WORSHIP
Returning to in-person Worship!
Good Shepherd is returning to in-person worship on Sunday, March 7th at 10:30 am. We will be having a soft opening as everyone slowly starts to come back to in-person services. Please come and fellowship with us, we are looking forward to seeing familiar faces again!
Lent Schedule for 2021
Schedule:
February 24 Mid Week 1 Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
March 3 Mid Week 2 Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
March 10 Mid Week 3 Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
March 17 Mid Week 4 Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
March 24 Mid Week 5 Online
Lenten Worship @ GSLC 7:00 pm
April 1 Maundy Thursday
In-Person & Online
Holy Communion in the parking lot before worship from
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Worship 7:00 pm
April 2 Good Friday
In-Person & Online
Worship 7:00 pm
April 3 Easter Vigil
In-Person & Online
Worship 7:00 pm
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, March 28, we will be having a service at 10:30 am. It is a time for all of us to come together as one Body of Christ by celebrating Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week.
Worship With Us Online!
Good Shepherd is worshiping online at the moment during this pandemic. 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
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
Food Pantry News
Another BIG THANK-YOU to everyone who participated in our month-long Souper Bowl Competition. With cash and food items we had contributions of about 1500 greatly appreciated food items. Please remember that hunger is not a one month a year event. The pandemic is not over. The economy is not anywhere near recovered. Aid from Congress is still not forthcoming.
Families are still in need trying to put food on the table in addition to all their other financial obligations. Next Sunday, 3/7, is Food Pantry Sunday. As you are doing your grocery shopping, please put some extras in your basket to help us fill the donation bin. You can drop donations off if you come to church that Sunday, or you can bring them to church during regular business hours during the week. If you would like to donate cash, just write a check to Good Shepherd (marked Food Pantry) and mail or deliver 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 Chunky soups or Progresso soups – if on sale – are especially useful because they can be stretched by adding pasta and making a casserole meal).
Easter Lilies
For our Easter season, we are doing “in Lieu of Lilies” again this year. You will be able to make a donation in any amount to honor or remember friends and loved ones. The monies collected will be updated soon. Each week we will place a paper lily on the cross in the Narthex with the name of those you wish to remember this Easter Season. An order form will be available in the Narthex. As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we believe that God is calling us into the world – together. And with generous, loving hands, we can make a difference. Please find a copy of the Easter Lilies form here.
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 at 937-435-6721 for further information. Thank you very much!
CONTINUING EDUCATION
An Intergenerational FAMILY project
Egg-cellent kid-friendly way to learn about Lent, Holy Week, and Easter with the children you love is available at GSLC. Twelve activities from Ash Wednesday through Easter Monday!
The GSLC Sunday School youth assembled Egg Crates containing discussion guides and 12 plastic eggs filled items to become symbols of Lent and Easter. Each week the youth and adults will share an activity, a devotion, and a prayer from that week’s special egg. The materials needed are provided in the eggs.
There are even suggestions for connecting with family members or neighbors beyond your home. The projects reinforce the concepts of recognizing God’s love for us and encourage sharing the Good News with others.
The Egg Crates will still be available for pick up at GSLC, during Ash Wednesday parking lot distribution of ashes/communion, and on Sunday, February 21st during parking lot communion at GSLC.
Come pick up an Egg Crate for your children or grandchildren or neighbors. These easy to follow directions are fun for the WHOLE family!
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. 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. Folks can join at any time. 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, February 28
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Place: comfort of your home
Lifelong Learning
Lent is upon us! During this 40 Days of Lent 2021, take time to learn more about God’s Word for us. Join us ONLINE to learn together.
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are ONLINE! Everyone is welcome! 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 meets on Saturday mornings.
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 20 when Paul travels to Jerusalem and meets with the elders. Then trouble comes again and Paul speaks to the crowd. 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.
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: $3,418.31
The amount reported applies to contributions used towards the annual ministry plan which requires contributions of $5,243 every week.
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.
NEW Lutheran World Relief Sustainable Development. Click here.
ELCA Global Links. Click here.
ELCA World Hunger Links for Lent. 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.