PDF of the bulletin insert can be found here
WORSHIP
Worship With Us Online!
Join us now in worship online!
Connect with us 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
LAST WEEK’S SERMON You can watch last week’s sermon here
PASTOR MALLORY’S INSTALLATION- THIS SUNDAY
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Pastors Bob Abrams and Tim Mentzer, representing the SOS office, will joyfully install the Reverend Mallory Camille Morris during Sunday worship at 10:30 am on January 18, 2026.
PARISH LIFE
FALSE EMAILS
Over the weekend, one of our members received an email from someone pretending to be Pr. Mallory using the email pastorcontactmail@gmail.com and requested help with a small matter.
Please note that Pr. Mallory’s only church-related email is prmallorymorris@goodshepherdkettering.com. If you receive email requests from a different email and the author claims to be Pr. Mallory, please notify the church office or Pr. Mallory as soon as possible.
GSLC & HCC CELEBRATION LUNCHEON, SUN FEB 1
Come join us as we celebrate the third anniversary of our covenant agreement with Harmony Creek United Church of Christ! For 3 years now the two congregations have collaborated wonderfully well as we continue our individual and combined ministries in a shared building. The luncheon will begin right after service on Sunday, February 1 in the Fellowship Hall. Good Shepherd folks are asked to bring tasty sides to share. See you at the celebration!
SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
It is almost time for the Super Bowl. That means, it is almost time for Good Shepherd’s annual SOUPER BOWL. Souper Bowl is our opportunity to collect non-perishable food items for the local food bank in Kettering. What is your favorite part of the Super Bowl – the NFC team, the AFC team, or the commercials?
Please bring in items and place it in the marked bins inside the connector entrance. Make sure to put on your bags which group you choose: “AFC”, “NFC”, or “Commercials “. We will tally the items and let you know Good Shepherd’s choice.
Items will be collected each week until Super Bowl Sunday, February 8. Thanks for your help supplying the food bank.
NEW MEMBERS
If you’re someone who’s interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, then mark your calendars for Saturday, February 14th at 10:30AM! We will have a brief class where you can get to know Pr. Mallory and learn about Good Shepherd! We will also be receiving new members during worship on Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1. Please reach out to Pastor Mallory or Beccy Zastrow (our office admin) if you’re interested.
GAME NIGHT
Please join with members of Harmony Creek for the January Game Night. It will be held Saturday, January 31st @ 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you have a game that you want to share, you are welcome to bring it. Otherwise let yourself enjoy the games brought by others.
NO OWLS LUNCHEON IN JANUARY
There will be no January luncheon for Good Shepherd’s Older & Wiser Lutherans (OWLS). Stay warm, dry and safe. Meanwhile, please save the date of Sat, Feb 14 at 12:30 at MCL Restaurant & Bakery, 4485 Far Hills Ave (near Far Hills & David Road). Questions? contact Ginny Herbeck or Judy Treadway
COMMUNITY FAMILY SOCIAL NIGHT
Join us for an evening of connection, laughter and fun for the whole family
- Date: Friday, January 30
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Here’s what’s happening:
- Sloppy Joe’s and Salad
- Craft Activity for Kids to spark creativity
- Games for Adults—from friendly competition to just plain goofy fun
All are welcome—neighbors, friends, and newcomers alike.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE INVITES
Mark your calendars: The Worship Committee and Pastor Mallory would like to invite all those who volunteer as Assistant Ministers, Communion Assistants and Lectors to attend an informal training session at 6:30 PM, February 11, 2026 in the Fellowship Hall.
To all those who are interested in becoming a volunteer and are curious as to what is involved are most welcome to attend as well. If you have any questions, please contact Duane Tackis and Ed Thieman.
DECORATING TEAM
The Worship Committee would like to thank all those who helped decorate and take down the Christmas/Advent decorations. Many hands make light work. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
POINSETTIA PROJECT:
A Total of $1754.88 has been donated to the ELCA Disaster relief
Thank you for all your generous donations
FOOD PANTRIES
$1820.31 has been generously donated since the end of September. This money has been sent to 4 food pantries in the greater Kettering area.
