Pastor s Message This month I will be visiting our shut-ins and giving them home communion. I don t do it every month because a dedicated group of people do the visits most months as has been the practice here at Good Shepherd for many years. But I love it when I get my turn. To have long conversations, laugh and cry and pray, and then share time together with Jesus. It is a profound joy. I will also get my chance to do chapel with the preschool kids this month. You have figured out by now that I still have the joy of a child inside me, right? I love hanging out with these young people; I think I get more out of it than they do. news This Month // A group of talented and dedicated leaders in their thirties from Good Shepherd will be traveling to Southern California this month to enjoy a two-day conference on church leadership. We are able to send them thanks to a generous trust fund grant. I am learning so much from these next generation leaders. I am also planning on meeting with some friends to present a new ministry that I have learned about that supports Christian grandparenting. Christian grandparents are the reason that many people grew up to walk with Jesus. And currently I am mentoring some outstanding teens in their confirmation studies. I share all of this because I am proud to be a part of a healthy multi-generational church. We are losing multi-generational congregations here in America as a large segment of congregations consist only of people 70 and older and another large group caters to people 45 and under. I am not here to criticize the strategy of any congregation. It takes all kinds of congregations to reach all kinds of people in a pluralistic society. But there are unique treasures to being in a congregation that has all kinds of different people from every stage of life. The greatest blessing of the multi-generational church is that it constantly teaches us how to love and prefer others and serve one another unselfishly instead of making the church about ourselves. This self-giving love expressed to each other is the heart of the true Christian congregation. I am blessed to be a part of such a church. Pastor Todd Wallace 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), Youth (Ikon Room 6th-12th grade), Kids (GS Kids Room age 2 years - 5th grade). Library open on Sundays 9:30-11:00AM. Prayer Room open 7:15AM-12:30PM
From The Council // President s Message By the time you are reading this, Lent and Easter 2018 are likely history but still fresh in our hearts and minds. Our Lent experience as a Congregation provided many opportunities for each of us to reflect and prepare for Easter. These included the following additional services/events/ resources: Ash Wednesday (Sermon message His 5 Wounds My 5 Commitments), Praying the Psalms Lent Devotional (comments on 40 Psalms written by staff and leaders), Tuesday evening teaching and small group discussions regarding spiritual gifts, services on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, a mission trip for middle and high school students, and a Resurrection Party for kids. I, for one, am very thankful for all of these opportunities to prepare for Jesus death and resurrection. On March 25, ninety-four (94) Good Shepherd members attended a Special Congregation Meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to communicate plans to remodel the Arden Building and invite the congregation s approval to accomplish this exciting renovation. Preschool Director Kristen Ljung eloquently described the future vision and goals for Good Shepherd Preschool. She also described how the creation of our Early Learning Ministry Center in the Arden Building will enhance our ministry for children ages 6 weeks to Kindergarten on weeknights and weekends. Doug Stewart, Executive Officer for Good Shepherd s facilities strategy, presented a clear description of the remodel project for both the interior and exterior of the building. The project s budget is not to exceed $170,000 and will be paid with cash available in Good Shepherd s bank accounts. I am delighted to state that the project received unanimous approval! Demolition will begin upon receipt of a permit. We are targeting completion by July 16 th and plan to open on Sunday, August 5 th. During the Special Congregation Meeting, I also provided an exciting save the date announcement! From Friday through Sunday, May 18 th through 20 th, Good Shepherd will host Ignite, a revival event to celebrate Pentecost. Worship services will be held on Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday we will have one Worship Service at 10 am, followed by baptisms, lunch, and an opportunity to connect with Good Shepherd s strategic plan. The strategic plan presents what we will be doing over the next three years to Ignite Passion for a Life in Jesus. The article I wrote for last month s newsletter focused on prayer and I will continue that theme briefly in this paragraph. Thank you to the anonymous person who selected Psalm 133 as their favorite Psalm. Anonymous acknowledged how great it is when God s people live in unity. it doesn t get any better. Psalm 133 starts, How good and pleasant it is when God s people live together in unity! It ends its reference to unity with, For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore. Psalm 133 is in our Lent devotional, Praying The Psalms, for Monday March 26, the day following the Special Congregation Meeting. I appreciated starting my day connecting with Psalm 133 and Anonymous comments! Rejoicing in the Glory of our Risen Savior! Tammy Wilcox, Council President 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 Church * www.gschurch.us * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA 95864 * 916-483-0451
