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Good Shepherd Lutheran is helping people take part in God’s abundant mission of love in the world.
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Good Shepherd will inspire people to connect in a life of faith, respond to opportunities to share God’s word and love, and change the world with a Christ-like compassion for all.
Learn of God’s love, live in God’s love, share God’s love. Growing in relationship with God, abiding in community, owning our calling.
We give thanks to God for your searching presence here today, because we believe you are here by the guidance of the Holy Spirit. God may be calling you to this congregation, or God may be calling you here so you can have a better understanding of where you need to be. In either case, we hope and pray you are reminded of God’s Love and Grace today.
We are a Christ-Centered Congregation, meaning we look to God’s work in the world first through the life of Jesus. Jesus is the light to our path and the hope for the world. Our worship services are formatted in such a way that brings Christ to the center of our hearts and minds. You will notice four distinct parts: Gathering, Word, Meal, and Sending.
We gather in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit by doing one of two things: giving thanks for our baptism or confessing our mistakes and errors as a group. We are reminded of God’s forgiveness and asked to prepare ourselves to hear the Good News of God’s work in the world yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Next, we hear the inspiring word of God made Holy in our hearts and minds. These ancient stories, parables, and lessons are timeless. Retelling and hearing scriptures are the way we come to know how God works in the world in order for us to understanding how God is working in our lives.
Christ has set a place for each of us at the heavenly banquet. Together as a congregation we have a “foretaste of the feast to come” by offering bread and wine to all, because this is God’s table and all are welcome. This meal is significant, because it is the place where we know Christ to be present for us.
We close our time together by being sent back out into the world to integrate our experience, tell of God’s love, and be the loving presence of God to family, neighbor, and stranger. To be sent means to own our calling as Christ’s disciples, and to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
In short, we: Learn of God’s Love, Live in God’s Love, & Share God’s Love
The Congregation Council consists of the pastor, the officers of the congregation, and up to 10 members of the congregation. The officers and council members are elected by the congregation. Each term consists of 3 years and begins in January. Officers and members may serve up to 2 terms for a total of 6 consecutive years. Elections are held in December annually. The Congregation Council has general oversight of the life and activities of this congregation, and in particular its worship life. The council’s goal is to make sure that everything is done in accordance with the Word of God and the faith and practice of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
The duties of the Council are as follows:
1. Exemplify the life of a baptized servant of God
2. Promote peace, goodwill, and understanding within the church
3. Identify the mission & goals, and then conduct long-term & short-term planning to achieve the mission & goals
4. Seek involvement of the congregation in worship, learning, witness, service & support
5. Oversee the administration of the congregation & maintain relationships with the staff to fulfill their duties
6. Seek out qualified persons to prepare ministry of the Gospel
7. Ensure pastoral service for the congregation even in times of sickness or absence
8. Partner with the ELCA and synod, leverage their programs and resources, and comply with their policies
The Council meets monthly to fulfill the following responsibilities:
1. Serve as the board for the congregation to protect the property and management of the church business
2. Represent the congregation in fiscal matters up to $7,500 and engage the congregation in fiscal matters exceeding that amount or involving the real property of the church
3. Prepare an annual budget for adoption by the congregation
4. Ensure that financial matters are conducted efficiently
5. Ensure constitutional continuing resolutions are carried out
6. Provide an annual review of the membership
7. Provide a comprehensive report of church activities to the congregation
8. Ensure quorum (simple majority) of membership at each council meeting where business is transacted
