* ONLINE WORSHIP ONLY*
With the Covid_19 numbers continuing to rise in Montgomery County, at the recommendation of Gov. DeWine & Bishop Suzanne Dillahunt, we will be moving back to online worship and meetings only beginning this weekend. Until we are out of a level 3, and the counties numbers continue to stay down we will remain doing everything online again. A few important things to note: We will continue to offer Holy Communion twice a month and that will be on the 2nd & 4thSundays (August 9 & August 23) from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Hope to see you there.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will continue doing videos of our church servicse. Online worship will be available on Sundays at 10:30 am. Come and enjoy GSLC’s service online.
Please use the following links below to connect to the Sunday Church Service:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdkettering/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjr6taytoTncrtHVY9TGQw
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will be doing a Streaming Devotional with Pr. Jamie Vannoy every Wednesday at Noon. We will also be including Read Aloud Stories with Don Bennett every weekday, Monday – Friday, at 2:30 pm. Please come, connect, and enjoy.
Please use the following links below to connect:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdkettering/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjr6taytoTncrtHVY9TGQw
Offerings for last week: $4,575.82
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:
- Via smartphone using the Tithe.ly app (download via the App Store or Google Play)
- Online at https://tithe.ly/give?c=329631
- 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:
- Ability to give from anywhere including other countries – you only need an internet connection via smartphone or computer.
- Ability to give 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Ability to choose from a variety of options where your gift goes.
- Can give more than one gift at a time with the “Add Gift” option.
Questions: Contact Martin Pierce (937) 287-4021 or Denise Wilson (513) 913-0133.
This Week’s Article
This week’s article is by William Willimon @ Ministry Matters.
The lectionary picks up in the last third of a rather busy chapter. Crammed in this chapter are three stories. The first third of the chapter details the death of John the Baptist, a rather sinister plot involving Herod, his wife, and her daughter that ends in John’s beheading. Jesus hears about the plot second hand, though Matthew does not tell us who told him. That sets up a principal, if not overlooked, plot point for this chapter: Jesus spends much of the chapter trying to sneak away to mourn. It is not to be, though, as the crowds soon converge on him.
Jesus decides to feed the crowds, even as the disciples want to send them away. There is sparse dialogue throughout, which contrasts with the previous chapter, where Jesus tells parables. The lack of dialogue—namely, the lack of response to the disciple’s continued mistakes—tends to highlight Jesus’s desire to be alone.
After Jesus has some time alone, the conversations resume, culminating in a rather scathing rebuke to Peter: “You man of weak faith! Why did you begin to have doubts?” (Matthew 14:31) It’s a rebuke of Peter’s immediate actions, where Peter’s doubts overwhelm him as he walks on the water. It also serves as an effective rebuke to all of the disciples for their lack of trust and faith throughout the chapter.
The verbs in this passage are forceful and urgent. Jesus “made” the disciples go on a boat. The boat is “battered” by the storm. The disciples are “terrified.” In the Common English Bible, they “scream” when Jesus approaches. Peter “sinks” and “shouts.” Jesus “immediately reached out and grabbed him.”
All of this contrasts with Jesus’s original personal goal in both this pericope and the preceding one: to be alone. In fact, Matthew heightens this contrast. Just as Jesus finds a moment of peaceful prayer alone, Matthew yanks our attention to the disciples who are being tossed about in a storm. That contrast illustrates the very real disconnect between Jesus and his disciples. The disciples know that Jesus is special (after all, they’ve decided to follow him), but they still have not quite grasped the fullness of what that means. They know he can do miracles, but they still seem uncomfortable whenever it happens. They respond more to Jesus’s rebuke than to the impossible-made-possible feats of walking on water and calming storms.
We are often tempted to make Peter a hero of this story. After all, he is the one who was willing to hop out of the boat and walk towards Jesus. Matthew is not content to let us do that. Matthew wants to remind us just how incapable the disciples are, Peter included. In fact, Peter’s actions receive no praise from Jesus, but his inability to stay on top of the water receives a scathing critique. Here, Peter is no hero. His attempts to get it right, followed by abject failure, will of course be repeated.
Fortunately for Peter, so will Jesus’s redemption of Peter’s actions. Jesus reaches out to bring Peter back above the water, and his rebuke spurs on some understanding amongst the disciples. This will be repeated a few chapters later, when Peter confesses his belief in Christ, but then is quickly rebuked after he tries to correct Jesus’s prediction about Jesus’s death and resurrection. Likewise, it is Peter who claims that he will go to the cross with Jesus, only to deny him.
