WORSHIP
Online Option to Worship Only Good Shepherd is going back to worshiping online until further notice. We will continue to offer online worship on Sundays and our parking lot Holy Communion on the first and third Sundays from Noon – 1:00 pm.
Please use the following links below to connect online to the Sunday Church Service:
Facebook click here: Facebook
YouTube click here: Youtube
Online Events Information 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 click here: Facebook
YouTube click here: Youtube
Offering Envelopes
Offering Envelopes are available. You can pick them up in the office or when you come to Communion. You can also call the office to get them delivered or mailed to you at (937) 298-0136 or email to office@goodshepherdkettering.com.
Staying Connected
Living out God’s calling/faith
We thought it would be nice to stay connected by submitting photos or clips/videos of you or your loved one living out God’s calling\faith. It could be something as simple as you reading/studying your bible, to volunteer work, sitting at your computer attending Sunday school or Bible study. Almost anything as long as it is related to your calling/faith.
With Lent right around the corner maybe you could send in a 10-20 second video telling us what discipline you’re practicing for Lent or what Lent means to you. It would be a way for each of us to see each other and hear each other’s voices.
Don will upload all of this to our website, similar to what we did for Advent and our Advent Wreaths. Send information to Donald Bennett don.bennett@goodshepherdkettering.com
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Volunteers Needed
Our church is responsible for preparing and serving a breakfast meal, to guests of First Lutheran Church in Downtown Dayton, on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.
We have a group of dedicated volunteers who have been faithfully helping for many years. We are looking for some more to join our team. We can use volunteers to occasionally shop for food, help prepare food (on Saturday and/or Sunday) and deliver the grab-n-go meals on Sunday morning. Please consider volunteering and help feed those less fortunate in Downtown Dayton. Please contact Lisa Connelly for further information. Thank you very much!
Souper Bowl Sunday
It is 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.
Please bring in items beginning the weekend of January 3. Items will be collected each week until Super Bowl Sunday, February 7. Thanks for your help supplying the food bank. Go, team!!
Here are the latest totals for our Super Bowl Competition to benefit the Greenmont-Oak Park-Ascension “Neighbor to Neighbor” Food Pantry.
AFC Commercials NFC
Donations this week: 77 108 122
Total donations to date: 161 187 174
Total Donations Combined with 3 weeks remaining is 522.
Who will make it to the Super Bowl?
FOR THE NFC – Will it be pretty old (37) Aaron Rogers and his Packers on the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field OR Really old Tom Brady (43) and his sun-loving Tampa Bay Bucs?
FOR THE AFC – Will Patrick (wanna be Young Superman) Mahomes rise from the concussion mat to lead his KC Chiefs or will Chad (The Miracle Worker) direct the team? OR Will Josh Young and his Buffalo Bills stampede into Tampa on February 7?
Whoever makes it into the Big Game, we need your help with your food or money donations to make our SOUPER BOWL competition a huge success for the Food Pantry Project. These are cold and difficult times for many families and your donations these next three Sundays will have a big impact.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Care Callers
We have been apart. We have felt isolated in our homes. We want to be connected. The Commissioners are implementing a new ministry to connect us. A team of about 20 folks have graciously agreed to be Care Callers. They will be reaching out to be in touch. Plans are in place to be in touch with all of our GSLC families. When you receive a note or a call or an email from your Care Caller, take a moment to share what’s happening in your world. Who knows? Maybe you will meet a new friend.
While this ministry stems from our desire to be connected with one another, the plan is to continue reaching out even when we can safely gather again in worship. Care Callers have agreed to be in touch with their families on a monthly basis. If you have a need that arises, you can contact the church office or let your Care Caller know. If you prefer not to be contacted, please let us know that as well. Thank you for supporting this new way of caring for one another with prayers for our Care Callers and one another. If you have questions, please contact Eileen Hunter (eileenhunter@netscape.net)
Griefshare
This ministry features 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 stories of people, followed by a small group discussion about the weekly topic and personal grief experiences.
Good Shepherd currently hosts this ministry online for the health and safety of all participants. Your bereavement experience may be recent or years ago. Some losses are compounded by other life experiences. GriefShare offers a safe community in which to share feelings, fears, and tears. Each Sunday we view the video session led by experts followed by discussion and prayer. This ministry is available using Zoom on Sundays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm. We will meet every Sunday through Palm Sunday on March 28, 2021. Please keep in prayer all those who suffer loss, affliction, and griefs.
Further information and registration is available at www.griefshare.org or by calling the GSLC office (937-298-0136).
Topic: GriefShare – From Mourning to Joy (13 sessions)
Facilitators: Kathy Seim and Pam Bauser
Time: Sunday, January 24
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: comfort of your home
Lifelong Learning
It’s the season of Epiphany! Have your own epiphany. Join us for any of the learning opportunities at GSLC.
