Synod Assembly
Southern Ohio Synod Assembly is right in our backyard at Peace Lutheran Church (Beavercreek) on May 31st/June 1st, 2024. Friday night will be workshops (one 4:30 pm workshop, dinner on your own, another workshop at 7:00 pm) for anyone to attend FREE (more details about these workshops will be forthcoming). Then Saturday, June 1st will be the business end of the Assembly (from 9:30 am – 5:00 pm with a continental breakfast and lunch provided on Saturday). We can have the pastor, a lay female voter, and a lay male voter. If you are interested in going let me know before Saturday, May 4 because we must be registered by May 10th.
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
4th Wednesday Monthly Prayer Service
Do you need some time away from the busyness of life? On the 4th Wednesday of the month 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, May 22 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Stewardship Snippets
John 17:18 – [Jesus prayed to God about his disciples] “As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.” Because we live in an evil world, we can be tempted to withdraw, shut down, and disengage. But Jesus sends us steward/disciples out into the world, to be bearers of God’s love and light. We engage the world God loves.
Matthew 25 Ministries Update
767 pill bottles were recently taken to this important ministry center in Cincinnati. Donated goods are sorted and processed in the facility and then redistributed to the poorest of the poor and disaster victims throughout the United States and to more than 40 countries around the world. The pill bottles are used to dispense medicine during mission trips. Please clean your pill bottles with “Goo Gone” to get the glue residue off. Then wash them inside and out with HOT water. After they are dry, be sure to replace the lids. Place them in the tub in the narthex. They will be sorted and bagged for next time. Thank you very much.
Food Pantry News
On Monday, April 8, food was delivered to four local food pantries and two mini-pantries – totaling 157 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, May 18 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.
Jeremiah’s Letter – May 19
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.
ReNew Day Camp June 24 through June 28 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Good Shepherd is hosting a Day Camp following Mark 4:1-9, the story of the seed sower.
Our Day Camp is a safe place where children can have fun as they grow in faith so that they can help change the world. This program is designed for children who are pre-k through entering grade 6 and is free of charge. Lunch and snacks will consist of fresh healthy foods with lots of fruits and vegetables available. All known food allergies will be accommodated.
The schedule will start with the youth gathering for celebration and praise, then follow with learning activities, games, lunch, and ending with youth pickup. In addition to the daily schedule, on one evening Good Shepherd will host dinner for campers and their families at 6:00 pm with a special program following at 7:00 pm. There is no charge for the dinner.
Registration for our Day Camp can be picked up at the church office or downloaded from the eBlast and at www.goodshepherdkettering.com. Registration is limited to 30 campers. Please grab a brochure from the counter in the Foyer and invite any kids you may know. We would love to share with the youth in our community how to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at office@goodshepherdkettering.com or contact Don Bennett at don.bennett@goodshepherdkettering.com
Daycamp Need
GSLC is asking people to save their empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls. They will be using them for a craft in day camp and will need a lot of them. Please give any donations to the office or Don Bennett.
Gathering 24 News
Rowan Linch is attending the Lutheran National Youth Gathering in July 2024. She travels by bus with 30 other youth from Epiphany Lutheran and other churches to New Orleans for a week. They are camping in churches and sightseeing along the way. All participants are raising funds with Epiphany Lutheran. We are asking for your support for this faith journey. The National Youth Gatherings have been important to youth faith formation at Good Shepherd for over 60 years.
How Good Shepherd can help:
· Put her and all participants in your prayers.
· Help by attending fundraising events at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville.
· Ask how her events and the group-building activities are going.
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.
Commissioner Remarks
Feb 17/18—Witness & Outreach Commissioner—Lisa Connelly
– Lisa reminded us her Commission reaches out to the community in different ways.
– We collect money for organizations with Poinsettia Project & In Lieu of Lillies each year,
as well as other special collections.
– We distribute food collected to 4 food pantries and 2 community cupboards (like the
one at Oakview Elementary). Roger Bauser will always welcome help making those
deliveries each month.
– We have for a long time participated in serving breakfast twice a month at First Lutheran downtown. First Lutheran decided to stop their feeding program due to not enough volunteers and so that ended at the end of December. For the money given for First Lutheran Breakfast we will divide that money into 4 to financially help the 4 food banks we support. So that money will still go to help people with hunger issues.
