During fellowship hour on Sunday, February 8, the Evangelism Committee invited members to participate in a “Valentine Visit” initiative.  Valentine hearts, with the name and address of someone who would appreciate a visit, were distributed.  The targeted audience were those members unable to attend services but it was emphasized that anyone might appreciate a special visit.  This initiative is part of the Evangelism Committee’s participation in the “Warming Winter with God’s Love” endeavor held during the winter months.

On Saturday, January 24, a Celebration of Life for Rev. Paul M. Hasvold (1933-2015) was held at Good Shepherd, with Rev. April Ulring Larson presiding and Karl Knudson assisting.  Rev. Hasvold was pastor at Good Shepherd for 24 years retiring from the ministry in 1998. Peter and Thomas Hasvold were bearers of the Baptismal Pall. Music was supplied by organist Brooke Joyce and members of the Good Shepherd Band and Luren Singing Society. Remembrances were offered by Irene Hegge Guttormsen, Kao Vang, Tom Hasvold and Peter Hasvold.  Greetings were extended from the Synod Bishop and the Office of the ELCA Presiding Bishop. Many area pastors participated in the service.  The committal will be in the Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural Popular Grove, IL, at a later date.

In keeping with the Good Shepherd tradition of serving coffee to show hospitality, the Landscape Committee planted Coffee Cup plants in the parking lot and entry way pots. These plants will eventually make a very tall clump of glossy olive green leaves with a dark purple-black stem. The unique feature is the leaf cupping (see photos below). As the leaf fills with water, the stem gives enough for the leaf to dump out the water into the pot. Coffee Cup plants originated in Indonesia and require full sun and medium moisture for maximum growth.

Five area Lutheran congregations collaborated on Saturday, April 19, at 7:00 at Good Shepherd for an Easter Vigil worship service. The pastors and congregational members of First Lutheran, Washington Prairie, Glenwood/Canoe Ridge, Luther College, and Good Shepherd gathered to participate in the ancient tradition of this dramatic service.

After a fellowship gathering with refreshments, the Vigil service began when the Paschal candle was lit from a bonfire located at the back of the church property. It was carried at the head of the procession into the darkened church. Worshipers progressed from the darkness into the light, lighting individual candles from the Paschal candle as they entered the sanctuary. The services concluded with Holy Communion and a renewal of baptism.

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Congregation members choose and take hearts designed by the Sunday School and youth group, and then visit the person whose name is attached to that heart. Also included with the “Heart” were Prayer Squares from the Prayer Shawl Ministry. The “breaking of the glass” sure got everyone’s attention! Thanks to the young people of our congregation for having fun with this warm, loving winter outreach.