Congratulations!

[Valid RSS] This is a valid RSS feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

Source: https://www.gs4nj.org/feed/

  1. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
  2. xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
  3. xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
  4. xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
  5. xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
  6. xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
  7. xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
  8. xmlns:georss="http://www.georss.org/georss"
  9. xmlns:geo="http://www.w3.org/2003/01/geo/wgs84_pos#"
  10. >
  11.  
  12. <channel>
  13. <title>Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</title>
  14. <atom:link href="https://www.gs4nj.org/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
  15. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/</link>
  16. <description>A caring community committed to Jesus Christ</description>
  17. <lastBuildDate>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:40:19 +0000</lastBuildDate>
  18. <language>en-US</language>
  19. <sy:updatePeriod>
  20. hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
  21. <sy:updateFrequency>
  22. 1 </sy:updateFrequency>
  23. <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3</generator>
  24.  
  25. <image>
  26. <url>https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cropped-GSNJ-favicon-32x32.png</url>
  27. <title>Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</title>
  28. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/</link>
  29. <width>32</width>
  30. <height>32</height>
  31. </image>
  32. <site xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">103335405</site> <item>
  33. <title>Love is Everything</title>
  34. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/love-is-everything/</link>
  35. <comments>https://www.gs4nj.org/love-is-everything/#respond</comments>
  36. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Ressler]]></dc:creator>
  37. <pubDate>Tue, 17 Oct 2023 15:40:15 +0000</pubDate>
  38. <category><![CDATA[Pastor Ponderings]]></category>
  39. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gs4nj.org/?p=306224</guid>
  40.  
  41. <description><![CDATA[<p>I have been blessed by the mentors I have had in my life. Earlier this morning, I learned that one of those great mentors went to be with the Lord after a bought with COVID. The Rev Gerry Coleman served as the campus pastor of Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, when I attended there as [&#8230;]</p>
  42. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/love-is-everything/">Love is Everything</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  43. ]]></description>
  44. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image">
  45. <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="640" height="480" src="https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gerry_coleman.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-306226" srcset="https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gerry_coleman.jpeg 640w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gerry_coleman-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gerry_coleman-150x113.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px" /></figure></div>
  46.  
  47.  
  48. <p>I have been blessed by the mentors I have had in my life. Earlier this morning, I learned that one of those great mentors went to be with the Lord after a bought with COVID. </p>
  49.  
  50.  
  51.  
  52. <p>The Rev Gerry Coleman served as the campus pastor of Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, when I attended there as a student. Gerry is probably best known for writing “The Lamb,” a hymn that is often sung in Lutheran Churches. </p>
  53.  
  54.  
  55.  
  56. <p>Gerry always had time for you! I remember coming into his office, and it didn’t matter what he was doing at the time, you would have his full and complete attention. Something he told me that has stuck with me all these years was that the three most important things in ministry are:</p>
  57.  
  58.  
  59.  
  60. <ol>
  61. <li>Relationships</li>
  62.  
  63.  
  64.  
  65. <li>Relationships</li>
  66.  
  67.  
  68.  
  69. <li>Relationships</li>
  70. </ol>
  71.  
  72.  
  73.  
  74. <p>I have shared that sentiment many times. And on those days when I grow frustrated with people, I remember that the most important things are the relationships we have with God and each other. There is not much else that matters. </p>
  75.  
  76.  
  77.  
  78. <p>It was not enough for him to talk about unconditional love. He demonstrated it in tangible ways. When I burned my foot and was bedridden, we would talk on the phone. After I lost my wife, he was a great source of comfort. He was always there. </p>
  79.  
  80.  
  81.  
  82. <p>I know that he struggled with being a black clergyman in a mostly white church body. Maybe he felt like a square peg in a round hole. He had some opinions and ideas that clashed with the official positions of the Synod. But I know I appreciated the conversation and the perspective he had to offer. The conversations were never in anger but always in love. </p>
  83.  
  84.  
  85.  
  86. <p>As Gerry was fond of saying, “Love is everything!”</p>
  87.  
  88.  
  89.  
  90. <p>I look forward to singing “The Lamb” this Sunday in his memory and honor. Christ is risen! Alleluia! To God be the glory!</p>
  91.  
  92.  
  93.  
