Sunday, December 15, 2013

Junior High and High School will have a special lesson about Christmas from one of the pastors.  Please plan to join us for this interesting lesson!

Reminder:  No class on December 22 or 29

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Children in grades 4-5 (our preteens) will make sandwiches this Sunday for Catholic Community Services.  Please remember to bring assigned items.

After they finish sandwiches they will join the younger classes and help with craft time.

They will enjoy birthday cake in celebration of Jesus' birth.

Reminder, no Sunday school on December 22 or 29.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Children in preschool through grade 3 will celebrate Christmas at a Happy Birthday Jesus party during Sunday school.

Children will play games, sing songs, and watch a short film about the birth of Christ.

We will finish the hour with birthday cake!

Please plan to join us.

Remember, no Sunday school on December 22 or 29.

Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Good Shepherd

Junior High and High School
NO BIBLE STUDY THIS SUNDAY.  Please plan to worship together as a family at the 11:15 am service and then join us for Family Life, beginning with lunch at 12:30 pm.

Confirmation is part of the Family Life program.  If you are in 6th grade or older you are encouraged and invited to join us for Confirmation.

Luther's Small Catechism with Pastor Jeff

New Testament Survey with Pastor James

Other classes offered:

Experiencing God with Pastor Christine
Basic Christian Teachings for kids (grades 1-5)
High School Leadership Training (grades 9-12)
Barnabus Training (GSLC's mentor program)

Childcare if provided for children 6-weeks through kindergarten)

Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preteen
Key faith foundation:  God encourages celebration (fun!)
Key scriptures:  Leviticus 23:6-8, 23-25, 33-36; Psalms 16:8-11; 21:1-6; Romans 13:13

This Sunday our preteens will grapple with, "Is God a Party Pooper?"  God is not a party pooper! And yet it's sad, but true, that some people think God needs to stay locked up in a church building and never get involved in the fun parts of their lives.  We are daring you to be different and to help your children be different.   Quit thinking that God doesn't want us to have fun"  :)  Together as a family read Psalm 16:8-11 and make it a prayer that you pray together.

Children will receive an Advent calendar today.  Put it somewhere prominent in your home and remember to have them look at it each day with you.  It is designed to prompt conversation and to help you grow together as a family as you prepare for the celebration of Christmas!

Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

First, Second and Third Grade
Bible Story:  Luke 2:1-20

This Sunday the children will learn that Christmas is about God choosing to be with us.  Emmanuel!  They will learn there are several names for Jesus.  Savior, Redeemer, Messiah and Emmanuel.  Emanuel means "God with us".  They will also learn that people need Jesus because, people make mistakes.  Without Jesus, people would need to be perfect to be with God.  Together as a family talk about how this Christmas, how will you choose to follow Jesus?

Children will receive an Advent calendar today.  Put it somewhere prominent in your home and remember to have them open a door every day (they'll have fun opening several at once for the days they've already missed in December.)

Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preschool and Kindergarten
Bible Story:  Luke 2:8-20

Why were the Shepherd's chosen to be the messengers of God's good news?  There were more sophisticated people to whom God could have sent the angels!  But these shepherds believed. They believed so much that they obeyed--fully and immediately.  They didn't wait--they ran!  Then with hearts full of wonder, they told everyone they saw about the wonderful promised baby. Help the openhearted little ones you love understand that God loves and values them as much as He did the shepherds and that He delights in their celebration of the advent of His Son!

Children will receive an Advent calendar today.  Put it somewhere prominent in your home and remember to have them open a door every day (they'll have fun opening several at once for the days they've already missed in December.)

What is the "Church Year?"

The organization of the year in which we celebrate the great acts that God did in Christ for our salvation. The church year begins with the Advent season, usually late in November, and ends with Christ the King Sunday the following November.

We are beginning the season of Advent.

Bible Background:  Luke 1:5-25 (birth of John the Baptist foretold), 26-38 (birth of Jesus foretold), 39-45 (Mary visits Elizabeth), 57-66 (birth of John the Baptist).

