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The Shepherd’s Voice

December 2018

WORDS FROM PASTOR LARSON

Beloved of God,

On November 25th we celebrated Good Shepherd’s 60th Anniversary. It was a marvelous day. Thank you to all who planned and served in order to make the day a reality. The second pastor of Good Shepherd, Pastor David Keesey-Berg, was our preacher. I want to share some highlights with you here, especially as they help to lead us into our Advent theme of “Fear Not!”. (Listen to the full sermon at goodshepherddecorah.org/sermons/)

Pastor Keesey-Berg described a Good Shepherd committee that met fifty years and wrestled with the question “what is this thing called church?” They answered the question by saying, “The church is an event, not a building, not an institution, but an event - something dynamic that happens, namely the gathering of people that happens when the story of Jesus is told and then lived out in the lives of those who hear that story.”

Pastor Keesey-Berg then went on to describe what it looks like when we live out the story of Jesus. It looks like being “tenaciously related to others who might be quite different than us”, for this is how God is. God is tenaciously related to us and God persists in showing five key attributes: justice, righteousness, steadfast love, faithfulness and compassion. Yet, he continued (referencing scholar Walter Brueggemann), “Today there is a fake God masquerading in the Christian tradition whose action stands in direct conflict to the gospel. This fake god proclaims a gospel that is in fact, fake news. This fake gospel is a message of fear and greed and tribal exclusiveness and ready resort to coercive violence. There is an unavoidable conflict between the God of Jesus and the prophets and the god of fake news.”

Pastor Keesey-Berg continued, “Dietrich Bonhoeffer would tell us … living a life dominated by fear and greed and anger is a fate far worse than dying. The greatest threat to our faith is not that we will not be safe from the dangers of our world but that they will be held captive by our fears, that we give more power to our fears and anger than we give to the promises of Christ. I am confident that this is not a path that this congregation will choose to follow.”

This Advent Season we will hear again and again the words “Fear Not!” This phrase and its more contemporary translation, “do not be afraid”, is found throughout scripture. This phrase is both assurance and command. We are assured that we do not have to be afraid for we belong to the God of justice, righteousness, steadfast love, faithfulness and compassion. We are commanded to not fear and to get to work being tenaciously related to others, living out the story of Jesus. I am confident this congregation will follow this path.

In Christ, Pastor Amy

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December Scriptures

Adult Forums

December 2 - “Karibu - You are Welcome!”

Good Shepherd member and seminarian Amalia Vagts will shares stories, photos and observations

from her 10-day trip to Usa River, Tanzania with Wartburg Seminary in August of 2018. She will

invite Good Shepherd members to consider how we can learn more about welcome through a

discussion of how Tanzanians live out the meaning of karibu - you are welcome. Karibu!

December 9 - "Palestinian Art as Nonviolent Resistance in the Land Called Holy"

George Lowe and Martha Monson Lowe will share personal experiences from their times teaching

and living in Bethlehem and East Jerusalem. The focus of their presentation will be on Palestinian

visual arts as a form of personal expression and nonviolent resistance to the occupation.

Sunday, December 2 First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16 A righteous branch springing up from David

Psalm 25:1-10 To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

1Thessalonians 3:9-13 Strengthen hearts of holiness for the coming of the Lord

Luke 21:25-36 Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man

Sunday, December 9 Second Sunday of Advent

Malachi 3:1-4 My messenger is a refiner and purifier

Luke 1:68-79 In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us.

Philippians 1:3-11 A harvest of righteousness on the day of Jesus Christ

Luke 3:1-6 Prepare the way of the Lord

Sunday, December 16 Third Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20 Rejoice, the Lord is in your midst

Isaiah 12:2-6 In your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice, the Lord is near

Luke 3:7-18 One more powerful is coming, baptizing with fire

Sunday, December 23 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a From Bethlehem comes a ruler

Luke 1:46b-55 You, Lord, have lifted up the lowly.

Hebrews 10:5-10 I have come to do your will

Luke 1:39-45 [46-55] Blessed are you among women / My soul magnifies the Lord

Sunday, December 30 First Sunday of Christmas

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 The boy Samuel grew in favor with the Lord and the people

Psalm 148 The splendor of the Lord is over earth and heaven.

Colossians 3:12-17 Clothe yourselves in love; let the peace of Christ rule your hearts

Luke 2:41-52 The boy Jesus increased in wisdom, and in divine and human favor

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December 2018 Ministry Team

DATE LITURGY/WORSHIP USHER *Head Usher

FELLOWSHIP*Coordinator (F) only bring food

Sunday, December 2

11 am broadcast

Asst. Minister: Jane Jakoubek

Reader: Jim Buzza

Communion Server:

Hayley Jackson

Cantor: Kate Narveson

1.*Ed Epperly

2. Joyce Epperly

Greeter: Angie Sadler

1.*Bev Sheridan

2. Kathy Buzza

3. Marilyn & Al Anderson

4. Jennifer Self (F)

Wednesday,

December 5, 5:30 pm

Asst. Minister: Jonathon Struve

Cantor: Megan Buckingham

1. Reg Laursen

Sunday, December 9

11 am broadcast

Asst. Minister: Chris Hick

Reader: Linda Donoghue

Communion Server:

Linda Wolfs

1.*Kirk Johnson

2. Reg Laursen

Greeter: Bill deGraff

1.*Joyce Epperly

2. Kerry Johnson

3. Jeri Laursen

4. Jerry & Ruth Bruce

Wednesday,

December 12, 5:30 pm

Asst. Minister: Jane Jakoubek

Cantor: Jonathon Struve

1. Erik Berg

Sunday, December 16

Live broadcast

Asst. Minister: Chris Hick

Reader: Marv Slind

Communion Server:

Linda Wolfs

Cantor: Jonathon Struve

1.*Dan Bellrichard

2. Kirk Johnson

Greeter: Liza Hicken

1.*Germano & Wanda

2. Kerry Johnson

3. Harriet Hayes

4. Ingrid Callahan

Wednesday,

December 19, 5:30 pm

Asst. Minister: Reg Laursen

Cantor: Reg Laursen

1. Jeri Laursen

Sunday, December 23

Live broadcast

Asst. Minister: Chris Hick

Reader: Harland Nelson

Communion Server:

Linda Wolfs

Cantor: Reg Laursen

1.*Reg Laursen

2. Jeri Laursen

Greeter: Angie Sadler

1.*

2. Marion & John Jefferson

3. Sue & Lyle Luzum

4. Jennifer Self (F)

5. Sandhya Caton (F)

Monday, December 24

4:00 p.m.

No broadcast

Asst. Minister: Angie Sadler

Reader: Harland Nelson

Communion Server:

Tom Buresh

1.*Jerry Bruce

2. Ruth Bruce

3. Bob Naslund

Greeter: Connie Buresh

No Fellowship Hour

Sunday, December 30

Live broadcast

Asst. Minister: Bob Larson

Reader: Harland Nelson

Communion Server:

Cantor: Dennis Barnaal

1.*

2. Greeter: Erik Berg

1.*Doris Barnaal

2. Ingrid Callaghan

Simple fellowship

Donuts and coffee only

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Good Shepherd Announcements

TREE DECORATING DECEMBER 9 - We will be decorating the Christmas tree next Sunday, December 9 at 11:30am, following Sunday School. Please come help!

THE CHRISTMAS SUNDAY SCHOOL PROGRAM is scheduled for Dec. 16 at 5 pm. Sandwiches and cookies will be served following the program.

POINSETTIAS FOR THE SANCTUARY - Altar Guild has arranged with Decorah Greenhouses for a convenient and economical way to provide poinsettias for the Christmas season. Orders, with payment, are to be placed through the Church Office no later than Friday morning, December 14; cost is $12.00/plant. Checks accompansying your order should be made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Poinsettia in the memo line. Plants may be given in honor or as memorials by including names with the order. Red poinsettias wrapped in gold foil will be delivered on December 22. They will be placed in the altar area for services beginning Monday, December 24, through January 6. Last year, a glorious display graced our sanctuary. Altar Guild appreciates and welcomes your contributions to our Poinsettia Project!

