Over the past several months, your Congregational Council has been actively focused on stewarding a season of meaningful growth and transition at Good Shepherd. Much of our work has centered around the ongoing building project, which continues to make steady and visible progress. While construction has brought some temporary disruption, we are thrilled by how the project is taking shape and remain confident in both the direction and long-term impact of these improvements on our worship and community life.

At the same time, we are grateful for the continued generosity of our congregation. Recent giving and commitment levels have provided strong momentum, allowing us not only to sustain ministry but also to move forward with key initiatives and project decisions with confidence. This generosity has been essential as we navigate both current needs and future opportunities.

Council has also been focused on pastoral staffing and leadership development for the future. Two pastoral search teams have been formed. One focused on an Executive Pastor of Ministry role and another taking time to evaluate and discern future pastoral needs before beginning a search. This approach reflects both a sense of urgency in key areas and a desire to be thoughtful and prayerful in long-term staffing decisions.

In the months ahead, Council will continue to focus on completing the building project, supporting the work of the pastoral search teams, and preparing for the upcoming budget and annual meeting process. We remain committed to clear communication, faithful stewardship, and prayerful leadership as we move forward together.

Yours in Christ,
2025-2026 Good Shepherd Congregational Council

A Return to Hope

Five years ago, on my very first trip to Kenya, the children of Cherish Watoto stole my heart. I’ve returned every year since, and what a joy and privilege it has been to watch these children grow—year after year—right before my eyes.

These are children who come from vulnerable situations, many orphaned or living in extreme poverty. Without Cherish Watoto, their stories may have looked very different. But because this church boldly said yes to God’s invitation over two decades ago, hope was planted. Opportunity was created. Lives were changed.

I am deeply grateful to be part of a church that continues to say, we can, and we must, do better for these children.

This most recent trip, however, carried a different weight. It was emotional. The staff and students have endured a season of real hardship, and being together in person mattered more than ever. There was a shared sense of relief—of being seen and heard.

I took time to meet with each staff member—reaffirming our commitment to the mission God originally set before us. Together, we talked about what it will take to move forward, recognizing that rebuilding will require unity, trust, and shared responsibility. And we were reminded of this truth: The same God who was with us in the valley—through challenge, uncertainty, and stretching—is the same God who will lead us to the mountaintop again.

There is, by God’s grace, encouraging progress.

The new interim leadership team has brought structure, wisdom, and calm to Cherish. The children are once again receiving nutritious, well-balanced meals. And we saw it with our own eyes—a clean facility with happy, healthy children, eager to learn. Several students shared that the school feels transformed this year. When children are cared for well, they are able to focus, grow, and flourish.

One of the most important steps during our visit was going classroom to classroom—verifying each student, gathering updated profiles, and capturing new photos. This will support the launch of a new digital sponsorship system, strengthening both financial accountability and communication with our supporters.  I am especially grateful for Sue Halford and Irene Temple, who invested countless hours to help move this important work forward.

The children and staff were eager to send greetings back to all of you. They send their love, gratitude, and heartfelt thanks for believing in them. For many sponsors, we brought back handwritten letters from students, which are available at the Connect Center.

As we continue moving forward, we are also committed to strengthening accountability. Following a thorough process, the previous Director and Finance Clerk have been terminated, and we are actively working through a forensic review and legal process to establish the full scope of what occurred and determine appropriate next steps—both for full accountability and to recoup losses where possible.

There is still work ahead. Our facilities require repair and attention, and we will continue to prioritize safety and structural improvements as funding allows.

To those who have been walking alongside Cherish Watoto for years—praying, giving, sponsoring, and believing—thank you. Your faithfulness has carried this ministry through both joyful and difficult seasons, and your impact is seen in every child who is learning, growing, and filled with hope today.

And if you feel a stirring to be part of what God is continuing to do at Cherish, we would love to invite you into this work. Whether through prayer, sponsorship, or giving, there is a place for you. If you’d like to learn more, please feel free to reach out to me directly or visit our Cherish page for more details.

This trip reminded me that while seasons may shift, God’s faithfulness does not. And the mission remains clear.

We are not finished. In many ways, we are being invited to begin again—with deeper wisdom, stronger systems, and renewed faith.

Thank you, Good Shepherd, for being a church that continues to show up—with courage, compassion, and generosity.

Because of you, hope is still alive at Cherish Watoto. And the best is yet to come.

Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister

Dear Good Shepherd,

The past week offered up a few warm days to head outside and do a little yard work. As
I spoke with my neighbor who was working on his landscape, he was commenting about
the massive amount of daffodil and tulip bulbs I planted for last year’s spring blooming
season. His awareness that yes, they were coming up again was a joy to him as he
said he really enjoyed the blooms that emerged last year. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if the
flowers would emerge for a second year. I had questions as to the quality of the bulbs I
had planted, were they a “one and done” level of quality? I also know from previous
plantings that the bulbs planted provide a feeding environment during the winter for the
local rodent population.

So yes, the blossoms look promising… the bulbs look like they are going to pop again!
Seeing the beautiful flowers brings joy to me, and now I am aware of the joy it brings to
my neighbors. There is new life!

It is so good to know that although the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus was a “one
and done “significant moment, it’s not a “one and done” that says that’s all there is. The
culmination of our Lenten Journey brings us to the Cross and the Empty Tomb that
speaks not just once or even yearly each Lenten Season, it speaks boldly with joy into
our lives every day.

My encouragement is to spend some time with a reflective and thankful heart this
weekend for what God has done and continues to do. It is so very easy to get caught up
in family gatherings, easter baskets, egg hunts and all that the bunny wants to bring into
our lives. My invitation to you is to stop and give thanks for the gift of salvation that God
has given to you… it is once and for all!

May you have a blessed Easter!

Pastor Greg

Good Shepherd Family,

There is a word I keep returning to this week.

Liminal.

It comes from the Latin limen — threshold. The space between what was and what is not yet. The doorway.

I have been living in doorways this week.

Not the dramatic kind. Not the kind that announce themselves with trumpets or tearing curtains. The doorway of Tuesday afternoon when the sermon is not finished and the pastoral care emails are stacking up and someone needs something you don't have and the calendar has no margin. The doorway of early morning when the house is still and you sit with your coffee and Mark 16 and you realize the women at the tomb were standing in a doorway too, between Friday's grief and Sunday's rupture, and they did not know which way the door was going to swing.

I am exhausted this week. Bone-deep, good-tired-exhausted. The kind that comes from carrying things that matter. The kind that doesn't mean something is wrong.

This is the week before Holy Week, which means it is the week before everything. The week of last preparations, last rehearsals, last conversations about sound systems and bulletins and whether the Easter lilies will arrive Thursday or Friday. The week of ordinary pastoral work continues. The week of trying to be present to the beauty of what is coming while also keeping the whole machinery of it from falling apart.

It is a lot to hold.

And yet.

There is something I keep noticing underneath the good-kind-of-exhaustion. Something that feels less like weariness and more like weight. Good weight. The weight of something that matters. The weight of a story you are about to carry across a threshold into another year of people who need it, who are bringing their grief and their half-faith and their hunger into a sanctuary on a Sunday morning and hoping — maybe not even letting themselves say it aloud — hoping that something will meet them there.

I keep thinking about the women in Mark 16. They bought their spices. They showed up in the dark. They had not yet heard a word about resurrection; they were still in the part of the story where death wins. And still they came. Still they carried what they had. Still they walked toward the sealed stone.

I think about the ones who will walk through your doors on Easter Sunday. The ones who haven't been in a long time. The ones who come every week and never miss. The ones who are holding something they don't have words for yet. The ones who don't believe but came anyway because grief or hope or habit drove them through a doorway they didn't know what to do with.

They are all standing on a threshold this week too. In the liminal space. In the doorway.

So are we.

So here is what I want to say to you, friend, ministry leader, faithful attender, quiet pray-er at the kitchen table:

You don't have to feel ready. The women weren't ready either. They were grieving and exhausted and still working from the old story. They brought what they had. They walked in the dark. They showed up.

That is enough. That is, somehow, exactly enough.

The stone will already be rolled away.

But we are not there yet.

We are here. In the doorway. In the liminal.

And there is something holy about staying here a moment longer, not rushing past the weight of it, not performing the joy before we've lived through the arrival of it, but just sitting with the fact that something is coming that none of our preparations can fully contain.

