Online Worship & Holy Communion
While Montgomery County COVID-19 indicators remain on a Level 3 alert at the recommendation of Governor DeWine and Bishop Dillahunt, Good Shepherd will continue to worship as a community online. We offer Holy Communion twice a month on the second and fourth Sundays from Noon – 1:00 pm. Please join us for worship and communion.
Online Worship Information
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will continue doing a video of our church service. Online worship will be available on Sunday at 10:30 am. Come and enjoy GSLC’s service online.
Please use the following links below to connect to the Sunday Church Service:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdkettering/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjr6taytoTncrtHVY9TGQw
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: https://www.facebook.com/goodshepherdkettering/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFjr6taytoTncrtHVY9TGQw
Offerings for last week:
$4,722.84
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 https://tithe.ly/give?c=329631
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.
This Week’s Article
This week’s article is by William Willimon @ Ministry Matters.
The drama of the Exodus reaches a grand crescendo as the Israelites, once slaves, now escape from Egypt and cross the Red Sea. What drama! Close readers note that there are at least three narratives of the deliverance from Egypt. There is a story of the crossing of the sea that is in poetic form in Exodus 15:1-18 (the so-called Song of Moses) where God is said to have assaulted the Egyptians like a warrior leading to praise in verse 18: “The Lord will rule forever and always.” God is the ruler over all who has particular concern for the poor and victimized.
Then in Exodus 14: 21-23, 26, 28-29, we have an account perhaps by the so-called priestly writer that is what most of us think about when we think of the Exodus crossing—the water is divided left and right, and the Israelites stride through the sea to dry land. Followed by the Egyptians, when Moses raises his hand over the sea, the sea flows back in and demolishes the Egyptian army.
And then supposedly there’s actually a third version of the story that comes from the so-called Yahwist writer of the Pentateuch (Exodus 14:19b-20, 24, 25b, 27a, 30-31). A great pillar of cloud and fire descends and separates the Israelites and the Egyptians, Yahweh then makes the Egyptians panic, they plunge into the sea and perish, the documentarians having carefully unraveled every strand of narrative into a useless pile on the floor of component parts.
As we interpret this passage for preaching we probably ought to focus on the overall theme of Yahweh as deliverer, the composite artistry of the canonical form of the narrative. Because God saves (v. 30), Israel feared (that is, reverenced) Yahweh and followed God’s designated leader Moses. Therefore, this Sunday’s lesson is a conclusion to the saga that we have been following for the last two Sundays that begin with Exodus 3.
And yet we are also justified in focusing upon the last verse of the story and preaching a sermon on doubt and faith. When spoken to by the burning bush, Moses begged out of the call, coming up with various reasons why he was unqualified to lead and speak for God. In Exodus 4:1, Moses says, “what if they don’t believe me or pay attention to me? They might say to me, ‘The Lord didn’t appear to you!’”
In support of Moses’ leadership, Yahweh gives Moses three validating wonders: a staff that becomes a snake and turns back into a staff; a hand that turns leprous and then is miraculously restored; and water from the Nile that will turns into blood when poured out. When the people see these wonders, they believe in the divine authorization of Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:31). Then, once they are delivered from the hand of Pharaoh at the miracle of the sea, they are devoted to Yahweh (Exodus 14:31). Nothing like a dramatic display of signs and wonders to win the adulation of the masses!
It’s enough to make one ask, “On what basis do we believe in God the Deliverer? Do we require the tricks that Moses performed before the doubters? Or do we, like the Israelites, learn from our experience of God’s graciousness that God is gracious and to be trusted?” The slaves found that God had heard their groaning, had remembered the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and now was determined to deliver the slaves (Exodus 2:24-25). God heard, God felt, and then God responded.
Are we able to preach so active, resourceful, and gracious a God to our congregations? Moses figured that the Israelites would disbelieve both him and God. Moses was wrong. We must not, in our honest admission of the possibility of disbelief, give too much credence to their disbelief. Can we boldly proclaim a God who not only cares but actively cares, who is not only on the side of the oppressed but who actively intervenes on behalf of those in need?
Who is God? And what might God be up to in our world? God is whoever dramatically delivered the Hebrew slaves from bondage in Egypt. What are the implications of that affirmation of faith for us today?
Stewardship Snippets – September 13, 2020
We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. – Romans 14:26-27. What is the common good? For Christians, it is expressed in the reign, or way, of Christ. We are accountable to God for how we treat one another; how we reflect the love of Christ through both our words and our actions.
Annual Meeting
As we all know this has been a strange year. Our Annual Meeting will be different this year also. GSLC is making the voting members list right now and then we will do the following:
- Mail out the 2020-2021 proposed Ministry Plan and the ballots to all voting members.
