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
All Saints Sunday Onthe first weekend in November there will be services for ALL SAINTS. If you have a loved one who has passed away in the last year and would like their names added to the All-Saints Sunday service, please let the office know at (937) 298-0316 or email to office@goodshepherdkettering.com or you can pick up a form in the Narthex.
Communion The congregation communes 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, November 27 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Communion Visitation Ministry
All are welcome at the Table. All are welcome to join this communion visitation ministry. Good Shepherd is developing a ministry that is new for us, but not new for God’s people. Pastor Bob Abrams, our Synod liaison, joyfully affirmed this ministry stating, “Communion of homebound members from the table on Sunday is an ancient practice dating from the earliest Christians, and is a wonderful sign of God’s love.”
Now we need folks who are willing to learn more about Communion Visitation. This ministry involves taking communion to members who cannot join us at the Table. Volunteers go in pairs to the home of the member. They take a bulletin, any news from the congregation, and the elements for communion. The communion service with prayers is provided. The blessings of this ministry go both ways. Prayerfully consider. Come learn more.
Rev. David Bauser, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in The Woodlands, TX, is providing training for our volunteers. The first training opportunity will be Wednesday, October 30, from 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm in the Lounge. The training will cover what to expect when visiting members, the service, and procedures for providing communion, and answer questions folks may have.
If you are interested in being a Communion Visitation Volunteer, now or in the future, plan to attend the training. Contact the church office or Pam Bauser to let them know of your interest.
As we sing, “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord,” may we be one at our Table. Please lift our homebound members and this ministry in your prayers.
Food Pantry News Our AUGUST food was delivered to local food pantries on September 9 – totaling 259 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/FjrnKG
Next Food Pantry Sunday is October 6, but food donations can be dropped off any time you are in the building. To date in this fiscal year from September 1, 2023 – September 1 2024 we have donated almost 3000 food items. The cash for food donations in September 2024 was $500.00.
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, November 16 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM to work on timely projects and seasonal tasks. 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.
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. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
NEW OPPORTUNITY for ALL
PATIENCE and PRAYER!
Join with others in a Small Group Fellowship Bible Study based on THE LORD’S PRAYER!
Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools:
An Invitation to the Wonder and Mystery of Prayer by Tyler Staton in 2022
In the Narthex, you can sign up with the DAY and TIME of DAY that you prefer. Some groups are underway. Others are starting later. Find a time that works for you.
Groups that are getting started:
Mondays 4:30 – 6:00 pm (in Lounge at GSLC)
Morning 10:00 – 11:30 am (in Lounge at GSLC) – may begin after the first of the year.
Wednesdays 5:30 – 7:00 pm (in homes) This group is underway. Next sessions are 11/13, 11/27 and 12/11
Thursdays 6:00 – 7:30 pm (home of John & Mary Biller)
Fridays 1:00 – 3:00 pm (in Lounge at GSLC) This group is underway. Next sessions are 11/8,
11/15, 11/22, and 12/6
ONLINE – morning from 9:30 – 11:00 am – Please let Pam Bauser know if you are interested.
Books are available for purchase in the Narthex. The set of book and study guide is available for $20.
LET”S GET STARTED with PRAYING!
Lifelong Learning
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular educational sessions for our youth are in the planning.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Topic: PETER, an apostle of Jesus the Christ
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!
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!
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
For more information, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
Women’s Bible Study for FALL
Receiving Grace: A Study of Ephesians by Rev. Heidi Haverkamp
The study of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians is underway.
November 13 – Living as children of the Light
The Bible study information is accessible online at www.gathermagazine.org.
Print copies of Session One, Is grace real? AND Session Two, “Grace-filled living — ancient and new” are available in the Narthex. Please take a copy and feel the blessings pondering GRACE in God’s Word.
GRIEFSHARE GriefShare is underway. 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).
Surviving the Holidays 4.0
COMING UP – Saturday, October 26th
Spread the word. ONLY one session that is powerfully packed with real experiences and expert advice. This single session focuses on the challenges of grief during the holiday seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas. The holidays intensify our feelings of loss amidst the emphasis on family and holiday gathering. The experts offer both practical suggestions and hope for remembering and cherishing our loved ones who are not gathering with us.
Saturday, October 26
GSLC Fellowship Lounge or online
10:00 am – Noon
Resource book for this session is $10.
If you or someone you know is interested, you may 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). Mark your calendars now!
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. We are accepting candy donations in the Narthex. If you would like to help with crowd control or open your trunk for trick or treaters, please sign up in the Narthex. Candy will be provided for those opening their trunks. Decorating trunks is encouraged.
Offerings:
The updated final financial results for the full fiscal year ending September 30, 2024 are as follows:
- Net Income ended the year at $256,752 vs. a budget of $266,600, including Harmony Creek
- Harmony Creek is at budget of $30,000
- Budgeted Offerings are $9,848 less than budget.
- Expenses $261,198 vs budget of $265,185
- Net loss of $4,446 vs budgeted income of $1,415.
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:
Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here.
Lutheran World Relief. Click here.
God’s Love Made Real – A Conversation with Bishop EatonJoin ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton for a conversation about God’s Love Made Real. This ELCA movement encourages us to create a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. Tuesday, Oct. 29, 12 p.m. Eastern time
Registration is encouraged, but not required.
This event will take place on Zoom. (Save this link.)
What can I expect?
Bishop Eaton will share why God’s Love Made Real is meaningful to her and the future of the church. The Rev. Donald Kreiss, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod, will host the conversation, and participants will have a chance to ask questions and share stories.
Is this event for me?
This webinar is especially for people who care about the ELCA and live in the Southeast Michigan, North/West Lower Michigan, Indiana-Kentucky, Northwestern Ohio, Northeastern Ohio and Southern Ohio synods. If you don’t live in one of these synods, stay tuned for an upcoming event in your region.
Can I watch it later?
A recording may be available at some point in the future, but we encourage you to stream the event live on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 12 p.m. Eastern time.
What else do I need to know?
Learn more about God’s Love Made Real at lovemadereal.elca.org.
We look forward to sharing this time with you!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Vegetarian Tasting Centerville Seventh-Day Adventist Church is having a Vegetarian Tasting on November 3 from 11:30 am and 1:00 pm. You don’t want to miss it. There will be over 40 samples to try. Click on the link to reserve your seat today at https://forms.gle/kCfK79eyu5G4oX7Q8. Register by October 31. Pre-registration is $8.00 for adults. At the door $5.00 for children and $10.00 for adults. Centerville SDA Church is located at 456 W. Spring Valley Pike, Dayton.