Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Members and friends of Good Shepherd shared the afternoon together at Kirby Park. The picnic kicked off with a short service of songs and reflection. Everyone enjoyed great food and fellowship. Children played baseball and had some water ballon battles.
See the photos at https://adobe.ly/2Zh8tSZ
Thank you to all who helped prepare for the picnic.
Children from three years old through sixth grade experienced the story of Joseph at Good Shepherd’s Vacation Bible School. Through the Bible story children learned about jealously, bullying, forgiveness, kindness, and family love. They also learned about helping and caring for others through out Kids Helping Kids project. This year’s project gathered pasta for our lovcsl food bank.
Thank you to the volunteers and sponsors that made VBS a success through time, talent, and treasure.
Click here to see more photographs
Congratulations to Alex, Lauren, and Jillian on their confirmation. The youth confirmed their faith through the Affirmation of baptism officiated by Rev. Lynn Rothrock on June 9th. Confirmation is a three year program that helps youth understand the faith so they can confirm the promises made when baptized. The confirmation program is part of Good Shepherd’s Faith Formation program to develop life long learning.
Good Shepherd will take the message of Christ’s triumphant ride into Jerusalem to the streets of Wilkes Barre. Our Palm Sunday procession will be led by children riding a miniature horse followed by participants carrying palms and singing. The procession begins at 9:45am at the corner of Main and South streets. All are welcome to join us in the procession.
Good Shepherd said farewell and Godspeed to Pastors Janell Wigen and Peter Kuritz on Sunday, August 12th. The pastors led us for one last time in a special worship service celebrating 18 years of ministry to our congregation. A reception followed in the afternoon allowing us to share memories and say goodbye.
Pastors Peter and Janell inspired our congregation to build ministries that not only serve our members but reached beyond our building walls into the community. But they were more than just our pastors, they were a part of our church family. They shared in our celebrations and supported us with prayers and comfort in our times of trial. Many of us shared in watching our children grow with their son, Pete.
We thank God to have been blessed to have them as our spiritual leaders and wish them Godspeed on the next chapter of their journey in ministry. We also look forward to the next chapter in the continued ministry of Good Shepherd.
We raise our hands in thanks to God for 18 years of ministry with our pastors.Click here to see photos of our Farewell and Godspeed service and reception.
Over 35 children participated in Good Shepherd’s Vacation Bible School from June 18-22. “Helping Hands – God’s Plan” was the theme based on the parable of The Good Samaritan. Children learned how people lived in Bible times and how they are God’s hands by helping others.
Children were introduced to a different Bible verse each day and dressed in tunics and head dresses as in ancient times. They met the traveler who was beaten and robbed on their journey. Then saw how a Samaritan helped to he traveler while others left him lying on the road.
During games children learned to work together as a team to build a tent from a parachute in addition to playing other games to reinforce lessons while getting a chance to run and play.
In crafts children made picture frames, t-shirts, and mini flags with hearts and hands to always remind them that helping others is how God wants us to show love for one another. Children get to make their own design on each craft to show what Helping Hands – God’s Plan means to them.
The Samaritan helps the traveler. Click here to see more photos.Children also experienced being God’s helping hands by collecting items to HELP boost the spirits of children when they are ill or injured. Several bins full of story books, coloring books, activity books, markers, and crayons were collected.
Five youth confirmed their faith through Affirmation of Baptism. The Rite of Confirmation took place at Good Shepherd’s 11:00 am worship service on Pentecost Sunday, May 20th.
The five youth completed three years of confirmation instruction as part of Good Shepherd’s Faith Formation programs. The instruction builds a deeper understanding of Christian faith and Lutheran beliefs so they can affirm their desire to continue in the faith they began when baptized as young children. Upon Confirmation their faith journey continues as adult members of Good Shepherd and the Christian community.
Pictured with Pastors Peter Kuritz and Janell Wigen are Brook, Logan, Samantha, Colin, and Summer who confirmed their faith.
Photo copyright Daren Bernecker. All rights reserved.
Once again Good Shepherd took to the streets of downtown Wilkes Barre with our Palm Sunday procession. Our congregation braved cold and snow to deliver the message of Christ’s triumphant ride into Jerusalem. The cross led the procession followed by children riding on a miniature horse and everyone singing while carrying palms. The procession stopped several times to reflect on Bible passages. Click here to see more photos
A new sign with our church name and information was added to the front of our church above the prayer chalkboard. A special thank you to the Martin’s for making the new sign possible.
VBS has arrived at Good Shepherd. Through interactive learning using the story of Noah children have learned how to Love one another and Trust in the Lord during the first two days. Fun activities include music, drama, crafts, games, and snacks. Click here to see photos of VBS in action. It’s not too late for kids 3 years to 6th grade to join in the fun and learning. VBS continues 9:am to noon through Friday, June 23rd.