- Have a Zoom Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00 pm. Different people will be presenting and someone will be there to field questions that need a response.
- For those who could not attend the meeting we will send it out in an eblast the following day on Friday, September 18. If you have any follow-up questions you can call the Church Office at (937) 298-0136.
- On Monday, September 28 all the ballots are due. You can mail them in, drop them off, put them in the mailbox if the office isn’t open, or bring them to our drive thru communion (if we aren’t meeting in person).
Jeremiah’s Letter on September 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. Thank you to all who generously support this ministry!
Open Positions
Are you thinking about opportunities to help with Good Shepherd’s mission? The Church Council is looking to fill 2 positions. They are 3 year terms beginning October 1. Here is a chance to participate in planning and administering Good Shepherd’s ministries and operations. If you have any questions you can contact Dave Seltzer 937-643-9679, Cindy Grove 937-371-5905, Martin Pierce 937-287-4021, or Pastor Jamie 937-248-9996.
QUILTS & KITS “InGathering” OCTOBER 2-3
Good Shepherd is the InGathering location for Southwest/Central Ohio, parts of Northern Kentucky and Indiana. We are the drop-off point for hundreds of boxes filled with Quilts & Kits collected over the past year by churches, groups, and businesses. Our InGathering is a big event that utilizes many hands and good hard work. Volunteer to help, and join us Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 as we work together to fill a semi with gifts that will touch the lives of people around the world. Please contact the church office at (937) 298-0136 if you are willing to volunteer for this wonderful ministry. There will be social distancing guidelines sent to us by LWR that GSLC will use for both days in October.
Live Streaming
When we put in the sound system a few years ago, we had mentioned the possibility of expanding the system to be able to record videos with it as well. This pandemic has let us know how much people appreciate our worship services online. So with that feedback and the potential of live streaming funerals, weddings, confirmations, and other services that loved ones might not be able to attend in person throughout the year the Council put the AV Team on the task of coming up with a way to live stream events in the sanctuary. So we are looking to invest $6,500 in cameras and software to allow us to live stream events, and we will be upgrading our internet speed to allow us to live stream also but that will be reflected in the Ministry Plan presented at the Annual Meeting.
The Memorial Committee has already committed $2,800 toward the project, and we are asking you to consider contributing to this project. We are going to initially pay for this project from the Heritage Fund, and then reimburse the Heritage Fund from your contributions and the Memorial Committee. If you would like to contribute to this project feel free to put a check or cash in an envelope and mark the envelope “Live Streaming Fund” so we will track it. We are hopeful to have this project up and running by Christmas, what a beautiful time of year to help people feel closer to their church than that special time of year.
ELCA Disaster Relief Fund Request
Please look at the following link, which explains the ways in which the ELCA is providing support to those affected by recent natural disasters, such as the gulf coast hurricanes and the wildfires in the west. Lutheran Disaster Response
Please pray for those affected by these natural disasters. Prayerfully consider making a donation to help those in need. GSLC will collect donations throughout the month of September. All monetary amounts will be tabulated and sent to the ELCA in October.
GriefShare
GSLC continues to offer an active GriefShare support community. If you or someone you know is interested, please be in touch with Pastor Jamie or call Pam Bauser (937-602-8385) or Kathy Seim (936-901-0532). GriefShare is a faith based ministry that combines group discussion, video input from experts and others who know the grief journey, and individual study in the resource book. This ministry is available to all who have experienced the loss of a loved one at any time. Further information and registration is available at https://www.griefshare.org or by calling the GSLC office (937-298-0136).
GriefShare – MOURNING to JOY (13 weeks) BEGINS this week!
Sunday, September 13 – Sunday, December 6 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
GriefShare will be ONLINE in September. At this time plans for in person sessions as the fall progresses are still pending for the safety and welfare of all participants. This fall we will watch the video sessions together and continue our discussions via the Zoom link. Participants will be able to view the videos with the group. We have resource books available for $15.00 that we will deliver to each registrant. The resource book is an essential part of the GriefShare experience. Contact Pastor Jamie, Kathy Seim, or Pam Bauser for more information.
Topic: GriefShare
Time: SUNDAY 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join Zoom Meeting
Once again, anyone who registers with an email address will have an access link to all of the video sessions throughout the 13 weeks. This can be helpful to view the materials in the comfort of your home, to watch with family or friends, or to prepare to participate in the weekly discussions. For more information, give Kathy or Pam a call.
Looking ahead:
GriefShare’s – SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
Saturday, October 24, 2020
10:00 am – Noon
Currently we plan to gather in person for this special Surviving the Holidays session. Located in the Fellowship Hall (to allow easier social distancing).
