Good Shepherd news www.sactownchurch.com Pastor s Message There is something that everyone in our congregation can do and no matter how much we do it we could still use more. We can all pray. This month yet another new and exciting addition to our ministry is being launched. We now have a dedicated prayer room ready for use. The prayer room is the former pastor s office from years ago, and it has most recently been the IMPACT office. It is the room in between the Welcome Center and the Library. The prayer room will be open for use every Sunday beginning at 7:15 AM. Please stop in any time on Sunday and join others in prayer asking Jesus to use our Sunday ministry to his glory. The prayer room will also be used on Sundays as a sacred space where the deacons and others can bring personal and extended prayer ministry to individuals and families as needed. And I also want to invite prayer groups that are already meeting for prayer to consider using the prayer room for your gathering. And if God has been speaking to you about gathering a prayer group here at GS do it! The prayer room is there to be used and my hope is that it will inspire us to elevate prayer to a whole new level of priority in our midst. Love in Christ, Pastor Todd Wallace This Month // 2/2/17 GSSA Gathering @ 11:00 in Fireside Room. 2/3/17-2/5/17 IKON High School Winter Retreat. 2/4/17 Men s Breakfast @ 7:30 in Fireside Room. 2/5/17 Resume Café @ 9:30. 2/10/17-2/12/17 IKON Middle School Retreat. 2/12/17 College Planning Workshop @ 9:45 in Arden Meeting Center. 2/13/17 Rebecca Circle @ 10:00. 2/19/17 GS Kids Sunday School Open House @ 10:00. Official Church Acts // Deaths: Dorothy Buchler 1/15/2017 Baptisms: Sandi Russel 1/15/2017 Kody Evans 1/15/2017
From The Council // CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?! I am sure you remember that extensive ad campaign slogan from years past. We want to hear from you. You will hear from us. Your leadership team will soon begin a comprehensive, 3 phase visioning project, over a 6-month period. Throughout the project communication will be paramount. We want to hear from you. The first segment of Phase 1 is designated as a listening phase. What programs are we doing right? What programs need improvement? Most importantly, what is your vision for the future of our church in 1 year, 5 years, 10 years and beyond? An online survey will be made available to all our church members, or you may be asked to participate in a one-on-one in person interview. Please use this opportunity to first pray then express your thoughts and ideas regarding the future of Good Shepherd. We want to hear from you. The second segment of Phase 1is designated as a discernment time. The team will be assessing and assimilating the data from the listening phase. This data will be used to construct a vision, which then will be presented to the congregation for discussion and adoption. We want to hear from you. Phase 2 will begin after the vision has been finalized by the congregation. Ministries and programs will be evaluated and proposed as necessary to conform with the finalized vision plan. Phase 3 will consist of on-going stewardship support for the end goals that will be established during the visioning process. This a very brief outline of the most important project that we will undertake this year. More information regarding this project will be forwarded to you as it becomes available. The success of the endeavor is dependent on two items: The Lord s guidance and your participation. Please pray for the Lord to provide the discernment to each of His church members for the future of Good Shepherd. Then, we want to hear from you. In His service, Doug Stewart stewartd@winfirst.com Pray For Our Men and Women in the Military// Ryan Baker * Heather Campbell * Joshua Cole * Matthew Cournoyer * Blake Fair * Daniel Harrison * Michael Harrison * Zachary Jensen * Cody Johnstone * Alex Kraal * Kiel Lovekin * Cosme Munzo* * Michael Nolan * Liam O'Brien * Matthew Sirko * Eamon Turnbull * Nathan Wallace * Good Shepherd is excited to announce that you can now manage your giving online! Our online giving program offers convenience for you and provides donation consistency for our congregation. Simply follow these easy steps: 1) Visit the church website at www.sactownchurch.com 2) Click the Give and Serve tab 3) Once at the Giving Site, enter your donation amount. 4) Enter the required donation information using bank account (no cost to you or the church) or debit card information (processing fee charged to the church) 5) You have the option to select password to create a profile that allows you to set up recurring contributions or review past contributions 6) Voila! You have successfully given online!!