  94. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  95. <p>He rose He rose<br>My heart with thanks now overflows<br>His song prolong<br>Till ev&#8217;ry heart to Him belong</p>
  96. </blockquote>
  97.  
  98.  
  99.  
  100. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  101. <p>Worthy is the Lamb<br>Whose death makes me His own<br>The Lamb is reigning on His throne</p>
  102. </blockquote>
  103.  
  104.  
  105.  
  106. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Worship Teams Orientation</h2>
  107.  
  108.  
  109.  
  110. <p>Please pray for our Worship Team Orientations this week. The first orientation begins tonight and are as follows:</p>
  111.  
  112.  
  113.  
  114. <ul>
  115. <li>Media Team (Tuesday, 7pm)</li>
  116.  
  117.  
  118.  
  119. <li>Instrumentalists (Wednesday, 7pm)</li>
  120.  
  121.  
  122.  
  123. <li>Vocalists (Thursday, 7pm)</li>
  124. </ul>
  125.  
  126.  
  127.  
  128. <p>We want to pray for renewal and revival for our worship ministry at Good Shepherd. Pray for God to do a mighty work in and through all of our volunteers. Pray that we would all powerfully worship God in Spirit and in truth. Pray that God would be glorified and that many would be connected to the Savior, and those who are already in faith would be drawn closer. </p>
  129.  
  130.  
  131.  
  132. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Submitted Prayer Requests</h2>
  133.  
  134.  
  135.  
  136. <ul>
  137. <li>Martha B requests prayer for healing from some health issues.</li>
  138.  
  139.  
  140.  
  141. <li>Kimberly G asks: Please keep my mom Christine in your prayers. She has her upcoming appointment with her pulmonologist this week. Prayers for good news, strength, and healing prayers. Let her have a good outcome so she can live a long and healthy life with her family and friends. Amen.<br></li>
  142. </ul>
  143. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/love-is-everything/">Love is Everything</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  144. ]]></content:encoded>
  145. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.gs4nj.org/love-is-everything/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  146. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  147. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">306224</post-id> </item>
  148. <item>
  149. <title>Prayers for Israel</title>
  150. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/prayers-for-israel/</link>
  151. <comments>https://www.gs4nj.org/prayers-for-israel/#respond</comments>
  152. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Ressler]]></dc:creator>
  153. <pubDate>Tue, 10 Oct 2023 18:15:43 +0000</pubDate>
  154. <category><![CDATA[Pastor Ponderings]]></category>
  155. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gs4nj.org/?p=306219</guid>
  156.  
  157. <description><![CDATA[<p>Most of us have heard about the conflict in Israel. It is sad to hear about the loss of life and the pain that has been experienced by so many. And there have been statements that this conflict will be drawn out for some time to come. At the same time, there is the conflict [&#8230;]</p>
  158. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/prayers-for-israel/">Prayers for Israel</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  159. ]]></description>
  160. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  161. <p>Most of us have heard about the conflict in Israel. It is sad to hear about the loss of life and the pain that has been experienced by so many. And there have been statements that this conflict will be drawn out for some time to come. </p>
  162.  
  163.  
  164.  
  165. <p>At the same time, there is the conflict that is ongoing in Ukraine. It is a war that is being drawn out. Sometimes it almost seems forgotten about. But it is just as violent as it ever was. It seems that Putin&#8217;s strategy is a war of attrition. </p>
  166.  
  167.  
  168.  
  169. <p>And these are not the only conflicts around the world. There is plenty of violence that hardly gets mentioned, if it is mentioned at all. There is so much suffering all around. </p>
  170.  
  171.  
  172.  
  173. <p>We pray, &#8220;Come, Lord Jesus.&#8221; We pray for God to bring an end to the violence and bring peace. We pray for hearts to change &#8211; that feelings of hatred and bitterness would be erased. That all hostility would end. </p>
  174.  
  175.  
  176.  
  177. <p>And when we see these conflicts, it calls us to repentance. The same feelings of enmity that caused these conflicts exist in our hearts as well. We would like to think we are different, but we are sinners too.  The conflict in our lives may not be escalated to the level of violence we see in the news. But nevertheless, it is the same darkness in our hearts that brings about so much pain and hurt into this world. If you think differently, consider the words of the Apostle John:</p>
  178.  
  179.  
  180.  
  181. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  182. <p>“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1 John 1:8, ESV)</p>
  183. </blockquote>
  184.  
  185.  
  186.  
  187. <p>We are as guilty as anyone. So we confess our sin before God. We ask him for his mercy and forgiveness. We ask that he guide us in new ways by the Holy Spirit and that we would resist the temptations of the flesh. We pray that he would help us practice love and forgiveness, especially towards those we would consider our enemies. </p>
  188.  
  189.  
  190.  
  191. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Worship Renewal</h2>
  192.  
  193.  
  194.  
  195. <p>The Psalm reminds us:</p>
  196.  
  197.  
  198.  
  199. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  200. <p>“Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Psalm 96:1, ESV)</p>
  201. </blockquote>
  202.  
  203.  
  204.  
  205. <p>I love worship. The music speaks to my heart. I am reminded of the new things God is doing and that he is greater than any challenge I face. </p>
  206.  
  207.  
  208.  
  209. <p>I would like to invite you to pray simply for a heart of worship. That you might live every moment in the constant awareness of God’s presence. That you would see the circumstances of your life from a fresh perspective that is God’s heavenly perspective. </p>
  210.  
  211.  
  212.  
  213. <p>Pray that you would have the realization that there is nothing too great that you could ever offer God. That you would be willing to lay down whatever it is that God might ask, even your life.</p>
  214.  
  215.  
  216.  
  217. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  218. <p>“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” (Romans 12:1, ESV)</p>
  219. </blockquote>
  220.  
  221.  
  222.  
  223. <p>Speaking of worship, we are hosting three Worship Team Orientations next week. The schedule is as follows:</p>
  224.  
  225.  
  226.  
  227. <ul>
  228. <li>Media Team, Tuesday, October 17, 6-9pm</li>
  229.  
  230.  
  231.  
  232. <li>Instrumentalist Team, Wednesday, October 18, 6-9pm</li>
  233.  
  234.  
  235.  
  236. <li>Vocalist Team, Thursday, October 19, 6-9pm<br></li>
  237. </ul>
  238.  
  239.  
  240.  
  241. <p>Whether you are part of the team or would like to join one of these teams, we would love to have you. Please RSVP at &#111;&#x66;f&#x69;&#x63;&#101;&#x40;g&#115;&#x34;&#110;&#x6a;&#46;&#111;&#x72;g to let us know you are coming. </p>
  242.  
  243.  
  244.  
  245. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Submitted Prayer Requests</h2>
  246.  
  247.  
  248.  
  249. <ul>
  250. <li>From Jan B: Can we put my niece on the prayer list? Her cancer has progressed, and she has another tumor on her spine, and we are looking at new medication. Prayers for doctor&#8217;s guidance and for healing. Thank you.</li>
  251.  
  252.  
  253.  
  254. <li>From Virendra: Please pray for my sister Asha who is suffering from Kidney failure and undergoing angioplasty also on coming Friday 13th Oct 2023. Please pray for successful Angioplasty and healing kidneys in your personal prayer.</li>
  255.  
  256.  
  257.  
  258. <li>Beth W asks: Please pray for the reconciliation of Jamie and Beth&#8217;s relationship.</li>
  259.  
  260.  
  261.  
  262. <li>Rae S asks: Please pray for Israel!</li>
  263. </ul>
  264. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/prayers-for-israel/">Prayers for Israel</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  265. ]]></content:encoded>
  266. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.gs4nj.org/prayers-for-israel/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  267. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  268. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">306219</post-id> </item>
  269. <item>
  270. <title>Pray for Your Pastor</title>
  271. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/pray-for-your-pastor/</link>
  272. <comments>https://www.gs4nj.org/pray-for-your-pastor/#respond</comments>
  273. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Ressler]]></dc:creator>
  274. <pubDate>Wed, 04 Oct 2023 17:17:26 +0000</pubDate>
  275. <category><![CDATA[Pastor Ponderings]]></category>
  276. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gs4nj.org/?p=306213</guid>
  277.  
  278. <description><![CDATA[<p>I had a few minutes to spare earlier this week, and I opened up Facebook. One of the first things that appeared was a post from one of our church members. She shared: I don&#8217;t often pray for my pastor I&#8217;m sorry to say. But today I&#8217;ve been thinking my pastor needs prayers. I don&#8217;t [&#8230;]</p>
  279. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/pray-for-your-pastor/">Pray for Your Pastor</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  280. ]]></description>
  281. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  282. <p>I had a few minutes to spare earlier this week, and I opened up Facebook. One of the first things that appeared was a post from one of our church members. She shared: </p>
  283.  
  284.  
  285.  
  286. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  287. <p>I don&#8217;t often pray for my pastor I&#8217;m sorry to say. But today I&#8217;ve been thinking my pastor needs prayers. I don&#8217;t know why; just kind of came to me. I believe that sometimes things are put on your heart for a reason.</p>
  288. </blockquote>
  289.  
  290.  
  291.  
  292. <p>She went on to say that she was praying for me and my family. Thanks Cynthia! It was a nice bit of encouragement to receive. Pastors tend to pray with people a lot. It is not as often that we get people to pray for us. Pastors are people too, who need prayer, just as much as anyone else. </p>
  293.  
  294.  
  295.  
  296. <p>It got me thinking about how people can pray for their pastor. I came across <a href="https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/30-day-praying-for-your-pastor-challenge/">this article</a> that is filled with some good ideas not only pray for me and Pastor Jeff, but all pastors everywhere.</p>
  297.  
  298.  
  299.  
  300. <div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
  301. <div class="wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-100"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" style="border-radius:6px">Read 30 Day Pray for YOur Pastor Challenge</a></div>
  302. </div>
  303.  
  304.  
  305.  
  306. <p></p>
  307.  
  308.  
  309.  
  310. <p>A few ways you could specifically pray for me:</p>
  311.  
  312.  
  313.  
  314. <ul>
  315. <li>Pray for <strong>God’s wisdom</strong>. I think about how Solomon was able to ask God for anything. The one thing he asked for was wisdom. Please pray that I will have God’s wisdom in every area of my life for the sake of my family, the church, and others.</li>
  316.  
  317.  
  318.  
  319. <li>Pray for <strong>God’s presence for my family</strong> and me through a wave of transition. The last few years have been filled with incredible transitions for my family. Pray that God will continue to grow us closer as we learn to navigate new circumstances.</li>
  320.  
  321.  
  322.  
  323. <li>Pray for <strong>joy in ministry</strong>. Ministry is difficult. The devil would like to discourage us through difficult circumstances, criticism, and conflict. Pray for God to guard all of our hearts to see the amazing work that God is doing in our lives and in our church every day.</li>
  324.  
  325.  
  326.  
  327. <li>Pray for <strong>passion!</strong> Pray that I would passionately serve to do all that God has called me to do. That I would love him with all my heart, soul, mind, and might. That I would minster out of the strength God provides through his presence in my life.</li>
  328.  
  329.  
  330.  
  331. <li>Pray for God <strong>to help me set proper boundaries</strong>, that God would help me guard my free time and practice self-care. That I would not feel obligated to do it all.</li>
  332.  
  333.  
  334.  
  335. <li>Pray for <strong>good health</strong>. That God would help me continue to exercise, practice good nutrition, and get adequate sleep so that I might have the energy to do all he has called me to do.</li>
  336.  
  337.  
  338.  
  339. <li>Pray for me <strong>to boldly and effectively proclaim God&#8217;s Word! </strong>The most important thing I do each week is to preach on Sunday morning. Pray that God would give me a rich measure of the Holy Spirit to call sinners to repentance, to encourage the broken, and to guide all believers in living a godly life. </li>
  340. </ul>
  341.  
  342.  
  343.  
  344. <p>Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your pastor and for your prayers. It means more than you imagine. </p>
  345.  
  346.  
  347.  
  348. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Submitted Prayer Requests</h2>
  349.  
  350.  
  351.  
  352. <ul>
  353. <li>Bob S asks for healing prayers for his wife, Sandy. Pray for the availability of the necessary treatment to be made available.</li>
  354.  
  355.  
  356.  
  357. <li>Pray for Laurie B having eye surgery this week.</li>
  358.  
  359.  
  360.  
  361. <li>We give God thanks for a successful surgery for Baby Everett last week.</li>
  362.  
  363.  
  364.  