Lifelong Learning
Our ADULT Lifelong Learning Classes are ONLINE! Everyone is welcome! Please contact the church office for the links below to join in the conversations. This is a great time to “zoom” in and discover the quality adult education we have at GSLC. Our Bible studies and Sunday morning studies are open to ALL online. If you haven’t checked any of these out, please consider joining the conversations.
Our YOUTH classes will resume on September 13th. The WHIRL curriculum is based on the weekly lectionary for the church year that allows the students to connect what they learn in class with what they hear in worship. If you have any questions, please call the church office or contact Pam. Karin Linch and Sandy Rosholt are the teachers for our youth classes.
Questions?? – Please contact Pam Bauser at 937-299-5186.
SATURDAY MORNING BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
Topic: Lectionary for Sunday worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Place: comfort of your home – connect online!
Join Zoom Meeting Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.
The Saturday Morning Breakfast Bible Study ONLINE is on Saturday 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 Zoom meeting link to join the conversation. Everyone (ALL ages and genders) is welcome! If you experience any difficulty connecting, please contact Roger at rebauser@me.com or call 937-299-5186.
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 incredible book invites us into the story moving forward from the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Come delve into the power of the Holy Spirit to change the world and ignite the flames of faith in the early church. If you are a reader who enjoys intrigue, adventure, and unexpected twists in the plot, this is the narrative for you. We will continue to meet ONLINE. The Zoom link, meeting ID and password remain the same. Roger Bauser will serve as the facilitator. ALL are welcome any Sunday you are available.
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men
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 continues 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.
Food Pantry Donations
Thank you to all who continue to support the Greenmont-Oak Park-Ascension “Neighbor-to-Neighbor” food pantry with your monthly donations.
The designated Food Pantry Sunday is the first Sunday of each month, but you can drop items off any time during the month. The food collection box is just inside the fellowship hall entry doors and you can drop off food any time during regular church office hours. Just ring the bell for access to the building and place your donations of non-perishable food items in the box. If you are not shopping regularly in the grocery and would like to make a monetary donation, just mail or deliver a check (“Payable to Good Shepherd”) to the church office.
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 web site, goodshepherdkettering.com, and on the front page on the right side 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.
Counseling Assistance
Good Shepherd is a member of the Covenant Society for Pastoral Counseling of Miami Valley Hospital. Trained and certified counselors are available to congregational members at any time, whether for a crisis or for ongoing help. This service is confidential, and anonymous if you choose. You do not have to go through the pastor or church to access this service. If you have a need simply call (937) 438-3486, tell the staff you are a member of Good Shepherd, our church is part of the Covenant Society for Pastoral Counseling through Premier. Because Good Shepherd is a member the cost to you is one-half of any non-reimbursed portion (for example, through insurance coverage) of the normal charge. For further information on this service you can call the above numbers, or talk to Pastor Jamie.
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!
ELCA NEWS:
NEW ELCA Disability Ministry God’s work. Our hands. Click here.
NEW Lutheran World Relief Sustainable Development. Click here.
ELCA Global Links Click here.
Season of Creation Devotions Offered by Four Heads of Communion
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and leaders from The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have prepared a series of devotions to observe the Season of Creation 2020, September 1 – October 4.
The season, which begins with the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation, is a time to join with the global Christian community in renewing, repairing and restoring commitments to God, to one another and to all of creation. For the four churches, it is also a time for strengthening relationships with one another. Through Scripture, hymns, advocacy and action, the weekly devotions, which begin Sept. 6, invite people to live out their vocation as stewards of creation.
In addition to Eaton, the devotions were contributed by the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, presiding bishop and primate, The Episcopal Church; the Rev. Susan C. Johnson, national bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada; and the Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, archbishop and primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Season of Creation devotions are available here.
Hunger in the Time of COVID-19
Life for Today and Hope for Tomorrow. An online benefit for ELCA World Hunger.
Rick Steves, guidebook author and travel TV host; the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and the Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, invite you to an online benefit — the first of its kind — for ELCA World Hunger. Together, we hope to raise $250,000 to confront hunger in the time of COVID-19 at this event.
When: Thursday, September 24, 7:00 pm. Central time.
Where: Zoom virtual event.
Register: Here
We are in a historic moment, facing a once-in-a-century pandemic and a global change in hunger unlike anything we have seen in our lifetimes. Domestically and internationally, hunger is increasing at alarming rates. At this event, you will learn about the unique ways ELCA World Hunger is responding. Our hosts will also discuss the ongoing root causes of hunger and poverty addressed in Rick Steves’ recent special Hunger and Hope: Lessons From Ethiopia and Guatemala. And you will hear from ELCA World Hunger partners on the front lines of the current hunger crisis, who will tell you firsthand how your gifts make a difference. We are called by God to share hope in this time of challenge. Join us to face this global hunger crisis head-on and to continue moving toward a just world where all are fed.