good shepherd lutheran church shepherd’s voice · 2015 % difference if you would like to view the...
TRANSCRIPT
Give. Serve. Lead. Connect.
Shepherd’s Voice
J a n u a r y 2 0 1 7
F r o m P a s t o r H a r a l d B r i n g s j o r d
To access this and other publications online visit GSlacrosse.org/voice.
GSlacrosse.org/voice Facebook.com/GSlacrosse Twitter.com/goodshepherdlse
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
As we enter into the New Year I invite us to ponder the following Scripture readings and reflect on what is behavior befitting our lives as Christians in a culture that appears to thrive on de-humanizing one another. The apostle Paul writes to the Galatians: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). And to the Corinthians he writes: “Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends” (1 Cor. 13:4-8a). And James writes: “You must understand this, my beloved: let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). In a culture where we like to listen to and love those who agree with us and tend to demonize the others, I would encourage us all to think about a more expansive view of love. Imagine what could happen if our listening included those who are not in our immediate circle of friends, if we expanded it to those who are completely different from us in politics, religion, sexuality, age or ethnicity, or educationally, socially, and economically. Imagine what could happen if we read
and listened to points of view that we may not agree with for the sole purpose of seeking understanding and seeing that the other is also a human being, just like us. Luke records Jesus as saying: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them”. (Luke 6:32). May we all be blessed and empowered to be a blessing in the New Year as we love, listen, and learn from one another, and especially from those who have differing views. God’s blessings, Pastor Harald
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Women Who Wrestle With The Word (W5)
If you would like to be a part of a regular
gathering of Christian Women, you are
always welcome to join W5. The group
will meet every Monday at
6:30pm in the welcome area
in the front of the sanctuary.
Lydia Circle
Good Shepherd Ministries
Lydia Circle meets the 1st Tuesday of
every month. Come join them for great
conversations, some laughter, fun,
camaraderie and a sweet desert!
If you have any questions or
would like to learn more
about Lydia circle, call Carol
Abraham at (608)787-0609.
Altar Guild—Willing to help out on our
Altar Guild? It is a very easy
commitment and we would be happy to
show you how it’s done! Simply call
Candie Luehne at (608)304-2035.
Quilting—Quilters meet at Good
Shepherd every Wednesday at 12:30pm
in the quilting room.
Mailing Crew—The Shepherd’s Voice
Mailing Crew is wondering if you are
interested in helping out prepare the
Voice newsletter with address labels and
stickers? We meet the 4th Thursday of
each month at 8:30am in the choir room.
Care Ministry—Care Ministries visit
the homebound year round to have a
small chat, give communion, and have a
prayer. Interested in joining this
ministry? Contact Don Skibba at 787-
0498. If you or someone you know
would like a visit from our care ministry
team, please contact the church office at
(608)788-0450.
55 Plus—55 Plus is a friendly lunch
gathering for the 55+ crowd that meets
every 3rd Thursday of the month at
11:30am. We gather at The King Street
Kitchen located at 141 7th St S.
Flower and Bulletin Sponsorship
Readers & Ushers Appreciated!
Readers and Ushers are always valued
at our worship services. Please consider
signing up on the chart in the welcome
area at the back of the sanctuary. You
can sign up for a time and day that
works for you. The readings will be sent
(either by mail or email) to you early
that week. Thank you so much for
helping out!
The flower and bulletin sponsorship
charts are on the bulletin board in the
back of the welcome area. Sponsoring
the flowers or bulletins is an easy way to
honor special dates such as birthdays
and anniversaries, or the memory of a
loved one. If you have any
questions on sponsoring the
flowers or bulletins, please
contact Kathy or Rick in the church
office at (608)788-0450.
Give Volunteering Within Church
Serve
Enriching Life, Sharing Talents
Ushers Schedule
Causeway Caregivers
Causeway Caregivers exists to help!
Give Causeway a call if you need
assistance in or around your home or
if you have a few hours to volunteer
helping those who do.
(608) 775-9999 or visit our website:
causewaycaregivers.org
Thank You All So Very Much…
Altar Guild —Thank you to the
members who served during the month of
December, Jeanne Atchley and Connie
Erickson. During January Arlene Dreves
& Sharon Yushta will be on duty’.
Connie Erickson— Thank you for
sending out the “Get Well” card in
December. Candie Luehne will be
sending out the cards throughout the
month of January.
Ann Hudson—Thank you for sending out
cards and prayer shawls year round to
bereaved families.
Care Ministries—Thank you to all
members who are serving as Care
Ministers to the faithful members of
Good Shepherd who can no longer come
to worship with us. Through you, our
Care Ministers, the church comes to
them!
Jan 1 8:30am: Dave Kranz, Jane Strangstalien, David & Trinity Busch, Al & Kathy Johnson 10:30am: Marsh Juel, Sandra Rockwell, Marv & Darryle Clott, Don & Darcy Skibba
Jan 8 8:30am : Confirmation Youth
10:30am: Confirmation Youth
Jan 15 8:30am:Roger Weeks, Nancy Oelke, Odell & Carol Anderson, Harlan & Kathy McLain
10:30am: Adam Kimball, Diane Kimball, Tony & Jen Servais, J erry & Virginia Larsen
Jan 22 8:30am : Confirmation Youth
10:30am: Confirmation Youth
Jan 29 8:30am : 8th Grade Led
10:30am: 8th Grade Led
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Calling All Musicians!
Our “Sounds of Praise” worship band
invites you to help us lead the worship
here at Good Shepherd. “Sounds of
Praise” is intended to bring together the
greatest number and variety of
instruments possible, presenting special
music and enhancing our wide variety of
hymn styles. Whatever type of
instrument you play,
“Sounds of Praise”
welcomes you! Please call
Randy Lyden at
(608)779-9669 or email
to be a part of this growing
and exciting praise band!
Local Food Pantry Needs
4-H Club
The Mormon Coulee 4-H Club was first
established in 1946 making the club one
of the oldest in La Crosse County! 4-H
clubs are made up of children from
kindergarten through high school. We
meet the second Sunday of each month at
5pm in the Mattes Center. We are always
looking for eager volunteers to showcase
their talents or for new members. If
anyone is interested, or has any
questions, please feel free to contact Kim
Young at (608)796-0099 or e-mail
Boy Scouts—Troop 22 meets at 6:45pm
weekly on Tuesday’s in the Mattes
Center.
Girl Scouts—Troop 4172 meetings are
not yet set.
Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts Meet at Good Shepherd
Lead
Raising Up Spiritual Leaders
Connect
Bridging Our Community To Our World
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
The Sanctuary Choir
The Sanctuary Choir rehearses between
services every Sunday from September
through May and new members are
always welcome!! If you would like to
join our Sanctuary Choir, please contact
Karl Greenfield at 715-214-8528
or at [email protected]
The Gloria Dei Choir
We rehearse between services on
Sundays from September through May in
the Mattes Center and new members are
always welcome! If your children would
like to be a part of the Gloria Dei Choir,
please contact Darlene Lassig at
(608)788-5686 or at
Hand Bell Choir
Practices are on Sunday evenings
5:30pm for adult bell choir and 6:30pm for
youth bell choir. If you have any questions
please contact Linda Jerome at
High School Youth Group
(Grades 9-12) Good Shepherd’s
High School Youth Group is a group
that meets on Wednesday evenings
at 6pm throughout the year.
Fellowship and games 6–7p with a
bible study at 7p. You aren't the only
Christian at your school! Come
hangout with other awesome teens
just like yourself. Social events
throughout the year along with a
yearly mission trip. Want to learn
more? Contact Stephanie Andersen
at [email protected] or just
drop in and check it out for yourself!
Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, Ecclesiastes 12:1
West Avenue Food
Emergency Relief (WAFER)
is asking for spaghetti and
sauce during the month of
January. Thank you for all
the donations given in
December!
Please leave all donations in
the grocery cart near our bulletin boards in
the Welcome Area. A monetary gift may
also be given to help support WAFER.
Simply make your check out to Good
Shepherd, and indicate WAFER in the check
memo area.
If you have any questions about Scouts, please call the church office at 788-0450 and
we can connect you with the group leaders.
Our next Mobile Meals will be sometime in 2017!!
Thank you all for delivering Mobile
Meals in November/December and
through out 2016 year!! Mobile Meals of
La Crosse delivers 33,000 meals
annually to the homebound, largely
through the efforts of local churches like
ours.
Need more information?
