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 Monthly Newsletter for May, 2025

 

Newsletter Highlights This Month (click on a link to view)

 

Please Note:

Our newsletters are for members only with no public access through the GSLC web site. Please bookmark this page or keep the newsletter notice email to return to this newsletter.

 

Sermon Series - Good and Perfect Gifts: A Sermon Series on Isaiah 56–66

Each sermon in this series takes Isaiah Good and Perfect Gifts up aspecific gift from a text in Isaiah 56–66, interprets it through the life and times of Isaiah, and then applies it to Christians. We will not only become more familiar with this oft-neglected section of Isaiah, but we will be inspired to joyfully receive God’s good and perfect gifts flowing from our Savior’s bitter suffering and death that are freely given because of His Easter victory.

May 4 – An Ever-Present Refuge (Isaiah 57:13)

May 11 – Unlimited Access (Isaiah 57:15)

May 18 – Enduring Light (Isaiah 60:1)

May 25 – Perfect Beauty (Isaiah 60:9)

June 1 – Powerful Peace (Isaiah 60:17)

June 8 – A People Mover (Isaiah 61:2)

June 15 – A New Name (Isaiah 62:4)

 

Sunday Bible Study - Isaiah The Fifth Gospel

Isaiah Fifth GospelLocated on the front of the historic Trinity Church in Boston are the sculptures of six men. At the center are the four Gospel writers, who are flanked on the right by St. Paul and on the left by Isaiah. Isaiah’s presence in this distinguished “cloud of witnesses” speaks volumes about his importance for the Church. He is the theologian par excellence in the Old Testament. His chief doctrine comes from his name, Isaiah, which means “Yahweh is deliverance.” For sheer grandeur, majesty, and supreme artistry, no book in the Old Testament comes close to Isaiah. The prophet’s saving message, soaring language, and unforgettable imagery are tightly woven into the fabric of Christian hymnody, liturgy, and devotional literature.

Our Bible Study is scheduled for Sunday mornings, 11-Noon in the Sanctuary (after the service). Come along as we dive into Isaiah–The Fifth Gospel and are renewed spiritually as a believer in Jesus, informed biblically, and equipped to live faithfully as a faithful follower of Jesus.

Led by Pastor Keith

 

This Month in Our Prayers

Recent Additions:

• Brigitte S.—prayers for successful upcoming eye surgery
• Andrea P.—healing and recovery from cataract surgeries
• Phil—(Robert Kinman’s brother)

Ongoing prayers:
• Michael L.—success for his ongoing chemotherapy
• Brittany W.—(daughter-in-law of Marge W.)—recovery from thyroid surgery
• Marge W.—(cousin of Lorna White)—upcoming heart valve replacement surgery
• Margaret M.—(friend of MaryAnn Miller)—brain cancer
• Seth—(Robert Kinman’s son)
• Steve M.—(Shawna Hall’s dad)—recovering at home
• Gary R.—continued healing from recent cataract surgery
• Christine—(sister-in-law of Fred & Cheryl Barbaria)—treatment of colon cancer
• Edna K.—recovering from a fall
• Apolonio—(friend of Spike & Bonnie Moore)—continuing treatment for Esophageal cancer
• Jim S.—(brother-in-law of Michael Lamboley)—rapid recovery after suffering a small stroke
• Sondra—(friend of MaryAnn Miller)—diagnosed with cancer
• Jessie—(niece of Edna Koek)—health issues
• Marge W.—(cousin of Lorna White)—heart problems
• Lorna W.—healing from upcoming eye surgery and other health concerns
• Laurie P.—fell and broke her right arm and wrist and her left elbow
• Carolee H.—recovering from numerous health issues
• Nan M.—vision to improve or remain the same, and patience
• Craig—(Edna Koek’s nephew)—healing from surgery
• Patrick K.—(Edna Koek’s nephew)—healing from surgery
• Linda M.—(Shawna Hall’s mom)—ongoing health concerns
• Bob R.—(Vicki McPhail’s brother)—out of ICU. Recovering at home
• Mark S.—continued healing from a fall
• John M.—(cousin of Lorna White)—healing from heart surgery
• Melanie H.—healing from continuous health crisis
• Judy—(friend of Shawna Hall)—starting cancer treatment
• Zack W.—struggling with depression
• Barbara K.—recovery from hip replacement surgery
• Patrick K.—(Edna Koek’s brother)—continuing cancer treatment
• Carolyn and Al K.—ongoing health issues
• Shawna H.—prayers that she continues to improve
• Christine K.—(cousin of Lorna White)—Dementia is getting worse
• Margret B.—for peace
• Arlene K.—Parkinson’s disease
• Terry O.—relieve discomfort & suffering from her health issues
• Scott R.—(friend of Pastor Keith)--cancer treatment
• Judy S.—Parkinson’s disease

Additional prayer requests, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of comfort:

Prayers of thanksgiving in celebration of Cheryl Barbaria’s birthday on 5/3
Prayers of thanksgiving in celebration of Izzy Savage’s birthday on 5/7
Continued prayers of comfort & peace for the family & friends of Lois Kiel who died Easter Sunday, 4/20
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” (Rev. 14:13)
Prayers that God continues to bless our preschool families and staff
Continued prayers for Centro Cristiano Vida Nueva, in Oaxaca, Mexico
Continued prayers for peace in Ukraine, Russia, Israel and Palestine and all around the world
Continued prayers for Pastor and Mrs. Paul Nelson as they continue their work in Indonesia

This list is current as of April 29, 2025. Please see the most recent weekly Sunday Bulletin for the latest updates to our prayer list.

 

GSLC Pantry Saturday, May 3rd

New Need

We are low on clothing for everyone, especially for men. Also we can use blankets, linens and jackets. All items must be clean and ready to use.

Ongoing Needs

food distribution• Donate $$

• Purchase food & hygiene or paper goods

Extra citrus, fruit.and/or veggies from your yard

• Plastic grocery or reusable cloth bags 

Help prep on Friday, May 2nd

• Help Saturday, May 3rd, 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, jelly, jam, syrup, flour, sugar, unsweetened almond milk

- 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

- Toothpaste, floss, toothbrushes (or ask your dentist for a donation ! )

food distribution

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.

 

Note: We do not accept over-the-counter medicines or soft drinks/sodas.

Questions? Contact or see Val Eurman ((805) 705-3311) or Cindy (805) 680-4686) after church on Sundays.

 

Traditional Irish Music Concert Friday, May 2nd

Good Shepherd Presents "Playdate"Concert featuring Marla Fibish with Rebecca Richman and Jimmy Murphy at 7:00 pm in the Good Shepherd sanctuary. Free concert, donations gratefully accepted.

"This project celebrates the Playdate album coverfriendship and musical connection between Marla and Rebecca that has blossomed over the past few years. Mixing original and traditional tunes, we mark some recent losses that offset the many joys. We hope that what comes through is the playfulness found between these friends and our joy in making music together."

A San Francisco native, Marla is one of the prominent voices of the mandolin in Irish music.  She brings a deep and distinctive sensibility to the tradition on one of its lesser-heard instruments.

 

Preschool Expansion Project Update

meeting video thumbnailIf you missed one of the three GSLC Preschool Expansion presentations and Q&A sessions this week, you may watch a video recording of last Wednesday’s meeting on GSLC’s Videos page. Just browse to https://gslcms.org/watch and scroll down to the event video (right below the church service and morning meditation videos). The proposal document is also on the page below the video.

 

Lois Kiel’s Committal & Memorial Services
Lois Kiel’s Committal Service will be held Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Goleta Cemetery.

Her Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Light refreshments will be served following the service in the Fireside Room.

 

Voters Meeting May 18, 2025 11:00 a.m.

Agenda

Opening Devotion/Prayer
Approval of Minutes from November 10, 2024 Meeting (handout)
Acceptance of Gains & Losses
Election of Board of Directors

Nominees for Board of Directors (one-year term)
President: Dave Roman
Vice President: Alan Meeder
Secretary: Michelle Cochran
Treasurer: Dan Barnett
Member-at-large: Andrea Hoelter
Member-at-large: Doug Trantow

Election of Board of Elders
Elders: 1 (staggered three-year terms)
Ted Hoelter

Pastor’s Report
Approval of New Voters
Announcements
Closing Prayer

 

Better Read Than Dead Book Club

BookClub

Book Club Readings
 
We continue our in-person meetings in the Fireside Room for our monthly book club discussions.

The books chosen for our 2025 GSLC “Better Read than Dead” club discussions are below (click on link for the GoodReads summary).
Join us in reading along!

 

May (Martha) — West with the  Giraffes, by Lynda Rutledge

June (Dianne) — Memory Keeper’s Daughter, by Kim Edwards

 
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!
 

Val

 

Jesus Sessions

Starting in May we will be having Jesus Sessions every Tuesday from 3:30 to 6.

Jesus Sessions logo

 

The prayer team will meet in the Fireside Room. Please call Lizzie to make an appointment if you would like to attend.


 Lizbeth Savage
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ph 805.453.0571

 
 
Our Livestream Services Include Closed Captioning
 
Just look for the CC Closed captioning examplesymbol 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!
 
We livestream our Sunday service at 9:30 am. You can start watching around 9:25 for announcements. You can also watch the service recording on our website any time after the service has been competed. We also livestream and record our Lent, Holy Week and Advent services.
 
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.
 
 
 

Portals of Prayer

Portals Cover

 Portals of Prayer devotion booklets for April - June, 2025 are now available at the church office.

 

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!

 

 

Bible Readings

Let’s read God’s Word together and see the great things God does for us through His Word! Please click HERE for the latest Sunday bulletin, which includes this week's readings.

 

Church Office Hours

Our church office is normally 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

If you would like to placeFlowers flowers on the altar, please call (805) 967-1416, or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) Trisha at the church office. One beautiful bouquet is $25.

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
Quilt

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

Morning MeditationAdam Phillips, GSLC's Music Director, provides meditative instrumental and vocal music every Wednesday morning at 10:00 am.

Please join Adam (or a 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.


 

Most Recent Reported Weekly Offerings -

Week16 - Through April 29, 2025

Weekly Ministry Budget $ 6,519.23
Last Week's Contributions $ 5,591.00
Other Income/Interest/stock $ 0.00
 Weekly over (under)
$ 928.23

 

Year to Date, 2025

 Budget $ 104,307.69
Contributions $ 114,774.24
 Stock Gifts  $ 3,522.00
 Other Income/interest  $ 5,212.19
Year to Date over (under) $ 19,200.74 / 18.4%

 

2025 Mission Offerings (as of 4/29/25):

District $455.00; Nelson Family $400.00; Ukraine $0.00; Dental Mission $600.00; Hispanic Mission $0.00; Disaster Relief - Fire $100.00

 

Want to Keep Up With the latest GSLC News? Click HERE
 
bulletin coverOur 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 "members only" bulletin version is updated every Sunday morning and is easy to get to - just click above. It will open or download for you.
 
 

 

GSLC's On Line Giving Options - Credit Card? eCheck?

coin purseGood 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.

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.

 

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.
 Elder  Phone  E-Mail
 Ted Hoelter  805 692-8414  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Mike McGinnis  805 967-3563  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Bill Savage  (chair)  805 845-5265  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Erik Wipf  805 683-3228  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

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).

 Office Admin/Trisha:   ext 100
 Pastor Keith   ext.101
 Accounting:    ext.103
 Sexton/(position open):  ext.104
 Music/Adam:  ext.105
 Preschool/Katie:  ext.108

 

 

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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Please include what the event is, when and where it will be held, who is invited and any other information that will help our readers decide to attend. Also, please include a contact name and phone/email if we (or a reader) want more information.

 

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:

Board of Directors    
 President,  Dave Roman   805 698-4596   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Vice-President, Alan Meeder
 805 452-1591   This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Secretary,  Michelle Cochran  805 705-7997  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Treasurer,  Dan Barnett  805 729-5993  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Member-at-Large, Andrea Hoelter
 805 692-8414  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Member-at-Large, Doug Trantow
 323-496-1299  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 Committee Chairs and Group Leaders
 Elders Chair,  Bill Savage  805-845-5265  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Outreach Chair,  Val Eurman  805 705-3311  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Head Usher, Mark Preiser  805 967-2113  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Memorials/Endowments,  Tom Fisher  805 964-3692  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 Shepherd's Bells,  Joan Barnett  805 729-5994  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

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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