Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Shepherd’s Voice
Give. Serve. Lead. Connect.
November 2016
From Pastor Harald Bringsjord Sometimes I’m asked what kind of independently of each other, so if you events are going on in our synod that have not attended the first two you can we can participate in. And my answer still attend the rest of them. is that there is a lot. Just check it out at www.lacrosseareasynod.org. If you attend these events you will be learning about the Protestant For example, there is information about Reformation that intensified as Martin flood recovery efforts in our region, Luther nailed 95 faith statements, along with a meeting with the ELCA commonly known as The 95 Theses, on Director of North American Disaster the door of the Wittenberg Castle Relief on Sunday Nov. 13, 2016, at the Church in Germany. Each of the Synod office. following events explores basic parts of Lutheran history and theology that There is a trip to Germany from June continue to shape and inform what it 12 – June 21, 2017, that you can still means to have a contemporary, living sign up for, led by Rev. Dr. Anne Lutheran view on God and the world. Hokenstad. You can find information Participants can look forward to about the Synod Assembly, Portico accessible, informative, and interactive Health benefits, employment sessions. They are open to people of all opportunities, Young Adults in Global ages and are especially relevant to Mission (YAGM), small group Bible confirmation and adult education studies such as the Animate Faith classes, including those interested in series, and so much more. Our Synod renewing their Lutheran identity and website is a great conduit for what is living into a new identity of faith. going on in the church at large and in our synod. Here is a list of topics and presenters:
I especially want to focus this month on November 12, 2016 “Living how the La Crosse Area Synod is Catechism” by Rev. Jason Stanton helping right now through the Some of us memorized the Catechism. “Lutheran 101” series. Some of us use it. Others don't. Why did Luther write the Small Catechism? The third “Lutheran 101” presentation What was its impact of the day? How will be held at the Synod office on Nov. can it shape our daily faith and life 12, between 9:30am and noon. I hope today? everyone who would like to learn a little more about our Lutheran faith will Continued on page 19 attend this session. Various pastors from around our synod are giving the presentations. These events stand
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Give Serve Volunteering Within Church Enriching Life, Sharing Talents
Flower and Bulletin Sponsorship Thank You All So Very Much… Causeway Caregivers The flower and bulletin sponsorship loved one. If you have any charts are on the bulletin board in the questions on sponsoring the Altar Guild —Thank you to the Causeway Caregivers exists to help! back of the welcome area. Sponsoring flowers or bulletins, please members who served during the month of Give Causeway a call if you need the flowers or bulletins is an easy way to contact Kathy or Rick in the church October, Pat Oliver & Linda Schoen. assistance in or around your home or if honor special dates such as birthdays office at (608)788-0450. During November Nancy Oelke & Irene you have a few hours to volunteer Thorelli, will be ‘on duty’. helping those who do. and anniversaries, or the memory of a Sara Wrobel— Thank you for sending (608) 775-9999 or visit our website: Readers & Ushers Appreciated! out the “Get Well” card in October. causewaycaregivers.org Readers and Ushers are always valued works for you. The readings will be sent Phyllis Lynch will be sending out the at our worship services. Please consider (either by mail or email) to you early cards throughout the month of Joy is prayer. signing up on the chart in the welcome that week. Thank you so much for November. Joy is strength. area at the back of the sanctuary. You helping out! Ann Hudson—Thank you for sending out Joy is love. can sign up for a time and day that cards and prayer shawls year round to Joy is a net of love by bereaved families. which you can catch Women Who Wrestle With The Word (W5) souls. God loves a cheerful giver. One Care Ministries—Thank you to all If you would like to be a part of a regular will meet every Monday at gives most who gives with joy. The best members who are serving as Care gathering of Christian Women, you are 6:30pm in the welcome area Ministers to the faithful members of way to show our gratitude to God and always welcome to join W5. The group in the front of the sanctuary. people is to accept everything with joy. Good Shepherd who can no longer come to worship with us. Through you, our A joyful heart is the inevitable result of Lydia Circle Care Ministers, the church comes to a heart burning with love. Never let Lydia Circle meets the 1st Tuesday of If you have any questions or them! anything so fill you with sorrow as to every month. Come join them for great would like to learn more make you forget the joy of the Christ conversations, some laughter, fun, about Lydia circle, call Carol risen. camaraderie and a sweet desert! Abraham at (608)787-0609. —Mother Teresa Ushers Schedule Good Shepherd Ministries
Altar Guild—Willing to help out on our Care Ministry—Care Ministries visit Nov 6 8:30am: Steve Arndt, Dawn Weeks, Vernon & Peg Garves, Carter & Amiee Roth Altar Guild? It is a very easy the homebound year round to have a 10:30am: Norm & Joanne Jerome, Randy Hanson, Deb Koblitz, Jeff & Sharon Yushta commitment and we would be happy to small chat, give communion, and have a show you how it’s done! Simply call prayer. Interested in joining this Nov 13 8:30am : Confirmation Youth Candie Luehne at (608)304-2035. ministry? Contact Don Skibba at 787- 10:30am: Confirmation Youth 0498. If you or someone you know Quilting—Quilters meet at Good Nov 20 8:30am: David & Barb Foye, Gordy Powell, Keith & Mary Isaacs Shepherd every Wednesday at 12:30pm would like a visit from our care ministry 10:30am: Jane Strangstalien, Candie Luehne, Duane & Linda Schoen, Gundi Bay, in the quilting room. team, please contact the church office at Gerald Knutson (608)788-0450. Mailing Crew—The Shepherd’s Voice Nov 23 Thanksgiving Eve 6:30pm Service—Please sign up to help on the sign up sheet Mailing Crew is wondering if you are 55 Plus—55 Plus is a friendly lunch gathering for the 55+ crowd that meets interested in helping out prepare the Voice newsletter with address labels and every 3rd Thursday of the month at Nov 27 8:30am: Mark & Shanon Torgerud, Glen & Sue Larson stickers? We meet the 4th Thursday of 11:30am. We gather at The King Street 10:30am: Heidi Kwiatkowski, Lois Olson, Marv & Darryle Clott each month at 8:30am in the choir room. Kitchen located at 141 7th St S. Page 4 GSlacrosse.org GSlacrosse.org Page 5 Lead Connect Raising Up Spiritual Leaders Bridging Our Community To Our World
November 27th to December 3rd Calling All Musicians! Our next Mobile Meals Is Thank you all for delivering Mobile Our “Sounds of Praise” worship band instrument you play, Meals in September! Mobile Meals of La Need more information? invites you to help us lead the worship “Sounds of Praise” Crosse delivers 33,000 meals annually to Call 784-4623 or go online at here at Good Shepherd. “Sounds of welcomes you! Please call the homebound, largely through the mobilemealsoflacrosse.org. Pick-up Praise” is intended to bring together the Randy Lyden at efforts of local churches like ours. The place is Franciscan/Mayo at the Market greatest number and variety of (608)779-9669 or email 2016 schedule is up and the yellow bus is Street door and the pick-up time will be instruments possible, presenting special [email protected] up for Nov 27th to Dec 3rd for you to 11am. Please allow 1 1/2 to 2 hours music and enhancing our wide variety of to be a part of this growing signup. delivery time. We are route #1. hymn styles. Whatever type of and exciting praise band!
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Local Food Pantry Needs The Sanctuary Choir The Gloria Dei Choir The Sanctuary Choir rehearses between We rehearse between services on West Avenue Food Please leave all donations in the grocery cart services every Sunday from September Sundays from September through May in Emergency Relief near our bulletin boards in the Welcome through May and new members are the Mattes Center and new members are (WAFER) is asking for Area. A monetary gift may also be given to always welcome!! If you would like to always welcome! If your children would Peanut Butter during the help support WAFER. Simply make your join our Sanctuary Choir, please contact like to be a part of the Gloria Dei Choir, month of November. check out to Good Shepherd, and indicate WAFER in the check memo area. Karl Greenfield at 715-214-8528 please contact Darlene Lassig at Thank you for all the or at [email protected] (608)788-5686 or at donations given in [email protected]. October! 4-H Club Hand Bell Choir Practices are on Sunday evenings The Mormon Coulee 4-H Club was first looking for eager volunteers to showcase 5:30pm for adult bell choir and 6:30pm for established in 1946 making the club one their talents or for new members. If youth bell choir. If you have any questions of the oldest in La Crosse County! 4-H anyone is interested, or has any please contact Linda Jerome at clubs are made up of children from questions, please feel free to contact Kim [email protected]. kindergarten through high school. We Young at (608)796-0099 or e-mail meet the second Sunday of each month at [email protected]. 5pm in the Mattes Center. We are always Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, Ecclesiastes 12:1
High School Youth Group hangout with other awesome teens Boy Scouts & Girl Scouts Meet at Good Shepherd (Grades 9-12) Good Shepherd’s just like yourself. Social events High School Youth Group is a group throughout the year along with a Boy Scouts—Troop 22 meets at 6:45pm Girl Scouts—Troop 4172 meetings are that meets on Wednesday evenings yearly mission trip. Want to learn weekly on Tuesday’s in the Mattes not yet set. at 6pm throughout the year. more? Contact Stephanie Andersen Center. Fellowship and games 6–7p with a at [email protected] or just bible study at 7p. You aren't the only drop in and check it out for yourself! If you have any questions about Scouts, please call the church office at 788-0450 and Christian at your school! Come we can connect you with the group leaders. Stewardship Church Numbers Memorials & Special Gifts Weekly Sunday Attendance Weekly Envelope Offerings Good Shepherd gratefully acknowledges and sincerely appreciates your gifts over and above your regular giving. The following gifts were received from Sept. 15 through Oct. 16, 2016. Date 8:30am 10:30am Date Weekly % Budget
Wafer Jim Stylen Memorial 09/04/16 70 85 09/04/16 4,559.83 57% Connie Lee Duane & Arlene Dreves Evelyn Lee Gordon & Mary Ann Dreves Gerald Knutson 09/11/16 143 101 09/11/16 4,518.99 57% Jim & Sue Bugge Bea Zielke Memorial Norm Jerome Kari Grams-Burner 09/18/16 85 170 09/18/16 9,668.27 121% Ramon & Connie Erickson BAI _ James Morrison Kris & Joe Bernhardt Kris & Joe Bernhardt Shirley Holman Joyce Morrison Memorial Gordy & Carol Powell Harald & Andrea Bringsjord 09/25/16 118 149 09/25/16 7,313.00 92% Harald & Andrea Bringsjord Mary & Tarry Hall Dave Kilmer Flood Relief Totals 26,060.09 82% Vernon & Peggy Garves Darren & Jaclyn Osley Sandra Demoran Steve & Kari Ellison Marie Weaver Envelope Offering Comparison
Mortgage Elimination Progress as of 10/17/16 September September % Difference If you would like to view the All funds from the congregation exceeding $35,925.00 will reduce the funds that will be needed from the Lee estates to pay off the mortgage. 2016 2015 complete financial statements that 120000 are shared with the Council, please 26,060.09 23,740.80 8.9% contact Rick in the church office at 100000 [email protected] or by calling the church office (608)788-0450. 80000 YTD 2016 YTD 2015 % Difference
60000 252,095.03 263,225.70 -4.4%
40000
20000 Envelope Offerings by month
0 40,000.00 Donations From Donations From Council Matching Funds Funds from Lee Estate Congregation 35,000.00 Needed 14,075.00 35,925.00 100,000.00 92,113.00 30,000.00 Given To Date 12,171.36 43,812.00 40,000.00 25,000.00 2014 Needed Given To Date 20,000.00 2015 15,000.00 Giving Tree—Giving In A Unique Way 2016 10,000.00 Do you know about our Giving Tree? If not, this is a unique way to sponsor items or services used within our church. Our giving tree is located in the corner by the main entrance in the 5,000.00 welcome area. Select the tag (s) that mean the most to you and return them and the donation in 0.00 the envelopes provided by either placing it in the offering plate, dropping it off at or mailing it Jun Jul Aug Sep to the church office. Around the Parish... Around the Parish... Adult Bible Study New Members Sunday School Book Fair Our Adult Bible Study meets the 2nd There will be a new member orientation Looking for that perfect Christmas gift for Wednesday of each month. We will be Tuesday, Nov. 1 for all potential new your kids or grandkids? Stop by our Book Fair studying James, chapters are spread over 9 members. New members will be welcomed and shop award-winning Bibles, books, and lessons so we would meet thru May. into the congregation Sunday, November 6. videos for babies to twelve-year-olds. Save up All are welcome, contact Maree Smith for to 40% PLUS free shipping on all Book Fair more information. [email protected] Attention Youth! titles. See our Display in the Concourse between Lydia Circle The 2017 High School Mission Trip is Sunday Oct. 30th and Nov. 6th to order faith- Millie Hamann will be leading our Nov. 1st officially open for registration! We will be filled books and videos for your kids. Orders meeting, Lesson 24 “Thomas”. Host will be traveling to Cincinnati, OH July 23-28th, due Nov. 13th. Barb Hegge, devotions will be by Ardis 2017. We have 18 spots available so please Our Book Fair, sponsored by Sparkhouse Severson. Please call Carol Abraham 787-0679 sign up early. There is the potential to open Family, features a wide variety of new if you have any questions. up more spots, but I can't guarantee more resources based on the beloved Spark Story All are welcome! than 18 at this time. I need all of the following to reserve spots: Interest form, Bible. They’re Prayers for kids based on the Release & Covenent paperwork, and $100 Psalms, a picture book about Noah’s Ark, the Holiday Marketplace deposit (scholarships and payment plans first-ever animated Spark video (starring available). Squiggles the caterpillar!), and a new line of Terrific News! We have booked 25 vendors and Spark Play and Learn Books. Other have a waiting list for more. Please note: There is a meeting noteworthy titles include a new Christmas The Packers just notified me that they are on November 16th 6:30 - 7:30. I need picture book from the Frolic series and a sending another unique item for us this year. students and parents there as we will be gorgeous Advent pop-up book that will make The committee is meeting and finalizing plans. talking about mission trip expectations and a delightful gift. Many of you have volunteered and we fundraising. If you cannot attend, please let Each book and video is designed to help appreciate it so very much. We have a Baked me know so we can make other parents instill an open-hearted, goods sign up list on the back bulletin board. arrangements. Call or email with any transformational, lifelong Christian faith in Please let us know if you are willing to donate questions. Thank You! Stephanie Andersen their children at every age. any baked goods. Do you make something [email protected] 608-385-7394 really special for Christmas? I am looking for Adult Bunco Night 12 specialties we could sell in Santa's Sweet Thanksgiving Eve Pie Fest Shoppe. Give me a call and I'll explain. Thank Friday, November 18, at 6pm in the Mattes you everyone for all you've done. Raffle Following the 6:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Center. “Thankful” theme, bring a $5 wrapped Baskets are nearly complete and look service on Wed. Nov. 23 we will be serving gift and a dish to pass. Hope to see you there! outstanding. Pastor will draw the names of the pie and coffee in the Mattes Center. Please winners at the end of second service on Nov. sign up on the bulletin board in the 13th. It's going to be a fantastic sale. We have concourse. Bring your favorite pie to church old and new vendors with clever items! on Wed. Nov. 23. Stable raising tree trimming, bag stuffing, Save Saturday, Nov.12th from 8am-2pm to chili eating fun night! shop the sale. My phone 799-0263. Good Shepherd Caring Tree Join us at 5:30pm on December 2nd for a chili The caring tree will be up on Sunday, Nov. supper and then stay and help decorate the Saturday Quilting 20. There will be tags on the tree with a church for Christmas. It’s a great way to start nursing home resident’s name and the holiday season and a lot of fun too. Hope Join us Saturday, November 19th, at 9am for to see you there, all are welcome! friendship, fun and comradery as we work suggestions of items they would like. Please together making quilts for Lutheran World take a tag and return the wrapped item with Relief. the card on it to the church by Sunday, Dec. 11. These gifts will make Christmas a little Christmas Poinsettia's Our group also meets regularly on Wednesdays merrier for those residents who would not at 12:30pm. All are welcome to attend, and receive a gift at Christmas. Last year we If you would like to bring a poinsettia for our experience is not required so come and join us made Christmas happier for 94 residents and Christmas services please bring it to the as we work together to make the world a little this year we hope to increase that number church by Thurs. Dec. 22nd. Put your name warmer for those in need. with your help! Any questions, call Candie on it and you may pick it up after the Leuhne at 608-304-2035. Christmas Day service or during the following week. Gloria Dei Choir Adult Bell Choir Youth Bell Choir Sanctuary Choir Sounds of Praise Meets every Sunday Meets every Sunday Meets every Sunday Meets every Sunday Meets every Saturday each November 2016 each week at 9:45am. each week. at 5:30pm. each week. at 6:30pm. Each week at 9:30am. week at 4pm. 8:30am Worship Service 10:30am Worship Service Sunday School concurrent with both services Communion 1st and 3rd Sundays of Each Month
