An ELCA Congregation in Decorah, IA
Erika Lozano began working as the Administrative Assistant at Good Shepherd on September 16, 2015. Erika is a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in Wildlife Biology. She came to Decorah for a summer position as a wildlife biologist, loved the area, and decided to stay. She is from Key Largo, Florida. Erika’s office hours are M-F, 8:00 am – Noon.
Pastor Amy Zalk Larson was formally installed as the fifth pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at a Festival Worship Service on Sunday, September 13. A group of children formed part of the procession to begin the service. Special music was provided by the Good Shepherd choir, band and other musicians. Assistant to the Bishop Rev. Stephen Brackett represented the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA at the Worship Service serving as preacher and installer.
A reception followed the service where Pastor Amy was presented with a welcome prayer shawl. She was introduced to the wider community at the annual Good Shepherd Welcome Friends and Neighbors Picnic held later that day.
For the past ten years, Pastor Amy has served as campus pastor at Luther College where she worked with the Luther Student Congregation as well as students, faculty and staff. Previously, she was the Pastor of Education and Family Life at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, MN and the Intern Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottawa, IL.
Pastor Amy graduated from Luther College with a BA in religion earned in 1996 and received an MDiv degree from Luther Seminary in 2000.
She is married to Pastor Matt Larson, who is pastor of the Burr Oak-Hesper Lutheran parishes in the Decorah area. They are the parents of two children, Nathan and Abby.
Photo: Clara Knudson
The new custodians at Good Shepherd are Cheryl and Joel Ruiz, who have already begun their cleaning. Cheryl and Joel both work at Northern Engraving but are able to help out at the church as well. They have two sons, Michael and Anthony. Cheryl, Joel and Anthony grilled brats and chicken for the recent Welcome Friends and Neighbors picnic in the Good Shepherd backyard.
Wednesday, September 16
7:30 am – Men’s Breakfast
5:30 pm – Service of Evening Vespers with Holy Communion using Holden Evening Prayer
6:15 pm – Food and Faith – Simple Supper provided; intergenerational conversations
7:00 pm – Choir Rehearsal
8:00 pm – Band Rehearsal
Thursday, September 17
5:00-6:30 pm – Decorah Community Meal at First Lutheran
Saturday, September 19
9:00 am – 12:00 noon – United Way Book Sale, Fellowship Hall
Sunday, September 20 – Rally Sunday
9:30 am – Worship Service with Holy Communion
10:30 am – Fellowship and Refreshments in Fellowship Hall
10:45 am – Sunday School Kick-off/Adult Forum
The annual Welcome Friends and Neighbors Picnic is being held in the backyard at Good Shepherd again this year from 5:00-6:30 pm on Sunday, September 13. Grilled brats will be served along with an array of salads, desserts and beverages. Live musical entertainment will be played during the picnic.
A special event this year will be the opportunity to meet our new pastor and her family. Pastor Amy Zalk Larson is to be installed at a special festival worship service in the morning, She will begin her pastorate as the fifth pastor at Good Shepherd in its over 50 year history. Pastor Amy is eager to meet the many guests who attend this picnic.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. (Learn more)