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
4th Wednesday Monthly Prayer Service
Do you need some time away from the busyness of life? On the 4th Wednesday of the month come join us at GSLC for a prayer service. Enjoy some time together singing and praying, while also getting some time to spend with the Lord in prayer by yourself. There will be “stations” to help you focus on open different parts of our life if you need that, you can stay in your pew and pray, or you can just walk around the Sanctuary if that is what helps you enter some prayerful space for the Lord. Come join us Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Commissioner Remarks
Feb 17/18—Witness & Outreach Commissioner—Lisa Connelly
– Lisa reminded us her Commission reaches out to the community in different ways.
– We collect money for organizations with Poinsettia Project & In Lieu of Lillies each year, as well as other special collections.
– We distribute food collected to 4 food pantries and 2 community cupboards (like the one at Oakview Elementary). Roger Bauser will always welcome help making those deliveries each month.
– We have for a long time participated in serving breakfast twice a month at First Lutheran downtown. First Lutheran decided to stop their feeding program due to not enough volunteers and so that ended at the end of December. For the money given for First Lutheran Breakfast we will divide that money into 4 to financially help the 4 food banks we support. So that money will still go to help people with hunger issues.
– Lisa is open to suggestions of places we could possibly serve in the community or organizations that could use financial assistance too.
Feb 24/25—Properties and Facilities Commission—Wayne Weyhrauch & Chris Connelly
– We were told about all the projects that had been done over the last year.
– We were told of a new monthly event where people can come to the church and work on small projects needing done.
– We were told different ways we can help like mowing grass, landscaping, and such things.
Mar 2/3—Worship & Celebration Commissioner—Michele Wehyrauch
– We told that the Worship & Celebration commissioner deals with all the behind the scenes efforts to make worship happen. Such as greeters, ushers, assisting ministers, altar guild, acolytes, and fellowship events after worship.
– We are in need of people to help with greeting before worship, A/V help (slides and streaming), and someone to help refill the cards in the pews (usually monthly).
March 9 & 17—Life Long Learning Commissioner—Pam Bauser
– We were told about the responsibilities and needs of this commission:
– Develop ongoing, educational opportunities related to the Christian faith.
Currently there are opportunities in these areas:
o Lectionary Bible Studies (online) o Adult Sunday morning studies (online)
o Youth Sunday morning (in person) o Women’s Bible study (monthly)
o Fellowship study groups
– NEEDED: Folks willing to plan and facilitate or lead studies. Folks who are willing to invest their time in attending. Folks with new ideas and suggestions.
– Develop and coordinate special educational events. You might recall
o the THRIVE Campaign to support ministries of the Southern Ohio Synod. Commissioner Remarks
– NEEDED: Folks who have an idea for an educational event and can help coordinate the details of making it happen.
– Maintain library
o Jeff and Susan Weymeyer completely sorted, purged, and organized the current library prior to pandemic. There are now boxes of books that need to be added to the collection.
– NEEDED: someone who has an interest in maintaining and promoting the use of the books available in the library.
– Oversee the functioning of the nursery. In January 2023 we transitioned to the Family Center to have an easily accessible area for families to utilize before, during, or after worship. We moved the soft bags to the Family Center.
o Improvements that have emerged:
• snacks are kept in one container on top of shelves for all to choose,
• stickers and cardstock are available,
• colored pencils & crayons are in basket as well as in the soft bags.
• stools have been added to bathrooms and in Family Center.
– NEEDED: the elusive Nursery Fairy, a person to maintain the Family Center on a weekly basis.
o Tasks would include maintaining the soft bags, purchasing snacks, weekly wiping off toys, and periodically switching out toys or books to keep the area interesting, making recommendations for additions/changes to the area.
April 6/7—Finance & Administration Commissioner—Jim Kempf
– Jim told us he is responsible to paying the bills, ordering office supplies, and overseeing the hourly staff of Good Shepherd.
– He also keeps all the contracts for all employees, and the official office records (baptisms, confirmations, deaths, etc.).
– He works closely with the Treasurer and Bookkeeper to make sure our finances are in order.
– He communicates to the other commissioners how they are doing with their portions of the Ministry Plan to make sure they don’t over spend.