IN NEED OF HELPERS IN THE FIRST PART OF 2019: We are seeking helpers for both Sunday School and Youth Forum for January-May 2019. The teachers do all the prep and leadership. We are in need of other adults to be a second, supportive presence in the room. Please sign up using the following link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4da5a72fa13-201819 If you have any questions, please reach out to Kathryn Thompson (kathryn.susann@gmail.com) or a member of the education committee (Anna Norris, Heather Cote or Bob Felde).

MINISTRY TEAM HELP - We are still in need of a Communion Server and Ushers on December 30. If you can help please call the church office 382-3963, or sign up directly on Signup Genius. Thank you!

THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED:

DECEMBER 24 - 25 AND JANUARY 1

LUREN SINGERS CONCERT: December 9, 3 pm Trinity Lutheran Church, 203 East Main Street, Spring Grove MN. The concert theme is “My God and King” with Dr. David Judisch conducting. Prelude music is by The Thankful Brass; Concert Special Soloist is Rachel Grippen Storlie. Free will offering benefits Houston County Food Shelf and Houston County Care and Share.

SALE OF A VARIETY OF PALESTINIAN ITEMS including traditional handwork of olive wood carving, embroidery, pottery, jewelry, glass, cashmere scarves, kefiyas, and more from Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Hebron, Ramallah, and Gaza. December 2 - Fellowship Hall, December 9 - Narthex, in conjunction with the adult forum. This is a wonderful opportunity to purchase Christmas gifts, and special keepsakes while supporting Palestinian artisans.

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: As of November 30, we have received 88 Statements of Intent for financial giving in 2019. Thank you to all who have offered these intents. You can still make your intent and put it in the offering basket today. Extra forms are on the counter outside the office.

MASHIAH FOUNDATION NEWS: The current newsletter can be found on our website under the Missions Abroad tab.

DIRECTORY UPDATES: A winter address for the Jacobsens is available by calling the church office.

JANUARY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

December 20

December Altar Guild Assignments

December 2 - Barbara Berg and Jane Kemp

December 9 - Marilyn Anderson and Kim Kavan

December 16 - Bev Sheridan and Carrie Solberg

December 23 - Janeen and Jon Christy and Amalia Vagts

December 24 - Barbara Berg, Ann Naslund, Glendalu Wuest December 30 -

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December Circle Schedule

12/4 - Mary Circle - 4:00 p.m. - Sharon Drew hosts

12/9 - Anna Circle - 9:30 a.m. - no meeting

12/10 - Miriam Circle - 2:00 p.m. - Donna Bahr hosts

5/23 - CLA Circle - 7:00 p.m. - no meeting

As I am writing this article, we have just observed Thanksgiving and our wonderful anniversary celebration. I am thankful for the wonderful people who have helped to serve our funeral luncheons. I would like to share a few of the comments from the families: “Thank you for your time and sensitivity during our time of need”, “thank you for the delicious meal and hospitality”, “the delicious meal provided a wonderful time to visit with family and friends, nourishing both our bodies and spirits in this difficult time”, “the meal was just perfect and the roses were the perfect extra touch", "thank you for your time and work in serving the meal-the tables looked great!” - Bev Sheridan

December 2018: Fear not: An Advent/Christmas devotional-Gather magazine (from Interchange-Women of the ELCA) When God’s people are afraid, it doesn’t mean we are outside of faith. “Fear not” appears frequently in the Bible in a way that is comforting. Knowing God is with us, we can face our fears. As we enter the season of Advent, this devotional by the Rev Katie Hines-Shah, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hinsdale, Illinois, will help us begin to see that the Christmas story is also the story of life in faith. Gather magazine is a monthly publication of the Women of the ELCA. It features a monthly bible study and a variety of articles that relate to the bible study. If you do not have a subscription, several women share their magazine at church by putting it in the information file by the fellowship hall door or in the WELCA box by the sanctuary. January 26, 2019 will be our WELCA annual meeting and mid-winter brunch. CLA Circle will be our hostess. We will also be dispersing funds from 2018, please contact Bev Sheridan if you have any funding requests. 2019 is fast approaching and we need to get our circle hostesses ready for the new year. Please get

them to Jenny by December 17.

Upcoming events: January 26: Mid-winter brunch, CLA circle hostess, fellowship hall March 2: World Day of Prayer, St Benedicts

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Social Justice

TAKE ACTION NOW TO PROTECT MIGRANTS AND REFUGEES

As people of faith, we know that our dignity is given by God -- not based on our income, our place of birth,

or race. Unfortunately, the current administration is proposing a change to immigration rules which would

disqualify migrants from attaining legal status if they have ever received public funds for housing, food or

medical care. This new “public charge” rule would mean that hard working parents who use essential

programs to help care for their families could be blocked from having a permanent, secure future in the

United States. If people cannot access nutritious food, secure housing, or affordable healthcare, they will

suffer needlessly and our communities will become less stable. But, you can proactively oppose this

proposal by submitting a public comment, which the administration must read and consider, before this

policy can be implemented. Public comments must be made electronically, and must be received by

December 10th. By going to the address below you will find a simple way to voice your concern about the

“public charge” rule. This site will lead you through the steps and provide you with a script, but please

remember that for your voice to be counted, you must modify and personalize your message. The content

your comments should be 30% original.

http://cqrcengage.com/networklobby/app/act-on-a-regulation?0&engagementId=492533

Jesus is very clear in teaching us that caring for those in need is the means through which we love and

serve God. Please take a few minutes today to let the administration know that you oppose this punitive

Sunday, October 7, six Good Shepherd members had the opportunity to serve as "Shepherd Families" to

our new members. During the church service, the new members were presented to the congregation by

the Shepherd Families. After the service and fellowship time, the Shepherd Families, new members, and

members of the Evangelism Committee enjoyed a meal together. It was a nice time for people to get to

know each other.

Special thanks go out to our Shepherd Families: Naomi Craft, Tom and Connie Buresh, Kathy and Jim Buzza,

and Jane Jakoubek.

The Evangelism Committee encourages others to become involved with being a shepherd. Please contact

the church office if this is something you are interested in doing.

"Being a shepherd with taking in new members is an easy assignment. I knew some of the new members

and I was happy to meet the others. I like to volunteer for short assignments. Join me the next time when

we welcome new members." Naomi Craft

***The Evangelism Committee has sent Christmas cards and packages to all our Seminarians. Each

seminarian will be receiving a care package with treats and necessities (like chocolates) to let them know

we are praying for them throughout Advent and as the semester draws to a close.

Evangelism

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In September you were introduced to the initial Plan for a Building Remodeling project and for a replacement of the current Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems affected by the proposed remodeling. The set of proposals reflected the committee’s efforts to provide for the desired changes as initially outlined by the SET committee’s work and recommendations. The FIC committee collected your responses to the remodel plan and offered their responses at the September 30 meeting (extra copies are available at the usher counter.) As a result of the meetings and feedback from September, the FIC committee has continued work to refine and define the Building and HVAC projects. Because it has become apparent that the two are significantly intertwined, we now bring you updates to the HVAC and Remodeling Plans, as well as a proposal for implementation.

HVAC Project Update:

The FIC committee continues to put together the details of how the new system will be configured and installed. Some significant progress has been made in configuring the system to best fit the building and to help avoid issues presented by the current ductwork. However, this work has led the committee to conclude that we can save money and avoid going through two periods of disruption if the remodeling project follows the HVAC installation project as closely as possible. Because of this, the committee is now prepared to present a plan in which both projects will occur in 2019. This reduces the time of inconvenience for the uses of the building, avoids extra cost by avoiding inefficiencies in overlapping work, and streamlines the work involved.

This plan raises an obvious question: “How do we finance something that was initially to occur over 2 budget years?” Part of the answer to this has been provided by Decorah Bank and Trust in the form of a 24 month No Interest Loan opportunity in response to our efforts to upgrade our HVAC to a more efficient and environmentally sensitive system. This represents a huge gift to our congregation and recognizes all the good work we have already done to make our facilities as energy efficient as possible. This loan would allow us to fund the HVAC portion of the project through our 2020 budget without additional expenses for loan interest. The remodeling portion of the project could then be funded from the 2019 budget. In the opinion of FIC, it is an opportunity that shouldn’t be passed up.

Building Project Update:

With all this in mind the FIC committee has then also been working to address questions and concerns from the congregation. Here are items that have been updated since the September discussions.

(Continued on page 10)

Facilities Improvement Report

THE FACILITIES IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE now proposes moving ahead with both the HVAC-heating, venting, air conditioning- system (utilizing a geo field and heat pumps) and the building remodel in the summer of 2019. This would allow us to reduce inefficiencies of doing the projects over two summers and to take advantage of rebates that may expire. They feel confident we can do this because we have the opportunity to take a zero interest, 24 month loan for the HVAC system. Please read the following report for more detailed information. Please join the committee to hear about the final remodel and HVAC plan at a forum on Sunday, December 16. We will have a Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 6 to vote on moving ahead with this plan. If a final plan is approved, a funding proposal will be part of the budget process at the Annual Meeting on Sunday, February 4.

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1) The focus of the project continues to be a "Within the footprint of the present building" solution. The cost and limited gain of adding new foundation and roofing extensions has not been deemed practical for this project but could be considered at a future time if needed. The exception to this would be the conversion of the south entrance of the Fellowship Hall Vestibule to a ramped accessible entrance. This access to our back yard was recommended by SET and is also recommended by the FIC.

2) After much discussion, FIC has decided the remodeled spaces should include one ADA compliant restroom rather than the present two, which do not meet the ADA requirements. Within our current footprint, it isn’t possible to have both a compliant and a second restroom at the Fellowship end of the hall. We believe with the other restrooms in the building, providing one ADA compliant restroom in this project is both reasonable and the right thing to do. Further, the loss of one restroom is acceptable because it allows us to achieve the classroom square footage needed. The proposed kitchen in the Education Wing will continue to be plumbed for a possible future conversion should the second restroom ever become more important than the need for a second kitchen.

3) We have ensured that there will be adequate storage. Our proposed storage spaces will include: Cabinets and shelving along the west wall of the new classroom (former Narthex), a wall of upper cabinets in the new combined classroom space, shelving in the new Narthex to provide more visible bookshelves with space equivalent to that provided by the library, better/more organized storage in the existing Fellowship Hall closet, reduction of unnecessary stored items where practical, and use of the newly prepared annex storage for appropriate items. Some additional storage may also be available in the remodeled offices. (Folding chair storage in the Bell entrance will remain, but the cart will be upgraded to allow for easier use). We have eliminated the new sink in the Education Wing mechanical room to provide more storage within that room as well.

4) Coat storage is still proposed along the wall that is currently the "accordion" door for the present Narthex. To add capacity, we envision that a portion of the space will have a lower and upper hanging bar for kid’s and short adult coats. This coat storage may be supplemented with added coat space in that new classroom (former Narthex). The current Narthex council table will be relocated to provide additional space in this new classroom as well.

5) The Fellowship Hall Vestibule will be updated with all new commercial grade aluminum exterior glass frames and doors. Sidelight windows and transom windows over the doors will be included to maximize light, but glass will be smaller, in area, than the current wall to wall windows. This will provide a far more energy efficient entry. The flooring recommended will be a more all-purpose/all-weather carpet (“walk off carpeting”) to provide protection for the other carpeted areas outside the vestibule area.

