sharing the shepherd’s love with all of god’s...

12016 Annual Report

Sharing the Shepherd’s Love with All of God’s Children.

2016 Annual Report

2 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Mission Statement“Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s mission is to

share the Shepherd’s love with all of God’s Children.”

Core ValuesCalled by our Savior Jesus the Christ, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is a Lutheran congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that is ...• welcoming & accepting• a worshipping community of God’s children• founded in adult and youth ministry and education• committed to serve others

Areas of Ministry FociEngaging the Faithful

Forming FaithHolistic Stewardship

Outreach to Community

Staff Kordell Bauer, Financial

SpecialistRev. Bob Caranicas, Pastor of

Youth and Family MinistriesWendy Curry, Congregational Life

CoordinatorNicole Fehr, Children and Family

Ministry CoordinatorMichelle Fischer, Executive

Assistant Office ManagerPeder Gulleson, Director of Music

and WorshipVicki Martel, OrganistPaige Mattson, Communications

and Graphic Design SpecialistSandy Meidinger, Accounting

SpecialistMelanie Nicklos, Parish

AdministratorKent Nies, Director of Facility and

MaintenanceKaren Petersen, OrganistRev. Pam Power, Associate Pastor

of Congregational Life and Pastoral Care

David Rohrscheib, CustodianRev. Craig Schweitzer, Senior

PastorAmy Wenzel, Confirmation and

Senior High Youth Ministry Coordinator

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

11full-time

equivalent staff members

Church Council RequirementsMembers of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Council have defined these characteristics and requirements for council members.1. Alignment with the Good

Shepherd Lutheran Church vision and mission

2. Commitment to the Marks of Discipleship

3. Understand the governing documents of the congregation

4. Leadership qualities5. Previous participation in

ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

6. Receptive to new and/or other’s ideas

7. Comfortable with conflict8. Able to speak with candor9. Business skills10. Management skills11. Strategic thinking12. Able to make decisions

when presented with information

13. Able to attend scheduled and called meetings of the Board

Additionally the Council should be a mix of people, both women and men, with vision, financial skills, passion and heart for ministry at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. S/he should have a strong commitment to and concern for the whole church, not a particular group or constituency.

Annual Congregational Meeting AgendaGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchJanuary 22, 2017, 12:15 p.m. Lynne Center

1. Devotions and Opening Prayer - Rev. Craig Schweitzer2. Appointment of Parliamentarian – Steve Madler, Council

President3. Approval of Minutes from January 24, 2016 Annual Meeting4. Elections a. GSLC Council b. Endowment Council 5. Congregational Reports – Steve Madler, Council President6. Acknowledgment of Outgoing Church Council Members – Rev.

Craig Schweitzer7. 2016 Financial Report & Approval of 2017 Ministry Financial

Plan - Curtis Jabs, Council Member & Council Liaison to the Finance Committee

8. Unfinished Business – Steve Madler, Council President9. New Business – Steve Madler, Council President a. Recommended Constitutional Updates – Kathy Torske,

Council Member & Council Liaison to the Endowment Council; Rita Keegan, Endowment Council Chairperson

10. Closing Prayer - Rev. Pam Power

The butterfly is widely viewed as a positive symbol of personal

transformation, freedom from previous struggles, renewal and hope.

32016 Annual Report

2016 Annual Meeting Minutes

Minutes taken Sunday, January 24, 2016Congregation Attendance: 98

Call to Order: Council President Tom Schiwal called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m.

1. Opening Devotion: Pastor Pam Power led the opening devotion.

2. Appointment of Parliamentarian: Karl Liepitz 3. Approval of the Minutes:a. A motion was made and seconded to approve the January 25,

2015, Annual Meeting Minutes. (Vada Kingsley/Trudy Stauffacher, unanimous) Motion carried.

4. Devotions, Reports, & Acknowledgment of Outgoing Church Council Members:

a. Pastor Craig Schweitzer presented on the Council and church staff’s study of the book, Inside the Large Congregation, by Susan Beaumont.

b. Acknowledgment of outgoing council members: Evelyn Buchfink, Tim Pansegrau, and Tom Schiwal were presented with gifts from the congregation by Pastor Craig Schweitzer, who noted the congregation is very grateful for their service.

5. Elections:a. Election of new Council members was held to replace outgoing

Council members: Evelyn Buchfink, Tim Pansegrau, and Tom Schiwal. Five congregation members recommended by the Nominating Committee were introduced by President Tom Schiwal: Megan Anderson, Derrick Fehr, Michelle Gerrity, Cheri Giesen, and Royce Schultze. In accordance with the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Constitution, a written ballot was conducted with Council members serving as the Teller Committee. 96 ballots were cast (Megan Anderson – 55, Derrick Fehr – 64, Michelle Gerrity – 50, Cheri Giesen – 53, Royce Schultze – 62)

b. Election of Endowment Council for 3-year terms. Council President Tom Schiwal introduced the three members seeking a 3-year term: Arliss Fleming, Kellie Erhardt, and Kevin Gader. There were no other nominations from the floor. In accordance with the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Constitution, a written ballot was conducted with Council members serving as the Teller Committee. 96 ballots were cast (Arliss Fleming – 96, Kellie Erhardt – 94, Kevin Gader - 94).

6. Approval of the 2015 Financial Report and the 2016 Ministry Financial Plan

a. Council member Curtis Jabs presented highlights of the financial information included in the 2015 Annual Report of the Congregation. Jabs highlighted the line item Property & Equipment Replacement, as well as the importance of the “Blue Envelopes” used for principal payments only on the mortgage note. Motion was made and seconded to approve the 2015 Financial Report and 2016 Ministry Financial Plan (Bruce Eillison/Sheryl Zaun, unanimous) motion carried.

7. UnfinishedBusinessa. Core Value Statements – Council and staff worked throughout

2015 on developing these statements: Called by our Savior Jesus the Christ, Good Shepherd Lutheran

Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that is…

1. …a welcoming and accepting community where all people are welcome to receive God’s love, mercy and salvation. All are children of God, loved and accepted by God and this community of faith just as we are. Come and experience God’s love, share in the joy of God’s grace and learn of the hope that has been given in Jesus, God’s son. (Romans 15:17, Galatians 3:28, Mark 9:37)

2. …a worshipping community of God’s children that invites all to join us in worship that involves a variety of musical, liturgical and artistic expressions. Worship that is available to anyone wishing to receive the free gift of God’s forgiveness, mercy and grace throughout our shared worship life. (Psalm 100:1-2, Hebrews 12:28-29, Acts 2:1-4)

3. …founded in adult and youth ministry education; we build on that foundation by working to facilitate the faith formation of parishioners and community members across generations and support one another in our faith journeys. (Matthew 5:3-11, Matthew 28:19-20, John 13:34-35)

4. …committed to serve others by living the word daily in action and deed; offering our church facilities as a gathering place for member and non-member alike; and giving of our time, talent and financial resources to support local, domestic and global ministry and mission. (Matthew 25:35-40, Mark 10:45, Luke 10:25-37)

8.) New Business:a. Question was raised regarding the use of the facility during

the day hours throughout the week, in regards to stewardship. Pastor Craig replied that a study has not recently been completed, however he named off several groups that have used the facility recently.

b. Pastor Craig extended an invitation to the congregation for Synod Assembly, being held in Bismarck, June 10-11, 2016.

c. A motion was made for “the Church Council, along with the staff, explore changes to create a more favorable time frame for the 8:30 Celebrate (Festival) service.” (Genevieve Kirmis/Al Olson) Motion passed.

d. A request was made by Council President Tom Schiwal that the agenda for Council meetings be made available to the congregation prior to the meeting date.

9. Closing Prayer: Pastor Bob Caranicas led the closing prayer.

Council President Tom Schiwal adjourned the meeting at 1:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,Sara Helbling, Executive Assistant Office Manager


Engaging the Faithful: Good Shepherd Church Council

It has been an absolute delight to serve on the Church

Council of Good Shepherd these past three years. Not only has this service grown my understanding and appreciation for the Good Shepherd faith community, it has also given me a broader perspective of how the mission of Good Shepherd exists in us all. Having served this past year as council president, I have been humbled by the dedication of a talented and deeply caring staff who devote so much of themselves to carry our mission of faith forward. Five years ago, had I been asked if I saw myself being a member of church council I would have called you crazy. This type of service is something I had never considered, felt compelled to participate in, or thought I was qualified for. Yet, participating as a council member is exactly where I landed. How did it happen? I was asked to

consider a position by a fellow parishioner and my wife said, “You need to do it”. Like any good husband I complied. So, in the beginning it wasn’t my own motivation that brought me to this work. However, in the time I have been a part of council, my connection with the church has strengthened and my faith has deepened. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 states “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” As mentioned afore, individual motivation did not call me to this work. I was lifted up and supported by those in my personal life and faith community.

