REMINDER – THERE WILL BE NO SERVICES THIS WEEKEND DUE TO THE WINTER STORM
PDF of the bulletin insert can be found here
WORSHIP
Worship With Us Online!
Join us now in worship online!
Connect with us 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
LAST WEEK’S SERMON You can watch last week’s sermon here
PARISH LIFE
MONDAYS WITH MALLORY
Now that we’ve sprinted our way through three major holidays and an installation service, I want us to take the chance to get to know each other:
Starting Monday, February 9th, I’ll be available in the lounge for Mondays with Mallory. This isn’t a bible study or brainstorming session or meeting. This is a chance to drop in from 2:30P—4PM (in-person or on Zoom) and get to know more about me and for me to get to know you better, too. Want to know what I’m reading right now? Come and ask. Want to know my favorite types of food? Come and ask!
ID OUR CORE BELIEFS AND CONVICTIONS
The Good Shepherd congregation is looking for ways we can interact with God’s mission in our community. The Co:Lab team is asking for your help to identify our core beliefs and convictions.
Please join one of the following meetings in person or via Zoom to help us discern these beliefs and convictions. Here’s the Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8218602439
Tues, Jan 27 at 10:30 in the lounge (Zoom available)
Wed, Feb 4 at 5:30 in the lounge, supper provided (Zoom available)
Sun, Feb 8 at 11:45 in the lounge, lunch provided (Zoom available)
We look forward to seeing you there! Questions? contact Karin Linch, John Biller, Judy Treadway, Ashley Weyhrauch, Pastor Mallory
GSLC & HCC CELEBRATION LUNCHEON, SUN FEB 1
Come join us as we celebrate the third anniversary of our covenant agreement with Harmony Creek United Church of Christ! For 3 years now the two congregations have collaborated wonderfully well as we continue our individual and combined ministries in a shared building. The CELEBRATION will be right after service on Sunday, February 1 in the Fellowship Hall. Come for cake, punch, and good times. The only thing to bring is YOU! Everyone is invited to toast our God-given ministry together.
See you at the celebration!
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday will be on February 18 this year. We will be having a Soup Supper beginning at 5:30. Worship will follow at 7:00. More information will be available as the date draws nearer.
ASHES TO GO
Ashes will be available on Ash Wednesday from 11am-1pm and 4-6pm in the church parking lot
SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY
The race for the Super Bowl is well under way with all the wild card games completed. Gone are perennial powers – the Chiefs and the Eagles.
Some old familiar teams have been rejuvenated to reappear in the final four.
Will it be the Rams or the Seahawks for the NFC title?
How will the Patriots do in the Mile High City against the Broncos?
We shall see about the football results this weekend, but here are the latest “SOUP”er Bowl results for our food pantry drive.
AFC – 44 items with the narrowest of leads
Commercials right behind with 43.
NFC – trailing but not out of the race with 26
Total for the drive 116.
A good start but we have a long way to go. Bring your donations and put them in your favorite bin.
This weekend (24, 25th), the following weeknd (31, 1st) or Super Bowl weekend (Feb 7th, 8th)
NEW MEMBERS
If you’re someone who’s interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd, then mark your calendars for Saturday, February 14th at 10:30AM! We will have a brief class where you can get to know Pr. Mallory and learn about Good Shepherd! We will also be receiving new members during worship on Saturday, February 28th and Sunday, March 1. Please reach out to Pastor Mallory or Beccy Zastrow (our office admin) if you’re interested.
GAME NIGHT
Please join with members of Harmony Creek for the January Game Night. It will be held Saturday, January 31st @ 6 pm in the Fellowship Hall. If you have a game that you want to share, you are welcome to bring it. Otherwise let yourself enjoy the games brought by others.
MID-WINTER OWLS LUNCHEON, FEB 14
What’s special about February 14? That’s the day that the Older & Wiser Lutherans of Good Shepherd will have their next luncheon, of course. The OWLS will gather on Sat, Feb 14 at 12:30 at MCL Restaurant & Bakery, 4485 Far Hills Ave (near Far Hills & David Road) to share stories and fellowship. Questions? Please contact Ginny Herbeck or Judy Treadway.
COMMUNITY FAMILY SOCIAL NIGHT
Join us for an evening of connection, laughter and fun for the whole family
- Date: Friday, January 30
- Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Location: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Here’s what’s happening:
- Sloppy Joe’s and Salad
- Craft Activity for Kids to spark creativity
- Games for Adults—from friendly competition to just plain goofy fun
All are welcome—neighbors, friends, and newcomers alike.
WORSHIP COMMITTEE INVITES
Mark your calendars: The Worship Committee and Pastor Mallory would like to invite all those who volunteer as Assistant Ministers, Communion Assistants and Lectors to attend an informal training session at 6:30 PM, February 11, 2026 in the Fellowship Hall.
To all those who are interested in becoming a volunteer and are curious as to what is involved are most welcome to attend as well. If you have any questions, please contact Duane Tackis and Ed Thieman.
