Thirty-two worshipers gathered on Wednesday, July 1, for Good Shepherd’s first Worship In the Backyard With Food and Fellowship evening service. Pastor Mike Blair presided at the service of Holy Communion. He, with accompaniment by Brooke Joyce playing the melodica, led the congregation in singing Ben Larson’ liturgy Behold, I Make All Things New and hymns.

Chairs were set up in a shaded area near one of the garden beds on the south side of the church. Pastor Blair’s message and prayers, choice of scriptures and hymns, and the setting celebrated reverence for nature and our place in God’s creation. The picnic potluck, with grilled brats and hotdogs and a perfect selection of salads and desserts, was served in the Fellowship Hall on this cool evening.

These 5:30 Wednesday evening worship services with Holy Communion will continue through August and be held outdoors followed by a potluck meal as announced. Consult the News/Events Blog or the WORSHIP Tab for schedule updates.

On June 28, Pastor David Berg, former pastor of Good Shepherd, visited for the Sunday worship service.  A photo was taken by Clara Knudson of Pastor Berg (center) surrounded by many members who were part of the congregation at the time of his pastorate.  Current Interim Pastor April Ulring Larson and her husband, Pastor Judd Larson, are also in the photograph.

Good Shepherd Begins Wednesday evening services on July 1 in its backyard

During the months of July and August, Good Shepherd is holding worship services with Holy Communion on Wednesday evenings at 5:30. These mid-week services, which replace Saturday evening services for the remainder of the summer, will follow Ben Larson‘s liturgy Behold, I Make All Things New..

Pastor Mike Blair, congregation member and Luther College Campus Pastor, will preside at this first service – Worship In the Backyard with Food and Fellowship. Worshipers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket; folding chairs also will be available. Grilled hotdogs and brats and beverages will be provided. Contributions of favorite picnic food are most welcome! Our backyard is a great picnic and play space; you are invited to bring game equipment, too.

For additional details about Wednesday evening services, including future outdoor worship and events, consult the Worship section.

Tuesday, June 30
7:00 pm – CLA Circle, Bev Sheridan, Hostess

Wednesday, July 1
5:30 pm – Outdoor Worship Service with Holy Communion; Pastor Mike Blair will preside using the liturgy Behold, I Make All Things New. An informal meal for all will follow.

Thursday, July 2
5:00 – 6:30 pm – Decorah Community Meal at First Lutheran Church

Sunday, July 5
9:30 am – Worship Service with Holy Communion – Live Broadcast on KWLC Radio
10:30 am – Time of Fellowship in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome.