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, August 23 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
Holiday at Home
Labor Day will be here before we know it (September 4), and instead of our booth being a moneymaker for the youth, it will instead be used to serve the public and as a marketing device. Instead of selling hotdogs, pop, water, and candy, we will be giving away hotdogs and water. The water bottles will be labeled with our church name and information and we will have information about Good Shepherd available. If the people receiving the hotdogs and water wish to donate money in exchange, we will suggest they donate to the Crayons to Classrooms Program instead. In order to keep our costs down, we are asking that the congregation donate money to purchase the items we need. Any money that doesn’t get spent will be put into the First Lutheran Breakfast fund. Money donations can be dropped off any time from now until September 3 in the office. Thank you!
Food Pantry News
Your generous donations for the month of July totaled 310 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 August 8, 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. The feeding ministry staff and patrons are always so deeply appreciative. You can bring donations to church any time during July. Next Food Pantry Sunday will be September 10 to avoid Labor Day weekend.
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 pantries have 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). It would be very helpful to avoid food in glass containers so that nothing can be broken
Jeremiah’s Letter – August 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.
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.
Maui Fire Disaster
Dear Good Shepherd Friends – Our ELCA Disaster Response Group is raising money to help the people of Hawaii recover their lives after the horrific wildfires have swept parts of the state, destroying whole communities and leaving at least 100 people dead. We have received an anonymous challenge offer of $500 if members of the congregation will raise another $500 in individual contributions.
Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd and put ELCA Hawaii in the memo line.
Funds will be collected thru Sunday, September 3.
Thank you for considering this opportunity,
Roger Bauser,
Congregational President
CONTINUING EDUCATION
A Study on Civic Life and Faith
Pr. Jamie is continuing to offer this course on Wednesdays through August 23. Each Wednesday there is a class offered at 2:00 pm and another class at 7:30 pm (the 7:30 pm class has a Zoom option to attend as well.) The classes last about an hour and will meet in the Lounge. Even if you were not available for the first sessions, join now and connect with others on civic life and faith. There is much to discover!
If you like to join us online on Wed evenings here is the link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86975412944?pwd=MjEyOXpVYXFvazYvVXlDMDJGRzhVZz09
Still to come: Session 6: How Do We Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord in Civic Life?
From the ELCA: The curriculum invites participants to delve into the nature of politics, the meaning of the Scriptures, the purpose of government, the responsibility of congregations and church-related organizations, First Amendment issues, the relationship of faith- based living and civic life, connections between worship life and serving neighbor in society, the nature of citizenship, and other relevant topics. These are weighty and difficult discussions for people of faith! Your participation matters as part of the work toward a social statement on civic life and faith. Social statements address the great social systems or most controversial issues of contemporary life. The ELCA does not have a comprehensive teaching and social policy document on civic life and faith… As evident throughout this curriculum, the task force recognizes how Christians of good will can and do disagree about social issues. Though we are one in Christ and share many basic values such as neighbor love and neighbor justice, studying together can be difficult because social concerns, like political life, are complex and personal, with institutional and structural implications.
Lifelong Learning
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are available online.
Our YOUTH Sunday morning classes are on a break through August.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Topic: Civic Life and Faith
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 8:50 am – 9:50 am
Place: Comfort of your own home – connect and discuss with others online!
We’ve explored the weekly topics with experts sharing via video content. Now to continue the discussion – How do we LIVE our faith in civic life?
Come join this Biblical discussion of God’s call “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8b.
If you experience any difficulty joining this study, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
This interesting study provided by the ELCA prompts discussion and reflection. Pastor Jamie is leading discussions on the same topic. Watch for the opportunity to join in the thoughtful contemplation of our call to be the church within and throughout the community.
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 and treats 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.
WELCA (Women of the ELCA) Bible Study
COMING: Wednesday, August 30 – Salvation Now! discussion
The Salvation Now summer Bible study series by Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen touches on our need and the world’s need for Jesus’ promise of salvation to bring wellness to our lives. We will meet for 90 minutes to visit, share, and discuss the sessions that have been available for our individual study this summer. What touched your heart? What more do you want to explore?
Facilitator: Pam Bauser
Time: Wednesday, August 30 at 10:00 am or 7:00 pm
Place: Meeting in Fellowship Lounge or via Zoom at either time.
The session will be offered in a hybrid format allowing both in person and virtual participation.
Bring your Bible, your questions, and your thoughts!
The Summer 2023 Bible Study is Salvation Now by the Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen. More details can be found here https://www.gathermagazine.org/summer-2023-bible-study-salvation-now-by-the-rev-dr-anna-madsen/
The first session is online and in the May/June issue of Gather Magazine. The second and third sessions are also online and in the recently released July/August issue of the Gather Magazine.
