News and Events, April 11-17

 

News Events

Tuesday, April 12
9:30 a.m. – Anna Circle, Joanne Ylvisaker hosts
5:15 pm – Evangelism Committee
6:30 p.m. – Adult Forum Subcommittee
8:00 p.m. – Worship & Music Committee

Wednesday, April 13
7:30 a.m.- Men’s Breakfast
12:00 p.m. – Property and Management Committee
2:00 p.m. – Miriam / Ruth Circles Mary Fritz hosts
2:00 p.m. – Pr. Amy at Wellington Place
3:30 p.m. – Education Committee
6:00 p.m. – My Neighbor is Muslim Study Series
6:30 p.m. – Choir rehearsal
7:30 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, April 14
10:00 a.m. – Adult Bible Study

Friday April 15
11:00 a.m. – Stewardship Committee

Saturday April 16
5:00 p.m. – Kid’s Movie Night in Fellowship Hall

Sunday, April 17
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion, 4th Sunday of Easter
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour – Coffee Sale
10:45 a.m. – Adult Forum – Prayer Retreat Opportunities at Good Shepherd led by Jane Jakoubek
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School in Sanctuary, Youth SS/Confirmation w/Pr. Amy

Good Shepherd Announces a Study-Discussion Series About the Muslim Faith

Todd GreenGood Shepherd welcomes participation in it’s upcoming 7-part study series – MY NEIGHBOR IS MUSLIM: EXPLORING THE MUSLIM FAITH. The first session will be held on Sunday, April 10, 10:45 a.m.; the following six sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings, 6:00-7:00 p.m. Lutheran Social Services of Minnesota (LSS) developed this study-discussion series in 2015 to help Lutherans in the state welcome Muslim neighbors. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services (LIRS) now provides this study for use by congregations and discussion groups throughout the country. Todd Green, Luther College Associate Professor of Religion, who has written extensively on Islam, contributed the seven sections that explain the basic tenets of Islam. Luther Seminary professors wrote responses and discussion questions that bring the Christian perspective into conversation with the Muslim faith.

On Sunday, April 10, Professor Green will lead the first session titled Five Pillars of Islam. Congregation members will lead the remaining six sessions on Wednesday evenings: April 13 – Islam & Jesus; April 20 – Islam & Jews/Christians; April 27 – Islam & Charity; May 4 – Islam & Violence; May 11 – Islam & Finance; May 18 – Islamic State. On Wednesday evenings, participants will gather in Good Shepherd’s Fellowship Hall, 701 Iowa Avenue, and are welcome to bring their own simple supper.

It is the hope of those who have developed this resource and the Good Shepherd congregation that it will open doors, minds, and hearts, dispel stereotypes and myths, and start more conversations. Advance preparation is not required, however the study can be downloaded or a free print version ordered from LIRS – lirs.org./myneighborismuslim. Contact Good Shepherd’s office for additional information – 382-3963 or decorahgoodshepherd@gmail.com.

News and Events, April 4-10

 

News Events

Tuesday, April 5
4:00 p.m. Mary Circle, Marion Hanson hosts

Wednesday, April 6
7:30 a.m.- Men’s Breakfast
7:00 p.m. – Choir rehearsal
8:00 p.m. – Band Rehearsal

Thursday, April 7
5:00 p.m. – Community Meal at First Lutheran

Sunday, April 10
9:30 a.m. – Worship with Holy Communion, 3rd Sunday of Easter
10:30 a.m. – Fellowship Hour
10:45 a.m. – Adult Forum, My Neighbor is Muslim: Introductory Session, Todd Green
10:45 a.m. – Sunday School in Sanctuary, Youth SS/Confirmation w/Pr.

SUNDAY SCHOOL: Our themes from Desmond Tutu’s Children of God storybook are:
April 10th – Ten Commandments, Exodus 20
April 17th – Esther, Esther 1-10
April 24th – St. Grubby’s Day – no Sunday School The children are invited to participate with their families and help with property projects during Sunday school time.

MOVIE NIGHT – Nathan Larson wants to invite kids of all ages to come for a movie night on Saturday, April 16 starting at 5:00pm in the Fellowship Hall. Bring pillows, bean bags and blankets. We can adjust the time if needed. We’ll have pizza, popcorn and snacks. He’s looking for movie suggestions too. Is Star Wars Episode 4 OK? Email Pr. Amy amyzlarson@gmail.com to RSVP and give input on time/movie choice.

Good Shepherd Announces Adult Forum on April 3rd

Sunday, April 3, 10:45 a.m. – Narthex Area

jon_ailabouni49 Years of Military Occupation in the Holy Land – Jon Ailabouni, presenter

For nearly half a century, Israel has maintained the military occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem. The millions of Palestinians who live in the occupied territories are subjected to routine human rights abuses including excessive use of force, arrest and imprisonment without charge or trial, ill-treatment and torture of detainees, forced evictions and home demolitions, and the denial of free speech, assembly, and movement. Jon Ailabouni, a Palestinian-American and Luther Adjunct Professor of Music, will share his family’s experience and his insights into the situation as well as the potential for peaceful resolution through the engagement of American citizens.

Happy Easter from Good Shepherd!

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Easter Sunday at Good Shepherd this year was enriched with the festival brass accompanying hymns and playing solos, “Halleluja, Amen” and “And the Glory of the Lord” by G.F. Handel.  A special prayer called “Resurrection Light” by Annabel Shilson-Thomas was read responsively before Holy Communion. The opening procession to redress the altar area was led by Pastor Amy with children and members of the Altar Guild participating.  Wonderful flowers were donated by individuals and families to enhance the worship space.

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