GS Kids// GS Kids: A Peek Into Sunday Morning Have you ever wondered what a Sunday is like now-a-days for the GS Kids? Sunday School is NOT the way it used to be. We ve redesigned the whole system to provide the best experience for our GS Kids while trying to take the weekly burden off our amazing teachers. Each week, all kids meet in the GS Kids Room for a few minutes to mingle and listen to some Christian tunes. Then, when the clock strikes 10:00 AM, we pray for our littlest GS Kids (our Lambchops) and send them across the courtyard to our preschool rooms. The Lambchops (ages 2-4) read stories, sing songs, have a snack, and play. This year our Lambchops are a very young and high energy group, so if you have any interest in helping with toddler/preschooler wrangling, please let me know. For our older GS Kids (TK through 5 th Grade), all programming is based on four core objectives: 1) Get Closer to Jesus; 2) Pray Powerfully; 3) Know the Bible; and 4) Serve. Get Closer to Jesus: The GS Kids spend their first 15 minutes mastering the week s Jesus Point. The Jesus Point is a single, simple concept that is aligned with the Children s Sermon and Pastor Todd s Sermon. This point is usually reinforced by a game or skit, followed by an activity or discussion within the kids pre-assigned small groups. Pray Powerfully: Once the kids have split into their age-based classes, Sheeple (grades TK through 2) and Big Dogs (Grades 3-5), the GS Kids spend about 10 minutes praying for each other. This year we are focusing on getting our GS Kids to listen to their friend s prayer requests and pray aloud for each other. Know the Bible: Our Bible Time for each age group has a different focus so that the kids can learn and develop a love of the stories in the Bible, without being overwhelmed by its complexity. The Sheeple (TK-2) read and have lessons about the major Bible stories in order to give them a foundation in the narrative of the Bible as a whole. The Big Dogs (Grades 3-5) will be digging deeper into the "Jesus Point." We will practice looking up, reading, and understanding verses using games, crafts and lessons. Finally, we always finish in prayer. If you re wondering where the Serve comes in, every 5 th Sunday we will be doing a service project either for our church of for those in need. I hope this gave our curious members a decent picture of what we do on Sundays. If you are interested in being a part of our Children s Ministry team in any capacity, please send me an email at Cathleen@sactownchurch.com.
Discipleship// One of the ministry highlights for me in 2016 was a team of people who came together to serve this congregation in a wonderful way. Very few can miss the folks who faithfully stand out on the curb: welcoming, assisting, trouble shooting and even holding umbrellas for those arriving to our worship services on Sunday. But what you may not know is WHO these people are. At least 50% of the team welcoming you each Sunday are members of your church Council. I ve worked with many volunteer boards over the years, and I have rarely seen this kind of servant leadership. For example, your church treasurer was often out welcoming by 7:30 am, your president filling in the schedule gaps as needed, and recently I observed your vice-president with not one but TWO umbrellas on the rainiest day in months. We are truly a blessed church to have such leaders! But that is only half the team. The other half of the team are folks who love Jesus, love people, and they love you and are happy to greet you with hugs and a smile every Sunday. They bless me each week and I know they bless you too! Meanwhile, our amazing ushers continue to provide a welcoming presence each Sunday at the doors of the sanctuary (in addition to excellent service during worship) and we have begun to add welcome hosts at each service. These people whether very visible or blending in care very deeply about both first-time attenders and long-time members alike. So, here s my first question for 2017: Who are we missing on the team? This ministry is open to all and if you sense Jesus calling you to the ministry of hospitality and friendship, we d love to have you join us, whether once a month or more frequently. Let me know at sandy@sactownchurch.com The second question for 2017 is: Did you know YOU are ALREADY ON the team? Because the real team is ALL of us. We can t all manage serving at the welcome cart but we can definitely notice those sitting around us-whether in the sanctuary, during fellowship or in a class. Let me challenge you this year to pay attention to those the Lord has put near you and welcome them like the family they are! In Christ, Sandy Long, Director of Discipleship Sunday Services at 7:45 am (Come As You Are), 8:30 am (Classic), and 11:00 am (Contemporary). Fellowship at 9:30 am. Educational Hour from 10:00am-10:45am: Adults (Fireside Room), IKON YOUTH (Ikon Room 6th-12th grade), Kids (GS Kids Room age 2 thru 5th grade). Library open on Sundays.
