Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will continue doing a video of our church service. At this time, the 4:00 pm Saturday service will be recorded and available for participating in worship on Sunday at 10:30 am. Come and enjoy GSLC’s service online.
Please use the following links below to connect to the Saturday 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
Celebrate Communion
Holy Communion will be available from Pr. Jamie after worship on Sundays from 12:00 – 1:00 pm. It will be made available by drive thru.
Let us take a moment to explain:
– You will come in on Kenosha Ave., pull up alongside the sidewalk.
– Then you will be given a communion wafer and juice, packaged together, that you will open and ingest, then you’ll receive a blessing.
– Then you can exit out onto Stroop Rd.
If you are not able to make it to the church and would like to receive Communion at your home, or residence if it’s permitted, then call the office and Pastor will set up a time to come to your home.
– Pr. Jamie will set up a time to come to your home.
– Pr. Jamie will bring Communion to your door. Where you will receive the communion wafer and juice, packaged together, that you will open and ingest; then you’ll receive a blessing.
Offerings for last week: $3,181.52
Electronic Giving:
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 https://tithe.ly/give?c=329631
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 or Denise Wilson (513) 913-0133.
This Week’s Article
This week’s article is by William Willimon @ Ministry Matters.
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus has had it with his critics. Nothing he says or does pleases them. At the same time, he blesses and gives thanks for those who have received his word and have followed him. The lectionary omits 11:20-24 where Jesus lets loose on the cities where he has been rejected. Perhaps seeing Jesus so angry offends the sensibilities of the lectionary!
Just a bit earlier in this chapter, the disciples of John the Baptizer asked Jesus about the validity of his ministry (11:2-6). At that time Jesus described the ministry of John (11:7-18), calling him the “Elijah,” an eschatological preacher whose focus upon God’s judgment provoked violent reactions, even the death of the preacher himself.
Jesus, like John, also proclaimed the coming realm of God but not as abrasively as John preached it. John has earlier proclaimed Jesus as the one who is coming after him who is greater. But where are the spectacular messianic deeds that one might expect? John’s disciples demand to know if Jesus if he is really the Messiah who comes or not (11:2-3). Even though Jesus’s proclamation of the breakout of God’s realm has not been as harsh as John’s preachments, the response of the world has been much the same even out in Galilee, Jesus’s native habitat (11:20-24).
Some commentators have noted how Mark’s Gospel does not shy from depicting the humanity of Jesus. Today’s Gospel reminds us that Matthew does so as well. Jesus is here frustrated and angry. He has come among family and friends, his own people, offering words of liberation and blessing, and yet some of them have responded like spoiled brats (11:16-19). Matthew’s use of “this generation” usually designates the world that is unfaithful, unrepentant, and defiant of the preaching of God’s prophets (see Matthew 23:29-36) just like some in Noah’s generation mocked his preparations before the flood.
One group of brats wants to play like they are at a wedding but are unable to entice the others to join in the celebration. The other group wants to play as if they are at a funeral but can’t get the others to mourn. John came preaching repentance, but no one wanted to mourn. Jesus preached joyful celebration and people responded by calling him “a man, a glutton and a drunkard.” The bratty children just sit there hurling taunts at each other. And so it goes. Even Jesus’s cousin, the once great John the Baptist failed to win popular approval and it looks like that will be the fate of Jesus as well.
And yet the rejection and the failure that Jesus encounters, perhaps makes the acceptance that he has received shine all the brighter. We listen in on his prayer of a sermon in 11:25-30 where Jesus gives thanks for the “babies” who receive his message. Those who are reputed to be “wise and intelligent” (11:25) have stood aloof from his call to discipleship but not the babies. The “wise and intelligent” are too smart for their own good. They cannot see the good news of God unfolding before their very eyes.
Let’s be honest. Most of us hope for a life that’s unburdened, where we are free from all yokes around our necks. Then here comes God’s Son, Savior of the world, freeing us of some of the burdens the world tries to put around our necks, true. But also placing burdens upon us and yokes around our necks to guide us. Are you really the Messiah or should we wait for another?
Ironic, don’t you think, that on the weekend when we celebrate our day of national independence, the church has us celebrate our interdependence?
Stewardship Snippets – July 5, 2020
Jesus taught, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” –Matthew 11:28-29. The hard work of democracy, ensuring that all citizens have voice and a place, can be wearying. We aren’t alone in our efforts as allies and advocates of those who have been excluded. Jesus goes with us, shouldering the burden and helping to form beloved community.
