March 14, 2007

Scripture Readings for Sunday

Joshua 5:9-12; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Boy Scout Troup 80 Fundraiser

A Chili Supper will be held on March 17th starting at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall. All proceeds go towards the Kenneth Ramage Memorial Campsite/shelter at Gamehaven Scout Reservation. Kenneth was a Scout in Troop 80 who died in bike accident last July. The camp site will be named in his honor and will be enjoyed by many current and future Scouts.

GSC “Mile High” Coffee House – March 23

Come to the GSC “Mile High” Coffee House on Friday, March 23 at 7pm and hear local singer/songwriter James Reschs.  Enjoy a night of music, food, beverages, and conversation in a relaxed coffee house setting.  BRING FRIENDS, BRING NEIGHBORS, BRING FAMILY, BRING CO-WORKERS, ALL ARE INVITED!  We will have a great night hanging out and visiting as James Reschs entertains throughout the evening.  We’ll see you there!

GSC Tennis Night

Saturday, March 24th starting 6:30 PM (after the Saturday evening service)
All are welcome at the Rochester Tennis Connection on  2700 W Country Club Road (aka 2nd Street SW) for an introduction to tennis, or round robin play if you're experienced.  

All 6 courts are available for our use, with instructors for children ages 4 & up, adults just starting, and ball machine fun!   Just bring your tennis shoes (we've got rackets, and carts of balls).  Balcony viewing is available and we'll have snacks too.   Cost is $5/individual, $10/family at the door. To help us anticipate attendance, please call the Rochester Tennis Connection at 288-4851 if you plan to participate.

This Week at Good Shepherd

Wednesday, March 14

9:45am Stay and Play

1:30pm Helping Hands

5:30pm Confirmation

5:45pm Lenten Soup Supper

6:00pm Cherub & Carol Choir

6:15pm Fellowship Committee

6:30pm College Age Ministry (FH)

7:00pm Lenten Worship

After Worship HS Youth Group; Senior Choir

Thursday, March 15

1:00pm Congregational Conversations (O)

6:30pm Congregational Conversations
(Conference Room)

7:00pm Sisters in Faith (E)

Saturday, March 17

8:00am Faith in Motion

9:00am Quilters (A)

5:30pm Worship

Sunday, March 18

8:15am Worship

9:30am Education Hour

9:45am Holy Communion Education

10:45am Worship

Monday, March 19

10:30am Staff Meeting

6:30pm Celebration Chimes

Tuesday, March 20

7:30am Men’s Coffee

12:00pm Prayer Lunch

1:30pm Lutheran Woman Today Study
at Wally & Loretta Berglund’s

6:30pm Jubilation Chimes

Wednesday, March 21

9:45am Stay and Play

11:30am Widow’s Lunch – Old Country Buffet

5:30pm Confirmation

5:45pm Lenten Soup Supper

6:00pm Cherub & Carol Choir

7:00pm Lenten Worship

After Worship HS Youth Group; Senior Choir

Scrip - Task Force

The Scrip task force has met on and is off to a good start on dreaming up this new type of fundraising. This small group will meet to discuss and plan the specifics that will become Good Shepherd’s Scrip program. If you have any interest in serving in this manner or would like to know more about fundraising with Scrip please talk with Mark or a member of the Youth Committee.

Youth Group

A group for anyone in 9-12^th grade that wants to be more active with their faith. Learn, discuss, and get revived for your daily walk through life. We meet weekly from 8pm – 9pm on Wednesdays during Lent. All are welcome. If you are an adult who would like to help co-lead this group with Mark please give him a ring :)

30 Hour Famine

A Lock-In with purpose!!! Here’s what’s involved: 1) Experiencing hunger first hand. 2) Learning about hunger in the real world. 3) Raising money to help real people who are hungry. 4) All the fun of a 24 hour lock-in at church. We do our Famine on Friday – Saturday, April 20-21. This Lock-in is for students in grades 9-12 only. If you’d like to come, pick up a packet from Mark or the office.

