news Pastor s Message This Month // July 2017

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1 July 2017 Pastor s Message It seems like the Holy Spirit has grounded all major shifts in the direction of the Christian Church through the Roman Road The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Romans as a letter to a church he had never personally visited. He wanted to establish a ministry partnership with the church in Rome and wrote this letter partly to familiarize them with the things he believed and taught. As a result, the Book of Romans is the most systematic of all Paul s letters and the closet thing we have to a New Testament systematic theology. news This Month // In the fourth century, a young intellectual struggled to choose between his party lifestyle and the Christian faith of his mother. He picked up the book of Romans, read a single passage, converted to Jesus, and directed the thought life of the Church for a 1000 years. His name: Saint Augustine. An earnest Christian monk in Germany teetered on the edge of despair and atheism when one night as he was studying the Book of Romans the Holy Spirit brought him the release of a personal relationship with Jesus. He went on to re-establish the centrality of Jesus and the authority of the Bible in the Church. This was of course, Martin Luther. Two hundred years after Luther an English Clergyman was sailing home from a failed missionary endeavor in America when he heard some true Christians holding a bible study reading the words of Martin Luther commenting on the book of Romans. His heart was strangely warmed and John Wesley went on to found Methodism which gave birth to the holiness movement that finally blazed up into Pentecostalism. And finally, a young Pastor living in Switzerland during World War I grew weary of the vapid liberal theology of his day and started studying and teaching on the Book of Romans. The commentary he wrote as a result vaulted him to world acclaim and his God-centered theology became a needed theological corrective. Starting July 9 and going through most of August we are doing a sermon series on the Book of Romans accompanied by a reading guide. See you on the Roman Road. In Christ, Pastor Todd Sunday Services at 7:45 AM (30 Minute Service), 8:30AM (Classic), and 11:00AM (Contemporary). Fellowship at 9:30AM. Educational Hour from 10:00AM-10:45AM: Adults (Fireside Room), IKON YOUTH (Ikon Room 6th-12th grade), Kids (GS Kids Room age 2 years - 5th grade). Library open on Sundays 9:30-11:00AM

2 Leadership Update // July 2017 Our Vision Team has completed a five-month project to develop the Good Shepherd Purpose Map for the next seven to 10 years: A Vision Frame including mission, values, ministry map and measure, that creates a foundation for our dynamic long-range vision and defined goals for the next three years. Completion of the Good Shepherd Purpose Map is a significant step forward in answering the unique call of our congregation. An executive summary of the completed proposal will be a available beginning on Sunday, July 23rd at the final Purpose Map project presentation at 10:00 a.m. in the Fireside Room. We hope to see you there! Stay Connected! // Stay connected to your church by following us on Facebook. Search Good Shepherd Sacramento in the search bar and Like our page! Enjoy easy access to our calendar, sermons, and more by downloading our free mobile app! Search Good Shepherd Sacramento in the App Store or Google Play Store. Good Shepherd Trust Fund // The Good Shepherd Trust Fund is accepting grant requests until August 31, The proposed use of funds must enhance the work of the church by establishing new ministries and stewardship opportunities additional to and apart from the general operation of Good Shepherd. Please visit gschurch.us to access the 2017 Trust Fund Grant Request Form and submit a notice to the Trust Fund Committee that you intend to submit a grant request (select the MORE tab and FORMS page to access the Trust Fund Grant Request Form). Sunday Services at 7:45 AM (30 Minute Service), 8:30AM (Classic), and 11:00AM (Contemporary). Fellowship at 9:30AM. Educational Hour from 10:00AM-10:45AM: Adults (Fireside Room), IKON YOUTH (Ikon Room 6th-12th grade), Kids (GS Kids Room age 2 years - 5th grade). Library open on Sundays 9:30-11:00AM

