Christmas Eve in the Good Shepherd Parish
There will be four services within the Good Shepherd Parish churches this Christmas Eve.
Please join us!
- 11:00 AM – All Parish Christmas Eve morning worship at Agency UMC
- 6:00 PM – Candlelight Service at Batavia UMC
- 7:30 PM – Candlelight Service at Agency UMC
- 11:00 PM – Candlelight Service at Eldon UMC
Potato Drop 2017
We had a great time with many volunteers, including local youth, distributing potatoes for local communities. What a blessing for us, and others.
Sutherland Springs First Baptist Church
The killing of 26 people, and wounding of dozens more at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, yesterday has sparked a cacophony of emotions: heartbreak, fear, anger. But even in the midst of these, we also find love – love and concern for one another. I’ve seen many people, using social and traditional media, denigrate #thoughtsandprayers expressed by folks from all walks of life. They claim that thoughts and prayers are a worthless response to such an act of violence. I don’t believe that. We, of the Christian faith, believe that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. They are an expression of our love and unity with those suffering, and can even express our lament to God. The reality is that outside the geographical area of Sutherland Springs, prayer is all we can offer right now. The local people will have to care for the survivors more directly with food, hugs, acts of service, and an ear to listen. It will take time to learn of the circumstances of the attack, and determine what, if any, future actions might prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, disregard the naysayers, confess your own sins, and pray fervently for our brothers and sisters at the First Baptist Church.
Cleaning and Hygiene Kit Lists and Instructions
Many in the parish have expressed interest in helping folks recover from the recent hurricane damage. Here are links to the UMCOR instructions for two things they need:
http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/hygiene
http://www.umcor.org/UMCOR/Relief-Supplies/Relief-Supply-Kits/Cleaning
Batavia VBS Conclusion
I am so grateful for all the volunteer hours and effort made to share that Jesus is the Light (Follow Him!) with over a dozen children this week. Pray with me that the kids take the light of Jesus with them long after VBS is over.
It’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) season!
I’m excited to tell you that every church in the parish is providing VBS opportunities for their communities. Read more It’s Vacation Bible School (VBS) season!