Please find a copy of the announcements via the link to view this week’s information. Click here: September 7/8 -Announcements
NEW Annual Meeting The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 8 after worship in the sanctuary. The meeting will include a summary of the 2024-25 budget, a presentation of how our Commissions have met this year’s congregational goals, and a presentation of goals for the coming year. Judy Treadway, Council President, will also outline our steps ahead as we transition to a new pastoral call. The meeting will not be streamed, Congregational members are strongly encouraged to attend the meeting in person.
NEW Thank You! Laura and I would like to thank everyone at GSLC for the generous send-off and the cards of memories. Our email and phone numbers will be the same and the church office has our new mailing address if you want to stay in contact. Peace and Love, Jamie Vannoy.
WORSHIP
Worship With Us Online! Join us now in worship online!
Connect with us on Sundays for an encouraging Word from God and a time of worship. Are you ready to worship together?
Please use the following links below to connect online to the Sunday Church Service:
Facebook click here: Facebook
YouTube click here: Youtube
NEW Communion This September the congregation will return to familiar practices communing around the altar. Parishioners will follow the directions of the ushers to come forward. You may pause at the baptismal font and then move to the left or right to stand or kneel at the rail. We will start in front of the altar and continue around to the back. Please leave a space on either side of the baptismal font for those with mobility issues. After receiving communion, return to the pews using the side aisles, placing the communion cup in the tray by the pillar on either side. For those choosing to remain in the pews during communion, there are communion all-in-one cups available in the Narthex. You may pick one up before the service or request one from the ushers during communion.
Lingering with the Lord Do you need some time away from the busyness of life? On the 4th Wednesday of the month come join us at GSLC to linger with the Lord followed by a time of prayer. Enjoy the chance to come together in singing and praying, while also getting a moment to spend with the Lord in prayer by yourself. There will be “stations” to help you focus on open different parts of our life if you need that, you can stay in your pew and pray, or you can just walk around the Sanctuary if that is what helps you enter some prayerful space for the Lord. Come join us Wednesday, September 25 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
NEW OWL Luncheon Please join us on September 14 at 12:00 pm at North China restaurant, 6090 Far Hills Ave. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex to get a headcount. Call Eileen Hunter with questions: 937-654-5588.
2024-2025 Academic Year Scholarship Award Announcement The Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce that Matthew Pierce is the scholarship recipient for the 2024-25 academic year. Due to the generosity of the congregation, Matthe has been awarded $1,000.00 for the upcoming year. Congratulations Matthew, and God’s blessings.
Food Pantry News Our JULY food was delivered to local food pantries on August 4- totaling 250 food items. Thank you for remembering the families who are served by the food pantries in our community. As you make your food purchases, consider adding a few items for these families. It will be a wonderful way to help those around us. It is very helpful to avoid donations of food in glass containers so that nothing can be broken.
If you would like to volunteer on a Thursday at the Feeding Friends Pantry on Bigger Road near the former Victoria’s Secret Building, go to https://signup.com/go/FjrnKGb
Helping Hands Our Property and Facilities Commission will have a recurring “Helping Hands Service Initiative” to help maintain and keep our church grounds and facilities in optimal shape as we strive to make it an inviting place. We will have a monthly event on the third Saturday, September 21 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM to work on timely projects and seasonal tasks. If you have some time to lend a hand in a rewarding and beneficial way, please come join in the fun. Chris, Del, Wayne, and John will have a list of inside and outside projects along with the necessary supplies and tools on hand to make this time a productive, beneficial, and rewarding service opportunity for our church. Additionally, if you have ideas or recommendations on areas to improve, please send them to the Office Manager at office@goodshepherdkettering.com or to one of the commissioners. Thank you.
Quilts & Kits – “InGathering” OCTOBER 4 & 5
Good Shepherd is the InGathering location for Southwest/Central Ohio, parts of Northern Kentucky and Indiana. We are the drop-off point for hundreds of boxes filled with Quilts & Kits collected over the past year by churches, groups, and businesses. Our InGathering is a big event that utilizes many hands and good hard work. Volunteer to help, and join us Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5 as we work together to fill a semi with gifts that will touch the lives of people around the world. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex.