Next Up: Communications Commissioner—Sandy Rosholt
Food Pantry News
On Monday, April 8, food was delivered to four local food pantries and two mini-pantries – totaling 157 food items. Thank you for remembering the families who are served by the food pantries in our community. As you make your food purchases, consider adding a few items for these families. It will be a wonderful way to help those around us.
It is very helpful to avoid donations of food in glass containers so that nothing can be broken. If you would like to volunteer on a Thursday at the Feeding Friends Pantry on Bigger Road near the former Victoria’s Secret Building, go to https://signup.com/go/FjrnKGb
Jeremiah’s Letter – April 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.
Spring Craft Fair – Saturday, April 27 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Over 40 Crafters and Vendors will be set up on the GSLC Campus! Some of our vendors are local favorites and many creative and unique products will be featured! Come out and shop, buy a raffle ticket, and enjoy lunch – this is a fun event with something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you!
Craft Show Help Needed
Good Shepherd will be having a Spring Craft Show with local vendors. This is a BIG event! We need your help to run the show. To volunteer please contact Rich Kellstrom or sign up in the Narthex.
ReNew Day Camp June 24 through June 28 from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Good Shepherd is hosting a ReNew Day Camp! A Green VBS follwing Mark 4:1-9, the parable of the sower.
ReNew Day Camp is a unique blend of congregational evangelism, outreach, and ministry to our local youth. This is designed for children who are pre-k through entering grade 6. Lunch and snacks will consist of fresh healthy foods. They will be kid-friendly with lots of fruits and vegetables available. All known food allergies will be accommodated.
The schedule will start with the youth gathering for celebration and praise, self-activities, community activities, games, world activities, lunch, and ending with youth pickup. In addition to the daily schedule, on one evening (TBD) GSLC will host dinner for campers and their families at 6:00 pm with a special program following at 7:00 pm. There is no charge for the dinner, although donations will be accepted.
Registration for ReNew Day Camp can be picked up at the church office or downloaded here and at www.goodshepherdkettering.com. Registration is limited to 30 campers.
Please grab a brochure from the counter in the Foyer and invite as many people as you can. We would love to share, with the youth in our community, how to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world.
If you would like to volunteer, please contact the church office at office@goodshepherdkettering.com or contact Don Bennett at don.bennett@goodshepherdkettering.com
Gathering 24 News
Rowan Linch is attending the Lutheran National Youth Gathering in July 2024. She travels by bus with 30 other youth from Epiphany Lutheran and other churches to New Orleans for a week. They are camping in churches and sightseeing along the way. All participants are raising funds with Epiphany Lutheran. We are asking for your support for this faith journey. The National Youth Gatherings have been important to youth faith formation at Good Shepherd for over 60 years.
How Good Shepherd can help:
· Put her and all participants in your prayers.
· Help by attending fundraising events at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Centerville.
· Ask how her events and the group-building activities are going.
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. We are looking for several commissioners to take over on October 1, 2023. 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
CELEBRATE at the TABLE!
Sunday, April 28
6:30 – 8:00 pm
GSLC Fellowship Hall
Meet for hearty snacks at 6:30 pm
All our study groups will meet to fellowship together!
Snacks. Stories. Sharing. … and lots of laughter!
If you came to one or all the sessions, come share your thoughts on this study.
This is a chance to share what you liked, what you learned, what you would change. Looking forward to being together! RSVP with your group facilitator, the church office, or Pam Bauser.
DON’T GIVE THE ENEMY A SEAT AT YOUR TABLE: It’s Time to Win the Battle of your Mind. This study based on Psalm 23 is drawing to a close.
APRIL 2024
Sunday, April 21 at 6:00 pm – Session 6 (rescheduled from March)
Sunday, April 28 at 6:30 pm – CELEBRATION!
Email lifelonglearning@goodshepherd.com or contact Pam Bauser (937-602-8385) to request information.
Lifelong Learning
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Youth will meet in the Chapel during April!
April 21, 28
The Chapel is accessed walking through Fellowship Hall to the Lounge and down the steps. Or come through the Office, take the few steps down to the door and go up just a few steps to enter the Chapel.
Gather at 9:30 am
Lessons from 9:40 am – 10:20 am
Teachers Karin Linch and Sandy Rosholt.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Topic: Discipleship in the Light of the RESURRECTION!
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 8:50 am – 9:50 am
Place: Comfort of your own home – connect and discuss with others online!
We are expanding our understanding of discipleship following Jesus’ command to “Love one another. As I have love you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34 Come join this lively discussion as we wrestle with what it means to live as God’s RESURRECTION people knowing the tomb is empty in our fractured world.
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 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.
Women’s Bible Study
We concluded the four-month study Scripture and nature: Teachers of Faith by Rev. Sara Olson-Smith
The May study is a devotional on Mental Health & Wellness by Elise Seyfried.
Wednesday, May 15
10:30 am in the Lounge or online
7:30 pm in the Lounge or online
Further information is available at www.gathermagazine.org
MISCELLANEOUS
Owl’s Luncheons are Back
Now that winter is over, we are starting up the Owl’s luncheons again. Please join us on April 20 at 12:30 pm at Archer’s Tavern on Dorothy Lane. A sign-up sheet will be in the Narthex to get a headcount.
Offerings:
For February YTD, the financial results are as follows:
Offerings are $105,475 vs a budget of $111,083, including Harmony Creek
Harmony Creek is below budget by $2,500 (payments caught up in March)
Budgeted Offerings are $3,108 less than budget.
Expenses $100,551 vs budget of $107,873
Net Income of $4,924 vs a budget of $3,211.
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.
2023 Southern Ohio Synod Assembly
May 31 – June 1, 2024
Peace Lutheran Church
3530 Dayton Xenia Rd., Beavercreek, OH 45432
The Southern Ohio Synod will gather in Assembly at Peace Lutheran Church (Beavercreek, OH) on Friday, May 31, 2024 through Saturday, June 1, 2024 under the theme Out of the Waters … Follow Me.
“But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’ But not all have obeyed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our message?’ So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:14-17, NRSV)
This year’s assembly will be held in person for all voting members. Visitors may attend in person or view a livestream online through the Southern Ohio Synod’s YouTube channel & Facebook page.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES
Feeding Friends Food Pantry
If you would like to volunteer at the Feeding Friends Food Pantry (sponsored by Harmony Creek, Fairhaven, and St. Charles Churches, you can use the link here to sign up. We help support this ministry with our monthly food donations and several members have been volunteering on Thursdays – generally from 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Feeding friends is located on Bigger Road in the strip mall near the old Victoria’s Secret complex.
The Kettering Civic Band to perform a free Spring Concert on April 22nd
The Kettering Civic Band is pleased to announce its annual Spring Concert at 7:00 pm on Monday, April 22. The concert will be held at the Kettering Middle School auditorium located near the Kettering Recreation Center (Middle school address: 3000 Glengarry Drive). The band is directed by Catherine Abner, daughter of former Good Shepherd Choir Director, David Keener. The ensemble traditionally plays marches, show tunes and classical arrangements familiar to many. This Spring Concert will highlight a piano performance by special guest Dr. Steven Aldredge, featured in George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. The concert is free to all, and seating is general admission. The ensemble, with approximately 65 members, has performed in Kettering and neighboring communities for more than 60 years. Past and current Good Shepherd members have participated over the years as part of the ensemble.
Tactics & Firearms Handling Class Countryside Nazarene Church, in Lebanon, Ohio will be hosting a 4 hour “Tactics & Firearms Handling” class for Armed Protectors on Saturday, May 4 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. This course is for anyone who currently carries a firearm or for those who are interested in learning more about how to handle a firearm in and around a crowd. This is a “dry practice” non-live fire class held inside the church and all skill levels are welcome. This is for congregation members, law enforcement, family, and beginners. We will discuss realistic responses for those in church along with reducing risk through proper training. Handgun License NOT required and you do not have to be on a church security team to attend. Training guns/holsters will be provided and class size will be limited to 35 participants. Please click on the video link for more information about the class.
Tactics & Firearms Handling Video
To register: Online Registration
Facebook: Event Share