* Announcements

Friday Eblast - November 13, 2020

Greetings on this blustery Friday the 13th!

Thank you and Congratulations to Deanna Gaunt

Now that the surprise is over, we can publicly say happy 30th anniversary at Good Shepherd to Deanna Gaunt, Director of Worship and Finance. Deanna has worn many hats over her 30 years at Good Shepherd (every position possible including preaching a Sunday or two). Aren’t we blessed beyond measure to have her at Good Shepherd! Congratulations Deanna on this amazing milestone. Please don't leave anytime soon!

Sunday Worship – November 15

We will be livestreaming Sunday at 11am on YouTube. A recording will be made which you can watch later if you can’t join us live. Our YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZp-VxXQtNhP9ge-xNluZg.

Blanket and Jacket Collection for the Homeless – ends Thursday, November 19

We are currently collecting new and gently used and clean blankets and jackets for Catholic Charities to give to the homeless. We have a bin located in front of the church office that you can safely place your items in. Office hours are Monday -Thursday 9am-2pm for you to drop off your donations. Please do NOT bring anything other than blankets and jackets. If you have any questions, please email stephanie@goodshepherdreno.org

Our Money Story – 2020 Stewardship Campaign

Nov. 15 / REIMAGINE: Scripture calls us to reimagine a world where our social and economic systems are not built to disparage or impoverish, but instead to provide for and benefit all. This week we revisit the story of the widow’s mite, a scripture that begs for reimagination and reinterpretation from the harmful ways it has been used. Instead of commending the widow’s giving practices, perhaps Jesus is condemning the economic system that created her poverty. The Jewish practice of the Jubilee year invites us to imagine leaving the edge of the harvest for the poor and immigrant to reap; in the fiftieth year, the harvest is shared and disparities are rebalanced. In light of these stories in scripture, we are called to reimagine our own money stories.

Mentoring with Big Brothers Big Sisters

During the worship service November 8, Good Shepherd member Sally Odegaard talked with evident joy about the relationship she has with her "Little," as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters. If you'd like to learn more about how you can make a difference and how you, too, might be changed, you may contact Sally at sallyode@gmail.com or (775) 622-2462 or visit the Big Brothers Big Sisters website at bbbsnn.org.

End of Life Planning Documents

Typically, we would have our End of Life Planning documents available for you throughout November in the Welcoming Space. This year, you can find them on our website at https://www.goodshepherdreno.org/end-of-life-planning. These resources include “A Letter to My Loved Ones,” and Good Shepherd’s Funeral/Memorial Planning Guide. Pr. Scott would be happy to schedule time to help you work through these documents. Feel free to email him at PrScott@goodshepherdreno.org or call the office at 329.0696.

November Shared Harvest

November Shared Harvest will be assembled November 22 and your LAST day to drop items off is this Thursday, November 19. You can drop off your donations at the Church Office on Monday through Thursday between 9am and 2pm. We will have the bin outside the Office for your safety. Our shopping list for November includes:

Chili (We need 41 cans.)

Peanut Butter (We need 27 jars.)

Canned Vegetables (We need 41 cans.)

Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (We need as many as possible.)

2nd Mile Offering

This month’s 2nd Mile Offering benefits The Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet. You can mail in a check for 2nd Mile anytime during the month or drop it off in the mail slot at the church office. Please write 2nd Mile on the memo line. The Clothes Closet is NOT accepting clothing donations at this time so we cannot accept your clothing donations on their behalf until after the new year.

Posted on November 20, 2020 11:24 AM by Maribeth Doerr

Friday Eblast - November 6, 2020

Greetings Good Shepherd Family,

Sunday Worship – November 8

Blanket and Jacket Collection for the Homeless

Where to Donate Clothing

With the change in season, many of you have been cleaning out your closets. We are unable to accept your clothing donations for the Good Shepherd’s Clothes Closet at this time. Our Ministry Intern Ciara Hornbarger called a few places and found some that are accepting clothing donations:

Goodwill on Smithridge collects from 10am to 3pm every day.
Savers on Kietzke opens at 11am and collects every day.
Salvation Army Donation Center on Valley Road is open from 8am to 3pm Monday through Friday.

Hope this helps you share your extra clothing! We’re sorry we’re unable to accept it at this time.

November/December Women’s Bible Study

We will continue to use the online resource from Love God Greatly for the next couple of months.

November 9-20 – In Everything Give Thanks (2 week study) https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg/everything-give-thanks/
November 30-December 18 : God With Us (4 week study we will complete in 3 weeks) https://lovegodgreatly.com/lgg/god-with-us/

We meet in small groups via Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm and Thursday mornings at 10am, so hopefully you will find that one of those times will work for you. You are welcome to join the Women’s Bible study at any time and feel free to invite a friend as well! Zoom information will be sent out later. For questions and/or to sign up, contact Stephanie Leff at stephanie@goodshepherdreno.org

End of Life Planning Documents

November Justice Huddle

The next telephone meeting is on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 5:30pm. We will discuss the results of the election. Contact Bambi Gillette or Barbara Gruenewald for information.

Our Money Story – 2020 Stewardship Campaign

Nov. 1 / REMEMBER: We began our series last week by remembering—by remembering those “saints” who have touched our lives. In a video reflection, member Stan Booth remembered family members who set an example of faith for him. Remembering connects us with people who have been important to us. In the reading from Exodus, we remembered how God was the one who heard the Israelites, delivered them from slavery, and continued to provide for them. We remember that the people complained in the wilderness but were met with manna. We remember God’s steadfast relationship with us throughout time and trials. As we lament, we also remember God as the one who hears and responds. Even in stories of desperation, we are gifted with God’s provision.

Nov. 8 / RELEASE: This week, we practice releasing shame, anxiety, guilt, greed, or anything that keeps us from freedom and wholeness. We release the elements of our money story that prevent us from fully living into God’s story. In Matthew, we see a man grieved to let go of his wealth. In Deuteronomy, we find the radical social mandate of cancelled debts, a communal release that is practiced for the good of all. Releasing is a spiritual practice that frees us from ourselves and liberates others.

November Shared Harvest

November Shared Harvest will be assembled November 22. You can drop off your donations at the Church Office on Mondays between 9am and 4:30pm or Tuesday through Thursday between 9am and 2pm until November 19. We will have the bin outside the Office so you can donate safely. Our shopping list for November includes:

Chili (We need 41 cans.)
Peanut Butter (We need 27 jars.)
Canned Vegetables (We need 41 cans.)
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (We need as many as possible.)

2nd Mile Offering

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

Posted on November 09, 2020 1:31 PM by Maribeth Doerr

Friday Eblast - Thursday, October 29, 2020

Greetings Good Shepherd Family,

Your Friday Eblast is coming at you on a beautiful Fall Thursday. Tomorrow (Friday) is Nevada Day, and your hardworking staff is taking the day off. We will be back to work Sunday!

Daylight Savings Time Ends this Weekend

It’s Fall and time to fall back in time one hour. Set your clocks back an hour before bed Saturday night so you can be on time to watch our All Saints Sunday worship at 11am!

Sunday’s Worship – November 1 – All Saints Day

We will be livestreaming again from YouTube Live at 11am. Our internet connection has been fixed, and we are looking forward to a steady strong internet feed. A recording will be made which you can watch later if you can’t join us live. Our YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZp-VxXQtNhP9ge-xNluZg.

This week we remember the Saints who have left us since last All Saints Day:

George Aker
Shirley Ericson
Ernie Holmer
Margaret Smith
Opal Smith

If you are unable to view our online worship, you are invited to watch a recording at church on Monday, November 2 at 1pm. You must reserve your space in advance at https://reopen.church/r/aHUBFkfG. Masks are required, and we’re limited to 15 people.