6) The stored folding door for the new Narthex will be reversed and stored on the south wall next to office. This will improve the visibility and reduce obstruction to the new hallway entrance, which will be adjusted to be sure is at least as wide as the new 6' wide hallway.

7) We will install new carpet in the whole church except for the Fellowship Hall and Sanctuary. This carpet accounts for approximately 25% of the projected cost.

8) To save money, we plan to invite congregation members to help with much of the demolition work, always good therapy for those with high stress jobs or excess energy.

The committee has reviewed all these suggestions and concerns and made the related adjustments in the Remodeling Plan. We will share the Plan with the Congregation at a special meeting December 16th. Ideally, this step keeps us on target as we work toward completing both HVAC Project and the Building Remodel in summer 2019, if possible and if acceptable to the congregation. This time frame would best serve both our congregation and Kinderhaus by limiting disruption mainly to summer months, with completion in the fall. FIC Committee

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GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH CONGREGATION COUNCIL MEETING

Tuesday, November 20, 2018 – 7:00 PM

Preparing Our Hearts and Minds to Serve

Present: Pr. Amy Zalk Larson, Megan Buckingham, John Moeller, Marty Steele, Bob Felde, Germano Streese, Jon

Christy, Janeen Christy, Steve Holland, Ava Holland, and Jonathon Struve; Lindsay Erdman representing the Facilities

Improvement Committee (FIC).

Devotions and Initial Actions: Ava Holland shared devotions. A motion was made by Marty Steele and seconded by

Germano Streese to approve the minutes of the October meeting. Jon Christy asked that the words “four types of” be

removed from the Worship and Music Committee report discussing the Lenten soup suppers. The friendly amendment

was accepted, and the motion passed to approve the October minutes as amended. Pr. Amy Larson asked to add the

reception of Gloria Hove to New Business. A motion was made by Jon Christy and seconded by Germano Streese to

approve the meeting agenda as amended. Passed.

New Business:

Sanctuary Sound System: Lindsay Erdman reported that the Facilities Improvement Committee recommended the

purchase of new speakers for the sanctuary at a cost of $2100. The new speakers will allow for a better distribution of

sound and more flexible angling/positioning than the old ones. Marty Steele moved and Bob Felde seconded that

$2100 be allocated for the purchase of new speakers for the sanctuary, motion passed.

Report from Facilities Improvement Committee (FIC): Lindsay Erdman updated the council on their recommendations

for the HVAC and renovation projects for the building. The FIC recommends accomplishing the HVAC replacement and

the remodeling of the existing building as a single project rather than completing them in separate phases. Completing

both projects together will be more efficient and cost effective, requiring only one period where the building will be

under construction. The committee also recommends proceeding with the project in 2019. Because Alliant Energy is

phasing out rebates for energy efficient systems, it is in our interest to act before these rebates expire. Decorah Bank

and Trust has offered a 24-month no-interest loan to cover the cost of the HVAC system because of the

environmentally sound geothermal system proposed for the project.

The committee has responded to comments from members regarding the plan for renovation. The committee

consulted with Dee Fritz, who is developing a visual representation of the proposed renovation, so the committee and

the congregation can better see how everything, including new storage units and shelving, will fit into the reconfigured

spaces. The committee has prioritized creating a single ADA compliant restroom and preserving the minimum square

footage for the Kinderhaus classroom over keeping two restrooms near the fellowship hall. Since we as a congregation

value accessibility and hospitality, we should have an ADA compliant restroom. The committee anticipates beginning

the renovation in May of 2019, pending congregational approval of the project.

The FIC acknowledged that this is a major decision for the congregation, and suggested calling a congregational vote on

the committee’s proposed HVAC and renovation plan. John Moeller moved and Marty Steele seconded a motion to

call a congregational meeting on January 6, 2019 to vote on the proposed plan to move forward with the renovation of

the building and the replacement of the HVAC system as one project. Motion Passed.

The Facilities Improvement Committee will present the proposal at the Adult Forum on December 16, 2018. This

presentation will include mock-ups by Dee Fritz of storage and shelving that may be integrated into the renovation

plan. The Facilities Improvement Committee’s report will be published in the December newsletter.

Receive New Member: Marty Steele moved and Janeen Christy seconded a motion to receive Gloria Hove as a member

of the congregation. New member received.

(Continued on page 12)

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Old Business:

Designate Advent and Christmas Offering: After discussion, Bob Felde moved and Germano Streese seconded to split

our Advent and Christmas offering between Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a local fund to assist undocumented

neighbors and their families, and Lutheran Disaster Response, which is responding to victims of the California

wildfires. Motion passed.

Social Justice Subcommittee Report: The social justice subcommittee has submitted a grant application through

AMMPARO. Part of the grant would provide resources for fundraising, and part would directly benefit migrant minors

in NE Iowa.

Recurring Work of the Body – Committee, Pastor, and Officer Reports

Youth Representative: Ava Holland

The annex now has two couches and a couple of beanbags for the youth forum to use. The youth forum continues to

discuss the weekly Gospel reading as well as sharing highs and lows each Sunday.

Education Committee: Bob Felde

The Christmas program is December 16 at 5pm. Families of participating children will bring a dozen cookies and the

committee will provide sandwiches after the program.

Kathryn is hoping to organize a high school youth gathering before the end of 2018.

Evangelism Committee: Janeen Christy

The committee organized a care package project for the five seminarians we support. They will be mailed around the

first week in December.

Property and Management Committee: Marty Steele

The committee purchased a snow blower for $900. There are some roof expenses associated with the replacement of

the clerestory windows in the sanctuary.

Stewardship Committee: Germano Streese

Stewardship Sunday was successful. As of the council meeting, 75 intents have been received. The goal for the

campaign is 90. Some follow up conversations will be had with members in the coming weeks.

Worship and Music Committee: Jon Christy

There will be midweek worship services during Advent on Wednesdays at 5:30 – December 5, 12, and 19. These

services will use Holden Evening Prayer. On December 5 and 12, members may gather at Pizza Ranch following

worship for food and fellowship. The back room has been reserved from 6:00-7:30 pm.

Pastor’s Report: Report prepared by Pr. Amy Larson -No further report.

President’s Report: Megan Buckingham - No report

Vice President’s Report: Steve Holland - No Report

Secretary’s Report: Jonathon Struve - No Report

Treasurer’s Report: John Moeller

Total income year to date: $247,110.37

Total expense year to date: ($240,828.54)

Net income year to date: $6,281.83

Jon Christy moved and Janeen Christy seconded to approve the treasurer’s report, passed.

Announcements:

Newsletter Deadline: November 20, 2018

Next Council Meeting: December 18, 2018, 7:00 PM

Adjournment and Closing Prayer: Bob Felde moved, Germano Streese seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:30 pm. Pr.

Amy Larson led the council in the Lord’s Prayer to close the meeting.

--Submitted by Jonathon Struve, Congregational Secretary

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GOOD SHEPHERD IS A RECONCILING IN CHRIST CONGREGATION

Pastor Amy Larson

Music Director: Brooke Joyce

Children Youth and Family Director: Kathryn Thompson

Administrative Assistant: Jenny Werner

Email: decorahgoodshepherd@gmail.com

Website: http://www.goodshepherddecorah.org

Church Office: 563-382-3963

Office Hours: M-F; 8 a.m.- 12 Noon

Words from Pastor Larson 1

Advent Worship Schedule 2

Adult Forums 3

December Scriptures 3

December Ministry Team 4

GS Announcements 5

WELCA News 6

Social Justice 7

Evangelism 7

Music Page 8

Facilities Improvement 9-10

Council Minutes 10-12

December Calendar 13

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

701 Iowa Avenue

Decorah IA 52101

The Shepherd’s Voice DECEMBER 2018

In This Issue: