Pastor Todd’s Thoughts

I N S I D E

T H I S I S S U E :

President’s

Note

2

Food Closet

Update

3

Featured

Events

3

Shepherd’s

Field Update

4

Prayer Work-

shop

5

Follow Us:

Instagram

5

From the

Deacons

5

Women’s

Ministry

6

Official

Church Acts

6

iMPACT

Ministry

7

Contact

Information

8

S H E P H E R D ’ S S T A F F * F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 4

CHECK OUT OUR NEW

WEBSITE:

www.sactownchurch.com

Extravagant generosity is an attitude of the

heart.

It is a desire to give so that others may have

opportunities to thrive and grow. It certainly

involves a strong financial component, but it is

not limited to just giving money and sometimes

money is not a part of it at all.

This spiritual quality of extravagant generosity

has been something that has characterized this

congregation from the beginning, and it is our

focus for the month of February.

This month you will be invited to share a unique

journey into the heart of extravagant generosity. I will be presenting a sermon series

on the topic that will feature a unique synthesis of the preached Word and a powerful

multi-media component. To further deepen the impact, we will also be meeting in

small group sessions during this month to discuss what God is saying to us through the

presentations and how we are being led to respond.

So please, enjoy the messages on Sunday and take advantage of the opportunity to be

involved in a small group.

PLEASE CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE:

www.sactownchurch.com

for current updates and information about Good Shepherd.

Also coming soon: Facebook and Twitter

P A G E 2

President’s Note

Hard to think of February without thinking Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

My personal approach to Valentine’s Day is “let’s not and say we did!” This year, how-

ever, I am going to use the occasion to think about the many things I truly love about

Good Shepherd. Here goes………

I love how, depending on when you arrive on Sunday morning, the parking lot is

packed!

I love how, no matter which service you attend on Sunday – your spiritual bucket

will be filled to the brim when you leave.

I love the joy I see in our children when they gather for Children’s Sermon time

with Cathleen Demant -a very special gift every week.

I love the rich heritage of traditional hymns and music of the Choir and Bell Choir in

our 8:30am service as much as I treasure the incredible musical talents of Jeff

Shulz and the Worship Team in our 11:00am service. Personally, I feel our

worship experience is enhanced beyond measure because of these talented

and dedicated groups of musicians.

I love how our congregation includes people from all walks of life, backgrounds

and professional experiences, united in our love for the Lord and his Church.

I love the general buzz when you walk onto Campus, into a service, a class, the

coffee fellowship – folks are really happy to see each other.

I love when I walk past the IKON Room, especially on a Wednesday evening, and

see all these young people with Drew singing, laughing, gathering as

friends…..it’s infectious!

I love how nearly every small child in our Church knows who Rick Morat is and

makes a bee line to get a candy sucker! (with parental permission, of course).

I love how there are a gizzilion (yes, that’s a word) choices for engaging in Bible

Study – not just Sunday. There are groups meeting nearly every day all over

the place!

I love how we rejoice in each other’s joys and celebrations of life’s milestones as

well as how we pray over each other when we know God’s special healing and

touch is needed in someone’s life.

I love when the Preschool has it’s Spring Sing – if those little cherubs don’t put a

smile in your heart and your face…..you probably should check your pulse!

I love when I look out at Shepherd’s Field and I see it being cared for and think

about how that little plot of land is enriching someone’s life.

I love how many kid’s lives in our neighborhood have been touched by God’s

grace because they came to an Impact camp or another Impact activity.

I love that we have Trustees, Council, and chairs of many committees who serve

with a heart open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Finally, I love that we have a Senior Pastor who is so gifted by the Holy Spirit in his

teaching and preaching that I’m always left thinking “How did he know I

needed to hear that today?”

Of course, I could go on – but then what would I share with you on Valentine’s Day

next year? Blessings to you all!

Gretchen Eischen Council President

Sierra Arden Neighborhood Food Closet

P A G E 3

Featured Events

During December we handed out food to 1466 people. This represented 399

families including 196 families who got Christmas baskets.

We are filled with gratitude as we complete 2013 for the food in zip codes 95825

and 95864. Many of you donated food while some brought us cash, and both

have been extremely helpful. Thank you so much for your generosity.

These gifts allowed us to procure 54,350 pounds of food from Foodlink and

37,200 pounds from Senior Gleaners at about 15 cents / pound. We go through

about 2000 pounds per week, so every donation has helped us give nutritious

offerings to our neighbors.

