Author: Leigh Pogue

Our Service Committee is again preparing Christmas gift bags for our members who are in nursing homes or otherwise unable to safely leave their homes. Items that we are collecting are: tissues, travel size lotion, hand sanitizer, pudding, fruit cups, Jello cups, individually wrapped breakfast bars, snack cakes and cookies, and activity books such as crossword puzzles and coloring books. Items should be returned to the church on or before Sunday, December 17th. We hope to deliver all gifts by Christmas!

Our annual collection to brighten the Christmas for children in our area who are less fortunate has started. Angels with names and gift ideas are located on the small tree in the narthex. Please return wrapped and labeled gifts to the church on or before December 10th. If you are unable to shop, monetary donations are also welcomed. Help us to help our neighbors this Christmas Season!

Mark Your Calendars for Sunday, September 25th

We have some exciting events planned for Sunday September 25^th and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone who can make it!

Our Worship Committee, Christian Education Committee, and Service Committee are inviting you to join us for a special day at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Sunday, September 25^th! 

Beginning with worship at 10:30 am we will be celebrating our annual kickoff to the fall season.  We are hoping that everyone will come out for in person worship that day as we bid farewell to the summer season and a hearty “hello” to fall. (Livestreaming of worship will also be available)

Sunday School Rally Day will begin immediately following worship.  We will be joining with our students and their families for fun, food, games and service to officially kickoff the Sunday School season. 

Our Service Committee is coordinating a service project to assemble Personal Care Kits for those in need through Lutheran World Relief and the Northside Common Ministries Men’s Shelter.   Donations and volunteers to put the kits together are invited to join the Service Committee immediately following worship on September 25^th.  Lunch will be provided and sign-up is encouraged.

We are so very thankful to be back together worshipping in person.  We are blessed to have both an active in-person and an online worship ministry at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.  If you are interested in sharing in the joy of serving during worship services, there are plenty of opportunities.  The Altar Guild, Chancel and Bell Choirs, and Usher team are always seeking new members.  These groups enhance our worship services for all who participate.  At this moment, we are particularly interested in finding additional ushers to serve during worship.  Our usher roster has dwindled since the dawn of the pandemic and has not returned to a level that is consistent with weekly worship services. Usher duties are fairly simple yet very important.  Please prayerfully consider joining our usher team.  It doesn’t take a lot of time but definitely makes the worship experience better for all who attend.

If you are interested, please contact the church office or Leigh Pogue.

As Christians and fellow members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, we are called to live out God’s plan for the church, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ to all and to love and serve our neighbors.  That calling includes the many opportunities within the church to share your good gifts.  For the Good Shepherd, we currently are seeking additional people to join the Congregation Council.  The Council members serve as your voice and hands in the leadership of the church’s ministries.  This is a very important time for the Good Shepherd, with many opportunities to hear God’s call for us in the community and to lead our congregation into the future.  Please prayerfully and thoughtfully consider whether you are called to be part of the Congregation Council.  Seats on Council are generally for 3-year terms.  The commitment includes participation in a monthly Council meeting as well as a brief Council check-in meeting each week.  In addition, Council members are encouraged to be involved in at least one committee.  If you are interested, please contact Pastor Bob or any member of Council.  Nominations are being accepted and will be presented on January 30th at the Annual Congregational Meeting.

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As part of our Good Shepherd holiday tradition, we will again be hosting a “Deck the Halls” event to adorn the sanctuary in preparation for Christmas!  The event will be held on Sunday, December 19th immediately following the Worship Service.  Lunch will also be provided.  Please join us as we celebrate the joy of this Advent and Christmas season, beautifying the church and spending time in fellowship together.  A sign up sheet will be available in the narthex. Or contact the church office to sign up. Hope to see you there!