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 31 November 1 2 3 4 5
3rd Grade Milestone NO W5 West Pastor Conference 12:30pm Quilting 6pm WELCA Mtg 6pm Venture Crew 1pm Lydia Circle 6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12) 5:30 New Member Orientation 6:30pm Confirmation 6pm Buildings & Grounds 6:45pm BS Troop 22
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
All Saints Day 6:30pm W5 ALL DAY POLLING 12:30pm Quilting 6pm Hospitality Mtg December Voice 8am Holiday Marketplace & New Member Sunday 1:45pm Hillview Communion 6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12) Articles Due Name Tag & Cookie Sunday sponsored 6:30pm Confirmation by Altar Guild 6:30pm Adult Bible Study 6:30pm BS Troop 22 Adult Mtg
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
11:30am Praise/Worship Team 6pm Admin/Exec Meeting 6pm Parish Ed Meeting 12:30pm Quilting 8:30am Voice Mailing Crew BUNKO 9am Quilting 4pm 4-H Meeting 6:30pm W5 6:45pm BS Troop 22 6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12) 11:30am 55 Plus Thankful Theme 7pm Church Council Mtg 6:30pm Confirmation 6:30pm 2017 Mission Trip Mtg
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
9:45am Altar Guild Meeting 5:30pm Membership, 6:45pm BS Troop 22 12:30pm Quilting Thanksgiving Day Growth/Fellowship Mtg 6:30pm Thanksgiving Eve Serv 6:30pm W5 7:30pm Pie Social
27 28 29 30 December 1 2 3
9:45am Care Ministry Meeting 6:30pm W5 6:45pm BS Troop 22 12:30pm Quilting 6pm WELCA Mtg 5:30pm Tree 11am to 2pm Christmas Capers 6pm Venture Crew 6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12) Trimming Fun 6:30pm Confirmation Night
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Name Tag & Cookie Sunday sponsored 6:30pm W5 West Pastor Conference 12:30pm Quilting 6pm Hospitality by Lydia Circle & Quilters 1pm Lydia Circle 6pm Youth Group (Gr. 9-12) 6:30pm BS Troop 22 Adult Mtg 6pm Buildings & Grounds 6:30pm Confirmation 6:45pm BS Troop 22
To access the most up-to-date calendar visit GSlacrosse.org/calendar. Page 12 GSlacrosse.org GSlacrosse.org Page 13 Your Health Church Council Members From the desk of our Parish Nurse Sara Wrobel President of the Other Church Council Members Dear Congregation, to a text. You have become an unsafe and inattentive driver. Congregation [email protected] include: The attached information isn't a new Don Skibba, Lori Lowell, Beth Bonney, problem but one that isn't going away or To make matters worse, the urge to text is Duane Schoen Vice President of Bev Sorenson, Barbara Kilpatrick, Mary improving. After the week I have had with addictive. People tend to read and answer the Congregation my own child, please sit down with yours, text messages and cell phone calls Isaacs, Carol Powell, Candie Luehne, have a discussion and give them a hug. immediately. They leave their phones on as Dianne Hamann Treasurer Janice Thaldorf & Colin Smith. to not miss any messages. Texting while The basic problem is the United States Monty Gilbertson Secretary holds the unwanted lead in distracted driving is now the leading cause of United driving. An astounding 69% of drivers aged States teen deaths. Texting and driving has 18-64 admit to using their cell phones while surpassed drinking and driving. More than driving. Our Country takes the lead over 3000 teens die each year in crashed with other countries when it comes to reading or texting and driving being the cause while sending texts while driving. Text messaging approximately 2,700 teens are killed by has become an integral part of our lives. drinking and driving. The problem, more During daylight hours about 660,000 drivers than 50% of teens admit to reading and are using their cell phones or other sending texts or emails while driving. Staff electronic devices. This activity increases More than 30% admit to posting on a social the risks of becoming involved in an media while behind the wheel. The problem accident 3 times over the normal risk is that with the few seconds it takes to send Rev. Harald Bringsjord Pastor a text, an accident can occur. probability. Young drivers under 20 are avid [email protected] Linda Jerome Bell Choir Director text messagers and make up 27% of the [email protected] drivers in fatal crashes.
