Children Learn to Shine Jesus’ Light

Kids were launched into outer space to learn how to Shine Jesus’ Light during our 2023 Vacation Bible School. Good Shepherd’s sanctuary was transformed to into a Stellar experience with backdrops that included stars, a black hole, and other celestial images. Planets and an astronaut hung in the air while another astronaut was standing next to a lunar lander.

Lessons included a Bible story and Bible point based on the daily Bible verse. Each evening began with Sing and Play Blast Off where kids were introduced to the Bible point of the day with a skit, danced to songs, and prayed. The evening continued with active learning. Bible stories were brought to life in Bible Adventures. In Imagination station they learned through science experiments related to the Bible Point of the day. Kids enjoyed snacks related to each day’s theme. After snacks kids made picture frames, t-shirts, and planets to remember what they learned. Cosmic Closing rounded out each evening with skits, science demonstrations to reinforce learning, dancing to music, and prayer.

Pray for Family of Samantha and Elizabeth

Please pray for the Crich, Heck, and Perkins families as they work through the loss of Samantha Crich and her daughter Elizabeth Perkins. Samantha and Elizabeth were taken in a tragic accident and are now with God.

If you would like help the family with the expenses you may do so through the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Just mark your donation For the Family of Samantha and Elizabeth and the funds will be forwarded to the family.

Fellowship and Entertainment Enjoyed at Fastnacht

Fastnacht returned on February 21st with more than just delicious food and delicious fastnachts. While enjoying fellowship there was also live entertainment with singing by Gary Phillps, Pastor Wes, and A’ishaa. Of course we couldn’t have fastnacht without the comedy of Christian Ritter. Thank you to our Connection Building Team and all those who provided food for an enjoyable evening together.

50th Anniversary Banner

Good Shepherd is celebrating 50 years of ministry in 2023. As part of of celebration we are creating a banner that celebrates the individuality of our members. Every member is being asked to make a cross to be placed on the banner that represents themselves. This is a project that will be continuing throughout the year with the banner being unveiled at our anniversary dinner in the fall. Please click the Download button below and print the pattern and instructions to create your cross and return it to the church by August 1st. You can also access a paper copy of the banner pattern and instructions at church.

Kids Learn Jesus Leads the Way

Good Shepherd’s Vacation Bible School was a screaming success with kids excited about God. Jesus was our guide through the rainforest as kids learned how He leads us through life. The sanctuary was transformed into a rainforest where they entered through a waterfall to begin their journey. Kids had fun learning with songs, Bible adventures, crafts, games, and snacks.

The first day’s lesson taught kids that God keeps promises through the story of Noah. The second day kids learned how God gives us direction through the Ten Commandments. On day three children found out how Jesus is with us as we fish for people. Day four showed us how Jesus heals us using the story of the lepers. On the last day children learned to share His good news as Jesus overflowed his disciples’ nets.

Watch VBS in action!

New giving options

Good Shepherd has new ways to support our ministries through online giving. You can use credit and debit cards as well as direct debit from you bank account. You can also set up recurring donations so you’ll never have to remember to bring your envelope or mail you donation. Transactions are secure using our new provider Tithely, an ELCA preferred vendor.

To use online giving just click the green Give button on our web site. You can even simply click a box to increase your giving to cover processing costs instead of having to calculate the increase.

Coming soon we’ll also have a mobile app to make giving even easier.

BE IT RESOLVED…

By Pastor Wes Poole

Genesis 1:31a

God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. – NRSV

So how are your New Year’s resolutions going? “Huh?!?” you’re likely thinking. “What in the world are you talking about?! We’re already past Valentine’s Day!! Aren’t times hard enough without your lifting up yet another of our failings?!” Point taken, and if you are still faithfully sticking to your resolution/s, good for you! If though, like many or most of us, you forgot about them two weeks into January, please relax…I am NOT here to beat you up over it! Besides, I’d be the worst kind of hypocrite if I did. I didn’t even bother with resolutions this year. I knew in advance I was not up for the challenge.

I actually started thinking about this a couple of weeks ago when I was in a rehearsal. We were talking about all of the COVID protocols and the need for staying safe when a friend of mine, who is also a doctor, said something that really resonated with me. He told the group that regardless of what else was going on, we must remember to be kind to ourselves. Now you guys know that I’m always reminding us to be kind and be safe, but my friend reminded me that means we are also personally a part of that equation. Jesus showed us once and for all how important it is to love our neighbor and show kindness to others. Yet all the way back in the opening chapters of Genesis, we are reminded that God first looked at us and His entire Creation and declared it “very good”. Attending to our physical and mental health is one way we honor and give thanks for God’s many gifts to us. Every morning, we wake to a new day lived in the assurance of the love and forgiveness of God in Christ Jesus. God doesn’t dwell on our shortcomings. Neither should we. We should face each day with the confidence that God will always be by our side, and with a new opportunity to offer God and neighbor a better version of ourselves.

In just a couple of weeks, the season of Lent will be upon us. Part of that journey will consist of striving to make that better version of ourselves a reality. It’s not always an easy prospect, but we know that Our Lord will walk the path with us. Along the way though, let’s do our best to be kind to each other and ourselves. We will emerge on the other side stronger as a community, and as individuals. Is that a “Lenten resolution”? I guess it is…but I’m OK with that!

Let us pray…

God of Creation, you have looked upon us all and declared that we are your children. Help us when we falter, and teach us to be good to everyone. Jesus showed us the way. Strengthen our resolve to follow the example he gave us, for it is in his name that we pray. Amen.

Be well, be kind, and be safe.

Your partner in Christ,

Pastor Wes Poole †

Pastors Move to Life Triumphant

Two pastors who served Good Shepherd have passed to life triumphant.

Pastor James Papada passed away Monday, February 7, 2022. Pastor Papada served as Pastor of Good Shepherd in the 1970s. His obituary can be viewed at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/readingeagle/name/james-papada-obituary?id=32844975

The Rev. Robert F. Sauers passed away February 8, 2021. Pastor Sauers served as a supply pastor for Good Shepherd during a pastoral vacancy. His obituary can be viewed at https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/citizensvoice/name/robert-sauers-obituary?id=32899264

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Pastors Papada and Sauers.