News

Last Updated April 24, 2024     

Adult Bible Class will be at 9:15 a.m. with two Classes on Sunday morning. One will be in the Sanctuary with Pastor Walther covering Micah. Pastor Packer will be in the Fellowship Hall covering the book of James. To avoid congestion in the connecting hallway and encourage fellowship for all Bible Class members, we will continue serving refreshments in the Fellowship Hall before the classes begin. Remember we have a “No Food” policy in the sanctuary, but covers for your drinks will be available.

High Youth Bible Class meets on Sunday Mornings at 9:15 a.m. in the Youth Room on the School Lower Level. Youth who have graduated from 6th grade through Senior year in High School are invited to join us for Bible Study, Fellowship, and Snacks!

Sunday School – Join us this Sunday, from 9:15 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. for Sunday School!

- Parents & Babies (birth – 2 years old) will meet in the Nursery in the Church Lower Level.

- 3-year-olds through Kindergarten will meet in the “Tracks” area in the School Lower Level

- 1st grade through 6th grade will meet in the School Cafeteria

- 7th & 8th grade will meet in the School Learning Center.

The May Newsletter is available in the narthex.

Associate Pastor Call Process - We have begun assembling the call committee. While we are doing that, please begin submitting names of pastors for the call committee to consider. We will take names until May 1st.  You can email the names to Pastor Packer at pastorandrewpacker@gmail.com.   We appreciate your help and your prayers as we begin this important task.  

Ascension Eve Divine Service - On Christ's Ascension I Now Build! Do you hope to go to heaven? Do you long to be with Christ where He is? As Christ rose on Easter, we too will rise, but we will not remain in a sinful world. We will ascend as Christ ascended to be face to face with Him on the Last Day when He makes all things new! Be refreshed, strengthened, comforted, and share in the joy of this promise as we see Christ face to face, not yet in His new creation but in the foretaste of the feast to come at the Ascension Eve Divine Service Wednesday, May 8th, 2024 at 6:15 PM.
After the service, bring a pie, some ice cream, cones, or a topping to share, OR just enjoy the vanilla ice cream that will be provided in the fellowship hall. 
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will host the service and all congregations of Circuit 4 are invited: Concordia Granite City, Good Shepherd Collinsville, Holy Cross Collinsville, Hope Granite City, Jerusalem Collinsville, Unity East St. Louis.

2024 Altar Flowers & Palms – We have many opportunities in 2024 to sponsor the Altar Flowers and/or the Palms. Please call the church office at 618-344-3151 or email churchoffice@gslcs.org..

Save the Date for Pastor Walther’s Retirement Celebration on June 30th, 2024.

Vacation Bible School - Join us as we “Celebrate the Savior” June 24th – 28th from 9am – noon. Register online at https://vbsmate.com/events/GSLCSVBS/28736 as a student or volunteer. VBS is open to students three years of age and potty trained through sixth grade. Students entering seventh grade and up are welcome to register as volunteers. Questions may be directed to Jennifer Buchanan at 618-580-3150. 

LWML will meet in the Fellowship Hall on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. for dessert and fellowship.  Our theme for the month is Celebrating Mothers.  The Bible Study topic for the evening is Two Songs:  Hannah & Mary.  Come help us celebrate Mother’s Day early as we remember our mothers, grandmothers and other women who have been our mentors with special cards and notes of thanks.  Hope to see YOU there!

The LCMS National Youth Gathering is scheduled for July 19-23, 2025!  Planning is underway!  This event is for students entering high school in the Fall of 2025 through 19.  If your student is interested in hearing more about the Gathering, come to the first planning meeting on Sunday, May 5th after late church in the Fellowship Hall downstairs.  There will be subs, chips, and drinks for a light lunch. We will discuss what to expect, chaperone needs, fundraising, and the timeline for registration.

With the National Youth Gathering coming and many other youth events in 2024-2025.  The Youth will be having several fundraisers!  Some of the Fundraisers coming up are:  Car Wash, Yard Sale, and Pickleball Tournament.  More details will be advertised soon!

2024 Youth Yard Sale:  Our annual Yard Sale is coming soon!  Start gathering your gently used items to bring for our sale.  Drop off of items begins Sunday, May 26th after Bible Class.  No clothes or shoes at this time. We will do a clothing drive in the fall.  The Yard Sale will be on Saturday, June 1.  Please contact Carrie Kober if you need help getting items to church.  314-221-9722

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers from Good Shepherd to drive and deliver meals to clients who are elderly, disabled or homebound.  If you can help or have questions please call or text Rochelle Meyer at 618-978-4474 or email rocmeyer1@gmail.com.

GSLS Auction – You are invited to celebrate 40 years of Good Shepherd providing Christ-Centered education for children PK3-8th Grade at the annual Dinner Auction.  This year's auction will raise funds for the school's infrastructure: technology, phones, intercom, and security cameras.  Our "Fund the Need" will go to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to help pay down the mortgage on the Early Childhood Center.   We hope to see you on May 4th for the Dinner and Live Auction.   If you are unable to attend, please consider bidding virtually on our silent auction.  Please purchase tickets or register by clicking here, GS Annual Auction.   See invite below.  Please reach out to Michelle at matuszewski.michelle@gmail.com

Baked Goods Needed for School Auction - Grandma's Famous Cookies?   Delicious Danish?  Amazing Cinnamon Rolls?  The school auction committee is looking for baked goods to be auctioned at this year's in person event. Please reach out to Michelle Matuszewski (matuszewski.michelle@gmail.com) to let her know if you plan to donate cake, cookies, pies, etc.

New School Video - Good Shepherd member, Mark Wiemers, has produced a beautiful video for our school. With increasing exposure to TV shows, phones, and social media: kids are required to discern what is good for them and what is not. Proverbs 22:6 states:  “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”Good Shepherd Lutheran School is here to do exactly what the Bible tells us: to develop kids to their God given potential, dedicating each activity to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You can use the link or QR code below to see the video. Please also share it with your friends and family.

 Help Us Finish Our $3+ Million Dollar Loan! - Good Shepherd’s Early Childhood Center has been a blessing for children since 2015. Our building loan matures this September, so we are asking for assistance from our Good Shepherd family to help pay off this loan! Our goal is to raise $568,363 by this September to pay the loan balance in full. Donations are tax deductible and can be made via check to GSLC or through any of our Online Giving platforms by designating your gift for our Building Loan Fund. Thank you for your support of Good Shepherd and our mission, “To Feed the Sheep Who Have Been Found & To Find the Sheep That Are Still Lost.”Scan below to see who your donation impacts! 

GSLS Teachers for 2024-2025- Good Shepherd Lutheran School is looking for a PE teacher and classroom aides for the 2024-2025 school year. If you know of someone who might be interested, please contact Mr. Mayhew at gsls1@hotmail.com or by calling the school at (618) 344-3153 x 231.

Development Coordinator Opening - Good Shepherd Lutheran School is accepting applications for a part-time 16 hours a week Development Coordinator. Primary responsibilities are threefold: this position is responsible for 1) developing and implementing strategies, in collaboration with
the Principal, the Fund Development and Marketing Committee of the Board of Day School, and staff, to achieve revenue goals established in the Day School strategic plan, 2) raising awareness of Good Shepherd Lutheran School as an educational option for families in the metro east and Southern Illinois areas, and 3) working with GSLS staff to build and maintain relationships with school families and the Lutheran and general metro-area / Southern Illinois communities in order to sustain and advance the Good Shepherd mission. A more complete job description is available in the school office. Please contact Mr. Mayhew at 344-3153 or gsls1@hotmail.com, if you are interested or know of anyone who may be an excellent.

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers from Good Shepherd to drive and deliver meals to clients who are elderly, disabled or homebound.   Deliveries are from 10:15 am until about 11:15 during weekdays.  Our church rotates with other area churches and is responsible for delivering 5 weeks of the year. The delivery week occurs about every 3 months.  If you can help or have questions please call or text Rochelle Meyer at 618-978-4474 or email rocmeyer1@gmail.com.

Help with Shut-ins -  Good Shepherd has approximately 30 shut-ins and “lonelies” (those able to navigate outside their homes but have little contact with other people). The Board of Congregational Life is searching for members, both male and female, who would be willing to be a regular visitor to a shut-in (some in their homes, some in nursing homes).  You could potentially do this with a friend or your spouse and extend the circle of relationships. Please prayerfully consider this need and call or e-mail the church office if you are willing to give it a try.  (618-344-3151) churchoffice@gslcs.org. 

Meals for Moms - Having a baby or know someone at church who is having one? The Good Shepherd Life Team would love to serve Mom and the family by providing a few meals. Either Mom or a friend can contact the church office to get meals delivered. If you would be interested if providing a meal, please contact the church office as well or contact Pam Meister – 618-799-9348.

International Campus Ministry at SIUE- Thank you so much for the household donations we have been receiving.  We have assisted 232 students this fall and spring. Through these contacts we had an opportunity to invite 15 to visit our congregations.  Four are regularly attending.  We are in need of bicycles for the coming warm season.  We also have a family that needs a meat grinder (someone might have it stored somewhere).  Thank you as you continue to bless the international students with your gifts. Bessie Fick, Coordinator, cell phone  515-230-9937

Life Quote from Lutherans for Life – Easter V – It is anxiety and fright that drive folks to pursue abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and other measures that view death as a solution. Fear likewise bullies the sanctity of life into silence. But the Lord’s perfect love puts all fear to flight (1 John 4:18). In surprise pregnancy and terminal diagnosis, we and our neighbors need not independence and empowerment but the presence, promises, and compassion of the Father Almighty.

Issues, Etc.- EDUCATING A NEW GENERATION OF LUTHERANS… Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  This week’s topics include: Taylor Swift’s Latest Album, Men Competing in Women’s Sports, The Benefits of Liturgical Worship, “I Have Overcome the World,” “Love One Another” and more.  You can tune in live weekdays from 3-5 p.m. on KFUO, 850 AM in St. Louis.  You can also listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, the LPR mobile app and your favorite podcast provider.

We have many on-going Volunteer Opportunities. Check out our Volunteer page to see how you can get involved!

Palms - In Honor of Mike & Beverly Ruger’s 50th Wedding Anniversary

Altar Flowers – In Honor of Ken & Donna Bunton’s 4th Wedding Anniversary

Attendance last weekend was 442 with 346 Communing. The offering was: General Fund $18,343 Specials $2,823 Total $21,166

Thanks to those who serve this week:

Usher Team:(5:30) D. Ulkus  (8:00) C. Engeling (10:30) W. Curtis
Altar Guild: (5:30) Richard & Elaine Marmon (8:00 ) Bruce & Ramona Cross (10:30) Peg & Markie Rincker
Greeter: (8:00) Steve & Carol Hyatt (10:30) Donna Kober

Download Good Shepherd’s App so that you have easy access to announcements, videos, online giving, and much more. Also, you can join our Good Shepherd Facebook Group to see additional announcements from the church and individual members.

Prayer List 

Click here to add someone to the Prayer List.

Thanksgiving for the birth of Chance Theodore Wirth to Emily and Billy Wirth (April 16, 2024)

For the Family of Nate and Wilhemina Roney whose grandmother, Dorothy Toth, passed away (April 18, 2024)

For JoAnn Metzler, going into rehab (April 9, 2024)

For Ed Beyer, back in the hospital (April 9, 2024)

Nancy Noascono, aunt to Karen Budnicki, health concerns (April 3, 2023)

Ruth France,hospitalized (March 27, 2024)

Paul Schilbe for healing from diverticulitis. (March 18, 2024)

Bev Friend having a cardiac ablation on March 26th (March 18, 2024)

For Ed Beyer in hospital (March 16, 2024)

Zaiah Ben, newborn son of Emmanuel and Joyce, in NICU. (March 11, 2024)

Kathryn Harms, mother of Karla Werre, accidental fall. (March 11, 2024)

Mary Ridinger, former member, in hospice care. (March 11, 2024)

Morgan Hinson, daughter of Shelly and Brian Rodgers, experiencing a complicated pregnancy. (March 7, 2024)

Prayer of thanksgiving for the birth of Iyla Lynn Wright, granddaughter of Tim and Pam Meister  (March 6, 2024)

Bill Jackson, Member, Hospitalized (March 6, 2024)

Beverly Ruger for her Spinal Cord test on Wednesday (March 4, 2024)

Amelia Hood,Hospitalized (March 1, 2024)

Tommy Cooper, Hospitalized (February 24, 2024)

Sue Buchanan, Hospitalized (February 24,2024)

For the family of Donald Koenig, Uncle of Terry Ritter, Asleep in Jesus (February 24, 2024)

Emily Bradtke, Member, Hospitalized (February 24, 2024)

Sue Dagley, Mother of Kylene Hoelscher, hospice care (February 23, 2024)

Richard Ruger, Member, hospitalized (February 6, 2024)

For the family of Theresa Hartmann, mother of Ron Hartman, who died recently (February 6, 2024)

For the family of Dennis Patterson, husband of Judy (former secretary at GSLS), who died of a massive heart attack (January 31, 2024)

For the family of Cheryl Metzler,Asleep in Jesus (January 29,2024)

James Clark, brother of Carolyn Ashcraft, hospitalized with a stroke (January 24,2024)

Rick Rujawitz, brother-in-law of Carol Hyatt, that will have prostate cancer surgery (January 24, 2024)

Mitzi Montgomery-illness (January 11, 2024)

Ruth Clark,member,hospitalized (January 9, 2024)

Prayer of thanksgiving for a new daughter to Ben & Kristen Blasingame. Juliana Catherine Beth, born Tuesday, January 2nd. (January 8th, 2024)

Julie Holkenbrink,sister of Kay Jones, Asleep in Jesus (January 5, 2024)

For the Family of Josh Chapman, School Parent, Died in a car accident (December 9, 2023)

Debbie Wink,cousin of Robin Fritzsche.Asleep in Jesus (December 12, 2023)

Pastor Perry Copus (LCMS Pastor), cancer treatment (December 11, 2023)

For Linda Endraske, mother-in-law of Ben Blasingame, hospitalized (December 2, 2023)

Paul Sneath, neighbor of Carol & Steve Hyatt, Cancer treaments (November 27, 2023)

Todd Evers, member, health concerns (November 27, 2023)

JoAnn Metzler, member, hospitalized (November 27, 2023)

Jacob Brown, friend of Carlene Wirth,cancer (November 27, 2023)

For the Family of Elmer Burstadt,Asleep in Jesus (November 24, 2023)

Prayers of thanksgiving for the birth of Kevin & Deborah Wudtke's grand daughter Eloise Emma Wagenknecht (November 15, 2023)

Don and Joann Metzler - 67th Wedding Anniversary

Ann Goldsmith, member,hospitalized

Joann Higgins,sister of Kay Jones,stroke (November 12, 2023)

Norma Deist, grandmother to Carrie Beavers, passed away peacefully at Meridian Village on (October 27, 2023)

Shane Callahan, Friend of Will Martin, Car Accident (October 15, 2023)

Daryel Buesking, Friend of the Kruta Family, Healing and strength. (October 1, 2023)

Chase Whitworth, Infant Great Grandson of Tom and Kathy Whitworth (October 1, 2023)

Marshel and Nicky Brooks- friend of Doris Roedger,Difficult pregnancy (September 7, 2023)

Bob McQuality (father of Mandy Kitzmiller) hospitalized after emergency kidney surgery (September 7, 2023)

For the Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary of Ken and Kay Jones (August 27, 2023)

Marion Anson, Mother of Harry, Hospitalized (August 27, 2023)

John Ashcraft, Member, Hospitalized (August 27, 2023)

Robert Montgomery, Son of Ralph and Mitzie Montgomery, Hospitalized (August 27, 2023)

For the Birth of Miller James Zavalgia on Friday, August 25, 2023 to Brooke and Dom Zavalgia

For the Family of  Lala Schubert, mother of Christian Schubert, Asleep in Jesus (August 27, 2023)

For the Family of Ruby Shuman, Mother of Melinda Engeling, Asleep in Jesus (August 20, 2023)

For the Family of Margie Romanant, Asleep in Jesus (August 5, 2023)

Mike Ruger, member, surgery (August 13, 2023)

Ray Hoffman, Member, Surgery (August 6, 2023)

Terry Harris, friend of Carlene Wirth,Health Concerns ( August 3, 2023)

Melinda Engeling, Member, Ankle Surgery (July 23, 2023)

For the Family of Thomas Johnson, Brother of Richard, Alseep in Jesus (July 5, 2023)

Burke Latch, Former Member, Cancer (July 9, 2023)

Diane Willgohs, Sister of Cheryl Whittmore, Broken Femur

For the Family of Charlie Clark, Asleep in Jesus (July 1, 2023)

For the Family of Bo Pritchard, Asleep in Jesus (July 1, 2023)

Family of Bill Donovan, Friend of Nancy Schilbe, Asleep in Jesus June 16, 2023

Elaine Marmon, Surgery this week (June 11, 2023)

For Rachel Hischke, prayer for healing (June 5, 2023)

For the Family of Dorothy Oberdieck, Asleep in Jesus (May 30, 2023)

For the Family of Viola Turner, Asleep in Jesus (May 30, 2023)

For the Family of David Chong, Brother of Donna Blood, Asleep in Jesus (May 28, 2023)

Pastor James Ritter, Upcoming Surgery (May 23, 2023)

For the Family of Arlene Fritzsche, Asleep in Jesus (May 28, 2023)

For the Family of Tracy Shocky, daughter of Dale & Mary Ann Brelje, Asleep in Jesus  (May 28, 2023)

For the Family of John Knipping, Asleep in Jesus, (April 29, 2023)

Judy McQuality, Mother of Mandy Kitzmiller, Health and Comfort (March 19, 2023)

James Riddle, Member, Health Issues (March 10, 2023)

Pat Zimmerman, Family Friend of Burleigh & Marcy Hawk, Heart Issues (March 8, 2023)

Anita Hischke, Mother of Rachel Hischke, Health Concerns (February 21, 2023)

Debra Downey, Mother of Ana Skosky, Colon Cancer (January 13, 2023)

Michael Stock,Lukemia (July 31, 2022)

Mark Robinson, Hospitalized (June 23, 2022)

Gary Whitehead, Member, Lymphoma (June 23, 2022)

Sarah Mastic, Granddaughter of Don and Jolie Boeger, Undergoing Treatment for Leukemia (May 26, 2022)

Judy Stock, Member, Cancer (January 20, 2022) 

Judy Rodden, M. of J. Wright – Leukemia, Hospitalized (December 4, 2021) 

John Morris, Grandfather of Debra Downing, Undergoing treatment for multiple Cancers

Wendy Brown, Friend of Ken & Kay Jones, Brain Tumors

Lydia Fenton, Granddaughter of J. Pries 

Note: We keep the families of those deceased on the prayer list for one year. All other prayer requests we keep on the list for one month unless you make a request for long term prayers. It is helpful to resubmit prayer requests with updates.