Looking Ahead // 4/6/18 Next Gen Night @ 5:30PM in Fireside Room. 4/7/18 Men s Breakfast @ 7:30AM in Fireside Room. 4/10/18 L.I.F.T. Women s Bible Study begins @ 10:30AM in GS Kids Room. 4/20/18 Next Gen Night @ 5:30PM in Fireside Room. 4/21/18 Memorial Service for Chris Christensen @ 1:00PM. 5/4-5/5/18 Spring Rummage Sale NEXT GEN NIGHT Is a Friday night small group opportunity for the next generation of Good Shepherd. All young adults and parents with kids at home are welcome! Bring your own dinner and meet in the Fireside Room at 5:30 PM to eat and hang with the people you ll be doing church with for the next few decades. Then at 6:30 PM, you ll head over to one of our three small groups: 1) Bible Study, 2) Parenting, or 3) Marriage, which will last until 7:30 PM. Childcare will be provided for anyone who needs it, but Next Gen is not just for parents. Whether you are single, married, a parent, not a parent, new to the church, or have been here since childhood, Next Gen Night will be a place to root yourself in the word and build relationships with your church family. Our first session of Next Gen Night starts April 6 th. Next Gen meets the first and third Fridays for three months at a time. See you there! L.I.F.T. Ladies In Fellowship Together Join the women of Good Shepherd on Tuesday mornings @ 10:30AM in the GS Kids Room for fellowship & encouragement. All women are welcome to join us. Sign up @ gschurch.us. HYMNALS AND BIBLES AVAILABLE The hymnals and bibles have been removed from the pew backs in the sanctuary to make room for new bibles that have been ordered with money donated to our Gifts & Memorials fund. If you would like to keep one of the old bibles or a hymnal for your personal use, they will be available for the taking every Sunday in April. All of the hymnals and bibles, including those that were donated in a loved one s name or dedicated to a member, can be picked up in the Fireside Room on Sundays between 9:30 and 10:00AM. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunity to have your own hymnal to enjoy at home and bring to worship! Good Shepherd Church * www.gschurch.us * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA 95864 * 916-483-0451
Helping Hands // There are times in life we just need a little help. There are times in life we can provide the help! The focus of Helping Hands Ministry at Good Shepherd is to care for our church family in simple ways. One goal is to provide short-term assistance with meals, transportation, and home maintenance when those needs arise. If you have one of these needs, please let us know by calling the church office at 916-483- 0451. You will then be contacted by Helping Hands to coordinate assistance. Please join us Sunday, April 15 th during the Hospitality Hour for refreshments ---Helping Hands Ministry looks forward to greeting you that morning! Information will also be available about other facets of the ministry. Perhaps God is nudging you to share in the joy of providing help? Thank you for your prayerful consideration! Spring Rummage Sale // In a few weeks our Spring Rummage Sale will begin, to be followed in six months with another sale. How did this all begin? It was started at least fifty years ago by The Women of Good Shepherd and was then called The Exchange. Apparently Pastor Ramseth did not approve of having a sale at the church. The compromise became the Exchange. It began very small, only occupying the Fireside Room. Thanks to the early chairpersons, Arlene Zimmerman, Vi Miller, Betty Hatton and Shirley Dickson for getting us organized and running smoothly. Earning money to fund special projects was the motive then as it is now. Often we are asked where the money earned is spent now. The Women of Good Shepherd's budget includes donations to the following organizations: Good Shepherd Bells, Library and Pre School, The Food Closet, Loaves and Fishes, Navajo Lutheran Mission, St. Johns Program For Real Change, Union Gospel Mission and Weave. In addition, we fund special projects around our campus as needed. Some of these projects have included: remodeling the Brides room, remodeling the Fireside Room, new padded chairs for the Fireside Room, remodeling all the bathrooms. Substantial donations were also made to the remodels of the Library, the prayer room, the G.S. Kids Room and most recently the Nursery. BUT, most importantly, we provide an inexpensive place for our community members to purchase items for their family's needs. Please join us for this outreach ministry that is becoming increasingly important. The Rummage Sale Committee 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. Prayer Room open 7:15AM-12:30PM.
Good Shepherd Preschool // Happy April from Good Shepherd Preschool! We really appreciate all of the love and encouragement during our Spring Sing on Palm Sunday! We had so much fun waving our palms and singing our songs to the congregation! During the Special Congregation Meeting on March 25 th, our church members overwhelmingly approved moving Good Shepherd Preschool into the Arden building. We are thrilled to make the Arden building our Preschool home beginning in fall 2018! This summer we will take a break beginning on June 5 th to prepare for transition into our new space. Good Shepherd Preschool will officially begin the fall 2018 school year on August 6 th in our new location. Please keep us in your prayers as we prepare to relaunch Good Shepherd Preschool! You are welcome to join us for our Preschool Open House on April 26 th from 7 pm 8 pm. We will be showcasing our art and plans for the fall 2018 school year in the new building. Our students look forward to the opportunity to show you and their families what they ve been working on this school year. We are so proud of all they have accomplished! Thank you again for allowing me to serve this ministry! Kristen Ljung, Preschool Director Thank you Easter Worship Choir! // This Easter, the Spirit moved in service and across our campus. For all those who sang in the Easter Choir, I know you made service come alive as they sang out with passion and joy. Thank you choir members for all your hard work and dedication! Our multi-generational choir rehearsed all March long and made a huge impact for all who attended. Well done! Our adult choir will be on break for the next two weeks and will resume on Wed, April 18th. Let us continue to live like Easter people in a Good Friday world! In Christ, Jeff Schulz, Director of Worship & Music 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. Prayer Room open 7:15AM-12:30PM.
Sierra Arden Food Closet // Many of you have supported the Sierra Arden Neighborhood Food Closet for many years. We have a deep gratitude for your interest in helping our food insecure neighbors. The following is a summary for the year 2017 so that you can see the impact of your support. Our regular program served an average of 221 households each month, compared to 215 in 2016. In addition, at mid-july we increased the supply of distributed food from a 3 day supply to a 5 day supply. This increased the calculated meals served from 72,657 meals in 2016 to 102,067 meals in 2017. To be able to do this we participated in a grocery recovery program set up by Feeding America. Target and Save Mart provided 37,280 pounds of food and 4161 pounds of non-food items such as toiletries, dog/cat food or cleaning supplies. We also received over 1 ton (yes 2000#) of fresh produce from the Davis Ranch at Slough House picked by Jan and Tom Matthews. In addition it took $11,878 of purchased food plus the 9100 pounds of donated food from individuals and numerous organizations. We received 64,210 pounds of our food from Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services at a cost of $7245. This was an average of 11 cents per pound. To keep our food closet serving the zip codes of 95864, 95821 and 95825 (as well as homeless) it takes about $19,000 each year. Our expenses and income last year were: Expenses---Food Costs $11,878 Income---Individuals $ 11,477 *Utilities $ 2,400 Organizations $11,890 Supplies and Repairs $ 3,196 Laundry and diapers $ 1,108 * We pay Sierra Arden UCC for the utility allowance; we pay nothing for the space that we occupy at their facility. Remember this is a 100% volunteer operation so there is no paid staff. Last year volunteers served about 6000 hours. We are supported by local churches, neighbors, 4-H clubs, Vorlage Ski Club and SacSuburban Kiwanis. We continue to provide a free boutique for the Thanksgiving basket program. Each family shops for warm clothing, linens, hygiene products, dishes and other household items. These too are all donated. For the fourth year we offered toys at Christmas. In addition to donations from individuals, we also received some toys from the California Highway Patrol toy drive. We are so thankful for your continued support and want you to know how important you are to many people. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have regarding this summary or our operation. Delores (916) 716-5918 or Pepper (916) 880-0703. Pray For Our Men and Women in the Military// Ryan Baker * Heather Campbell * Christopher Day * Blake Fair *Joseph Fullerton * Michael Harrison * Gregory Houghtby * Zachary Jensen * Cody Johnstone * Alex Kraal * Christian Lucero * Cosme Munzo * Michael Nolan * Matthew Sirko * Eamon Turnbull * Nathan Wallace * Noah Wallace Good Shepherd Church * www.gschurch.us * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA 95864 * 916-483-0451
impact Update // #IMPACT It s great to report that all programming is running smooth! Here are some recent pictures and highlights of Girls of Grace, Sons of Thunder and Resume Café. The last 2-months have been crazy busy related to our Outreach Camps: Ash Wednesday, Presidents Week and Easter Camp to name a few. Our goal is to always offer a safe place for neighborhood kids to hang out when school is on break, to allow them to have some choice in the activities they participate in while on campus, to build loving, healthy relationships with them, to nourish their tummies AND to teach them about Jesus. Recent Camp highlights: Welcomed 22 new kids to our camps in 2018 (yes, this is true!); 30 kids/youth campers attended Ash Wednesday service; 6 girls participated in Palm Sunday performance; Oodles of neighborhood kiddos attended Easter Sunday activities; We are partnering more with Ms. Cathleen, GSKids Director, across programming and camps to help build relationships! For weekly program pictures and updates, like us on Facebook at impact Outreach (Sacramento). This is the best way to follow what we do. #MISSIONMENTALITY Thank you Good Shepherd!!! We had a phenomenal turnout of 24 volunteer readers for Read Across America on March 2 nd. Dr. Danielle Storey, Thomas Edison s Principal, was so excited to partner with us that her message was simple and clear: "We need more loving adults on campus. Bring Love to Our Campus!" (Continued on next page)
impact Update // (CONTINUED) Well, we did just that-- and I know we are capable of doing even more!!! Let s keep up this momentum of serving at Thomas Edison Language Institute! At a follow-up meeting, we were made aware of more school needs between now and the end of the school year. Below, you ll find a list of short-term mission opportunities. Please prayerfully consider how God might be calling you to serve at Thomas Edison in the next 3-months! April & May IN CLASS PARTICIPATION: Monday Friday anytime between 8am-2pm For recent Read Across America volunteers who d like to get back in the classroom, please contact your teacher directly. Here s how: Go to the Thomas Edison Language Institute website at www.sanjuan.edu/edison, click on DEPARTMENTS & STAFF and choose Staff Directory, search for your teacher s last name, and then send them a quick email asking to volunteer in their classroom again. It s that easy! INTERNATIONAL FAIR: Friday, April 20 th from 5-8pm This event is also known as Family Night! And it s an AWESOME opportunity to see the beautiful diversity that this school and neighborhood represents. Lots of great American and international food offered, fun and games for kids, cultural dancing, and many non-profits will be on-site offering their services (including impact Outreach). Volunteers needed for: Hotdog Dinner that feeds 400-500 (5-7 food service volunteers needed): Purchase food prior to event (store food at GS; expenses covered by GS), Food Prep/BBQ (arrive at school to set-up and start charcoals by 4pm) Food Servers (arrive at school by 4pm) All supplies (barbecues, charcoal, tables, plates, utensils, and napkins) will be provided. Event Clean Up from 7:30-8:30pm (3-5 volunteers): The school needs a few more helpers to assist staff with breaking down and putting away chairs/tables and picking up trash. SCHOOL BOOK FAIR: May 1-4 (Tuesday Friday) This is an opportunity to provide an extra layer of support to the PTA and teachers. Volunteers will assist kids with picking out books and possibly work the cash register. Please email Amy Smith with the date(s) and time(s) that work best for you (indicate preferred timeslot: morning/before school, lunchtime, or after school shifts). TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: May 7 th 11 th Volunteers needed to assemble coffee mugs & Starbucks gift cards wrapped in cellophane for 46 teachers. We will include a written notecard of encouragement and thanks for all they do! (Expenses covered by GS; 2-3 volunteers needed) Amy Smith, Director of Impact amy@gschurch.us 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. Prayer Room open 7:15AM-12:30PM.
GS LIFE // GSLife allows our Good Shepherd family to securely communicate with one another. It brings together a church directory, calendar, group information, service opportunities, event signups and more. WHY USE GSLIFE Access our church directory Connect with groups Find ways to serve Manage your giving Update your personal information Direct your church communication Sign up for events and classes HOW TO ACCESS GSLIFE Three different ways! App: GSLife icon in the Good Shepherd Sacramento app Website: GSLife link at gschurch.us from the MORE tab Internet: GSLife URL at https://gschurch.ccbchurch.com SIGN UP for a username on the login page. You will receive an email response to set your password WHAT TO DO NEXT Review your personal profile Update information for you and your family Adjust your communication settings Assess your privacy settings Manage your service schedule Explore groups Set up a recurring gift Find tips in HELP and on the HOME page FAQ Is my information secure? The information contained in GSLife will not show up in any search engine and can only be viewed by members with a login and password. Who can use GSLife? Church members are the only people who can view the online directory. Attenders may be granted GSLife logins, but with absolutely no access to people information. What can others see about me? Church members can see your name, contact phone, email address and gender until you update your personal privacy settings. Your picture will also be visible if one is uploaded. You will only be identified with a group or class you participate in if you are the leader of that group. Why should I add personal information? There is a difference between what you put in GSLife and what you choose to share. What you put into GSLife is important for our church records, but you may choose to display as much or little of your personal information to other members in GSLife as you prefer. Is information about children protected? Children under the age of 14 are only visible in GSLife to their parents and appropriate church leaders and staff. Who can see my giving? Only you and appropriate church leaders and staff can view your personal and family giving records, or download your giving statement. What if I don t have internet access? Inside News is available weekly inside your worship program. Our monthly publication, Good Shepherd News, is available in the Welcome Center. Contact the church office to receive a printed member directory. Who do I contact with questions? Call the church office at 483-0451 or email info@gschurch.us with any questions. Good Shepherd Church * www.gschurch.us * 1615 Morse Ave, Sacramento, CA 95864 * 916-483-0451
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 1615 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA 95684 Contact Us Good Shepherd Lutheran Church www.gschurch.us 1615 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA 95684 (916) 483-0451