Blanket and Jacket Collection for the Homeless – November 2 – November 19

Unfortunately, we have learned that local homeless warming shelters aren’t able to open this winter because of Covid-19. We all know how cold it can be in Reno (how cold it has already gotten overnight) and this is devastating to the homeless population in our area. Catholic Charities is responding by collecting warm blankets and jackets to give to folks in need this winter. As you are doing your fall cleaning, maybe you have some sitting around that you would like to donate. Good Shepherd will put a collection bin in front of the office doors Monday -Thursday 9am-2pm for you to drop off your donations. We will deliver them to Catholic Charities for you. Please make sure you wash the blankets and jackets before bringing them to Good Shepherd. If you have any questions, please email stephanie@goodshepherdreno.org

An Invitation from Our Synod to Pray Together Before and/or After the Election

The election is Tuesday, November 3. Region 2 bishops and leaders – the Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, Southwest California, Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon Synods of the ELCA – invite all who wish to gather for a time of prayer and reflection to join us as we pray for our nation, for those seeking office, for God’s beloved community, and for our rostered ministers as they seek to lead in their specific contexts during these conflicted times. These livestream gatherings will be:

End of Life Planning Documents

November Eddy House Meals

Eddy House is a shelter and resource for at-risk and homeless teens and young adults. Good Shepherd provides them with a hot meal every Monday. If you would like to contribute part of a meal during November, please visit our signup list at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a044ea9aa2da6f49-eddy12. We are in great need of help for this coming Monday!!

November Shared Harvest

Chili (We need 41 cans.)
Peanut Butter (We need 27 jars.)
Canned Vegetables (We need 41 cans.)
Toothbrushes and Toothpaste (We need as many as possible.)

2nd Mile Offering

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

Posted on November 09, 2020 1:27 PM by Maribeth Doerr

Friday Eblast - October 23, 2020

Greetings Good Shepherd Family,

Sunday’s Worship – October 25, Reformation Sunday! Wear Red!

We will be livestreaming again from YouTube Live at 11am. We are working on our Internet Connection to make for a better viewing experience. A recording will be made which you can watch later if you can’t join us live. Our YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZp-VxXQtNhP9ge-xNluZg. The recording of last week’s worship is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsV3bGZaYIA.

New In-Person Small Groups Beginning October 26

Are you missing your church friends? Would you like to view Sunday’s worship video but can’t seem to find it or make it work on your computer/tablet/phone? Then join us next week!

Mondays at 1pm – Gathering in Worship Space to view Sunday’s worship video

You must reserve your space in advance at https://reopen.church/r/aHUBFkfG. Masks are required, groups are limited to 15 people and to one visit per person per week. Groups will gather for no more than one hour, and we will not be serving food or drinks. You may bring your own drink, but please do NOT bring food.

All Saints Sunday is November 1

Due to COVID-19 health precautions, this year’s All Saints service will not be available to attend in-person, but it will be livestreamed at 11am on our YouTube Channel and then available as a recording Sunday afternoon. We will be using the list of Saints from last year. If you would like to add a loved one to this list or to verify that your loved one is on the list from last year, please call the office at 329-0696 before October 29.

An Invitation from Our Synod to Pray Together Before and/or After the Election

In November, the people of the United States will elect a president and others to public office. This election occurs at a time of change in our national and church life, a time when the Holy Spirit is at work in mysterious ways, and a time when many of our relationships are being changed and challenged. This election occurs in a time of global pandemic, racial injustice, economic hardship, sickness, suffering, loss and death. For many, this election also occurs in a time of great divisions between family, friends and neighbors. These divisions can seem deep, wide and potentially injurious to our democracy and our sense of community.

As people of faith, claimed by Jesus, we believe that the role of the church is to support and pray for the wellbeing of the world, for wise leaders to be raised up, and no matter what the outcome that we will be given the gift of “peace that passes all understanding that guards our hearts and minds through Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

Region 2 bishops and leaders – the Sierra Pacific, Pacifica, Southwest California, Rocky Mountain and Grand Canyon Synods of the ELCA – invite all who wish to gather for a time of prayer and reflection to join us as we pray for our nation, for those seeking office, for God’s beloved community, and for our rostered ministers as they seek to lead in their specific contexts during these conflicted times.