Fall Craft Fair – November 2 at 9:00 am
Good Shepherd is proud to host our annual Fall Craft Fair! Our Fall and Spring Craft Fairs have become well-attended events in our community. This is a BIG event with all proceeds going toward local GSLC supported ministries. Our craft fair would not be successful without our dedicated volunteers and the many talented crafters who rent a space from us. Consider volunteering your time to help with this fun and amazing event. Your gift of time will not only help support our ministries, but will also afford you an opportunity to meet many wonderful people and be an ambassador for Good Shepherd. If you would like to know more about volunteering or how to be of service, please contact Rich Kellstrom.
Are you a member and want to serve at GSLC? Well becoming a Commissioner is a great way to be involved in the day to day ministries at Good Shepherd. We are looking for several commissioners to take over on October 1, 2023. Specifically, we are looking for a Finance and Administration Commissioner, a Parish Life & Response Commissioner, and a Worship & Celebration Commissioner. If you have any questions about these positions feel free to talk with Pr Jamie, Roger Bauser, or the current commissioner serving in that position. This is a great way to get involved as GSLC continues to carry out its mission to the community and the world.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Lifelong Learning
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular educational sessions for our youth are in the planning.
NEW SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Come hear and ponder the Word of God.
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 8:50 am – 9:50 am
Place: Comfort of your own home – connect and discuss with others online!
Join Zoom Meeting
Click: here
If you have any questions, please contact Roger Bauser at rebauser@me.com
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
The Men’s Bible Study is ONLINE on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Bring your own coffee along with your BIBLE. The focus is on the Lectionary’s Gospel Lesson for the upcoming weekend. Come join the discussion. This is a chance to go deeper before hearing the lessons on Sunday.
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Reading for worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Place: comfort of your home – connect online!
Join Zoom Meeting
Click: here
If you experience any difficulty, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
Come on FRIDAY mornings! Bring your own coffee along with your BIBLE. The focus is on the Lectionary Lessons for the upcoming weekend. Come join the discussion. Everyone is welcome! No prior experience is needed. Each week the study relates to the Scripture lessons for Sunday’s worship. Drop by and learn what’s behind the message on Sunday.
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Join Zoom Meeting
Click: here
For more information, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
NEW Women’s Bible Study for FALL
Receiving Grace: A Study of Ephesians by Rev. Heidi Haverkamp
Is grace real?
This fall we have the opportunity to dig in to study Paul’s letter to the Ephesians more deeply. This letter opens in verse 2, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” What is this grace? How is grace different than judgement? What does God offer in extending grace to believers? God’s grace is a gift. Can we accept it?
Everyone is welcome to explore with us. May we each experience God’s grace as we gather together.
Wednesday, September 11
10:30 am in the Lounge or online
7:30 pm online
The Bible study information is accessible online at www.gathermagazine.org.
Here is the link for the first session, Is grace real?: Download the study.
GRIEFSHARE GriefShare begins this Sunday. Good Shepherd is offering GriefShare for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one. This ministry offers biblical, Christ-centered teaching on topics associated with the death of a loved one. It is a place to find support and comfort in the company of others who are experiencing loss. The video seminar series and participant guide feature nationally respected grief experts and real-life personal stories. Each week there are group discussions about the weekly topics and personal grief experiences. Good Shepherd is hosting the 13-week program, GriefShare: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy, in person and online from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Sundays. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org or call the church office. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Seim (937-901-0532) or Pam Bauser (937-602-8385).
MISCELLANEOUS
Trunk or Treat All children are welcome to a Trunk or Treat hosted by Harmony Creek Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the parking lot. Make sure to bring a candy bucket for some treats on October 27 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Offerings:
For July YTD, the financial results are as follows:
· Offerings are $219,156 vs a budget of $222,167, including Harmony Creek
· Harmony Creek is at the budget of $25,000
· Budgeted Offerings are $3,011 less than budget.
· Expenses $215,179 vs budget of $222,056
· Net Income of $3,977 vs a budgeted of $110.
