New Christian Ed Series This Sunday we’ll begin a new series called Ancient Heresies. This series will be looking at heresies beginning in the second century and going all the way through the fourth and fifth century.
A Message from Anne Thompson On behalf of Community Health Evangelism, (CHE), Partnership in Hope would like to express heartfelt thanks for the wonderful donation of $5,204 from your St Nicholas Fair.
Partnership in Hope alone supports the CHE central training team in their ministry to vulnerable communities in many areas of Nicaragua, through which many individuals, and families have come to know Christ’s love, and to share that love with others.
Our profound thanks for supporting CHE Nicaragua.
A Heartfelt Thank You from all of the staff at Good Shepherd, we are so incredibly thankful for the gifts that were given to each of our families this year. It’s never expected, but very much appreciated. Thank You!
Choir Gathering Michael and Karen Berman would like to invite anyone who was involved in the choir and music program this year for a thank you gathering at their home the evening of January 18th at 5pm. Choir will meet at 4pm that day to allow for the gathering.
Gluten free and dairy free options will be available.
Calling for Submissions to the Winter/Spring issue of the ‘Zine of the Good Shepherd’. We are looking for original art, poetry, short stories, and essays on the theme of the Annunciation. The deadline for submission is Ash Wednesday, February 18th. Contact Anne with questions and ideas.
The 152nd Good Shepherd Annual Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, January 25 directly after the 10:30 service.
If you are a member of Good Shepherd, please make every effort to attend. The meeting is generally close to one hour, and a potluck lunch will be served. Please feel free to bring a dish to pass, but stay, have lunch, and attend the meeting even if you don’t.
Candlemaking for Candlemas Join us for an evening of making beeswax candles in preparation for Candlemas! Tuesday, January 27th at 5:30pm in the parish hall we will make dipped tapers and molded pillars for you to take home and enjoy this season. If you are able to contribute to the cost of supplies, a $15 donation is appreciated but certainly not required. Please let Angel Groves know if you plan to attend.
Candlemas is the celebration of the presentation of Jesus in the temple. At his presentation, Simeon prophesies: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:29-32. Forty days after celebrating the birth of Jesus, we join with Simeon and remember Jesus as a light for all nations. Because Jesus was revealed as the light of the world, candles have played a role in celebrating this feast. The tradition soon began of people bringing their candles to church to be blessed on this day as a reminder of the Light of Christ at home throughout the year. We will be blessing candles on Sunday, February 1st.
Sunday Worship and Holy Eucharist
The 8am service This service includes readings from the Bible, a sermon, offering, confession, and communion. There is no music during this service. The 8am service is not currently being live-streamed.
The 10:30am service This is a full traditional Anglican service of Holy Eucharist, including music, readings from the Bible, a sermon, confession, and communion. This service is available for livestream on our Facebook page. You can download a PDF copy of this week’s service bulletin here.
This Sunday’s lectionary readings are (Epiphany, observed): Exodus 12:21-28, Psalm 40:1-11, II Corinthians 6:11-18, John 1:29-42
Next Sunday’s lectionary readings will be (Epiphany III): Amos 3:1-11, Psalm 139:1-18, II Corinthians 7:1-9, Matthew 4:12-22
You’ll also notice that there are links in the offertory section to take you out to two different means of giving electronically. You can give online through Breeze or you can text a donation through Breeze at 607-882-6551. Good Shepherd also has a PayPal account. As always, thank you for your great generosity and kind support.
Catching Up…
Last Sunday’s Sermon Last week, Matt preached on Matthew 2:1-12. You can listen to ‘We Have Come to Worship Him’ here.
You can catch up on older sermons here.
Adult Christian Education Last week’s Christian Education class can be listened to or viewed here.
The Cranmer Fellows Podcast (CFP) explores pastoral ministry and theology from an Anglican perspective. CFP is a project that Jon and Matt have undertaken in order to 1) encapsulate the pastoral training Matt has given men over the years into an accessible resource and 2) serve as a door to, we pray, a future program to train more people for ministry. Though geared toward the pastor, ministry leader, and pastor-in-training, what Jon and Matt talk about is applicable to all Christians.
