Dear Church,
 
This Sunday, we will be celebrating Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Sunday. We invite you to wear a rainbow heart sticker available on the name tag table in the Welcoming Space. Wearing this sticker says:
I welcome you.
I affirm your inherent worth as a beloved child of God.
I celebrate your presence and your unique gifts for service and ministry to Christ’s Church.
I invite your full participation in the life of this community.
Wear it graciously as a sign of Christ’s hospitality!
 
January 30 Sunday Worship, 9am and 11am – Reconciling in Christ Sunday
Good Shepherd is a Reconciling in Christ congregation which means we intentionally and joyfully welcome all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We join with many ELCA churches in celebrating on this Sunday, and we will take a special offering throughout January to support the work of Reconciling Works. 
 
You can join us for in-person worship at our 9am Contemporary Worship with 4Jesus Band or our 11am Traditional Worship with choir on Sunday morning. Masks are required to attend. Pr. Scott Trevithick will be preaching. If you prefer, join us for our livestream worship at https://youtu.be/IWqIMtM-73A on our YouTube Channel any time after 10:50am Sunday morning. You can also find our livestreams and recordings at https://www.youtube.com/c/GoodShepherdLutheranRenoany time. 
 
Copies of 2022 Proposed Budget
Copies of our 2022 proposed budget which we will vote on February 13 are available in the Welcoming Space starting this Sunday. 
 
Winter Coat Drive Now Through the End of February
Throughout the month of February, we will be collecting gently used or new coats, hats, and gloves for adults. These items will be delivered to local area charities for distribution to those adults most in need. Drop your donations off in the bin in the Welcoming Space Sunday morning or drop by the church office Monday through Thursday between 9am and 2pm. 
 
Souper Bowl of Caring Youth Fundraiser, Sunday, February 13
Vote with your dollars for your team of choice or the commercials/food/half-time show for Super Bowl Sunday and support our Youth Fund. 
 
Remembering Dennis McCrohan
Good Shepherd member Dennis McCrohan died unexpectedly at home on Tuesday, January 4 with his wife Vernie and granddaughter Kelsey by his side. Dennis and Vernie had been married 28 years. A memorial service giving thanks to God for the life of Dennis will be held at Good Shepherd on Saturday, February 12 at 11 a.m. 
 
Notice of Good Shepherd Congregational Meeting - Sunday, February 13 at 10am
Members of Good Shepherd are invited to attend the Annual Congregational Meeting to be held Sunday, February 13 at 10am in the worship space. Please sign up in the Welcoming Space to attend or call the office to let us know. We need to ensure we have a quorum. Copies of the budget are available for your review in the Welcoming Space.  You must be an active member of Good Shepherd to vote.
 
Biographies of 2022 Nominees for Governing Board and Endowment Committee
  
  • Nominee for Governing Board - Judy Shimahara
I’ve been at Good Shepherd since 2007. I retired in 2019 after 20 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist at Renown Behavioral Health. My husband and I have two children and two grandchildren, all in Reno. Since retiring, I’ve been able to be active in several church groups, and I enjoy this.  I also like reading and spending time with my grandchildren.
 
I hope to bring to the Governing Board my experience working in groups and in listening.  There are so many favorite things about Good Shepherd!  But the best are the relationships here and the grace to grow in faith! 
 
  • Nominee for Endowment Committee - Sharon Morse
Sharon Morse moved to Reno in 2010 and became a member of LCGS later that year. She served the State of Iowa for 25 years in several communities and counties.  Sharon worked in Special Education, Medicaid Case Management, and Inspections and Appeals, as an educator, social worker and state surveyor.  She also has history in federal employment, through the Air Force and VA Medical Centers.  The focus of her career has been in mental health services, disability management, and mitigation of homelessness and hunger, illness and poverty.
 
Sharon retired in 2014, lives in NW Reno with her partner, Gerry Conway, and a feisty feline named Miss Evelin.  Gerry is a retired Chaplain (Major) in both the Army and Air Force Reserves, as well as two VA Medical Centers.  Sharon and Gerry enjoy reading, music, travel and Corvettes!  Family, cooking, photography and gardening are also important.
 
Sharon states, “I am pleased to be asked to serve on the endowment committee.  To honor the wishes of our parishioners is a responsibility and trust I would hold dear. There are so many people here that have a view of the future, love for this church and community, who want to leave a legacy of improvement.  Helping achieve those wishes would bring great joy to me.
 
I believe I can contribute to the endowment committee, as I have some skills with budgeting, preserving funds for future needs, and investing and planning for my family. I’d welcome the opportunity to work for Good Shepherd in the same way. Besides, Gerry says I am good at spending other people’s money!
 
Also, the people of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd have become my family.  I came here to rebuild my life.  I was accepted here, welcomed and claimed, embraced into the life and mission for which we are well known: welcoming the stranger, helping the hungry and giving purpose and meaning to each and every life, through the love of Christ.”
 
Jessica Obermiller Is Seeking Volunteer Interviewees for her Master’s Thesis Research
Jessica Obermiller is a regular 9am worshiper at Good Shepherd. She “sings” with 4Jesus Band through signing American Sign Language. She is also an anthropologist of Christianity working on her Master’s Thesis at UNR. She is looking for people willing to sit down for an hour or so long interview. Her thesis work is on the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) program and ELCA churches.
 
Anyone is welcome to be interviewed, even if not part of the LGBTQIA+ community. She is hoping to talk with people of any background willing to tell her their stories. Pseudonyms will be used in written work that results from this study. If you would like to participate, please email Jessica at jobermiller@nevada.unr.edu.
 
Shared Harvest Shopping List for February
  •  Peanut Butter (We need 28 jars.)
  • Mac & Cheese (We need 56 boxes.)
  • Chicken Noodle Soup (We need 42 cans.)
  • Powdered Milk Packets (We need 42 packets.
  • Disposable Razors (We need as many as possible.) 
Items may be dropped off on Sunday mornings or during office hours (M-Th, 9am-2pm).
 
Assembly is February 27, 1pm, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
 
Church Office Hours:
Mondays - 9am to 4:30pm
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - 9am to 2pm
Closed Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays 
 
The peace of the Lord be with you!