The January – June Contribution Statements have been distributed, please contact June Newell with any questions (937-901-2365)
Electronic Giving Don’t forget to send in your weekly tithe/offering to the church at 901 East Stroop Rd, Kettering, OH 45429 or go to our online Electronic Giving:
Electronic Giving Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is now offering the option of electronic giving for regular offerings and special offerings. Giving is done using the company Tithe.ly which is the only one endorsed by the ELCA. There are three ways to give:
1. Via smartphone using the Tithe.ly app (download via the App Store or Google Play)
2. Online at Tithe.ly
3. Via the GSLC Website which has a link to the Tithe.ly website to give directly to GSLC
The process to create an account and give is simple because it is tied to a debit or credit card. There is also a processing fee of less than 3% that you can choose to cover if desired. Benefits of Electronic Giving:
1. Ability to give from anywhere including other countries – you only need an internet connection via smartphone or computer.
2. Ability to give 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Ability to choose from a variety of options where your gift goes.
4. Can give more than one gift at a time with the “Add Gift” option.
Questions: Contact Martin Pierce (937) 287-4021.
CHURCH PROGRAM DONATIONS
GSLC Lutheran Youth Corps (LYC) Gift Card Program Did you know there is a way that you can financially support Good Shepherd at no cost to you? Through the LYC, you can order gift cards from a variety of merchants and restaurants at face value and a portion of each purchase is donated to the church to support youth programs. Although the percentage donated to the church may seem small, a few percent of our collective purchases can add up to a significant donation to Good Shepherd over time. Order forms are available in the Narthex. Orders placed on the weekend are normally available for pick up the following week, with the exception of some holiday periods and weeks where we do not reach the minimum threshold for placing an order. Please contact Don Bennett if you have any questions. What a great way to be faithful stewards of our resources!
Click here to fill out the form: Gift Card Order Form
A PLACE FOR NEWS
ELCA NEWS:
ELCA Good Gifts. Click here.
Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here.
Lutheran World Relief. Click here.
ELCA Global Links. Click here.
ELCA World Hunger. Click here.
ELCA Disabilities Ministry. Click here.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ELCA Seminaries Virtual Discernment Event
Have you ever wondered about theological education?
The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, September 15th from 4:00-6:30 (EST) for a Joint Virtual Discernment Event.
Click here to learn more and register.
NEW Harmony Creek Silent Auction
Harmony Creek will have a Silent Auction on Saturday, September 21 at 4:00 pm. Entry tickets will be $10.00 and children with an adult are free. For those who offer a donation or are willing to volunteer, entry is $5.00. Browse through a multitude of items up for bid, ranging from unique crafts and artwork to homemade goods, curated events, and much more. Your participation directly supports our church’s mission and community outreach efforts. Bring your family and friends for an enjoyable evening of bidding and fellowship.
Messy Church Learning Sessions Are you interested in reaching out into your neighborhood to share the Good News? Messy Church® is a type of Fresh Expression that includes messy activities tied to a Biblical story, a short celebration time of story and worship, and a simple meal. It’s not kids’ church—it’s intentionally intergenerational. Usually held monthly, it reaches people who might be uncomfortable in a traditional church setting. Join us to learn more! Pr. Richard Freudenberger will be facilitating this three-night series and we will be joined by the Rev. Dr. Adam Wirring, the pastor of St. John’s UCC (Downtown Dayton). This is three-part learning series, meeting on September 23rd and October 7th beginning at 7 PM each time.
Click here for more information & to register!
Please complete a separate registration form for each individual attending.
Questions? Contact Pr. Richard Freudenberger!
48th Annual Apple Butter and Fall Festival (Oct. 13, 12-6pm)
Come celebrate the fall season with us at our annual Apple Butter Festival! Enjoy a wagon ride through camp, sample tasty apple butter, grab a meal, and let the kids have fun in the supervised children’s activity area. This year we are excited to offer craft vendors, food trucks, wine, and beer vendors, and so much more! Also, enjoy our NEW pumpkin patch while you are there. Come and buy pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and even bring them to paint during our festival!
At our annual Apple Butter Festival, we raise funds for camp scholarships (camperships). Your support can make a big difference — $590 can send a child to summer camp, and $2,235 can send a family of four to camp at Luther. Last year, thanks to your generosity, 269 campers were able to attend camp. Help us make camp accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Every contribution matters — thank you for your support!
Alisha Minamyer | Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
937.298.0136 | office@goodshepherdkettering.com
901 E. Stroop Road| Kettering, OH 45429