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THE SHEPHERD’S FOLD Monthly Edition December 2017

Published monthly by and for the people of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church,

Sapulpa, Oklahoma

The mission of Good Shepherd Church is to make disciples by

sharing Jesus Christ's love and acceptance with all people.

Advent Is Coming and We’ve Saved You A Seat

No, this isn’t a reminder to the Altar Guild that the colors of the hangings at the Altar must be

changed to purple. However, they must. And it’s more than putting out the Advent wreath

with three purple candles, one pink candle, and one white candle. However, they do. But it is

a reminder that the First Sunday of Advent is the beginning of a new Church year. No, there

isn’t any confetti or whistles, so you must be asking, “Why have you saved us a seat?”

The answer is: We saved you a seat because we want you to travel with us through the period

of Advent as we await Christ’s first coming at Christmas. The word Advent is derived from

the Latin meaning “coming”. In those early days Israel would have sung songs in expectation

of Christ’s first coming; today we sing songs in commemoration of that first coming and in

expectation of the second coming of Christ.

We saved you a seat so that you may listen attentively to the readings, the prayers, the hymns,

and then see where it leads you. You may watch the pageantry of lighting the Advent wreath

each Sunday as we wait to light that white candle that symbolizes the Christ Child’s birth. As

the Collect for the First Sunday of Advent is being read, think of all nations and races of God’s

people who are listening to these same words: Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast

away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal

life in which thy son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when

He shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise

to life immortal; through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God,

now and forever. Amen.

We saved you a seat so that those words, “Give us grace that we may cast away the works of

darkness, and put upon us the armor of light—“ would give you courage to live for Christ each

day.

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COFFEE HOUR SIGN UP SHEET OUTSIDE

KITCHEN.

REMEMBER, NO ONE SHOULD

GO HUNGRY!!!!

The Good Shepherd E-prayer Chain If you have a request for prayer or a praise

report to share with others, please remem-

ber that your brothers and sisters in Christ

are only an email away.

joynaifeh@sbcglobal.net

ALTAR FLOWERS

Altar Flowers are a beautiful way to re-member or honor a friend, family mem-ber or occasion. The Altar Flower schedule for 2017 is up on the bulletin board in office hallway. Sign up for a Sunday. The cost is $20 for one side or $40 for both.

Continued from page 1

We saved you a seat so that you might ponder as we, the Church, look back upon

Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time looking forward in eager antici-

pation to the second coming of Christ’s Kingdom.

We saved you a seat so that you may be still and listen and pray and wait to be led to

help those who are hungry or homeless or hopeless. There are times when just listen-

ing is the greatest gift you can give to someone who needs a friend.

We saved you a seat to sing the wonderful Advent hymn “O Come, O Come, Emman-

uel, and ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God

appears. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”

Yes, Advent is coming and we’ve saved you a seat! Thanks be to God!

God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show

them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better

than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but

as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive

their joy in your creation; through Jesus

Christ our Lord. Amen.

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did you know………………

...... we had an increase in the number of pledges of Time, Talent and Treasure for 2018!!

…… Jan Garvin will soon be the Bionic Woman – most recently a shoulder surgery

…… Bruce Binion is approaching the $1,400 mark in nut sales for ECW

…… GS has reservations for Dec 19th , Sahoma Lanes, 6pm to 8pm. Bowling is free. Call

office to reserve your spot. Cheerleaders are welcome.

…… ECW Bazaar fundraising total was $2,945.00 - way to go everyone (especially

Melissa)

…… St. John’s church in Tulsa will present Handel’s Messiah on Sunday, Dec 10th,

3:00PM. Tickets are $20.

…… the parking lot is finally sealed and striped. Yeah!

…… the Food Pantry needs YOUR help. Try to purchase a little extra next week to give

to others.

…… Episcopal Night with OKC Thunder will be Jan 28th and Feb 11th. Tickets are $16

on a “first come-first served” basis. See Mary for more details.

..… Two new members of our congregation – Kim Taylor and Shawn Moore – were first

in line for choir rehearsal. Build it and they will come!

…… Ray Smith cooks a GREAT burger. He cooked for us twice last month.

...... God works in mysterious ways. A total stranger, Krista Sessions, donated gazillion

hamburger buns to us in November.