  365. <li>We ask for Leslie G, who is recovering from injuries sustained from a fall. </li>
  366. </ul>
  367.  
  368.  
  369.  
  370. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">GSCC Prayer Partners</h2>
  371.  
  372.  
  373.  
  374. <p>We are still looking for prayer partners for our staff at Good Shepherd Children&#8217;s Center. If you would be willing to serve in this important role, please send me an email at <a href="&#x6d;&#97;i&#x6c;&#x74;&#111;:&#x70;&#104;i&#x6c;&#x40;&#103;s&#x34;&#110;j&#x2e;&#x6f;&#114;g">&#x70;&#104;&#105;l&#x40;&#x67;&#115;4&#x6e;&#x6a;&#46;o&#x72;&#x67;</a>. </p>
  375. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/pray-for-your-pastor/">Pray for Your Pastor</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  376. ]]></content:encoded>
  377. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.gs4nj.org/pray-for-your-pastor/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  378. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  379. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">306213</post-id> </item>
  380. <item>
  381. <title>Thoughts for Journaling</title>
  382. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/thoughts-for-journaling/</link>
  383. <comments>https://www.gs4nj.org/thoughts-for-journaling/#respond</comments>
  384. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Ressler]]></dc:creator>
  385. <pubDate>Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:30:47 +0000</pubDate>
  386. <category><![CDATA[Pastor Ponderings]]></category>
  387. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gs4nj.org/?p=306208</guid>
  388.  
  389. <description><![CDATA[<p>Prayer Journaling In my message on Sunday, I encouraged everyone to take time to reflect on their day. A helpful way to do this is by keeping a written journal. But even if you don’t keep a written journal, it is still helpful to take time to reflect. Three questions I suggested that you ask [&#8230;]</p>
  390. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/thoughts-for-journaling/">Thoughts for Journaling</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  391. ]]></description>
  392. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image">
  393. <figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-306210" srcset="https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-1320x743.jpg 1320w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions-750x422.jpg 750w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/journal-questions.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure></div>
  394.  
  395.  
  396. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prayer Journaling</h2>
  397.  
  398.  
  399.  
  400. <p>In my message on Sunday, I encouraged everyone to take time to reflect on their day. A helpful way to do this is by keeping a written journal. But even if you don’t keep a written journal, it is still helpful to take time to reflect. Three questions I suggested that you ask yourself:</p>
  401.  
  402.  
  403.  
  404. <ol>
  405. <li>What are three things I have reason to be thankful for? It helps to ask this, especially on bad days. It might be that by focusing on the good things in our day, we will come to realize that there is more good than bad. </li>
  406.  
  407.  
  408.  
  409. <li>What are three emotions you experience today? Why do you think you experienced these emotions? If you were experiencing negative emotions, what might you do differently to respond in a different way?</li>
  410.  
  411.  
  412.  
  413. <li>Who did I help today? God has placed a calling on each of our lives to serve. Who was blessed by your words and actions today? Who is better off because they crossed your path?<br></li>
  414. </ol>
  415.  
  416.  
  417.  
  418. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Voters’ Meeting Follow Up</h2>
  419.  
  420.  
  421.  
  422. <p>Yesterday, Good Shepherd held its Annual Voters’ Meeting. The meeting had an ambitious agenda. We approved our budget, elected new members to our Admin Board, called Christine Ressler as a teacher, and approved expenditures for replacing part of our roof. </p>
  423.  
  424.  
  425.  
  426. <p>In light of this meeting, we want to lift a few things in prayer.</p>
  427.  
  428.  
  429.  
  430. <ol>
  431. <li>Pray for those who were elected to serve as leaders of the church. Pray that God would keep them strong in their discipleship journey. Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide them with wisdom to help our church boldly follow Jesus wherever he leads. Pray that they will find joy in their service.</li>
  432.  
  433.  
  434.  
  435. <li>Pray for the budget that has been approved. Pray that God would use these resources for the expansion of his kingdom. Pray that all of us would be faithful in our stewardship to meet these needs. </li>
  436.  
  437.  
  438.  
