FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS  

WORSHIP IN FEBRUARY

• February 5 - Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
  • Morning Services, 8:30 (Holy Communion) & 11:00
  • Evening Contemporary Service, 7:00 ( Holy Communion)
• February 12 - Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
  • Morning Services, Holy Communion at 8:30 & 11:00
    
• February 19 - Transfiguration of Our Lord
  • Morning Services, 8:30 (Holy Communion) & 11:00 (Holy Communion)
    
  • Evening Contemporary Service, 7:00 ( Holy Communion)
    
• February 22 - Ash Wednesday
• Holy Communion at 4:00 p.m.  & 7:30 p.m.
• February 26 - First Sunday in Lent
  • Morning Services, 8:30 & 11:00 (Holy Communion)
• February 29 - Evening Prayer, 7:15

Child care, with pagers available, at all morning worship services.

• Faith Weaver - The class meets in room #102 on the lower level of the education wing. All adults are welcome to join in this study and fellowship. This class is part of the on-going options for those adults who would like to participate in a small group that is learning how to weave our faith through our lives. The coffee/tea pot is always on and there is a tasty goody to enjoy. The lessons focus on the same topic as your children's SCS program. This will give you something extra special to talk about with your children on the way home or through the week. You are likely to hear much laughter and maybe tears as we share our time together. We provide all supplies and love reading Bible verses from many different translations. Alice Cromwell will be happy to share information regarding this class with you. You can contact her through the church office - 215-357-4791. The class runs through May 27.
• Prophets and Kings - the turbulent history of Israel's prophets and kings are explored in these six DVD sessions.  Learn what these Old Testament stories mean to us today and how we can build our own devotion to and trust in God.  Classes are held in the parlor from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. thru February 12.
  
• Jesus, The New Way - Join us on Saturday, February 11 for this DVD presentation as noted theologian, Dr. Tom Wright, presents the fascinating background of the First Century showing how Jesus was the New Way then and now for us today.  The presentation will be in the Parlor from 10:00 a.m. t0 2:00 p.m.  Please bring your lunch, coffee and tea will be provided.  
• Adult Forum - Mr. Anthony Luna from the Pearl S. Buck International Foundation will join us to discuss this non-profit organization which promotes the legacy of Pearl S. Buck and her commitment to improving the quality of life and expanding opportunities for children, promoting cultural values, fighting injustice on prejudice and promoting humanitarianism through the world.  One Sunday only, February 19.
• The Book of Hebrews - While the book is routinely called a "letter," it is not in the form of a letter.  While all of the other writings in the New Testament are attributed to someone, Hebrews is anonymous.  While the book is described as being written to the Hebrews, the book is both the most Jewish and the most pagan in the New Testament.  Go figure!  For all its complexity and mystery, the Book of Hebrews remains one of the most valuable and important writings in the Bible.  Come join Pastor Carlson as we open the mystery of this book and grow in faith, knowledge, and understanding .  Six Sunday sessions beginning on February 26.  Classes are held in the parlor from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.
• Bible Study Groups - Monday or Saturday mornings at 10:30 with Pastor Harkness, a study of Mark, or Wednesday morning at 10:00 with Pastor Carlson on Hebrews.

BOOKWORM'S BOOK CLUB will NOT meet this month.  The February 2 book is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. All are welcome!!  The book club typically meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of the month.

NOMINATIONS FOR CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL are being solicited from the congregation to fill council vacancies. There are four adult member vacancies for three-year terms and two youth vacancies, one 9th grader for a two-year term and a 10th or 11th grader for a one-year term. For Synod Assemply, three persons are needed (male and female) and one person is needed for a three-year term on the Endowment Committee.

If you would like to make a nomination, please indicate the candidate's name on a slip of paper and place it in the wooden box in the Narthex. Candidates for nomination should be faithful in worship and active in the life of the church. The Nominating Committee will follow up with the nominee. Elections will be held at the Congregational Meeting on February 5.

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING -- Sunday, February 5.  The meeting will be held  following the 11:00 a.m. service (approx. 12:30). Please plan on attending this important meeting as significant decisions will be made concerning the church's direction in the upcoming year.

LOGAN HOPE SCHOOL UPDATE -  It has taken well over a year to remove practically everything from the interior of the apartment building which was purchased in order to allow the school to expand.  While the end is in site for this phase of the building program, more work does need to be done.  In addition, it is time to raise monies which will allow for the actual renovation to begin. The Logan Hope School is located in one of Philadelphia's poorest communities, where it is estimated that approximately 70% of public school students drop out before the end of high school.  Students attending Logan Hope receive a quality education in a Christian environment by caring teachers.  It costs approximately $5,600 to educate a child for one year. If you can, please consider either helping these struggling families offset the tuition by making a financial contribution or making a donation to the building fund.  You can do so through the church office or directly through the school website. You can even contribute by attending the benefit concert on February 12 in the sanctuary where a free will offering will be taken.  The Philadelphia Biblical University Chorale will present a concert of varied and sacred music.

