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Monthly Newsletter for April, 2024
Newsletter Highlights This Month
New Sermon Series - Stop Running Scared What is your greatest fear? “Fear” is something We’re all running scared. Our sermon series, “Stop Running Scared” will explore a variety of topics that bring fear into our lives. Our resurrected Lord Jesus has something to offer us when we’re afraid and running scared.
Sunday Bible Study 10:45 AM — Psalms: Prayers and Praise – Part 2
Part 2 Psalm 109: Righteous Retribution Psalm 136: His Love Endures Forever Psalm 72: Long Live the King Led by Pastor Keith
This Month in Our Prayers Recent Additions: • Angela—diagnosed with lung cancer. Recovering from recent surgery Ongoing prayers: • Patrick K.—(Edna Koek’s brother)—continuing cancer treatment Additional prayer requests, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of comfort: Continued prayers for Centro Cristiano Vida Nueva church in Oaxaca, Mexico This list is current as of March 28, 2024. Please see the most recent weekly Sunday Bulletin (posted on the GSLC Videos Page) for the latest updates to our prayer list.
GSLC Pantry Saturday, April 6th We served 138 individuals, representing about 380 people, at our March distribution. New Needs • Shoes, men’s clothing and grade-school children’s clothing • Plastic grocery or reusable cloth bags Ongoing Needs • Donate $$ • Purchase food & hygiene or paper goods and drop them off at church Monday - Thurs 8:00 am - noon. • Help prep on Friday, April 5th • Help this Saturday morning, April 6th, between 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Notes: Food items that we don’t usually get from S.B. Food Bank, such as: - Peanut Butter, canned soups, tuna/meats, stew, beans, canned veggies, canned fruits - Non-sugary cereal (Ex: Wheat Chex, Cheerios, Raisin Bran), breakfast bars, oatmeal 4) Hygiene and household goods, such as: - Toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, soap, sanitizers, and masks - Toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes (or ask your dentist for a donation ! ) - For our Miscellaneous Table we are collecting individual items such as deodorant, shampoos/conditioners, cleaning supplies, diapers/wipes, male/female personal items...). Perhaps you have extras in your cupboards or can buy some locally. Questions? Contact or see Val Eurman ((805) 705-3311) or Cindy ((805) 680-4686) after church on Sundays.
Our Livestream Services Include Closed Captioning
Just look for the CC
 symbol on the screen (not included on phone screens due to size) and click on it. We suggest that you turn this on for Pastor's announcements and the sermon but leave it off for the liturgy and music as the liturgy and song lyrics are already on the video. Vimeo's captions are accurate and easy to read!This livestream broadcast includes the entire service - prayers, sermon and music. The liturgy will be provided on the web site as a PDF document, along with a "public" version of the weekly bulletin (no contact information and no weekly giving statement). The recording includes the liturgy and song lyrics superimposed on the video images as well as closed captioning. You are encouraged to respond to the liturgy and sing along with Adam. Go to: https://gslcms.org/watch.
If you do not have a way to view our GSLC service at home, we have a limited number of Kindle tablets available. These are provided, upon request, with recordings of GSLC's recent church services. These are self-contained touch screen video devices. Please contact Trisha at the office during the week (Monday - Thursday, 8am to noon) at 805 967-1416 for more information about the tablets.
GSLC's Worship Schedule
Sunday worship continues with one service at 9:30 a.m. We alternate two styles of worship. On the 1st and 3rd (and 5th) Sundays the organ will generally lead us in song and the order of service is more traditional liturgy. On the 2nd and 4th Sundays the band will lead us in song and the order of service is a blend of contemporary and traditional form.
Reminder: We continue our in-person meetings in the Fireside Room for our monthly book club discussions.
The books chosen for our GSLC “Better Read than Dead” club discussions are below. Join us in reading along!  April (Nan) --The Radcliffe Ladies Reading Club by Julia B. Thomas https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62061565-the-radcliffe-ladies-reading-club May (Mary) – Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/139694412-dreamers-of-the-day-by-mary-doria-russell-12-mar-2009-paperback June (Ann) – The Women by Kristin Hannah [Please note change.] https://www.goodreads.com/en/ July (Judy) -- People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1379961.People_of_the_Book Jump in! New folks are welcome anytime to read with us and “meet”. Just order/start reading the “next” book in line and give me, Val Eurman, a call at 805-705-3311 or send an email for more details and to get on our email list!
A Message from the Memorial and Endowments Committee
The Memorials and Endowments Committee would like you to consider-
Ministry leaders often appreciate unrestricted gifts to their organizations that allow leaders to apply the dollars to the current pressing needs when received.
However, predicting future needs can be tricky. Three sisters taught Sunday School for all their adult lives. They loved children and appreciated the chance to share Jesus with them. Their estate plans all included gifts to support the Sunday School. But today, that same congregation is planted in a community where only 1.5% of the people are below the age of 18. You can see how difficult it would be for the congregation to use substantial gifts for supporting Sunday School when there are no children. Gifts can be earmarked for certain ministry projects. Yet, it is always a good idea to include language that gives ministry leaders the ability to redirect dollars if the planned need no longer exists in the future. Your Memorials and Endowments Committee members can help you to think about the language that makes the most sense for your favorite ministry. You may contact Pastor Keith if you would like more information.
