Our Mission:Called and sent in to the world, we seek to be the living expression

of God’s Compassion, forgiveness, and love.

Covid Worship ScheduleSundays at 10:30 A.M.

The Good Shepherd Newsis a monthly publication from

Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church712 N. Fountain AvenueSpringfield, OH, 45504

(937) 322-7222gselcflock@gmail.com

Check us out at:Website jointheflock.orgFacebook facebook.com/GoodShepherdSpringfieldYouTube Good Shepherd Springfield Ohio

Mission in a Time of Pandemic

If you haven’t noticed, at the beginning of each bulletin, I have changed the phrase that is seen under our church name from “A place to gather, give, and grow,” to “Discovering new ways to share the Good News.”

This change comes in the light of the recent pandemic, and is reflective of our continuing ministries here at Good Shepherd. God’s mission does not cease; rather in this instance, we must adapt to the surrounding conditions of the world, in order that we may bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to Springfield, and to our world.

If you haven’t yet read Martin Luther’s letter, Whether One May Flee From A Deadly Plague: to the Reverend Doctor Johann Hess, pastor at Breslau, and to his fellow-servants of the gospel of Jesus Christ, I would ask that you do so (A link has been provided for you at the bottom of the page).1 In this letter, we find Martin Luther in Wittenberg facing a resurgence of the Bubonic Plague pandemic. Similar to us now, the people then struggled with fear and anxiety over what they should do; how they should act; if they could go out; what was God’s role in all of it.

The letter itself, is a direct response to the question, “Is it proper for a Christian to run away from a deadly plague?” This presents a very real and legitimate problem for Christians. Are we called to mission even to our own peril? What Martin Luther wrote, for me, is a profound understanding, first of the power of faith, and second, the reality and response of our broken human condition.

So, what would Martin Luther have us do? First, he would have us recognize that God is still in control. For some reason, possibly by the powers of evil, this imperfect world has produced a dangerous virus that has caused us to be physically distanced from one another. Designed to be social people, we long to get back to normal. We long to shake hands, and hug one another at church. We long to sit together as we gather for worship, and we long to see each other’s facial expressions without those darned masks. We were made to be with one another, but right now, we just can’t.

Martin Luther would call this the work of the devil; that we would be separated, and I cannot argue against that, for God brings people together, and the world’s brokenness pulls us apart. However, good ole’ Martin tells us, in a way that only he could, that when we find ways to help one another, even during a pandemic, that we, thusly, strike a “blow” against the devil! Martin, however, does state that he understands those who find that their call is not to endanger themselves or others. For we are also designed for self-care and preservation. However, he goes on to say that the Christian response to our faith is to set our own needs aside, should there be someone in need, and to go into the world.

So, mission in a time of pandemic means that we are still called to God’s mission. We should, of course, take our precautions (another point of Luther’s), but our lives are bound to one another in Christ, so we are called to go to our brothers and sisters in need and help them

1 https://witness.lcms.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Plague-blogLW.pdf

however we can. For us today, this means taking a hard look at who we are as a parish. Our current reality is that “church” is different. We may find that our personal, spiritual needs may not be met in ways that they have always been. Mission in a time of pandemic, then, means that we find new avenues for mission; new ways to find fulfillment; new paths to reach each other and our community.

This can be a trying time, but our faith drives us toward one another. Let us think deeply about what all of us can do to continue in mission together. How can we discover new ways to share the Good News? What ministries can you come up with to bring us closer together than ever? Let us search for closeness even while distanced, and let us always praise God for the joy that is in Christ Jesus, our Savior. ~ Enjoy the letter from Martin Luther!

Peace be with you.Pastor Larry

It’s Adult Coloring Time! (Otherwise known as “filler.”)

HALFWAY THROUGH A MOST EXTRAORDINARY YEAR

By now, the phrase "This year is like none other in living memory (unless you were born before 1918)," has become a well-worn cliché, a preface to virtually any contemporary commentary or report, the opening line of any conversation. And, mostly unfortunately, deservedly so. So, so many of the daily routines

and activities of our lives have been turned upside down, individually, within our extended families, at our places of education and business, our favorite recreational pursuits, and most certainly in our beloved house of worship at Good Shepherd, along with God's ministries entrusted to our care.

For a time, much longer than I could have imagined just three months ago, and with current assessments going from bad to worse, with little light at the end of the tunnel as I write this article (July 22, 2020), the virus rules. Yes, in the midst of God's creation, not yet fully brought under God's foot, evil has its days.