Volunteers Needed
GSLC is looking for volunteers who would be willing to pick up food donations from the Kroger Bakery Department on Dorothy Lane every Monday Morning. If you are interested in volunteering please contact Don Bennett at don.bennett@goodshepherdkettering.com
Volunteer Work
Yes, GSLC is truly honored to have a few outstanding volunteers who help with special projects and the weekly lawn mowing and the grass and shrub trimming; however, as we all know … many hands make light work, so we are looking for additional volunteers to share in the effort and spread out the workload. Additionally, for those who want to stay inside, we have inside projects on the “to-do” list that need to be accomplished this summer as well. Note: All of these projects follow approved State of Ohio Social Distancing rules and could help improve your mindfulness. If you are interested in volunteering and serving GSLC in this capacity, please send an email or call the office @ 937-298-0136, Del @ 937-298-8876 or Wayne @ 937-510-4265.
City Barbecue
Our Youth Fundraiser is back the first Monday of each month! Please come on out and show your support for Good Shepherd’s ongoing youth fundraiser with City Barbecue on Monday, July 6 from 10:30 am to 10:00 pm. The location is at 5 E. Franklin Street, Centerville, OH 45459. GSLC will get 25% of the sales back! If you order online or by phone, just tell them you’re with the fundraiser. Please let any of your friends and family know about this wonderful fundraiser, so they too can give back to our youth! GSLC wants to especially thank you for continuing to support us even when business is slow.
Jeremiah’s Letter on July 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. Thank you to all who generously support this ministry!
Food Pantry Donations
Please keep the Greenmont Oak Park-Ascension “Neighbor to Neighbor” Food Pantry and all of their many clients in your prayers. Please also remember your donations of non-perishable food this week on Food Pantry Sunday. Donations can be left in the narthex donation box on Saturday or Sunday before the service you attend, or they can be placed in the donation boxes inside the fellowship hall entrance during regular church hours by ringing the office admission bell. Thank you for your continuing support of this long-time Good Shepherd outreach ministry and especially for your support of hungry families in our area.
In these uncertain times, the Greenmont-Oak Park 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. Even though we are not meeting together, food donations may be dropped off at the church during regular business hours. 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 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.
GriefShare Ministry
GRIEFSHARE IS ONLINE for 2 more weeks!
This valuable resource is available for ANYONE ANYWHERE! View the videos from the comfort of your own home. Join the discussion via Zoom. Invite your friends near and far. The blessing of the internet is that folks don’t have to be close to GSLC to participate. Families can view the videos and share in the discussions among themselves and in our group. Please take advantage of this incredible opportunity to be gathered with others on the journey from mourning to joy.
Our Good Shepherd group meets every SUNDAY at 1:00 pm using Zoom.
We are choosing to view the weekly video with folks starting at Noon. This week’s topic is Heaven.
ANY one interested 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 this accessible opportunity to the GSLC family and friends.
Lifelong Learning
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are ONLINE!
Everyone is welcome! Please contact the church office for 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!
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.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Women
Topic: Finding God Faithful
Facilitator: Paula Bennett
Time: 11:00 am – Noon
Dates: Thursdays, July 2, 9, 26, 23, 30; and August 6
Place: Comfort of your home – connect online.
COME JOIN THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY! If you missed the first week, don’t worry. Just link right in this week. 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? Over 8 sessions, Paula Bennett will lead the study to trace the path 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.
THURSDAY 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!
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.
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.
NEW ELCA Global Links Global Links: Praying for our world during COVID-19 click here.
A Note from Bishop Dillahunt
Grace and peace be with you in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior.
I HAVE LOTS OF STUFF TO SHARE WITH YOU….
Stronger and Better Together…Joining Jesus in the Restoration of the World is our vision as we live out the mission of sharing, inviting and telling the story of God’s love in Jesus. This has been our mission and vision before COVID.
It’s been 17 weeks of phenomenal change in our lives. To say the least, these months have shown and taught us how we can adapt, adjust, and become more flexible in our thinking and doing. Since COVID-19 began and the fight for racial justice continues, I bring us back to Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Thank you for sending ‘Back-to-In-Person’ worship and building plans. Keep them coming! They have helped others in their planning. Some of you have been back for a while, some just beginning to return, some have chosen not to return for now and others will be coming back soon. Though these are difficult conversations and choices, we do so, remembering to think about others and caring for neighbor. Keep up the virtual presence! It’s making a difference in people’s lives. We continue to update information to the synod website.
My prayer and hope is that you are also engaging in the difficult conversations around racism and the call for justice. I commend to you the ELCA Resources and when we are able to come back together that you participate in the SOS Race Relations Task Force training and conversations. We have important and vital work to do siblings in Christ.
HOW ARE YOU?
Do you need a break? Do you need time to create space to think? Do you need to take a break from Zoom because of meeting fatigue? Are you taking care of yourself: spiritually, physically, mentally, emotionally? How’s your relationship to God? How’s the day-off going? Do you have a vacation or time-off scheduled for a staycation? Are you caring for yourself/family/loved ones? Are you drawing boundaries? Are you getting the support you need from friends, colleagues and family?