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are ONLINE! Everyone is welcome! Please contact the church office for the links below to join in the conversations. Take this opportunity to “zoom” in and 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.
Our YOUTH classes (Kindergarten – 6th grade) are online. Karin Linch and Sandy Rosholt are the teachers for our youth classes.
CATECHISM is being offered online this year. Catechism is for our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in preparation for confirmation, affirming the baptismal promises. If you have an interest in our studies of the Bible, Luther’s Small Catechism, and Lutheran heritage, please contact the church office for more information. Pastor Jamie and Don Bennett teach our catechism classes.
SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
This study will meet on Saturday mornings in 2021.
Topic: Lectionary for Sunday worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Place: comfort of your home – connect online!
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 Zoom meeting link to join the conversation. Everyone (ALL ages and genders) 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. If you experience any difficulty connecting, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Topic: ACTS of the Apostles: a Biblical study on The Book of ACTS!
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Place: Comfort of your home – connect online!
Bring your coffee. Have your Bible handy. COME BE RENEWED by the power of the Holy Spirit! COME LISTEN to God speak to each of us through the Book of ACTS. This week read and ponder Acts chapters 17.When Paul and his fellow companions leave Phillipi and the believers gathered at the home of Lydia, they travel to Thessalonica, Berea, and Athens to share the good news. The Good News is shared against the odds. Read about the obstacles Paul and Silas have to overcome to bring the Good News to the people. If you experience any difficulty connecting, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
This is an ongoing study that meets regularly on Thursday morning. Drop in any Thursday!
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 is 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.
MONTHLY BIBLE STUDY for Women THIS TUESDAY, JANUARY 26
Topic: Journeys with Angels (January Bible Study from Gather Magazine)
Leader: Pam Bauser
Time: 10:00 am OR 7:30 pm (same content for each session – choose time that is best for you on that date)
Place: Your choice – connect online!
Did you think angels were only part of the Christmas story? Do you have angels in your home? Where do you see angels? What do angels do? Come on an adventure noticing angels and learning from these heavenly messengers from God. Bring an angel to the meeting! This might be a picture, a statue, a doll, or your “angel” of a friend! If you need a copy of the study, please contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or 937-602-8385.
Financial Peace University
Stop and think about this for a second. Imagine what the people of God, could do for the Kingdom of God, if they were debt free. What would you be able to do if you were debt free? Imagine what it would feel like to be able to give freely and generously toward needs you feel passionate about, whenever God leads you to. Financial Peace University will walk you through the process that will get you there and make it incredibly practical in your daily life. And if you know anything about Dave Ramsey you know it’s going to be a lot of fun!
The first class is always free if you want to see what it is all about! To learn more about the class, visit the Financial Peace University website at www.daveramsey.com or register for the class (coming soon).
Also come to the free class preview coming in March to find out more. You’ll be glad you did! Classes will begin in the first part of March, further details coming soon. If you have any questions, contact Martin Pierce at 287-4021 or Kathy Seim at 294-1145.
MISCELLANEOUS
E-Bulletin
GSLC now has the bulletin on our website. It’s set to go live on our website under the “Worship” and the “More” menu tabs at 10:00 am on Sunday mornings. We hope this makes the worship service more meaningful to you now that you will be able to follow along.
Offerings for last week: $10,796.23
Church Directory
We are updating our church directory. Please send any updated information to the church office at (937) 298-0136 or at office@goodshepherdkettering.com. After the corrections have been made we will have directories available in the New Year! Thank you for helping us keep our records straight.
Need a Treasurer
Denise Wilson resigned from being Treasurer after serving faithful and we are in need of a Treasurer. Please pray that we fill this crucial position on the Council will be filled quickly. If you are interested in knowing more information about the position feel free to call the Church Office and ask to speak to Pr. Jamie.
Memorial Committee
We are in need of a chairperson for the Memorial Committee if you are interested feel free to call the church office and talk to Pr Jamie at (937) 298-0136. Attached below is more of a description of the responsibilities of the committee and the chairperson as you discern serving in this way. Click here: Memorial Committee Description
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 or Denise Wilson (513) 913-0133.
CHURCH PROGRAM DONATIONS
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 website for Youth Donations, Good Shepherd Youth Donations, scroll down and 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.
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!
A PLACE FOR NEWS
ELCA NEWS:
ELCA Disability Ministry God’s work. Our hands. Click here.
Lutheran World Relief Sustainable Development. Click here.
ELCA Global Links. Click here.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES
Vaccines Available
You can now go to the Kettering Health Network website where you can submit your name to be contacted for a vaccine appointment when your age group comes up. Click here: Kettering Health if you are interested. When you click the Kettering Health link you will go to their coronavirus information page, at the bottom there will be a link to schedule your appointment. Right now it’s just for 80+ but in the following weeks the age groups of 75+, 70+, 65+ etc. appointments will be available as per the governor’s guidelines.