Water and Spirit Devotionals
Throughout the season of Lent, there will be Water & Spirit devotionals available for anyone who would like to pick one up. Pr. Jamie will be using the meditations from them as part of his sermons. They are on the counter in the Narthex.
Online Calendar
As we continue to partner with Harmony Creek using this facility that God has provided to sustain both congregations, we will need to be especially attentive to the GSLC calendar. Please make sure to view the online calendar for all events you would like to schedule at goodshepherdkettering.com under the events tab. Contact the office at 937-298-0136 or office@goodshepherdkettering.com to make an appointment.
First annual Family Fun Easter Egg-stravaganza
Saturday April 8th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Harmony Creek would like to invite Good Shepherd Families to join us! Mark your calendar and let Melanie Woodruff, Harmony Creek Director of Children’s Ministry know if you would like to come (children@harmony-creek.org). We look forward to celebrating with you and getting to know you better.
WORSHIP
Worship With Us Online!
Good Shepherd will continue to offer online worship on Sundays.
Please use the following links below to connect online to the Sunday Church Service:
Facebook click here: Facebook
YouTube click here: Youtube
4th Wednesday Monthly Prayer Service
Do you need some time away from the busyness of life? On the 4th Wednesday of the month (beginning Wednesday, April 26) come join us at GSLC for a prayer service. Enjoy some time together singing and praying, while also getting some time 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, April 26 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
Lent Schedule for 2023 – “Water and Spirit”
Schedule:
March 22 Mid Week 4 In-Person & Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
March 29 Mid Week 5 In-Person & Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
April 6 Maundy Thursday In-Person & Online
Holy Communion in the parking lot before worship from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Worship 7:00 pm
April 7 Good Friday In-Person & Online
Worship 7:00 pm
April 9 Easter Vigil In-Person & Online
Worship 7:00 pm
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, April 2, we will be having one service at 10:30 am. There will be no Saturday service. It is a time for all of us to come together as one Body of Christ by celebrating Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday Carry-in with Harmony Creek
We are joining with Harmony Creek for our Palm Sunday Carry-in this year. They are providing black bean tacos with toppings and Good Shepherd folks are asked to bring complementary side dishes, salads, or desserts. Drinks will be provided. The carry-in will be in the Fellowship Hall immediately after service.
Palm Sunday Prayer Walk
On Palm Sunday (April 2) following the meal, at 12:45 pm, those who are interested in participating will be going on a prayer walk through our local neighborhood. We will be stopping at various points such as the Government Center and Lincoln Park to pray for the parts of our community and world that those points represent. The walk will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. Maps will be provided for those who would like to take cars and meet at the designated stopping points. If you have any questions, please ask Pr. Jamie or Don Bennett.
Inviting Congregation Retreats
Ever wonder WHY we are striving to become an inviting congregation? Or wonder HOW we might go about doing it? Well if you have asked these questions then we have 2 retreats coming up that are for you. Each retreat will be offered 3 times with all the same info being presented at all of them.
Retreat #1—WHY?–Saturday, March 18 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Lounge, Sunday, March 19 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Chapel, & Wednesday, March 22 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Retreat #2—HOW?–Saturday, April 22 from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall , Sunday, April 23 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall , & Wednesday, April 26 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall.
If you have any questions call Pr Jamie in the office.
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Spring Craft Fair – Saturday, April 29 from 9:00am – 3:00 pm
Over 40 Crafters and Vendors will be set up on the GSLC Campus! Some of our vendors are local favorites and many creative and unique products will be featured! Come out and shop, buy a raffle ticket, and enjoy lunch – this is a fun event with something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you!
Craft Show Help Needed Good Shepherd will be having a Spring Craft Show with local vendors. This is a BIG event! We need your help to run the show. To volunteer please contact Rich Kellstrom or sign up in the Narthex.
