Pastor Amy Zalk Larson is planning to start her schedule as the new pastor at Good Shepherd on Monday, August 10. The formal Installation service is still in the planning stages but is scheduled for Sunday, September 13. It will be on the same day as the Welcome Neighbors Picnic. Interim pastors will serve the two weeks between the end of Pastor April’s service and the beginning of the pastorate of Pastor Amy.

Continual updates on the transition and the welcome for Pastor Amy will be posted on the Good Shepherd website on this blog and under the “About” tab on the homepage. Updates will also be posted on the Good Shepherd Facebook and Google+ pages.

Wednesday, July 29
5:30 pm – Worship Service, Pr. Richard Simon Hanson, presiding

Sunday, August 2
9:30 am – Worship Service, Pr. Richard Simon Hanson, presiding
10:30 am – Refreshments in Fellowship Hall – all are welcome!

A huge Good Shepherd thank you to all who helped make the “Sundaes on Sunday” farewell celebration for Pastor April such a success.   The service was special in every way with guest musicians Kate Blair, Suzanne Ernst, Peter Calhoun, and Erik Berg playing.  The Hymn Sing before-hand was well attended with robust, enthusiastic singing.  Hand-picked wild flowers decorated the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall to enhance the picnic feel of a summer celebration. The sundaes were made especially scrumptious with toppings donated by Amalia Vagts and David Lester from the Coop.  President Jim Fritz presided to provide a short program.

And most importantly, the congregation’s generous donations exceeded the goal for supporting Catherine Moeller’s call to serve with the ELCA’s Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Mexico.  Any funds raised beyond the $4,000 goal support the future development and expansion of the YAGM program.  Besides this virtual gift in honor of Pastor April’s ministry, a book of photos taken during her time with Good Shepherd and a cashmere wool sheep were presented to her.

The names of other helpers are so numerous that rather than trying to list them all, a general “thank you” is extended instead. People  pulled together in the Good Shepherd tradition to clean up, restore order, and prepare the church for another week of activities. Submitted by:  Farewell Steering Committee, Jane Kemp, Elizabeth Kaschins, Jeri Laursen, and Norma Refsal.  Photos:  Norma Refsal

REMINDER ABOUT SUNDAES ON SUNDAY CELEBRATION – On Sunday, July 26, we will say farewell to Pastor April who has served Good Shepherd as interim pastor so faithfully and enthusiastically since November 2014. We will honor and celebrate her ministry with us in several ways on Sunday morning. Beginning at 9:10 am we will have a Hymn Sing; Pastor April exhorts us to “Open up your throats and praise God.” The Worship Service with Holy Communion will follow.

Immediately after the Worship Service, the “Sundaes on Sunday” celebration potluck will take place in the Fellowship Hall where everyone can build their own sundaes. Homestead Ice Cream from Waukon will be served with a variety of toppings. President Jim Fritz will preside as MC to provide a short program. Please be on hand to thank Pastor April for her exceptional ministry with us and to wish her well in her future work.

A conscientious and stalwart crew of Good Shepherd volunteers has been baking Krumkake for the Good Shepherd Nordic Fest booth this week.  The yellow booth is located in front of the Bank of the West and is clearly marked with a sign saying “Krumkake” so can’t be missed!  Join us for delicious treats which truly represent “Norwegian” culture and history. Photos courtesy of Jeri Laursen.