Let's Move Forward
From Pastor Tara Beth
A new chapter of our story is opening up. I hope you take the time to explore our vision to move FORWARD together, to a future that has been fervently prayed for, and will only be made real by the power of the Holy Spirit. As you dive in, let me state the obvious: From a human point of view, there are lots of reasons not to do this, to not push ourselves, to not make any changes. At the same time—our church has something that this world so desperately needs.
Those in our community need to know we are FOR them, not against them. Our neighbors need to know that we are invested in their wellbeing just as much as our own. The World needs to know that the people of Good Shepherd are committed to reflecting God’s light to the ends of the earth. Do you believe that we can move FORWARD? I do. So, let’s not hunker down, pull in, and be fearful of the future. Let’s trust and serve the God who saves.
Those in our community need to know we are FOR them, not against them. Our neighbors need to know that we are invested in their wellbeing just as much as our own. The World needs to know that the people of Good Shepherd are committed to reflecting God’s light to the ends of the earth. Do you believe that we can move FORWARD? I do. So, let’s not hunker down, pull in, and be fearful of the future. Let’s trust and serve the God who saves.
Total Goal - $9M raised over two years
For the World and For Our Neighbors — $.9M
The Forward Initiative has a monetary goal of raising $9 Million over the next two years. That means that our continuing investment in those who are vulnerable and hurting in the world through our global mission partners will be $900,000 over the next two years.
One example of this commitment played out at Cherish Watoto Kenya. We have proudly supported this one of a kind school and orphanage for almost 20 years, and as partners we have worked to come alongside these teachers and the incredible kids that make Cherish the incredible place that it is. The school extends to 8th grade, but as students leave Cherish to continue their education, they walk away from the joy of Cherish Watoto into uncertainty.
Yet we can now see a reality where the kids at Cherish have a more secure future, as land right next to Cherish became available for purchase. An anonymous lead gift was given to allow Good Shepherd to buy this land and there are endless opportunities ahead of us! We can extend their education by building a high school, we can create space for sustainable agriculture, we can create spaces for kids to be kids and play sports. The question is, how big will we be willing to dream with God?
One example of this commitment played out at Cherish Watoto Kenya. We have proudly supported this one of a kind school and orphanage for almost 20 years, and as partners we have worked to come alongside these teachers and the incredible kids that make Cherish the incredible place that it is. The school extends to 8th grade, but as students leave Cherish to continue their education, they walk away from the joy of Cherish Watoto into uncertainty.
Yet we can now see a reality where the kids at Cherish have a more secure future, as land right next to Cherish became available for purchase. An anonymous lead gift was given to allow Good Shepherd to buy this land and there are endless opportunities ahead of us! We can extend their education by building a high school, we can create space for sustainable agriculture, we can create spaces for kids to be kids and play sports. The question is, how big will we be willing to dream with God?
For 1310 – $1.89M
We will complete necessary updates to our building so it may be a gathering place where people can connect relationally, grow spiritually, and thrive in community. These updates can serve anyone who calls Good Shepherd home, as well as those in our surrounding communities. Having a welcoming patio, expanding the reach of the cafe, and offering our building as a gathering place for everyone helps us radiate God’s love to people well beyond a Sunday morning.
Ongoing Ministry — $6.21M
While we move FORWARD together, our mission will not change. We anticipate year over year growth within the operation of our ministries and will continue our progress on the major strategic initiatives essential to our church’s future.