…… the 116th anniversary dinner was a fun time for everyone. Photos and news clippings

of years past are still on display in the parish hall.

…… December 17th is the kids Christmas program. Be there to support our youth.

……. Sapulpa’s “True Blue Christmas” parade will be Dec 9th beginning at 6PM

……. Sapulpa Community Theater debuts “It’s a Wonderful Life on Dec 1st. Tickets-$12

……. Ladies’ Night Out will be Dec 14th – Be there to help Maddy celebrate her 21st

birthday

……. Christmas baskets and gifts for families will be distributed from the church on

Wednesday, Dec 20th, at 5:30 PM.

……. The ECW “stocking stuffing” party will be after service on Dec. 10th. Bring small

items for stockings and a snack to share.

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‘Tis The season of ChrisTmas

Well, actually, it is the ‘Season of Advent’ but everyone begins to think of ‘Christmas’ as

soon as the last turkey leg is eaten (and sometimes even before that.) Our church will be

filled with laughter and song, prayer and thanksgiving. Mark your calendar for these dates

now…………….

Sunday, Dec 3rd – Jesse Tree is up with names of the children from families who need

our help.

We don’t have as many names on the tree this year, so be generous

and share.

The kids will love it.

Sunday, Dec 3rd – Advent Candles are in the Nave.

Sunday, Dec 10th – ECW “stocking stuffer” party. Bring small items for stockings

and a snack to share with others.

Sunday, Dec 17th – Kids’ program with special music during service.

Wednesday, Dec 20th – Families pick up baskets and gifts at church at 5:30. We will

have a spaghetti dinner for everyone. Try to join us.

Sunday, Dec 24th – Canon Bill will be with us for the morning service, which will be

the only Christmas service this year.

$$$$ REPORT $$$$

The financial resources of Good Shepherd have been in good hands with the Bish-

op’s Committee. The 2017 fiscal year is projected to end with a surplus in the

general fund.

As you look at the numbers below, please remember that the income includes

four months of priest support from the Diocese and the expense also reflects four

months of priest expenses.

For the period January – October 2017

Income - $99,201

Expense – $92,038

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Bishop Committee (Vestry) & Staff Last Year to Serve

Vicar

The Rev. Nancy Brown Deacon

Mary Smith Secretary

Sharon Moody Treasure 2018

Joy Naifeh Sr. Warden 2018

David Gilliland Jr. Warden 2019

Jan Garvin Member 2019

Bill Heinen Member 2018

Madelyn Smith Member 2018

Rynd Barnes Member 2019

Mikel Janitz Member 2018

Candy Naifeh Bishop Committee Clerk

Next meeting is Sunday December 10, 2017 after service. Annual meeting Janu-

ary 7, 2017 with a Chili Cook Off.

GET INVOLVED AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Chalice Bearers & Lectors: Bill Barnes 918-520-1731

Acolytes: Madelyn Smith 918-710-0901

Altar Guild: Rynd Barnes 918-520-1730

Bishop’s Committee: Joy Naifeh, Senior Warden 918-740-1154

Church grounds and buildings: David Gilliland, Junior Warden 918-671-3283

ECW: Candy Naifeh 918-688-0895

Mens Group: Joe Faulkner 918-633-2082

Prayer Chain: Joy Naifeh 918-740-1154

Outreach Ministry: Sharon Moody 918-691-3300

Youth Programs: Melissa Siler 918-629-2916 & Leslie Benson 918-284-8720

Prison Ministry: Deacon Nancy Brown 918-688-2936

Thanksgiving & Christmas: Amanda Hamilton 918-883-0372 & Kay Pritchard 918-260-

3942

Food Pantry: Gloria Wiley 918-633-7152

Music: Kathy Cox 918-706-3225

Contact any of those listed above to volunteer or obtain information. If you have a ques-

tion that does not fit any particular category, call Mary Smith 918-740-1471 or leave a

message at the church office, 918-224-5144.

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Bishop’s Committee Minutes Sunday August 13, 2017

Attending: Joy Naifeh, Candy Naifeh, Jan Garvin, Bill Heinen, David Gilliland, Sharon Moody, Madelyn Smith, Mikel Janitz, Rynd Barnes Absent: None Visitors: Joe Faulkner Meeting was opened with prayer at 11:55am. Following Motions were made and approved:

1. Previous month’s minutes. 2. Previous month’s Financials. 3. Bishop Committee appointed Joe Faulkner as the contact for the Men’s Group until a Presi-

dent is elected. 4. Bishop Committee reviewed recommendations for the Policies and Procedures, Fixed As-

sets, Fire/Water Safe Church Minutes, Acknowledgements of Contributions as presented by the Audit committee and approved as written.

Committee Reports: 1. Stewardship will have people speak for four Sundays about Stewardship in October and on November 5 pledge cards will be due. 2. Budget and Finance Committee will meet after pledge cards are received. 3. Disaster Recovery, David Gilliland reported he has framed the Disaster Recovery evacua-tion and will post them throughout the church. 4. Jr. Warden Report-David Gilliland reported the brush is gone and removal of the tree is in progress as well as cleaning the southeast area of the lot. Parking lot appraisals are being request-ed. 5. Youth- Emma Siler is in competitive cheer with several girls who live close to Good Shep-herd, a dinner has been offered to the team in October. 6. Cub Scouts Group 232-Joe Faulkner reported 21 boys signed up and there have been 2 meetings to date with 14/9 boys attending. Meetings are held on Fridays at 6p. Joe has been at-tending the meetings until the Scout Master(s) have taken the Safe Guarding God’s children clas-ses then a key will be given. Bill Barnes will be Joe’s backup if needed. Old Business

1. Exit Signs- David Gilliland will work with Bill Heinen and Scott Benson during the cleanup day.

2. Fire Extinguishers will be installed during the cleanup day. 3. Website-Lesley Benson has been working on it as her time allows. 4. Joy Naifeh has been sending out for thank you, birthdays, thinking of you, etc. 5. Outdoor cabinets for books and food. An article was in the Tulsa World about the cabinets

around town. Status of the cabinets for Good Shepherd will be looked into. New Business: 1. November 5 will be a Pot Luck celebration for the church’s 116th anniversary. 2. Supply Priest are schedule through mid November. 3. Tri-Parish Pot Luck is schedule on 9/16. 4. Tag Sale is schedule on 9/30 with the last date to donate being 9/24.

Meeting moved to adjourn with closing prayer at 1:08pm.

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December

Food Pantry

Schedule

Dec 1 - Melissa Siler

Dec 8 - Jane Berger

Dec 15 - Gloria Wiley

Dec 22 - Closed

Dec 29 - Closed

As we have done in the past, any emer-

gency need for food will get immediate

help on whatever day they call.

If you are not able to work on your

scheduled day, please find a replace-

ment.

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

12/3 John Dagg 12/8 Madelyn Smith 12/9 Tyson Baker 12/11 Gunner Hamilton 12/13 Kristin Landholt 12/13 Trinity Hamilton 12/16 Betty VanMeter 12/16 Mikel Janitz 12/16 Emily Ludtke 12/20 Jane Berger 12/22 Bryson Baker 12/30 Sam Naifeh III

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

MILITARY PERONNEL SERVING

BOTH AT HOME AND OVERSEAS

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR HEROES

EVERYDAY!!! For those in the Armed Forces of our Country

Almighty God, we commend to your gracious

care and keeping all the men and women of

our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend

them day by day with your heavenly grace;

strengthen them in their trials and tempta-

tions; give them courage to face the perils

which beset them; and grant them a sense of

your abiding presence wherever they may be;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dakota Van Meter

Terrance Moates

Josh Coons

Aaron Szewczyk

Greg LaBeau

Rusty Hageny

Barbara & Marcus Hawkins

P J Main

Robert Fingerhut

Roger Haulenbeek

Josh

Mathew Holloway

REMEMBER OUR CHURCH FAMILY AND

FRIENDS

Especially at this time of the year, remember those

among us who may need a little extra help to meet

expenses. If you can find a few extra dollars,

please give to the Good Shepherd Fund.

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Worship with us at:

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church 1420 East Dewey, Sapulpa, OK 74066

Telephone 918-224-5144 goodshepherdsapulpa@gmail.com

goodshepherdsapulpa.org

Worship Schedule Sunday Morning

9:30am Sunday School 10:30am Holy Eucharist

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church PO Box 335 Sapulpa, OK 74067

Return Service Requested

Newsletter for December 2017