Greenmont Oak Park Community Church Food Pantry
Feeding Friends Food Pantry
Marshall Road Church of Good Food Pantry
South Community “Caring Hands” Food Pantry
LIFELONG LEARNING
LENTEN STUDY
Pastor Mallory will be leading a 5-week study on how to use photography as a spiritual practice! We’ll meet beginning Wednesday, February 25th at 6:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. You do not have to buy any special equipment or have any prior photography experience to participate.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY- WINTER 2026
Each month a Women’s Bible study is offered at two different times, one on the second Tuesday at 7:30 pm in the evening followed by the same study in the morning on the second Wednesday at 10:30 am. Both studies are offered online via Zoom. The Wednesday morning study is hybrid, both in person and online. Theses studies allow us to join together, growing in our faith and relationships with one another. Each month we use the Bible Study included in Gather Magazine, published by the Women of the ELCA. This resource is available to all in print or online at www.gathermagazine.org
“Embodied prayer” by the Rev. Liv Larson Andrews sets the stage for January and February 2026.
Prayer is our conversation with God – anywhere…anytime…real words about real life. Often prayer is the one thing we don’t share or feel comfortable doing. This study embraces prayer practices that may enhance your personal experience. You may have your own practices to share. There is no on right way to pray. There will be opportunities to explore Scripture and movement together. Come join the fun!
January: Praying with our bodies
Discussion facilitator: Pam Bauser
Tuesday, January 13 at 7:30 pm
ONLINE via Zoom
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8218602439?pwd=bm5IdHo2Y2JZMWVGWWp6dERybkcwZz09
Wednesday, January 14 at 10:30 am
IN PERSON or ONLINE
Meet in the GSLC Lounge or use the Zoom link to join.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8218602439?pwd=bm5IdHo2Y2JZMWVGWWp6dERybkcwZz09
This is the link to access the Bible study: Download Session One
Bring copies will be available in the Narthex/Gathering Space.
In February we will expand the conversation by Praying with the body of the earth.
Sunday morning classes for children and youth
Sunday School for children / youth in grades PreK-12 will begin Sun Nov 9. Class will be held in the chapel from 9:30 to about 10:15 and led by Karin Linch & Sandy Rosholt. Each weekly lesson will correspond to that week’s bible readings. Come join us!
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
Come join us on Zoom on Thursday mornings! Bring your bible with your coffee. 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. Questions: Call the office at 937-298-0136
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for Worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
MISCELLANEOUS
PROPERTY & FACILITIES COMMISSION UPDATE
At the request of the Council President, the Property & Facilities Commission is sharing an update to keep the congregation informed. Over the past year, dedicated volunteers completed routine maintenance to keep our church welcoming and inviting. In addition, volunteers and contractors completed several major projects funded by the Heritage Fund, including new flooring and fresh paint in the main office, two offices, and the sacristy, as well as a remodeled pastor’s bathroom. The Heritage Fund was also essential in covering unexpected expenses such as replacing the kitchen’s industrial refrigerator, the sanctuary handicap door opener, and a motor and pump in the heating system. We extend sincere thanks to our volunteers and to all who generously support the Heritage Fund—your continued giving to the Heritage Fund helps care for our church now and into the future.
Thank you all for your generous donations and continued support of this ministry.
NEW: QUILT GROUP AT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR: Quilters at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Oakwood gather twice a month to make quilts for the annual Lutheran World Relief In-gathering. Quilting pros and novices are invited to join them on the 1st Tuesday and 3th Wednesday of each month, 9:30-11:30, followed by a sack lunch. Where? Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 155 E Thruston Blvd, Oakwood, OH 45419 (near Far Hills & Patterson). All are welcome. Questions? contact Judy Treadway.
Financial Update
Below are the financial results for the 2025 fiscal year ending September 30.
- YTD income of $241,320 is $26,231 lower than the budget of $267,551
- YTD expenses of $190,725 is favorable to the budget of $273,538 due to lower Senior Pastor expenses
- Full year net income is therefore $50,595 versus a planned loss of $5,987
The bi-annual contribution statements have been mailed, please contact June Newell with any questions
Hand Sanitizer in pews: Small bottles of hand sanitizer are now available in the pews for you to use. The bottles are located near the center aisle.
The 2026 Altar Flower Calendar is posted in the Narthex near the serving area. You are encouraged to sign up now to select your favorite date. Flowers can be given in HONOR of a person or event or in MEMORY of a person or special occasion. When you choose to donate Altar Flowers, you are welcome to take them home after the Sunday service. Flowers that remain are made into bouquets and distributed to members of the congregation. They do bring great cheer and a loving connection to our GSLC family to someone who is hospitalized, ill or unable to worship with us. Altar Flowers are $45.00.
Consider adding your gifts to this important worship ministry. Donate flowers. Offer to become a Flower Delivery person.
There will be no altar flowers during the season of Lent
Offerings: Electronic Giving
Please 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