• Sunday, February 5
• Super Bowl Hoagie Delivery Day (bright and early start)
  
• No Evening Youth Group
• Sunday, February 12, Valentine's Party/Dinner, 5:00 p.m.
• Wednesday, February 15, Club 45 for 4th & 5th graders, 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, February 19, Youth Group, 5:00 p.m.
• Sunday, February 26, Youth Group, 5:00 p.m.

ANNUAL YOUTH HOAGIE SALE - Proceeds from the sale will go to support summer youth mission trips. Sale begins January 8. Hoagies will be available for pick-up from Fellowship Hall on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5. Hoagies are $6.00 each. Vegetarian hoagies are available.

STEPHEN MINISTERS - 2/13 - CONTINUING EDUCATION - Boundary Conflicts, Part 1 - Session Six; Read Chapters 12-13, pp. 215-242 2/20 - SUPERVISION Stephen Ministers are members of Good Shepherd who go through fifty hours of care-giving training and then work alongside the pastors in providing emotional and spiritual support to people going through difficult times, such as: divorce, grief, hospitalization, unemployment, terminal illness, relocation, chronic illness, or loneliness. If you feel the Holy Spirit gently nudging you to become a Stephen Minister, please express your interest to Pastor Harkness. If your gifts include one or more of the following-faith, encouragement, or knowing, then consider becoming a Stephen Minister.  We hope to start a new training class soon.

GOOD SHEPHERD SENIORS - meet for lunch on Tuesday, February 7 at 12:15. Table #1 is hosting. The guest speaker is Mary Speth, a histoiran, with a presentation of Wives and Mothers of the White House.   Tuesday, February 21 is a dessert meeting, also hosted by Table #1.  Fastnachts will be served and The Montco Senior Concert Choir from Norristown will present a concert of wonderful music at 1:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary.  Come and join the fun!

SENIOR TRIPS - On March 7 the Seniors go to Doolans in Spring Lake, NJ for a St. Patrick's Fest, complete with transportation, choice of meal, an Irish Tenor, a comedian and a bagpiper.  On May 31, the Seniors will board the Scranton Electric Trolley scenic ride, lunc included.  For ticket information, contact the church office. 

MINISTRY IN MOTION This new ministry is an opportunity for those who enjoy driving and are willing to transport those unable to drive to doctor appointments, a store, the hospital, or to church services or activities. Good Shepherd is forming a list of volunteers. Please leave your name and telephone number with the church office if you would like to serve in this way.

AUDIO CDs OF SUNDAY SERVICES are now available. If you or someone you know would like to receive a copy, please contact Pastor Harkness for details.

Philadelphia Biblical University Chorale Concert On Sunday, February 12 at 3:00 p.m., in the church sanctuary, the PBU Chorale will present a concert to benefit the Logan Hope School Building fund.  Selections of some of the great choral classics, spirituals, and hymn settings will be featured. The concert is open to the public. A free will offering will be taken. PBU has a long history of excellence in music and has produced graduates who are church musicians, school teachers, performers, conductors, college professors, and scholars.  The Chorale is an audition-only ensemble.  Their repertoire includes sacred choral music from the Renaissance to the 21st Centruy - both accompanied and unaccompanied.

WELCA'S Antique Road Show Returns - Tuesday, February 21.  The eighth annual Antique Appraisal Evening will start at 7:15 p.m. It's always a fun night.  Search your shelves, closets , and attics!  You may have something that is very valuable.  Please have your precious things to the church parlor by 7:00 p.m. Appraisals are $5 each or three for $10.  As always, refreshments will be available.

Preparation for First Communion - Boys and girls in First Grade and above (and their parents) are invited to participate in early Communion classes. Pupils and parents meet together for a series of three one-hour sessions. Class sessions are held on Thursdays, February 23, March 1 & 8. First communion will be celebrated on March 11 at the 11:00 a.m. service. If you would like your child to participate, and have not received a letter, please contact the church office.

THE SOUP IS ON!  YUM!- beginning February 29.  As in past years, the various ministry teams of the congregation will serve you their delicious soups and breads on Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. through the end of Lent. We will worship together after we have shared the meal (7:15 p.m.). You don't have to be a ministry team member to share your culinary delights. Feel free to bring soups, breads, or desserts, even if you aren't on a team.

 LOOKING AHEAD -

4th Annual Golf Outing - Monday, June 4, 2012

Bus Trip to Sight & Sound - Friday, July 27 to see Jonah.  Dinner is included. Contact the Fellowship Team if you are interested.

Last updated on 1/31/12 by G. Davidson.