Call 784-4623 or go
online at mobilemealsoflacrosse.org.
Pick-up place is Franciscan/Mayo at the
Market Street door and the pick-up time
will be 11am. Please allow 1 1/2 to 2
hours delivery time. We are route #1.
Weekly Sunday Attendance
September
2016
September
2015
% Difference
27,127.38 40,792.70 -33.5%
YTD 2016 YTD 2015 % Difference
309,305.61 350167.00 -11.7%
If you would like to view the
complete financial statements that
are shared with the Council, please
contact Rick in the church office at
[email protected] or by calling
the church office (608)788-0450.
Envelope Offering Comparison
Weekly Envelope Offerings
Stewardship
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Church Numbers Memorials & Special Gifts
Page 6 GSlacrosse.org
Date 8:30am 10:30am
11/06/16 125 169
11/13/16 147 137
11/20/16 87 92
11/27/16 85 109
Date Weekly % Budget
11/06/16 11,014.83 138%
11/13/16 4,539.50 55%
11/20/16 7,220.55 91%
11/27/16 4352.50 55%
Totals 27,127.38 85%
Good Shepherd gratefully acknowledges and sincerely appreciates your gifts over and above
your regular giving. The following gifts were received from Nov. 15 through Dec 18, 2016.
Donations From CouncilDonations From
CongregationMatching Funds Funds from Lee Estate
Needed 14,075.00 35,925.00 100,000.00 80,316.68
Given To Date 14,796.32 54,887.00 75,000.00
0
20000
40000
60000
80000
100000
120000
Mortgage Elimination Progress as of 12/19/16Form this point forward, all funds from the congregation or council will reduce the funds
that wi ll be needed from the Lee estates to pay off the mortgage.
Needed Given To Date
Do you know about our Giving Tree? If not, this is a unique
way to sponsor items or services used within our church.
Our giving tree is located in the corner by the main entrance
in the welcome area. Select the tag(s) that mean the most
to you and return them and the donation in the envelopes
provided by either placing it in the offering plate, dropping
it off at or mailing it to the church office.
Wafer
Connie Lee
Evelyn Lee
Ramon & Connie Erickson
Jim & Sue Bugge
Ardis Severson
Edward Erickson Memorial
Harald & Andrea Bringsjord
Ace Stadthaus Memorial
Harald & Andrea Bringsjord
Scott & Kristine Krueger
Art & Betty Olson
Nathan Erickson Memorial
Mary Post
Thrivent Choice Dollars
Charles Brigson
Judy Goodno Memorial
Harald & Andrea Bringsjord
Bobbie Cree
0.00
5,000.00
10,000.00
15,000.00
20,000.00
25,000.00
30,000.00
35,000.00
40,000.00
45,000.00
50,000.00
Aug Sep Oct Nov
Envelope Offerings by month
2014
2015
2016
* Nov. 2015 was a 5 Sunday month, Nov. 2016 had only 4 Sundays.
Around the Parish... Around the Parish...
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Saturday Quilting Join us Saturday, January 21st, at 9am for friendship, fun and comradery as we work together making quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Our group also meets regularly on Wednesdays at 12:30pm. All are welcome to attend, and experience is not required so come and join us as we work together to make the world a little warmer for those in need.
Adult Bible Study Our Adult Bible Study meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We will be studying James, chapters are spread over 9 lessons so we would meet thru May. All are welcome, contact Maree Smith for more information. [email protected]
Lydia Circle Carol Abraham will be leading our meeting Jan. 3rd at 1pm. The subject is Lesson 25 “James”. Host will be Sandra Walsh & Joanne DeClute, devotions will be by Barbara Hegge. Please call Carol Abraham 787-0679 if you have any questions. All are welcome!
Complexities of Family Life This group is for anyone experiencing the complexities of family life especially, if you have gone through or are going through separation or divorce. We will be holding our next meeting at noon on Sunday, January 15th and again at noon on Sunday the 29th in the Mattes Center, lunch will be provided. If you are interested in being supportive and receiving support, participating in relational activities and learning through one another come and join us! For more information contact Kim Phetteplace 608-397-5201 or Pastor Harald Bringsjord 608-788-0450
Come for Supper Come for Supper provides nutritious free meals served with generosity and love every Tuesday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. They are always in need of volunteers to prep and serve meals. Good Shepherd Church is committed to the last Tuesday every other month. Meals are served at 5pm every Tuesday of the year in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Anyone can be a part of this outreach program! Prep work starts at 1pm every Tuesday and lasts about two hours. Volunteers interested in helping serve meals should arrive at 4:30pm and we are usually done by 6:30pm. You will bless others, and they will bless you right back! For more information contact Judy Casto at 608-385-1410 or the church office.