As I reflect on the past three years and the last sentence of the previous passage, it is clear to me now more than ever before the impact this service has had on my life. Regardless of the circumstance/obstacle/crossroad life brings, a strong inner cord provides the ultimate bridge in the pathway of life. When oneself wraps their life around family and faith, the Lord will take care of the rest. In closing, I am indebted to this experience for giving me the clarity of purpose for my faith. Likewise, I am thankful to the congregation who entrusted me to be part of the faith forming leadership team of Good Shepherd and to the Pastors, Staff, fellow council members and added friendships in faith I have gained throughout this experience. It has truly been a blessing.

Steve Madler

2people are better than

one.

Good Shepherd Church CouncilBack row: Larry Fuller, Kathy Torske (Vice President), Karma Anderson, Steve Madler (President) Front row: Bruce Ellison, Curtis Jabs, Royce Schultze, Derrick Fehr (Secretary) Not Pictured: Megan Anderson

By Steve MadlerChurch Council President

52016 Annual Report

Brothers and sisters in Christ, grace and peace to you.

Words really can’t express how excited I am for

the publication of Good Shepherd’s 2016 Annual Report. 2016 has been a blessing in numerous ways for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. An Annual Report is not a boring publication that a congregation is forced to publish. Something that is filled with boring reports from the congregation’s committees and staff and a proposed budget that few people can actually comprehend. A congregation’s Annual Report is a living, breathing, life-giving document that

showcases God’s work through the congregation over the past year. It also encourages the congregation to look toward the future with hope and promise because of all the ways that God continues to work through them. The Annual Report is a celebration of all that God has done and all that God continues to do through brothers and sisters in Christ who gather together as a local congregation. As you walk through Good Shepherd’s 2016 Annual Report, I hope and pray that you will join me in celebrating all that God is doing through each of us “to share the Shepherd’s love with all of God’s children.” Good Shepherd’s mission statement grounds us in a common purpose. A purpose

that focuses our ministry and mission around 4 strategic areas – Engaging the Faithful, Forming Faith, Holistic Stewardship, and Outreach to Community. Each page of the 2016 Annual Report celebrates the many ways that God is working through us to fulfill the ministry and mission Good Shepherd Lutheran Church is called to live out in the world. I invite you to pray for these ministries and Good Shepherd’s mission. And as we continue to live out God’s ministry and mission together, I invite you to explore where God may be calling you in 2017.

Serving together in Christ,Pastor Craig

Engaging the Faithful

2017Where is God calling you?

“It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows.”Galatians 5:13 (The Message)

Serving at The Banquet“There are many people who can be homeless but you have to try to help. When I saw the smiles on peoples faces I felt soooo happy. I’m definitely doing it again.”

Ella H.

By Rev. Craig Schweitzer


This year has gone by in a flash and has been very

busy. The busyness started back in June when children grades 1st through 6th had the opportunity to take part in Day Camp with Camp of the Cross counselors at Good Shepherd. We celebrated the close of the week with “family night” and a picnic dinner. The very next day we started preparing for vacation bible school which took place in July. The downstairs halls were transformed into caves as we celebrated Cave Quest VBS. We learned in four days just how much Jesus lights up our life.

Forming Faith: Children and Family Ministry

September brought on orientation and the start of a new year for Little Angels and Genesis Church School. Throughout the year we continued to work out of the Bible in church school. Preschool through 2nd graders utilize the Spark Story Bible while 3rd through 5th graders use Spark Bibles. Third Graders proudly received Bibles from Good Shepherd after their attendance at the Bible Workshop–an opportunity to learn more about the Bible and how to use it. There were two “First Communion Classes” that were held during the year for students and families

with a special weekend dedicated to the children who were receiving their first communion. Youth Ministry hosted many Family Events during the year. The congregation was invited to join us for movies, games, trivia, crafts, lefsa making, Easter egg hunts, Valentine card making, great food, fellowship and so much more. To round out our year and celebrate Christmas, two programs were held in December. With the help of many parents, confirmation and High School volunteers Church School children told the Nativity Story and sang traditional Christmas songs to close to 800 people. The Little Angels program continues to thrive with the help from Linda Vadnais and her family. This program meets 12 times a year and is church school for children ages 2, 3 and 4 who are not ready to leave Mom or Dad. To sum it up, Children and Family Ministry takes place with one goal in mind...helping our children to be disciples of God, to be good Samaritans, and to be leaders in our church and community in faith by the choices they make and the kindness they show. Thank you for helping us help our children learn, grow and continue on in their very important faith journey.

403registered

preschoolers -5th grade

Family events are for everyone...For the past several years, I have worked with a few other Moms to help create more family-style events at Good Shepherd. We have enjoyed hiding Easter eggs and dying frosting for the Christmas cookie decorating. Nicole Fehr and Wendy Curry have helped us plan and encouraged us to create these moments. The cookie event and the Valentines event were both service projects, and the Easter egg hunt has always been well attended. So, we could count cards, or cookies or funds raised as a measure of the success of the project, but instead we deal in smiles, laughs, messes, and general good-times. We are so thankful when folks who don’t have kids attend the events, because “family” in the church means everyone.

Wendy Berg

Be strong and courageous; do not

be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord

your God is with your wherever you go.

- Joshua 1:9

By Nicole Fehr

72016 Annual Report

40adults helping in Church School

each week

Getting involved matters...As a Mom at Good Shepherd, getting involved in the planning has allowed me to be closer to the church and to other families. It’s about watching my church schooler help set up for an event, and guiding my confirmation kid and her group to really dig in and help with an event. I feel like we can’t really connect with a church community until we put ourselves out there, roll up our sleeves, and get our hands dirty in some way ... for us, it is with frosting and markers.

Wendy Berg

From the back row to the front... My husband, Chris, and I have been members of Good Shepherd for almost 12 years. When we were newcomers we sat in the back of the sanctuary during service. During the time our three kids were in their respective baby and toddler years we sat in the back as well. It makes for a quick escape route in the event of a meltdown! But as our children have ‘grown up’ to ripe old ages of 11, 8, and 6 while being active members themselves, they have become very comfortable and at home at Good Shepherd. The family atmosphere here is undoubtedly present and is nurtured by the family events that Good Shepherd offers year round. One of our favorite events is the Christmas cookie decorating party which allows kids to have fun and fellowship while helping those in need. These days, it makes my heart so happy that now our kids walk directly to the FRONT of the sanctuary for services! FRONT ROW if it’s open. As it turns out, it usually is! They want to see, hear, and participate in worship. It’s so simple but it is monumental to us as parents. It took our kids to drag us to the front to realize it’s just not so bad up there. In fact, it’s great.”

Angie Kleser

“We are so thankful when folks who don’t have kids attend the events, because ‘family’ in the church means everyone.”

Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray. - Proverbs 22:6


As I turned through the pages of earlier drafts

of this annual report, I am continually surprised at how many groups and activities are hosted within our community. Each week we are encouraged by our Pastors to take a look at the calendar in the bulletin or see what is in The Other Page to see what the events of the coming week at Good Shepherd are. It is difficult to grasp the many groups of ministry that go on each week. We all have a specific worship time which fits our schedule, but this just gives us a narrow view of all that goes on within our community each week. To try to quantify the past year I turned back the calendar and added up just the worship gatherings of 2016. I included the wedding ceremonies, the

celebrations of life, additional confirmation services, church school programs, Lenten wor-ship, Holy week, Christmas Eve and Day services as well as all the regular worship times. If my count is accurate, we hosted 352 worship services in 2016. No wonder some of us look at little tired from time to time. Yes, we have some paid staff which assist in each of these services, however many volunteer hours also go into the preparation each week. Each worship team, hand-bell ensemble, church school pro-gram, Christmas Cantata, Holy Week services, and specially prepared preludes and offer-

tory anthems require many hours of behind the scenes preparation. Many of these volunteers dedicate time and talents regularly and without hesitation. Thank you for each and every one of you who are so generous with your time and talents. We each have our own reasons for why we would give of our time to the church when every aspect of our world seems to be asking for a larger and larger share of our time. I asked some musicians of our faith community to share some of the reasons they choose to give of their time. It was hum-bling and emotionally moving to read their responses. Next time you see a volunteer shar-ing of their gifts, I encourage you to share a word of thanks for all that they do.

