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
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Souper Bowl Sunday
It is almost time for the Super Bowl. That means, it is almost 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 8. Items will be collected each week until Super Bowl Sunday, February 12. Thanks for your help supplying the food bank. Go, team!!
Matthew 25 Ministries
At the end of the year, there were 262 medicine bottles and some medical supplies donated to Matthew 25 Ministries. The bottle will be used to distribute medicine on medical mission trips. Please continue to clean the bottles and bring them to the tub in the narthex. Cleaning involves getting the label and glue off (Goo Gone works) and washing them inside and out with hot water. Please dry them and place the lids back on. Thank you for your help in this important ministry. Read more about what Matthew 25 does here: https://m25m.org/
We Need Volunteers!
GSLC is in need of four new Commissioners (Finance and Administration, 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 – January 15
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.
Food Pantry News
Your generous donations for the month of November totaled 190 items Thanks for your continued faithfulness to this important ministry. Food was delivered to three food pantries on December 8 and helps support their efforts to provide food for families in these difficult economic times. As one of the food pantry volunteers said: “THANK YOU, ALL SO, MUCH. Blessings to your congregation for your on-going support.” You can bring donations at any time, and the next FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY is January 8, not New Year’s Day which would be our normal Sunday.
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).
CONTINUING EDUCATION
FAITH FORMATION: Luther’s Small Catechism
CATECHISM for EVERYONE!
For EVERYONE???
What does this mean?
In conjunction with our middle school youth, all folks at GSLC are invited to come and discover the gems of Luther’s Small Catechism. Martin Luther’s Small Catechism highlights The Ten Commandments, The Apostles’ Creed, The Lord’s Prayer, The Sacrament of Holy Baptism, and The Sacrament of Holy Communion. 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.
YOU are invited to join our “household” as we study Luther’s Small Catechism on the second Saturday of the month. Curious about this? Contact Pastor Jamie or Don Bennett.
What have we covered?
Our fall “household” studies were lively! Folks spanning the ages from 11 – 89 gathered for food, fellowship, and a lessons focused on baptism and communion.
Baptism is a gift from God. God does it all! We become a CHILD OF GOD, sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.
Communion is the sacrament recognizing Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. Through the bread and the wine God connects with each of us. With all the saints, in communion God is forgiving our sins and renewing us to serve where we are called.
What have you ever wondered about baptism? What have you wondered about communion? … There’s still time! Come join us. Dinner and discussion. No homework required. Have a question – ASK!
Join us in the New Year! Let’s learn with our middle school youth. Let’s discover together what it means to be God’s people in the world worshipping and living our lives as Lutherans.
Third Session:
The Ten Commandments
Saturday, January 14
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Dinner served at 5:30 p.m. If you are interested in coming, please let Don Bennett know.
Lifelong Learning
Learn more about God’s Word for us. Join us ONLINE to learn together.
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 Refomation. 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.
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 the winter study, there are four sessions on The Ten Commandments. Check out the overview HERE
We will meet on the second Wednesday: January 11, February 8, March 8, and April 12. Mark your 2023 calendars now!
Session ONE: Commandments 1 and 2
Dancing the Decalogue
In the words of our study’s author, Rev. Christa von Zychlin, “Psalm 19 claims, ‘The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul.’ Joy and romance may not be the first images that come to mind when we think of the Ten Commandments. However, a close reading of the first several commandments opens us to a fresh encounter with the God of fierce, freeing love.”
All sessions will be offered in a hybrid format allowing both in person and virtual participation.
Facilitator: Pam Bauser
Time: Wednesday, January 11 at 10:30 am or 7:30 pm
Place: Meeting in Fellowship Lounge or via Zoom at either time.
Bring your Bible.
The same Zoom link will work for both morning and evening sessions.
We are using the January/February 2023 issue of Gather Magazine.
Contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or call 937-602-8385 with any questions. ALL are truly WELCOME. Bring a friend!
Griefshare
Good Shepherd offers GriefShare. 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 GriefShare Mourning to Joy will be available on Sundays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm from January 8 – 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
Read the Bible in a Year
One of the best things we can do to strengthen our beliefs is to spend time in the Word. Oftentimes we don’t know where to start or how much to read. In your bulletins today, there is a “read the Bible in one year” plan. This can be used to keep you on track if you want to try it. If you don’t care for this plan, there are others available on the internet. If you’d like a larger print version of this one, please contact Don Bennett.
Church Offering envelopes have been ordered but due to lack of employees, production has slowed down. Our order is expected at the end of January. Our bookkeeper, Ute, is doing the financials offering statements starting the church year (October of 2022). Brenda Thieman will assist but questions should be emailed to bookkeeper.goodshepherd901@gmail.com
Stewardship Snippets – N/A
Offerings for last week: $2,785.00
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.
. Can give more than one gift at a time with the “Add Gift” option.
Questions: Contact Martin Pierce (937) 287-4021.
CHURCH PROGRAM DONATIONS
AmazonSmile
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!
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.