Rick Laufenberg Office M anager Texting while driving is a risky habit. Snap chatting or Instagram while driving or [email protected] | (608) 788-0450 Darlene Lassig Volunteer Gloria Dei distracting your driver is dangerous. Choir Director Texting can make vehicle accidents 23 Kathy Johnson Office Assistant [email protected] | times more likely to happen. Texting by its [email protected] (608) 788-5686 nature takes 3 separate physical and mental actions away from your attention to the road. Tammy Klein Children’s M inistry Karl & Jaime Greenfield Sanctuary 1. Visual - instead of watching the road Coordinator [email protected] Choir Directors [email protected] | and potential hazards, your eyes are reading (715) 214-8528 a message. Stephanie Andersen Y outh M inistry 2. Manual - While your fingertips are Coordinator [email protected] Bev Sorenson Volunteer Parish typing a response like LOL, or sending an emoji face, your hands are off the Nurse [email protected] wheel where they need to operate controls. Randy Lyden M usic Director/ 3. Cognitive - Your mind is not into driving Organist [email protected] | Bill Klein Custodian/Maintenance safely. You are more concerned to respond Continued on page 19 (608) 779-9669 [email protected]
Bev Sorenson, RN GS Volunteer Parish Nurse [email protected] (608) 792-3962 Questions? Don’t know who to contact? Contact the Church Office. Parish Health News: (608) 788-0450 | [email protected] | www.gslacrosse.org GSlacrosse.org/parish-nurse-update. 4141 Mormon Coulee Rd. La Crosse, WI 54601 (Office hours 8am to 1pm) Health Questions? Call the Gundersen Telephone Nurse Advisor Page 14 GSlacrosse.org GSlacrosse.org Page 15
Happy Fall Everyone! the word of God in our children’s hands. October 30 3rd Grade Bible Milestone Presentation – beginning of Services As I write this article for the voice the frost Through baptism we make this promise as Spirit Sunday/Birthday Celebrations July, Aug, Sept, Oct is on the pumpkins, the smell of spices like parents, congregational members, family and cinnamon and nutmeg are filling the air, leaves friends in Christ. We have given our 3 and 4 November 6-20 Solomon Builds a Temple - Kitchen, Art and Science have turned gold and red and are falling from year old Preschoolers, Kindergarteners and 3rd the trees, and YIKES….Christmas Program Graders their Milestone Ministry gifts for this November 6 Christmas Program Parts Selection (Day One) Parts picking is on the calendar! year. Tote bags, Storybooks, Bibles and Sunday Song CD’s are wonderful tools helping I can barely believe that we are finished to foster a continued and growing personal November 27 Advent Lesson/Art All Classes with the first two months of Sunday School. relationship with God. We have spent these weeks learning about December 3 Christmas Capers – Confirmation/youth Volunteers – 11am to stories of prayer… “Abraham and Sarah” We are now starting our “Solomon Builds a 2pm. Movie, Craft, Games, Giving, Decorating – all fun for 3 Temple” story 1 Kings, 6. Then it will be onto followed by “Hannah and Samuel”. Both are years to 3rd Grade. about families who prayed for children. But, the Christmas story and Advent. along with our songs, we are learning about We will be spending a Saturday, in December 4, 11 and 17 Christmas Program Rehearsal talking with God no matter what time of day, December, doing “Christmas Capers”. Please what situation, about joys and sorrows. And, to watch for the information coming at you in the December 18 Christmas Programs – 8:30 and 10:30. top it off, Hannah and Samuel may be new next voice. This will be December 3rd. This is stories or reminder stories for the adults as a great event for the kids to make gifts for Sunday School is having a Book Fair! well! others, have a craft, lunch and movie together Looking for that perfect Christmas gift for your It has been a Super Fun two months and I and decorate the Mattes Center for the kids or grandkids? Stop by our Book Fair and shop holidays. award-winning Bibles, books, and videos for babies think we have all enjoyed having more kids in to twelve-year-olds. Save up to 40% PLUS free all of our groups. We have a lot of new friends We are also running a Book Fair from shipping on all Book Fair titles. and this will make our other activities super October 30th through November 6th. We will See our Display in the Concourse between Sunday fun as well. be making funds for each book ordered. These Oct. 30th and Nov. 6th to order faith-filled books What else could be super fun? The books are kid friendly. All funds raised will go and videos for your kids. Orders due Nov. 13th.