352worship services

ReflectionsI have found that it’s my time during the week to slow down and just be with my family and my church family. It’s one of the few places I feel at home, can come as I am, and sing in praise and worship which is where I love to share my voice most. –Jen Routledge

Not only do we enjoy it, we want to set a good example for our three children. They need to see their parents give back to a place that has shared it’s time and talents with us over many years. –Angie Kleser

I love to try and give the congregation a meaningful worship experience– hymns are very, very important to me – and I think Pastor Craig’s liturgies are so inspired! –Karen Petersen

Even though I’m not very good at it, I enjoy singing very much. It’s a lot a fun and I get to meet new people. The practices are almost as much fun as the performances. –Alan Henning

Sharing my talent keeps me connected with Good Shepherd in ways that nourish my faith. Generally makes me feel better and I enjoy the social contact. I need to find additional opportunities to volunteer! –Yvonne Smith

Engaging the Faithful: Music and Worship Ministries

by Peder Gulleson

When I joined Good Shepherd years ago, the music was a large part of what drew me in. I felt I could give back the musical talents God gave me and share with others, so although I couldn’t possibly see how I could fit anymore in my already overflowing schedule, I joined the Horizon, and later, the Well worship teams. Several times I have heard a member relate that one of the songs we sang touched their soul and was just what they needed to hear that day. Knowing that each week our music could make a difference for even just one person is extremely rewarding and fulfilling! –Clarence Sayler

92016 Annual Report

77musicians lead worship during

the year

I share my time and talent at Good Shepherd for a number of reasons. First of all, I love music and I feel that God has blessed me with a gift that I should share. Second, I started a handbell ensemble many years ago, and most of those ringers have been steadfast in their commitment to play bells. I enjoy being with them and creating music to add to the worship services. And finally, I share my time and talent because someone asks me to; namely my good friend Karen Petersen. –Barb Roberts

I share my musical talents with Good Shepherd as an opportunity to praise God with the gift he’s given me, for the joy of playing the music, and as part of God’s calling to share that gift with the congregation. –Barb Murry

“It fills my heart and feeds my soul to share my God given talent and sing praises to Him, as often as possible!” –Angie Kutzer

It is my second family...caring for and about each other...like having a family dinner each week with the people you love! –Rita Keegan

My mother played organ for our hometown church for over 30 years, so playing kind of comes natural for me. I started playing in college for Lutheran Campus Ministries and back then it was a way for me to connect with people, both those close in age and others who were older who helped guide me in my faith journey. Today, I believe that reason holds true. Playing for church has allowed me to meet some great people and it has helped tie me to GSLC as well as this community. –Matt Routledge

I love being able to “give back” to people and organizations. I love spending time with the people in this congregation who I call my “family”. To feel “part of ” an amazing group, I want to give to GSLC. Financially, I can’t give what I would like, so I like to give my “time.” –Renae Haug

It’s my God work belonging to cantata. It is a family of friends who love to sing and absolutely care about each other, love Good Shepherd and believe in what we do. –Kim Huber

God has given abilities to me that I take for granted. I’ve come to realize that others only dream about being able to do some of these things. If I can help spread His good news by volunteering, and inspire others to do the same, I will. – Lesley Bentz I enjoy sharing my time with the Celebrate team practicing and learning new music to share with the congregation. It is an active way for me to worship and share my love for Jesus. –Erin Jasobson

I share my time and talents with Good Shepherd so that my son can learn through my example. He has learned that giving in even the smallest of ways can make a difference to others. –Shelly Roningen

Because it feels good! Sharing music, whether as a member of the congregation or the music team, is a big part of our worship together. Serving a member of the music team is my way of engaging in the ministry of Good Shepherd. – Jim Fleming

God has given me a gift that is meant to be shared with others. -Donna Helgeson

Hearing God’s message through contemporary song is what first attracted me to GSLC. Now I play in the band and find it very rewarding. It’s fun to make music with fellow Shepherds. – Bill Thompson


Greetings from the world of Youth of Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church! We are a busy bunch. We serve around 240 youth in confirmation. We are completing the switch over this year so we will be back to a three year confirmation rotation starting this fall. That means we will confirm two classes in 2017 for a total of 124 kids. Wow! We do a lot of other stuff too. We have life lessons three to four times a year. That is where the kids met Tony Memmel, for instance. They also met some great

By Rev. Bob Caranicas

Forming Faith: Confirmation & Senior High Youth Ministry

kids from Century High School that talked to them about not making destructive choices. We do mission trips in the summer to places like inner city Minneapolis. We are going back there this summer. We do relationship building trips into the wilds of Wisconsin where we experience God’s creation all around and inside of us. We do lock-ins during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This year we had around 100 middle school students! God gives strength to us adults for sure.

240students

in confirmation6th - 9th

A Safe EnvironmentYouth Group has always been a very important part of my life. Every Sunday, I can escape from my busy life and just go be a teenager and have fun. My friends are always wel-coming and make the youth room a fun safe environment for everybody who wishes to enjoy it.

Nathan S.

4,800volunteer hours

offered byconfirmation

students

All of these times are excellent examples of how the Holy Spirit is moving in this place, bringing God’s children of all ages together. We as a staff are blessed beyond measure with kids and volunteers that help to make all this happen. We even have some returning college students to help out. This is the story of youth here and we are pretty sure that the book is nowhere near complete. We and God are just getting started. Won’t it be amazing to see what comes next?

112016 Annual Report

Forming Faith: Confirmation & Senior High Youth Ministry

Working in the kitchenYou can have a lot of fun doing work. If you put your mind to it. Food brings people together.

Jase K.

Life LessonIt was a joy to be a guest at Good Shepherd, this fall. I was grateful to have the opportunity to share about my music, my mission working with people with hand and limb differences, and about my testimony and firm belief that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Tony MemmelNashville, TN

143youth participated

in lock-ins

124kids will beconfirmed

in 2017Three GenerationsChristmas is a time for family. Even if you’re doing the small-est thing, like ushering at your church, or doing something big, like singing songs about Jesus at a concert, it’s better to do with family. I’m so thankful and happy to have a family to be around for Christmas, and having a family that helps with those small things makes it x10 bigger and more cheerful.

Olivia S.


Holistic Stewardship: Human Resources Ministry

Summary of changes:Executive Assistant Office Manager…Sara Helbling has decided to transition into another career opportunity outside of GSLC. We are grateful for her service and wish her all the best in her new adventure. Michelle Fischer was hired to fill this role and started serving in October of this year. She brings with her many years of experience and we look forward to her doing many great things.

Communications Director…Sarah Griesbach left GSLC earlier this year and has relocated to Fargo. This position was changed to Communications and Graphics Design Specialist and Paige Mattson was hired into this role in March. She has been a long time member of GSLC and has been a welcome addition to our team and we are grateful for her many talents and years of experience.

Accounting Specialist…Sandy Meidinger has retired from the Parish Administrator position, but has graciously agreed

to stay on board with GSLC as the Accounting Specialist on a part-time basis. Sandy has served Good Shepherd in so many ways and we are fortunate and blessed to be able to keep her many talents…even if it’s only part-time.

Parish Administrator…Melanie Nickols was hired in July as Sandy’s replacement. She blesses us with a great deal of experience and financial management skills and is proving to be a very welcome addition to the GSLC team.

Confirmation and Youth Ministry Coordinator…Andie Rydberg (Confirmation Coordinator) & Doug Hilderman (Sr High Ministry Coordinator) both left their positions this past summer. Andie and her family relocated back to Minnesota to be closer to family. Doug is also saying goodbye to the staff in order to spend more family time. We combined the two roles into one and shifted some of the administrative work back into the front office personnel. Amy Wenzel accepted the invitation to join GSLC in this role and began her service in August this year. She is a native of Wisconsin and she has been doing a great job helping to share the Good News with the youth in our congregation.

Facility Manager…Mark Kamphius left us in July after several years of dedicated service. We are grateful to Mark for his years of dedication. We have re-titled this position to Director of Facility Maintenance and Kent Nies has been hired into

that role as of early November. Kent served in this role for several years up until May of 2015 before leaving for a personal opportunity. Kent brings a wealth of experience and talent back to GSLC.

Welcome to all of the new team members and thank you for accepting the call to serve and bless our congregation with your many talents. Other highlights that our committee has been working on is the review of the Employee guide to ensure we are consistent in policy and procedures and have addressed business practices and employee needs appropriately. We have implemented an Employee Sabbatical policy and are in the process of updating several other policies including maternity/paternity leave, FMLA leave compliance, an infant at work policy, smoking policy, and drug/alcohol policy. We also spent a considerable amount of time in review of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) policy that was mandated by law. The committee has vetted this law and its application to GSLC to ensure we are in compliance.