The Early Bird Saves $50?

March 15 is the Early Bird Registration Deadline for summer camp programs.  After March 15 the cost for camp increases by $50.  Contact the camp office for a registration form or register online at www.GoodEarthVillag.org

St. Matthew Passion

Johann Sebastian Bach’s St. Matthew Passion will be performed on Sunday, April 1 at Lourdes Chapel, Assisi Heights in Rochester. Special guest artist is world renowned tenor of opera and oratorio, Stanford Olsen, as the Evangelist. Tickets can be purchased in advance by calling St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 288-2469 or online at stlukesepiscopal.org

Lenten Noon-Day Organ Concerts

Two noon-day Lenten organ concerts remain on the schedule as part of First Presbyterian Church’s 2006-07 A Festival of Music concert series, with one additional concert during Holy Week, April 4.

The Lenten concerts are on Wednesday’s from 12:15-12:45pm. First Presbyterian Church is located at 512 Third Street SW in Rochester. The concerts are free and open to the public.

March 21 Robert Tewes, Organist, Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea

March 28 Eileen Nelson Ness, Freelance organist, Albert Lea

About Evangelical Lutheran Worship

Did you know – that ELW has a section for hymns labeled “Lament?” They begin on page 697. Check it out.

Lutheran Woman Today Study

The Lutheran Woman Today study will be held at Wally and Loretta Berglund’s at 1:30pm on Tuesday, March 20.

Pre-school Vacation Bible School

►Pre-school VBS (3-5 year olds)
July 9-13, 9am-12pm

Here are some ways you can help to make this week a great experience:

● Register your child to attend (forms available after Easter).

●Meet 2-3 times to help plan stories and activities

● Organize crafts and gather supplies

● Assist with teaching a small group of children

Good Earth Village News

Good Earth Village Early Bird Registration Deadline Approaching: Encourage your children to register now for summer camp at Good Earth Village. After March 15 the cost will go up $50. Registration forms are available at the church, from Good Earth Village or by registering online at www.GoodEarthVillage.org.

Small Group Corner

March 14 1:30pm – Helping Hands

March 15 7:00pm – Sisters in Faith

March 17 8:00am – Faith in Motion

9:00am – Quilters

March 20 7:30am – Men’s Coffee

12:00pm – Prayer Lunch

1:30pm – Lutheran Woman Today Study

Book Group (Contact Lance Eidem 529-7629)
This group is in the process of forming

Care Group (Contact Paula Freitag 282-9600)

This group focuses on caring activities in the church and community such as phone calls, cards, support services such as meals and household repairs. Meeting times TBD

College-Age Ministry Group (Contact Rita Howe 285-1507) The group focuses on bridging the congregation when college-age students are away and home on breaks. This group is opened to all and plans caring activities such as mailings, newsletters, and get-togethers. Meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Faith in Motion (Contact Tim Fynskov 288-3607)

This group meets to encourage physical activity. During May-October the group meets at HyVee South cafeteria for walking and bicycling. During November-March the group meets at the church to discuss, plan, and/or demonstrate other activities that encourage a healthier lifestyle, conditioning, strength building, flexibility, etc. Meets Saturdays at 8:00 AM

Lutheran Woman Today Bible Study (Contact Mary Olson 529-1314) This group meets at Loretta Berglund's to discuss articles in the Lutheran Woman Today Magazine. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 1:30pm

Men's Coffee (Contact Dave Herder 289-5723)

Guys - need a coffee break? Join this group for some caffeine and discussion 7:30 am Tuesdays at Panera South

Sisters in Faith (Contact Beth Krolak 288-2190)

A Bible study group for women in 6 to 8 week sessions. The group focuses on learning, laughing, sharing, and growing in faith. Meets on Thursdays at 7:00 PM at church

Stay and Play (Contact Tammera Bird 282-5533) Offers a time and place for parents and children (birth through Kindergarten) to gather, visit, and play together. No reservations or advance notice is required. Can’t come on a regular basis? Come when it works for you! Any questions? Call Tammera Bird at 282-5533

Tweeners Group (Contact Paul & Sue Trcka 281-1805) This is a group designed for folks in their 40s and 50s (single or married). The group meets for spiritual conversation, a short powerful DVD, dessert, coffee and laughter. The next meeting is scheduled for 7:00pm on Saturday, March 24 at 1724 Northern Valley Drive NE.

