Church of the Good Shepherd

Today, Jan. 6th is the day of Epiphany: the celebration of the revelation of God incarnate as Jesus Christ commemorated by the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. Now more than ever, especially as we follow the news in DC, we need to pray that God’s love will continue to be revealed to all his people and may he use us as instruments of his Peace. Stay Safe and Stay Well- Pastor Eva Thai-Erwin

Memorial/Veterans Day Flowers It has become a tradition at our church to have special Chancel Flowers on Memorial Day and Veterans’ Day in honor of all those who have served or are currently serving in our country’s armed forces. ... We would like to honor your service, or the service of a loved one, by adding your name, rank and the branch in which you served to our list. We invite you to give a donation to the flower fund to keep this tradition going. Checks should be made payable to Church of the Good Shepherd and turned into the office with Veterans’ Flowers on the memo line of the check. Suggested annual donation of $20 covers both holidays. Those making a donation will be shown with an asterisk, but all who have served or are currently serving will be listed.

The Season of Lent Has Begun! Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Lenten season.... There is something powerful about a season that starts in the middle of the week. It suggests that the Lenten journey is a high calling, not for the faint of heart, not for the casual observer. It is a journey that you experience as both an individual and also with the church community. The church is offering many activities for Lent- starting with Ashes to Go (Feb. 17), Drive Thru Communion (Feb. 21) and a Lenten Book Study via Zoom on Mondays (see article). More details will be provided in next week's newsletter about other events that are being planned: Wednesday Morning Devotion Times, Friday Devotion Videos, Drive Thru Easter Event, and Zoom Fellowship Socials!

"Hey, Youth!" What's your love language? Take a quick break from online school and join ZZP with SSP for fun, arts and crafts on Thursday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m. (Pacific Time). ... This special Sierra Service Project program is for youth and their families, and is led by CGS UMYF President Tyler Ross and youth from across California! The monthly gatherings are open to entire households. Register for free at: sierraserviceproject.org -> zzp with ssp

CGS Family Promise, January, 2021 Hosting These generous donors (with more donations being received) contributed over $3,000, which was used for our CGS January, 2021 Family Promise (FP) virtual hosting for our 2 guest familiesa mother & father with a young son & a single mother with 5 children. ... The virtual hosting included 1 week’s motel accommodations and food gift cards used for dinners, breakfasts, and lunches for the week January 24-31, 2021. In addition to the monetary donations, SARAH VEERARAJ, daughter of CGS members Kezia Andrews & Augustine Veeraraj, knitted scarves & hats for our guest families. Also included in the gifts were face shields & hand sanitizer. Since Sarah & her family are among our reliable FP hosts when we have guests at church, Sarah was happy to help our FP guest families with her gifts. Sarah, who is in the 5th grade & is involved in CGS programs, said she learned to knit since her activities were limited due to the pandemic. Although we could not physically be with our guest families, Melissa Odotei, Family Promise Director, said the families greatly appreciated the kindnesses CGS provided them. Not having to worry about safe shelter and meals, allowed our guest families to continue working towards getting back on their own. The generous donations not only paid for this virtual hosting, but the balance will be deposited into our CGS FP restricted account for future hosting needs. Church of the Good Shepherd continues to support our Family Promise Ministry through our love, our faith, our respect, and our kindness for our neighbors who are in need. Grateful thanks and blessings to all who continue being part of our virtual hosting and support for Family Promise! -Diane Lucas, CGS FP Coordinator

This Sunday in Worship, February 21, 2021 First Sunday in Lent ... Drive Thru Communion in the Parking lot 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Romans 10:8b-13 Sermon: Journey of the Heart: Anticipating, Pastor Eva Thai-Erwin, Preaching Prelude and Postlude: "Albare" and "Dialogue" Introit and Anthems: "Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days", "A Celtic Kyrie" and Israel Segura solo Congregational Hymns from the Red UM Hymnal: "Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart #500", "Breathe on Me, Breath of God #420", and "Come Christians Join to Sing #158"

Sunday, December 13 Worship Service This Sunday in Worship ... Third Sunday of Advent: Joy Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-5 and Matthew 1:18-21 Message: "Jesus Our Saviour, The Rev. Eva Thai-Erwin, Preaching Introit and Anthems: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", Handbell Piece, Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) Congregational Hymns from the United Methodist Hymnal: "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee #89", "That Boy-Child of Mary #241", and "Joy to the World #246" Save the date of Dec. 20th for a special Drive Thru Christmas Event at the church

Tomorrow we begin the season of Lent. We will pass out Ashes to Go- placed on a piece of burlap with a safety pin so you can wear it throughout the day. Come to the church Wednesday (10am-12noon or 4-6pm) to the portico Drive Thru located near the Sanctuary entrance to receive the Ashes. Or contact the church office if you are unable to drive thru.

2nd Week of Advent 2020 - Incarnation

Here is a wonderful video to watch during this second week of advent from our Ministry Intern Michael Chesnut.

December 6th Sunday Worship Service Second Sunday of Advent and Love Feast Communion - choose your own bread and liquid item to participate at home... Scripture : Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 2:1-7, 21 Message : "Jesus Our King", The Rev. Eva Thai-Erwin, Preaching Introit and Anthems: "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", "For Unto Us A Child Is Born", and "In the Bleak Midwinter" Congregational Hymns : "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus #196", "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light #206", and "What Child is This #219" All events at the Church have been canceled for the upcoming weeks. Please note that the Cal-Pac Bishop is strongly urging churches to continue online services for the rest of the year. Please keep checking in for information about what steps we are taking to follow our local guidelines