Eblast 10/23

Eblast 10/23

WORSHIP

Parking Lot Communion will be offered on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pmNovember 20 will be the next time we have it. 

Worship With Us Online! 
Good Shepherd will continue to offer online worship on Sundays and our parking lot Holy Communion on the third Sunday 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

5th Sunday and Carry-in 
On Sunday, October 30 is Reformation Sunday and the 5th Sunday this month.  It is our tradition to have a carry-in after the service. Please plan to come and bring a dish to share. Drinks and table service will be provided.  Come and Dine with your friends and family at Good Shepherd!

All Saints Sunday 
On November 6 there will be a 4:00 pm service for ALL SAINTS. It is Holden Evening with special music by the Choir.  It is a beautiful service and GSLC highly encourages everyone to come and worship together.   If you have a loved one who has passed away in the last year and would like their names added to the All-Saints Sunday service, please let the office know at (937) 298-0316 or email to office@goodshepherdkettering.com or you can pick up a form in the Narthex or click here.

OUTREACH AND SERVICES   

Fall Craft Fair – November 5 at 9:00 am 
Good Shepherd is proud to host our annual Fall Craft Fair!  Our Fall and Spring Craft Fairs have become well-attended events in our community. This is a BIG event with all proceeds going toward local GSLC supported ministries.  Our craft fair would not be successful without our dedicated volunteers and the many talented crafters who rent a space from us.  Consider volunteering your time to help with this fun and amazing event.  Your gift of time will not only help support our ministries, but will also afford you an opportunity to meet many wonderful people and be an ambassador for Good Shepherd. If you would like to know more about volunteering or how to be of service, please contact Rich Kellstrom.  There is a Volunteer Sign-up Sheet in the Narthex.

We Need Volunteers! 
GSLC is in need of one new Council Member and four 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.

Homework Club
With school having started back up, we are getting ready to also start our Homework Club back up. This program is for 4th and 5th graders at Oakview School. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm we help them stay on task and finish their homework. We meet in the Chapel and generally have around ten students. If you would like to help the students with their homework or if you would like to provide healthy snacks for them once or twice a week, please contact Don Bennett.

Jeremiah’s Letter November 20
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 September totaled 130 items Thanks for your continued faithfulness to this important ministry. Food was delivered to three food pantries on October 6 and helps support their efforts to provide food for families in these difficult economic times. As one of the food pantry volunteers said: “THIS IS AWESOME. THANK YOU, ALL SO, MUCH.  In this fiscal year (since October 1, 2021) we have donated almost 4200 food items. You can bring donations at any time, and the next FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY is November 6.  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

Luther’s Small Catechism 
Did you need to learn Luther’s Small Catechism as a youth and have forgotten some of it? Did you come to the Lutheran Church as an adult and never learned it? Beginning Saturday, November 12, we will be offering a study of the Small Catechism. The study will be a mixture of discussion, teaching, food, and other activities. The study will start with a provided dinner at 5:30 pm and continue until 7:30. There should be a total of six studies. There is no charge for the study or dinner, although you may make a free will donation to help cover food and book costs. For more information, please contact Don Bennett or Pr. Jamie.

GSLC Leadership Retreat
Worship, Singing, Study, Discussions, Fellowship and GREAT FOOD!
Date: Friday, October 28
Time: 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Dinner provided.
Date: Saturday, October 29
Time: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm
Breakfast and Lunch provided.
Facilitated by Pastor Katie Kerrigan, Southern Ohio Synod staff, using The Invitational Christian by Dave Daubert.  Folks who serve in elected and volunteer leadership roles are invited to explore and deepen our understanding of what it means for us at GSLC to be intentional about becoming an invitational congregation. 
BE SURE TO RSVP by Sunday, October 23, 2022, so we can plan for food. 

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 9:00 – 10:00 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. 

FAITH FORMATION:  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. This year in conjunction with our middle school youth, all folks at GSLC are invited to come and discover the gems of Luther’s Small Catechism. We are inviting the congregation to join our “household” as we study Luther’s Small Catechism once a month on the second Saturday November through April.  Curious about this?  Contact Pastor Jamie or Don Bennett. 
First Session:  Baptism on Saturday, November 9  Dinner and Discussion. Dinner served at 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY  
Topic: Earthbound:  Created + Called to Care for Creation
Facilitator:  Roger Bauser
Time: 8:50 am – 9:50 am
Place: Comfort of your own home – connect and discuss with others online!
Climate change. Stewards of the earth. The care of our earth is a hot topic in many arenas. Cultivating the Christian practice of caring for creation involves a dynamic process of both acting and reflecting. We have encountered practices of caring for creation in our lives. We may reduce, reuse, recycle. We may turn off lights when we leave a room. We may choose cloth napkins over paper ones. This DVD supported study will encourage us to reflect on the daily actions we take on behalf of creation. It is the intent of this study to inspire each of us to act as a witness to God’s love as we care for the world.  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. Roger will share the access to the video content for those who are interested. 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 
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time:  9:00 am – 10:00 am
Place:  comfort of your home – connect online!
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.  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 facilitated by Roger Bauser. 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 – Next session is WEDNESDAY, November 9! 
Jesus and nature: Teachers of faith
Our Fall 2022 Bible study by Rev. Sara Olson-Smith will allow nature to be our teacher through the words of Jesus and other parts of Scripture. The trees, the soil and the creatures will offer us new perspectives on the character of God. This study will challenge us to deepen our stewardship of God’s precious creation.    
·  Session three: Creatures  on Wednesday, November 9
Contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or call 937-602-8385 with any questions. ALL are truly WELCOME. Bring a friend! 

Griefshare  
Good news! Good Shepherd is hosting a fall session of 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. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org or call the church office. When registering on the GriefShare website, there are two GSLC GriefShare classes listed (one online and one in person) to allow us to offer a hybrid option. Choose the class method you prefer. 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). 

Surviving the Holidays – THIS SATURDAY, 10/22
Date: Saturday, October 22
Time: 10:00 am – Noon
Location: GLSC Lounge
Good Shepherd is hosting this single session special event to help ANYONE facing the challenges of grief and loss compounded by the demands of the upcoming holidays. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org or call the church office. Prior registration is not required. We will have resource books available for $5.00. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Seim (937-901-0532) or Pam Bauser (937-602-8385). 

MISCELLANEOUS

Stewardship Snippets October 23
Luke 16:24-25 — The Pharisee prayed, “I fast twice a week; I give a tenth of all my income.“
Christians still uphold tithing – donating a tenth of one’s income – as a faithful benchmark for giving, but the Pharisee reminds us that giving is not an end in itself. Giving is a means to developing a heart of compassion and generosity.

Offerings for last week:  $2,100.00
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.
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

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:
Lutheran Disaster Response. Click here.
Lutheran World Relief. Click here.
ELCA Global Links.  Click here.
NEW  ELCA World Hunger.  Click here.
ELCA Disabilities Ministry.  Click here.

A Note from Bishop Dillahunt
I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.  (Philippians 1:3-5, NRSV)

Happy Rostered Ministers Appreciation Month! We are well underway through this month and I want you each to know how grateful I am for your continued faithfulness in serving the Gospel in your communities through your congregations and ministries. In the Bishop’s Office, we pray for each of you and give thanks for your calls to Word and Service and Word and Sacrament ministries without our Synod. Your service together makes the Southern Ohio Synod Stronger and Better Together … Joining Jesus in the Restoration of the World.

News in our world continues to bring new waves of uncertainty. Thank you for being beacons of hope and steadfastness within your communities, reminding them that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). The message of God’s constant and unchangeable love, grace, forgiveness, and new life is the good news our world needs to ground each of us in our call to serve God daily in the midst of these struggles.

Thank you for your leadership, continuing to serve in ways that create bridges between those who are able to gather in person and those who are not. Thank you for your compassion, continuing to love your congregations and ministries and helping them discern their steps forward into the future God has already prepared. Thank you for your steadiness, continuing to point your communities toward the truth of the gospel each and every day.

Thank you for sharing the generosity of the members of the Southern Ohio Synod. Financial giving over the past year has remained strong and we have launched 5 Cultivate ministries, as a direct result of your faithful generosity: Gather Cincinnati, the Beloved Community of Tikkun Farm, Fresh Start, Saints, Sinners, & Sandwiches, and La Palabra. There are even more new ministries in the discernment process and we look forward to sharing them with you soon.

As we head into another busy time of the year for Advent and Christmas, please remember you are not alone in ministry. Colleagues, Synod Staff, Spiritual Directors, and Coaches are available to help you remain grounded as you continue to care for God’s people in these days of combined uncertainty and hope.

Thank you for caring for yourselves, one another, and your congregations and ministries. We are truly Stronger and Better Together … Joining Jesus in the Restoration of the World.

With hope and gratitude,
Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt

COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES

Normandy Bazar 
Normandy United Methodist Church will be having a on Wednesday, November 2 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at 450 W. Alex Bell Road in Centerville (exit 4, west off I-675). This year they will also have a Holiday Market on Saturday, November 5 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Please stop by to shop and enjoy the many booths available such as crafts, antiques, baked goods/candy, Christmas items and flea market.  There will be a carry-out of chili, soup, and pie.  Cash and local checks only.  All proceeds from both events will be used for mission and outreach.

Trunk or Treat
David’s United Church of Christ invites everyone to a Trunk or Treat event on Sunday, October 20 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.  David’s United Church of Christ is located at 170 West David Road in Dayton.  Nut-free candy is available.