  439. <li>We give God thanks for Good Shepherd Children’s Center. We give thanks for our teachers and staff. We pray that God will give them strength on difficult days. And their words and actions would show the love of Jesus. If you would like to serve as <a href="https://mailchi.mp/gs4nj/an_unexpected_invitation">a prayer partner for one of our Children’s Center staff members</a>, send an email to <a href="&#109;a&#x69;l&#x74;o&#x3a;o&#x66;&#102;&#x69;&#99;&#x65;&#64;&#x67;&#115;4&#110;j&#x2e;o&#x72;g">&#111;&#102;&#x66;i&#99;&#x65;&#x40;g&#115;&#x34;&#x6e;j&#46;&#x6f;&#x72;g</a>.</li>
  440.  
  441.  
  442.  
  443. <li>As we think about replacing the roof at Good Shepherd, we thank God for the property entrusted to us. However, the building is aging, and we have had some costly updates and repairs over the last few years. We ask that God would help us to continue to maintain the facilities. We also pray for a good turnout at the Work Day (October 14 at 8:30am-2pm) to help us be good stewards with the House of God.<br></li>
  444. </ol>
  445.  
  446.  
  447.  
  448. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Submitted Prayer Requests</h2>
  449.  
  450.  
  451.  
  452. <ul>
  453. <li>Kathie C asks: Please pray God opens a door. I need some Car repairs done so I can get to Church/Work. Its been 8months- I&#8217;m struggling. Thanks Brothers/Sisters.</li>
  454.  
  455.  
  456.  
  457. <li>Susan L shares: Our daughter-in-law’s dad died, and his funeral is Wednesday in Virginia. </li>
  458.  
  459.  
  460.  
  461. <li>Ed S shares that his son, Tim, has thyroid cancer and will be having surgery on October 16 at John Hopkins Hospital in Maryland. We pray for God’s healing for Tim.</li>
  462.  
  463.  
  464.  
  465. <li>We lift up baby Everett who will be having surgery on Friday to have a shunt put in. We pray for a successful procedure. </li>
  466. </ul>
  467. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/thoughts-for-journaling/">Thoughts for Journaling</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  468. ]]></content:encoded>
  469. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.gs4nj.org/thoughts-for-journaling/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  470. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  471. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">306208</post-id> </item>
  472. <item>
  473. <title>An Unexpected Invitation</title>
  474. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/an-unexpected-invitation/</link>
  475. <comments>https://www.gs4nj.org/an-unexpected-invitation/#respond</comments>
  476. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Ressler]]></dc:creator>
  477. <pubDate>Wed, 20 Sep 2023 15:51:06 +0000</pubDate>
  478. <category><![CDATA[Pastor Ponderings]]></category>
  479. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gs4nj.org/?p=306203</guid>
  480.  
  481. <description><![CDATA[<p>Peter and Andrew where doing what they always did. They were fishermen. They cast their nets into the sea to catch fish. They got up each morning expecting to do the same thing they did the day before. It was what they knew. It was expected. It paid the bills. It got them by. It [&#8230;]</p>
  482. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/an-unexpected-invitation/">An Unexpected Invitation</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  483. ]]></description>
  484. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  485. <p>Peter and Andrew where doing what they always did. They were fishermen. They cast their nets into the sea to catch fish. </p>
  486.  
  487.  
  488.  
  489. <p>They got up each morning expecting to do the same thing they did the day before. It was what they knew. It was expected. It paid the bills. It got them by. It was a hard life but a good life. But still there was something missing.</p>
  490.  
  491.  
  492.  
  493. <p>All of a sudden this guy named Jesus comes by. He calls out to them and says:</p>
  494.  
  495.  
  496.  
  497. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  498. <p>“Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, ESV)</p>
  499. </blockquote>
  500.  
  501.  
  502.  
  503. <p>It was an unexpected invitation. Who was this guy? Where was he going to lead them? At this point, they didn’t even know what they didn’t know.</p>
  504.  
  505.  
  506.  
  507. <p>But there was no hesitation.</p>
  508.  
  509.  
  510.  
  511. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote">
  512. <p>“Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:20, ESV)</p>
  513. </blockquote>
  514.  
  515.  
  516.  
  517. <p>It was obvious they wanted something more. They realized that there was something they were missing. And Jesus held the promise of something better.</p>
  518.  
  519.  
  520.  
  521. <p>Jesus gives us the same invitation to follow him. But what does that mean? What does it look like? How do I do that? </p>
  522.  
