News

Announcements — April 17, 2016

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Stella Q., Sue V., recovering from surgery at St. Luke’s; Aaron P., at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis receiving treatment for cancer; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Jack H., recovering at home; Paula B., April K., Sara P., Sara T., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† CHURCH MEMBER SURVERY  The online and paper survey started last Sunday and will run through Wednesday, April 20.  Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C3WTY66 using passcode GSCS2016, or obtain a paper survey from the church office and return it to the church office by April 20.  Please pay careful attention and answer the survey questions exactly as asked. Certain questions on the survey may ask for 3, 4 or possibly 5 answers.

† GAME GATHERING  Thanks to everyone who supported The Lutheran Youth Fellowship at their Game Gathering last Sunday.  The youth had a wonderful time hosting this event for the congregation and appreciated the large turn out and everyone’s generous donations!

† MORNING BIBLE CLASSES  Both Tuesday and Wednesday morning Bible Classes will resume their normal schedule this week.

† VBS PLANNING MEETING  Today, after the late service, there will be a VBS     planning meeting.  Anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend.

† PASTOR SUBMISSIONS  If you’d like to submit a pastoral candidate to the Call Committee, submit a written request to either Dave Wacker or Rob Sager by    May 5. The submission should include the pastor’s name, current position, your name (in case we need to follow up with you) and how you know the pastor.

† ATTENTION ALL GRADUATES  If you are graduating from high school, college, tech school, etc. we want to hear about it.  Please get a picture with a bio to the church office by April 22.  We want to publish your accomplishments and future plans in the May issue of the Shepherd’s Staff.  Parents, we may need your help with this, we don’t want to leave anyone out, but if we don’t have the information we can’t print it.  Thanks.

† LWML SPRING RALLY  The LWML Spring Rally will be held on Sunday, April 24, at St. Andrew’s Church in Stockton.  It is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm with     registration starting at 2:30 pm.  The program will be Jason G. with the Comfort Dogs.  All ladies (and men) are invited to attend these rallies.  They are a wonderful afternoon of spiritual growth and spending time with fellow Lutherans.

† 70 & OVER DINNER  All members (and their spouses) that are 70 years of age  and over are invited to attend this annual dinner prepared and served especially for them by our Lutheran Youth Fellowship Group on Sunday, May 1, at 5:00 pm.  This special event is one way our youth wish to show their appreciation for these seasoned congregational members.  It is always a lot of fun for both the younger members and the older members.  Please, RSVP to the church office, 358-1325, so they can plan to have plenty of food.  Need a ride or the meal delivered to your home?  That can be  provided ~ just relay that to any member of the Youth Group or let the church office know.

† SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERINGS  For the first couple of quarters in 2016, both the adult and the children’s Sunday School offerings will be going to Children’s Haven in Joplin.  If you would like to monitor our progress, keep an eye on our bulletin board downstairs that will track our Sunday School offerings!

† VOTERS’ MEETING  The regular Voters’ Meeting will be held next Sunday, April 24, at 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall.  Along with our regular business we will also be asked to approve a resolution to GSLC’s Constitution.  The insert in the bulletin today addresses this resolution.

 

Announcements — April 10, 2016

† IN OUR PRAYERS  Stella Q., Sue V., recovering from surgery at St. Luke’s; Aaron P., at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis receiving treatment for cancer; Kathy P., suffering health issues; Jack H., recovering at home; Paula B., April K., Sara P., Sara T., undergoing treatment for cancer.

† CHURCH MEMBER SURVERY  The online and paper survey begins today and will run from April 10th – 20th.  Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/C3WTY66 using passcode GSCS2016, or obtain a paper survey from the church office and return it to the church office by April 20th.  Please pay careful attention and answer the  survey questions exactly as asked. Certain questions on the survey may ask for 3, 4 or possibly 5 answers.

† GAME GATHERING  The Lutheran Youth Fellowship will be hosting another  Game Gathering event today at 3:00 pm, in the Fellowship Hall.  This will be a fun afternoon of Bingo and prizes put on by the members of our LYF.  Everyone is    encouraged to come, bring a friend and enjoy some fun while supporting our youth for the National Gathering in July!  There will be some concession type food available during the time and there will be door prizes and Bingo prizes including gift cards to various restaurants and other locations.  The suggested donation for a pack of Bingo cards to play all the rounds is $10.00.  Hope to see everyone here!

† MORNING BIBLE CLASSES  There will not be a Tuesday morning Bible Class this week because Pastor will be gone for a Pastoral Conference.  Also, there will not be a Wednesday morning Bible Class this week because Earl Kirn will be gone for training.

† VBS PLANNING MEETING  Next Sunday, after the late service, there will be a VBS planning meeting.  Anyone interested is welcome to attend.

† BASKETS OF PROMISE  LWML would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who donated items for the Baskets of Promise during Lent.  Instead of the goal of 35 personal care kits, they were able to put together 48 kits.  On top of that, they donated an extra 365 items to Crosslines of Carthage.  Thanks for your generous donations!

† PASTOR SUBMISSIONS  If you’d like to submit a pastoral candidate to the Call Committee, submit a written request to either Dave W. or Rob S. by May 5. The submission should include the pastor’s name, current position, your name (in case we need to follow up with you) and how you know the pastor.

† ATTENTION ALL GRADUATES  If you are graduating from high school, college, tech school, etc. we want to hear about it.  Please get a picture with a bio to the church office by April 22.  We want to publish your accomplishments and future plans in the May issue of the Shepherd’s Staff.  Parents, we may need your help with this, we don’t want to leave anyone out, but if we don’t have the information we can’t print it.  Thanks.

† LWML SPRING RALLY  The LWML Spring Rally will be held on Sunday, April 24,     at St. Andrew’s Church in Stockton.  It is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm with     registration starting at 2:30 pm.  The program will be Jason Glaskey with the Comfort Dogs.  All ladies (and men) are invited to attend these rallies.  They are a wonderful afternoon of spiritual growth and spending time with fellow Lutherans.

† SUNDAY SCHOOL OFFERINGS  For the first couple of quarters in 2016, both the adult and the children’s Sunday School offerings will be going to Children’s Haven in Joplin.  If you would like to monitor our progress, keep an eye on our bulletin board downstairs that will track our Sunday School offerings!

† VOTERS’ MEETING  The regular Voters’ Meeting will be held Sunday, April 24, at 7:00 pm in the fellowship hall.  Along with our regular business we will also be asked to approve a resolution to GSLC’s Constitution.  The insert in the bulletin today addresses this resolution.

 

Uncertain Events – Certain Outcome

Most people don’t like uncertainty much. We make plans––no matter how specific and achievable––no matter how vague and improbable––in an attempt to minimize the dangers of the unknown. Our unease tells us that the sooner we can achieve a higher level of certainty, the   better.

The transition between pastors is a time of uncertainty. Many members think they would feel better if the next settled pastor would come sooner rather than later. They could stop wondering when he will come. They could stop wondering who it will be––what his   family will be like––whether he will be stiff and formal  or informal and welcoming. They could start learning  how to get along with him and learn from him.

But nothing is really certain. We do not know what is going to happen next from moment to moment. We often make good guesses and effective plans. But sometimes they become worthless in a moment. Intentional interim ministry helps reduce uncertainty about who will meet pastoral needs. But other unknowns remain.

Events in life are uncertain. But for those who trust God, its ultimate outcome is certain. As the apostle wrote, “all things work for the good for those called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). Whether the first pastor Good Shepherd calls accepts, or the seventh, you can be certain that God wants you to cling to him. All good comes from him. Meanwhile, his Spirit enables us to endure fear of the unknown while we walk together following the steps which will help us identify the servant God wants at Good Shepherd.

Pastor Roger L Mackie

 

Stephen Ministry

Update From Curt S.

Stephen Ministry (SM) is a way for our congregation to train and mobilize members to provide Christ-centered care and support to people experiencing many different kinds of life difficulties, including grief, divorce, terminal illness, unemployment, spiritual crisis, and other challenges. A trained Stephen Minister (SM) is the “Care Giver” for the person needing care who is the “Care Receiver”. As in all things, we rely on our Lord for assistance, who is the “Cure Giver” during the caring relationship.

In February, GSLC had the following individuals complete our first SM class: George M., Jim G., Jan G., Gretchen N., Melissa W., Sherri F., Sandy D., Lenora L., Clarice O and I.  A total of 8 GSLC Stephen    Ministers (care givers) are currently active to provide distinctively Christian care for people in need. As of this writing, 6 of the 8 Stephen Ministers have begun caring relationships with a Care Receiver, with the other 2 SMs nearing an assignment. The majority of the care receivers are GSLC members, although we have a few people outside our church membership. Our Lord is truly at work in the Stephen Ministry at GSLC!  Our SM team asks for your continued support and prayers that our Lord provide this Ministry with guidance, patience, and humble love as our care through Christ is ministered to others in need.

Since most of the trained SMs currently have caring relationships, and relationships tend to last months, sometimes a few years, it’s important to schedule a 2nd class this fall to have new SMs trained so GSLC can provide  additional care. Historical data from the SM program shows that a typical congregation may have up to 30% of a church’s membership or family experiencing a crisis in their lives.  We ask any of you that have the time and   desire to prayerfully consider becoming a trained SM. In the upcoming months the GSLC Board and SMs will host some informational meetings after Church about the SM program.  In addition, there is excellent information  available to bring home on the South wall in the narthex.  There is a fantastic website, www.stephenministries.org, with much more information including testimonials from Care Receivers and Pastors, who also benefit from having this resource available. A final resource is to discuss with any of the SMs, the Stephen Leaders Earl K. and Janet C., or Don L. who is a SM board member.  Also remember that if anyone has a need for a SM, this should be discussed with Pastor, Earl or Janet.