Remember you aren’t God! And this is the time to think of these changes in our lives as opportunities.
Remember we have resources to help you navigate these different waters and you are not alone!
Check out the resources on the SOS website ( Coaching, Congregational Resource Team, Mental Health Resources), Portico Benefit Services (98Point6, On line Mental Health Program, Wellness Activities), and this article, The Coming Pastoral Crash, recommended by Pr. Lowell Michelson and Pr. Larry Donner.
Embrace the change that has happened and look for the new opportunities for ministry that are now part of our lives. God is doing new things, let’s not let this opportunity get away.
HOW CAN WE ASSIST YOU IN THIS TIME OF MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES AND WHAT’S NEXT?
SOS Outside the Box
If you know me, you know that I am always looking ahead. Right after Easter, I put together a team of rostered ministers and lay people from inside and outside the Synod to help me think and plan for our future together. Keeping in mind the Mission, Vision, and Values of this mission territory, and knowing we are in the middle of a ministry/mission campaign, Thrive!, the ‘Outside the Box Team’ was created and Mr. Chris Clothier is the leader of the team. Over the next months this team will work on several goals as we keep in mind how we can be stronger and better together so that ministry happens and the Gospel is shared.
One of the opportunities we have as church is to take what we learned over these past months and infusing ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit. How’s this for a goal? ‘By the end of 2023, the Southern Ohio Synod will be stronger and better together by digitally connecting with at least 150,000 people through our congregations. I know we can meet and exceed this goal as an opportunity for ministry and service.’
It is clear that digital media for worship, bible studies, meetings etc. is here to stay. COVID forced the issue that we all knew needed to happen. How do we reach people, build relationships and make sure ministry happens when we are not in the same building physically?
So how do we address this? Some of you do it really, really well. Others are stumbling along and others don’t know even where to begin. That’s where this team is here to help!
We have four working teams, for now:
No Digital Capability
Fledgling Digital Capability
Advanced Digital Capability
Synod Infrastructure
Coaching Opportunities
I know leading in this time can be a challenge and we want to give you tools and resources to help you thrive in what you are called to do. Join Pastor Mike Weaver, Pastor Katie Kerrigan, Pastor Larry Donner, Pastor Bob Abrams, Pastor Mike Ward and me for a one hour Zoom Chat on the following topics…Executive Coaching in this Time of Change: Led by Pastor Mike Weaver, who says the following… “Many rostered ministers wonder during this challenging time, ‘Do I have what it takes to lead during this uncertain time? What is the next right step forward?’ 1:1 Coaching though the Synod Office, gives rostered ministers clarity, confidence and courage to lead well.”
Coaching Leaders Collaboratively: Led by Pastor Katie Kerrigan will talk about the value of leaning into collaboration as a leadership strategy as well as finding opportunities for your congregation to thrive in challenging times.
Effective Church Council Coaching for Now and the Future: Led by Pastor Mike Ward and Pastor Larry Donner. “Dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic presents church leaders with daunting challenges but also tremendous opportunities to make their churches more vibrant and vital than ever. Effective Congregation Council Training is designed to help council members grow in leadership abilities crucial for dealing with the demands of today’s new opportunities.
Systems Coaching in Times of Change: Led by Pastor Bob Abrams, who says “The closer we are to a situation, the harder it is to see the big picture.” How do you access the resources necessary to lead?
During the Zoom call, each of the presenters will have 10 minutes to talk about the topic, and then for 20 minutes, we will break out into Zoom Rooms for a bit more information and follow up. Watch for more information coming after the 4th of July about this Zoom event.
AND THEN….
Thanks again for the creativity and faithfulness! I am looking at another Rostered Minister’s Zoom webinar in mid-July. Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, take a look at the Non-Assembly-Assembly reports. These were shared in the weekly e-bulletin and they are on the website. Happy Reading!
Thank you for the consistent mission support and for the generosity of our people who know the ministry continues even when we don’t see each other in person.
As you know by now, the synod office is relocating and we will be out of 300 S. Second Street on June 30. We will be working from our personal homes until we can move into our new office home, hopefully by mid-July and we will let you know how things are going. Pictures will come later. For now, staff travel is limited. Do not be offended when we ask for a copy of your ‘Plan’ when we do come for a visit. We will have a facial covering and social distance. We want everyone safe and healthy when we do visit.
This is an exciting time to be church and we have opportunities in front of us that can and will help strengthen relationships and tell the story of Jesus Christ. Don’t be afraid! Isaiah 43:18-19 is guiding us: “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing: now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Have a good 4th of July…rest, relax and enjoy some time to just be. Be of Good Courage, Stay Well and Peace.