Dear Friends of Good Shepherd,
We often talk about the summer months slowing down at Good Shepherd. To an extent, that is true: Sunday school, confirmation, WINGS, and weekly choir practice are taking a break. Many people go on vacation. The first five students graduated from LSSI’s Employment Skills School at Good Shepherd, so there is a break between sessions right now. I am using some of this ‘breather’ time to catch up with church members: home visitation is number one on my priority list right now. It’s a privilege to spend time getting to know our church family better.
At the same time, we have lots packed into this short summer. The West Side Day Camp is fast approaching. LOMC’s Swing Choir, and our Missionary John Lunn, will be with us on Friday, July 18. The Ice Cream Social is August 6.
We are also gearing up for the fall. We are planning to use the Narrative Lectionary starting in September: moving through key stories of the Bible, in order, throughout the school year. The worship liturgy and Sunday school material will follow along. This is something to use for a year (or even just the school year), and then, perhaps, go back to the usual Bible readings for Sunday.
We will also implement a milestones ministry for children: celebrating faith milestones with children, starting at birth, with special intergenerational learning events.
Our Youtherans will be preparing for the July 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit through Peer Ministry training, Bible studies, and service projects. The goal is for all of us to walk alongside our youth as they prepare for that once in a lifetime experience.
Finally, there is a vision forming of a prayer service / worship experience / Bible study on an evening starting this fall – perhaps on Sunday evenings, in the Fireside Room. This seed was planted by some people who work Sunday mornings, and asked if we have an alternative. I welcome your input and insights as we discern our next steps.
My prayer is that we spend our summer recharging and refocusing on our priorities as we walk together in God’s mission: living and sharing Jesus – amen!
God’s Work. Our Hands.
Pastor Eric Lemonholm