3 July Events // May July /2/17 GS Kids Bake 9:30AM 7/4/17 Office CLOSED for 4th of July 7/7/17 Memorial Service for Joyce 1:00PM 7/9/17 Romans Road Sermon Series begins at all services 7/9/17-8/20/17 GS Kids Sunday School on break 7/9/17 Communion Sunday (note schedule change) 7/23/17 Purpose Mapping 10:00AM in the Fireside Room 7/23/17 Communion Sunday (note schedule change) 7/30/17 Arden-Arcade Community Churches Worship in The Howe Park time TBD 8/6/17 impact 11:00AM with special guest musician Missy Robertson 8/12/17 Faith & Family The Rivercats Game. (Tickets will be available 7/23) Good Shepherd Church * * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA *

4 Library Book Review // July 2017 The Chronicles of Narnia (Complete Set) By C. S. Lewis What images do you conjure up when you hear the words classic children s literature? Maybe The Wizard of Oz? That is certainly a great classic, but the classic I m talking about is The Chronicles of Narnia, the seven-book series by C.S. Lewis. This complete book set, in our church library, is a joy to read. The Magician's Nephew (Book 1) In the first book in the set, The Magician s Nephew (actually the sixth book written), Lewis focuses on the history of Narnia as well as the reason for choosing the wardrobe as a traveling vehicle. This is... a very important story, wrote C.S. Lewis, because it shows how all the comings and goings between our world and the land of Narnia first began. Digory and Polly are tricked by their Uncle Andrew into magically entering another reality, where they encounter Jadis, the White Witch. Following them back, she creates havoc in London before the children, three grown-ups, and a horse are accidentally drawn out of our world and find themselves witnesses to something extraordinary happening. They meet the lion, Aslan, and they see Narnia created. Like a lot of people, I know the story of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe really well, and this novel, The Magician s Nephew, gives us a lot of background information and ties very neatly into the series. It is in this book we first learn about the White Witch an evil, angry, proud woman who wants power and minions; we discover how the lamp post arrives in Narnia; and we learn how the wardrobe becomes the entrance into Narnia. This book replays the Christian Creation Story with Aslan creating Narnia and breathing life into the characters. Aslan creates the Tree of Life, and emphasizes that the children are not to eat from it. There is a stark warning at the end to not let our world fall into evil and decline, setting the stage for Book 2 in the series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, which will be reviewed at another time. Reviewed by Vicky Roda St. John s Program for Real Change // St. John's has opened a new building to help more women and children. They are in need of twin sheet sets and blankets. They continue to need large size diapers/wipes and feminine hygiene products. It is such a joy on Sunday to see the St. John's barrel filled with your generous donations. Thank you! Pray For Our Men and Women in the Military// Ryan Baker * Heather Campbell * Christopher Day * Blake Fair *Joseph Fullerton * Michael Harrison * Zachary Jensen * Cody Johnstone * Alex Kraal * Christian Lucero * Cosme Munzo Michael Nolan * Liam O'Brien * Matthew Sirko * Eamon Turnbull * Nathan Wallace * Noah Wallace *

5 Good Shepherd Preschool // Hello Friends of the Preschool I hope your summer is going well. Our preschool is enjoying summer too. We are learning all about animals from around God s great big World. Did you know that there are animals on all seven continents? Even the coldest of our World has God s creation roaming about. In learning about the animals of the World we are also learning about Geography and the habitats that these animals are from. We are also planning a trip to the Sacramento Zoo in the beginning of August, helping to make all this learning REAL. In June, we participated in the yearly VBS here at Good Shepherd. Preschool had the younger children, that were not old enough for the regular classes. We had a blast with all those gears and learning how God made us special, and that He is always with you, regardless where you go. And He will always love you. We need your help; our preschool needs certain supplies each month to operate smoothly. These items consist of paper cups (5 oz. size), napkins, and paper towels (select-a-size). If you are able, could you please add a few of these items to your shopping list? A needs list will be located on the Welcome Center Table, on the third Sunday (Preschool Sunday) with items your preschool could use. Please take a tab and return the item to the preschool. (The blue Door.) Also remember that your CRV Recyclables can be brought on this day too. If you cannot bring those recyclables on that day, please bring them to the preschool during business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00AM to 6:00PM) and leave with them with a staff member. On a personal note: Recovery is slow. The bone fusion in my back requires TLC (tender, loving, care)and a lot of patience. The first three months are crucial for the new donor bone to create new bone growth around the rods and screws located in my lower back. Please continue to keep me in prayer. I can feel your prayers working. We have a new address, please make note of the change: preschool@gschurch.us Respectfully, Sandy Oakes, Preschool Director (916) July 2017