Hunger does not end at the end of the year. We will need your continuous support during 2014. For the next two months

we would like to focus on donations of cereal, chili, and packets of oatmeal and cocoa.

Again, a huge thank you for everything you have done for us during the last year. God has richly blessed us through all

of your donations.

Donations are accepted during regular hours, Monday through Friday: 9:30 to 11:30 am. Thank you again for the contin-

uing support. Call us at 483-1942 if you have questions.

This Month Every Week

Monday Mom’s In Prayer (Welcome

Room in back on Sanctuary) at 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bell Rehearsal (Sanctuary) at

6:00 p.m. IKON: (Youth Room) at 7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir: Fireside Room at

7:00 p.m. Thursday Men’s Breakfast/Bible Study

(Fireside Room) at 6:10 a.m. Prayer Fellowship (Welcome

Room in back on Sanctuary) at 9:00 a.m.

Bible Study (Fireside Room) at 10:00 a.m.

Friday FROGS (Fireside Room) at 10:00

a.m.

Every Sunday

7:45 a.m. Come As You Are Service (Fireside Room)

8:30 a.m. Traditional Service (Sanctuary)

11:00 a.m. Contemporary Ser-vice (Sanctuary)

9:50 a.m. Bible Study (Fireside Room)

9:50 a.m. Children’s Ministry (Sanctuary)

4:30 p.m. Holy Yoga

2/1/14 Men’s Fellowship Breakfast (Fireside Room) at 7:30 a.m.

2/2/14 Blood Pressure Screening (Sanctuary) at 9:50 a.m.

2/8/14-2/9/14 Jr. High Winter Camp (Off Campus)

2/11/14 Deacons Meeting (Choir Room) at 6:00 p.m.

2/15/14 F(4) Women’s Fellowship (Fireside Room) at 9:30 a.m.

2/17/14 Church Office Closed

2/18/14 (Office) Trustees Meeting at 6:00 p.m., Church Council at 7:15 p.m.

2/28/14 Club 456 (Fellowship Hall) at 6:30p.m

FEBRUARY 2014

P A G E 4

“Time and

responsibilities are

flexible and you

don’t necessarily

need to be a

garden expert.”

Shepherd’s Field Update

While it’s still February, plans have begun for another successful season in Shepherd’s Field. We have approximately thirty families participating and plans are in place to expand again in 2014. Feel a calling to participate/minister? Following are some ways to get in-volved:

Spending time greeting visitors and talking to participants

Obtaining a plot or row of your own (provides an opportunity to better interact with our neighbors)

Seed starting Spring/Summer Vegetables to help keep costs down (Tomatoes and Peppers in February and Squash and melons in March)

Planting/pruning/trimming/composting/working on the drip system

Work Days in March/April (roto-tilling, moving dirt/compost, raised bed con-struction, etc.)

If you are interested in volunteering or becoming a “core” volunteer for Shepherd’s Field, please contact Jeff Macomber at macomber@winfirst.com. We are looking for at least one additional individual to assist Jeff and Rick as a “core” volunteer coordinating Shep-herd’s Field. Time and responsibilities are flexible and you don’t necessarily need to be a garden expert.

Prayer Workshop Opportunity

P A G E 5

Can we help? Remember your Deacons are here to serve the Congregation. If you have a question, a

concern, or a suggestion for the benefit of our church family, or a matter regarding our spiritual welfare or direc-

tion, please pass it along to a Deacon.

During the month of February you may contact Rita Danial at 388-4302 or AZAD_Rita1970@yahoo.com, and

Mary Wood at 482-2986 or fivewood@winfirst.com.

We look forward to hearing from you - The Deacons

A Message From Your Deacons

New prayer workshop opportunities are being made available in Downtown Sacramento (28th & G)! Last Sep-

tember and this January, a few of our members attended “Strategic Intercession for Pastors and

Leaders.” Other upcoming sessions will include: Foundations of Intercession, Intimacy With God, Power

of Proclamation, and Knowing God’s Voice. Workshops take place from 6:30 – 8:30 PM on the third Tuesday

of each month. Cost is free, and groups typically carpool from Good Shepherd. Please contact Shirley Seatris

at 483-0451 or Shriley@sactownchurch.com for more information. Brought to you by your Passionate Wor-

ship Team from The Five Practices.

Follow us on Instagram @sactownchurch Good Shepherd is now on Instagram (sactownchurch). Get an account and follow us to view

pictures of events at your church as they happen!

FEBRUARY 2014

P A G E 6

Women’s Ministry Faith Circle – will meet not meet in February. Check next month for

March’s location. This women’s Bible Study works from a DVD se-

ries, Fire on The Mountain, by Ray Vanderlaan. Please contact

Shirley Seatris at 483-0451for more information.

Rebecca Circle – will meet

on Monday, February 10, at

10:00 a.m., at the home of

Shirley Dickson to continue

their DVD study, The Early

Church. This group meets in

various homes on the second Monday of

each month at 10 :00 a.m. and is open to all

women, contact Shirley Dickson or Shirley

Seatris at 483-0451 for more information.

(F)4 … Fellowship, Friendship, for Females – will meet on Saturday, February 15, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room. This is a fun and casual opportunity to meet other women within your church community. Come and share a time of friendship over coffee and devotion. (F)4 meets on the third Saturday of each month and is open to all women!

Mom’s In Prayer – meets Monday morning at

9:30 a.m. in the Welcome Room located off the

worship center. Moms of all ages are welcome to

join us as we praise our Heavenly Father and lay

before Him our prayer concerns. New faces are

always welcome!

For more information regarding opportunities in Women’s Ministry, please

contact Shirley Seatris, Ministry Associate, at 483-0451 (ext 106) or

Shirley@sactownchurch.com.

January Official Church Acts : Deaths : Irene Karlstad - 01/01/14

P A G E 7

Making an iMPACT in 2014! Ways to get involved this Winter.

New Opportunity: Youth Job Training Program The Objective: To train neighborhood high school students (those who’ve “aged-out” of iMPACT programming) in the follow-ing areas so that they might obtain skills to get their 1

st job:

Customer Service (listening, eye contact, how to talk to customers) Job Etiquette (what to wear, hygiene, how to talk to your boss) Money Handling (how to make change; how to account/report what you received) Food Handling & Safety Additional career enhancing workshops (like resume writing, mock interviews) will be offered at a later time. The Question: Would you be willing to help facilitate a 30-45 mi-nute training session to help support iMPACT’s new Job Training Program? iMPACT Staff will be present at all sessions. Training Dates: 5-Sunday sessions will be offered in March (2

nd, 9

th, 16

th, 23

rd & 30

th).

Place: All sessions will be held on Good Shepherd’s campus. Time(s): Either from 9:30am-11am (education hour) or 12pm-1:30pm (after church services). Please contact me for additional details or to sign-up! With gratitude, Amy E. Smith, iMPACT Director amy@sactownchurch.com (916) 213-1586

All 60 campers received a stuffed animal, a gift bag full of treats, and a highly sought after Japanese toy called a Ken-dama!

Girls of Grace @ Arden Fair Mall to see Fro-zen and to open their gifts from the church.

Thanks to Dan Philippi our kids received a gently used Foosball Table!

Christmas Highlights iMPACT Ministry Update Thank you Good Shepherd for your love, continued support, and special donations given to iMPACT in 2013.

And a special “thank you” to both

Rick Morat and Julie Johnson

who spent time with our campers

and Camp Counselors this holi-

day. The kids really look forward

to visitors.

Please make submissions to Shepherd’s

Staff by the 15th of the month to

shepherdsstaff@sactownchurch.com.

FEBRUARY 2014

David Robinson Chancel Choir Director 273-0261 David@sactownchurch.com Shirley Seatris Ministry Associate, ext.106 shirley@sactownchurch.com

Jeff Schulz Worship Leader for 11:00 am Service, 200-5849 jeff@sactownchurch.com

Tammy Sigl Worship Coordinator & Director of Hand Bells, ext.112 tammy@sactownchurch.com Amy Smith iMPACT Director 213-1586 or ext. 103 amy@sactownchurch.com

Suzanne D. Ferris Receptionist, ext. 100 Suzanne@sactownchurch.com

Karen R. Ellyson Office Supervisor, (direct # (916) 488-8651) or ext. 108 karen@sactownchurch.com

Cathy Johnson Bookkeeper and Financial Secre-tary, ext. 114 cathy@sactownchurch.com

Sandy Oakes Preschool Director 483-0466 Cathleen Demant Director of Children’s Ministry and Communications 834-0663 Cathleen@sactownchurch.com

Drew Wademan Director of Student Ministries, ext. 102 drew@sactownchurch.com www.ikonstudents.com Rev. Todd R. Wallace Senior Pastor, ext. 101 pastor@sactownchurch.com

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

1615 Morse Avenue

Sacramento, CA 95864

Contact Us

www.sactownchurch.com

1615 Morse Avenue Sacramento, CA 95864

916-483-0451 Fax: 916-484-5433