These livestream gatherings will be:

Sunday, November 1 - 6:00 pm PST

Thursday, November 5 - 6:00 pm PST

THANK YOU Landscape Cleanup Helpers! Special Thanks to Mary & Pat McGrath!

This past Saturday, we had 10-15 hardworking gardeners cleaning up our church property in the glorious fall weather. We completely filled our trash dumpster with bags of leaves and debris; we trimmed bushes, dug out dead ones, swept, washed and dusted. Thanks to everyone who came out and helped. A special thanks to Pat & Mary McGrath for taking on the project of picking out new plants for the area by the main entrance that has looked quite awful for the last year or so. That space is now beautifully planted and arranged thanks to Mary & Pat! If you need to get outside for a few minutes, come on down and take a look!

Yoga (not yet) at Good Shepherd

I am testing the “groups feature” of our new website, and our first group is for yoga. I will be adding some short yoga videos (including chair yoga) to our group for viewing at your convenience. If you haven’t been practiced yoga with me before but you’d like to try some stretching from the comfort of your home before we’re able to practice in person again, please email me at maribeth@goodshepherdreno.org. You’ll receive an invitation to create a password for our website. After you do that, I can add you to our yoga group.

2nd Mile Offering

This month’s 2nd Mile Offering benefits Cal Lutheran University. You can mail in a check for 2nd Mile anytime during the month or drop it off in the mail slot at the church office. Please write 2nd Mile on the memo line.

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

Posted on October 26, 2020 3:27 PM by Maribeth Doerr

Be a Flu Fighter!

Be a Flu Fighter! Get your flu shot! (Be like Pastor Flu Fighter!)

Pastor Scott was among the community members included in this public service announcement from Immunize Nevada urging people to get their flu shots. Check with your insurance provider or visit NVFluFighter.org for clinic locations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccWUrjJ58sw

Posted on October 19, 2020 3:07 PM by Maribeth Doerr

Friday Eblast - October 16, 2020

Greetings Good Shepherd Family,

Sunday’s Worship – October 18

We will be livestreaming again from YouTube Live at 11am. A recording will be made which you can watch later. We are working on our internet connection to create a better livestream experience for you. Your patience as we work through this is greatly appreciated! Our YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZp-VxXQtNhP9ge-xNluZg. The recording of last week’s worship is at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsV3bGZaYIA.

Quarterly Financial Report from Pastor Scott Trevithick

Since March, staff and leaders at the church have adapted to COVID-19 precautions in all kinds of ways. Thank you to faithful stewards of Good Shepherd whose giving has enabled us to continue our ministries of worship, faith formation, pastoral care, and community outreach. As the pandemic separation began and continued, I and other Good Shepherd leaders also wondered about the impact on the church’s financial health—without in-person worship and with economic loss and uncertainty, how would people respond and how would financial giving be impacted? Through June of this year, giving was remarkably steady. Expenses were lower than expected and income exceeded expenses by $3558.

It’s also important to tell you where we are now: While it’s a common pattern for seasonal attendance and giving to decline in July, August, and September (both at Good Shepherd and in most churches), this is a pattern that we’re even more attentive to and concerned about with the climate of uncertainty. In each of these months, expenses have exceeded income:

July Income/Expense $-6,775.74

Aug. Income/Expense $-7,315.82

Sept. Income/Expense $-4,626.01

When combined with the January – June giving and expenses, we currently have greater expenses than income:

Year to date Income/Expense as of Sept. 30: $-15,159.40

This is the sort of challenge to which Good Shepherd folks have repeatedly responded to with generosity. If you’ve been a regular giver, thank you for your faithfulness. If you’ve been thinking of making a gift or are planning a year-end gift, we encourage you to join others in doing so. We have confidence that we have the capacity to respond to this challenge and it’s important for me and other Good Shepherd leaders to keep you informed about where we stand so that you may be a part of our collective response.

Thanks be to God for the life and ministry of Good Shepherd Church. I look forward to seeing you soon in worship, whether that is October 25 or thereafter. Your continued financial support of our ministries is appreciated. –Pastor Scott

Housing Urgently Needed

A family connected with Good Shepherd’s Refugee Mentor team is looking for 3 bedroom housing (apartment or house) by the end of this month. If you have any connections or resources, please contact Kathi Hoy-Bianchi reimaginedtreasures2@gmail.com

Property Clean-up – Saturday, October 17, 9-11am

It is that time of year, and our property is looking a bit neglected without people there every day. Our sidewalks need power washing in places, leaves need to be cleaned up, plants need to be trimmed, and lots of cobwebs need to be cleaned up. Cigarette butts have made their way into nooks and crannies! Our trash bin enclosure has had lots of guest visitors spending the night over the last several months, and it is quite dirty. So if any of you would like to get out in the fall sunshine and help us clean up our property, come on down October 17 between 9 and 11.

2nd Annual Harvest Festival at Faith Lutheran Church – October 18 at 11am

Good Shepherd, along with other area ELCA churches, have been invited to Faith Lutheran’s Harvest Festival at their Katharina’s Garden. Learn about each part of the garden project and if you wish, get your hands dirty! They hope to create a communal garden with fellow ELCA churches.

October Shared Harvest

This month, the only thing we need is canned fruit and bars of soap. You can drop them off at the office Monday between 9 and 4:30pm or Tuesday through Thursday between 9 and 2pm.

October 2nd Mile Offering

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

Posted on October 16, 2020 12:20 PM by Maribeth Doerr

Friday Eblast - October 9, 2020

A joyous Fall to our Good Shepherd community!

Here are our announcements and reminders for mid-October . . .

Reopening of the Office and In-Person Worship

This Sunday’s worship will be livestreamed on YouTube Live at 11am on October 11. You can watch us live at that time or you can watch the recording at your convenience afterwards. We will do the same process for worship on October 18, and we hope for the foreseeable future. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLZp-VxXQtNhP9ge-xNluZg
Along with the livestream available on YouTube live at 11am on October 25, we will resume in-person worship contingent upon continued favorable heath data from the Washoe County Health District. Services will be at 9am and 11am and reservations are required. You will be able to reserve your spot beginning Monday, October 19 at noon by going to our website. Details will be emailed to you. Please do not request a spot before then as our reservation system will not be available.
The office will reopen on Monday, October 12. Hours will be 9-4:30 on Monday, 9-2pm Tuesday through Thursday, and closed on Friday.

Justice Huddle Meeting Tuesday, October 13 at 5:30pm

Justice Huddle will meet to discuss who to vote for and the methods of voting. Barbara Gruenewald will host the meeting via conference call. Please dial 888-204-5987 (do not dial 1 before the number). Enter the access code of 2640592 and press the pound sign.

Property Clean-up – Saturday, October 17, 9-11am

2nd Annual Harvest Festival at Faith Lutheran Church – October 18 at 11am

October Shared Harvest

This month, the only thing we need is canned fruit and bars of soap. You can drop your donations off at the office Monday between 9 and 4:30pm or Tuesday through Thursday between 9 and 2pm.

October 2nd Mile Offering

The peace of the Lord be with you all!

Maribeth Doerr

Director of Communications

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

www.goodshepherdreno.org

(775) 329-0696, ext 100

A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

Posted on October 09, 2020 1:49 PM by Maribeth Doerr

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

Friday Eblast - November 13, 2020

Friday Eblast - November 6, 2020

Friday Eblast - Thursday, October 29, 2020

Friday Eblast - October 23, 2020

Be a Flu Fighter!

Friday Eblast - October 16, 2020

Friday Eblast - October 9, 2020

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