December 24, 2023

Dear Parish Family,

The angels proclaimed to the shepherds on the hillside a message:

Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.

Luke 2:14

These are not just words of history.  They are eternal, just like the Son of God Whose birth they announced. We need to hear that message today.  We must work for and with that peace. Now, more than ever, we must pray for peace in our world, in our nation, in our communities, in our families, and in our hearts.  

Thank you for the incredible goodness, patience, hard work, and support you generously share. Your prayer, presence, engagement, and service edify and inspire me.  Your faithfulness and dedication make Good News and Good Works possible here at Good Shepherd.

Thank you to all who made our second annual Cookie Extravaganza an amazing success. All our bakers, donators, wrappers, setter-uppers, volunteers the day of the “walk” were incredible. The cookies weren’t the only thing that was sweet. The spirit and joy of the whole experience was wonderful. We sold over 200 pounds of cookies. At $10 a pound, that’s a “lot of dough” and will be put to good use right here at Good Shepherd. Thank you so much!!!

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated in, or helped to set up or clean up for our Living Nativity this year. The weather was beautiful this year, and the live animals added authenticity to our depiction of Christ’s birth. We hope to continue this Good Shepherd tradition in years to come.

A million thanks to all who helped decorate our church and parish campus for Christmas. Many hands and many hearts, along with selfless creativity and good old fashioned hard work, created a beautiful environment for us the celebrate the Savior’s birth. Beauty is one of the ways we come to know God. Our decorating team has certainly proved that this Christmas. 

Thank you all for the joy you share with our parish by your goodness, faithfulness, and generosity. I am humbled and blessed to be your pastor and deeply grateful for the joy you bring to me. Be assured of my prayers for you and for those whom you love. Please pray for me. A Merry, blessed, and joy-filled Christmas to everyone! May you and yours share and know the holy and love-filled joy the Christ Child brings.  

Grace and peace,

Father Neil Sullivan