The week before is its own kind of sacred.

Receive it.

-Pastor Tara Beth Leach

There are moments in life when the noise just feels loud.

Not just audible noise—but the constant hum of schedules, notifications, responsibilities, and the weight of what’s happening in the world around us. Even in our spiritual lives, we can feel the pressure to “say the right words,” “pray the right way,” or “keep up” with everything.

And yet, throughout Scripture, we see a different rhythm emerge.

“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

Stillness is not absence—it’s presence. It’s space. It’s listening.

On Wednesday, March 25 at 6:00pm, we will be hosting a Taizé Worship Service in our Sanctuary, and I want to personally invite you into this sacred space.

If you’ve never experienced Taizé worship before, it is beautifully simple and deeply moving. Originating from the ecumenical Christian community in Taizé, France, this style of worship is centered on:

• Simple, repetitive songs and chants that allow truth to sink deeply into our hearts

• Extended moments of silence for personal reflection and prayer

• Scripture readings that are not rushed, but received

• Candlelight and quiet atmosphere that draw us into a posture of peace

• A slower pace that invites us to rest in God’s presence rather than strive

(To learn more about Taizé services, listen to Craig Parsons and Ross Cochrans excellent “Encounter Faith” podcast)

Taizé offers space, deep peace, and participation of the heart.

In many ways, it’s a different expression of the same truth we live out every week—that God meets us right where we are. But this gathering gives us the opportunity to encounter Him in the quiet…to listen…to breathe…to be.

For some, this may feel unfamiliar. For others, it may feel like exactly what your soul has been longing for.

In a world that constantly demands our attention, what would it look like to give God our full attention—even for just one hour?

My prayer is that this Taizé service becomes a holy pause in your week—a moment to lay down burdens, to be renewed by God’s presence, and to simply sit with Him.

Whether you come carrying joy, stress, grief, or exhaustion, there is space for you here.

Let’s step into the quiet, and let’s embark on the journey of Holy Week together.

Grace & Peace,

Ryan Hammer
Creative Arts Executive Minister

This past weekend, something powerful happened.

Because hundreds of volunteers stepped forward, 412,344 meals were packed—enough to provide daily nourishment for 1,129 children for an entire year. Pause for a moment and take that in.

Because people showed up.
Because hands were willing.
Because hearts were open.

Together with churches, businesses, and community partners from across our region, Feed the Need 2026 became a powerful expression of what happens when people unite around a shared purpose: ensuring children around the world receive the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

Good Shepherd was strongly represented throughout the entire event. More than 275 of our volunteers packed and labeled meals across six shifts, while 62 additional congregants served as greeters, ambassadors, registration assistants, and specialized volunteers.

At one point during the weekend, a volunteer walked in and said, “I feel like I just walked into Good Shepherd—just in a different location.” And in many ways, that was exactly true.
And the impact extended beyond the packing lines.

Our volunteers also collected 813 pounds of food and supplies for Loaves & Fishes, helping provide care and dignity for neighbors right here in our own community.

This is what happens when God’s people come together.

Meals are packed.
Children are nourished.
Communities are strengthened.
Hope is restored.

Feed the Need is never just about a single weekend. It is a reminder of who we are and what God can do when we step forward together.

And if serving this weekend stirred something in your heart, we invite you to keep that momentum going. Throughout the year, Good Shepherd offers many opportunities to love our neighbors through hands-on service.

Monthly Serving Opportunities
• DuPage Care Center – Third Sunday
• Hesed House – Jan / Mar / May / Jul / Sep / Nov
• Loaves & Fishes – Feb / Apr / Jun / Aug / Oct / Dec
• Prison Ministry – First & Third Saturdays
• Quilting (Thursdays) and Knitting (Tuesdays)

Upcoming Serve Event
Rebuilding Together Aurora Community Block Build – May 8 & 9

Volunteers, skilled trades professionals, and community partners will gather for a two-day transformation on Aurora’s West Side—repairing homes, revitalizing neighborhoods, and rebuilding lives. More than a service project, this effort reflects what is possible when a community shows up for one another.

Mark your calendars and consider joining us. While each of these ministries may look different from Feed the Need, the heartbeat is the same: serving our neighbors with compassion, dignity, and love.

Thank you, Good Shepherd, for once again stepping forward with open hands and willing hearts.

For Jesus. For Our Neighbors. For Our World.

Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister

"Now you are the body of Christ, and each one is a part of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:27

It is such a great privilege serving our Lord and Savior. How blessed we are to get to bring the glory of Jesus Christ forward through servanthood. Over my nearly 30 years at Good Shepherd, I have served in a variety of roles and ministries. Some were an easy fit; others were amusing (ask me about taking my turn bleaching the baby toys); all required dependency on God. One that definitely requires constant communication with the Holy Spirit is serving on the Church Council. Interestingly, I served in this way more than two decades ago. While our pastoral leadership, staff, building, many congregants, and even greater community have changed, the role has not and the need to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance continues to be paramount. A very unique element of this service is that each member is selected by the congregation to fulfill a three-year term. For those who may not be aware, every year, three of the nine members leave upon expiration of their terms, and three new members join who had been voted on by the congregation at the Annual meeting (May 3 in 2026.) The yearly rotation keeps continuity among the remaining six while introducing additional insight and gifts from the newest members. The yearly change ensures additional accountability.

The congregation plays an active role in determining who God is calling and we are asking for your participation now. We are inviting you to nominate individuals (or yourself) that you
believe could serve in this way. Those names are forwarded to the Church Council Discernment Team (composed of former church council members) to prayerfully discern the people who will be placed on the ballot in May. As you reverently consider potential candidates, it might be helpful to know more about the role and a few of the responsibilities.

Working in partnership with the Senior Pastor and staff, the Council is primarily charged with seeing that the provisions of the church’s constitution and its bylaws are carried out. It has general oversight of the activities and long-term planning of the congregation, including its worship life, ensuring that practices are completed in accordance with the Word of God, and the faith and practice of Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ. The Council oversees staffing of the church, and is responsible for the financial and property matters of the congregation. We each engage in our personal process for hearing the Holy Spirit’s direction and, together, the group engages in corporate prayer. It is our utmost desire to hear and carry out the Will of God.

While I always “report to” my Lord and Savior, I feel a heightened sense of responsibility to the congregation. We are partners in ministry at Good Shepherd and I thank you for playing your role in the Church Council discernment process. Our shared commitment to serving Him binds us and centers our actions. I am beyond grateful for each and every one of you and humbled to serve with you, the incredible body of Christ that is Good Shepherd Church.

Nancy Wiersum
Council Vice President

Because of Feed the Need, thousands of children around the world will receive a nutritious
meal every single day for an entire year. For more than a decade, this ministry has been one of the clearest expressions of who we are as a church — not people who merely speak aboutcompassion, but people who step forward to live it.

On March 7–8, we will once again gather with churches, businesses, and community partners from across our region to pack hundreds of thousands of life-saving meals through Feed theNeed. What began years ago as a bold step of faith has grown into a powerful movement offaithfulness — and once again, we are called to show up.

At Good Shepherd, we are not just participants in Feed the Need — we are leaders. We are
grateful to have Matt Hebel serving as the Feed the Need Chair, alongside his leadership team: Sandy Keefe, Sherilyn Hebel, Brian Petzold, and Andrew Dewar. Our congregation also provides a significant portion of the volunteers and funding that make this event possible.

And the impact is real. The meals packed during Feed the Need help sustain children and
families throughout the year — providing nourishment, stability, and hope. These are not just meals packed; they are futures sustained, dignity restored, and hope delivered.
Feed the Need is more than a two-day event. It is a declaration that hunger does not have the final word. When God’s people come together—offering our time, strength, generosity, and prayers—lives are changed. This is what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Christ in a hurting world.

Currently, our greatest need is for morning shifts. If you have flexibility in your schedule,
consider beginning your day by making an eternal difference for a child. And packing meals is only part of the story, other opportunities to serve exist. You can sign up online using the links below or in-person near the Sanctuary.

• Packing Meals
• Greeters, Registration Assistant, Ambassadors
• Donate food to care for staff and all-day volunteers
  

Every role matters. Every gift counts. Every “yes” makes an impact. So once again, we ask the faithful question: What might God do through us if we step forward together?

Let’s show up with open hands and willing hearts —
For Jesus. For Our Neighbors. For Our World.

Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister

Dear Good Shepherd family,

Over the past several months, the Congregational Council has been prayerfully discerning how best to steward the ministry, leadership, and people God has entrusted to us in this season. After careful discussion and a formal Council vote, we want to share an important update with you regarding pastoral staffing plans.

The Council has approved moving forward with two pastoral search committees, each with a distinct focus and purpose. This is a decided direction, and we are now beginning the work of carrying it out. The first search committee will focus on calling an Executive Pastor of Ministry. This role is intended to provide staff leadership, coordination, and ministry oversight across the life of the church. As our ministries continue to grow and become more complex, this position will help ensure that our shared vision is carried out thoughtfully and sustainably. This role is designed to strengthen our overall leadership structure, support the ministry of our Senior Pastor and staff, and provide clear organizational leadership for the years ahead. Because of the importance of this role to our overall health and direction, this search will move forward promptly.

The second search committee has been formed to focus on an additional staff pastor role to strengthen pastoral leadership and ministry development within our congregation. Further details regarding the scope and emphasis of this role will be clarified as the committee begins its work in partnership with church leadership and brings forward recommendations for Council review.

Both of these positions are staff pastor roles, not associate pastors called by congregational vote. For that reason, these searches will not involve a congregational vote. At the same time, we deeply value congregational involvement and input. The use of search committees allows members of the congregation to participate meaningfully in the discernment process while maintaining clarity around our governance structure. Search committee members will be announced once each committee has been fully formed and oriented to its role, expectations, and charge.

We know that leadership transitions and staffing decisions can raise questions, especially given the journey our congregation has walked in recent years. Please know that this decision has been made with care, prayer, and a desire to build long-term health and sustainable ministry for the future of Good Shepherd.

We invite you to join us in praying for wisdom and discernment for the Council, the search committees, our staff, and for the pastors God is already preparing to serve among us. We are excited about what God will do through these searches and confident that He will use this season to strengthen our leadership, clarify our vision, and position Good Shepherd for faithful ministry in the years ahead.

Thank you for your trust, your prayers, and your continued love for this congregation and its mission.

In Christ,
Tyler Wojtkiewicz
Council President

Christmas feels like it was yesterday, and yet, Ash Wednesday is only five days away. The trees and lights were just packed away (some are still up in my house!) and already we are being invited into a different season- quieter, deeper, more honest. Somehow...someway... we are already stepping into Lent.

If you're anything like me, Ash Wednesday might be unfamiliar or even a little uncomfortable. I have to confess, I don't think I attended an Ash Wednesday service until I started working at Good Shepherd. Even though I grew up here and was confirmed here, Ash Wednesday was a mystery to me for a long time. But over the last few years I have grown to have a great appreciation for the liturgical seasons and the invitation we receive during Lent to confront the world's great darkness while holding fast to the light of the Christ.

Ash Wednesday brings us face to face with uncomfortable truth. The truth that we are finite. The truth that we are fragile. The truth that we cannot save ourselves. We live in a world that constantly tells us to work harder, do better, curate the best image, and hold everything together. But striving for perfection only adds to the burden of sin. Ash Wednesday gently, and honestly, reminds us that we are not as good as we think we are. We are, in fact, only dust. And yet, we are dust deeply loved by God.

Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday, is not a season of spiritual gloom. It is a season of intentional return. There is vulnerability in walking forward to receive ashes. It is humbling to hear the words, "you are dust, and to dust you shall return." This is not a bright and shiny worship service in the liturgical calendar, but it is an intentional moment for our walk with Christ. These words are not meant to shame us. They are meant to ground us in the reality that we are sinners, that we have turned away from God, and still he claims us as his own. Lent is forty days of confronting this reality and reorienting our hearts toward the cross and the empty tomb. If Christmas announces that God is with us, Lent invites us to ask: Will we choose to walk with Him?

In this season, we walk with Him through self-examination. Through repentance. Through reflecting on the Way of Jesus. Through prayer. Through fasting, not as punishment, but as practice. We create space in our lives so that we become more aware of our dependence on Christ. We let go of small comforts so that we cling more tightly to eternal hope.

This is why Ash Wednesday matters. It is a liturgical invitation to return to our Savior.

This coming Wednesday, we will corporately confront the reality of sin. We will gather. We will confess. We will receive ashes. We will consider our mortality. We will remember the One who formed us from dust, entered our dust, carried our sin, and has overcome death. The cross traced on our foreheads is not only a reminder of frailty. It is a sign of our redemption.

If you have never attended an Ash Wednesday service before, you are not alone. We have so many in our church with distinct faith backgrounds- some who have cherished Ash Wednesday their whole lives and others who haven't had the chance yet. Whatever your story, I want to invite you to join us in this special worship service next week. There is something powerful about beginning Lent together. There is something steadying about standing side by side, acknowledging our humanity and need for grace. There is something reassuring in the proclamation that death is real but we belong to Christ.

On February 18, we will gather to begin this holy season. Whether you have observed Lent for decades or have never stepped into an Ash Wednesday service before, I invite you to join us. Whether you find yourself curious, weary, or hopeful... come. Christ will meet you in whatever you are carrying. Our services for Ash Wednesday are at 12:30pm and 6pm.

Ash Wednesday reminds us that life is short, but God's mercy is not. It reminds us that we are dust, but dust marked by the cross. As we begin the slow journey toward Easter, we do so trusting that the One who calls us to repentance is the same One who calls us beloved.

Join us on Wednesday and let's begin the journey to the cross together.
Pastor Elisabeth

You are invited to take a prayer walk during this Lenten season. A prayer walk is a time when you—on your own, with a friend, or as a family—walk with intention, seeking to abide in God’s presence through prayer and reflection. As you move through your neighborhood, this walk offers a simple yet meaningful way to quiet your heart, become attentive to God’s nearness, and spend time with the God who loves you deeply.

As you walk, you may find yourself drawn more fully into the reality of Jesus’ journey to the cross—remembering his life and ministry, and reflecting on the steps he took in faithful obedience toward his greatest sacrifice. As you walk through your neighborhood, notice the people, homes, streets, and signs of daily life around you. Jesus walked real roads, among real people, carrying the weight of the world’s brokenness and hope. As we follow him during this season, we remember that his journey to the cross was—and still is—for the sake of the world God loves. Let this time create space to lean into the grace and love of God poured out abundantly for you and for the world.

Throughout this guide, you will be invited to pause, reflect, read Scripture, and pray. These prompts are meant to guide you, not rush you. Feel free to make this walk your own: stop along the way, linger in prayer, add your own words, recall other Scriptures that come to mind, or step away from the guide as needed to notice your surroundings and marvel at God’s creation. Ask Jesus to draw you closer to his heart, to help you see your neighbors through his eyes, and to shape you more fully as his disciple. Move slowly and prayerfully. May this walk deepen your awareness of Christ’s presence with you, lead you into repentance and trust, and prepare you to receive the joy of Easter.

Blessings,
Pastor Pamela Palmer

As you stand at your doorstep, ready to begin this prayer walk, pause and take a slow, deep breath. Let your breathing become a reminder that Jesus walks with you—close at hand, even on the ordinary streets of your neighborhood. With each inhale, welcome his Spirit into your heart; with each exhale, release your cares to him. Let the breath prayers draw you into the presence of Christ who gave everything out of love for you.

Breath Prayers
Breathe in: “Jesus, you are near,”
Breathe out: “walk with me today.”
Breathe in: “Lord, I receive your peace,”
Breathe out: “and I let go of my fear.”

Family activity
As you breathe in, put your hand on your chest and imagine Jesus’ love filling you up like a warm hug. As you breathe out, hold your hand in front of your mouth and imagine letting go of any worries, fears, or anything that makes you sad—giving them to Jesus. Take a few more breaths like this, feeling Jesus with you as you walk step by step toward him.

As you take the first steps of your walk, pause to read this passage of Scripture. Take a moment to give thanks for the Lord—His goodness, faithfulness, and unfailing love. From the cross, Jesus poured out grace and mercy for all of us. We are the recipients of that love, and it is unconditional and everlasting. Let this Scripture and prayer help you focus your heart and mind on God as you walk, praising Him for who He is and what He has done.

Scripture: Psalm 138:1-3
"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; before the gods I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and praise your name for your unfailing love and your faithfulness, for you have so exalted your solemn decree that it surpasses your fame. When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."

Prayer
Lord, I praise you with all my heart. Thank you for your unfailing love and faithfulness, which never change even when I do. Thank you for answering when I call, for walking with me, and for strengthening me in every moment. May your love shape my heart and guide my steps as I follow Jesus’ path this Lenten season. Help me to trust your faithfulness, celebrate your goodness, and share your love with others as I follow you. Amen.

Family Activity
Take turns sharing one thing you appreciate about God’s love or faithfulness in your life. As you walk, look around for signs of God’s goodness in your neighborhood—people, trees, birds, or even a kind gesture—and thank God for them together.

As you walk around, take a moment to notice the world around you. Look at the sky, the trees, the birds, and the signs of new life pushing through the earth. All of creation—from the tiniest leaf to the vast heavens—points to God’s power and creativity. Even as we see the effects of sin and brokenness in the world, creation itself reminds us of our Creator and longs for the restoration that comes through Christ.

Scripture: Genesis 1:1-2
"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

Prayer
Lord, you created the heavens and the earth, bringing order, beauty, and life from what was formless and empty. Your Spirit hovers over all creation, sustaining it and giving it purpose. I praise you for the wonder of the world around me—the sky, the trees, the animals, and the changing seasons. Thank you for making me a part of this creation. As I walk, help me see how all of creation points to you and leads me to Christ, who restores and redeems all things. Amen.

Family Activity
Reach out and touch a patch of grass, feel the rough bark of a tree, pick up a stone, or notice a leaf. Talk about what you feel, what colors you see, and how each part of creation shows God’s handiwork. Share with each other your favorite thing about the outdoors.

As you walk, notice the houses around you and the people who live in them. These are your neighbors—people God calls you to love. “Neighbor” may sound like a simple word, but Jesus challenges us to see our neighbors in a deeper way. Love for our neighbors isn’t limited to those we know well or those who are easy to love. Jesus went to the cross for all people—friends and strangers alike—and calls us to show that same love in our neighborhoods.

Scripture: Mark 12:31
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Prayer
Lord, help me to love my neighbors as you love me. Teach me to forgive those who have hurt me, to care for those who are different from me, and to see the needs of others with your eyes. Give me courage and compassion to show mercy, kindness, and grace in my words and actions. I pray for the people who live near me—may you bless them, provide for them, comfort them, and draw them closer to you. Use me as a vessel of your love, so that my neighbors see Jesus through my life. Amen.

Family Activity
As a family, talk about simple ways you can show love and kindness to a neighbor this week. Choose one or two ideas and put them into action.

Think about the children, youth, and families in your neighborhood—whether at playgrounds, basketball courts, schools, or simply playing in their yards. These young lives are precious, and God calls us to guide, encourage, and share faith with them. Just as Jesus welcomed children and valued their place in God’s kingdom, we are invited to nurture the next generation in their journey toward Him.

Scripture: Judges 2:10
"After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel."
This reminds us of the importance of passing on the faith and God’s goodness to those who come after us.

Prayer
Lord, I recognize the value of the younger generations and the role you’ve given me in guiding them. Help me to listen, invest, and share your love and truth with children and youth. Give me eyes to see their needs, hearts to encourage them, and courage to point them toward the Good News of Jesus. May I honor you by walking alongside them in faith, helping them experience your grace and goodness. Amen.

Family Activity
As a family, plan a small project to care for your neighborhood together—like picking up trash at a playground, donating books to the neighborhood library, buying nonperishable items for the local pantry, or tidying a nearby park. Talk about how this simple act of service helps make your neighborhood a safe and welcoming place for children and families. Try to do this before Easter.

You are about halfway through your Lenten walk. As you notice the homes around you, you may see fences, gates, or other ways people seek safety and security. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for the protection of his disciples. Just as he lifted up others in prayer, we too can pray about our own fears, the safety of our loved ones, and lift up our neighborhoods before God.

Scripture: Psalm 91:4
"He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Prayer
Lord, you are my refuge and my safe place. When life feels uncertain, when fear or trouble arises, I know I can rest in your care. I ask that you watch over my family, my home, my neighbors, and my neighborhood. Protect the children, the elderly, and all who live here. Help us to trust your faithful love, knowing that under your wings we are safe and cared for. Thank you that you are always near, ready to comfort, protect, and strengthen us. Amen.

Family Activity
Practice saying Psalm 91:4 together, using your arms as “wings” to remind yourselves of God’s protection. Encourage each other to recite this verse whenever you feel afraid or need comfort.

Along the walk, you’ve made choices, think about the decisions you’ve made—when to turn, when to go straight, watching for cars, or deciding to smile and greet someone. Every day, God gives you opportunities to make decisions, both big and small. Jesus, too, made a deliberate choice on his way to the cross. He surrendered fully to the Father’s plan, taking on the weight of humanity’s sin and choosing obedience, even when the path was difficult. As you walk, reflect on the choices you make: are they guided by the Holy Spirit or by your own plans and preferences?

Scripture: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Prayer
Lord, help me to trust you completely, even when the right path feels uncertain or hard. Teach me to seek your guidance in every decision I make, big or small. Remind me that your plans are good and that you will lead me safely when I submit to your ways. May my choices reflect your love, mercy, and wisdom. Help me to walk in step with your Spirit each day. Amen.

Family Activity
Take turns walking in a straight line, one foot in front of the other, like you’re on a pretend tightrope. Try it slowly and carefully, then try with your eyes closed. Talk about how easy or hard it was to stay on the line, and how trusting God can help us follow the right path even when it’s hard to see clearly.

As you near the end of your Lenten walk and recognize more of the houses around you, think about the neighbors, friends, and family who are part of your daily life. These are the people who help you, encourage you, and walk alongside you. They’re the ones you can call when you need a cup of flour, help shoveling, or to get your mail when you’re out of town. Just as Jesus had close friends who followed him, learned from him, and supported him—even at the cross—we too are called to journey together in faith. Who can you walk alongside this Lenten season to encourage, support, and grow in Christ together?

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."

Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of friends, neighbors, and church family. Help me to be a friend who encourages, supports, and uplifts others as we journey together toward you. Guide me to the right friendships, and give me courage to nurture and strengthen them. May I reflect your love in my relationships and walk faithfully alongside those you place in my life. Amen.

Family Activity
Think of one person you can encourage this week. Create a small note, card, or compliment to share with them and deliver it before Easter. Talk now about how supporting a friend helps everyone grow closer to God.

As you stand back at your front door, pause to reflect on God’s provision in your life. It’s easy to get caught up in wanting more or thinking that our possessions define our success. But Jesus reminds us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Lent is a time to consider what treasures you are holding onto and whether your heart is fully devoted to Him. What might God be nudging you to let go of? Jesus gave his life so we could experience abundant life—not by accumulating things, but by living fully for Him.

Scripture: Luke 12:34
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Prayer
Lord, thank you for all the gifts and blessings you have given me. Help me not to let possessions, achievements, or distractions take my heart away from you. Teach me to treasure you above all else, to live generously, and to focus on what truly matters—following Jesus and serving others. During this Lenten season, guide me to reorient my life so that my heart, my treasure, and my priorities are fully with you. Amen.

Family Activity
Each person chooses one or more items—clothes, toys, or books—to give away to someone in need or to a local donation center. Talk about how sharing what you have points your heart toward God and helps others experience His love and provision, too.

One Ash Wednesday, I stood at the front of our sanctuary with ashes on my thumb and the ancient words on my lips: Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. One by one, they came forward. Faces I love. Foreheads tilted toward me in trust. And somewhere between the third and fourth person in line, my mind wandered.

Did Jeff remember to pick up Caleb from football lifting? What time does it get over? I need to check on that. And the sermon for Sunday still needs….

It was fleeting. But it was weighty. Because in that fraction of a second, I was somewhere else entirely. I was doing what I always do, what our culture has relentlessly trained me to do: managing, planning, staying ahead of the next thing. And I was doing it with ashes between my fingers.

Then someone stepped forward who stopped everything.

