Pastor's Note | Saturday, December 20th

The Advent Season is a special time as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus. Because Christmas represents the greatest gift of all, the gift of a Savior through whom we are reconciled to God and blessed with a joy-filled and everlasting life, it is easy to ponder all the good gifts in our lives.

As I reflect on the good gifts in my life I immediately think of Connie and our family, dear friends, the blessing of good health, and much more. I also think of you who make up the Good Shepherd congregation. Your faithfulness to Jesus Christ, your steadfastness in the journey of faith, your generosity in support of our ministries, all these combine to form a great gift of rich blessing. God bless you for such faithfulness.

I want to convey a special word of appreciation for Doug Conwell who has served us well in recent years in the role of Facilities Administrator. Because of our severe budget deficit this year, and the need to reduce our personnel portion of the budget in 2015, and because of changes to our staffing structure in light of impending pastoral transitions, Doug’s position has been eliminated effective January 1, 2015.

After that date the management and oversight of our facilities will become part of my responsibilities with the support of the Facilities Ministry Team of our Session. If you have facilities-related issues, please contact me at (562) 493-2553 ext. 112 during office hours or at (714) 321-9698 after hours. Also, Elder Vern Johnson may be contacted with these kinds of issues at (562) 596-8981. Eventually there will be an Executive or Administrative Administrator person who will have the responsibility for facilities.

Finally, as we approach the end of the year I would remind you that the church office will be closed December 25th and 26th for the Christmas Holiday, and closed the week of December 29 through January 2nd. If you plan to do some year-end giving, please try to do so in person by December 28th or by mail postmarked no later than January 31st.

Connie and I would like to wish you all a blessed Christmas and let you know we pray for you to know the peace of Christ - the Prince of Peace, and experience the joy of living in the presence of God who loves you and me with an unending, unimaginable love. Merry Christmas.

Pastor Jim