In Lieu of Lilies Project
It is now Lent and very soon we will be celebrating Easter and the Resurrection of our Lord. Our altar will be adorned with beautiful lilies on Easter Sunday. It has been Good Shepherd’s custom to allow members to purchase these lilies in honor or in memory of their loved ones. The money raised is used to purchase the lilies needed for the altar and any extra money has been donated to a designated outreach ministry. This year, the excess money will be donated to Wernle Youth and Family Treatment Center in Richmond, Indiana. (Some of you may remember Chris Parker, Youth Relations Director for Wernle, who gave a temple talk to our congregation in the fall.) Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center is a family focused, child center agency providing opportunities for the growth and development of troubled children and their families through caring programs and healing relationships which are reflective in God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ. Wernle also provides residential treatment for severely emotionally disturbed youth who suffer from psychiatric challenges such as mood & anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders and a history of trauma. The average length of residential stay is between 6 and 12 months. Lily order forms will be available soon. If you would like to receive a plant, please indicate on the order form and we will be sure to save one (or more!) for you. If you do not wish to receive a lily, any excess money will be donated to Wernle.
Food Pantry News
Your generous donations for the month of February totaled 120 items Thanks for your continued faithfulness to this important ministry. Food was delivered to three food pantries on March 14, and helps support their efforts to provide food for families in these difficult economic times. The food pantry staffs and patrons are always so deeply appreciative. You can bring donations at any time.
The primary food pantry donation bin is in the narthex; so, if you come to church on Sunday morning you can bring your donations and place them there. During the week, you can still place your donations inside the fellowship hall doors. Monetary donations may still be made by placing a check (payable to Good Shepherd with “food pantry” in the memo line) in the offering or mailing it to the church office. The food pantry has told us that the following items are among the most needed and useful for donation: noodles and pastas, cereals, canned fruits and vegetables, kids’ canned pastas, boxed “helper” meals, canned meats, chicken and tuna, instant potatoes, canned soups (Campbell’s or brand name Chunky soups or Progresso soups – if on sale – are especially useful because they can be stretched by adding pasta and making a casserole meal).
We Need Volunteers!
GSLC is in need of four new Commissioners (Commissioner for Finance, Parish Life and Response, and Worship and Celebration). If you would like to volunteer for these positions, please let Pr. Jamie, Roger Bauser or Wayne Rosholt know.
Jeremiah’s Letter – April 16
The mission of Jeremiah’s Letter is to bring congregations together from the greater Dayton community so that together they can enhance the daily lives of individuals and families of the inner-city who find themselves in need. To help support the works of Jeremiah’s Letter, Good Shepherd will be collecting bath and bedroom linens, personal hygiene products, canned foods and cleaning/laundry supplies.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Financial Peace University
If you’ve ever felt like you just can’t get in control of your money, you’re not alone. This. Is. Your. Time. You’d be surprised how many people you know are struggling just like you. It’s time for that struggle to end—starting when you take a Financial Peace University class. In just nine lessons, you’ll learn biblical and commonsense ways of handling money. Class starts on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, and you can sign up at fpu.com/1159621! Contact Martin Pierce at 937-287-4021 for more info.
FAITH FORMATION: Luther’s Small Catechism
In conjunction with our middle school youth, all folks at GSLC are invited to come and discover the gems of Luther’s Small Catechism. Luther believed that being connected to God and one another in faith grew from common practices and understandings. Lutherans still value the roots of faith that are shared through God’s Word and Luther’s Small Catechism. Make plans to come join the conversation!
NEXT up: Confession
Saturday, April 1 (ONE week early!)
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Dinner served at 5:30 pm. If you are interested in coming, please let Don Bennett know.
Lifelong Learning
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are ONLINE. Everyone is welcome! Use the links below to join in the conversations. Discover the quality adult education we have at GSLC. Our Bible studies are open to ALL near and far. If you haven’t checked any of these out, please consider this invitation to join us now.
Sunday School for K-8 youth: ALL YOUTH are WELCOME! Come! Explore! Discover! We would like to make all our youth welcome in our learning experiences. Come share what works for you and your child. Our youth meet in the Chapel from 9:30 – 10:20 am on Sunday morning. ALL youth K – 8 are invited. The Whirl curriculum is designed to connect the lessons in the church service with the discussions and projects in the classroom. For more information, talk with Karin Linch or Sandy Rosholt.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Topic: Romans: Living Faithfully
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 8:50 am – 9:50 am
Place: Comfort of your own home – connect and discuss with others online!
Romans, the letter of the apostle Paul to the Christians in Rome, was a central focus in the Lutheran Reformation. Martin Luther wrote in his introduction to Romans that “this epistle is in truth the most important document in the New Testament, the gospel in its purest expression…It is a brilliant light, almost enough to illumine the whole Bible.”
Join us this Epiphany season as we explore this letter and know more deeply the true light, Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. No prior Bible knowledge is required. This is a chance to explore, wonder, and learn together.
The format is online to provide a convenient way to connect. The sessions are designed to allow folks to come to one or all of the conversations. If you experience any difficulty, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Reading for worship
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.
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
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for worship
Come on FRIDAY mornings! Bring your own coffee and treats 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.
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.
WELCA Bible Study
For this monthly study, the sessions are on The Ten Commandments. Check out the overview HERE Included on the website are links to a PDF of the March Bible study and a video introduction by Rev. Christa von Zychlin. January and February studies are also available on the same link. Take a moment to appreciate God’s abundant love for us in the giving of the Ten Commandments. These studies are wonderful for personal devotion AND our monthly discussions. Do take a moment to check it out!
Our next session is on Wednesday, April 12 at 10:30 am and 7:30 pm
Contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or call 937-602-8385 with any questions.
Griefshare
Good Shepherd offers GriefShare, a place for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one to find support and comfort in the company of others who are experiencing loss either in person or online. This ministry offers biblical, Christ-centered teaching on topics associated with the death of a loved one. The DVD seminar features nationally respected grief experts and real-life personal stories, followed by a small group discussion about the weekly topic and personal grief experiences. Good Shepherd offers the 13 week GriefShare program in person and online from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Sundays. Our winter/spring GriefShare Mourning to Joy will be available on Sundays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm through April 2. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org or call the church office. No prior registration is required for folks coming in person. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Seim (937-901-0532) or Pam Bauser (937-602-8385).
MISCELLANEOUS
Stewardship Snippets – N/A
Offerings for last week: $2,520.00
The amount reported applies to contributions used towards the annual ministry plan which requires contributions of $5,243 every week.
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 and the First Lutheran Breakfasts. 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.
Book Discussion: Learning to Walk in the Dark
“In Learning to Walk in the Dark, Barbara Brown Taylor asks us to put aside our fears and anxieties and to explore all that God has to teach us “in the dark.” She argues that we need to move away from our “solar spirituality” and ease our way into appreciating “lunar spirituality,” since, like the moon, our experience of the light waxes and wanes. Through darkness we find courage, we understand the world in new ways, and we feel God’s presence around us, guiding us through things seen and unseen. Often, it is while we are in the dark that we grow the most.”Join us for a multi-congregational discussion of Learning to Walk in the Dark as we examine our preconceptions of light, darkness, goodness, and God, and learn to discover the beauty of the Divine in places and times we least expect it. This five-week study will meet on Thursday evenings at 7:00 pm via Zoom, beginning
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES
We Care Arts – May 16 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Save the Date for a Non-Secular open house. Tour their facilities, view samples of religious art, and meet their staff. Meet the artist-client Andi F. Andi often experiments with lots of mediums and has a wealth of knowledge on art history. She educates all that come into class and is always happy to share the intricacies and stories behind her work. RSVP at pmaple@wecarearts.org or (937) 252-3937 ext. 1006.
Dayton Right to Life is hosting the annual Tee Up Fore Life golf outing on Monday, June 5, 2023. Can a round of gold save lives? Yes, when you tee up for the Dayton Right to Life. Located at Sycamore Creek Country Club. Register at daytonlife.org.