THE

SHEPHERD’S

VOICE

VOL: 2

ISSUE 10

December 2011

Sharon Teeter, Editor

YOUTH CORNER: THE BIRTH OF JESUS: Luke 2: 1 – 20 (NKJV):

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the City of Nazareth, into Judea, to the City of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.

So it was, while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her first born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord”. “And this will be a sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men!” So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. Now when they had seen him them made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds, but Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. Then the shepherds returned glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them. (Luke 2: 1 -20 NKJV)

 

FROM THE PRESIDENT’S CORNER:

It has been a beautiful fall so far. Even with the early snow it has been great. We are so blessed to live in a place where we have 300+ days a year of sunny skies and mostly warm days. We live in a Nation where we can worship and not be persecuted for our beliefs as is done in many countries.

We are now in the Advent season. Each week we will light another candle until the birth of our LORD on Christmas when all the candles are ablaze. I can’t help but think of all the Old Testament prophecies that point to THE Christ. The details are so amazing. God’s plan to redeem mankind from the very beginning comes together in Christ.

As we celebrate the season of Advent we look forward to the Glorious coming of our LORD. This time He will come with Glory and with power not in humility as a baby in a manger.

Come LORD Jesus. Come. And come quickly.

David Strandberg

 

Trustee Report: A new heater for the sanctuary has been installed. It is working well. In addition the electronic board on the office heater needed to be replaced and is also working well. Thank you to Big Bear Sheet Metal Heating & Plumbing for taking care of this. Funds from the yard sale proceeds were used to pay for this work.

Weather permitting, minor work will begin soon in preparation for the insulation of the walls and ceiling in the storeroom/shed. If all goes well the work should be complete early 2012.

 

PAST EVENTS:

On Sunday, October 9, 2011: Dr. Lloyd Strelow from Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Hemet, (LCMS) was present and gave a wonderful message. We want to thank Pastor Lloyd Strelow for filling in for Pastor Gene. He was warmly welcomed into our midst.

Oktoberfest: Oktoberfest was our fall festivity theme. It was held on Sunday, October 30, 2011. There were many German dishes and desserts served alongside main dishes to share. This event was very successful and everyone had a wonderful time.

Family Movie Night: The next Family Movie Night will be held in spring 2012.

Thanksgiving Day Service: On Thursday, November 24, 2011, Shepherd in the Pines had its annual Thanksgiving Day Service at 10AM. It was a day to give our Lord thanks for all our blessings that He has so richly has given to us throughout the year.

Advent: On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 we had our annual Advent Wednesday Service which began at 6PM with a Soup Supper following the service.

Christmas Potluck Dinner: We had our 2011 Christmas Potluck Dinner at the church on Saturday, December 3, 2011. Brian and Sylvia Edmundson led us in singing many Christmas carols. Everyone enjoyed a variety of food.

A big “thank you” to all who made this event so special. Many hands are needed to make it happen…from the shopping, setup, preparing, cooking and baking to the clean up. Each task is important and very much appreciated. The children received gifts sponsored by the Fellowship Committee.

A special thank you to Donna for spear-heading this event and also to Brian and Sylvia for sharing their musical talents with us.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Women’s Bible Study: On Tuesday, December 6, 2011 we will have the last Women’s Bible Study for this year. It will begin at 11AM at the church. All ladies are welcome to attend with a special invitation to the members of the Prayer Chain. Our time together will be a time of prayer coming to Lord with our thanksgivings and our petitions.

Please bring your prayer requests. We will also prayerfully consider what to study next. Please see Sharon if you need more information.

Wednesday Bible Study at Nottinghams: Each Wednesday there is a Bible Study at Nottinghams starting at 11AM. We are currently studying the Book of Isaiah.

The Lord’s Supper Services: Weather permitting, the Lord’s Supper Services are being held on Thursdays beginning at 10AM and also on Fridays beginning at 12 Noon.

Saturday Christian Synagogue Service: On the first and third Saturdays of each month, weather permitting, there is a Christian Synagogue Service which begins at 9AM. Everyone is invited to attend.

Sunday Morning Prayer Group: Each Sunday, immediately following the Matins service and prior to the Sunday morning service there is a prayer group that starts at 8:35AM in the Sunday School room. We pray for the Pastor, the community, the nation, those in need and for the work of the Holy Spirit. All are invited to attend.

Sunday Morning Bible Study: On Sundays after fellowship there is Bible Study beginning at 11AM.

 

OTHER ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Helping Hands: Thank you to all help support this project at Shepherd in the Pines. Please prayerfully consider donating food items or cash to the Helping Hands ministry at a time in which there are so many needs.

We pray we will continue to be attentive to those needs and help out whenever and however we are able to. You may bring food and leave it in the narthex. You may also donate money for Helping Hands. Please use the yellow envelopes in the pews.

If you need food please talk to Cyndi, Donna, Virginia or Sharon for assistance.

If there is anyone that might know someone who needs a card or flowers due to illness or bereavement please contact Cyndi.

American Heroes Board: Do you have names and photos of those serving our country in uniform, (Military, Fire, Police)? Or for those who are presently serving in the Peace Corp. Please get the information to Bev Grabe to be posted on our board and added to our prayer list.

Our First Pastor: On October 15, 2011, our congregation’s first Pastor, Pastor Roger Benner went to be with the Lord and is in his loving arms due to a lengthy illness. May the Lord be with his wife, Kathy and the family during this time, and may He comfort and strengthen them.

A big thank you: The Congregation wants to thank Basil and George for filling in for Pastor Gene on Sunday, November 20, 2011, while Pastor was out of town.

Flower Chart: The Flower Chart has been filled up for the balance of the year. Thanks to all who signed up. We even have two slots filled in for January 2012. If you would like to sign up now for any date in 2012, please let Bev know so she can add your name on the new flower chart when it is posted.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Newsletter: If anyone has information that they would like to submit for the newsletter, please contact Sharon or see her after Sunday service. Your input is very important to us.

If anyone would like to volunteer to be the editor of our newsletter please talk to Pastor Gene or Sharon. Thank you.