She had been on a cancer journey—months of treatment, months of our congregation holding her in prayer, months of hoping and aching and believing together. And now she was standing in front of me, forehead tilted, waiting for the words.

Remember that you are dust.

Suddenly the liturgy wasn’t ritual language anymore. It was almost too real to speak. The ashes on my thumb carried a different gravity. Dust wasn’t an abstraction. It was standing right in front of me, wearing the face of someone I’d been praying for.

And in the collision of those two moments—my distracted mental to-do list and her embodied mortality—something cracked open that I’m still sitting with as we enter this Lenten season again.
 
Here is what I think that crack revealed: I am more formed by the pace and noise of ordinary life than I am by the sacred rhythms I claim to inhabit. And if that’s true for me, the pastor presiding over the ashes, I have to wonder if it’s true for many of us.

Something is not right when Lent becomes another line item on our already-overstuffed calendars. Something is not right when we approach a season designed to undo us with the same productivity mindset we bring to everything else. We make our Lenten plans—what we’ll give up, what we’ll take on, which devotional we’ll follow—and without realizing it, we’ve turned a season of holy disruption into a spiritual self-improvement project.
We live in a culture that has liturgies of its own. Every notification on our phones is a call to worship. Every algorithm is a formation tool. Every scroll through social media is shaping our desires, our attention, our sense of what matters. James K.A. Smith puts it with uncomfortable precision in You Are What You Love: “We are liturgical animals—Loss of ritual does not mean the disappearance of worship, only the loss of the church’s ability to effectively form us. In short, if you are not being intentionally formed by the counter-liturgies of Christian worship, you are inevitably being formed by other liturgies—many of which you don’t even recognize.”

Read that again slowly. We are always being formed by something. The question isn’t whether formation is happening. It’s whether we’re aware of what’s doing the forming.
My wandering mind at the Ash Wednesday service wasn’t a moral failure. It was a diagnostic. It revealed what had been quietly, persistently shaping me—the relentless liturgy of productivity, of managing, of never quite being present to the moment I’m actually in. And I don’t think I’m alone in that.

This is why Lent matters, not as a spiritual discipline challenge or a forty-day willpower test, but as a counter-formation. The season itself is designed to interrupt the rhythms that have been shaping us without our consent. Fasting disrupts our assumption that we deserve comfort on demand. Prayer disrupts our addiction to control. Confession disrupts the carefully curated selves we present to the world.

The great Orthodox theologian Alexander Schmemann understood this deeply. In Great Lent, he wrote that the Lenten journey is fundamentally a recovery of what it means to be fully human. It is not, he argued, a season of punishment or deprivation. It is a return; a slow, aching, beautiful return to the life God always intended for us. For Schmemann, our problem is not that we are too human but that we have forgotten how to be truly human. We have been so formed by the distortions of our culture, its frantic pace, its shallow substitutes for joy, its isolation masquerading as independence, that we’ve lost touch with the deeper currents of what it means to be creatures made in the image of God.
Lent, then, is not about becoming less. It’s about becoming real.

And here’s the part my inner achiever doesn’t love: this kind of formation cannot be optimized. You cannot white-knuckle your way into it. Dallas Willard used the phrase “indirect effort” to describe how spiritual transformation actually works; we don’t engineer our own change; we put ourselves in the path of grace and let God do what only God can do. Lent is forty days of putting ourselves in that path. Not performing. Not producing. Just… yielding.

That word—yielding—feels almost countercultural enough to be prophetic.

I want to be honest about how hard this is. I am wired to fix, to plan, to move. My anxious brain is already scanning for what could go wrong and building contingency plans. Yielding is not my native language. And I know many of you carry the same wiring; the sense that if you’re not doing something productive, you’re wasting time. That if you’re not improving, you’re falling behind.

But what if Lent is the season that whispers back: You don’t have to earn this.
What if the invitation isn’t to add another spiritual practice to your calendar but to create space—actual, breathing space—for God to do what only God can do in the quiet? What if the fasting and the prayer and the confession aren’t the point, but the conditions? The soil, not the seed?

And what if we did this together? Not as isolated spiritual athletes measuring our personal discipline, but as a community that holds each other in the slow, unglamorous work of being re-formed? The early church understood Lent as a communal journey. Catechumens preparing for baptism were surrounded by a congregation that fasted and prayed alongside them—not because they had to, but because formation was never meant to be a solo project. We belong to each other in this.
 
I keep coming back to that Ash Wednesday moment. My distracted mind. Her waiting face. The ashes that suddenly meant something I couldn’t manage or rush past.
I think that’s what Lent is, if we let it be. Not a program. Not a plan. But a face. A moment. An interruption we didn’t schedule that breaks through all our carefully constructed busyness and says: Be here. Be human. Be dust held in the hands of a God who makes all things new.

The ashes tell us two things at once, and both are true. You are dust. You are beloved. Lent is the season that holds those truths together without rushing to resolve the tension—because the tension is where formation happens. It’s in the space between our smallness and God’s immensity, between our mortality and God’s faithfulness, between Good Friday and Easter morning.

So this Lent, I’m not making a plan. I’m making room. I’m letting the counter-liturgy of this ancient season do its slow, subversive work on the parts of me that are still being formed by everything else. I’m showing up—to the prayers, to the silence, to the community—and I’m yielding.

Not because I’m good at it. But because I believe that the God who spoke over dust and called it very good is still speaking. Still forming. Still making us truly human together.
And Lent—if we stop trying to optimize it—might just be the season where we finally hear it. I’ll see you on Ash Wednesday, February 18th where we will together begin our journey to the cross.

From my heart,
Pastor Tara Beth Leach

P.S.
For information on Lent 2026, please see here. 

Please note that service times and details are subject to change due to our construction. We thank you in advance for your grace!

This past Tuesday, our women’s Bible study began again for the spring. As I watched more than one hundred women return to gather around God’s Word, I was deeply moved. What struck me most was not simply the number of women present, but what God was clearly doing—inviting His daughters back. Back to His Word. Back to belonging.

It made me pause and consider a question for all of us: What might God be calling you back to in this season of your life? Again and again in Scripture, we see a gracious invitation from the Lord—not to strive harder, but simply to return. No doubt, He is inviting you to return to Him.

“Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate.” (Joel 2:13)

The prophet Joel spoke these words to a people who were overwhelmed and desperate. They had wandered from the Lord and were living with the painful consequences of that distance. Yet even in their fear and desolation, God’s heart toward them was compassion. His call was not one of condemnation, but of hope.

That same hope and invitation are extended to us today.

You may be weary—from the weight of life, from physical pain or health concerns, from broken relationships, grief, loss, or a sense of disconnection. God sees you. He knows your burdens. In His kindness and mercy, He is calling you back to Himself. And in Him, we experience peace that surpasses understanding, wisdom over foolishness, and light over darkness.

One way we respond to that invitation is by walking together in faith. Our weekly women’s
Bible study is just one expression of this, but it is far from the only way. Here at Good Shepherd, we value connection and belonging. There are life groups meeting in homes, opportunities to gather during Community Nights, places to serve together, and ongoing Bible studies for both men and women. We also offer care and support groups designed to walk with those facing particular challenges.

Be confident, God is calling you back—to Himself and to be part of the body of Christ.

Consider: What might be one next step you can take to respond? How might you return, once again, to the Lord and to the place of belonging He has for you?

I would love to walk that journey with you. Church, I am praying for you and praying for God to continue to move among us; leading, guiding, and empowering us to shine His light and truth to one another, to our neighbors, and to the world.

Blessings,
Pastor Pamela

On Wednesday the 28th, we’re hosting our next Good Shepherd Summit, and I would love for you to be there.

At 5:30 PM, we’ll open things up and invite you to take a look inside the renovations of our chapel—there’s been a lot of exciting progress. At 6:00 PM, we’ll gather in the Sanctuary for a word from Pastor Tara Beth, and ministry breakouts will begin at 6:30 PM.

I want to take a moment to highlight three reasons these gatherings matter—and why I’m grateful for your participation in this moment in the life of our church.

It may sound obvious, but I value gathering together because I believe that when Jesus promised “life to the full” in John 10:10, part of that promise includes spending time together in person. Every Sunday, we celebrate together, and that matters deeply. But if you’re anything like me, Sundays can be full and fast-paced, making it difficult to slow down and connect, especially with someone new.

Some of the most meaningful moments my family has experienced at Good Shepherd came through getting connected to a Life Group. What began as a simple Sunday afternoon gathering with other young families has grown into friendships that are now central to our lives. Every time I’m with that group, I’m reminded of the blessing that comes through genuine connection.

I know not everyone reading this has found “their people” at Good Shepherd yet. If that’s you, the Summit is a great place to start. I also recognize that many of you are deeply connected, but may feel siloed within a specific ministry area. The Summit creates space to reconnect across the church and to remember why we committed to serving in the first place.

Shortly after I started on staff, I began sharing an office with Ryan Hammer. Don’t tell him I said this—but he’s one of the most creative leaders I’ve ever worked alongside. He represents something I see again and again in the leaders of our church: thoughtful creativity paired with deep care for people.

In a world where leadership can often lack compassion, I believe compassion is one of Good Shepherd’s greatest strengths. Anyone can belong here, and that’s made possible through the posture and heart of our leaders.

There’s a lot of suffering in the world, and like me, you may wonder what you can do about it. One of the most impactful responses is to serve locally, and on the 28th, we’ll offer several clear pathways to help you do just that, whether you’re not currently serving or are simply looking for a new way to engage. On the 28th, breakouts will be led by the below teams.

• GS Kids
• Good Shepherd Students
• Disability Ministry
• First Impressions & Cafe
• Adult & Care Ministry
• Worship Team
• Missions

Chances are, one or more of these teams already connects with you. I encourage you to attend the breakout that makes the most sense for where you’re serving, or where you’d like to explore next. We’ll ensure no one misses important information from teams they’re actively part of, and we’ll offer clear next steps for those looking to get involved.

I wanted to offer a few specific invitations if you're looking for a new place (or your first place) to serve.

Start with Our Mission Partners
If you’re not sure where to begin, this breakout will highlight the ways Good Shepherd regularly serves our community through trusted mission partners. You’ll leave with a clearer picture of how to make a local impact. If you have any questions in advance, reach out to Jeannine Allen.

Partner with the Next Generation – Buddy Break
If you’re drawn to serving children and families, consider Buddy Break, the monthly respite care event for families impacted by disability. This is some of the most meaningful work we do. No expertise is required, and the training is manageable. You may be exactly the person a family needs. To learn more, sign up HERE or reach out to Ian Zamora.

Love Your Neighbor – Meals Team
If you enjoy making a meal (or coordinating one) for someone going through a hard season, the Meals Team is a beautiful way to serve. This simple act can make a profound difference for families welcoming a new baby, recovering from surgery, or navigating loss. For more information, reach out to Pastor Pamela.

Serve While You Worship – Communion Team
If your schedule feels full, there are ways to serve during Sunday worship. Serving Communion allows you to help others experience the sacrament of communion without adding another commitment to your calendar. To sign up, contact Chris McKenzie.

Lead with Hospitality – Cornerstone Café
We’ve seen great momentum in the Cornerstone Café, and we’re ready to grow. No experience required—Carol will train you. Our hope is that everyone who walks through the doors at 1310 Shepherd Drive experiences warmth, compassion, and belonging. If that resonates with you, reach out to Carol Green.

I believe 2026 will be a profound year of impact for our church. I'm grateful for your partnership, and your participation in how God is using Good Shepherd. It's a joy and a privilege to walk alongside you! 

Around this time of year, I often find myself inundated with work.

Preparations for our winter retreat for middle and high school dominate the workday: between trying to get logistics sorted out with camps and bus charters and hunting down paperwork for 95 students, deadlines loom large, and stress can rise quickly. Beyond that, we’re moving ever closer towards February’s Dodgin’ 4 Dough tournament, trying to involve the congregation and broader community in a fundraising effort for our high school Workcamp. All the while, outside of work, a new term of seminary classes is kicking off; and as interesting as it is, there’s plenty of new reading and writing that gets added onto the docket.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who experiences the days where it feels like your work brain is clocked in from sun-up to sundown. Sometimes it’s a necessity! But there are other moments where we find ourselves in such a robotic flow-state that we end up forgetting the purpose behind the things we’re doing. Whether our “work” is a day job, school, parenting, or anything in between, we can get lost in the exhaustion, frustration, and mundanity of the tasks at hand. 

Feeling convicted of this myself, I’ve needed to make a conscious effort this week to keep God in the center of the frame - and I’ve done so by asking myself a series of reflective questions.

“Why does all of this paperwork matter? What’s the endgame?”

While it may feel like mindless work, I’ve had to reframe it as necessary. The office hours merely clear the way for our students to experience Christ at camp, and for their parents to rest easier knowing that their kids are being well taken care of while they’re away. God is honored in the intentionality behind every decision and every plan.

“Why am I spending so much time outside of work reading theology books and writing papers?”

While academia is not my greatest passion, I’ve had to do some reframing here, too. To learn is to steward the gifts God has given me, so that I can teach with wisdom and clarity. And to spend time in the depths of God’s word, even if it’s just for an assignment, is to grow an even deeper reverence for the God who created and called me. 

God is present in the work we do. That’s the conclusion I always seem to arrive at after I zoom out and reflect on my own. Time and time again, I’m reminded that He’s not only there at the finish line, but in the in-between. Even when the outcome is unclear, God is still working great things through those whom He has called. 

So, if work has you feeling like your rope’s wearing thin, my challenge to you this week is to walk through a similar type of reflection. Remember God’s goodness, remember His Spirit that sustains us, and remember the purpose He has given us to love the Lord and to love our neighbors. And please pray over our students and leaders heading up to Lake Geneva this weekend, that these same ideas would dwell richly in their hearts. 

I can’t wait to share with you all the stories of transformation that God’s been writing, and how all of the work our team put in was worth it and more!

Max Schiewe - Middle School Minister

This has been a disheartening week in the news for our nation. Senior Pastor Tara Beth Leach wrote the below reflection and prayer of lament that we are sharing as this week's Shepherd's Heart. 

This has been a disheartening week in the news for our nation. A mother, Renee Nicole Good, has been killed after a confusing and chaotic confrontation. This is another tragic display of a deeply divided world. Families are grieving. People in places like Venezuela are living with deep uncertainty about what tomorrow will bring. This feels like unprecedented territory for many Americans, and we question what the future holds. 
And here at home, many are feeling the strain of a divided world. Many are watching neighbors, friends, and fellow Christians speak past one another, holding signs and slogans that reflect very different fears and convictions. We are witnessing violence and the threat of violence, deep political division, fear being amplified, and human dignity treated as expendable.

We are watching institutions strain, truth contested, and many - specially the vulnerable -left feeling unsafe, unseen, or unheard.
 
While many of us are not affected by these events, we feel the weight. We sense that something is not right. We feel the pull to take sides, to defend, to react. And still, beneath all of it, there is grief. We feel the grief over loss of life, a fear that is growing over a world that feels increasingly fragmented.

It is no wonder that so many of us feel unsettled in our souls.

**********************
As Christians, we must also pay attention to how we are being formed in moments like this. We have to ask hard questions.

How does God see people, and how are people being spoken about right now?
 
Scripture tells us that every person bears the image of God. Yet much of our public discourse reduces people to threats, enemies, or problems to be eliminated.

When language dehumanizes, it trains our hearts to justify harm. Followers of Jesus are called to resist that formation, even when fear or anger feels justified.

And how do we position ourselves when some actively seek out or incite violence against their own neighbors?

We do not meet violence with silence, and we do not meet it with celebration. We refuse to participate - through words, posts, or private approval - and anything that glorifies harm or mocks death. We pray for repentance and restraint. We support the work of peace. And we commit ourselves again to the way of Christ, who rejected the sword and loved His enemies.

This does not require us to deny complexity. We can acknowledge that people experience these realities differently, without surrendering our moral clarity.
 
Christian faith does not flatten nuance, but it does draw clear boundaries. Death is never something to celebrate. Dehumanization is never neutral. And violence against our neighbors is never compatible with the way of Jesus.

*********************
Scripture does not ask God’s people to look away from moments like this. The Bible is honest about the reality of a broken world, about nations in turmoil, systems that wound, and hearts that grow hard.