– Lisa is open to suggestions of places we could possibly serve in the community or organizations that could use financial assistance too.
Feb 24/25—Properties and Facilities Commission—Wayne Weyhrauch & Chris Connelly
– We were told about all the projects that had been done over the last year.
– We were told of a new monthly event where people can come to the church and work on
small projects needing done.
– We were told different ways we can help like mowing grass, landscaping, and such things.
Mar 2/3—Worship & Celebration Commissioner—Michele Wehyrauch
– We told that the Worship & Celebration commissioner deals with all the behind the scenes efforts to make worship happen. Such as greeters, ushers, assisting ministers, altar guild, acolytes, and fellowship events after worship.
– We are in need of people to help with greeting before worship, A/V help (slides and streaming), and someone to help refill the cards in the pews (usually monthly).
March 9 & 17—Life Long Learning Commissioner—Pam Bauser
– We were told about the responsibilities and needs of this commission:
– Develop ongoing, educational opportunities related to the Christian faith.
Currently there are opportunities in these areas:
o Lectionary Bible Studies (online) o Adult Sunday morning studies (online)
o Youth Sunday morning (in person) o Women’s Bible study (monthly)
o Fellowship study groups
– NEEDED: Folks willing to plan and facilitate or lead studies. Folks who are willing to
invest their time in attending. Folks with new ideas and suggestions.
– Develop and coordinate special educational events. You might recall the THRIVE Campaign to support ministries of the Southern Ohio Synod.
Commissioner Remarks
– NEEDED: Folks who have an idea for an educational event and can help coordinate the details of making it happen.
– Maintain library
o Jeff and Susan Wehmeyer completely sorted, purged, and organized the current library
prior to pandemic. There are now boxes of books that need to be added to the collection.
– NEEDED: someone who has an interest in maintaining and promoting the use of the
books available in the library.
– Oversee the functioning of the nursery. In January 2023 we transitioned to the Family Center to have an easily accessible area for families to utilize before, during, or after worship. We moved the soft bags to the Family Center.
o Improvements that have emerged:
• snacks are kept in one container on top of shelves for all to choose,
• stickers and cardstock are available,
• colored pencils & crayons are in basket as well as in the soft bags.
• stools have been added to bathrooms and in Family Center.
– NEEDED: the elusive Nursery Fairy, a person to maintain the Family Center on a weekly
basis.
o Tasks would include maintaining the soft bags, purchasing snacks, weekly wiping off toys, and periodically switching out toys or books to keep the area interesting, making recommendations for additions/changes to the area.
April 6/7—Finance & Administration Commissioner—Jim Kempf
– Jim told us he is responsible to paying the bills, ordering office supplies, and overseeing
the hourly staff of Good Shepherd.
– He also keeps all the contracts for all employees, and the official office records
(baptisms, confirmations, deaths, etc.).
– He works closely with the Treasurer and Bookkeeper to make sure our finances are in
order.
– He communicates to the other commissioners how they are doing with their portions of the Ministry Plan to make sure they don’t over spend.
April 13/14—Communications Commissioner—Sandy Rosholt
– Sandy told us all of the ways she communicates information from the leadership to the congregation, and vice-versa (Narthex monitor & slides, and how she communicates to the community (Outdoor sign and website).
– Needed: Someone to help with slides and streaming worship.
– Also, someone to look at the website to make sure all the info is up to date, and then communicate that to Alisha (Office Manager) and/or Don B.
April 20/21—Parish Life & Response—Eileen Hunter
– Eileen shared with us different events her commission is responsible for.
– Preparing food for different events
– Ash Wed/ Lent Midweek meals, Pumpkin Pie social, 5th Sunday Carry-in’s & Last Sunday
treats for birthdays
– Organizing different events
– Older Wiser Lutherans (Owls) luncheon, Church Picnic, Funeral meals for families, Meals for people whose caretaker is in the hospital or unavailable, Breakfast & lunch for the In-gathering event (LWR Quilt Truck). – She also keeps the kitchen supplies stocked in conjunction with Harmony Creek.
– She is the contact for fellowship events with Harmony Creek as well.
– Needed: Always looking for more people willing to help with different events, especially quick turnover events like funeral meals or hospitalizations.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Lifelong Learning Commission – summary from presentation to congregation in March: The Lifelong Learning Commission is responsible for the education opportunities for everyone from our very youngest to our most senior members. This commission promotes regular opportunities like the weekly lectionary Bible studies, the ongoing Sunday morning opportunities for youth and adults, and special events as they arise. This is the commission that oversees our library located in the Lounge and the nursery that has evolved to our Family Corner in the Narthex. This commission seeks to promote a variety of learning events that combine education with fellowship and spiritual growth. Currently, we are wrapping up our small groups studying Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table. There are monthly studies for the women using resources from the Gather Magazine, a Women of the ELCA publication. Ideas and suggestions for topics and Bible studies are always welcome. This commission needs volunteers who enjoy planning, teaching, facilitating, organizing as well as those whose gift is participating.
Lifelong Learning
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular educational sessions for our youth will resume in the fall.
Many thanks and our deepest appreciation to our faithful teachers, Karin Linch and Sandy Rosholt! Their dedication to the education of our youth is demonstrated all through the year. Please take a moment to express your thanks to these exceptional teachers.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
This study will resume on Sunday, May 19.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Reading for worship
This study will resume in mid-May.
FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for worship
This study will resume in mid-May.
Women’s Bible Study
The May study is a devotional on Mental Health & Wellness by Elise Seyfried.
Wednesday, May 15
10:30 am in the Lounge or online
7:30 pm online
May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Come as we learn together about this important issue.
The devotional invites us to explore Ruth 1, I Samuel 16:10-23 and 19:1-24, I Kings 19, and
Mark 5:1-20.
Read. Ponder. Pray. Come. We all have much to learn and share about our mental health.
“As long as humans have existed, there has been mental illness. By some estimates, as many as 20% of all adults live with a mental health issue. In biblical times, mental illness was often misunderstood and thought to be caused by demonic possession. In modern times, we have learned much more about brain chemistry. Although the stigma around mental illnesses has decreased, we still have a long way to go, and our faith communities can help. Looking particularly at biblical people and passages that relate to living with mental illness, the May 2024 devotional reminds us of Jesus’ compassionate care for those who struggle. Together, we will learn how congregations can become “stigma-free” zones, welcome and support those with mental health issues and their loved ones and provide opportunities for all ages to learn more about a topic that affects us all.” Gather Magazine May 2024
Download devotional.
Watch video supplement.
Further information is available at www.gathermagazine.org
Watch video supplement.
Further information is available at www.gathermagazine.org
MISCELLANEOUS
Offerings:
For March YTD, the financial results are as follows:
· Offerings are $131,744 vs a budget of $133,300, including Harmony Creek
o Harmony Creek is at budget ($15,000)
o Budgeted Offerings are $1,556 less than budget.
· Expenses $123,869 vs budget of $135,638
· Net Income of $7,875 vs a budget of -$2,338.
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.
2023 Southern Ohio Synod Assembly
May 31 – June 1, 2024
Peace Lutheran Church
3530 Dayton Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45432
The Southern Ohio Synod will gather in Assembly at Peace Lutheran Church (Beavercreek, OH) on Friday, May 31, 2024 through Saturday, June 1, 2024 under the theme Out of the Waters … Follow Me.
“But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:14-17, NRSV)
This year’s assembly will be held in person for all voting members. Visitors may attend in person or view a livestream online through the Southern Ohio Synod’s YouTube channel & Facebook page.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES
Feeding Friends Food Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at the Feeding Friends Food Pantry (sponsored by Harmony Creek, Fairhaven, and St. Charles Churches, you can use the link here to sign up. We help support this ministry with our monthly food donations and several members have been volunteering on Thursdays – generally from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Feeding friends is located on Bigger Road in the strip mall near the old Victoria’s Secret complex.
Centerville Community Chorus is hosting a Free Concert called Catch You on the Flip Side featuring songs from the 1970s. The concert will be on Saturday, May 25 at 3:00 pm located at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 6430 Far Hills Avenue in Centerville. The doors will open at 2:30 pm, donations are welcome.