WORSHIP
Worship With Us Online! Join us now in worship online!
Connect with us on Sundays for an encouraging Word from God and a time of worship. Are you ready to worship together?
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
Bags Needed
Not sure what to do with plastic bags you get from the grocery store and other places. Feeding Friends Food Pantry (run by Harmony Creek and some other churches) are in need of those bags as they use them to prepare food to give to needy families in the Kettering area. You can bring them to church with you or drop them off in the Church office and we’d be glad to get them where they are needed.
Food Pantry News Next Food Pantry Sunday is January 7, 2024
Your generous donations for the month of November totaled 290 items. It is always an amazing site to see all that food filling the donation bin. Thanks for your continued faithfulness to this important ministry. On December 4, food was delivered to four different feeding ministries (Feeding Friends, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, South Community, and Marshall Road Church of God) and helped support their efforts to provide food for families in these difficult economic times. We are also providing some additional support to the “Little Food Pantry” project at Oakview Elementary School. It would be very helpful to avoid food in glass containers so that nothing can be broken.
Jeremiah’s Letter – January 21
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.
Are you a member and want to serve at GSLC?
Well becoming a Commissioner is a great way to be involved in the day to day ministries at Good Shepherd. Specifically, we are looking for a Finance and Administration Commissioner, a Parish Life & Response Commissioner, and a Worship & Celebration Commissioner. If you have any questions about these positions feel free to talk with Pr Jamie, Roger Bauser, or the current commissioner serving in that position. This is a great way to get involved as GSLC continues to carry out its mission to the community and the world.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
CONTINUING OPPORTUNITY for ALL
Consider reading Psalm 23 as part of your Advent devotions. Let the abundance of God’s love for you flow into your heart as we wait and watch together for the coming of Christ our Lord and Savior on Christmas Day.
DON’T GIVE THE ENEMY A SEAT AT YOUR TABLE: It’s Time to Win the Battle of your Mind. This study is based on Psalm 23. Our online and in-person groups are underway. We can and will make room for you at the table of your choice! Let Pastor Jamie or Pam Bauser know the day/time you prefer.
Watch for JANUARY 2024 dates to come!
Email lifelonglearning@goodshepherd.com or contact Pam Bauser (937-602-8385) to request information.
Lifelong Learning
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Youth Sunday School will resume on January 14, 2024.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Current Topic: Discipleship
This study will resume in January 2024.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Reading for worship
This study will resume in January 2024.
FRIDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for worship
This study will resume in January 2024.
Griefshare
Good Shepherd is offering GriefShare 4 in January 2024.
GriefShare is a place for anyone dealing with the loss of a loved one to find support and comfort in the company of others who are also experiencing loss. This ministry offers biblical, Christ-centered teaching on topics associated with the death of a loved one. The video seminar series 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 series begins on Sunday, January 7, 2024. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org, call the church office, or come. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Seim (937-901-0532) or Pam Bauser (937-602-8385).
A Devotional about Women in the Bible for ALL!
Take and READ. Marvel and praise the Lord.
Do you know the stories of these amazing women? Shiphrah and Puah, Hannah, Hagar, the daughters of Zelophehad, Ruth, and Naomi. Let their journeys be an inspiration to you!
December 2023 Advent Devotional: “Topsy-turvy” by Rev. Hannah Hawkinson
Available here: https://www.gathermagazine.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/2023_Gather_Advent_devotional_Topsy_Turvy.pdf
In the Gospel of Luke, Mary responds to the angel’s message singing praises to God! God is doing something to turn the world upside down or perhaps, God is continuing even today to turn the world right-side-up! This devotional is written in four parts, one for each week of Advent. Be blessed by reading the stories of these amazing women who trusted in the Lord. Copies will also be available in the Narthex.
Coming in 2024
Scripture and nature: Teachers of Faith by Rev. Sara Olson-Smith
January – Weather, powerful force for change
February – Creatures, our siblings in praise and trust
March – Rivers, springs of life and hope
April – Food, daily bread for the health of the world
Our next study is on Wednesday, January 10th at 10:30 am or 7:30 pm.
The next Bible study will be available in the January/February issue of Gather Magazine. More information is also available online at www.gathermagazine.org
Contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or call 937-602-8385 with any questions.
Please hold ALL those living in the Holy Land in fervent prayer this Advent season.
MISCELLANEOUS
Church Offerings
Church Offering envelopes have been ordered and will be in the back of the Sanctuary on the pews. Please stop by and pick yours up today!
Offerings:
For November YTD (Oct/Nov), results are as follows:
Offerings $41,254 vs budget of $39,433 excluding Harmony Creek contribution.
Harmony Creek receipt of $7,500 vs budget of $5,000
Expenses $37,727 vs budget of $43,179
Net Income of $11,025 vs a budget of $1,254.
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
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.
A Christmas Note from Bishop Dillahunt
“… for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.”
(Luke 2:11, NRSV)
CALLING ALL HERALDS! A herald brings a message, usually a Good News message. The angel Gabriel brought the news – heralded – that Mary would have a baby and his name would be Jesus, the Savior of the world, God dwelling among us as Emmanuel. The angels, the heavenly hosts, brought the news – heralded – of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds and the shepherds brought the news – heralded – that Jesus was born after they left the stable. This isn’t something that only happens surrounding Jesus’ birth. Angels appear later in the Gospels, heralding to the women at the tomb that Jesus was not there! He has risen from the dead, as he told you! Throughout the Gospels, heralds proclaim the Good News, whether they are angels or humans that are all part of God’s story. In this Christmas season how are you a herald of the Good News of Jesus’ dwelling among us, even today? Jesus is present in our heartaches, even today, no matter what we experience in life. Christians continue to herald the good news in the face of uncertainty and fear. This Christmas, be a herald of the news that Jesus makes a difference and lives, in our lives, in our hearts, through our words and actions. Be the herald that brings joy and hope to a neighborhood, or community that needs to hear the Good News. This Christmas be a herald who isn’t afraid to speak out for what is just, right and fair. Southern Ohio Synod, as we celebrate Christmas, pray for peace in our world so that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, pervades.
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
In Christ, Bp. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt & the Southern Ohio Synod Staff