Some persons might despair. Some seem to have lost patience, and return to old patterns or activities, come what may. Some are more likely to assert "my personal rights" rather than to

hear God's voice saying, "we have responsibilities to each other; we are each other's keepers."

But we have neither despaired nor lost hope at Good Shepherd. As a congregational member and as one reflecting on congregational stewardship matters, I am very pleased to say that I do not see such tendencies at all creeping into God's congregation at Good Shepherd, and for that I am most grateful. Led by Pastor Larry, our ministries remain strong and faithful under the most stressful and disrupting situations which the virus imposes upon us.

In a time when many face discouragement and hardship, signs of our faithfulness to God's will and mission are strong. Our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure remains evident. Now halfway through the year 2020 (the calendar year is also Good Shepherd's fiscal year, with reports complete through June at this writing), our treasurer Diane Timmons has reported to the Church Council that our General Operating Financial Mission Plan is strong and well on schedule. For the six-month period our gifts for church operations have totaled $116,394.75, while our expenses for the same period have totaled $95,715.99. Thanks be to God.

And, we continue to look and work "forward" with faith and hope, knowing that while the virus may have its day, God's will for life and salvation shall always prevail. We have completed the flat roof replacement project on the Office/Educational/Fellowship Hall building addition at a final cost of $43,500. Money has been borrowed, as authorized at our Congregational Meeting in November 2019 for this project, and we are now making monthly payments. Once again, we can save substantial dollars in future interest by repaying this loan early. So, if, even during these times, you may be able to give extra to this Roof Fund, please dig out those Blue Envelopes marked ROOF, and make an extra gift to this cause. Thank you for your faithfulness in giving. May God be praised!

Ron Green

Worship Guidelines Covid-19 Good Shepherd Ev. Lutheran Church has arrived at the decision to re-open in- person activities and worship services starting on Sunday, June 28, 2020. In order to do so, there are restrictions that must be maintained to ensure the heath of all who attend. These restrictions have been agreed upon by our church Council in consultation with

our Worship Committee, under the recommendation of the Southern Ohio Synod and appropriate governmental agencies. We pray for a time that none of this will be needed. ServicesGood Shepherd will return to our normal worship schedule of 8:30 A.M. and 10:30 A.M. Seating will be limited to sixty people per service, so we ask that some parishioners consider worshipping at the 8:30 A.M. service, in order to spread out the volume of people. The 8:30 A.M. service will use the even numbered pews, and the 10:30 A.M. service will use the odd numbered pews. For example, the 8:30 A.M. service will use the second row of pews from the front, as well as the fourth, sixth and so on… The 10:30 A.M. service will use the first row of pews, as well as the third, fifth, and so on… Seating for each service will be plainly marked. In addition, services will remain live streamed on Facebook Live, and downloaded to Good Shepherd’s YouTube page, in order to accommodate those who are homebound or choose to remain at home. DistancingGood Shepherd will work to ensure appropriate physical distancing measures. This means that each family unit is required to maintain six feet of distance from other family units at all times. MasksUpon entering the church building, all people, who are not medically restricted from using one, are to wear masks. Hand SanitizerHand sanitizer is always kept in the pews. Please use it, but remember to put it back when you are finished.

RestroomsRestrooms will still be available for use. Please use your mask as you walk through the hall, and maintain one person, or family unit, at a time in the restroom. Handwashing is mandatory.

UshersAt both services, ushers will seat parishioners and usher them out at the end of worship. The first people in will go to the front, and will be escorted out last. Ushers will maintain distancing during their duties.

CommunionFor the first several weeks under these guidelines, Holy Communion will not be served. As we learn more about the virus, we will search for a safe way to administer this Sacrament.

Water Fountain

The water fountain will not be available for use, and the kitchen will be off limits. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their own water bottle to the services.  BulletinsBulletins will be emailed to those whom we have email addresses, and they will be available for you to pick up as you enter. Any music or hymns will be printed in the bulletin, as the hymnals will be removed from the pews. At the end of the service, parishioners are asked to place their bulletin in the provided trash can for recycle. SingingSinging is a big part of our worship expression, but please keep your masks on while singing. Any sung liturgy will be changed to spoken word, and only two hymns will be sung. There will be no choir until further notice, but individuals may offer their talents for special music, as long as they practice distancing. OfferingAn offering plate will be placed at the entrance to the sanctuary for parishioners to place their tithings.

