News

Last Updated November 14, 2025   

Adult Bible Class will be at 9:15 a.m.in the fellowship hall.

High School 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 8th 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.
- Preschool 3 year olds - Kindergarten will meet in Tracks 
- 1st - 6th grade will meet & pickup in the school cafeteria
- 7th & 8th grade in the learning center. 

Pastor Packer has a Fascinating Finds page and a Book List page. Please visit these links.

Midweek Prayer Service at 6:15 p.m. on Wednesday's.

Portals of Prayer for October - December are available in the narthex.

Holy Baptism – We had two baptisms before the Saturday evening service, Eli Jeremy Fazil & Lainey Jean Fazil, son & daughter of Jeremy & Taylor Fazil. Please help in welcoming Eli & Lainey into our Good Shepherd family.

Please welcome our new members that are being confirmed this weekend; Miccah Butler, Myles Butler, Annie Daech, Cody Daech, Ethan Herzog, Timothy Hurt, Paige Kovach & Nicholas Schueler. Please welcome them into our Good Shepherd family.

Thanksgiving Baskets: Since GSLC no longer has a food pantry, the Board of Congregational Life is asking for cash donations to be used to purchase Aldi gift cards for our field workers, single teachers, and church members who indicate they need assistance with groceries.  Cash donations for the food pantry are always welcome, but we are asking that this be a special consideration during the month of November so we can distribute the gift cards before Thanksgiving.  Be sure to mark your donation “Thanksgiving Basket.” and place it in the offering plate. 

For the month of November LWML will be collecting old, broken, custom Jewelry and single piece earrings for Monarch (Mission for awareness, raise funds and encourage others to end sex trafficking and child sexual exploitation.  There will be a box in the connecting hallway. 
Any questions please contact Pam Hoffman at 618-409-3163. 

Graveside Service – You are invited to attend the Graveside Service for Michael Fedorsak at Sunset Hills Cemetery on Wednesday, 11/19, at 2:05 p.m. Please join to Celebrate the Life of Michael. This will also be on Wednesday at 6p.m. at the Caseyville Moose Lodge, 8550 Bunkum Road. 

Pie Sale - It’s pie season, and Good Shepherd is partnering with Kruta’s Bakery for our Pie Sale! From October 27 through November 17, you can order delicious, fresh-baked pies just in time for Thanksgiving. Choose from these: Apple, Apple Cinnamon Crumb, Peach, Cherry$14.50 each, and of course Pumpkin Pie! Only $10.00. All pies will be picked up at Good Shepherd on Tuesday, November 25 anytime between 8 am – 5:00 PM. Stock up for your holiday table or surprise a neighbor with a sweet treat — every pie sold helps support Good Shepherd Lutheran School. An order form can be found in the narthex to easily share with family, friends, and coworkers. Thank you for supporting Good Shepherd!

Women's Christian Fiction Book Club at Panera in Collinsville on 11/17 to discuss The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck. You can come for dinner at 6:00 p.m. or arrive at 6:30 p.m. for the book discussion. Please join us!

November Lunch Bunch is Tuesday, November 18th , at 11:30 a.m. at Uncle Linny’s in Granite City. Uncle Linny’s address is: 4112 Pontoon Rd, Granite City. Call call Linda Luebbert at 618-830-8189 and let her know if you are planning on attending.

Sewing Day for Missions - Please join us on Thursday, 11/20 starting at 9.a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will be tying quilts, making dresses from pillowcases and eye glass cases from men's ties.  For questions contact Marie Wudtke at 618-792-1787.

Congregational Assembly – The next voter’s assembly is November 23rd at 11:30 a.m. At this meeting we will elect new officers. All communicant members, age 18 and older, are able to participate.

NEW Recurring Online Giving Platform - We are moving to a new online giving platform. We are letting you know now because we want everyone to be fully moved over by January 1, 2026.  It is already up and running so you can switch anytime!  This new one will allow you to pay with your bank account, credit card or even Apple Pay.  This will allow us to use it for a variety of things and not just for Sunday giving. You can go to - https://pushpay.com/g/goodshepherdil

Junior High Youth- Thanksmas party tonight in church Fellowship Hall. Bring a $5 gift. 5pm-7pm

Senior High: November 23 - Burgers and Lights. Meet at Good Shepherd at 4:30. Bring $ for food. RSVP by Nov. 18. 314-221-9722

Prayer Partners still needed for High School and College Youth.  Contact Carrie Kober to find out more- 314-221-9722

Dear women of GSLC: the LWML’s annual Christmas party has become a Christmas Brunch this year. We are trying to individually invite each one of you, but if we missed giving you an invitation, here are the details: The brunch will be on Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 am in the Fellowship Hall. Energize your Christmas spirit through fellowship, a lighthearted, thought-provoking skit, and singing favorite carols. This is a festive time to make new friends as you celebrate Jesus/birth. Hope to see YOU there! (RSVP by Dec.1 to gslc.lwml@gmail.com A-N bring brunch item; 0-Z bring 1 doz. Cookies)All students in grades 1–6 will need to be signed out after 

Sunday School - Students will gather in the cafeteria for pick-up. We’ve been using this process with our younger classes, and it has worked very well. We understand this adds an extra step to your Sunday morning routine, and we appreciate your patience as we work out the details. Our goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of all our Sunday School students.