Christmas Program….yes I said Christmas. toward starting a Sugar Creek Scholarship fund Our Book Fair, sponsored by Sparkhouse Family, features a wide variety of new resources We have parts selection coming up soon, so for kids wanting to attend camp that may not based on the beloved Spark Story Bible. They’re Prayers for kids based on the Psalms, a kids should make note of the first date and start have the funds to do so. We get a taste every picture book about Noah’s Ark, the first-ever animated Spark video (starring Squiggles the year with Explorer’s Day, and many of the caterpillar!), and a new line of Spark Play and Learn Books. Other noteworthy titles include a sorting out which part they would like to play. new Christmas picture book from the Frolic series and a gorgeous Advent pop-up book that ALL KIDS HAVE A PART, we just need to fit kids get excited to attend a full week the will make a delightful gift. them all in. The program will be December following year. Please visit the table in the Each book and video is designed to help parents instill an open-hearted, transformational, 18th at each service, but even if you will be concourse for information and order forms and lifelong Christian faith in their children at every age and stage. gone, we want you to come and learn the story to see what wonderful books you can order for with us! gifts. They will be in at Good Shepherd for pick up in plenty of time for Santa. Tammy Klein We have also begun the year quite strong with many ducks going out for Have I mentioned our Library Makeover? attendance….Football Ducks, Unicorn Ducks, Feel free to Visit the library, browse, check out Children's Ministry Coordinator Sock Monkey Ducks...and Birthday Ducks. In and enjoy some time with books, stories and [email protected] (608)788-0450 addition, we have had our first “Birthday” movies! Recent Sunday School News: GSlacrosse.org/children. celebration. Youth are getting into the “party” Thank you all for a wonderful start to the year! In the Office: Mon., W ed., Fri.: 2:30-7pm Stay Connected! mode with us as they write out birthday cards Wishing you and your family a Blessed Receive message alerts for Sunday School at Good Shepherd. Send the message @rubberduck to the for the Sunday schoolers this year! Thanksgiving! number (608) 807-2784. All parents and children with a cell phone are encouraged to sign-up! To add to the celebration, we continue, with Data charges may apply. Must age 13+ to sign up without parental guidance. This service is brought to you Tammy by Remind®. our church family to fulfill the promise to put Page 16 GSlacrosse.org GSlacrosse.org Page 17
Youth Update Confirmation (Grades 6-8) & High School Youth (Grades 9-12)
“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not Why are there so many versions of the bible? recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the November 2nd Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. Youth Group: Birthday Card Project John 20: 30-31 (NIV) Fellowship/Service with small groups Confirmation: through it all we continue to see the message November 9th BINGO: Barbara, Jen and Tina’s groups of Gods love. Gods love us regardless of who Confirmation is rolling along. Although some Youth Group: Video Study wrote the bible and if they got every detail weeks, it seems impossible to get middle straight. God loves shines through in the Old schoolers to answer a question, we are Is the Bible True? and New Testament. November 16th learning a lot. Our memorization goal for this 6:30pm—Mission Trip Meeting (Students and Parents) year is to memorize the “Apostle’s Creed.” We are well on the way to completing this High School Youth: goal and I am impressed by the students effort Our spots are booked and it is official! Good November 23rd Thanksgiving Eve: No Confirmation or Youth Group on this front. Shepherd Youth Group will be traveling to
Cincinnati, Ohio Sunday July 23—Friday July Our first service night was energy filled and 28th. We will once again be working with How can God be Three in One? productive. Two of our groups helped with November 30th Youthworks. Youth Group: Music Wednesday BINGO at Bethany Riverside while the remainder of groups stayed at church to This trip is open to all students entering 9th complete projects. Projects they completed Fellowship/Service with small groups grade or higher in the fall of 2017. Due to include: making tie blankets for LWR and December 7th BINGO: Laura and Corrine’s groups transportation issues and space at the mission Projects Linus, packing LWR hygiene, school site, I can only guarantee spots to our first 18 Youth Group: Tie Blankets Service Project and baby kits, cleaning the nursery and other participants so register early! If you have a small projects around church. student interested in attending, please talk to Every Wednesday Youth Group 6:00—8:00pm All High School Students Welcome! Stephanie or pick up registration materials The beginning of the curriculum this year has from the office. A mandatory meeting will focused on quested related to the bible.. take place on November 16th for all students Questions we have tackled are: “Who wrote attending along with their parents. This will be the bible: God of Humans?” “Is the Bible a time to talk about fundraising and mission True?” “Is the New Testament more trip expectations. important than the Old Testament?” and “Why does the bible contradict itself?” As our I am also pleased to announce that Youtfest students are coming into their own and and Top Shep will be returning in the winter moving from the faith of their parents to a and spring of 2017! We received positive faith of their own, they wrestle with these and feedback from the congregation and it also many other questions. These questions that served as an important fundraiser last year so Stephanie Andersen may be brought to life in their own head or by we are excited