OUTREACH AND SERVICES
POINSETTIA PROJECT:
A Total of $1754.88 has been donated to the ELCA Disaster relief
Thank you for all your generous donations
FOOD PANTRIES
$1820.31 has been generously donated since the end of September. This money has been sent to 4 food pantries in the greater Kettering area.
Greenmont Oak Park Community Church Food Pantry
Feeding Friends Food Pantry
Marshall Road Church of Good Food Pantry
South Community “Caring Hands” Food Pantry
LIFELONG LEARNING
LENTEN STUDY
Pastor Mallory will be leading a 5-week study on how to use photography as a spiritual practice! We’ll meet beginning Wednesday, February 25th at 6:30PM in the Fellowship Hall. You do not have to buy any special equipment or have any prior photography experience to participate.
WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY- WINTER 2026
In January we leaned in to the Spirit of God, the breath of God, and the presence of God in prayer. We connected in prayer with the posture of our bodies and the use of touchstones. Touchstones are physical objects like prayer shawls, rosaries, crosses, hearts that when held enhance our prayer experiences. Exploring prayer and prayer practices continues in February. We will explore praying for creation as well as praying with creation. The session concludes in the Book of Revelation with the glorious vision of the river of life. Come and be present. Pray in unexpected ways that may not seem like traditional prayer!
February: Praying with the body of the earth
Discussion facilitator: Pam Bauser
Tuesday, February 10 at 7:30 pm
ONLINE via Zoom
Wednesday, February 11 at 10:30 am
IN PERSON or ONLINE
Meet in the GSLC Lounge or use the Zoom link to join.
Copies of study available in the Narthex.
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8218602439?pwd=bm5IdHo2Y2JZMWVGWWp6dERybkcwZz09
This is the link to access the Bible study: Download Session One
Bring copies will be available in the Narthex/Gathering Space.
Sunday morning classes for children and youth
Sunday School for children / youth in grades PreK-12 will begin Sun Nov 9. Class will be held in the chapel from 9:30 to about 10:15 and led by Karin Linch & Sandy Rosholt. Each weekly lesson will correspond to that week’s bible readings. Come join us!
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY DISCUSSION for ALL
Come join us on Zoom on Thursday mornings! Bring your bible with your coffee. 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. Questions: Call the office at 937-298-0136
Topic: Gospel Lectionary Readings for Worship
Facilitator: Roger Bauser
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
MISCELLANEOUS
PROPERTY & FACILITIES COMMISSION UPDATE
At the request of the Council President, the Property & Facilities Commission is sharing an update to keep the congregation informed. Over the past year, dedicated volunteers completed routine maintenance to keep our church welcoming and inviting. In addition, volunteers and contractors completed several major projects funded by the Heritage Fund, including new flooring and fresh paint in the main office, two offices, and the sacristy, as well as a remodeled pastor’s bathroom. The Heritage Fund was also essential in covering unexpected expenses such as replacing the kitchen’s industrial refrigerator, the sanctuary handicap door opener, and a motor and pump in the heating system. We extend sincere thanks to our volunteers and to all who generously support the Heritage Fund—your continued giving to the Heritage Fund helps care for our church now and into the future.
Thank you all for your generous donations and continued support of this ministry.
QUILT GROUP AT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR: Quilters at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Oakwood gather twice a month to make quilts for the annual Lutheran World Relief In-gathering. Quilting pros and novices are invited to join them on the 1st Tuesday and 3th Wednesday of each month, 9:30-11:30, followed by a sack lunch. Where? Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 155 E Thruston Blvd, Oakwood, OH 45419 (near Far Hills & Patterson). All are welcome. Questions? contact Judy Treadway.
Financial Update
Below are the financial results for the first quarter of 2026 (October 1,2025 – December 31,2025)
- YTD income of $62,730 higher than the budget of $59,225. This is mainly due to an extra rent payment from Harmony Creek in the Quarter.
- YTD expenses of $43,299 is unfavorable to the budget of $41,881 due to higher utility expenses
- First quarter net income is $19,431 versus a plan of $17,344
2026 offering envelopes are available in the Narthex.
Hand Sanitizer in pews: Small bottles of hand sanitizer are now available in the pews for you to use. The bottles are located near the center aisle.
The 2026 Altar Flower Calendar is posted in the Narthex near the serving area. You are encouraged to sign up now to select your favorite date. Flowers can be given in HONOR of a person or event or in MEMORY of a person or special occasion. When you choose to donate Altar Flowers, you are welcome to take them home after the Sunday service. Flowers that remain are made into bouquets and distributed to members of the congregation. They do bring great cheer and a loving connection to our GSLC family to someone who is hospitalized, ill or unable to worship with us. Altar Flowers are $45.00.
Consider adding your gifts to this important worship ministry. Donate flowers. Offer to become a Flower Delivery person.
There will be no altar flowers during the season of Lent
Offerings: Electronic Giving
Please 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