If Peter is to be a hero figure in Matthew at all, it is in the role of a tragic hero. He longs to be faithful, but when push comes to shove, his doubt and fear overtake him. That Jesus constantly redeems and restores Peter’s lack of faith is a reminder that our own faith is hardly strong enough to stand on its own. Like Peter, our own faithfulness is naïve and thin, even when we think it is strong and bold. That Jesus rescues Peter should be a comfort that Jesus will continue to rescue us from our own ineptitude.
Stewardship Snippets – August 9, 2020
But when the disciples saw him [Jesus] walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” –Matthew 14:26-27
Even though COVID-19 has changed so much in our world, our communities, and our houses of worship, we must guard against fear and take heart because Jesus is with us. We will never be left adrift; Jesus is with us in these uncharted waters.
Jeremiah’s Letter on August 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. Thank you to all who generously support this ministry!
Food Pantry Donations
Thank you to all of our Food Pantry Donors. On August 3 we delivered 205 much appreciated food items.
If you are planning to come to church for drive-thru communion this week, please remember the needs of the food pantry.This will be a convenient time to drop off non-perishable food to help meet the needs of many hungry families in our area. Your food donations are more important than ever during this trying time of covid-19 restrictions. If you prefer, you can drop off cash or a check payable to Good Shepherd. Someone will be at church to assist you with your donation.
In these uncertain times, the Greenmont-Oak Park Church / Ascension Parish “Neighbor to Neighbor” Food Pantry serves an even more vital role in the lives of many Kettering area families. As a congregation, we have supported the pantry with our gifts for many years. As you are shopping in the grocery, please remember these families with a few extra purchases. Watch your local supermarket for specials to stretch your dollars even further.
Even though we are not meeting together, food donations may also be dropped off at the church during regular business hours.
The collection box is easily accessible just inside the exterior doors to the fellowship hall. Ring the bell. When the doors are unlocked, go inside and place your food in the collection box. If you are not going to the grocery regularly and you want to make a monetary donation, make your check payable to Good Shepherd and marked FOOD PANTRY and send it to or drop it off in the office. The food pantry staff will use your monetary gifts wisely to purchase needed food items.
The collection box will be easily accessible just inside the exterior doors to the fellowship hall. Ring the bell. When the doors are unlocked, go inside and place your food in the collection box. If you are not going to the grocery regularly and you want to make a monetary donation, make your check payable to Good Shepherd and marked FOOD PANTRY and send it to or drop it off in the office. The food pantry staff will use your monetary gifts wisely.
GriefShare
GriefShare Reunion
Sunday, August 9, 2020
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
All who have participated in GriefShare are invited to drop in for a visit. Kathy and Pam are hosting this time to visit, catch up, and acknowledge the challenges of the daily journey from Mourning to Joy. For the health and welfare of all our guests, we will be ONLINE this year. Please feel welcome to come for a few minutes or hang out for the whole time. Bring your own snacks. Join Zoom GRIEFSHARE REUNION
https://zoom.us/j/93709370073?pwd=SUJWSWxHSnlNMDE4UFlGTnhobkxTQT09Meeting ID: 937 0937 0073
Passcode: 659569
Hold the DATE! Upcoming GriefShare events!!
GriefShare’s LOSS OF A SPOUSE
Saturday, August 29, 2020
10:00 am – Noon
Currently we plan to gather in person session for the Loss of a Spouse special session.
This session may be online if the GSLC building is not open at the time.
Locatedin theFellowship Hall (to allow easier social distancing)
GriefShare’s SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYSSaturday, October 24, 202010:00 am – NoonCurrently we plan to gather in person for this special Surviving the Holidays session.
Located in the Fellowship Hall (to allow easier social distancing)
GriefShare – Mourning to Joy (13 weeks)
Sunday, September 13 – Sunday, December 6 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Plans for in person sessions this fall are pending the safety and welfare of all participants. Online sessions work and provide a wider range of participation, Griefshare at GSLC may try a combo of in person and online.
Located in the Fellowship Hall/Lounge (depending on size of group)ANY one interested in any of the GriefShare events may contact Kathy Seim 937-901-0532 or Pam Bauser 937-602-8385. We will gladly answer questions. We can help you register. We can help you be ready to Zoom with us. We look forward to extending these accessible opportunities to the GSLC family and friends.
