Shepherd's Heart 12/19/25
Good Shepherd Family,
Not to brag, but for the first time in as long as I can remember, I’m actually prepared for Christmas! Our kids each arrived home from college within the last 36 hours, my shopping is done (assuming Amazon delivers on time), the house is decorated (okay.. Jenn gets most of the credit for that one...), my fall semester finals are in, and most of my 2025 work is complete. Most importantly, my heart is prepared to celebrate Christ’s birth!
Among the many blessings in my life, I count you! I’m grateful for the community that we have here at Good Shepherd. I give thanks for your commitment to care for and provide for literally hundreds of people through our mission partners, near and far, by filling shoeboxes, donating gifts, and providing other resources for many in need. We’re a community that is committed – to God and to each other. We’re committed to serving together, to worshiping together, and I get to celebrate that we’ve committed to the FORWARD vision together.
Last weekend marked the halfway point in our FORWARD journey, and it was remarkable to note that 68 new individuals or families made a new financial commitment to Good Shepherd, while many others pledged to increase their original commitment from a year ago. Over 75% of those who regularly give to Good Shepherd made commitments, and we received nearly one million more in commitments in this year alone. All of that faithful giving adds up to $10,412,471 through the end of 2026!
Together, we’re making a difference for God’s Kingdom … for our congregation here at 1310, for our neighbors locally, and for the world! Here at 1310, worship and ministry continues “in the dust” as building renovations have begun. Even so, we had two glorious nights of worship during Encounter Christmas, we got to all worship together in the Sanctuary last week and will this week as well, and I’m looking forward to seven Christmas Eve services!
I’m also aware that the Christmas season can be difficult for some who are battling illness, suffering loss, or perhaps feeling alone. If that is you or someone you know, I hope you’ll check out the resources we offer through our Care Ministry. Join us on Sunday at 3:00p for our Blue Christmas service – a comforting space for those navigating sorrow during the holiday season.
Whatever your preparation looks like in these last several days before Christmas, I hope you will find time to commit to giving thanks to God for the blessings in your life and preparing your heart to celebrate God’s gift to us – His only son, our Lord, Jesus!
You certainly are in my prayers, and I can’t wait to wish you a Merry Christmas!
Blessings -
Tom
Not to brag, but for the first time in as long as I can remember, I’m actually prepared for Christmas! Our kids each arrived home from college within the last 36 hours, my shopping is done (assuming Amazon delivers on time), the house is decorated (okay.. Jenn gets most of the credit for that one...), my fall semester finals are in, and most of my 2025 work is complete. Most importantly, my heart is prepared to celebrate Christ’s birth!
Among the many blessings in my life, I count you! I’m grateful for the community that we have here at Good Shepherd. I give thanks for your commitment to care for and provide for literally hundreds of people through our mission partners, near and far, by filling shoeboxes, donating gifts, and providing other resources for many in need. We’re a community that is committed – to God and to each other. We’re committed to serving together, to worshiping together, and I get to celebrate that we’ve committed to the FORWARD vision together.
Last weekend marked the halfway point in our FORWARD journey, and it was remarkable to note that 68 new individuals or families made a new financial commitment to Good Shepherd, while many others pledged to increase their original commitment from a year ago. Over 75% of those who regularly give to Good Shepherd made commitments, and we received nearly one million more in commitments in this year alone. All of that faithful giving adds up to $10,412,471 through the end of 2026!
Together, we’re making a difference for God’s Kingdom … for our congregation here at 1310, for our neighbors locally, and for the world! Here at 1310, worship and ministry continues “in the dust” as building renovations have begun. Even so, we had two glorious nights of worship during Encounter Christmas, we got to all worship together in the Sanctuary last week and will this week as well, and I’m looking forward to seven Christmas Eve services!
I’m also aware that the Christmas season can be difficult for some who are battling illness, suffering loss, or perhaps feeling alone. If that is you or someone you know, I hope you’ll check out the resources we offer through our Care Ministry. Join us on Sunday at 3:00p for our Blue Christmas service – a comforting space for those navigating sorrow during the holiday season.
Whatever your preparation looks like in these last several days before Christmas, I hope you will find time to commit to giving thanks to God for the blessings in your life and preparing your heart to celebrate God’s gift to us – His only son, our Lord, Jesus!
You certainly are in my prayers, and I can’t wait to wish you a Merry Christmas!
Blessings -
Tom
Posted in Shepherds Heart