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 • 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 – 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. 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. – 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.
Coming up next: 3 more commissioners to talk to the congregation in April.
Food Pantry News
Please remember the families who are served by the food pantries in our community. As you make your purchases, consider adding a few items for these families. It will be a wonderful way to help those around us.
It would be 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
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.
Mark Your Calendars!
Good Shepherd is hosting a Day Camp over the dates from June 24 through June 28. Each daily session starts at 9:30 am and ends at 12:30 pm.
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
Come to the TABLE!
Sunday, April 28
GSLC Fellowship Hall
Meet for hearty snacks at 6:30 pm
All our groups will meet to fellowship together!
Snacks. Stories. Sharing. … and lots of laughter!
If you came to one or all the sessions, come share reflections on this study.
This is a chance to share what you liked, what you learned, what you would change. Looking forward to being together!
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
Tuesday, April 16 at 9:30 am online – Session 6
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 7, 14, 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.
Griefshare
This week is our final session.
The next session will begin in the fall. If you have questions, please contact the church office.
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.
More information is available at www.griefshare.org, or call the church office. If you have further questions, contact Kathy Seim (937-901-0532) or Pam Bauser (937-602-8385).
Women’s Bible Study
Scripture and nature: Teachers of Faith by Rev. Sara Olson-Smith
www.gathermagazine.org
Food, daily bread for the health of the world
Wednesday, April 10
10:30 am in the Lounge or online
7:30 pm in the Lounge or online
These studies are offered in the morning or in the evening so folks can choose the time that is most convenient for them. Studies available online at www.gathermagazine.org or in the January/February and March/April 2024 issues of Gather Magazine. Contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or call 937-602-8385 with any questions.
MISCELLANEOUS
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.
A Message from Bp. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt
Call for Prayer
Siblings in Christ,
Many of us have been eagerly and anxiously watching weather forecasts for this afternoon. As our staff met this morning, we held everyone in the path of today’s storms in prayer. I invite you to join us in prayer, as well: God of tempest and whirlwind, send your presence to those are in the path of today’s storms. Be present with us and keep us safe as we watch weather forecasts in the midst of working, learning, traveling, and seeking safety. Guide first responders as they await news of whether they will be called upon. Be our refuge today and always. We pray in the name of Jesus, our risen Savior. Amen.
Please make sure you know where to seek shelter, wherever you are: at work, at home, at school, commuting, etc. Have a communication plan with your family and neighbors to check on one another. Rostered Ministers, if there is severe weather in the community where you live or in the community where you congregation/ministry is located, please check in with our Synod staff via email once it is safe to do so.
Pastor Bob Abrams
Pastor Tim Mentzer
Pastor Connie Mentzer
Pastor Rebecca Grate
Bishop Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt
Prayer In Christ, Bishop Dillahunt
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.
Irish Spring
Join St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 13 from 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm for Irish Ceili Dancing. Featuring a family band that wows every crowd with intense bagpipe solos, fiery fiddle licks, and irresistible harmonies. You will be tapping your toes, clapping your hands, and dancing the night away! Irish beer, corned beef, and potatoes will be provided. Free admission! Parking is available in the Oakwood City lot, between Dixon and Park, and on the street. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is located at 33 West Dixon Avenue in Oakwood.
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