Shepherd's Heart 1/3/25
Dear ones,
As I look back on this Christmas season, my heart is full of gratitude. On Christmas Eve, we saw over 3,300 people gather across our worship services, each one a moment to proclaim the joy of Christ’s birth. I had the privilege of meeting so many new faces, each one a reminder of how God continues to draw people to Himself through the ministry of Good Shepherd. Seeing the sanctuary and worship center alive with song, prayer, and the light of countless candles was a powerful testimony to the hope we have in Jesus.
After such a meaningful and busy season, my family and I left for California to spend eight days resting, reconnecting, and exploring. We began our trip in Yosemite, hiking trails surrounded by towering mountains and the stillness of the forest. There’s something about the grandeur of creation that silences the noise in your soul. With Jeff, Caleb, and Noah alongside me, I found myself soaking in the simple joy of being present—no agenda, no deadlines, just the gift of time together.
From there, we spent two days in Pasadena and had the chance to see the Rose Parade. The vibrant floats and the energy of the crowd brought a different kind of joy—a reminder of the beauty and creativity that God’s image-bearers bring into the world. We ended our time in Palm Desert, exploring the slot canyons in Joshua Tree, where the desert’s quiet stillness felt like an invitation to pause, reflect, and breathe deeply.
This time with Caleb and Noah reminded me of the sacredness of sabbath and the gift of rest. Too often, I find myself caught up in the pace of ministry and life, forgetting the simple yet profound truth that God calls us to rest—not as a luxury but as a necessity. Being in the mountains, at the parade, and in the desert with my family was a tangible reminder of God’s provision. Rest is where we are renewed. It’s where we remember who we are, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who God is.
As I step back into the rhythms of ministry, I do so with a heart full of gratitude—for the beauty of Christmas worship, for the gift of family, and for the reminder that even in the busiest seasons, God’s grace meets us in the quiet and invites us to be still.
New Year, New Beginnings, New Mercies
Moving into a new year, I’m reminded again of how much I love new beginnings. There’s something deeply hopeful about stepping into a fresh start—whether it’s a Monday morning, a new season, or the turn of the calendar. Each one is a tangible picture of God’s grace and mercy, a reminder that we are not bound by what was.
2024 may have been full of challenges, missteps, or unmet goals. Maybe it brought moments you wish you could take back, prayers you left unsaid, or dreams that felt just out of reach. But here’s the good news: those things don’t define you. As followers of Jesus, we are not the sum of what we’ve done or failed to do. We are defined by God’s mercy, and His mercies are new every morning.
This truth gives us the freedom to move forward—not in chains of regret, but in the hope of renewal. God’s grace meets us right where we are, and His mercy gives us the courage to take the next step. That’s what this new year is all about—grace and freedom to begin again.
For 2025, I believe God is inviting us to ask an important question: What is next? Over the past 18 months, we’ve ridden incredible waves of God’s grace. We’ve stepped boldly into the FORWARD Initiative, embraced a new season of ministry within the LCMC, and witnessed remarkable growth and blessing. Together, we’ve leaned into being a church that is for Jesus, for our neighbors, and for the world.
But now, we stand at a new threshold. What will the next wave of faithfulness look like for Good Shepherd? Where is God calling us to grow, to serve, to reach, and to impact? These are questions we will discern together in 2025, trusting that God’s Spirit will guide us every step of the way.
Key Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
As we begin this journey together, I want to highlight a few important opportunities to engage in discernment and decision-making:
Looking Ahead
As we step into this new year, let’s do so with a shared sense of hope and expectancy. God’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is unchanging. Together, let’s discern His next call for us as a church and move forward in freedom, trusting that the God who began a good work in us will carry it to completion.
From my heart,
Pastor Tara Beth
As I look back on this Christmas season, my heart is full of gratitude. On Christmas Eve, we saw over 3,300 people gather across our worship services, each one a moment to proclaim the joy of Christ’s birth. I had the privilege of meeting so many new faces, each one a reminder of how God continues to draw people to Himself through the ministry of Good Shepherd. Seeing the sanctuary and worship center alive with song, prayer, and the light of countless candles was a powerful testimony to the hope we have in Jesus.
After such a meaningful and busy season, my family and I left for California to spend eight days resting, reconnecting, and exploring. We began our trip in Yosemite, hiking trails surrounded by towering mountains and the stillness of the forest. There’s something about the grandeur of creation that silences the noise in your soul. With Jeff, Caleb, and Noah alongside me, I found myself soaking in the simple joy of being present—no agenda, no deadlines, just the gift of time together.
From there, we spent two days in Pasadena and had the chance to see the Rose Parade. The vibrant floats and the energy of the crowd brought a different kind of joy—a reminder of the beauty and creativity that God’s image-bearers bring into the world. We ended our time in Palm Desert, exploring the slot canyons in Joshua Tree, where the desert’s quiet stillness felt like an invitation to pause, reflect, and breathe deeply.
This time with Caleb and Noah reminded me of the sacredness of sabbath and the gift of rest. Too often, I find myself caught up in the pace of ministry and life, forgetting the simple yet profound truth that God calls us to rest—not as a luxury but as a necessity. Being in the mountains, at the parade, and in the desert with my family was a tangible reminder of God’s provision. Rest is where we are renewed. It’s where we remember who we are, not because of what we’ve done, but because of who God is.
As I step back into the rhythms of ministry, I do so with a heart full of gratitude—for the beauty of Christmas worship, for the gift of family, and for the reminder that even in the busiest seasons, God’s grace meets us in the quiet and invites us to be still.
New Year, New Beginnings, New Mercies
Moving into a new year, I’m reminded again of how much I love new beginnings. There’s something deeply hopeful about stepping into a fresh start—whether it’s a Monday morning, a new season, or the turn of the calendar. Each one is a tangible picture of God’s grace and mercy, a reminder that we are not bound by what was.
2024 may have been full of challenges, missteps, or unmet goals. Maybe it brought moments you wish you could take back, prayers you left unsaid, or dreams that felt just out of reach. But here’s the good news: those things don’t define you. As followers of Jesus, we are not the sum of what we’ve done or failed to do. We are defined by God’s mercy, and His mercies are new every morning.
This truth gives us the freedom to move forward—not in chains of regret, but in the hope of renewal. God’s grace meets us right where we are, and His mercy gives us the courage to take the next step. That’s what this new year is all about—grace and freedom to begin again.
For 2025, I believe God is inviting us to ask an important question: What is next? Over the past 18 months, we’ve ridden incredible waves of God’s grace. We’ve stepped boldly into the FORWARD Initiative, embraced a new season of ministry within the LCMC, and witnessed remarkable growth and blessing. Together, we’ve leaned into being a church that is for Jesus, for our neighbors, and for the world.
But now, we stand at a new threshold. What will the next wave of faithfulness look like for Good Shepherd? Where is God calling us to grow, to serve, to reach, and to impact? These are questions we will discern together in 2025, trusting that God’s Spirit will guide us every step of the way.
Key Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
As we begin this journey together, I want to highlight a few important opportunities to engage in discernment and decision-making:
- Worship Forums – January 12th & 19th
These forums after each service today will be an important time for us as a church to share the current direction and status of worship spaces. There will be time to listen to you, while also sharing some new information, including renderings of the proposed Worship Center updates from Aspen Group. - Congregational Vote – February 2nd
This vote, led by the Church Council, will focus on approving the proposed budget and loan for the FORWARD vision. It’s an important moment for us as a church family, and I encourage all voting members to participate. - Special Sermon Series and Events
- January: Anatomy of the Soul – A sermon series on mental health, featuring guest speaker and author Amy Simpson to kick off the conversation.
- February: Mixtape – A sermon series on relationships, with a special Date Night Out for Couples on Friday, February 14th. Jeff and I, along with other staff and spouses, will speak at this fun evening featuring live music from Tres Mustache and a delicious meal.
Looking Ahead
As we step into this new year, let’s do so with a shared sense of hope and expectancy. God’s mercies are new every morning, and His faithfulness is unchanging. Together, let’s discern His next call for us as a church and move forward in freedom, trusting that the God who began a good work in us will carry it to completion.
From my heart,
Pastor Tara Beth
Posted in Shepherds Heart