to put on these events again. those around them. I am proud that we can Director of Youth and Family Ministry There will be a few changes based on tackle these questions head on and feedback we received in order to allow people [email protected] (608) 788-0450 acknowledge that faith sometimes is a to fully enjoy both events. As more details are confusing thing. Recent Youth News: GSlacrosse.org/youth available, I will pass them along. In the Office: Wednesday 4-8pm One theme we have seen through our first few Stay Connected! lessons is that “God loves us!” The bible may Confirmation: Text @gsconfirm to (608) 402-4735 for confirmation updates! Youth Group: Text be confusing and we may not be able to figure @gslcyouth to (608) 402-4735 for youth group updates! out the exact meaning of a certain verse, but Data charges may apply. Must age 13+ to sign up without parental guidance. This service is brought to you by Remind®. Page 18 GSlacrosse.org GSlacrosse.org Page 19
Continued from page 1. Music Notes From The Director of Music January 14, 2017 “Living Sacraments” how God meets us in suffering in the person by Rev. Kris Fahey. of Jesus Christ, who died on the cross and Explore Luther's understanding of Baptism rose from the dead. What is the Theology of It Is Well with My Soul “Saved alone, what shall I do?” Spafford and the Lord's Supper based on the Small the Cross for us today? took the next available ship to England to Catechism. How is our Lutheran perspective Of all the hymns in our rich worship music join his wife. With the ship about four days on God, church, faith, and discipleship May 6, 2017 “Living Worship” by Rev. enriched by these two sacraments? Karyn Bodenschatz tradition, one of the most moving is the at sea, the captain called Spafford to his Luther had a deep understanding of the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”, written by cabin and told him that they were over the February 11, 2017 “Living Theology -- Law liturgy or "work of the people." What was Horatio Spafford (1828-1888). Spafford was place where the Ville du Havre sank. It is and Grace” by Bishop Jim Arends the original Lutheran Order of Worship? a prominent and successful Chicago lawyer, said that he penned the words to this hymn Explore a key theological concept of the Learn how Luther took melodies of the day, devout Christian and Presbyterian church as the ship passed by where his daughters Protestant Reformation and our Lutheran sung in folk music and played in pubs. Learn elder. He and his wife Anna had four had died. voice in the world today: Law and Gospel. how we as Lutherans are a people who are daughters and a son, and were friends and Your preacher most likely uses these terms: known to "Sing our Faith." supporters of evangelist Dwight Moody. Composer Philip Bliss (1838-1876) was very What do they really mean? impressed with Spafford’s life and the words All these events are from 9:30am – noon at Tragedy began to strike as their young son to this hymn. He wrote a beautiful piece of March 11, 2017 “Living Theology – the synod office (2301 South Ave La Crosse died of pneumonia in 1871. Also that year, music to accompany these lyrics and the Theology of the Cross” by Rev. Dr. Anne WI 54601; phone 608-788-5000) the Great Fire of Chicago destroyed most of hymn was published in 1876 by Bliss and Hokenstad Spafford’s sizable real estate investments in Sankey. It bears the tune name Ville du Explore how Martin Luther gave voice to Pastor Harald Chicago, dealing him a severe financial Havre. blow. The economic downturn of 1873 made things even worse. The Spafford's decided that year to travel to England to recover from the tragedy and join friends Dwight Moody and Ira Sankey on an evangelical campaign there. An unexpected business problem forced Horatio to remain behind, so his wife and four daughters set out to England on the SS Ville du Havre, with the Continued from page 13. intention that he would join them there There are texting alternatives, but they are distraction. Education and training can only shortly. While at sea, the Ville du Havre not a much better of a solution to the go so far. So resorting to the legal system is struck the iron-hulled Scottish vessel Loch problem. There are several apps that can be one solution. Nationwide 43 states have Earn and sank in 12 minutes, killing 226 used to avoid the temptation to text a passed laws to prohibit drivers from using people, including the four Spafford children. message. Voice recognition app will hand held cell phones and texting. translate spoken works into a text, but you There is no limit to when a driver may Anna, who was rescued, sent her husband a still have to use your hands to send a text. As soon as their cell phone rings or they telegram from England, which began, message. The Auto Responder app will send receive a text they want to respond. out a pre written message to the caller when But the statistics can't deny there is a one can't respond and will explain why you problem when 9 people are killed and over aren't responding at the time. The 1,153 people are injured every day in the Text blocker App is an excellent way for United States due to distracted driving. Randy Lyden parents to prevent teens from texting while Help change the statistics, be an example for driving. It disables texting when the vehicle your kids, have the discussion and stop Good Shepherd Music Director is going over 10 mph. The most effective texting and driving. solution is for the driver to turn off their [email protected] | (608) 779-9669 phone while driving. Resource for this article came from Melinda J Helbock A.P. Law office. Recent Music Notes/Updates: Unfortunately even the best intentions of people to drive safely loses to the attraction Your Parish Nurse, GSlacrosse.org/music to texting. The only real solution for Texting Bev Sorenson BSN and driving is to stop. Eliminate that