News
Lifelines – February 5
We will introduce and demonstrate a new online program that allows Good Shepherd members to contact each other through participation in an online directory. You don’t have to be computer savvy to participate – or even have a computer!
New Ministry Team Forming!
Join with others who are reaching out to make a difference in South Minneapolis by partnering with LSS and the Center for Changing Lives. We meet Sunday, February 5 at 9:45 in the Conference Room to discuss possible avenues of service. Learn about the many ways we can be involved!
Inquiry Classes
Do you want to meet new and amazing people? Would you like to learn more about this vibrant community of faith? Join us for the next Inquiry Classes! There are two classes offered this winter and spring: The Sunday morning series meets for four consecutive Sundays and begins February 5 at 9:45 in the Parlor. People from this class who decide they would like to join the congregation will be received as members on March 4 at the 11:00 service. The spring Inquiry class will be Saturday, April 14 from 8:30 am – 1:00 pm. Those who wish to join will be received on Sunday, April 29 at the 11:00 service. Please note: attendance at these classes does not obligate you to membership. We have a great time together and look forward to meeting you! If you have questions please contact Pastor Debra Samuelson – or 612-927-8849.
Looking for Lenten soup makers!
We are looking for people interested in making soup for the Lenten soup suppers. If you are able to help, please call the office at 612-927-8849 or email info@goodshepherdmpls.org. Soup suppers start February 29.
Malaria Project
For the next few weeks the Seeds children will be learning about Malaria and the effect it has on children and families around the world. They in turn will help the congregation learn about this disease. Watch for the Bucket Offering and other ways to give to this special cause.
Memory Loss Support Group – continues February 8
This small group supports those dealing with memory loss and is facilitated by Dorothy Ellerbroek our Parish Nurse. This group meets the second Wednesday of each month, with the next meeting on February 8, from 3:00-4:00 pm. *PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF TIME. Our goal is to provide information and support to those dealing with memory loss for themselves, family members, or in a provider setting. Discussions center on the timely concerns of group participants based on their particular needs. For additional information and opportunities check the Alzheimer’s Association website. We welcome additional guests to the meetings at any time. Questions? Contact Dorothy at dellerbroek@comcast.net or 612-518-5421. Click for more »
Over Coffee
Donna Erickson is this week’s speaker on Thursday, February 9 at 7:00 pm. This home-grown TV star is the Donna of PBS’s Donna’s Day, the award-winning family activity program she has produced and hosted for 20 years. She also shares her connect-with-kids expertise in nine books and a syndicated column.
Good Shepherd Member Travels to Ethiopia
Martha Gisselquist will be traveling again to Ethiopia in January. She will be accompanying two hospital consultants from Global Health Ministries (GHM). GHM requested someone from Good Shepherd who had traveled to Aira before, who had a health care background and who was able to get away for a few weeks. What a blessing it is to continue working with our partners in Ethiopia. Aira Hospital has submitted a formal request for this consultation to assist them with the challenges they face as a Lutheran hospital in a very rural area of Ethiopia. Martha spends the winter in Florida, so will be departing from there. She covets your prayers while she travels January 23-February 10. Thanks to our Foundation for making this initial consultation visit possible!
IT² Interesting Topics/Interesting Times
A new ministry for men! Plans are underway for a Saturday morning meeting of men to discuss current events from a faith perspective. We will make a modest start – committing to meet five times together this winter and spring and five times next fall. Come at 8:30 am for coffee, bagels and conversation. We meet in Fellowship Hall and be done by 10:00 am. See our flyer »
Winter/Spring schedule:
February 11 – Marriage and Manhood – how economic, social, and religious forces are changing our views
February 25 – Islam – beyond the hype and headlines
March 3 – Polarization of society – is there a common good?
March 17 – Immigration – the strength or scourge of our nation?
Health Ministry Team
Please volunteer for some of these activities offered by the Health Ministry Team. Together we can be better and healthier. Thank you for helping us to help you.
- Annointers
- Taking Blood Pressures
- Shepherds-On-The-Go drivers
- Potholders meal preparers
- Health Ministry Team member
See the wonderful article from our Parish Nurse »
Volunteer in the Church Office
Help is needed in the church office. Could you answer the phones and help with office tasks on weekdays 9:00 am–12:30 pm or 12:30–4:00 pm? Volunteer once a week or once a month or any frequency in between. Come and help out and spend time in our newly decorated office. No qualifications are necessary except a ready smile and a willingness to help.
On-the-Go Service Team
Shepherds-on-the-Go Service Team is group of volunteers will assist with driving Good Shepherd members to medical appointments. This is intended to be an occasional, non-emergency need, and shall be scheduled in advance. Requests will be filled to the extent possible, based on time and the day of need and the availability of drivers. Learn more »
Please share your email!
