Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be hosting a Sauerbraten Dinner with the goal of raising money for the 2012 Good Shepherd New Orleans Mission Trip.

FPU Starts on January 11, 2012.  6:30pm at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  95 Kings Highway, Warwick, NY 10990.

FPU is a 13-week life-changing program that empowers and teaches you how to make the right money decisions to achieve your financial goals.  The course includes practical lessons on eliminating debt, building wealth, giving like never before, and much, much more!

Below are more quick videos that will help you get a better feel of just want Financial Peace University is all about.  However here is a short introduction for you to take a look at:

Financial Peace University Promo

Frequently Asked Questions:

1) How do I sign up? Just simply click here and this link will bring you directly to our Church’s sign up page.

2) What does it cost? $93 lifetime family membership. I know – it almost doesn’t sound right, but it’s true.  Just $93 for 13 classes and it gets better.  You can attend as many FPU classes as you want anywhere they are held.  Many people like to attend FPU several times over several years just to reinforce the habits.

3) Where will it be? Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 95 Kings Highway Warwick, NY 10990

4) What do I do with my young kids? We will actually have babysitters lined up so that you and your spouse can be focused on the class.  Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a great facility with real classrooms just below the room where the FPU classes are held. You can take breaks to go check in on your kids at any time you would like.

5) What is the schedule of the classes? FPU begins on Wednesday January 11 @6:30pm.  We meet every Wednesday after that until April 11 with the exception of Ash Wednesday 2/22/12.   If you click this link you will get more info on the details of each class.

6) Who actually runs the class? Geoff Green is the local coordinator for the class.  Geoff is a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and runs this class on his own time.  It should be noted that neither Geoff nor Good Shepherd Lutheran Church makes any money from this course.  It is simply a community service.  Geoff is an accomplished public speaker, and does a great job of keeping the classes light hearted, but also on track so as to maximize results. Geoff is the Husband of Laura Green and the father of two boys Marco and Nico.  Geoff’s profession is a Real Estate Broker. Click here to read Geoff’s full bio.

7) Can I try it out for free? YES.  Come to the first night for free if you would like.  However please note that it takes 7-10 days to ship your kit, so if you do not sign up until after the first class you will most likely not have your kit for the first two classes.

Will Good Shepard run this class at any other time in 2012? No this is it for 2012.

9) Is it worth my time and money? ABSOLUTELY!  Last year our group paid down over $50,000 in debt and saved over $20,000.  This is a life changing course that has helped hundreds of thousands.  If you have read this far then just do it.  Clearly you have interest at this point.  Don’t waste any more time.  Take charge of your finances and your life now!

10) What if my spouse doesn’t want to come? This is a common problem for some couples.  Many times one spouse doesn’t want to go.  Our advice is to just try to get both spouses to the first class and go from there.  It is very important to make sure both husband and wife are on the same page so obviously it’s more effective if both are there for the duration of the class.

11) I am a bit embarrased to admit that I have financial problems. How public is this course? First you should know that many of the other people in the class be in the same boat as you.  However some people taking this course are in good shape financially, but they just want to refine their knowledge of personal finances. No one will know what your personal situation is unless you choose to share it.  We have a very safe and welcoming environment so that everyone feels comfortable.

12) How can I learn more? Here are a series of videos that you should watch. It will give you a taste of what you will be learning at Financial Peace University

The Great Recovery Step 1: Starter Emergency Fund

The Great Recovery Step 2: Live on a Budget

The Great Recovery Step 3: Get Out of Debt!

The Great Recovery Step 4: Invest Wisely

The Great Recovery Step 5: Become a Giver

THANK YOU for reading this blog post.  We hope that you choose to take this huge step in setting your financial future on the right path!

