samuel 17:46 47,49 (NIV) This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord s, and he will give all of you into our hands.... Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground." A couple of things stand out to me. First, David uses what he has. Most of the time we think that God can only use us when we get ourselves ready by acquiring more resources and skills. David used the skills and tools that he already had. He used the sling to protect the sheep, so why couldn't he employ them in this battle as well? Second, David was confident that God was with him. David doesn't pray a special "Goliath defeating prayer." David doesn't pause to consider whether the battle is worthy of his involvement. David knows God's presence is with him and will be with him against Goliath. Third, David's motivation is simply stated; the whole world will be aware that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord s. It seems that God has given each of us a sling and a stone, each of us has something that God can use. What do you have? What talent, ability, avocation or life skill do you have that God can use? David didn't have the latest technological innovation (a bronze spear or sword). David had something ordinary that he dedicated to God's use. What do you have? Finally, the reason David's battle was blessed with success is found in David motivation vs. 47, So that " the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel." What is your motivation? What can you use so that the whole world will know there is a God?
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church 801 SE Washington Blvd Bartlesville, OK 74006 Contact us: Church Office: 918-333-1708 Church Fax: 918-333-1729 Website: www.gspcok.org Email: mail@gscpok.org (USPS 222-300) Periodical Postage paid at Bartlesville OK 74005 Return Service Requested Sunday 8:30 9:45 am Adult and Children s Discipleship Classes 10:00 am Worship Sanctuary 11:00 11:30 am Coffee Connection Monday Tuesday 9:30 10:30 am CDC Movement Education Classes 10:00 2:00 pm Agape Food Service 6:30 8 pm Bible Study Fellowship Wednesday 6:30 7 pm Hand bell practive 7-8:30 pm Chancel Choir Practice Thursday 1:00 pm Ladies Small Group Friday Sun. Oct. 2 10 am Day of Service Tues. Oct. 4 10:30 am Staff Meeting Tues. Oct. 4 9:30 10:30 am CDC Movement Class Tues. Oct. 4 6:30 pm ZUMBA Tues. Oct. 4 6:30 8 pm Bible Study Fellowship Wed. Oct. 5 6:30 7 pm Hand bell practice Wed. Oct. 5 7 8:30 pm Choir Practice Thurs. Oct. 6 1 pm Linda Johnson s Small Group Meets at her home Fri. Oct. 7 6 10 pm Parents Night Out Sun. Oct 9 10 am 21st Sunday after Pentecost Mon. Oct. 10 CDC Fall Festival Tues. Oct. 11 NO Staff Meeting Tues. Oct. 11 9:30 10:30 am CDC Movement Class Tues. Oct. 11 6:30 8 pm Bible Study Fellowship Wed. Oct. 12 6:30 7 pm Hand bell practice Wed. Oct. 12 7 8:30 pm Choir Practice Thurs. Oct. 13 1 pm Linda Johnson s Small Group Meets at her home