CleaningWe ask for volunteers to assist in cleaning the worship space and any areas used in the building following the 10:30 A.M. service. Passing of the PeaceThe Passing of the Peace will consist of a wave and blessing other worshipers from their pews. NurseryThe nursery will not be available until further notice.

Coffee HourThere will be neither a coffee hour nor a social time.

ROOF FUND – Don’t forget about the Roof Fund! We have recently received new “flat roofs.” These are sections of roof on the back and side of the church that were not a part of last year’s roofing project. Please give generously, so that we can pay this off in record time!

ONLINE WORSHIP Join us online on Sunday mornings at 10:30 A.M. at: Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church Springfield, Ohio and posted around noon on Sundays on our channel at: Good Shepherd Springfield, Ohio

COMMUNITY

GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD PANTRY

It was a very hot evening but our volunteers performed well! We served 130 food insecure folks. Some received green beans, radishes & beets fresh from our church garden. Everyone really appreciated the help. We even received a thank you card in the mail the other day.

Many thanks to Sharon Veale for her cat food contributions as well as cards, calendars etc.!

Here are some terrific volunteers: Philllip Winchell, Diane Timmons, Sandy Falkner, Pastor Larry Grunden, George Parsons, Carla Canales, Ginny Martycz, Nancy Finke, Barb & Brittany Strawsburg, Chad Carr, Brady Edwards. Mark Roberts, Deb Botkin, Vicci Lubbers and Skip Warner.

Thanks property guys for working on our food slide!

Our next food pantry is Thursday, August 20th.

God's work. Our hands! denise

COFFEE FOR COMMUTERSWEDNESDAY WAVERS! We will not be handing out coffee this year, but we can join together and wave to people in their cars! We are meeting on Wednesdays in July and August from 8:00 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. Signs of encouragement for the day are

welcome!

Community Garden It is the beginning of harvest time at Good Shepherd! Zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, beets, radishes, onion, and so much more! Spread the news that the garden is for our community, so all are welcome to partake. If you would

like to help maintain the garden by weeding, harvesting, or another way, please contact Deb Botkin at 937- 271-7688

12-Step program at 4:30 P.M. on Tuesdays. Call Pastor Merrill at 937.717.5030AA at 8:00 P.M. on Wednesdays

Al-Anon at 8:00 P.M. on Fridays. Call Phillip Hoffman at 937.244.8223

AUGUST ALTAR FLOWERS

In loving honor of Meghan’s Birthday, from Lynn and Chris Zechman

In loving honor of our granddaughter’s sixteenth birthday, from Ron and Diane Timmons.

In loving honor of our wedding anniversary, from Richard and Susan Koegler.

FELLOWSHIP

PUB THEOLOGY – Good Shepherd has teamed up with First Lutheran for Theology on Tap on Thursdays at 6:00 P.M. on the Zoom app. Zoom is very easy to use, and you can find the link via your email! Download the free Zoom app, press the link at the time of the meeting, make sure that you are not “on mute,” and join in the conversation!

SHEPHERD’S YARNERS- Will meet Wednesdays, August 5th and 19th in the Church’s south side yard. Bring your own chair, drink, and mask. Please join us for an evening of crafting and conversation!

THE WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP- Will read Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate for our next meeting on Monday, August 17 at 6:00 P.M.  We will meet at the home of Marcia Morris (3793 Marbella St), in her front yard, so bring your own chair, water, and mask.   Please note change of time and location. Come join us!  Questions? Contact Barb Bendure 937-399-8546.

Mary Parsons has been busy sewing student backpacks for Lutheran World Relief that will be distributed across the globe! If you would like to help fill them with supplies and pay for shipping, please send a check made out to Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church with “LWR Backpack Supplies” in the memo line. We are asking only for monetary donations this year to cut down on shopping trips and to make sure the items follow the guidelines. Thanks so much for your participation! The cost of filling a backpack is $6.00 and shipping is $1.40. For more information on LWR backpacks please visit this website! https://lwr.org/blog/2012/step-step-instructions-making-school-kit-backpacks

 

PEOPLE NEWS

6 Rick Broderick8 Sydney Bell10 Stacey Malone, Diana Lyons16 Jim Babyak26 Diane Timmons29 Joe Brumfield

3 Don & Cia Warner6 Nick & Vicci Lubbers, Jim & Udean Babyak26 Don & Barb Bendure31 Andy & Rachel Tune