Thursday, November 15 @ 6:35 PM - Midweek Holy Eucharist

Sunday, November 18 @ 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM - Thanksgiving Sunday

Tuesday, November 20 @ 6:30 PM - Thanksgiving Vespers with devotional message by special guest Right Rev. Andudu, Bishop of Sudan

Thursday, November 22 - We will not hold Midweek Eucharist this evening

Sunday, November 25 - Totenfest and Christ the King Sunday

Thursday, November 29 @ 6:35 PM - Midweek Holy Eucharist and commemoration of the Feast of St. Andrew with special guest preacher (and Scotchman) the Rev. Dr. MacKintosh

Sunday, December 2 @ 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM - First Sunday of Advent

Good Shepherd Church will hold our annual Totenfest observance on the last Sunday of the church year, November 25 at 10:00 AM.

If you would like the name of a loved one who returned home to the Lord in the previous church year to be included on our remembrance list for this service, please let Mrs. Sharon Wetzel know by Sunday, November 18.

Help us decorate our sanctuary for the upcoming Holy Days and holidays. We'll hold our annual Hanging of the Greens at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 1. This is an all ages, fun, family event! We hope you'll join us!

November is one of my favorite months. Fall has finally arrived in Louisiana (usually). Musicians have been working on Christmas music for a while. Most importantly, we celebrate my favorite holiday.

I have always loved Thanksgiving. There’s no pressure to pick the exact perfect gift. In our family, there’s just time to spend together. Our daughters and their families don’t usually have to run around to the in-laws or be on a rigid schedule. We divide up the cooking responsibilities so there isn’t too much pressure on any one of us. Even while putting together all the ingredients for cornbread dressing, I have time to reflect on just what I am thankful for.

The list is endless. Of course, there are the usual—family, health, friends—but I think that every day something new is added. This year has been full of especially exciting events. When I was told that I would be retiring from teaching after over 40 years in the classroom, I was not expecting that very soon after receiving this news, I would have the opportunity of the gift of ministry at Good Shepherd. God has truly blessed me with a wonderful group of people who so willingly offer their gift of music by participating in the choir. In all my years of ministry, I don’t think I have ever seen a more dedicated group. It is a humbling experience to work with them. I appreciate so much the leadership of Pastor Graf and the loving acceptance of the entire congregation. I look forward to a long ministry at Good Shepherd.

We have lots of Christmas music coming up in December! Our Thursday evening worship services will end for the year on December 13 with a special "Wassailing Village" Christmas hymn sing at 6:35 PM. (Midweek worship will return on January 10.) On Sunday, December 16, our 10:00 AM service will feature Christmas music from our adults.  On December 23, the youth will present “An Unplugged Christmas” at 10:00 AM.  On the Sunday following Christmas, we will have a “Lessons in Carols” service.

This is a busy time, but such a blessing to be so sure of God’s love and presence in our lives.

Rinda Coleman

By D.J. Estopinal

If you wish to underwrite the cost of Poinsettias for our Christmas Eve service this year, they will cost $7.50 per plant. That is $1.50 less than last Christmas!

Please make your check payable to Good Shepherd Church or G. S. C. Be sure to write, Christmas Flowers or Poinsettia, in the comments section on your check or on the envelope that you turn in.  Place your payment in the offering tray when it is passed around.

The last date to sign up and/or turn in your payment to purchase Poinsettias will be Sunday, December 9, 2018. A sign-up sheet is available on the bulletin board in the narthex.

If you would like to assist Rev. Graf and serve as a Lector at a Sunday service, please see the December sign-up sheet located on the bulletin board in the narthex. Once you are signed up for a date, Rev. Graf will be certain to give you the readings in advance.

Good Shepherd Church is currently planning to hold a New Member Welcome Sunday on December 9 at 10:00 AM. If you are interested in formally joining our local church, please let Rev. Graf know as soon as possible so that you can be included in this celebration.

This Saturday, November 10 at 10:30 AM, Good Shepherd Church welcomes Mr. Brenden Coyne, AAMS, who will be offering a presentation entitled "Outlooks and Opportunities". This presentation will include information on how current events are impacting investment markets, where the market is now, and where the market trends of the near and intermediate future are likely to head. Mr. Coyne will also allow time for questions and answers.

This 45 minute informational seminar is absolutely free and open to the public and is presented as a community service by Good Shepherd Church in cooperation with the speaker. Absolutely nothing will be sold. Coffee and donuts will be provided.

Join us Saturday at 10:30 AM at Good Shepherd Church, 5122 W. Esplanade Ave in Metairie, and bring a friend to this free and informative seminar.

Story by D.J. Estopinal

WHO DAT!!! Our Saints are 7-1 and at the top of the standing in the NFC!

The Good Shepherd Church Men’s Club is hosting a football pool for the New Orleans Saint’s VS. the Atlanta Falcons football game that will be played on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2018.

There will be only one winner. That winner will be whoever has the fourth quarter winning score square of the football pool. Each square on the football pool may be purchased for a $10.00 donation to the Men's Club. You may purchase as many squares as you like until the 100 square board if filled.
         
If you are interested in purchasing squares on the Saints vs Falcons football pool, see Mr. John Falanga.

All proceeds from the Men’s Club football pool will benefit the church’s new sign fund.