impact News // Strategy for the New Year Let s Love More! February is here and we find it to be a good time to pause and reflect on ALL the love and support we receive that allows impact outreach to do what we do. We are so grateful for: #1. Your continued financial donations that ensures we can hire the best staff and provide excellent programs/camps that continue to attract our neighbors; and #2. Your various in-kind donations of food (which really speaks love to our kids), the 60 backpacks/ school supplies provided last summer, and most recently, the 50 Christmas gifts AND gifts for 6 Adopt-aFamilies!!! These recent Christmas pictures (as well as ones posted on our Facebook page) convey just how happy and well loved our neighborhood kids and families feel. As a result, this provides some insight as to why in the last 3-years (since 2013), we ve seen great outcomes in outreach, specifically: 21 total: 1st Communions 12 total: Baptisms Jakiya receives her Xmas gift from the church (9 baptisms are from Girls of Grace, 2 from Sons of Thunder, 1 from Resume Cafe) And why neighborhood families are feeling more connected than ever before. This month, two impact families will stand before the congregation and officially become members of the church!!! Thank you Good Shepherd for continuing to show the love to our neighbors-- you re such an important part of this ministry equation. We are excited to see what the Holy Spirit brings in 2017. IMPORTANT DATES AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED: Food donations: Christmas Adopt-a-Family #2 For weekly programming: Boxes of individual chips and granola bars, Goldfish, and a bin of Red Vines. Please bring items to church office M-Th 9am-4pm. For Sunday programming: Pastry/muffins and bananas (enough for 6-8 kids) brought in on Sunday to Fellowship Hall by 9am. Please call/email Director to sign-up. Girls of Grace Arts-N-Craft Docent (Thursday afternoons 2-3pm): Meet with staff to plan a project of your choice (sewing, cooking, painting, coloring) with expenses covered Christmas Adopt-a-Family # 3 Call or email Director to get more details and to sign-up Outreach Camps: With opportunities to read the kids a story, coordinate and teach a craft project, and/or make a serve a meal. Please contact Girls of Grace loved their Director if interested. Xmas gifts from the church! Christmas Adopt-a-Family #1 President s Week on Feb. 21-23 open from 9am-1pm Ash Wednesday Camp on March 1 open from 3-7pm International Fair at Thomas Edison Elementary: Fri., March 31st (5-8pm) We will support our local school by participating in this event. Join the impact staff and other volunteers to help set-up, cook and serve food, and/or clean-up. With gratitude, Amy E. Smith Director of Outreach Ministries amy@sactownchurch.com (916) 213-1586
Good Shepherd Preschool // Friends of the Preschool, We had a wonderful January and are looking forward to an awesome month of Love in February. In January we learned about winter and the snow it brings, Martin Luther King Jr. and his dream for all of us to treat each other with kindness and respect, just like Jesus s hope and desire for all of us. We are encouraged to Get our Jesus on! to treat each other with the kindness and friendship. February continues to reinforce the lesson of kindness as we learn about God s greatest valentine to us, Jesus. This month the children will continue to practice their songs of praise of Jesus to share with the congregation on Sunday, April 9, 2017 our annual Spring Sing. We will be singing at the 11:00 a.m. service. We will be combining with the GS Kids to share even a greater love for our God. I hope that you will be able to come to the 11:00 a.m. service and witness that love for God. Easter is in April this year. Our See s Chocolate Easter Pre-Sales will start on Sunday, March 12 th and continue on Sunday, March 19 th and finish on Sunday, March 26 th. Some of you said that you did not get your Christmas chocolates and wanted to be reminded about the Easter Presales. So please mark your calendars. We are collecting our California CRV (Cash Redemption Value) recyclables on the third Sunday of each month. Just a reminder, we can only collect items that have the CA CRV printed on them. ACCEPTABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINERS: Aluminum soda OR beer cans. Plastic soda OR juice bottles. Glass beer, soda OR juice bottles. UNACCEPTABLE ITEMS: WINE BOTTLES, PET FOOD CANS, TIN FOOD CANS, MILK CONTAINERS, PARTY CUPS (red solo type cups), LARGE 100% JUICE BOTTLES (Unless they have the California CRV mark) On the third Sunday, you can also help your church preschool out by taking a tab from our NEEDS AND WANTS BOARD at the Giving Corner. And finally a quick thank you to our Thrivent Choice Dollar Donors. Your donations to your church preschool make a difference. Are you a Thrivent member with Choice Dollars to donate to your church preschool? Just contact your Thrivent Representative and find out how to sign up. Thank you. Please help spread the word about your church preschool. Respectfully, Sandy Oakes, Preschool Director (916)483-0466 preschool@sactownchurch.com
GS Senior Adults// PLEASE JOIN US! Thursday, February 2, 2017 GSSA hosts a special presentation for all ages Discerning the Spirit By Dr. Patrick Oden, Professor of Systematic Theology and Church History Time: 11:00 a.m. following Bible study in the Fireside room 11:00 11:20: Table Fellowship Please bring a brown bag lunch or snack (drinks provided) Ever wonder what a seminary class is like? Wait no longer. Dr. Oden, will talk about discerning the Holy Spirit in terms of thinking (orthodoxy), passions/feelings (orthopathy), and action (orthopraxy). You will experience a down-to-earth presentation that is relatable to a student of the Bible as well as spiritually insightful for a new Christian. Two of Dr. Oden s books are in the Good Shepherd library: It s a Dance and How Long? The Trek through the Wilderness (also available on Amazon.com) Looking Ahead... Highlights from our January Fall Prevention Class Rosie the Riveter Museum Richmond, CA Tuesday, March 14 Day bus trip - Watch for details! Thursday, March 2, GSSA Gathering PBS documentary, The Journey Ahead with a brief segment featuring members, Gin and John Edlund. Q&A to follow.
Kenya 2017// If you are interested in joining your church on a mission trip to Kenya, or would like more information, email mallory@sactownchurch.com or fill out the interest form at sactownchurch.com. This is a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages! Sierra Arden Food Closet// 890 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA 95864 We are filled with gratitude for the tremendous outpouring from all of you during the last three months. Because of you many people enjoyed a much brighter holiday period and are continuing to be blessed in the days ahead. For our Christmas basket program we served 188 households. During December that made a total of 352 families served. Our food baskets included fixings for Christmas dinner as well as ground beef and spaghetti for an additional meal. Any families with children also were allowed to shop for toys. Most of the toys were provided by the CHIPS for Kids program as well as Lifeway. During January we are also now providing diapers when they request them. Our most urgent needs at the present time are for oatmeal packets and fruit cups for children s bags. We can also use canned chili, ramen noodles, and peanut butter. Fresh donated citrus will also be welcomed. Donations are accepted during regular hours Monday through Friday: 9:30 to 11:30 am. Call us at 483-1942 if you have questions or know of anyone in need of food.
Library Book Review// Submitted by Vicky Roda The Damascus Way by Davis Bunn and Janet Oke Popular Christian authors Bunn and Oke reunite in the third installment in the Acts of Faith series (after The Centurion s Wife and The Hidden Flame). Before Paul has his epiphany on the road to Damascus, he obsessively leads a seek-and-destroy mission against the early Christians as Saul of Tarsus, and his name alone instills fear in the hearts of even the most stalwart believers. No one knows this better than Julia and Jacob. Julia is the indulged daughter of a wealthy merchant. She wishes for more time with her traveling father, until she makes a life-changing discovery: she and her mother are his second family, not his real one, and her parents aren t even married. Shattered, she finds hope, as well as a new faith. Jacob, a Christian, has been hired by Julia s father to guard his caravan. Jacob and Julia are both secret messengers between scattered believers, though neither knows the other is. It s a dangerous life. Jacob and Julia are attracted to one another, but trust is a major issue. In The Damascus Way, the authors have a cast of four main characters, each with their own crisis. They move between each of the various characters smoothly, gradually weaving their storylines together. The authors also seamlessly work in several characters and scenes from the Bible: the Samaritan woman at the well; Cornelius; Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch; and Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus. In fact, Saul is a presence felt all throughout The Damascus Way, since it is set in AD 40 when persecution of the church was ramping up. Although his actual appearances in the narrative are few and brief, he was the primary source of the Christians' fear, and what drove them to scatter from Jerusalem in search of places where they could live and practice their faith in greater safety. Of the three books in this series, The Damascus Way is much more of a stand-alone book. Although there are some references to incidents from previous books, and some carryover of characters, readers who haven't read either of the first two books should have no problem with this one. The Damascus Way starts out strong and takes off right out of the gate, again taking the reader into a time and place about which we as Christians are intensely interested. St. John s Program For Real Change// St. John s is in need of large diapers (sizes 4, 5, & 6), baby wipes, and boxes of Kleenex. All donations can be dropped off at the Giving Corner. Thank you! Join us for Resume Café on Sunday, February 5th @ 9:30! Submission Information Sign up for our weekly email by emailing your preferred email address to mallory@sactownchurch.com. Submissions to Church News should be submitted by Wednesday at noon to mallory@sactownchurch.com. Submissions to our Monthly Newsletter should be submitted to newsletter@sactownchurch.com.
Attention All Parents// Men s Breakfast// All men are welcome for breakfast and bible study! Join us the first Saturday of every month in the Fireside Room @ 730. Rebecca Circle// Rebecca Circle will meet Monday, February 13th at 10:00 a.m. at the home of Irene Potter. Please call 483-4187 for directions. We will continue with the DVD The Path to the Cross. All women are welcome. Parents Helping Parents// Parents Helping Parents will resume on Sunday, February 12th, @ 4:00 in the Arden Meeting Center. All parents are welcome! Email Jack Lane @ jacklane1950@yahoo.com with any questions or for more information.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1615 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA 95864 Contact Us Good Shepherd Lutheran Church www.sactownchurch.com 1615 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA 95864 916-483-0451