Time:  Advent is the first season of the church year.  It begins four weeks before Christmas, on the Sunday closest to Nov. 30.  It ends on Christmas Eve.

Color:  Purple is the traditional color of the *paraments, vestments and other accessories of Advent. It signifies royalty and reminds us that Jesus was born to be our King. Many churches choose to use blue (as Good Shepherd does), the color of hope and anticipation.  Look at the *vestments used in our church.  Explain to your child what the color means.

* Paraments:  Cloth hangings for the altar, pulpit and lectern.  These indicate the day or season of the church year by their color.

* Vestments:  Garments worn by those performing worship service duties.

About Advent:

• Advent means "coming" or "drawing near."  Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the arrival of Christ.
• The lessons read from the Bible during Advent feature words of the Old Testament prophets telling God's people that He would send the Savior.
• An Advent wreath is often used to mark the four weeks of Advent.  The wreath contains four candles. One candle is lit on the first Sunday in Advent. Each week, an additional candle is lit. Finally, on the Sunday before Christmas, all four candles will be burning brightly. Some churches add a "Christ candle" in the middle of the wreath (Good Shepherd does), which is lit on Christmas Day. An Advent wreath also can be used as part of your families Advent devotions.

Sunday,November 17, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preteen
Sandwich Making

This Sunday we will be making sandwiches for Catholic community services.  Each child has been assigned an item to bring for sandwiches.  Please be sure they bring these items.

 Children will also be putting together boxes for Operation Christmas child and discussing the importance of serving.

Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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High School
Crazy Love

Chapter 7: Your Best Life … Later

A recent New York Times best seller was titled 1. The Year of Living Biblically. A year is biting off quite a bit. How about the concept of The Day of Living Biblically? Could you start there, just for a day, living as biblically as possible? Is this something a friend might do with you? How about if your small group decides that on Wednesday, ________, 2009, that you’re all going to strive to live the day biblically?

Read Galatians 5:22–23. In the King James Version, one of the fruit of the Spirit is “longsuffering.” 2. What images does that word evoke in your mind? Is that a word your family and friends would use to describe your life? If not, why not?

Take a few moments and answer this question: What am I doing right now that requires faith? 3. Nothing is gained here by trying to sound spiritual or concocting some answer that isn’t true. Maybe it helps to break the sentence in half. First, answer: What am I doing right now? Then look at those “right now” things and ask if any of them requires faith.

Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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JUNIOR HIGH (Grades 6, 7, 8)
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

Verse to memorize:  Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.  - Luke 14:33

We must be willing to yield everything in our lives to Christ.  Through this, he can make adjustments in our lives.

TALK ABOUT IT
Obedience requires adjustments.  Discuss how you feel about the following statements.
1) You cannot stay where you are and go with God at the same time.
2)  Obedience is costly to you and to those around you.
3)  Obedience requires total dependence on God to work through you.


PRAY TOGETHER
Pray for clarity and pray for God to reveal Himself to increase faith that leads to action.

Sunday,November 17, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preschool and Kindergarten
Baby Jesus

Children Will learn that "God's Son is born for us."  (Isaiah 9:6)

Read Luke 1:26-33; 2:1-7 as a family.  Talk about this being the time of year when we celebrate Jesus' birth.

Sunday,November 17, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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First, Second and Third Grade
Why do we call it Christmas?

Children will learn the Biblical story of Christmas (Luke 2:1-20)

Children will experience a serving opportunity.  Here are a few discussion questions:

• Where can we find the story of Christmas in the Bible?  Read it together as a family.
• Why does the story of Christmas found in the bible matter to us?
• Tell me about St. Nicolas.
• What did you do during your serving project?
• How can we serve others together this week?

Sunday,November 10, 2013 at Good Shepherd

Junior High and High School
NO BIBLE STUDY THIS SUNDAY.  Please plan to worship together as a family at the 11:15 am service and then join us for Family Life, beginning with lunch at 12:30 pm.

Confirmation is part of the Family Life program.  If you are in 6th grade or older you are encouraged and invited to join us for Confirmation.

Luther's Small Catechism with Pastor Jeff

New Testament Survey with Pastor James

Other classes offered:

Experiencing God with Pastor Christine
Basic Christian Teachings for kids (grades 1-5)
High School Leadership Training (grades 9-12)
Barnabus Training (GSLC's mentor program)
This month's member care option:  Lefse Making!
Childcare if provided for children 6-weeks through kindergarten)

Sunday,November 10, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preteen
What if Jesus is Lord

Key Faith Foundation:  Jesus is God.  Key Scriptures:  Psalm 110; Acts 2:34-36

Fun clues to dig into as a family:

Clue 1:  Who9 was the first person to call Jesus "Lord" in the New Testament?  (A man with leprosy in Matthew 8:2).

Clue 2:  Name two examples of Jesus being a leader in the New Testament.

Clue 3:  Find something that every single person in your family has in common that no one would be able to guess by looking at you.

Clue 4:  Find out what jobs your parents have done in their lives.  What job would you like to have when you grow up?

Sunday,November 10, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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First, Second and Third Grade
The Big Questions of Christmas- Why do we call it Christmas?

Children will learn the Biblical story of Christmas (Luke 2:1-20)

Children will discover answers to the BIG questions of Christmas.  Here are a few discussion questions:

• What was the name of the special mass that was held just for Jesus to celebrate His birth in some of the churches in Europe?  (Christ's Mass)
• Is December 25th the day Jesus was actually born?  (We don't know the exact day Jesus was born because no one wrote it down at the time.)
• Who declared December 25 the day to celebrate Jesus' birth?  (Julius 1)
• Tell me about the Christmas story found in the Bible. Let's read Luke 2:1-20 together as a family.
• What are some BIG questions you have about Christmas?

The children will continue to learn the answers to these questions for 3 more lessons prior to Christmas break.

Sunday,November 10, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preschool and Kindergarten
Mt. Sinai and the Ten Commandments

Children will learn that God gave his people rules to follow.

Help children understand that these rules are still important today.  You can read the story in Exodus 24.

Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preteen, Junior High, High School

Watch for information about November 3rds discussion questions to be posted here for Preteen, Junior High and High School students on Monday, November 4, 2013.

Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Third Grade
Jesus Death and Resurrection

This Sunday your child will learn about Jesus' death and resurrection, and discover they can choose to be part of God's kingdom. 

TALK ABOUT IT

Your child will participate in the 7 stations.  Ask him/her to describe each one:

1. The Passover Tradition

2.  Jesus Enters Jerusalem

3.  The Last Supper

4.  Jesus in the Garden

5.  Jesus on Trial & Jesus' Death

6.  Jesus is Alive

7.  Kingdom of God

For more family fun visit www.whatsinthebible.com 

Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Second Grade
Purim and Historical Books

This Sunday your child will review the Historical Books and learn the story of Purim found in the final Historical Book - Esther.

TALK ABOUT IT

• What is Purim?
• Today you had your very own Purim celebration. What did you do?
• How many historical Books are found in the Bible?
• What is something you'll remember about God from the historical Books?  What do you love most about God?  Let's praise God!
  

For more family fun visit www.whatsinthebible.com 

Sunday, November 3, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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First Grade
Old Promise/ New Promise

This Sunday your child will learn about Moses and the Israelites from the book of Exodus.

TALK ABOUT IT

• What food did God rain down from heaven on the Israelites?
• What was the tent called that the Israelites built for God?
• What false god did the Israelites build while Moses was on Mt. Sinai?
• Would you have liked to have been the priest that went into the Room of the Most High?  Discuss why or why not.
• How many commandments are there?

For more family fun visit www.whatsinthebible.com 

Sunday,November 3, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preschool and Kindergarten
Moses, the Plagues and the Exodus

Children will learn that God protected his special people and He protects us too!

Help children understand that even though God protects us, sometimes bad things still happen to people.  Using simple language, explain that when bad things happen, God still protects us by helping us to feel better.  Let children know that God keeps our hearts safe, no matter what is happening around us.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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High School
Crazy Love

Chapter 6: When You’re in Love

1.  Francis indicates that most of us struggle with either our intimacy or our reverence. Which of the two do you seem to struggle with the most? Has it always been that way in your relationship with God? If not, what changed? When did it change?
 
2.  List five of your “light and momentary” struggles. Do they feel “light and momentary”? How are  you handling them? Or, are they handling you? Is God showing you anything in these struggles? Are you even looking to move in His direction?

3.  Francis says, “There is nothing better than giving up everything and stepping into a passionate  love relationship with God.” Point to something in your life that indicates you believe those words. If you believe them, there ought to be something. If there’s nothing to point to, do you have the courage to be honest with God and your friends about it?

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Junior High
Experiencing God 

Verse to memorize:  Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does."  -- John 5:19

What happens when you pray?  Expect an answer.

TALK ABOUT IT

• A church is a body.  It is the body of Christ!  What does this mean to our family?
• Every member is placed in the body as it pleases God.  Did God bring us to our church for a reason?
• Every member needs to be listening to what the other members are saying.  What is my responsibility in the church?
• How do we function in relationship to the church?  how can we depend on others in the church to help us understand God's will?

 

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Preteen (grades 4, 5)
Who is Jesus? 

Key Faith Foundation: Jesus is the Biggest Winner.  Read:  John 16:28-33; Colossians 2:13-15

Here are a few discussion questions.

TALK ABOUT IT

Read six verses in the Bible where Jesus tells us:  If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life, you will save it.  (Matthew 10:39; 16:25; Mark 8:35; Luke 9:24; 17:33; John 12:25.)

What do you think Jesus means?

SAVE THE DATE!  Preteen Nerf War!  Sunday, November 17 in the afternoon.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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Third Grade
Jesus Is the Good News! 

Discover:  Jesus the Messiah

This Sunday your child will learn about Jesus the Messiah in the Gospel stories (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).  Here are a few discussion questions.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. Your child will be asked to describe what Jesus means to him/her.  Ask your child to share:  What does Jesus look like to you?  What does Jesus mean to you?
2. Jesus is the Messiah, and that is why the Gospels are called the _____________  ________.
3. How many men did Jesus pick to be His disciples?  Describe some of the things Jesus and His disciples did together.
4. How did the stories you heard on Sunday affect how you think about Jesus?

FOR MORE FAMILY FUN

Visit www.whatsinthebible.com and click on the parents tab.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

Second Grade
Esther 

Discover:  The story of King Xerxes and Esther found in the final Historical Book- Esther

This Sunday your child will learn Esther's story.  Here are a few discussion questions.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. You played a game called "Cool Down Xerxes" because king Xerxes had a bad temper.  Do you ever feel angry?  What do you do when you feel angry?
2. What is the correct order of the last three historical books?
3. What if you had to stand up a friend?  What would you do?
4. Who do you think gave Esther her bravery?  Who gives you bravery?  Let's pray this week asking God to help us act brave.

FOR MORE FAMILY FUN

Visit www.whatsinthebible.com and click on the parents tab.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

First Grade
Exodus (Moses) 

Discover:  The story of Moses can be found in the book of Exodus.

This Sunday your child will learn about Moses' story.  Here are a few discussion questions.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. Moses' story can be found in the book of Exodus. What does Exodus mean?
2. How did God speak to Moses?
3. How would you feel if God spoke to you through a bush that was on fire?
4. How many commandments did God give to Moses?
5. which commandment is your favorite?

FOR MORE FAMILY FUN

Visit www.whatsinthebible.com and click on the parents tab.

Sunday, October 27, 2013 at Good Shepherd
This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

Preschool and Kindergarten
Moses and the Burning Bush 

Read together:  Exodus 3:1-8

God chose a very unique way to speak to Moses.  Read through the story as a family.

TALK ABOUT IT

1. “Who was in the story?”
2. “What did Moses find on the mountain?”
3. “Who was talking through the bush?” 
4. “What did God want Moses to do?” 
5. “Do you think that he will follow God?”  

 

Sunday, October 20, 2013 at Good Shepherd
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JUNIOR HIGH (Grades 6, 7, 8)
Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby

Verse to memorize:  He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.  - John 8:47

God speaks in different ways. If a Christian does not know when God is speaking, he is in trouble at the heart of his Christian Life.

TALK ABOUT IT
1)  How did God speak in the Old Testament?
2)  How did God speak in the Gospels?
3)  How did God speak in Acts and in the present?
4)  How do you know God's voice?
5)  How do you know God's timing


PRAY TOGETHER
Pray for clarity and pray for God to reveal Himself to increase faith that leads to action.

This Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Good Shepherd

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PRETEEN (Grades 4 and 5)

Key Faith Foundation:  Jesus is Always Truthful
Key Scriptures:  Numbers 23:19; Mark 10:32-34; John 8:12-18, 44; Acts 5:26-42

TALK ABOUT IT

1)  How many times did Jesus say "I tell you the truth" in the Holy Bible?  Why did the Pharisees think Jesus was a liar?  (Read John 8:12-18).

2)  Read Mark 10:32-34.  How would it affect your faith if Jesus lied to his disciples?  How?

PRAY TOGETHER

The Lord's Prayers is a wonderful teaching tool to learn to pray together as a family. 

This Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Good Shepherd

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THIRD GRADE

Key Faith Foundation:  There were 400 years between the Old and New Testament
Key Scriptures:  New Testament

TALK ABOUT IT

1)  Why did God wait so long to act?

2)  If you wanted to send a message of good news to a friend today, how would you do it?

3)  What does "fullness of time" mean?

4)  Does it ever feel like you've been waiting 400 years for something?  Is there a prayer you wish God would answer sooner?   WOULD YOU LIKE TO TELL ME ABOUT IT?

PRAY TOGETHER AS A FAMILY

For more information, games, coloring sheets and family fun please visit www.whatsinthebible.com 

This Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Good Shepherd

This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

SECOND GRADE

Key Faith Foundation:  God's Rescue Plan, Empires
Key Scriptures:  the Pentateuch and Historical Books

TALK ABOUT IT

1)  Which 2 empires did God use as part of His rescue plan?  How did He use them?

2)  What do we mean when we say the Bible is true and trustworthy?  What do we learn about God from the stories in the Bible?

For more information, games, coloring sheets and family fun visit www.whatsinthebible.com together as a family.

PRAY TOGETHER

Dear God, thank you for your Word.  Give us a hunger to learn more about the Bible and give us the faith to know it is true and trustworthy.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen

This Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Good Shepherd

This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

FIRST GRADE

Key Faith Foundation:  God made a covenant with Abraham
Key Scripture:  Genesis

TALK ABOUT IT

1)  God changed Abraham's name.  What was his name before it was Abraham?  Why do you think God changed his name?  How would you feel if your name was changed?  What would you like your new name to be?

2)  What is a Patriarch?  What is Patriarchal history?

For more questions, games and fun go to www.whatsinthebible.com together as a family.

 PRAY TOGETHER

Dear God, thank you for giving us your word.  Help us to understand it and grow stronger in faith, just like Abraham did.  Amen.

This Sunday, October 13, 2013 at Good Shepherd

This content is provided to help your family continue the conversations at home that begin at church.

PRESCHOOL and KINDERGARTEN

Key Faith Foundation:  God is with me wherever I go.  God helps me do what is right.
Key Verses:  "The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9 and "Don't get tired of doing what is right." see Thessalonians 3:13

Talk about it

1-  God is with us where ever we go.  Where are some places we go?  How can we see God with us?

2-  When you obey you are doing what is right!  What did you do this morning to obey your parents?

Pray together

Dear God, We love you and you are amazing!  Thank you for being with us wherever we go! Please help us to what is right every day. Amen.