Here is a link where you can listen to previous episodes. https://anchor.fm/thecranmerfellowspodcast.
You can subscribe to CFP on all major platforms.
Ongoing Ministries
Intercessor Ministry On Sunday at both the 8 and the 10:30, you may notice a person standing at the side altar rail as you come forward to receive Communion. That person is part of the Prayer Ministry, people trained to pray for any anxieties or troubles you may have. If you would like prayer for any reason, please feel free to stop as you pass.
Audio-Video Team Are you a technologically capable person who would like to serve the church with your gifts? Good Shepherd is adding a volunteer team to run sound and the livestream for the 10:30 Sunday service. If this is a ministry that interests you, please reach out to Micah.
Morning Prayer meets online by Zoom at 7am Monday through Friday. The liturgy and readings are available at www.dailyoffice2019.com. Join the parish email list and look for a weekly email invitation in your inbox.
Evening Prayer meets online by Zoom at 7pm Monday through Friday. The liturgy and readings are available at www.dailyoffice2019.com. Join the parish email list and look for a weekly email invitation in your inbox.
Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets at 9:05 am in the Parish Hall to walk through the bible, verse by verse. It meets in person and is available online by livestream. They are currently studying the book of Proverbs.
Home Groups meet weekly around the Binghamton area. They study the readings for the Sunday coming up, pray, and build relationships. Check in with Jonathan or Joe Kovac to get connected.
Shepherd’s Bowl Community Dinner Good Shepherd offers a free nutritious meal to the people of Good Shepherd and the wider community on Thursday evenings from 5:30-6:30. If you are able, this is a great time to get to know others and enjoy a delicious meal.
Thursday Evening Bible Study meets directly after Shepherd’s Bowl in the sacristy and will be studying Esther. They meet at 6:15pm. Everyone is welcome. Please see Jon Groves or Warren Musselman for more information.
Friday Morning Men’s Bible Study meets at 6:30 am for breakfast, study, and prayer. If you are interested, please email or text Matt or Jonathan, or contact the church office. This class is currently in the Book of Genesis.
Women’s Bible Study meets at 5:15pm on Wednesdays in the Parish Hall. They are currently studying the book of Ezra.
Holy Group Squad (Young Adult Ministry) Post high-school aged people meet together Sunday evenings (6pm) in the Sacristy for book studies and conversation.
The Mary & Martha Guild is Good Shepherds women’s group. It meets the 3rd Saturday of the month. Women of all ages in the church are invited to come and enjoy each other’s company, a light lunch, and the month’s scheduled program or project. The guild also helps coordinate and run funeral luncheons and other events throughout the year. Join the email list and keep informed about upcoming meetings and events by contacting the church office or talking to Jenn Fowler.
Good Shepherd Youth Group meets Sundays at 6pm in the choir loft. This is an engaging context for kids to grow in:
1) Knowledge of scripture and doctrine
2) Faithfulness to Christ
3) Service to others
Good Shepherd Food Pantry is available for anyone who can use a bit of help. Families, young adults, seniors, all are welcome to use it. The pantry is located just off the kitchen, stop by and take what you need. We are completely supported by donations from the congregation, so please consider picking up a few items to drop in the basket in the lobby whenever you can.
Current food pantry needs: spaghetti sauce, powdered parmesan cheese, hearty soups, tuna, canned fruit, & canned ravioli.
| The Staff of Church of the Good Shepherd | The Vestry of the Good Shepherd |
| Rector: The Rev. Canon Matthew Kennedy Assistant Rector: The Rev. Jonathan Groves Director of Liturgics: Anne Kennedy Director of Children’s Ministry: Anna Dreher Director of Music: Michael Berman Director of Operations: Micah Lovell Admin. Assistant to Matt Kennedy: Stephanie Warner Janitor: Mike Roseboom | Senior Warden: Tom Dinnel Junior Warden: Scott Pineau Treasurer: Greg Myer Mary Restino Kariah Manwaring Christopher Jones Bill Lane Bryan Hill (interim) |
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