Session One: Promised Salvation Now—Jesus Brings Wellness
Of all the gospel writers, John is uniquely concerned about the effectiveness of Jesus’ immediate presence. One clue is his regular use of the word “now,” a tiny but powerful word which appears more here than the other gospels combined. Together, we’ll note a few instances of the “Now,” and delve into John’s observations about the way John focuses not so much on the “hereafter,” but more on sharing the difference that Jesus makes in people’s lives, straight away.
Session Two: Tangible Salvation Now—Christians Bringing Wellness
Following Jesus means expressing our solidarity with Jesus and his mission, in all we do. Because Jesus is the bringer of salvation, in his name, so, too, are we. Where there are wounds and brokenness, we are called to bring Jesus and the salvation he embodied. Together we’ll examine the biblical and theological reasons for not waiting for it to all come out in the wash later, but for us to become faithful ambassadors of Jesus’ salvation now.
Session Three: Needed Salvation Now: a World Wanting Wellness
This session explores the familiar John 3:16 followed by the equally important John 3:17, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.” The study explores how we as Christians see the needs of a hurting world. It emphasizes that Jesus is the bringer of salvation. We are compelled to follow Jesus into the needs of the world now.
All the Bible studies and video support are accessible online at www.gathermagazine.org
Contact Pam Bauser at psbauser@me.com or call 937-602-8385 with any questions.
Griefshare
This fall Good Shepherd is offering GriefShare 4, the newly updated, revised version of the grief support we trust. The video content and the participant guides are all new. 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. This fall GriefShare: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy will be available on Sundays from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm September 10 through December 3. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org or call the church office. 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).
MISCELLANEOUS
Offerings:
June year to date offerings are as follows:
Offerings $183,725 vs budget of $181,550, excluding Harmony Creek contribution.
Harmony Creek receipt of $21,250 vs budget of $17,500
Expenses $195,150 vs budget of $192,680
June monthly offerings $19,073 vs. budget of $22,672, including Harmony Creek contribution.
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 Message from Bishop Dillahunt
Dear Southern Ohio Synod Congregations,
We have received a few reports that, once again, individuals, congregations, and ministries have received emails and text messages, seeming to be from Bishop Dillahunt or members of the Southern Ohio Synod staff, using an unfamiliar email address and asking for financial help or gift cards. These emails are not from Bishop Dillahunt or any member of the Southern Ohio Synod staff.
If you receive these emails or text messages, please:
- Do not engage
- Report as spam with your email or cell phone provider
- Delete the email, block the sender, and block the phone number
Continue to be wise media users!
In Christ, Bishop Dillahunt
WELCA
A program and service project will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm at New Hope Lutheran Church in Dayton. Our emphasis will be on gathering and supplying items for children entering FOSTER CARE. Watch for more details to come and spread the word. ALL are invited and welcome. SAVE THE DATE!!! Marcia Calhoun, SOS representative. Sponsored by Women of the ELCA, Dayton Conference
God’s Love Made Real
Dear siblings in Christ, You may have recently seen the new video from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton — Future Church: God’s Love Made Real. We have an unprecedented opportunity to learn about our church — to listen to and learn from YOU! Will you lend us your voice? We want to learn more about our church, about what is strong and good, and about where we need to grow in Christ together. This information will help us learn how to better serve our congregations, synods, ministry partners and the world around us. It will help us lean into the vision and do our part in creating a world experiencing the difference God’s grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. But we need your voice to do it. We need the voices of your colleagues and friends. There are two distinct opportunities for you to lend your voice to the future of our church:
- Take the survey.
- Watch for opportunities to participate in a listening group.
We hope you will do both, but if you have to choose, please do the survey and encourage those around you to do the same. These two steps will help us become “Future Church: God’s Love Made Real” and move together, as a church, in the directions the Spirit is calling us to go.
Sincerely, Louise Johnson
Executive for Administration, Office of the Presiding Bishop
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND NOTICES
Help Kids in Foster Care
Saturday, September 16 from 10:00 am -2:00 pm
New Hope Lutheran Church
2000 Catalpa Drive, Dayton, OH 45405
Often children enter foster care by Children’s Services without warning. They are placed in a new setting with minimal possessions and supplies. Join our group of women for morning devotions, offering (foster care & Women of the ELCA,) a brief message/overview of foster care, and a service project. Enjoy lunch and fellowship. PLEASE bring a $10 registration fee to defray cost of the box lunch. We also ask you to bring: Toothbrush-soft; adult; individually packaged & Toothpaste- medium size. Other items will be provided. Together we will assemble items we have gathered into kits to be donated to Children’s Services. Please join this worthwhile project. Spread the word! Invite friends! ALL WELCOME!!
RSVP is ESSENTIAL for the planning:
Please RSVP by September 11 to Marcie. Cell/text at 937 974 8894.
Co-sponsored by Dayton Conference, Women of the ELCA and a Thrivent Action Team.