Courtesy of LCMS Foundation
Want to Keep Up With the latest GSLC News?
 Our weekly Sunday Bulletin has the latest GSLC news! It's chock full of our prayer list, weekly schedule, basically everything that happens between these newsletters. The "public" bulletin version (no weekly financials) is updated every Sunday morning and is easy to get to - just go to our GSLC Videos page, gslcms.org/watch, and scroll down to and click on "Most recent Sunday Bulletin". It will open or download for you. The full bulletin is available (only) on the GSLC Members Page. The current Sunday Order of Service is available on the same page.
Portals of Prayer
Please call Trisha and reserve a copy or come by the church office during business hours (Mon-Thurs 8:00 am—12:00 pm) to pick one up!
Church Office Hours Our church office is staffed Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am until noon. Please exercise social distancing if you need to come by, or call 805 967-1416.
Altar Flowers Policy Beginning January 1, 2024, if you would like to place Please make out your check to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) and write flowers on the memo line. You can mail it to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or drop it by the church office Mon-Thurs, 8:00 a.m. to noon.
Quilting News & Notes We will meet on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. until around 1:00 p.m. in Room 19. Some Saturdays will be reserved for “work days” when we can get together and iron, cut and do some general cleaning of the room or accomplish special projects. We will let you know when those Saturdays will be! For now, Wednesdays only and we hope to see you there!
Join Adam for a Musical Meditation
Please join Adam (or an occasional guest artist) in our sanctuary as they explore a variety of hymns and other musical prayers performed on a variety of instruments. The meditation is livestreamed on GSLC's Video Page and available afterwards as a video recording until the next live event. Older meditation videos are archived. The direct link to the Livestreamed / Latest Meditation is https://vimeo.com/event/1154783 . The Meditation Archive Showcase to view prior Meditations is at https://vimeo.com/showcase/7841964.
We are looking for that special person that is interested in photography and wants to expand their skills by operating the video cameras and video switcher during our services and other events. Could that be you?
We have a core group of five GSLC members that enter the weekly worship service text, organize the sermon slides, set up the video feed, do the live camera switching for the services and meditations, record the services, etc. every week.
We are looking for another camera / video switcher operator to provide relief and someone to do this when we are not able to do it. We - and our livestream viewers - need your help so we can continue livestreaming and recording all of these services and events. Ideally, you would be able to assist with the Sunday service and/or Wednesday meditation livestreaming once a month (to stay in practice), step in if other team members are not available, and perhaps do some of the Lent or Advent evening service livestreaming. The tasks are precise but not difficult. There's no experience needed - we will train you! If you are interested finding out more, please contact Dan Barnett (805 729-5993) and/or Fred Barbaria (805 680-0288) for more information. Or, just come by and see us in the AV area (up in the back corner) after the Sunday service.
Most Recent Reported Weekly Offerings— Week 8 - Through March 25, 2024
Year to Date, 2024
2024 Mission Offerings: District $385.00; Nelson Family $150.00
Bible Readings Let’s read God’s Word together and see the great things God does for us through His Word! Haven’t started yet? It’s ok to jump in any time! April, 2024 01 - Numbers 28:1--30:16
Good Shepherd in the World Background: Recently Pastor Paul and Pastor Nelson and his family served Emanuel Lutheran Church, Santa Barbara for 10 ½ years. In this new role, Pastor Paul works closely with the Indonesian Christian Lutheran Church and helps train and mentor local pastors and lay leaders. The Need: Pastor Nelson and family need fellow believers to partner with them in this new role.How can we partner with them? First, PRAY. Pray for Paul and Gena as they serve in Indonesia. Pray also for each member of the family as they transition to a new location and culture. Ask God to give them patience and confidence as they learn Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of the country. Pray also that they would be able to establish good relationships with the people around them in their new home. Let us give thanks that the Nelson family is serving in this part of the world. Second, ENCOURAGEMENT. Moving is challenging no matter where you go. Moving to a different country with a different language, different customs, different climate, is exponentially challenging! Birthdays and anniversaries still come around every year. A card or a note of support and encouragement is a meaningful gift that bridges the miles and changes. Third, MONEY. Yes, money. Pastor Nelson is required to raise his own financial support for his family. That’s how he gets “paid.” The Opportunity: This is our opportunity to partner with Pastor and Gena Nelson and support them in their work in Indonesia. Being a partner with Pastor Paul and Gena is one of the ways we can follow our mandate of listening to the voice of our Good Shepherd Jesus and fulfill our mission of “Excite the believers and share the Gospel.” Partnering with Pastor Nelson will be a blessing for us. The Challenge: Will we partner with the Nelsons? Are we up for it? Can we commit to meeting the needs? I hope so! I pray so! Please prayerfully consider how you might meet a need for Pastor Paul and Gena Nelson and family. I know that our Good Shepherd, the Lord Jesus, can lead usinto a meaningful partnership that will bless Pastor Nelson and his family and the church and people of Indonesia. Please check out the video of Pastor Paul Nelson as he explains his new role as Theological Educator in Indonesia. The video is available on GSLC's web site here If you would like to support Rev. Paul Nelson in his work in Indonesia, please go to lcms.org/nelson or click on the image below:
Art therapy with the Great Comforter  (April 20th)
PCCA Talking to Jesus in the Arts
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Room 14 in the patio area
11:45 am to 4pm
Suggested Donation $50 (give as God leads)
Art Supplies are provided
“Living in Rest”
In this busy world God wants us to live in a place of rest. In this session we will paint and journal what it is for us personally to live in rest. To Quiet our souls.