In order to facilitate better communication we are updating our email information on LCOGS members and friends. Please send us an email at info@goodshepherdmpls.org. Even if we have your email on file, we would like to make sure we have the most current information. Your email will be used only for church communication and will not be shared anywhere or with any other organization. Thank you kindly!!!
Social Justice Study
Pastor Peter Samuelson has organized a monthly reading group committed to reading and discussing articles, books and other media on topics of poverty, class, economic disparity, environmental issues and social justice. We meet monthly on the second Tuesday of the month. Everyone is welcome!
Youth News
Summer Immersion Experiences (6th-12th graders)
Do you like traveling in vans, working with others and/or discovering something new about yourself and God? Then a LCOGS summer experience is for you! This summer our 6th-8th graders will be heading to Rapid City, SD and our 9th-12th graders to Denver, CO. For more information visit the welcome desk or contact Pastor Jonathan Lund. See our PDF »
Join a Sunday Morning Team
We have open spots for people on our Sunday Morning Service Teams! Help make Sunday mornings a welcoming, joyous, inviting time by serving as an usher, a communion assistant, a sacristy assistant, a welcome desk contact, refreshments provider — all kinds of ways. It has been great fun for those involved. Sign up at the welcome desk.
Rocking Readers
Good Shepherd volunteers have been reading with students at Lake Harriet School for over a decade in the Rocking Reader program developed by Plymouth Christian Youth Center, and are continuing to do so during this school year. Each volunteer commits to spending one hour per week reading with the same children from October to May. Additional volunteers would be warmly welcomed, either to read on a weekly basis or to be available as an occasional substitute for one of the regular readers. For more information on this program and its volunteer opportunities, please contact Karen Wilkinson, 952-983-0123 or rokawilk@gmail.com.
Secret Pal Program to Expand
Are you interested in having a friendship with one of our Sunday school 1-3 grade students? We are looking for adults to partner with a student for the 2011-2012 school year. Your responsibilities are easy! They include writing to your student, getting to know them and their family, and sharing your faith story. The Secret Pals will be revealed at a luncheon later this year. Contact Connie Delzer for more information.
Scenes of Christmas at Good Shepherd
Send in your photos from this Christmas season. Here are a few we’ve already collected »
Medicare Counselor
A Medicare Counselor is available to answer questions on the third Monday of each month from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at Good Shepherd. Call the church office at 612-927-8849 to schedule an appointment.
Stop by for Coffee and Fellowship
Stop by Sacred Grounds in the narthex and enjoy our signature blend coffee or go for a latte or cappuccino flavored with hazelnut or vanilla. We welcome everyone to come by and enjoy the fellowship along with a great coffee experience. Hours of operation on on Sunday will be 8:00 – 11:00 am and on Wednesday nights from 5:00 – 7:15 pm. We welcome anyone who would like to be part of the coffee ministry team. If you are interested, or want to learn more, contact Kris Jank at krisjank@msn.com.
2012 Offering Envelopes
The new offering envelope packets are available in the narthex. If you do not find your packet, please contact the church office. Contributors who gift stock, give their offerings semi-annually or quarterly or give by automated deposit or credit card may prefer to not have an entire packet of envelopes; please inform Katie Clobes if you would prefer this option.
Ways You Can Make a Difference
Food Shelf Sunday
Good Shepherd collects nonperishable food and hygiene items, paper products and money for Community Emergency Service every first Sunday of the month. Bring your donations to the narthex.
February 5 March 4 April 1 May 6 June 3 July 1 August 5 September 2 October 7 November 4 December 2
Loaves & Fishes
Transportation from Good Shepherd is available. Meals are cooked and served at St. Stephen’s School, 22nd Street and Clinton Avenue, in south Minneapolis. Cooking begins at 2:00 pm, serving at 5:30 pm and cleanup at 6:15 pm. Our 2012 dates (all Tuesdays) are:
March 20 May 15 July 17 September 18 November 20
Call Debbie Anderson 952-926-4846 for information or to volunteer.
Meals on Wheels
The 2012 schedule for Good Shepherd includes the weeks of:
February 13 March 26 May 7 June 18 July 30 September 10 October 22 December 3
Contact Sylvia Pedersen at denniscpedersen@comcast.net or 612-825-8098 for more information or to sign up.
Families Moving Forward
Good Shepherd serves as hosts for 3-5 homeless families two weeks during 2012 beginning Sunday evening through the following Sunday morning. Our scheduled weeks are:
June 10 September 16
Call Bob Stein 952-927-0339 or Phil and Connie Delzer 612-385-4052 for information or to volunteer.
Check out all these past events!
We have lots of photos from past events. See the photos » Watch the video »
