"Sharing the Shepherd's Love with all of God's Children"
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Scheduling Updates Due to COVID-19
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Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Savior Jesus!
Last weekend in worship we heard two stories of death and resurrection. The first from the prophet Ezekiel. It’s a story commonly known as “The Valley of Brothers and sisters in Christ,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our risen Savior Jesus!
Last weekend in worship we heard two stories of death and resurrection. The first from the prophet Ezekiel. It’s a story commonly known as “The Valley of Dry Bones.” And the second from the gospel of John, Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. In both of these stories, and really throughout the entirety of God’s story that we find in Holy Scripture, one thing is always certain – God’s promise to be with God’s people.
In Ezekiel, we heard,
“I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken and will act, says the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:14)
And in our gospel reading, Jesus reminded us,
“I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.” (John 11:26)
As we continue our journey of COVID-19 physical distancing, we are being invited in new and holy ways to stay socially connected. We pray that you feel God’s presence with you in these days and continue to live in the promise that God is with us always. Until we are able to be together physically again, may that truth be our guide.
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WE WILL CONTINUE TO
GATHER
TOGETHER.
We will continue to gather as a faith community, but it will remain a bit different. On-site worship on April 1, 4, & 5 will not take place. We will be live-streaming April 1st at 5:30 pm and April 5
th
at 8:30 & 9:45 am. Join us for worship wherever you may be!
Live-stream
worship on GSLC’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
We are hard at work designing unique, spirit-filled worship experiences for Holy Week this year, beginning with Palm/Passion Sunday this weekend. Continue to watch your email inbox for more information about that in the coming days.
Lent dinners will not take place for the remainder of Lent. The Easter Egg Hunt/Brunch is cancelled. The Youth Rummage has been postponed to a later date.
The Sanctuary is available for just that, sanctuary. If you need a quiet space for a few minutes of silence, our Sanctuary is a holy place to come and be. We will continue to focus attention on keeping our buildings as clean as we possibly can.
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WE WILL CONTINUE TO
GROW
TOGETHER.
Church School and large group youth activities will not meet again this week. Nicole, Ashley & Pastor Bob are connecting with youth and their families in new and creative ways during this time.
Church School
will offer lessons and activities on Wednesday at 3:00 pm and Fridays at 12:30.
Youth Group activities
will be happening through Zoom meetings – 8
th
Grade on Tuesday @ 2:00 pm, 7
th
Grade on Wednesday @ 2:00 pm and 6
th
Grace on Thursday @ 2:00 pm. High school youth group meets via Zoom on Wednesdays at 7:30 pm.
Pastor Bob will continue to hold confirmation one-on-ones. Please text, call or email him directly with any questions.
Pastor Julie’s
Bible @ Home
(B.A.H.) and Lenten Devotional videos will continue to be produced and offered via GSLC’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Additionally, she will be hosting a Bible @ Home discussion group on Wednesday at 10:30 am and other opportunities. Simply reach out to her for more details.
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WE WILL CONTINUE TO
GIVE
TO GOD’S WORK THROUGH GSLC AND BEYOND.
The church office remains open during normal hours – Monday-Thursday 8:00-5:00, Friday 8:00-3:00.
We continue to try and maintain a consistent pastor and staff presence in the office, but ask for grace during this time as that may not always be possible.
Please know that during this time, our congregation continues to function and serve. The gifts of our hands, feet, voices and financial resources are a blessing now and will enable us to continue to live out GSLC’s mission and ministry long after this pandemic is over. Your tithes and offerings can be received vie electronic giving, mailing your offering envelop or simply dropping it off at the church. Give
here
WE WILL CONTINUE TO
GO
TO SERVE OUR NEIGHBOR.
“I am the resurrection and the life.” Jesus says.
It is overwhelming witnessing the many ways all of us who call Good Shepherd their faith home are living out their faith in these days. May you feel God’s presence as you pray for one another, support one another, simply be with one another and walk together through these unprecedented days.
If you would like to be part of a team being assembled to assist people in our community when called upon, please email
erin@goodshepherdbismarck.com
.
For now, we join to join together in prayer…
Eternal God, amid all the turmoil and changes of the world your love is steadfast and your strength never fails. In this time of danger and trouble, be to us a sure guardian and rock of defense. Guide the leaders of our nation with your wisdom, strength to those who provide care in these days – healthcare workers, truck drivers, grocery store employees, and others we name before you now, comfort those in distress, and grant us courage and hope to face the future; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
(Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 76)
In Christ together,
Pastor Craig
Sam Arndorfer, Church Council President
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Click Here
to Visit Good Shepherd's Website for more information
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