Good Shepherd Women - WELCA All women are invited to the next WELCA (Women of the ELCA) meeting, Thursday, January 5th, at 6pm, when we hold elections. This past year, we collected a little less than $5,000 in donations and fund raisers, including the Holiday Marketplace, and spent a little more than $9,000 on the church and community. This included a commercial refrigerator, new tables for the Mattes Center, and our first annual commitment to the Scholarship Fund. We gave to 15 different outreach organizations, including $1850 to the Family & Children's Center, which the congregation helped fund by purchasing quilts, and a quilt raffle that raised $350 for Project Linus. We made and donated 90 quilts and 10 tied blankets to various organizations, and 96 kits for Lutheran World Relief. And all was done with the help from not only women, but men, youth and confirmation students. What is needed now, are women, who have a few good ideas and a desire to make a difference. Please join us on January 5th and help make next year even better. Notice The deadline for contributions to be included on your 2016 contribution statement is Wednesday December 28. All contributions received after that date will be considered giving for the 2017 calendar year.
Tree Trimming Thank Yous Thank you to all the members who attended the Tree Trimming night on Dec 2nd. Your work created a festive atmosphere for the holiday season. The food & fellowship were plentiful, not a spoonful of chili was left and the variety of homemade cookies added to everyone's waistline. Yummy!! Kathy Johnson & I put together a party favor thank you for everyone who helped Dec 2nd. Door prize winners were Joan Schultz & Judy Christopherson. - Julie Noll
2017 Offering Envelopes 2017 offering envelopes are available on the table in the back of the welcome area. If you have not used your envelopes over the past year, a box was not issued to you and your contributions will be listed under your name rather than envelope number. If you did not receive envelopes but would like them, contact Kathy or Rick in the church office.
2017 Caring for Souls Concert Join us for the second in what looks to be an annual concert series featuring lots of local talent, and benefiting local charities. The concert will be held January 29th at 2pm. Read Randy’s article on page 18 and watch future bulletins for more information.
Bunco Night Friday, Jan. 20th at 6pm in the Mattes Center. Join us for a potluck and evening of games. Bring a $5 wrapped gift, the theme is “A New Year”
January 2016 8:30am Worship Service 10:30am Worship Service Sunday School concurrent with both services Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays of Each Month
Adult Bell Choir
Meets every Sunday
each week. at 5:30pm.
Youth Bell Choir
Meets every Sunday
each week. at 6:30pm.
Sanctuary Choir
Meets every Sunday
Each week at 9:30am.
Sounds of Praise
Meets every Saturday each
week at 4pm.
Gloria Dei Choir
Meets every Sunday
each week at 9:45am.
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat January 1
Name Tag & Cookie Sunday
sponsored by ??