And in those moments, God’s people do not rush to easy answers. They lament.
Lament is a spiritual practice for times exactly like these. It is not partisan posturing or reactive outrage. It is a faithful refusal to normalize what is wrong. Lament tells the truth about suffering, injustice, violence, and fear, and then brings that truth before God.
Lament slows us down when the world demands instant reaction. It keeps our hearts soft when cynicism feels easier. And it anchors us in a hope that does not deny reality but trusts that God is still at work in it.

As followers of Jesus, we are not formed first by headlines or algorithms. We are formed by prayer, Scripture, and the way of Christ.
 
That means we resist language that dehumanizes. We refuse to let fear be our guide. And we commit ourselves again to being people of peace, truth, courage, and love, right where God has placed us.

**************************
Let us pray.

God of mercy and truth, we come to You disturbed and weary.

Teach us how to mourn what is broken without turning on one another.

We grieve the violence we see, a woman and mother killed, a family shattered, a name spoken in sorrow and shock.

Death is never just another headline.

We lament the fear that grips our communities, and the deep divisions that fracture our common life.

We lift before you those living in uncertainty,
the people of Venezuela,
some may be rejoicing, others gripped by fear and uncertainty.

Where instability and unanswered questions shape daily life in ways that we cannot imagine.

We lament the ways power fails to serve the common good,
when authority is exercised without wisdom or care.
We grieve when there is an erosion of trust,
and the ways human lives are diminished or dismissed.
We confess that we, too, are tempted by anger without wisdom, certainty without humility, and withdrawal instead of love.

Forgive us, O God.
Hold those who feel unsafe. Protect the vulnerable. Strengthen those who labor for peace and justice. Give wisdom to leaders and moral courage to all of us.
Spirit of the living God, do not let our hearts grow cold. Teach us to lament without despair, to speak truth without hatred, and to live as people shaped by Your kingdom.

How long, O Lord? We wait for You.

Amen.

Long walks filled with prayer and conversation through the Arizona countryside brought us clarity that God was directing us to come back to the Naperville area. Our family was expanding as we welcomed our first grandson, and we knew that being a part of this next generation’s journey was important.  And so, as you know, in the Spring of 2023 we moved back to what we have always considered to be our home.

We have told the story often that God had additional reasons for us to be back in Naperville.  Those reasons intersected with you, Good Shepherd Church, and with my good friend and ministry partner Pastor Tara Beth Leach.  As we crest into 2026, I am sure that what God has called me to be a part of here at Good Shepherd is finding a next chapter.
Let's get to the heart of what you're probably thinking… “Is he leaving?” The answer to that would be no… is my role shifting… yes.  Starting in January I am reducing my hours a bit and will no longer have a physical office presence.

I will still be a part of the Teaching Team, and you will see me leading worship… just not every week. I will also be available to engage any area of ministry that might need my help, from working with Pastor Tara Beth and the Staff, as well as any area of ministry that needs pastoral support.  If you ever desire a conversation or my help, please reach out and we can set a time to talk. As we move beyond Easter my hours will be minimal and mostly will be focused on worship and preaching.

I do want to celebrate what retirement is all about!  IdaLynn and I have a list of things we want to do.  There are places to go and people to see, especially making sure we invest in our three grandsons. Some of you might be thinking “Oh he will never really retire!”… and you would be right.  Our continued work with our not for profit 4:13 will keep us quite busy raising funds and awareness for God’s children globally, especially at Cherish Watoto Kenya!

My movement also brings the opportunity for Good Shepherd to locate a pastor to work with you in this next chapter of ministry.  We have had an opening in our pastoral ranks for a while, and the Search Committee is forming to fill that opportunity. With me heading to fewer hours as we move into the Spring it will allow Good Shepherd’s leadership to evaluate the staff structure and hire a pastor who brings some “seasoned experience”.  
Actually, we are not going away from Good Shepherd.  It will be a place where we worship and serve alongside each of you!

So, no need for goodbyes… but celebrate with me the bright future here at Good Shepherd!
It has always been an honor to serve in pastoral ministry here at Good Shepherd.  I give thanks for each of you and this special place we call home!

-Pastor Greg Wenhold

At Good Shepherd Advent, and Christmas, was more than a day…

It was more than a season… more than a celebration…

Advent, and Christmas, was and is, a reflection of the JOY that is evident at our church!
The JOY of our Savior Jesus lives in the Body of Christ known as Good Shepherd! The JOY that comes from Jesus is what we get to celebrate here at 1310 Shepherd Drive, and it goes out to our neighbors and the world!

This season was filled with a desire to welcome as many people as we could to come before the Christ Child in the Manger in Bethlehem, to feel the transformational presence of God. It was also that the JOY would go deep into each of our hearts that we might receive Jesus the Christ as living Lord of our lives every day. The numbers of people who worshiped was the invitation, what God did through the presence of His Word was the core. Lives were brought face to face with the greatest gift humankind could ever receive… Jesus Savior of the World!

This season was also a call to serve and to serve others. Our outreach over this season was off the charts. So many of God’s children received gifts through the generosity of this church through our mission partners. Our disability ministry was shining bright all season, and I loved seeing how much of Advent featured families lighting candles on the Advent Wreath from this community.

The opportunity to invite a guest to Encounter Christmas brought people who may not have a relationship with Jesus into our worship and proclamation of this magnificent moment of God’s love coming to be with us.

Inside the walls people served at worship, on our welcome and hospitality teams, and in hours of decorating and bringing a beautiful environment to celebrate, reflect, and grow.
During this season we also celebrated congregational generosity that will support our ministry reach for the next year. An additional 1 million dollars was given to help us move FORward in Faith.  God is so very good!

Yes thousands of people came to worship… and as you reflect on that see so much more… lives were changed, supported, and bound together in the JOY of Jesus.

As we enter 2026 give thanks for the JOY of Jesus. Never forget, the JOY of the Lord is our strength!

And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”               Nehemiah 8:10.

Good Shepherd Family,

Not to brag, but for the first time in as long as I can remember, I’m actually prepared for Christmas! Our kids each arrived home from college within the last 36 hours, my shopping is done (assuming Amazon delivers on time), the house is decorated (okay.. Jenn gets most of the credit for that one...), my fall semester finals are in, and most of my 2025 work is complete. Most importantly, my heart is prepared to celebrate Christ’s birth!

Among the many blessings in my life, I count you! I’m grateful for the community that we have here at Good Shepherd. I give thanks for your commitment to care for and provide for literally hundreds of people through our mission partners, near and far, by filling shoeboxes, donating gifts, and providing other resources for many in need. We’re a community that is committed – to God and to each other. We’re committed to serving together, to worshiping together, and I get to celebrate that we’ve committed to the FORWARD vision together.
 
Last weekend marked the halfway point in our FORWARD journey, and it was remarkable to note that 68 new individuals or families made a new financial commitment to Good Shepherd, while many others pledged to increase their original commitment from a year ago. Over 75% of those who regularly give to Good Shepherd made commitments, and we received nearly one million more in commitments in this year alone. All of that faithful giving adds up to $10,412,471 through the end of 2026!

Together, we’re making a difference for God’s Kingdom … for our congregation here at 1310, for our neighbors locally, and for the world! Here at 1310, worship and ministry continues “in the dust” as building renovations have begun. Even so, we had two glorious nights of worship during Encounter Christmas, we got to all worship together in the Sanctuary last week and will this week as well, and I’m looking forward to seven Christmas Eve services!
 
I’m also aware that the Christmas season can be difficult for some who are battling illness, suffering loss, or perhaps feeling alone. If that is you or someone you know, I hope you’ll check out the resources we offer through our Care Ministry. Join us on Sunday at 3:00p for our Blue Christmas service – a comforting space for those navigating sorrow during the holiday season.
 
Whatever your preparation looks like in these last several days before Christmas, I hope you will find time to commit to giving thanks to God for the blessings in your life and preparing your heart to celebrate God’s gift to us – His only son, our Lord, Jesus!
You certainly are in my prayers, and I can’t wait to wish you a Merry Christmas!

Blessings -
Tom

Thank you all for the wonderful response two weeks ago as well as your prayer support for our project! We had a great meeting with Aspen yesterday, so here are a few updated prayer requests to add to your list ...

