Author: Daren Bernecker

Good Shepherd has several ways to give in support of our ministries.

Online

Gifts can be made online as a one time gift or set up as a recurring gift. Simply click the Give button when logged into our web site or send a text to (844) 618-1239.

Mail

Send a check/money order with you name and giving number (if known) to:
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
190 South Main Street
Wilkes Barre PA 18701

Traditional Envelopes

Place an envelope in the offing plate when attending services. Blank envelopes are available in the sanctuary. If you would like a supply of envelopes for 2024 please complete the form below.

Thank you for supporting the ministries of Good Shepherd!

Come join us as we celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve this Sunday at Good Shepherd.

9:00am – Fourth Sunday of Advent with a special Christmas message form our youth.

7:00pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

If you cannot attend the 7:00pm service at Good Shepherd there will be be a 4:00pm Christmas Eve service at Holy Trinity in Kingston.

Join us this Sunday December 3rd for our Advent Worskshop. There will be Advent crafts for both adults and children. The workshop begins at 10:45am. Enjoy food, fellowship, and crafts.

The proposed 2024 budget is now available for members to review prior to our Seminar annual Congregation Meeting on November 19, 2023. As previously announced, the meeting is scheduled to take place following our 9:00am worship service.

Click below to view the budget.

Members and friends of Good Shepherd celebrated 50 years of ministry during our anniversary dinner on October 27th. Pastor Wes Poole led us in prayer prior to a delicious buffet dinner. The Rev. Lynn Rothrock was MC for the event sharing memories of how Good Shepherd was formed from the consolidation of St. Paul’s and Christ Lutheran. The Cardoni family serenaded us with songs accompanied by our Music Director, Sandra Keator. Liz Keator shared a solo also accompanied by Sandra on the piano. The Rev. C. Frank Terhune, who was pastor of Good Shepherd from 1988 to 1999, shared memories of his time at Good Shepherd and spoke about being welcoming to everyone. The evening came to close with Gary Phillips playing guitar and leading everyone in singing Pass it On then Pastor Wes shared a closing prayer.

Memories of our 50 years of ministry were displayed throughout the dinner hall along with a picture slide show. The 50th anniversary banner that is in process of being made was also displayed.

Our 50th celebration continues with a special anniversary service on November 5th at 9:00am. The Rev. C. Frank Terhune will also visit as our guest pastor on November 12th.

There is still time to make a cross for our 50th Anniversary Banner. Click here for the pattern and instructions.

Good Shepherd’s semi-annual congregation meeting will be held November 19, 2023 following the 9:00am worship service. All members that have communed and contributed since January 1, 2022 are eligible to vote at the meeting.

Agenda Items will include:

• 2024 Budget
• Election of council members to unfulfilled seats
• Election of nominating committee members
• For the good of Good Shepherd

Additional items may be added to the agenda up to approval of the agenda at the meeting.

Daren Bernecker
Congregation President

(The meeting date has been corrected to November 19, 2023)

The Rev. George Zacharda came back to Good Shepherd as our guest pastor on October 15th. Rev. Zacharda was once of first pastors of Good Shepherd. He was appointed by the synod president as one of two vice pastors when Good Shepherd was formed through the consolidation of St. Paul’s and Christ Lutheran Churches.

The results of the vote to call The Rev. Patrick W. Poole (Pastor Wes) to the yoked parish of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church are in –

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Wilkes Barre:

41 total votes – 29 yes, 12 no – 70.73% yes

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Kingston

33 total votes – 33 yes, 0 no – `100% yes

Since both churches have voted with a positive 2/3 majority a call is now issued to Pastor Wes to serve as pastor of the yoked parish. Pastor Wes has indicated he will be accepting the call.

As a yoked parish both Good Shepherd and Holy Trinity will continue as individual congregations but yoked together to share one pastor. In the future we hope to look toward sharing some ministries that fulfill the mission of both congregations and help build the Lutheran faith in our community.

Daren Bernecker
Congregation President
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

The Rev. Janell Wigen visited Good Shepherd as one of our 50th anniversary guest pastors on October 8th. Pastor Janell served as one of our co-pastors from 2000-2018 with he husband The Rev. Peter Kuritz. Pastor Janell’s message centered on how Good Shepherd has served as a beacon in the community through our many ministries. Sunday School, VBS, youth retreats, mentoring for confirmands, the Fellowship Fest were some of the ministries she mentioned. She talked about how inclusive we are to everyone and spoke about how her son Pete, who was attending the service, grew up at Good Shepherd. Pastor Janell met with many people and enjoyed fellowship following the worship service.