New Years Day
NO Sunday School
2
NO W5 3
West Pastor Conference
1pm Lydia Circle
6pm Buildings & Grounds
6:45pm BS Troop 22 Mtg
4 10am Staff Meeting
12:30pm Quilting
6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12)
6:30pm Confirmation
5 6pm WELCA Annual Meeting
6 7
8 11:30am Praise/Worship Team
5pm 4-H Meeting
6:30pm BS Troop 22 Adult Mtg
9
6:30pm W5 10 1:45pm Hillview Communion
6:45pm BS Troop 22 Mtg
11 12:30pm Quilting
6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12)
6:30pm Confirmation
6:30pm Adult Bible Study
12
6pm Hospitality Mtg
13
8th Grade Urban
Immersion Service
Retreat back Jan 15th
14
15
Guest Pastor Chris Hallemeier
Noon Complexities of Family Life
16
5:30pm Membership,
Growth/Fellowship Mtg
6:30pm W5
17 6pm Parish Ed Meeting
6pm Admin/Exec Meeting
6:45pm BS Troop 22 Mtg
7pm Church Council Mtg
18 12:30pm Quilting
6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12)
6:30pm Confirmation
19
11:30am 55 Plus
20
Feb. Voice Articles
& Annual Reports
Submissions Due
6pm Bunko Theme
“A New Year”
21
9am Quilting
22
1st Grade Milestone
Guest preacher Don Shunkwiler
9:45am Care Ministry Meeting
9:45am Hot Topics
23
6:30pm W5 24 6:45pm BS Troop 22 Mtg
25 12:30pm Quilting
6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12)
6:30pm Confirmation
26
8:30 February Voice Mailing
Crew
27
28
29
8th Grade Led Service
8am Potato Bar (Youth Event)
Noon Complexities of Family Life
2pm “Caring For Souls” Concert
6pm Venture Crew Meeting
30
6:30pm W5 31
6:45pm BS Troop 22 Mtg February 1
12:30pm Quilting
6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-
12) 6:30pm Confirmation
2
6pm WELCA Mtg 3
4
5
Scout Sunday
Name Tag & Cookie Sunday
sponsored by Boy Scouts Troop 22
6:30 BS Troop 22 Adult Meeting
6
6:30pm W5 7
West Pastor Conference
1pm Lydia Circle
6pm Buildings & Grounds
6:45pm BS Troop 22
8
10am Staff Meeting
12:30pm Quilting
6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-
12) 6:30pm Confirmation
6:30pm Adult Bible Study
9
6pm Hospitality Mtg 10
11
To access the most up-to-date calendar visit GSlacrosse.org/calendar.
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Staff
Rev. Harald Bringsjord Pastor
Rick Laufenberg Office M anager
[email protected] | (608) 788-0450
Kathy Johnson Office Assistant
Tammy Klein Children’s M inistry
Coordinator [email protected]
Stephanie Andersen Y outh M inistry
Coordinator [email protected]
Randy Lyden M usic Director/
Organist [email protected] |
(608) 779-9669
Linda Jerome Bell Choir Director
Darlene Lassig Volunteer Gloria Dei
Choir Director
(608) 788-5686
Karl & Jaime Greenfield Sanctuary
Choir Directors [email protected] |
(715) 214-8528
Bev Sorenson Volunteer Parish
Nurse [email protected]
Bill Klein Custodian/M aintenance
Your Health
From the desk of our Parish Nurse
Bev Sorenson, RN GS Volunteer Parish Nurse
(608) 792-3962
Parish Health News:
GSlacrosse.org/parish-nurse-update.
Health Questions? Call the Gundersen Telephone Nurse Advisor
Church Council Members
Sara Wrobel President of the
Congregation [email protected]
Duane Schoen Vice President of
the Congregation
Dianne Hamann Treasurer
Monty Gilbertson Secretary
Other Church Council Members
include: Don Skibba, Lori Lowell, Beth Bonney,
Bev Sorenson, Barbara Kilpatrick, Mary
Isaacs, Carol Powell, Candie Luehne,
Janice Thaldorf & Colin Smith.
Questions? Don’t know who to contact? Contact the Church Office.
(608) 788-0450 | [email protected] | www.gslacrosse.org
4141 Mormon Coulee Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601 (Office hours 8am to 1pm)
Dear Congregation,
Tis the season for giving. Happy Holidays
everyone. I recently attended an inspirational
meeting, yes inspirational. The gathering was at
First English Lutheran Church. I listened to Rev
Charles Lane talk about stewardship and
generosity. Twelve different church groups
attended and shared how they are being
stewards in our community. The evening was
delightful and aspiring of how we can do more.
The Spiritual Gift of Giving in Scripture:
Romans 12:6-8 "We have different gifts,
according to the grace given to each of us. If
your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in
accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then
serve; if it is teaching then teach; if it is to
encourage, then give encouragement; if it is
giving, the give generously; if it is to lead, do it
diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it
cheerfully."
What is the spiritual gift of giving? People with
the spiritual gift of giving have an innate ability
to see the needs of others and have the resources
to help them. "Three areas most people think of
when it comes to the spiritual gift of giving is
the providing of abilities, resources or
time. Sometimes this gift is just described as the
monetary gifts provided to the church or
ministry, but it really means to give of whatever
you have to help someone else. Each of us has
a specific ability or talent. Sometimes it is
another gift, but mostly it includes things we are
able to do like build, sew, cook, read, teach,
etc. It means helping others with their
homework, helping build homes for the
homeless, cook for those grieving. Sometimes
we take our talents for granted and don't always
feel compelled to share these abilities. Others
have the resources to give of themselves.
