Transition Time (What happens next?) – Let the Holy Spirit Lead Us Article. Click here.
Voting September 14/15 & September 21/22
Please vote for 2 new Council members and the ministry financial plan (budget) after worship on Saturday, September 14 & Sunday, September 15, Saturday, September 21 & Sunday, September 22. Mark your name off on the voting roster, get your ballot from Wayne Rosholt in the narthex, complete the ballot, and insert it in the ballot box. If you are not able to vote after worship during the next 2 weekends, please contact Judy Treadway. All voting must be completed by Wednesday, September 25.
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
Communion
This September the congregation will return to familiar practices communing around the altar. Parishioners will follow the directions of the ushers to come forward. You may pause at the baptismal font and then move to the left or right to stand or kneel at the rail. We will start in front of the altar and continue around to the back. Please leave a space on either side of the baptismal font for those with mobility issues. After receiving communion, return to the pews using the side aisles, placing the communion cup in the tray by the pillar on either side. For those choosing to remain in the pews during communion, there are communion all-in-one cups available in the Narthex. You may pick one up before the service or request one from the ushers during communion.
Lingering with the Lord
Do you need some time away from the busyness of life? On the 4th Wednesday of the month come join us at GSLC to linger with the Lord followed by a time of prayer. Enjoy the chance to come together in singing and praying, while also getting a moment 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, September 25 at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary. All are welcome to join us!
5th Sunday Carry-in Lunch Please join us in the Fellowship Hall for our 5th Sunday carry-
in lunch on September 29 immediately after service. All are welcome! Call Eileen Hunter with questions at 937-654-5588.
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
OWL Luncheon
Please join us on September 14 at 12:00 pm at North China restaurant, 6090 Far Hills Ave. A sign-up sheet is in the Narthex to get a headcount. Call Eileen Hunter with questions: 937-654-5588.
Food Pantry News
Our AUGUST food was delivered to local food pantries on September 9 – totaling 259 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/FjrnKG
Next Food Pantry Sunday is October 6, but food donations can be dropped off any time you are in the building. To date in this fiscal year from September 1, 2023 – September 1 2024 we have donated almost 3000 food items.
Helping Hands
Our Property and Facilities Commission will have a recurring “Helping Hands Service Initiative” to help maintain and keep our church grounds and facilities in optimal shape as we strive to make it an inviting place. We will have a monthly event on the third Saturday, September 21 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM to work on timely projects and seasonal tasks. If you have some time to lend a hand in a rewarding and beneficial way, please come join in the fun. Chris, Del, Wayne, and John will have a list of inside and outside projects along with the necessary supplies and tools on hand to make this time a productive, beneficial, and rewarding service opportunity for our church. Additionally, if you have ideas or recommendations on areas to improve, please send them to the Office Manager at office@goodshepherdkettering.com or to one of the commissioners. Thank you.
Quilts & Kits – “InGathering” OCTOBER 4 & 5
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 4 and Saturday, October 5 as we work together to fill a semi with gifts that will touch the lives of people around the world. Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex.
Crop Walk
Good Shepherd has been asked to participate in the 2024 Dayton Area CROP Hunger Walk on Sunday, October 13. The CROP Walk is an annual event which helps overcome hunger and poverty both in Dayton and around the world. 25% of all proceeds goes to the Dayton Foodbank and the remaining throughout the world from Church World Service. The walk will start at Shiloh Church, 5300 Philadelphia Dr, Dayton, with registration at 1:00 pm and the walk beginning at 1:30 pm. The course is a little over 1 mile. I hope to walk in the event and I would love for GSLC members to join me!
Ways to help if you cannot attend the CROP Walk:
1. Sponsor a walker with a donation.
2. Make a donation directly to the church and request it to go towards the CROP Walk.
All donations need to be in the church by October 6, so that a check can be given to the CROP WALK organizers on October 13.
Please contact me with any questions.
Thanks!
Lisa Connelly, Outreach Commissioner
Fall Craft Fair – November 2 at 9:00 am
Good Shepherd is proud to host our annual Fall Craft Fair! Our Fall and Spring Craft Fairs have become well-attended events in our community. This is a BIG event with all proceeds going toward local GSLC supported ministries. Our craft fair would not be successful without our dedicated volunteers and the many talented crafters who rent a space from us. Consider volunteering your time to help with this fun and amazing event. Your gift of time will not only help support our ministries, but will also afford you an opportunity to meet many wonderful people and be an ambassador for Good Shepherd. If you would like to know more about volunteering or how to be of service, please contact Rich Kellstrom.
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
Lifelong Learning
YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Regular educational sessions for our youth are in the planning.
SUNDAY MORNING ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Topic: Come, hear, and ponder the Word of God.
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 8:50 am – 9:50 am
Place: Comfort of your own home – connect and discuss with others online!
If you have any questions, please contact Roger Bauser at rebauser@me.com
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY for Men |
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.
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Reading for worship
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
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.
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for worship
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 for FALL
Receiving Grace: A Study of Ephesians by Rev. Heidi Haverkamp
The study of Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians is underway. Mark your calendars for October and November so you don’t miss this chance to explore together.
October 9 – Grace-filled living – ancient and new
November 13 – Living as children of the Light
The Bible study information is accessible online at www.gathermagazine.org.
All are welcome to explore this first session of the fall study!
Here is the link for the September session, Is grace real?: Download the study.
GRIEFSHARE GriefShare is underway. Good Shepherd is offering GriefShare for anyone
dealing with the loss of a loved one. This ministry offers biblical, Christ-centered teaching on topics associated with the death of a loved one. It is a place to find support and comfort in the company of others who are experiencing loss. The video seminar series and participant guide feature nationally respected grief experts and real-life personal stories. Each week there are group discussions about the weekly topics and personal grief experiences. Good Shepherd is hosting the 13-week program, GriefShare: Your Journey from Mourning to Joy, in person and online from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Sundays. If you or someone you know is interested, please register online at www.griefshare.org or call the church office. If you have any questions, contact Kathy Seim (937-901-0532) or Pam Bauser (937-602-8385). Please keep our current GriefShare group in your prayers. We have seven attendees in person and another seven online. God is at work in this ministry.
MISCELLANEOUS
Annual Meeting Notes – September 8, 2024
Click here for the GSLC Annual Meeting
Congregational Notes – September 15, 2024
Click here for the GSLC Council Minutes
Summer Music Fest Sit back and relax. Feel the beat and dance, socialize, and enjoy a
snack. Generations Big Band will have a Summer Music Fest in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, September 26 from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. There will be ice cream sundaes and beverages available. Everyone is welcome!
Trunk or Treat
All children are welcome to a Trunk or Treat hosted by Harmony Creek Church and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the parking lot. Make sure to bring a candy bucket for some treats on October 27 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Offerings:
For July YTD, the financial results are as follows:
· Offerings are $219,156 vs a budget of $222,167, including Harmony Creek
· Harmony Creek is at the budget of $25,000
· Budgeted Offerings are $3,011 less than budget.
· Expenses $215,179 vs budget of $222,056
· Net Income of $3,977 vs a budgeted of $110.
The January – June Contribution Statements have been distributed, please contact June Newell with any questions (937-901-2365)
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. 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.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
ELCA Seminaries Virtual Discernment Event
Have you ever wondered about theological education?
The ELCA seminaries would like to help you learn more about your seminary options and explore with you where God might be calling you next. Join all seven seminaries of the ELCA on Sunday, September 15th from 4:00-6:30 (EST) for a Joint Virtual Discernment Event.
Click here to learn more and register.
Harmony Creek Silent Auction
Harmony Creek will have a Silent Auction on Saturday, September 21 at 4:00 pm. Entry tickets will be $10.00 and children with an adult are free. For those who offer a donation or are willing to volunteer, entry is $5.00. Browse through a multitude of items up for bid, ranging from unique crafts and artwork to homemade goods, curated events, and much more. Your participation directly supports our church’s mission and community outreach efforts. Bring your family and friends for an enjoyable evening of bidding and fellowship.
Messy Church Learning Sessions
Are you interested in reaching out into your neighborhood to share the Good News? Messy Church® is a type of Fresh Expression that includes messy activities tied to a Biblical story, a short celebration time of story and worship, and a simple meal. It’s not kids’ church—it’s intentionally intergenerational. Usually held monthly, it reaches people who might be uncomfortable in a traditional church setting. Join us to learn more! Pr. Richard Freudenberger will be facilitating this three-night series and we will be joined by the Rev. Dr. Adam Wirring, the pastor of St. John’s UCC (Downtown Dayton). This is three-part learning series, meeting on September 23rd and October 7th beginning at 7:00 PM each time.
Click here for more information & to register!
Please complete a separate registration form for each individual attending.
Questions? Contact Pr. Richard Freudenberger!
48th Annual Apple Butter and Fall Festival (Oct. 13, 12-6pm)
Come celebrate the fall season with us at our annual Apple Butter Festival! Enjoy a wagon ride through camp, sample tasty apple butter, grab a meal, and let the kids have fun in the supervised children’s activity area. This year we are excited to offer craft vendors, food trucks, wine, and beer vendors, and so much more! Also, enjoy our NEW pumpkin patch while you are there. Come and buy pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and even bring them to paint during our festival!
At our annual Apple Butter Festival, we raise funds for camp scholarships (camperships). Your support can make a big difference — $590 can send a child to summer camp, and $2,235 can send a family of four to camp at Luther. Last year, thanks to your generosity, 269 campers were able to attend camp. Help us make camp accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. Every contribution matters — thank you for your support!