We thank you all for your continued support and commitment to our Savior and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and we wish you all a blessed and prosperous 2017.

This year has been a time of change

for Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. We

have been blessed with great people

working for our congregation and we continue to be

blessed with more great people coming to us as we have had

several changes.

By Shannon JulsonHR Committee Chairperson


Engaging the Faithful: Library Guild

Engaging the Faithful: Women of the ELCA

Reflecting on the changes that have happened in our

Guild membership this past year we are both rejoicing and saddened. Our dear friend, Vadamay Kingsley, left us and we do miss her, and discover daily how she did things in such a quiet and unassuming way! A Sun-catcher will be placed in the window to remind us of her wonderful care of each of us not only on the Library Guild but the entire congregation! We also said goodbye to long time member Yvonne Carlson, who moved to Perham, MN. Barb Wilke and Gert Olson resigned from our group as well. Thank you all for your

wonderful work. We are rejoicing to have Jeanette Erickson and Julie Fornshell join us, as new members. We were given the opportunity to host the Reformation Book Fair this Fall. We received 17 books; writings of Martin Luther, an Atlas of the Reformation, a graphic novel for children and others to learn of what it was like to live in the time of Luther. These were available for sale at half price with free shipping. Many in the congregation took advantage of this opportunity and after the sale we were able to place those books in the Library. They have their own shelf in the Library.

The Library Guild added 105 books this year, total value of the Library is $26,283.89. The value of Reformation books donated by Augsburg Fortress is $324.92. Three DVD’s were donated to the Library this year. No new CD’s were added. A frequent user of our Library says she “likes the library because it has a wide variety of books and authors and is well organized. I also like it because I can look at the checkout card to see if I have read the book before (sometimes over the course of the years, I forget). It’s also fun to read about the new arrivals in the newsletter and see them on the special shelf and make a selection that way.” Come, browse and check out a book.

17new books on Martin Luther

Good Shepherd is blessed with a very active group

of women that make up WELCA. Our membership is getting smaller, but the women remaining are going strong. Lutheran World Relief Kits are now shipped and tracked throughout the world; last year School Kits were sent

to Uganda, Baby Care Kits to Thailand and Personal Care Kits to Serbia. Bible Study and fellowship continue every month within the Circles and once a year, usually in August, we all meet together and Pastor Pam leads the study. The studies used are from the Gather Magazine. What a great place to make friends and learn about the Word of God.

We served twenty-nine funerals; spring and Fall Events were planned and held by all circle members, WELCA hosted a Bingo party at MSLCC in July which was a ton of fun. Our ministry includes visits to MSLCC for former Good Shepherd WELCA Members, decorating at Christmas time and World Relief Projects which includes packing and shipping.

“The Library has a wide variety of books and authors and is well organized.”

ExecutiveBoardOfficersfor 2017:President – Val OttoVice-President – Pollie ReuleSecretary – Karma AndersonTreasurer – Gloria Hassebrock

CircleOfficersfor2017:Dorcas Esther – Diane Rose and Lois ZerrMary – Arlene OlsonRuth – Stephanie Falcon

By Evelyn Buchfink Library Guild Chairperson

By Pollie Reule WELCA Vice-President


Outreach to Community: God works in mystifying ways

Since February 2013, I’ve been on nine Habitat

for Humanity and Thrivent Builds Worldwide mission trips to Central America. God is definitely pulling me toward mission work. He is teaching me how giving my time and gifts benefits others, how it changes me to live more humbly and gratefully, and how it reflects Christ. Obviously, building a house is a great benefit for a family in need. In March 2016, I led a team that laid the concrete block for a family’s two bedroom house that is smaller than my two-car garage here at home. The owner, Ansel, said that he had waited FOURTEEN YEARS for his dream home to be built. Ansel leaves for work each morning at 5:00, travels for two hours by bus to work, arrives back at the construction site at 7:00 pm, and then guards the site of his new home to make sure that building supplies and tools don’t walk off during the night. Within a few weeks Ansel and his wife will finally have a home that they and their two children could share. At

the time of construction, their children lived two hours in the other direction with a relative and only saw their parents occasionally. On top of building a home that Ansel had wished for over a decade, we were bringing a family together. Each mission trip I return from sends me back home changed. I come home each time more grateful for my circumstances that I have so easily taken for granted. I have new friends from around the country and around the world to keep in contact with. I pray more. I thank God for what He has given me and ask for His guidance in helping others. I get by with fewer frivolous purchases. I reflect on what I consider necessities versus what others around the world consider necessities. When things don’t go my way, I stop to ask myself if I am facing a first world problem or a third world problem. I feel realigned with what God would like me to have as priorities in my life. I feel connected to people in other countries that I never thought I’d have anything in common with. I feel more courageous in crediting God with my accomplishments. On top of that, each time I return from a mission trip the longing becomes stronger to seek out, plan, and pray about my next mission trip adventure. Being right there, sweating, working, straining to lift one last shovel full of dirt, I physically feel the exhaustion, sacrifice, and pain of a hard day’s work. I wonder if I can feel even a smidgen of the pain that Christ felt when He gave the ultimate sacrifice for us. Do others see even a dim reflection of Christ in me? Then I think of the carpenters

who work day in and day out to help families build their dream homes for a fraction of what we would consider acceptable pay for a construction worker here in the United States. In those carpenters I see Christ. I smile as I think of the Habitat for Humanity staff who are translating, helping make connections between locals and foreigners, and tirelessly accommodating our needs. In them I see Christ. I remember neighborhood children grateful for the time I stopped working to visit with them or play a game. In those children I see Christ. Finally, I fondly recall memories of the local people who willingly gave us whatever they had - shelter, chairs, water, prayers, thanks, a drawing, a smile - in order to make us feel at home in their country. In them I see Christ. Nowadays, I spend time daydreaming about future mission trips. Thrivent and Habitat for Humanity have trips coming up to Vietnam, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Fiji, and other interesting places I can now dream about visiting! Building in Central America has allowed Christ to work in my heart and drive me to reach out beyond my comfort zone. Me? A petite woman pickaxing? Yes! Me? A mom of three mixing concrete with only a shovel? You bet! God works in mystifying ways. If I can do it, you can, too.

Come join me!

9mission trips

in 3 years

“I’m relatively new at this whole mission

trip thing. I once gave sidelong ‘You must

be crazy’ glances at people who had been out of the country or

around the country on mission trips. Me, a

middle-aged woman leave the country to

do manual labor? Me, a petite female, mixing concrete and

pickaxing dirt?”

By Andrea SagsveenMission Trip Coordinator


Outreach to Community: Quilters

Engaging the Faithful: Good Shepherd Staff

240hours to fold and label the

newsletter

248quilts made

Quilts made in 2016Lutheran World Relief ....... 103RSVP .......................................2Dakota Alpha ........................24Abused Women ....................16Baby Blankets to Good Shepherd Nursery .....5Baby Blankets for Baptism ..96Others .....................................2Total ............................... 248

Kordell Bauer Rev. Bob Caranicas Wendy Curry Nicole Fehr Michelle Fischer Peder Gulleson

Vicki Martel Paige Mattson Sandy Meidinger Melanie Nicklos Kent Nies Karen Petersen

Rev. Pam Power David Rohrscheib Rev. Craig Schweitzer Amy Wenzel


What a wonderful and blessed year this has

been at Good Shepherd! We continue to grow in our faith and witness to what Jesus means to us in our lives. We have had some unique opportunities to learn and grow this year, too, with Pastor Craig leading a study called “My Neighbor is Muslim” and my study of the Church and Criminal Justice. These discussions have meant so much to so many, and prompted deep, thoughtful discussions about important issues in our communities and country. I am so thankful to everyone who volunteers their time and works so hard to help others in our community. We have such dedicated people in this congregation who are living out their faith every day in so many beautiful ways, which you can see in the stories throughout this report. I am especially thankful for our

Forming Faith: Congregational Life and Pastor Care

150attending

bible studies

54shut-insvisited

Stephen Ministers: Back row: Carl Bye, Pastor Craig Schweitzer, Karen Espeland, Toni Daede, Donna Chommie, and Peg Walth; Middle row: Wanda Bye, Deb Krein, Claire Lorinser, Renee Hill, Janine Haug, and Mark Kamphuis; Front row: Beverly Sandness, Eileen Larson, Jane Jesperson, and Pastor Pam Power

Being a Stephen MinisterI decided to become a Stephen Minister because I have a background in social work and I thought this would be a good “fit” for me. The training we received is intense; the materials we studied so pertinent, and the instructor well informed. Stephen Ministers listen, pray with and for their care receiver, support them, but most importantly we are a positive Christian presence for those we care for. The time you spend with your care receiver and where you meet is determined between the two of you. It can be once a week, once a month, whatever works for you. I would suggest that the most important attribute for a Stephen Minister is to be determined to be a good listener! Like anything else you pursue, the more you put into it the more satisfaction you receive.