Using Acrylic paints you will be guided by Lizbeth to lay down color while listening to what the Holy Spirit has to say. We do not paint realistic paintings but abstract shapes and lines to get in touch with the Holy Spirit. This is a time of hearing, sensing and seeing in your heart what God is saying to you. No wrong way to do this. Prayer for you to hear, see or feel what God is saying will come. God always shows up. Enter into His Rest. Be at peace. It is also a way of getting confirmation to something that you may be blocked to as well. God is good and is always wanting us to connect with Him. Healing hearts one color at a time.
To Sign up for this session or if you have any questions, text Lizzy Savage at 805.453.0571. One must sign up to save your space. A limit of ten people per session. Everyone is able to do this; no art experience is required. Suggested donation is $50 - Zelle or Pay Pal. Once you have paid, Lizzy will have the art supplies for you. Drinks will be available. Must be signed up to attend the session. Talking to Jesus in the Arts sign up today! Living in the day of Rest but not resting is a challenge. Need a little talk with Jesus is always a wonderful way to start the year.
Lizzy Savage, Director
GSLC's On Line Giving Options - Credit Card? eCheck?
You can also make a special one-time donation (through Square) on Good Shepherd's website. For either donation type go to https://gslcms.org/giving and then click on the appropriate donation button. You can specify whether you are donating to the GSLC budget or the Food Distribution program. If you prefer, you can also mail us your offering or drop it off at the church office.
IRA Distributions to Charity Are a Permanent Part of Tax Code!! Congress made permanent qualified charitable distributions from individuals. This law permits annual direct transfers to a qualified charity totaling up to $100,000 of tax-deferred IRA savings. Funds distributed to the owner first and then donated do not qualify. This includes the mandatory distributions (MRD) for IRA owners 72 years of age and over. This is a benefit to the donor as income taxes on social security benefits can decrease as the distribution is not reported as income for the donor. If the donor no longer itemizes their deductions this is a way to get the benefit of the donation as the IRA distribution is not included in income and thus not subject to income taxes. To make a contribution you must contact your IRA trustee to make a transfer directly to the charity. Should you wish to make a donation to the church have the checks made payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and have the check mailed to us directly. Be sure that the check includes your name on the memo line. We will issue a letter of acknowledgement that we have received your donation. Please call David at 805 967-1416 x103 in the accounting office with any questions.
Elders Available by Phone and Email Elders assist with our public worship, oversee the spiritual life of members, and offer spiritual and physical support for our Pastor and congregation. Please contact any Elder to share your needs, concerns, and prayer requests.
Church Phone Extension Numbers Please follow the auto attendant menu prompts or dial an extension directly if no one answers. Also, the preschool can be reached through the main church number as well as their direct number (805 967-6101).
One-Stop Publicity! If your GSLC committee or group is making an announcement or planning an event, you can now send ONE email with the details and it will go to those folks editing the Sunday bulletin, church web site articles, web site calendar and monthly newsletter. The Good Shepherd publicity email address is
Staff, Board of Directors and Committee Contacts
You may find the staff contact information either above or on our web site (Staff Contacts) and congregational officer and committee chair contact information here or on the Members Only web page at gslcms.org:
On Line Event Calendar Our latest calendar is on line here. This link will take you to the "public" event calendar unless you use your member login. To see the entire calendar (with church meetings, etc.), please log in with your member ID. No member ID? Click on "Create an account" on the right hand side of the web page to get started. Your account will be approved and then you can browse the member page contents. |
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and Preschool
380 North Fairview Avenue, Goleta, CA 93117 • 805 967-1416
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that we all have and live with. 
When we study the psalms, we are studying more than religious poetry. The psalms express far more than personal or congregational prayers. They proclaim Jesus Christ—His mission and passion, His resurrection and return.
Portals of Prayer devotion booklets for April - June, 2024 are now available at the church office.
flowers on the altar, please call (805) 967-1416, or email (
Adam Phillips, GSLC's Music Director, provides meditative instrumental and vocal music every Wednesday morning at 10:00 am. 
Genevieve (Gena) Nelson received and accepted the call to serve on behalf of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Indonesia, based in Medan.
Good Shepherd has offered electronic donation capabilities (through Vanco) for a while. You now have the ability to sign up directly through Good Shepherd's web site to donate on line (through Vanco) once or on a recurring basis.