Good Shepherd offers “Communion Preparation Classes” for fifth graders  in Sunday School (minimum of 10 years of age or older and those who have not  yet received such instruction in the Lutheran Church) in preparation for their  reception of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  The 2012 Sessions will take place on Wednesdays (7:00-8:00pm), Jan. 4^th – February 15^th.  The Transfiguration of our Lord”, February 19^th, will be the
“first Communion opportunity”. The initial session on January 4^th is a meeting for both parents and
students. If you would like to take advantage of this ministry, please complete the enclosed form and return to our Parish Office or Email box.  Communion Preparation Class – 2012 (Rev. Ken Susskraut,  astor/845-986-3040)

2011 CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS (Michelle Davis, Altar Guild Coordinator/651-3541): Please use this form for ordering Poinsettia Plants to beautify our worship for the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord (Christmas). Poinsettias are available at $12.00/plant. All payments, CASH ONLY, are to accompany your order. Please give your order and payment directly to Michelle Davis. Plants may be picked up by donors after Divine Service on Christmas Day (Dec. 25) or during the
Christmas Season. If you have any questions, please call Michelle  Davis, Coordinator/651-3541. All orders must be received by DEC. 18^th.

Good Shepherd Preschool News (Antoinette Quinn and Barbara Gustainis, Teaching Staff):   Just what are 3 and 4 year olds thankful for?  Well, not surprisingly, most of the same things for which we all give thanks.  Their lists include families, pets, food, beds, a house, and all that keeps us warm, cozy, and safe, along with those things that are heartfelt.  Of course, Thanksgiving means feasts, and we had three fabulous
ones.  Each class made their own vegetable soup, and contributed the added side dishes.  A delicious time was had by all.  In addition, the month has included the historical side of the holiday.  Did you know that turkey was not served at the first Thanksgiving?  No cranberry sauce, either!  We continue the discussion of the miracle Bible stories, and their meaning.  All in preparation for the approaching Christmas holidays. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the successful Gertrude Hawk fundraiser.  The preschool board will put the profit toward the future purchase of an additional swing set, for our playground.  The filled orders will be delivered in the very beginning of December. We wish all of our preschool community a very Merry Christmas.    Looking forward to the pageant in December!  BOARD OF THE CHRISTIAN DAY SCHOOL (Barbara Katz,  hairperson/845-986-2691)

Special Christmas Eve Choir (Harry Perez, Director/845-986-0624): We have formed a special choir to sing at the 9:00PM Christmas Eve service.  We rehearse on Tuesday evenings, 7:00p.m. at church. The rehearsal dates for December are:  December 6^th, 13^th and 20^th.  Join us! Call Harry Perez /845-986-0624.

Stephen Hoverman (Elders) at 845/986-5429.  Thank you.

Fellowship Clean-Up Help Needed (Heidi Bricker, Coordinator/845-651-1545):  CALLING ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL PARENTS – We are still in need of volunteers to help with Fellowship Clean-Up. This does not require a lot of time – only 10 minutes prior to Sunday School Pick-Up time.  Please call Heidi, if you can help out.  Thank you!

Opportunities to Serve (Joan Perez, Worship Committee Chairperson/845-986-0624): Please consider becoming a Greeter, Lector or Usher.  There is a minimal time commitment – often just one Sunday every few months.  Please contact either Stephen Hoverman (Board of Elders Chairperson/845-986-5279) or myself, if you have any questions.

“Altar Servants” (Altar Guild Chairperson – Barbara Sullivan/845-986-5620): The calendar of “Altar Servants” for January, 2012 through December, 2012, is now being scheduled.  If you are willing to serve for one month, please call 845/986-5620.  Instruction is available and “pairing” is possible – take a little time for a month (only four Sundays for the once weekly celebration) to serve our Lord and Good Shepherd by preparing the Holy Eucharist for our 9:00AM Worship.

Needed:  Bakers for making Eucharistic Bread – Please speak directly with Pastor. Thank you!

2012 Sanctuary Flower & Candle Chart (Barbara Sullivan, Alter Guild Chairperson/986-5620):  The chart is posted on the hallway bulletin board.  The cost is $20.00 for two vases (You will be billed directly by
Corwin’s Florist.)  Candles are $12.00 per month, checks payable to “Good  Shepherd Lutheran  Church”.  Questions or special orders? – Please call Barbara Sullivan at 986-5620.  Thank you!

If you or a family member should to be hospitalized, please call our Church Office, so that Good Shepherd might better serve you.  If you would like to schedule The Anointing of the Sick or the sharing of the Eucharist with the homebound or hospitalized, please also contact our Office.   Ministry of Word, Sacrament and Prayer (Rev. Ken Susskraut, Pastor/845-986-3040)