– Donna Chommie

12volunteers

visiting hospitals

5days a week

By Rev. Pam Power

Stephen Ministers, Hospital Visitation Team, Home Communion Team, and all those who touch the lives of others and share the love of Christ in everything they say and do. I’m excited about what this new year will bring, too. We have a team of

people following up from the Church and Criminal Justice class, looking at ways we can support those who are currently incarcerated or have been released and need support and prayer. We are looking at advocacy for changes in laws that are not effective in rehabilitation and re-entry into society. Look for updates on ways to become involved in the coming months! Let us continue to spread the light and the hope of Jesus our Savior throughout the coming year!


By Wendy Curry

Utilizing the members of Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church to share the Shepherd’s love for the congregational needs as well as ministry in daily life is the story of the Congregational Life Coordinator. The needs of the congregation can be as obvious as ushering, reading, communion set up and

Engaging the Faithful: Congregational Life

Food donationsThe Bismarck Emergency Food Pantry was started in 1980 by a group of churches including Good Shepherd. We serve Burleigh and Morton Counties. Unfortunately, the need for services like the food pantry increases every year. We rely on the generosity of the community and receive no government funding. We have an all volunteer staff of 25-30 members and are open three afternoons a week. We serve and average of 200 families a month and give out $12,000 in food every month. Our major donations come from the postal drive in May and from area banks in October. We are very grateful for the continued support of Good Shepherd in their weekly donations.

God Bless, Sandi Crimmins, Co-Chair

806volunteer hours

for Heritageworship during

a year

468people needed for Heritage worship

during a year

serving. Saturday evening Heritage Worship alone requires 806 volunteer hours including 468 people over a year’s time. The five other services have similar needs to a varying degree depending on Holy Communion. The very basic service requires 442 hours of volunteer hours including 260 people. The sheer volume of needs illustrates how valuable it is to know the gifts of members. Creating an atmosphere of positive energy and support allows members an opportunity to enjoy their service time. Members at Good Shepherd are uniquely devoted to their passion of sharing. Some very involved members will say they like to keep busy, they feel it is something they can offer and are able. I feel it is much more than that. Good Shepherd is a welcoming and accepting place committed to serve others. The members I get to work alongside are sometimes in awe of the detail that goes into making things happen at church. Whether it is purchasing wine for communion or making candles for All Saint’s Weekend. It takes a community, a very large community.

Good Shepherd is not a place where just worship, church school and confirmation takes place. We host The Banquet three different evenings throughout the year. In 2017, we plan on also doing some of the Saturday lunches. Our members deliver Meals on Wheels in the month of July. We have women get together to make quilts that are sent to places all over the world as well as the Bismarck/Mandan area. Our church school children decorate cookies before Christmas to donate the proceeds to Back Pack for Kids. The confirmation students are working in numerous parts of the community and church to fulfill service hours as a part confirmation. Having members enjoy their participation is key

and very important. Good Shepherd is a place where being invested to making things happen at church and in our community is a way to engage in our faith.


The Endowment Council has been operating since it was

ratified at the 2005 annual meeting of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Staff members, Sandy Meidinger and Melanie Nicklos, serve the Endowment Council in their capacity of Accounting Specialist and Parish Administrator. Kathy Torske serves as the current Church Council liaison to the Endowment Council. We thank them all for their valuable service. There are nine at-large positions elected or appointed for three year terms. Rita Keegan, Tim Wahlin and Becky Parkin are completing their respective terms. Becky Parkin is completing a term that was vacated by Kayla Effertz. Joel Bird, Rhea Beto and Sheryl Zaun are completing their second term and Arliss Fleming, Kellie Erhardt and

Kevin Gader are completing their first of the three-year terms. Rita Keegan served as chairwoman and Sandy Meidinger served as Treasurer. A special thank you to everyone who has committed their time and serve on the Endowment Council. Our portfolio is presently being managed by Kirk Pandolfo of Wells Fargo Advisors. In 2016 the Good Shepherd Endowment Council enjoyed good growth as a result of portfolio management but also from very generous contributions. These funds are held within the Good Shepherd Endowment portfolio but accounted for separately to allow granting within the constraints of the gift. All grant applications must meet specific criteria set forth by the constitution and they should be consistent with Good Shepherd’s core values and strategic focus. As of December 31, 2016, the total assets of the Good Shepherd Endowment

fund had a market value of $967,760.32. The average market value of the three most recent September 30th market value determinations control the granting levels, as set forth in the Good Shepherd Constitution. The Endowment Council can distribute up to ten percent of that average market value during the upcoming year for qualifying grants but targets these distributions to hit 5%. The valuations for 2017 are $21,371 for the non-restricted funds and $18,100 for the restricted funds. The Endowment Council manages both the general endowment and the Dorothy Bauer fund, which is a restricted fund, focusing on youth grants, along with Memorial funds. During 2016 the Endowment Council made distributions of approximately $21, 104 in grants and $7,900 in memorial funds.

Holistic Stewardship: Endowment Council

Grants approved and funded:Non-restricted Endowment500 Years of God’s Grace Action

TeamEngaging Adults GrantDorothy Bauer RestrictedELCA Young Adults in Global

Mission-Carrie SandstromRally Weekend CelebrationSoul Sisterhood Ministry GrantScout Pack 125-Northridge Snack

ProjectMemorial GrantsConfirmation Carousel for BindersLSSND – New American Program

– cleaning productsChristmas tree for SanctuaryLSSND – New American Program

– furnitureCandle stands for the Sanctuary –

Marv Erdmann memorialLSSND – New American Program

– bedding

We are excited about the purpose of the

Good Shepherd Endowment funds and encourage all

members of the Church to prayerfully

remember the Endowment fund

when putting together their estate plans and when considering the

current tax credits available. As the Good Shepherd Endowment

Fund grows, so will the ability to support the ministries of the

Church.

The Endowment Council

I am exceptionally grateful that I had so many people in my life that helped me hear the call to apply for YAGM. I am especially grateful to the folks at Good Shepherd Lutheran, who saw me through my formative years of life and surrounded me with a loving and supportive faith community, which has provided me with a solid life foundation on which to build the next part of my story.

Carrie Sandstrom

By Rita KeegenEndowment Committee

Chairperson


Holistic Stewardship: Property Management

We are so blessed to share the building with

our community. Numerous groups call our building home throughout the week. On average, we have 34 activities scheduled each week beyond GSLC activities. With the influx of meetings and activities in our facility, the staff has the responsibility of maintaining the building for all to enjoy. During the transition of finding a Director of Facility Maintenance, we were blessed by individuals who came in to help us get the building ready for upcoming events. With that help we were able to continue the heavy load without any disruptions to the schedule. During the summer and into fall we were able to work on a much needed landscaping issue that affected the north and south sides of our property. On both sides we found low-lying areas that trapped water against the foundation. Water was seeping in and running down walls and windows causing damage. The project began with transplanting vegetation in the

affected areas so that tilling could begin. On the north side of the building there was a large portion of vegetation removed due to the major dirt work that needed to be completed. We had a contractor move the dirt and raise the concrete slab so the water from the gutters could make it to the man hole instead of pooling in areas against the foundation. Along with all the dirt work, we decided to add a gutter and downspout to the large peak off the Lynne Center. We were noticing the roof wasn’t able to handle all the water coming off the peak and it was sitting next to the foundation of the property causing additional erosion. The south side of the property proved to be just as intense. Tilling up the grass was more difficult than originally anticipated. After the ground was soft and movable, we were able to spread the dirt to areas that needed it for good drainage. In the process we decided to downsize some of the gardens that prevented water from draining away from the building. We finished just

in the nick of time. We were able to spray hydro seed prior to any snow or freezing. In the spring, we are hopeful that the work completed will aid in the shedding of water and we will decrease the amount of damage occurring in those areas. Lastly is the new fence installed by the YMCA. It provides a safe place for exterior activities for all and a great place for staff enjoy lunch outside when Mother Nature allows.

34activities

each week

By Melanie Nicklos


This past fall Good Shepherd officially

became recognized as a Soul Sisterhood Girls Ministry chapter! Soul Sisterhood is a ministry that nurtures middle school aged girls in their relationship with God. The hope is to inspire young women to learn new skills, discover new passions, make new friends and build confidence through fearless trying and creating – all in a Christ-centered, supportive environment. Girls today are faced with the challenge of figuring out who they are in a world that constantly tells them who they are supposed to be. As we embark on time together each week we take a look at

who God created us to be, we explore ideas of identity, relationships, and creativity. We try hard to find ways to open up to the beauty of God that lives within—and let it out! Our girl’s ministry started at Good Shepherd in October and

will go through May. The group meets on Sunday afternoons where we take in bible study, devotions, baking, crafting, scrapbooking and so much more.


I can do all things through Christ who

strengthens me – Philippians 4:13

Other Activities Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has been a very busy place this year. In addition to all the worship services and youth activities, we have groups that meet here weekly. Some come because they like to socialize while sharing a common interest, and others meet here to support those who are struggling in a specific area. Thanks to your continued support, we are able to offer a safe place for these groups to meet each week.

Group ................. GatheringsBeginning Experience ..........23AA (New Beginnings) ..........104Al-Anon ..................................53Gamblers Anonymous .......104Boy Scouts ............................60Men’s Fellowship .................52Knitter’s Group .....................25Quilters Group ......................64Stephen Ministry ..................25CODA .....................................50

Group ................. GatheringsFoster Parents ......................12Angel Babies.........................12WELCA/ Circle Groups .........50Grief Support Groups ........... 16Financial Peace University .... 9Mom’s Club .......................... 11Overeaters Anonymous (Newest Group) ...................... 4Weddings .............................. 11Funerals ................................26

711 times the

church provided a

safe place for community

groups to meet



Blessings to you in this New Year from Camp of the Cross Ministries!We are blessed at CCM for the many people who pray for us and support our ministries. We are proud and humbled to provide a ministry to all ages that helps each person“Live out their Lives of Faith!”. CCM’s staff and board of directors work hard in our mission that everyone may live out their calling to be

“disciples” of Christ’s love! CCM has had a profound influence in the lives of many children, youth, young adults and adults who are touched by our ministry. Maybe you are one of those persons? Austin came to work at camp when he was 14. The previous summer he had been hanging around with the wrong crowd of kids and got himself into some trouble. His mom approached me and asked if he could work for us at CCM. I was a little taken back since I knew who he was and what he

had done. It wasn’t something that would harm campers or other staff but he had an attitude and I just wasn’t sure if I should hire him. After much prayer, I gave him a chance and hired Austin to be on our maintenance staff. I am honored and very pleased with what CCM has to offer. Today, Austin is a student at NDSU; a member of the ND National Guard and one of our most loyal alumni staff members. At CCM, we are proud in how many people “Live out their Lives of Faith”!

“Thank you for praying for us and supporting us!”

60children

attend after school care

30packages of

diapers

After school child careGood Shepherd Lutheran Church and the Y have been great neighbors throughout the years and this past year have become partners in providing much needed summer and after school Grade School Care to our communities youth and their families. This care is in short supply due to overall capacity and lack of appropriate affordable space/location. This new partnership started in the summer of 2016 and has continued year round, and has allowed the Y to provide this important care and helps both of us to meet a critical family need through our mission work.

We are so pleased and thankful to continue this partnership with Good Shepherd and mutual work in supporting our area families with high quality care, education, safety and providing peace of mind and reduced stress.

Bill Bauman, ED/CEO, YMCA

Diaper DriveGood Shepherd was very generous in their giving to the Diaper Drive in November. Items collected were 30 packages of diapers, 27 containers of baby wipes, a variety of bibs, bottles, infant outfits, hangers,towels and other necessities to help a new mother struggling to provide those items in the early months of birth.

Thank you, Cathy Anhalt, Community Resource Officer

By Rev. Janis Sloka, III Executive Director


We are a blessed people! Gifted by God in various

ways - some to teach, others to listen, still others to build, another one to organize, someone else to heal and the list goes on - endlessly. God has provided an Abundance of gifts so that the Good News of Jesus Christ might be made visible in this world. We gather for the second year around the theme “Living in God’s Abundance” with a special emphasis on how God, through the power of the Holy Spirit has gifted individuals. Some people are aware of their gifts, others are working to discern or understand how they have been gifted and how these gifts are to be used. Here is what I know, your gifts are needed. Whatever those gifts are, they are needed for the sake of all of God’s creation. You have been gifted for a reason, so that neighbors and creatures and creation can be cared for. You and your God given gifts are the answer to someone else’s prayer. God’s world needs people just like you who are willing to give of themselves - freely and generously and in doing so the gospel is lived, proclaimed and experienced. As a synod, a group of people and congregations who walk together, we live out of God’s incredible abundance. As your staff, through a series of conversations with rostered leaders and synod council we have identified five primary areas of work:

Hospitality: Welcoming people whether it is to your synod office or through congregationally based

activities like “Dishin’ With the Bish” we seek to share Christ’s love. It is through hospitality that relationships are built allowing ministry in Christ’s name to flow.How might we together become more hospitable, getting to know our neighbors deepest needs, worries or dreams and in the process being able to share our faith in Christ?

Faith Formation: Growing in faith and faithfulness is our work together. These efforts will be enhanced through a churchwide grant to help us gather families to study Luther’s Small Catechism and through hands on activities to teach families how to nurture the faith of those closest to them.How do we together take seriously the baptismal promises we have made to nurture others in their faith? Raising Up Leaders: God’s church needs leaders, for today and for the future. We need members of congregations willing to prayerfully lead their congregations to visions beyond themselves, where neighbors are served in Jesus name. We need leaders raised up to serve within God’s church as Pastors, Diaconal Ministers and Associates in Ministry.The question before us is how do we, together, raise up new leaders, equipping them for Gospel ministry - ministry in daily life and ministry within the congregation?

Stewardship: All that we have is a gift from God, faithful stewards recognize that and seek ways to faithfully care for and share what God has given

them. At its heart stewardship is all about discipleship, being a faithful follower of Jesus.How do we live this counter-cultural message, that we are stewards and not owners? How might engaging conversations around being a steward deepen our faith? Congregational Renewal: This is God’s church. It is God who has a mission and it is God’s Holy Spirit who invites us to be participants in that mission. Congregational Renewal is a grounded in Bible Study and Prayer seeking God’s guidance in faithfully worshipping and serving.What does it mean to seek new ways of reaching beyond ourselves? What does it mean to listen closely to our neighbor? How might listening and building relationships open the door for us to share our hope in Christ?

As I have said before, God has blessed us Abundantly. We give thanks for the abundance while at the same time pondering the ministry God is call us to engage. There is a lot to be thankful for and a lot to think about. Stop by for a cup of coffee and conversation some time.

God Bless.

Outreach to Community: Western North Dakota Synod

By Bishop Mark Narum

Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your

country and your kindred and your father’s house

to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that

you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and the one

who curses you I will curse; and in you all the

families of the earth shall be blessed.”

Genesis 12:1-3


Holistic Stewardship: Finance Committee

Outreach to Community: Lutheran Social Services

As we have been blessed by our Heavenly Father,

we would like to say thank you to all of the 1,220 active households who have helped share those blessings to support the mission of Good Shepherd. As we continue to grow in our stewardship journey, we want to share some updates of where we are financially. While this is being written prior to year-end results, it appears that we will end the year with more revenue than expense, with both areas slightly below budget. What is exciting to see is that giving increased year over year compared to being somewhat stagnant the past four years. For 2017, we have budgeted for approximately a 1% increase in revenue and expenses over the 2016

budget. Some of the guiding principles we have used to establish the budget were to show continued growth in stewardship to support the key needs, including Music and Worship, Youth Ministry, Mission and Outreach, Congregational Life and Support Ministries. We budget to ensure we have adequate resources to fund cash flow (because timing of giving and expenses differ) and that we have an Emergency Fund, but that we also focus on growing benevolence to support mission and outreach. Around 60% of the budget is used for staff compensation. We are blessed with a wonderful staff whose commitment to Good Shepherd is remarkable. We are in a tight job market and have made adjustments to increase the health insurance benefits for our staff in the 2017 budget.

Additional focus is being placed on short- and long-term capital needs so that we can fund smaller needs through operations. We continue to make progress in reducing our debt. The mortgage is about $527,000. Payments are $4,062 per month. The interest rate is 3.875% through November, 2021, with final maturity of November, 2031. We continue to make additional principal reductions that have averaged $40,000-$50,000 annually, which will significantly shorten the amortization. How each of us give of our financial resources is changing. Some prefer the traditional envelope, others prefer e-giving. We will continue to help educate and provide the appropriate channel to assist these needs. Thank you for your support of Good Shepherd ministries.

Angie’s StoryAngie has had a lot of experience with addiction: Her father, former spouse and daughter have all dealt with some form of addictive behavior. So she wasn’t too surprised last year when she finally faced the truth: she had a gambling problem. Angie was married for 20 years, divorced, and now has been single for 20 years. She became a licensed foster care provider for her grandchildren and continued to teach school. Relationships she thought would work didn’t. Angie started opening up about her personal issues to her sister—but then

she passed away last August. Others close to her, including her grandchildren, were noticing that things weren’t quite right. “I was hitting the casinos, I was winning sometimes, but then losing several hundred dollars in one night. I couldn’t focus and I realized it was from playing so much for so long,” she said. It was time to seek help. Angie found Lutheran Social Services Gamblers Choice and started attending group sessions last December. “In looking back I realized there was an empty space in me,” she said. “I was looking for some kind of fulfillment or an escape from responsibilities. I

needed something outside of the routine—something to make me feel better about myself.” When she sought help, Angie knew she was emotionally ready for treatment and she’s made solid progress since starting the program. “With the program you know you’re not alone. I really appreciate the professionalism of the counselors. I’m finding other things to do like going out for coffee with friends and spending more time with my family.” Angie emphasizes her spirituality in finding strength. “I read a lot of faith-based material and try to apply it to make my life better.”

893 Families helped with affordable

homes

Audit CommitteeThe Audit Committee is appointed by the Church Council. The Audit Committee met in May 2016 to perform procedures related to the 2014 and 2015 financial statements. Observations and recommendations generated through those procedures have been forwarded to the church council.

Mark Klimpel Rhonda Mahlum Corey Schick Grant Mortenson

By John Giese Finance Committee Chairperson


Holistic Stewardship: Proposed Ministry Financial Plan 2017

Financial Summary 2012-2017 Good Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGeneral Fund

PROPOSED MINISTRY FINANCIAL PLAN 2017Financial Summary - 2012 through 2017 - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - General Fund

2016 2016 Diff 2016 (%) of

Budget

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Annual Over Received 2017Actual Actual Actual Actual Actual Budget (Under) or Spent Proposed

BUDGETED RECEIPTS - (Income)GENERAL OFFERING $1,125,933 $1,155,031 $1,102,659 $1,130,138 $1,154,529 $1,359,108 ($204,579) 85% $1,366,500HOLIDAY OFFERING - (Combined with General Offering) 45,964 54,761 58,723 78,038 62,175 0 62,175 0% 0

461 228 174 61 23,861 92 23,769 25936% 3,50082,872 86,829 80,150 83,832 88,593 88,800 (207) 100% 90,00078,286 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0

TOTAL BUDGETED RECEIPTS - (Income) $1,333,516 $1,296,849 $1,241,705 $1,292,068 $1,329,157 $1,448,000 -$118,843 92% $1,460,000

BUDGETED DISBURSEMENTS - (Expenses)MISSION & OUTREACH

SMALL GROUPS $0 $366 $360 $720 $508 $2,000 ($1,492) 25% $1,000STEPHEN MINISTRY 791 737 3,238 591 3,169 3,500 (331) 91% 2,500

8,230 8,093 1,039 1,966 878 4,000 (3,122) 22% 4,000BENEVOLENCE

MISSION & OUTREACH IN BISMARCK/MANDANABUSED ADULT RESOURCE CENTER 836 4,631 2,661 2,768 2,754 3,000 (246) 92% 3,000AID, INC. 836 3,706 2,661 2,768 2,754 3,000 (246) 92% 3,000BANQUET MINISTRY 1,600 2,297 2,000 2,167 2,329 2,400 (71) 97% 2,400BISMARCK MEALS ON WHEELS 209 1,668 1,596 1,661 1,653 1,800 (147) 92% 1,800GOOD SAMARITAN 2,247 1,137 373 1,674 1,394 1,800 (406) 77% 2,000MINISTRY ON THE MARGINS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 2,000RUTH MEIERS HOSPITALITY HOUSE 836 4,631 2,661 2,768 2,754 3,000 (246) 92% 3,000WELCOME HOUSE 836 4,631 2,661 2,768 2,754 3,000 (246) 92% 3,000HABITAT FOR HUMANITY - (Closed in 2013) 209 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0INTERFAITH - (Moved within Good Samaritan) 209 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0

BIG BROTHER-BIG SISTER 209 1,668 709 738 734 800 (66) 92% 0CAMPERSHIPS 900 675 400 500 0 800 (800) 0% 1,000CAMP OF THE CROSS 21,046 7,411 7,096 7,383 9,179 10,000 (821) 92% 10,000CHARLES HALL YOUTH SERVICES 314 2,223 888 922 917 1,000 (83) 92% 1,000COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS 0 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 1,000 0 100% 1,000HEART RIVER BRIDGES OF HOPE - (ND YCC) 0 1,296 1,242 1,292 1,286 1,400 (114) 92% 1,500SEMINARY SCHOLARSHIP 7,000 1,750 2,000 4,000 4,000 4,000 0 100% 5,000TEEN CHALLENGE 209 741 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0

MISSION & OUTREACH STATEWIDEFELLOWSHIP OF CHRISTIAN ATHLETES 209 741 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0NATIVE AMERICAN YOUNG LIFE 314 741 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0ND LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES 12,615 11,116 10,643 11,075 18,079 19,695 (1,616) 92% 20,200MENTAL HEALTH AMERICA OF NORTH DAKOTA 836 2,779 888 922 917 1,000 (83) 92% 0

INTEREST INCOME

LOOSE OFFERING

MISSION & OUTREACH IN BISMARCK/MANDAN (YOUTH FOCUSED)

WEBSITE

"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." Matthew 25:40

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN - (Forward in Faith - ended December 31, 2012)


2016 2016 Diff 2016 (%) of

Budget


MISSION & OUTREACH GLOBALLYELCA CHURCHWIDE 97,992 81,515 78,050 81,216 90,250 98,320 (8,070) 92% 99,500GOD'S CHILD PROJECT 314 1,668 888 922 917 1,000 (83) 92% 0MISSIONARY SUPPORT - Pastor Themba Mkhabela - CAR 1,046 3,149 3,104 3,230 3,213 3,500 (287) 92% 3,500BREAD FOR THE WORLD 1,181 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0SALVADORAN LUTHERAN SYNOD - CRISTO REY LUTHERAN CHURCH 0 4,631 4,436 4,614 4,589 5,000 (411) 92% 5,000

HOLIDAY OFFERINGS - (Moved to Discretionary) 44,783 54,761 58,723 0 0 0 0 0% 0DISCRETIONARY - (Disbursed as Budget Allows) 16,200 0 0 0 1,000 37,205 (36,205) 3% 36,500FORWARD IN FAITH BENEVOLENCES 7,829 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0

TOTAL BENEVOLENCE 220,815 200,566 184,679 134,388 152,473 202,720 (50,247) 75% 204,400TOTAL MISSION & OUTREACH & BENEVOLENCES 229,836 209,762 189,316 137,664 157,028 212,220 (55,192) 74% 211,900

MUSIC AND WORSHIP

WORSHIP RESOURCES 9,089 14,693 10,536 12,366 12,224 14,500 (2,276) 84% 13,500TOTAL MUSIC AND WORSHIP 9,089 14,693 10,536 12,366 12,224 14,500 (2,276) 84% 13,500

SUPPORT MINISTRIES

COMPENSATIONOFFICE MILEAGE 1,437 1,529 398 1,289 0 1,820 (1,820) 0% 1,000AUTO ALLOWANCE 4,642 4,968 6,075 5,950 5,735 5,950 (215) 96% 5,950CONGREGATIONAL LIFE SALARIES 72,554 38,848 6,444 0 0 0 0 0% 0MUSIC AND WORSHIP SALARIES 50,594 83,651 91,240 99,310 101,887 101,826 61 100% 105,363SUPPORT MINISTRY SALARIES 186,132 213,590 212,699 218,849 219,928 232,523 (12,595) 95% 241,110YOUTH MINISTRY SALARIES 53,657 47,040 70,587 90,814 73,031 94,500 (21,469) 77% 81,196PASTOR SALARIES - (Includes Housing & Benefits) 217,796 236,828 305,710 304,497 317,262 317,998 (736) 100% 334,180PAYROLL TAXES 27,871 29,205 31,562 35,046 33,811 34,754 (943) 97% 36,117PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT/CONTINUING EDUCATION 7,698 10,336 14,014 16,884 14,323 17,600 (3,277) 81% 16,600STAFF BENEFITS 42,208 44,357 43,383 47,701 44,278 46,991 (2,713) 94% 78,753