Sometimes that resource is money, sometimes
it's things and other times it just time. As much
as money isn't something Christian's like to
focus on, providing financially for churches,
missions, ministries, etc. can do a lot to build
the Christian community and help others. Even
small amounts of financial support
help. Meanwhile, others may not have the
finances to do much, so instead they give their
time to help others. People work in soup
kitchens, tutor underprivileged youth, etc. to
give whatever others may need. The spiritual
gift of giving comes in many forms.
Is the gift of giving my spiritual gift?
Ask yourself the following questions, if yes is
the answer to many, then you have the spiritual
gift of giving.
1. Are you normally very tuned in to what
others need?
2. Do you see what you have in abundance and
feel compelled to share your wealth of
abilities, time or resources with others?
3. Do you see giving as a privilege rather than
an obligation?
4. Does giving warm your heart?
5. Do you seek out ways to share what you
have?
6. Do others see you as a generous person
working on behalf of God?
The Spiritual Gift of Mercy in Scripture:
Matthew 9:36 "When he saw the crowds, he had
compassion on them, because they were
harassed and helpless, like sheep without a
shepherd."
What is the spiritual gift of mercy? The spiritual
gift of mercy is one in which a person
demonstrates a strong ability to empathize with
others with compassion, words and actions.
Those with this gift are able to provide
Continued on page 19.
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Happy New Year!
I can’t believe Christmas has come and gone…
but I am all for celebrating all year round. I
think I will start this month’s article off with a
huge THANK YOU! Thank you to all the
parents of our Sunday Schoolers who came to
celebrate Christmas with us! The Christmas
program was a huge success. We had lots of
“characters”, but the kids did a great job! The
most important part of the day was sharing the
true meaning of Christmas. Next on the list –
that each child wanting a speaking or singing
part has a chance to have that experience.
Third on the list is to share the morning
together with family and friends. Finally – for
the kids to have fun doing this for our church
family! I think all was accomplished!
THANK YOU to all the youth and teachers
that helped to make the program run smoothly.
They were so successful with costumes, to
props, to practice, to “crowd control”.
THANK YOU so much!
THANK YOU to staff who put so much into
helping behind the scenes, sound, office, music
are such a big part of making the program
happen. Finally, THANK YOU to our
Confirmation students. Some of these
wonderful young folks played parts in the
program to help with the telling of our story.
Our Sunday Schoolers look up so much to
these Confirmation and Youth! Keep coming,
we need you all!
Up next, we start telling a new story on
January 8th. We will start in the Cinema,
Computer Lab and Game Room with the story
of the House on the Rock, Matthew 7:24-28.
January 22nd, 1st graders with receive their
Prayer Blocks. We have a LOT OF KIDS
getting blocks this year, so please go to the
website and register. You can fill out the form,
or email me the information. I can fill out a
form for you. Because these blocks are
handmade, I won’t put names on until we get a
registration. This will help so that we don’t
have Blocks that need to be re-sanded,
re-finished, etc.
We will follow that up with Jesus and John the
Baptist, with Prayer Pillows on Feb 26th.
Please note the dates on the calendar that is
located under the Rotational Sunday School
page on the Good Shepherd.org.
I wish you all the best for your family in the
New Year! Lent is around the corner so
remember that the whole reason to celebrate
Christmas, is so that we can Celebrate Easter!
Thank you all for a wonderful start to the year!
Happy New Year!
Tammy
Tammy Klein Children's Ministry Coordinator
[email protected] (608)788-0450
Recent Sunday School News: GSlacrosse.org/children.
In the Office: M on., W ed., Fri.: 2:30-7pm
Stay Connected! Receive message alerts for Sunday School at Good Shepherd. Send the message
@rubberduck to the number (608) 807-2784. All parents and children with a cell
phone are encouraged to sign-up! Data charges may apply. Must age 13+ to sign up without parental guidance. This service is brought to you
by Remind®.
January 1st NO SUNDAY SCHOOL…HAPPY NEW YEAR
January 3rd New Units available for Sunday School Staff pickup.
January 8 th House on the Rock – Games, Cinema, Computer
January 22nd First Grade Milestone Ministry, Prayer Block Presentation
January 29 th Jesus and John the Baptist – Kitchen, Art, Science
February 19th Spirit Sunday/Birthday Sunday
February 26th 2nd Grade Milestone – Prayer Pillows
Lenten Project – All Classes
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Stephanie Andersen
Director of Youth and Family Ministry
[email protected] (608) 788-0450
Recent Youth News: GSlacrosse.org/youth
In the Office: W ednesday 4-8pm and Sunday 2:00—4:00 pm
Youth Update
Confirmation (Grades 6-8) & High School Youth (Grades 9-12)
Confirmation:
Due to Christmas break, confirmation met
only 2 weeks in December, but we made the
most out of our time. The month began with
our service night, during which groups
helped with BINGO and rang bells for the
Salvation Army. Luckily they were able to
have indoor locations and stay out of the
wind!
January begins an exciting transition for our
8th graders. They will begin planning the
8th grade led service, which is on January
29th. They will also begin work on their
faith statements and faith banners as they
prepare for confirmation this spring. This
can be an intimidating task for the students,
who are often not my biggest fan when I
introduce it. However, it is my favorite part
of confirmation as it gives me a chance to
hear in their own words what their faith
means to them. It is a challenging task, but
all the students have rose to the challenge in
the past and I do not doubt this year's class
will do so again.
Each year 8th graders are provided an
opportunity to attend a weekend service
retreat through Urban Immersion and
Minneapolis. Three students are able to
attend this year's retreat which will be held
January 13th -15th. If you did not sign up
your student, but wish for them to attend, let
me know ASAP as I may still be able to
arrange a few more spots.
High School Youth:
Christmas has been filling the youth room
the last few weeks. November ended with
Christmas themed music Wednesday and
December started with a trip to the Rotary
lights. Of course, Wisconsin weather
decided to show its ugly head and it was a
cold walk through the lights, but it was a fun
walk nonetheless. We also completed an
Advent themed bible study for our
remaining weeks of youth group.
In January we will begin a new bible study
series titled “Sticky faith.” This study is
based research completed by Fuller Youth
Institute, which shows the 40-50% of
students will fall away from their faith after
high school. Based on this research, Fuller
Institute created this study to equip high
school students to head out into the world
and hold onto their faith whether they head
into the military, workforce or college.
Although the lessons are focused on life
after high school, we reviewed this study
and feel even the younger students will
benefit as they face a lot of the same
challenge within the high school culture.
We will also have our 8th grade fellowship
night on January 4th, which will introduce
the 8th graders to youth group. The goal is
to give them a taste of what youth group is
all about and introduced them to the older
students in order to take away some of the
anxiety related to joining a new group.
We have an exciting fundraiser this month
so mark your calendars! The youth will be
holding their 2nd annual Potato Bar on
January 29th following both services. To go
containers will be available or grab a warm
lunch before you head home in the cold.
Build your own potato for $5.00 with all the
fixings you can think of. Make sure to stop
at the bake sale to satisfy your sweet tooth
as well!
Mark your calendars for more fundraisers
coming soon...Butter Braids in February and
Youth fest with Top Shep Competitions in
April!
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk
along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 4:6-7 January 4th
6th/7th grade: Fellowship/service night
8th/High School: Fellowship night
January 11th
6th/7th Grade: Why do we say we believe in the “holy
catholic” church, if we are not Catholic?
8th grade: introduction to faith statements/banners
Youth Group: “Sticky Faith Study”
January 13-15th 8th Grade Urban Immersion Service Retreat
January 18th:
6th/7th Grade: “Ruth”
8th grade: Planning 8th grade led Service
Youth group: “Sticky Faith Study”
January 25th: 6th/7th Grade: “Why does God let bad things happen?”
8th Grade: Planning 8th grade led Service
January 29th: 8th grade led services
GSlacrosse.org Page 19 Page 18 GSlacrosse.org
Randy Lyden Good Shepherd Music Director [email protected] | (608) 779-9669 Recent Music Notes/Updates: GSlacrosse.org/music
Caring for Souls Concert 2017
On Sunday, January 29 at 2pm Good
Shepherd will present the second annual
Caring for Souls Concert. The concert will
raise awareness of and relief for the recent
victims of flooding in at least three La
Crosse Area Synod counties: Buffalo,
Crawford and Vernon counties. The flooding
in this last year has been especially bad.
Some have lost everything, such as a family,
now homeless, being supported by a Viroqua
congregation. Vernon county has
experienced worse flood damage than in
2007 and response has been slower.
Performing in the concert will be the Good
Shepherd Sanctuary Choir, the Hand Bell
Choir, and Sounds of Praise. The Onalaska
High School Orchestra and the vocal quintet
The Fifth Chamber will also be performing,
as well as several vocalists, including Gary
Moss, Dan Lefebvre and Denise Rivera.
A representative from the La Crosse Area
Synod will be present to share information
about the flooding and relief efforts in the
area and will be available for questions after
the concert. David Kilpatrick will be our
emcee for this event.
The concert will be here at Good Shepherd
and is free and open to the public. A free
will offering will be taken and we will learn
of other ways in which we can be helpful to
local area flooding victims. Most
importantly, the awareness that this helps to
raise is of inestimable value and will help
those in need more than we can imagine.
Please spread the word to family and friends.
This promises to be a wonderful afternoon of
music and a golden opportunity to show
those who have lost so much because of the
flooding disasters that they are not forgotten
in their time of greatest need!
Music Notes
From The Director of Music
some relief to those going through a tough time
physically, spiritually and emotionally. It is
important to understand, though the difference
between sympathy and empathy. Sympathy
sounds nice, but often has a level of pity involved
in the emotion. Empathy is something that loses
the pity and moves toward action. It is
understanding the deep pain or needs without
feeling sorry for someone. Being able to "Walk
in their shoes" for a moment. People with the
spiritual gift of mercy do not feel pity but feel a
pull toward making a bad situation better. There
is no judgement. It is always about making a
person and their situation better.
Is the Gift of Mercy your spiritual gift?
Ask yourself the following questions. If yes is
the answer to many of them then you have the
spiritual gift of mercy.
1. Are you often drawn to people who are
suffering or distressed?
2. Does helping the sick, needy disabled, elderly
excite you?
3. Do you find yourself wanting to participate in
ministries that work with job placement, food
pantries, shelters, assisted living homes etc?
4. Do people seek you out when they are having
a
tough time?
5. When you consider or considered college you
look to majors like psychology, sociology,
health sciences, social work or medicine?
The Spiritual Gift of Encouragement in
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:24-25 "And let us consider how we
may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some
are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one
another, and all the more as you see the day
approaching."
What is the spiritual gift of encouragement? The
spiritual gift of encouragement is one of those
essential spiritual gifts that people don't tend to
notice they need until they get it. The person with
this gift has the ability to find those in need and
lift up their spirits. They are kind of like
cheerleaders in the church, encouraging people to
overcome difficulties. They allow those who are
hurting or burdened to see the light at the end of
the tunnel and feel as though there are people
who care about them. This gift is incredibly
important to church leadership, which can be
lonely. Many people go to their youth pastors,
leaders and elders to get advice and lay their
burdens out for them. Yet few people remember
that these leaders also need encouragement
themselves. A person with the spiritual gift of
encouragement is there to provide the leadership
support. The other thing the person with this gift
does is motivate action. Those with this gift often
see the positive side of movement and can help
push people in compassionate ways into doing
something that is good for them.
Is the Gift of encouragement your Spiritual gift?
Ask yourself the following questions, if yes is the
answer to many, then you may have the spiritual
gift of encouragement.
1. Do you always seem to just know when
someone is in need, even if they are not right
in
front of you?
2. Do people seek you out when they are feeling
low or sad or just need help with something?
3. When you have to confront someone about
something, do they often walk away feeling
better about it?
4. Do you tend to give good advice that fits the
individual's situation?
5. Are you drawn to people in need?
6. Can you always seem to find the light at the
end of the tunnel?
I leave you with my favorite quote of the
evening. "We make a living by what we get, we
make a life by what we give." Sr. Winston
Churchill. Peace to you all. May your holidays be
blessed and full of Love. Next year, may we find
many new ways to give of our Spiritual gifts of
giving, mercy and encouragement.
Your Parish Nurse,
Bev Sorenson
Source: Christian teens.about.com/od/
Christianliving/a/jspirtual-gifts-giving.htm