  523.  
  524.  
  525. <p>Maybe you are looking for something more? Maybe you feel as if there is something missing? Maybe you feel your life could be more fulfilling?</p>
  526.  
  527.  
  528.  
  529. <p>Few people actually give much thought throughout the day about what it means for them to follow Jesus. We go along so much better with cultural and family expectations. We strive for what is comfortable and easy rather doing the hard (but fulfilling) thing that Jesus would have us do. We miss out on the promise of catching more than just fish. </p>
  530.  
  531.  
  532.  
  533. <p>I want to give you an invitation to join me tonight at 7pm in the Good Shepherd Sanctuary. We will begin a course of study over the next few weeks to develop our own personal plans to follow Jesus. I want you to discover Jesus’ unique calling on your life and to give you the knowledge and tools to that you need to answer that calling. </p>
  534.  
  535.  
  536.  
  537. <p>But I am going to warn you. This invitation is not to just show up. There is work to be done. Following Jesus is not easy. But together we can help and encourage each other.</p>
  538.  
  539.  
  540.  
  541. <p>I hope you will join me in answering Jesus’ call. I look forward to seeing you at 7pm tonight.</p>
  542. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/an-unexpected-invitation/">An Unexpected Invitation</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  543. ]]></content:encoded>
  544. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.gs4nj.org/an-unexpected-invitation/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  545. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  546. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">306203</post-id> </item>
  547. <item>
  548. <title>Easter Egg Hunt 2023</title>
  549. <link>https://www.gs4nj.org/easter-egg-hunt-2023/</link>
  550. <comments>https://www.gs4nj.org/easter-egg-hunt-2023/#respond</comments>
  551. <dc:creator><![CDATA[Phil Ressler]]></dc:creator>
  552. <pubDate>Sat, 01 Apr 2023 15:16:10 +0000</pubDate>
  553. <category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
  554. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.gs4nj.org/?p=306184</guid>
  555.  
  556. <description><![CDATA[<p>Join us for the Good Shepherd Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Children’s Center in Old Bridge, NJ. This will be a fun event for the whole family. And there will be more than just the Easter Egg Hunt. </p>
  557. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/easter-egg-hunt-2023/">Easter Egg Hunt 2023</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  558. ]]></description>
  559. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="wp-block-image">
  560. <figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img decoding="async" width="1000" height="563" src="https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easter-Egg-Hunt.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-306185" srcset="https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easter-Egg-Hunt.jpg 1000w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easter-Egg-Hunt-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easter-Egg-Hunt-150x84.jpg 150w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easter-Egg-Hunt-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.gs4nj.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Easter-Egg-Hunt-750x422.jpg 750w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure></div>
  561.  
  562.  
  563. <p>Join us for the Good Shepherd Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Children’s Center in Old Bridge, NJ. This will be a fun event for the whole family. And there will be more than just the Easter Egg Hunt. We also have a craft, storytime, music, photo booth, and more!</p>
  564.  
  565.  
  566.  
  567. <p>This event is free. However, we will be receiving free will donations as a way to help cover the cost of this event. </p>
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. <div class="wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex">
  572. <div class="wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-fill"><a class="wp-block-button__link wp-element-button" href="https://gsnj.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1676566" style="border-radius:7px">Sign up for 9am Egg Hunt</a></div>
  573.  
  574.  
  575.  
  576. <div class="wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50 is-style-outline"><a class="wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button" href="https://gsnj.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/1676590" style="border-radius:7px">Sign up for 10:30am Egg Hunt</a></div>
  577. </div>
  578. <p>Read <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org/easter-egg-hunt-2023/">Easter Egg Hunt 2023</a>, on <a href="https://www.gs4nj.org">Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Old Bridge, NJ</a>'s website.</p>
  579. ]]></content:encoded>
  580. <wfw:commentRss>https://www.gs4nj.org/easter-egg-hunt-2023/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
  581. <slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
  582. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">306184</post-id> </item>
  583. </channel>
  584. </rss>
  585.  

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

  1. Download the "valid RSS" banner.

  2. Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)

  3. Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=https%3A//www.gs4nj.org/feed/

Copyright © 2002-9 Sam Ruby, Mark Pilgrim, Joseph Walton, and Phil Ringnalda