6 Camp impact Update // Keep us in prayer! Last month, we were slated to serve 40 neighborhood children and now that number has grown to almost 60 kids. WE will be open for 6 weeks for a total of 17 days from June 27th August 3rd (Tues-Thurs 9:00AM 1:00PM). Immediate Camp Needs: #1 FOOD Donations: July 2017 Cereal (Kix & Honey Nut Cheerios), Nutrigrain cereal bars, peanut butter and jelly, bread, boxes of individual chips (50 count), Goldfish crackers, large bags of baby carrots, ranch dressing, flour tortillas (fajita size), & fruit (apples, watermelon, grapes, bananas) (*Please amy@gschurch.us to confirm what you will be donating and the day you plan to drop it off. This is particularly helpful with perishable items. Thanks!) Food drop-off options: 1. The Giving Corner on Sunday 2. Church office on Mondays (9:00AM-4:00PM) 3. Camp impact in the Fellowship Hall on Tuesdays or Wednesday from 9:00AM 12:00PM #2 BACKPACKS : Two Ways To Give 1. Give a financial donation that goes toward the purchase of a backpack. Staff and volunteers will start purchasing them soon (please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Church with impact Backpacks in the memo area and drop in the offering plate or bring to church office. 2. Donate new school supplies needed to fill the backpacks. The items most needed will be listed at the Giving Corner on our impact Board staring Sunday, July 9. Just pull a tag, purchase the item, and return to Giving Corner the following Sunday. MARK YOUR CALENDARS for impact SUNDAY!!! Join us on Sunday, August 11:00AM with special guest musician Missy Robertson from Season 12 of The Voice. With Gratitude, Amy E. Smith impact Outreach Director amy@gschurch.us Good Shepherd Church * * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA *

7 impact Staff Highlight // As we celebrate 20 years of impact, get to know the people running the ministry, building the relationships and making the difference. This is Ms. Kayla: I was introduced to Impact by friend and fellow staff member, Courtney Shaw. Once I came to Impact, I didn t want to leave. I volunteered at Camp Impact for my whole high school duration (4-years) and gained over 300 hours of community service. It was easy for me to complete so many hours when I was doing something that I loved: hanging out with kids! I also loved that this camp was focused on Jesus, for it was during high school that I rediscovered my love for Him through my local youth group. The summer that I graduated high school, I was offered a staff position on the Impact Ministry team and have truly been blessed to be part of such an amazing family. Fast forward to the present day: I am a third year student at Sacramento State University (Stingers Up!!!) and I m majoring in History. I wouldn t have guessed that I would be where I am today. Before I attended my university, I despised the idea of going to a college so close to home. But, I'm confident that God has given me a purpose for my life and he will guide me in the direction that I need to go. I joined Delta Gamma sorority my freshman year of college, and have made so many amazing friends and taken on leadership roles. My sorority s symbol is the anchor, which to me represents one of my favorite bible verses from Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Staying in Sacramento has given me the ability to keep working in the Impact program. Not only am I working at all of our seasonal camps, but I now lead the Girls of Grace Sunday session. What makes my life incredible is the people. I come from a loving family with supportive parents, my friends bring me much happiness, and my co-workers (my brothers and sisters in Christ) are such amazing God-loving influences in my life. But... it is the kids in my life that have given me the most important life lessons that I could learn. They have taught me about strength, love, kindness, vulnerability, joyfulness, hope, and about overcoming and learning to deal with difficulties in life. I may give the Girls of Grace lessons about God every Sunday morning, but they teach me about God through their lives. Rivercats Game // Mark your calendars for Faith & Family The Sacramento Rivercats Game! Join us at Raley Field on Saturday, August 12th, for our 3rd Annual Men s Ministry sponsored baseball game. Tickets are $16.00 and will be available for sale on Sunday, July 23rd. All are welcome! Good Shepherd Church * * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA *

8 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1615 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA Contact Us Good Shepherd Church Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA