Good Shepherd News 2019

WORSHIP SCHEDULE 8:30am Worship 9:30am Church School 10:30am Worship

THE SHEPHERD’S STAFF Pastor Larry Grunden, Jr. Secretary Emly Dye Handbell Director Nancy Davis Choir Directors Nancy Davis, Mike Morris Organist Larry Halpern Custodian Coverall Custodial Services Nursery Donna Knasel

CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL Ginny Martycz President Chris Zechman Vice President Barb Bendure Secretary Diane Timmons Treasurer Mike Archambeau, Deb Botkin, Ron Green, Jeff Henning, David King Susan Kogler, Melanie LeVan, Jennifer Rousculp-Miller, Rebecca Sanders

The Good Shepherd News is a monthly publication from Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church

712 N. Fountain Avenue Springfield, OH 45504

(937) 322-7222

gselcflock@gmail.com, pastorlarrygselc@gmail.com

Web site: www.jointheflock.org

Facebook at facebook.com/GoodShepherdSpringfield

OUR MISSION Called and sent into the world, we seek to

serve as the living expression of God's compassion, love & forgiveness.

Here we are in January 2019! We have waited with great longing for the Christ child, and we have run to the manger, like the shepherds, to see the wonder of his presence. We have been a part of the continuing story of God’s work in the world through our witness to the birth of a Savior, sent to teach us to love. Following the wonder of the Christmas season comes Epiphany, the time of celebration for a Savior who has come to save us; who will be known to us as “Ἰησοῦς” or “Jesus.” From the feast of Epiphany, to the Baptism of John, to the Transfiguration, we celebrate God’s “anointed one,” “The Christ,” whose life would change the world, and whose love would save us forever. I often think of the journey of the Magi and what a miracle surrounded their story. Three Wise Men, astrologers, sent by Herod in an act of manipulation to gather information about the whereabouts of this new “King,” who would bring justice and balance to the world, set out to pay their respects to the child. Herod, of course, feared the rising of power against his reign and sought to destroy his opposition. But the Magi were warned, and following their homage to Jesus, they took a path that led them back to their countries without reporting back to Herod. The connection to Jesus in our hearts and of God working in our lives is uncanny. We too are led to pay homage to our King. We are led to worship the one who saves and who lives to love; the one who brought God’s equity to the world and who brings balance to our lives. Yet, the powers of sin want nothing more than to destroy that relationship. God, however, intervenes and continues to offer new paths for us to take that will lead us to a continued strengthening of our relationship with our Savior. Sin cannot win (but that is a story to be told a few months from now). Come and rejoice in Jesus the Christ, the Savior of the world, who comes in love as a baby; who changed the world; who continues to change the world. Come and let your hearts be warmed with the love that abounds from God. Come and be filled with the life that God brings and then go and give that joy, love and life to the world.

~ Pastor Larry

HAPPY NEW YEAR . . . AGAIN

On Sunday, December 2, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Piqua, where I am currently serving as the interim pastor, we all said Happy New Year to one another. That day, the First Sunday in Advent, was the first day of the Christian Liturgical Calendar New Year. Now, it is appropriate for me to say, for the second time, Happy New Year, as we begin the Common Calendar New Year. The beginning of each new year offers an opportunity for renewed visions and fresh starts. The whole custom of New Year's Resolutions reflects that notion, as we resolve to do sometime in our lives differently, perhaps better or more effectively, than we have in the past. Our Liturgical calendar quickly takes us from Christmas into Epiphany. Throughout the Season of Epiphany, during worship we remember the stories of Jesus becoming honored and known more fully as God's son, with a message of love, joy, peace, and salvation for all. Secondly, we are inspired ourselves to join in the cloud of witnesses to spread the story, beginning with our closest circles of family and friends, and spreading to the ends of the earth. Inviting, inviting; come with me, come and see; come and meet your salvation. And that inspiration to tell the story far and wide, as it has been made known to us, and to share our stories and our lives with others who also believe, is why the community of believers for centuries has formed itself into congregations. We find our own faith strengthened in such gatherings, and we treasure the company of fellow believers with whom to engage in mission to spread the Gospel message of love, joy, peace, and salvation for all persons. That is God's Mission entrusted to us, and our reason for existence as a congregation. To underwrite and enable God's Mission entrusted to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, the congregation adopted its Financial Mission Plan for Calendar Year 2019 at our November congregational meeting. Our Financial Mission Plan anticipates costs for the practical matters crucial to the smooth operation of the staff, programs, and physical facilities of the congregation, as well as providing us a benchmark grid for the receiving and using of financial gifts spread through the year. Sustained generous giving by the body of Good Shepherd believers throughout the year is the crucial factor that enables us all to focus completely on spreading the Gospel, giving thanks to God for all that God has first given us to do God's Mission. Consistent with our discipline of First Fruits Giving, let us make our first New Year's Resolution one to be faithful and generous in returning to God, for God's Mission, a full measure of what God has first given us. We all shall be richly blessed. Thanks be to God! Ron Green

It may have been cold & rainy outside but our pantry was full of people very thankful for the groceries, produce, meat & baked goods that we carried to their vehicles. Total served was 219 people. A huge shout out to our carriers who labored to make our clients' lives a little easier. We served chicken noodle soup, pizza & mini subs.

The yarners provided hats, scarves, gloves, mittens & afghans. What a special talent that will help keep our folks warm. Pastors Rachel Tune & Larry Grunden stepped in to fit people with shoes & boots. We always need more children sizes & boots. Santa couldn't have better helpers than these hunger warriors: Nick & Vicci Lubbers, Rick Broderick, Mary & George Parsons, Paul Buckles, Melinda Jud, Barb Shuirr. Phil Winchell, Sandy Falkner, Melanie & Chuck LeVan, Ginny Martyz, Mark & Ellyn Shirk, Elise Schwenn, Deb & Randy Botkin, Abby Frock, Richard Kogler, Barb & Brittany Strawsburg, Chad Carr, Doug Davis, Angela Barber and Mark Roberts. Remember, mark your calendar Sat. February 9th. Enter the soup contest or bid on some cool silent auction stuff from 4-7pm. It will be fun!

God's work. Our hands. denise

Annual Congregation Meeting Our Congregation Meeting will be held Sunday, January 27, at 9:30am. Join us as we celebrate ministries of the past year and imagine new ones for the future! [Committees: please send your annual reports to the office by January 14th]

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

Youth 5th-12th grades meet together the first and third Sunday evenings of the month. Mark your calendars for January 7 and January 21, from 5 to 7 PM. Bring a friend and join in the fun!

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP

The Women’s Book Group will be meeting Monday, January 21 at 7:00pm to discuss the book, "America’s First Daughter" by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Come join us for an interesting and lively discussion!

THANKS! The Decorating Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the Hanging of the Greens on December 1st. It was a wonderful day where the church was transformed into a beautiful Advent atmosphere to joyfully await the birth of Our Savior. We appreciate all of the help and hard work and hope you enjoyed the fellowship of being with others from the Good Shepherd family. We look forward to another Hanging of the Greens in 2019!

SHEPHERD'S YARNERS The Yarners will meet January 16, 7pm at the home of Barb Bendure, 136 Roosevelt Drive. We meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesday’s of the month to knit, crochet, do needlework, craft and have fun. If you want to learn to knit or crochet, we will teach you. Come and join us!

QUILTING MINISTRY It’s time to tie some quilts! Join us at 9:00 am, Saturday, January 12 to tie some quilts for Lutheran World Relief. No experience necessary! It’s a fun morning of fellowship, conversation and snacks while we do something great for others. Contact Mary Parsons if you have any questions.

MIRIAM CIRCLE Miriam Circle does not meet during the month of January. We look forward to seeing everyone on Wednesday, February 6 at 9:30am!

ADULT SMALL GROUP

Monday’s Fellowship Group meets January 7th and 21st at 7pm at the home of Mark and Denise Roberts, 937-631-3385.

BIBLE STUDY Bible Study group meets each Tuesday at 9:30am. Together we study the weekly scriptures and pray for the needs of our church family, our community and our world.

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 1 Jade D’Allesandris 8 Mimi Spotts 9 Paul Hagelberg 16 Susan Kogler 17 Stephanie (Collier) Antal 20 Joe Herdman 25 Don Bendure 27 Betty Wilkins

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 1 Gerald & Susan Anderson 8 Donn & Judy Nightingale 31 John & Betty Dessinger