Weekly Announcement 12/14
GSLC members have the opportunity to sign cards that are sent to our shut-ins and military. It only takes a few minutes of your time but means a great deal to our faithful members who, because of health or other issues, are no longer able to attend church regularly. You may not have met them personally, but they love to know that their 'church family remembers them and cares for them. Please stop by the Sunshine Corner in the connecting hallway before leaving church today and sign the Christmas Cards.
2026 Offering Envelopes are available on the tables in the Narthex. Please pick them up, but do not use these envelopes until January 2026. If you would like to have envelopes, please call 618-344-3151 to request.
The Southern Illinois District is launching a new outreach initiative in 2025 called, "Come Home for Christmas." Many of our family, friends, and neighbors are longing to be home for the holidays. This presents us a wonderful opportunity to invite them to join us in worship for Christmas, where they will truly be at home with the Lord Jesus. Lifeway Research recently shared a study of U.S. adults who don’t typically attend church, and found that 56% of them are likely to attend at Christmastime if someone they know invites them! Half of those who don’t attend church were likely to come if someone simply invited them! We know this to be true not just from research, but from the Scriptures because we have a God who seeks out the lost sheep. Who can you invite to worship with you this Christmas?
Join us for our last Advent service of the season at our Prepare the Way of the Lord Through Suffering, inspired by Martin Luther’s insight into the recurring cycle of the Christian life. Luther taught that our faith is strengthened through prayer (especially as we prepare ourselves to study the Word), in reflective meditation (on the Word), and enduring suffering (as the devil tries to steal the Word from us) -steps that prepare your hearts for Christ’s coming.
Wednesday: 12/17 at 4:30 & 6:30 p.m., Advent Meal at 5:30 p.m
Men’s Ministry – Join us Wednesday for the last Advent supper.We planned a menu of Sloppy Joes, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, and added a new item of Loaded Baked Potatoes. Of course,your meal will come with desserts as well. Join us for great food and fellowship.
Raise Right - Charger Bucks: Scrip gift cards will be available between services in the connector hallway on December 14th & 21st. Earn tuition credit for your family or another family while purchasing gift cards! Download the app! RaiseRight.com
Kick off Christmas break with a family movie night on Sunday, December 21st! Crossroads is hosting a viewing of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in the Fellowship Hall. The movie starts at 6 pm with doors opening at 5:30. Bring a cozy blanket and your favorite movie snack to share! Crossroads will provide popcorn and drinks. Contact Rachel Forden, Wilhelmina Roney, or Allison Parrish for more information.
Poinsettias - Each Christmas we decorate the church with poinsettias donated by members giving In Memory Of or In Honor Of loved ones. We will list the donations in our Christmas services. You are welcome to take the poinsettia home after our Christmas service or leave it for the rest of the season. If you would like to donate a poinsettia please contacted the church office.
This is the last weekend for the Hat and Mitten Tree which is in the connecting hallway. They will be shared with local children. Thank you!
Christmas at MELHS - The MELHS Music Department invites you to our annual “Christmas at MELHS” concert on Sunday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. in Henschen Hall. Enjoy performances from our talented Chorale, Honors Choir, String Ensemble and Concert Band. Plus, join our combined choir for a special rendition of the “Hallelujah Chorus.” A dessert reception will follow the performance.
2026 Flower Chart - The flower chart for 2026 is on the bulletin board. The cost for flowers is $40/vase. Please sign up at your convenience.
There are still some gift bags for the home bound available to deliver. This is such a wonderful way to let the home bound know that they are remembered by their church. Check the list to see who you would like to visit. Names are on the bags. If a bag has no name...you can take it to someone you know that would appreciate being remembered. Thank you!
Gingerbread House: Next week, December 16th – 18th students will get to shop at the Gingerbread House for the special people in their lives. The students get so excited when they come back with their bag full of gifts. If you would like to volunteer to help or want to donate tissue paper please call the school or church office.
NEW Recurring Online Giving Platform - We are moving to a new online giving platform. We would like everyone to be fully moved over by December 15th. It is already up and running so you can switch anytime! This new one will allow you to pay with your bank account, credit card or even Apple Pay.
You can go to https://pushpay.com/g/goodshepherdil
*If you previously gave on a different platform please remember to cancel that one also.
NEW Website and App – The new website is live at it's old address https://www.goodshepherdcollinsville.org/
Our new app is available for download. Enter the keyword gscollinsville when you get in. Then be sure to click in the upper right hand corner on the profile and make your profile. Then you are all set.
Thanks to those who serve this week:
Usher Team: (5:30) D. Ulkus
(8:00) J. Fiudo
(10:30) K. Splaingard
Altar Guild: (5:30) Richard & Elaine Marmon
(8:00) Bruce & Ramona Cross
(10:30) Peg Rincker & Melissa Hasamear
Greeters: (8:00) Julie Wrigley
(10:30) Mike & Susan Kober
Flowers- Given by Steve & Carol Hyatt in Honor of their Children & Grandchildren.
Attendance last weekend was 452. The offering was: General Fund $35,041, Specials $2,561 including memorials for Jo Ross, Total $37.602.
Prayer List: Ann Goldsmith, Ralph Montgomery & Pam DeAngelo