Lifelong Learning
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are ONLINE! Everyone is welcome! Use the links below to join in the conversations. This is a great time to “zoom” in and discover the quality adult education we have at GSLC. While GSLC is opening for worship, our Bible studies and Sunday morning studies are remaining online. If you haven’t checked any of these out, please consider joining the conversations.
Our YOUTH classes are on vacation until fall.
Questions?? – Please contact Pam Bauser at 937-299-5186.
Topic: We Are CALLED to be GOD’S CHURCH in the World!
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 – 10:00 am
Place: Comfort of your home – connect online!
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79005371366?pwd=WUtNb1NWSGN1Vi94V3p6MGFFT2h2QT09
Bring your coffee. Have your Bible handy. We have heard GOD’S CALL! Now we will explore putting our CALL into ACTION!
Our topic is based on Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s Bible study available on the ELCA website. During the coming weeks we will explore our call to be CHURCH, our call to be LUTHERAN, our call to be TOGETHER, and our call for the SAKE OF THE WORLD!
Sundays at 9:00 am on Zoom using the following link:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79005371366?pwd=WUtNb1NWSGN1Vi94V3p6MGFFT2h2QT09
Meeting ID: 790 0537 1366
Password: 5Fj7NC
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Women
ONE MORE WEEK!
Topic: Finding God Faithful
Facilitator: Paula Bennett
Time: 11:00 am – Noon
Dates: Thursday, August 13
Place: Comfort of your home – connect online.
Come join us for this BONUS study opportunity! Paula has graciously extended this Bible study for another week.
All are welcome. If you need assistance, please reach out to Pam Bauser 937-602-8385.
In the midst of hardship, tragedy, and unanswered questions, it’s difficult to glimpse God at work. How do we hold onto our faith during these times? How do we trust God is working all things for our good and His glory? In this final session, Paula will lead the study to the culmination of Joseph’s life in the Book of Genesis to observe how God’s sovereignty reigns, even in our darkest moments.
Learn to recognize when God is working during periods of waiting, trust God’s plan when life doesn’t make sense, and rest in the sufficiency of His presence in every circumstance.
His provision is enough. His presence is constant. His purpose is unstoppable.
The link to this class is at meet.google.com/vqs-ebpx-fkeTHURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
Topic: Lectionary for Sunday worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Place: comfort of your home – connect online!
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76339292402?pwd=NVo4dmFGMkJOSnpmTWIzNCtjZFpTdz09
The Men’s breakfast Bible Study continues ONLINE on Thursday mornings at 9:00 a.m. Bring your own coffee and breakfast along with your BIBLE.
The focus is on the Lectionary Lessons for the upcoming Sunday. Come join the discussion facilitated by Roger Bauser. Use the following link to join the conversation. If you experience any difficulty, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76339292402?pwd=NVo4dmFGMkJOSnpmTWIzNCtjZFpTdz09Meeting ID: 763 3929 2402
Password: GSLCmenTBS
AmazonSmile
In 2018, we received $15.95 in donations from AmazonSmile. In 2019 we received $19.64. Would you like to help go over those amounts for 2020? It’s easy to do. Go to our web site, goodshepherdkettering.com, and on the front page on the right side you will see a little graphic labeled amazonsmile. Click on that and follow the directions. Once you’ve done that, instead of going to amazon.com to make an online purchase, go to smile.amazon.com and for every purchase you make, we will get 0.5% of that price donated to us. It’s still Amazon, with all the features of the normal site, we just get a small cut. Over time those 0.5% donations add up. Please consider supporting us in this way. The proceeds go to help with youth events. If you have any questions, please contact Don Bennett.
Counseling Assistance
Good Shepherd is a member of the Covenant Society for Pastoral Counseling of Miami Valley Hospital. Trained and certified counselors are available to congregational members at any time, whether for a crisis or for ongoing help. This service is confidential, and anonymous if you choose. You do not have to go through the pastor or church to access this service. If you have a need simply call (937) 438-3486, tell the staff you are a member of Good Shepherd, our church is part of the Covenant Society for Pastoral Counseling through Premier. Because Good Shepherd is a member the cost to you is one-half of any non-reimbursed portion (for example, through insurance coverage) of the normal charge. For further information on this service you can call the above numbers, or talk to Pastor Jamie.
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!
ELCA NEWS:
ELCA Disability Ministry God’s work. Our hands. Click here.
Lutheran World Relief Sustainable Development. Lasting Promises click here.
ELCA Global Links Global Links: Praying for our world during COVID-19 click here.