TOTAL COMPENSATION 664,588 710,353 782,113 820,341 810,255 853,962 (43,707) 95% 900,269PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

EQUIPMENT 30,091 31,436 33,261 30,787 28,894 30,000 (1,106) 96% 30,000INSURANCE 13,216 8,710 12,777 15,280 16,595 16,500 95 101% 16,500LIBRARY 500 1,000 500 492 210 500 (290) 42% 500MAINTENANCE & SUPPLIES 55,905 56,963 57,823 29,435 40,263 40,000 263 101% 45,000

121,300 81,029 74,796 68,563 74,796 74,796 0 100% 48,748TAXES & SPECIALS - (North Campus) 40,559 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0OFFICE SUPPLIES 13,665 16,410 18,294 14,633 13,587 14,000 (413) 97% 14,000POSTAGE 5,935 5,747 8,865 7,852 6,400 8,000 (1,600) 80% 6,500REG, FEES & TAXES 6,376 7,516 10,371 11,675 12,249 15,063 (2,814) 81% 14,383PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT 0 42,000 20,997 6,999 14,480 28,960 (14,480) 50% 29,200UTILITIES 59,454 44,195 44,506 47,952 47,552 53,000 (5,448) 90% 50,000

TOTAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT 347,001 295,007 282,190 233,667 255,025 280,819 (25,794) 91% 254,831

"Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, we press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13

MORTGAGE PAYMENT

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an acceptable worship with reverence and awe." Hebrews 12:28


Financial Summary Continued


2016 2016 Diff 2016 (%) of

Budget


SUPPORT MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATION/MARKETING 3,912 2,556 3,520 7,089 2,984 3,500 (516) 85% 4,000CONTINGENCY 3,602 5,710 6,500 3,949 6,877 9,000 (2,123) 76% 8,000CONTRACTED SERVICES 7,802 3,525 3,914 3,565 1,283 5,000 (3,718) 26% 3,500TOTAL SUPPORT MISCELLANEOUS 15,317 11,790 13,934 14,603 11,143 17,500 (6,357) 64% 15,500

TOTAL SUPPORT MINISTRIES 1,026,905 1,017,150 1,078,237 1,068,611 1,076,423 1,152,281 (75,858) 93% 1,170,600

CONGREGATIONAL LIFE

HOSPITALITY OUTREACH & MEMBER RESOURCES 3,871 5,589 2,755 2,880 2,389 4,000 (1,611) 60% 3,000NEW MEMBER ASSIMILATION 1,516 1,260 1,204 807 1,015 1,000 15 101% 1,000PARISH HEALTH MINISTRIES 357 589 38 0 0 0 0 0% 0MEMBER EDUCATION 17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0PUBLICATIONS 2,122 2,831 2,577 3,244 2,539 3,000 (461) 85% 2,000

TOTAL CONGREGATIONAL LIFE 7,884 10,270 6,574 6,931 5,943 8,000 (2,057) 74% 6,000

YOUTH MINISTRY

BIBLE & CATECH RESOURCES 2,699 3,312 4,000 3,986 4,000 4,000 0 100% 5,000CHILDCARE/NURSERY 0 57 0 0 0 0 0 0% 0CHURCH SCHOOL/VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL/EDUCATION RESOURCES 12,198 9,798 6,894 9,672 7,379 9,000 (1,621) 82% 9,000CONFIRMATION 4,935 4,953 4,069 5,470 3,892 8,000 (4,108) 49% 6,000YOUTH MINISTRY 14,970 15,241 16,046 16,838 36,911 40,000 (3,089) 92% 38,000

TOTAL YOUTH MINISTRY 34,802 33,362 31,009 35,966 52,181 61,000 (8,819) 86% 58,000

TOTAL BUDGETED DISBURSEMENTS - (Expenses) $1,308,516 $1,285,235 $1,315,672 $1,261,537 $1,303,800 $1,448,000 ($144,200) 90% $1,460,000EXCESS OF BUDGETED RECEIPTS OVER (UNDER)

BUDGETED DISBURSEMENTS $25,000 $11,614 -$73,967 $30,531 $25,357 $0 $25,357 $0

"Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray." Proverbs 22:6

"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, thankful for your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now." Philippians 1:3&5

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Annual Congregational Giving of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1,660 Households


PAROCHIAL REPORTGood Shepherd Lutheran Church

MEMBER INFORMATION 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL BAPTIZED MEMBERSHIP 4347 4432 4487 4552 3618TOTAL CONFIRMED MEMBERSHIP 3298 3367 3317 3368 2221TOTAL AVG WORSHIP ATTENDANCE 873 873 829 817 809Members received by:Baptism: children 61 85 96 63 75Baptism: adults 4 1 0 2 1Affirmation of faith 27 32 14 20 10Transfer from: ELCA Congregation Other Lutheran Other Non-Lutheran Total only as per New Reporting Guidelines 76 62 57 56 12Total Members Added 168 180 167 141 98

Members removed by:Death 17 18 17 20 28Transfer to: ELCA Congregation Other Lutheran Other Non-Lutheran Total only as per New Reporting Guidelines 53 39 55 55 29Other/Stat Adjustment 25 38 40 1 982Total Members Removed 95 95 112 76 1039MEMBERSHIP CHANGE 73 85 55 65 -941

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

TOTAL BAPTIZED MEMBERSHIP TOTAL CONFIRMED MEMBERSHIP TOTAL AVG WORSHIP ATTENDANCE

MEMBERSHIP ACTIVITY

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Holistic Stewardship: Parochial Report


Holistic Stewardship: Consolidated Balance Sheet

EndowmentDedicated Fund

General Funds DesignatedFund Designated Temp-Restricted All

Un-Restricted Temp-Restricted Perm-Restricted Funds

Cash and Equivalents 80,934.60$ 56,912.96$ 137,847.56$

Savings and Securities - Un-Restricted16,005.40 16,005.40

36,404.97 36,404.9779,000.00 79,000.0017,219.68 17,219.68

Savings - Reserve (unexpected expenses) - GF 29,000.00 29,000.00Certificates of Deposit - Reserve (unexpected expenses) - GF 71,000.00 71,000.00

Savings and Securities - Designated/Restricted70,186.18 19,465.66 89,651.84

Demand Investment Youth Ministry - MIF 104.17 104.17Certificates of Deposit 140,847.67 140,847.67

750,534.03 750,534.03

Interfund ReceivablesDue from General Fund 16,945.71 16,945.71Due from Dedicated Fund

Other Current Assets

6,170.00 6,170.00Property and Equipment, net 2,548,100.37 2,548,100.37

Total Assets 2,883,835.02$ 87,236.06$ 967,760.32$ 3,938,831.40$

Payroll Liabilities 958.80$ 958.80$ Other Current LiabilitiesMortgage/Note Payable 524,201.93 524,201.93

Total Current Liabilities 525,160.73 525,160.73

Interfund PayablesDue to Dedicated Fund 16,945.71 16,945.71Due to General Fund

Un-Designated 85,205.49 85,205.49Capital Investment in Property & Equipment 2,023,898.44 2,023,898.44

Property & Equipment Replacement 132,624.65 132,624.65Reserve - Unexpected Expenses 100,000.00 100,000.00Dedicated Funds 61,792.51 7,410.51 69,203.02

Temporarily Restricted 25,443.55 573,607.92 599,051.47Permanently Restricted - Endowment 386,741.89 386,741.89

Total Net Assets 2,341,728.58 87,236.06 967,760.32 3,396,724.96

Total Liabilities and Net Assets 2,883,835.02$ 87,236.06$ 967,760.32$ 3,938,831.40$

Consolidated Balance SheetGood Shepherd Lutheran Church - Fund Accounts

As of December 31, 2016

Assets

Certificates of Deposit - Property/Equip Replacement - GFSecurities - Property/Equip Replacement - GF

Savings - Un-Restricted - GF

Savings and Securities - Designated/Restricted

Prepaid Insurance & Other Prepaid Expenses

Savings

Securities

Un-Restricted

Designated

Liabilities

Net Assets

Savings - Property/Equip Replacement - GF

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church - Fund AccountsAs of December 31, 2016


106 Osage AvenueBismarck, ND 58501-2673

Phone: 701-255-1001Fax: 701-255-3644

[email protected]

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