Communication Audit for Good Shepherd Underway

 

IMG_1768A team of four upperclass Luther College students in Mark Johns’ Communication and Public Relations class are conducting a Communications Audit of Good Shepherd as a congregation service-learning project for the course. ELCA’s Communication Department describes a Communications Audit as an objective examination of all communications in the congregation – auditory, written, and electronic. The students recently met with Pastor April Ulring Larson plus Jane Kemp and Elizabeth Kaschins, who represent the congregation’s Communications Subcommittee.

At this first visit, the students received samples of our print communications sources, were introduced to our website and social media sites, and guided through the building to view signage, bulletin boards, cubbies and other means of communication. As part of the Audit, details of using our Directory for a random sampling of a small number of members are being worked out. The students are invited and encouraged to attend worship services and fellowship time as well as return to the church on their own. During discussion, we were able to outline the communications challenges we face at present and anticipate in the near future.

The students’ second visit will be in early May when they present their findings to the Council, committees, and interested members. The date and time will be announced; everyone is welcome.

 For the photo: Pastor April, the Luther students, pictured left to right, are Bri Shekels, Anne Wermedal, Jacob Lembezeder, and Melissa Hrdlicka.

 

 

Redecorating at Good Shepherd, Part 1

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A stalwart crew volunteered this past Friday and Saturday to paint the newly refurnished Narthex as well as hallway ceilings and walls.  The traditional Good Shepherd pink morphed into a creamy white with gold accents.  Walls were first washed with TSP and rinsed, holes and cracks were repaired, and all hanging objects removed. Verdi’s opera, Don Carlos, performed by the Metropolitan Opera, inspired the painters to burn through the last hours of Saturday to ready the spaces for weekend services.

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Reactions from worshipers on Sunday morning ranged from “gorgeous” and “wonderfully bright” to someone noting that the Nils Kjome sculpture, a figure of the Good Shepherd, could finally “breathe” even though it was hanging in its customary space. Work will continue on Monday until the painting is completed.

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Bible Study Continues

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The weekly Bible Study, “Going Deeper,” which started   during Lent is continuing through the Easter Season.       Each Thursday morning from 10:00-11:30, Pastor           April leads a group studying the texts, usually those         selected for the following Sunday. Texts are listed in       the monthly Newsletter. There is no particular                preparation so that discussion can be as open as possible. The “Going Deeper” series ends on Thursday, May 21. The Bible Study is held in the Fellowship Hall; refreshments are served and all are welcome.

Easter Season and Lenten Reflections

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The Easter Season or Eastertide is the period of fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday, which is held this year on May 24, 2015. During this season of celebration, we can also reflect on the Lenten season just past through many photos which remind us of Good Shepherd events and activities.

  • Weekly Wednesday night services using Holden Evening Prayer, followed by a puppet ministry and soup suppers, with three Luther College Choirs participating; Faith Stories shared by congregation members.
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  • LWR Basket of Promise Personal Care Kits initiative
  • Sunday School Lenten project, Mutuelle Matters
  • Special Adult Forums
  • Weekly Lenten Bible Study with Pastor April, Going Deeper
  • Three noontime organ recitals on the Hook and Hastings Organ
  • Palm Sunday (Sunday of the Passion with Holy Communion)
  • Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion with Personal Absolution and Stripping of the Altar
  • Good Friday Tenebrae Service
  • Saturday Easter Vigil at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church with Bonfire and Holy Communion; offering to support missionaries Mary Beth and Bayo Oyebade at the Mashiah Clinic, Jos, Nigeria
  • Easter Sunday Festival Worship Service

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This Week at Good Shepherd, March 30-April 5

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Thursday, April 2 – Maundy Thursday
10:00-11:30 am – Lenten Bible Study With Pastor April Ulring Larson
7:00 pm – Worship with Holy Communion, Personal Absolution with Laying on of Hands, Stripping of the Altar   (Foot-washing will not occur.)

Friday, April 3 – Good Friday
8:00 am-7:00 pm – Sanctuary open for Meditation on the Passion and Personal Prayer
7:00 pm – Tenebrae Service with Procession of the Cross

Saturday Evening, April 4 – Good Shepherd Participates in Joint Easter Vigil Service at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church
6:30 pm – Reception and Refreshments
7:30 pm – Easter Vigil with Bonfire and Holy Communion

Notes – Offering will support missionaries Mary Beth and Bayo Oyebade and their work with those affected by HIV/AIDS at the Mashiah Clinic, Jos, Nigeria

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Sunday, April 5 – Easter Festival Worship Service
9:30 am – Worship with Holy Communion