Young Adults Small Group (Contact Pastor Dave or Mark Hannan at 289-1748) This group is designed for folks in their 20s and 30s. Activities include watching short films, having discussions, making faith and life connections, eating food and hanging out. Meets monthly – times and locations TBD

Tweeners Group

The next scheduled Tweeners group meeting will be at 7pm on Saturday, March 24 at the home of Sue and Paul Trcka (1724 Northern Valley Drive NE).

Breakfast with the Bishop

Young men of all ages are invited to attend the 4th Annual “Breakfast with the Bishop”, Harold Usgaard, on Saturday, April 14 at 8:00am at Cabela’s upstairs restaurant. Bishop Usgaard will have the devotions. Professor Rollie Martinson, Professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, will have a presentation, “Coming of Age: Exploring the identity and spirituality of young men.” Cost for the breakfast is $10 per person. Call the office at 289-1748 by April 4 to make your reservation.

We Need .…

The church doesn’t just “have opportunities” for adults in youth ministry... the church needs adults in youth ministry and, more importantly, our youth need adults. They need Christian adults in their life as a sign that they have an identity and a destiny in life and belong to something bigger than a team, a school, or a peer group. Chances are you know someone who is meeting face to face with a 9^th grader on Wednesdays this Lent as part of Faith Mentorship. This is just one of many places where people from different backgrounds, generations, and stories come together to share life. Where might you share?

Change for Change

During the month of March, donations to the Change for Change program will go to Channel One.

Holy Communion Education

If you are interested in your child (2nd or 3rd grade) attending Holy Communion Education, you may sign up by contacting the church office at 289-1748. Classes will be held between services at 9:45am in Fellowship Hall on March 18 and 25.  There will be a special recognition for those students who have completed the class and receive communion at Maundy Thursday worship at 7pm on Thursday, April 5. 

Worship With Us

Saturday – 5:30 pm

Sunday – 8:15 & 10:45am

Education Hour

@ 9:30am

God bless your year!

March 14 Krista Alcorn, Patrice Roe, Erik Schlicht

March 15 Lauren Gleason, Leslie Hansen, Stephen Roe

March 16 Emma Books, Judy Erickson

March 17 Stefanie Fiek, Sheila McNeill, Mary Simonson

March 18 Ben Collins, Jennifer Cozik, Marlene Lynne

March 19 Les Griebenow, John Taylor

March 20 Allison Anderson, Melissa Lamb, Kari Orth, Kylie Strum

March 21 Keith Medes

+ For all the members of GSLC, especially: Maryanne Lee, Nola Lee, Sue Lee (Erika, Spencer).

+ For ELCA congregations in the Southeastern MN Synod, including: Christ in Preston, Faith in Dodge Center, Central Freeborn in Albert Lea, Faith in Wabasha.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

559 20th Street SW

Rochester, Minnesota 55902

Phone: (507) 289-1748 

Office hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday

E-mail info: gscsecretary@goodshepherdchurch.net

Worship Services (with Holy Communion)

Saturday 5:30 p.m.; Sunday 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

Staff

Dave Berg, Lead Pastor

Jack Friedli, Pastoral Assistant

Cynthia McLaren, Education & Music Director

Mark Hannan, Youth Director

Mike Thilges. Office Administrator

Vicky Mulvihill, Volunteer Coordinator

Ellen Herder, Roger Harty - Custodians

Happynings Newsletter

Mike Thilges gscsecretary@goodshepherdchurch.net
Newsletter deadline: Mondays by 4:30 pm

Web site

www.goodshepherdchurch.net

Paul Willemssen, Admin (willemssen@charter.net)