1. Continued safety for all of the workers who come each day.
2. Yesterday our site superintendent, Ken, remarked "You all have been great witnesses for Christ toward our team."
3. We're now at the point when key materials, equipment, and other things are being ordered - pray that they arrive quickly, cheaply, and undamaged.
4. Like the demo work done in November, we'll have some more projects (painting and removing carpet) to be done by our volunteer teams in January - pray for willing servants to help when we need them.
5. We continue to explore challenges with our fire suppression system - pray for wisdom and clarity as we make decisions and solve problems.
6. City Council meeting on 12/16 - pray that there would be no concerns raised and our permits will all be approved.
7. This Sunday we'll be revealing our updated FORWARD Commitments number - give thanks for the generosity of our congregation.
8. Next Thursday Council will meet to discern how we might spend some of the additional money expected to come from FORWARD commitments - pray for wisdom and good stewardship.

We appreciate your prayer support!

Tom (and team)

There's something about December that makes me slow down, even when my schedule refuses to cooperate. Yesterday I found myself standing in the kitchen, coffee in hand, watching the sky lighten through the window while the snow fell from the sky. I had a long to-do list, a sermon to write, but for just a few minutes, the world was quiet. And in that stillness, I felt it: the weight and the wonder of waiting.

That's what Advent is, really. It's the sacred practice of not yet. We light candles week by week, one by one, because the light doesn't come all at once. It builds. It grows. It breaks through the darkness slowly, the way dawn does; not with a sudden flash, but with a gradual, persistent glow that eventually fills every corner.

I think about Mary in those final days before Bethlehem. The ache in her back. The questions she must have carried. The way hope and fear probably traded places in her heart a hundred times a day. She was waiting too, waiting for a promise she couldn't fully comprehend, trusting a God she couldn't fully see. And isn't that where so many of us find ourselves? Holding onto hope even when the waiting stretches longer than we expected. Believing that light is coming, even when the night feels impossibly dark.

Here's what I've been learning this Advent: waiting isn't passive. It's an act of faith. Every time we choose hope over cynicism, every time we look for light instead of dwelling in the shadows, every time we gather together to remember that God keeps His promises, we're participating in something ancient and holy. We're joining the chorus of those who waited before us, and we're preparing our hearts to receive what God is still doing.

And that's why I want to invite you to something special.

Christmas Eve at Good Shepherd is one of my favorite nights of the entire year. There's something about all of us gathered together - candles in hand, carols filling the room, hearts turned toward the manger - that reminds me why the Church exists. We were made for this. We were made to celebrate hope together.

This year, I want to ask you to do two things:

First, think about who you might invite. Research tells us that people are more open to a church invitation during the Christmas season than any other time of year. That neighbor who's been on your heart. That coworker who mentioned they've been searching for something more. That family member who hasn't been to church in years. Christmas Eve is a beautiful, low-pressure way to say, "Come and see." You might be surprised who says yes.

Second, consider joining us on December 23rd for our Christmas Eve Eve service. I know, it sounds a little quirky. But here's why it matters: by attending our 5:30pm contemporary service on the 23rd, you'll help us make room for newcomers and guests on Christmas Eve itself. If you call Good Shepherd home, this is a beautiful way to serve our community and create a welcoming space for those who are walking through our doors for the very first time.

Here's our full lineup:

Monday, December 23rd – Christmas Eve Eve

• 5:30pm Contemporary Service (Nursery staffed; Disability Ministry support available)

Tuesday, December 24th – Christmas Eve

• 11:00am Family Service
• 1:30pm & 3:15pm Contemporary Worship
• 6:00pm & 7:30pm Traditional Worship
• 11:00pm Candlelight Service

Nursery is staffed at select services, and Disability Ministry support is available; just let us know you're coming so we can be ready to welcome you well.

Friends, the light is coming. It always does. And I can't wait to celebrate it with you.

With hope and love,

Pastor Tara Beth

Gifts of Impact — Celebrating God’s Love at Work

As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded that even in the darkest
places, God’s light still breaks through to bring comfort, hope, and restoration.
And more often than not, that light shines through ordinary people who choose
to love in extraordinary ways.

This season, that light has already begun to break through in beautiful ways —
through you. Because of your generosity and kindness…

• Nearly 300 children will receive Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes gifts that open the door to hearing the good news of Jesus.
• Forty seniors at DuPage Care Center will unwrap presents that remind them they are valued and remembered.
• Fifty children in foster care will experience Christmas filled with warmth and joy through the gifts you are providing. Foster gifts are due December 14 or sooner.

These aren’t simply projects — they are moments of hope placed directly into the
hands of people who need it most. You’ve already helped shine Christ’s love in
remarkable ways.

And there is one more opportunity still before us.

Cherish Watoto Kenya — A Critical Need

Our partners in Nairobi are facing an especially difficult year. With the cost of
living soaring and many families surviving on just $2 a day, putting food on the
table has become nearly impossible for many.

Yet this is precisely where the Church can make a difference.

We have the chance to help provide essential food items for Cherish Watoto
families, offering stability, nourishment, and hope at a moment when it’s needed
most.

A simple gift from us becomes life-sustaining provision for them.

Every act of generosity — every shared resource, every prayer lifted — brings
light into places where hope feels thin. It tells those who are struggling:

You matter. You are cared for. You are not alone.

This is the heart of the Gospel lived out.

We follow Jesus by moving toward those who are hurting.
We serve because He first served us.
We give because His love compels us to act.

So as we celebrate what God has already done through Gifts of Impact, we invite
you to join in this final expression of care for our Cherish families in Kenya.

May this season deepen our compassion, strengthen our unity, and open doors
for God’s love to be seen in new ways.

Let’s continue to be a people who reflect His hope to the world around us.
Click here to participate in our remaining Gifts of Impact opportunity for
Cherish Watoto.

“Let your light shine before others.” — Matthew 5:16

With joy,
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister

Thirty years ago, my first husband passed away when my boys were 7 & 12. We
needed to find a new church as our current church was making it difficult for us to heal.
We checked out Good Shepherd, and I knew we had found a church home. We were
immediately welcomed into the Good Shepherd community, and many people here
helped us along our healing journey.

Ten years later, I remarried (Pastor Greg officiated our wedding.) A few years later, we
bought a home in Shorewood. Shorewood is a bit of a trek to Good Shepherd, so we
thought perhaps we might find a new church closer to our home. No dice! You just can’t
duplicate the kind of community you find at Good Shepherd. We were absent for a few
years, searching for another church, but ultimately returned to where we felt at home.

Now that my husband Mosh and I are semi-retired, we are busy giving back! We are
both members of the safety committee and the safety team, where we utilize our
professional experience and skills in emergency management and school safety to
honor what the Lord has so generously given us. I am also a facilitator for Grief Share
and the Dementia Group.

My favorite bible verse is Jeremiah 29:11

I believe Good Shepherd was the Lord’s plan for my family all along. At this
juncture of our church’s history, I often wonder what plans he has in store for our Good
Shepherd Community’s future.

The possibilities seem endless! Being part of our church, community, and the world
makes me want to continue giving back wherever I can. I am excited to see what the
future holds for Good Shepherd. I know the Lord has plans, and I am glad I can be a part
of them!

Sometime in 2019, we walked into the narthex at GS for the very first time and were greeted with open arms and welcoming smiles.  This was the invitation and confirmation we needed to make Good Shepherd our new church home.  

Coincidently, it is one of the first things we talk about when we describe our church, and this first encounter was a catalyst to our becoming members and joining the Welcome team at Good Shepherd to continue the important ministry of bringing others to Christ’s door.  But there are so many other ways Good Shepherd serves its members and our community.

We especially love that GS offers many opportunities to study the Bible as well as programs of personal interest and support. This is a church that cares for each other.  This is an exciting time in the life of our church.  We are all called to move Forward together in our faith.  

God calls us to step up, wherever we may be in our lives. 

God is on the move here at Good Shepherd, and we believe it. We choose to invest and support in the Forward Generosity initiative because we want to do our part in serving God, be a part of something that reflects God’s love and makes a difference.

We want GS to continue to be the church that opens their arms to more people to know God and His Word and to shine the light of God’s love into the next generation for our families, our neighbors and beyond.  We can all look forward to the salvation God has promised us.  We can respond in gratitude through generosity in sharing our gifts, our love, our prayers and walking together toward the future.  “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28.  

Exciting things can happen when we all work together for the common good and trust God to make the way!