Dare to Dream Jr. and Christmas at Good Shepherd
Dare to Dream Junior
Our 16th Annual Holiday Musical at Good Shepherd is now a cherished memory. Fifty kids from Good Shepherd and our surrounding communities rehearsed twice a week, starting in September, and performed four shows to crowds of 200 people in early December. The show was called Dare to Dream Junior and was a musical revue featuring some of our most precious and memorable Disney songs. The show was designed to spread as many solo opportunities as possible while also creating powerful, full-ensemble moments. It’s so wonderful to see how much confidence and charisma the kids have while performing. Our cast ranged in age from first graders to 10th graders. Though the actual performances are very important, what’s even more significant are the friendships and memories created by kids participating in the Holiday Musical at Good Shepherd. Special thanks to Cathy Davenport and Ingrid Krafve, who, year after year, have been instrumental in making our Holiday Musicals so consistently successful and popular.
Written by Tor Johnson, Director of Children’s Ministries an Performing Arts
Christmas at Good Shepherd
At Christmastime, Good Shepherd becomes more than a place of worship—it becomes a homecoming. The season draws people back through familiar doors to reconnect, slow down, and remember what makes this community special.
For many, Christmas at Good Shepherd feels like stepping into a home away from home. It’s a time to catch up with friends not seen in a while, to reconnect with people who feel more like family, and to relive the joy and warmth of childhood traditions. Laughter fills the halls, conversations linger after services, and even the simple joys—like treats and coffee after worship—become part of the celebration.
Music plays a central role in Christmas at Good Shepherd, filling the sanctuary and inviting everyone present to participate. Candlelight during Silent Night invites stillness in the midst of a busy world, creating space to breathe, reflect, and simply be together.
Between services and gatherings, the building hums with conversation and laughter. People linger, savoring the chance to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy being together—even in small, ordinary ways that become meaningful traditions.
Here’s what some of our young adults have to say about their favorite parts of Christmas time at Good Shepherd.
“Seeing friends and family during the holidays.” — Trygg O.
“Seeing many faces that I have not seen in at church in awhile!” — Mia O.
“Laughter filling the halls with people spending time with each other.” — Julia K.
“Friendship, community, a place to belong” — Jason D.
From joyful music to meaningful reunions, Christmas at Good Shepherd is a celebration that spans generations and memories, offering a sense of home that lasts well beyond the season.
Written by Mara Halvorson, Marketing and Communications Specialist with special input from the over 20 young adults who gathered this Holiday Break.