Senior Christmas Dinner: Please Join Us on Friday, December 12 for a delicious meal, holiday devotion, entertainment and fellowship with friends at the annual Senior Adult Christmas Dinner! Doors open at 11 a.m. The meal will begin at 11:30 a.m. Make reservations at the church office (344-3151 or churchoffice@gslcs.org.) or by checking your name off or adding it to the SIGN UP in the narthex by Monday, December 8. Hope you can all join us!Volunteers Are Needed to help provide a special Christmas celebration for guests at the Senior Adult Christmas Dinner on Friday, December 12. Help will be appreciated with decorating and food preparation on Thursday, December 11 and serving and clean-up on December 12. If you are able to help, please text Pat Hoffmeier (618-305-9622). Thanks!

The handbell choir continues practices on Tuesday evenings from 6:45 - 8:00. Please join us for fellowship, fun and beautiful music. Contact Cheryl Urban at 618-407-0867 or cherylurban55@gmail.com.

Family Movie Night - Kick off Christmas break with a family movie night on Sunday, December 21st! Crossroads is hosting a viewing of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever in the Fellowship Hall. The movie starts at 6 pm with doors opening at 5:30. Bring a cozy blanket and your favorite movie snack to share! Crossroads will provide popcorn and drinks. Contact Rachel Forden, Wilhelmina Roney, or Allison Parrish for more information. 

Parents of College Students: The Youth Ministry at Good Shepherd would like to still keep encouraging and supporting your college age kids.  Please send Carrie Kober their address for mail throughout the year.  

The Lutheran Witness Subscription – If you would like to subscribe to receive The Lutheran Witness in 2026, please contact the church office. The cost is $27.85 for the year.

Eve’s Restoration Ministries is a new organization working to open a Lutheran (LCMS) home in the Metro East for mothers who are seeking to reunite with their children in foster care. But we need your help to spread the love of Jesus to mothers in need! We are looking to expand our board of directors and network of volunteers. If you would be interested in getting more involved with our organization, please email us at evesrestorationhome@gmail.com or check out our website https://evesrestorationministries.org/.

Be a Friend to an International Student at SIU-E - Is your family willing to get together with an international student studying at SIU-E once a month for their first year in the U.S.? You would invite them to join your family in things you already do. Couples and singles of any age, with or without children have found this rewarding. Contact jodi.olyseen@gmail.com or search for International Hospitality Program SIU-E on facebook.  

LESA Presents Teacher of the Year Award to Kayla Ridgeway ST. LOUIS, MO — The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to
announce that Kayla Ridgeway, a second-grade teacher at Zion Lutheran School Bethalto, has been named the recipient of LESA’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award. Each year, LESA honors one exceptional Lutheran school teacher in the St. Louis metro area who demonstrates excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to faith-based education. Ridgeway was nominated by her principal, Sarah Koch, who praised her as “an extraordinary second grade teacher whose passion, creativity, and dedication make a profound impact on her students and her school community.” Ridgeway has taught second grade at Zion Lutheran for five years, bringing learning to life through imaginative lessons, hands-on activities, and innovative strategies that
engage every child. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, inspiring both her students and fellow educators. On September 24, Ridgeway received the award during her school’s chapel service. In addition to LESA’s Teacher of the Year honor, she also received the 2025 Emerson
Excellence in Teaching Award. Ridgeway will be formally recognized at LESA’s annual Dinner-Auction on March 6, 2026. About LESA More than 9,700 children attend LESA-member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 38 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org.

Issues, Etc.- YOUR LIFELINE TO THE LUTHERAN WORLDVIEW... Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show and podcast produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken.  Recent subjects include: How to Resist the Devil, The Importance of Family Meals, Critical Theory on the Right, Why Marriage 101 Should Be a Required College Course and more.  You can listen at your convenience at issuesetc.org, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomePod, TuneIn, the LPR mobile app and a podcast provider.  You can also tune in live weekdays from 3-5 p.m. on KFUO, 850 AM in St. Louis.

LCMS Foundation - We can face competing priorities when we think about planning our estates someday. The big decision to make is whether an estate plan is merely a legal/financial activity or is it an activity of faith. Your will can include a Christian preamble, a statement of faith captured in permanent record, meant to give confession of your faith and encouragement for beneficiaries of your estate to practice faithful stewardship, just as you have. Your LCMS Foundation Gift Planning Counselor has samples to share with you to get you started. Contact Scott Radden @ 618-977-4049 or scott.radden@lfnd.org

A Beacon of Light (ABL) Pregnancy Help Center in Maryville, Illinois is seeking an Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have a Pro-Life heart and a genuine love and vision for a woman and family experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. The Executive Director will oversee the daily operations of the center, its programs, and staff in keeping with ABL’s mission and vision as established by the Board of Directors. Experience in management, medical, and/or non-profit fields as well as a bachelor’s degree are preferred but not required. The leader we seek will have excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to be a team leader. Please send letter of interest, resume and references to resume@ablpregnancyresource.org.

Altar Flowers - Given by the Beyer Family in Honor of Paige’s Birthday; Given by Sandra Gaskill in Memory of Vernon Gaskill..

Attendance last weekend was 511. The offering was: General Fund $18,389, Specials $2,906 including memorials for Jo Ross & Betty Baker, Total $21,295

Thanks to those who serve this week
Usher Team:(5:30) D. Ulkus  (8:00) J. Fiudo (10:30) M. Schneider
Altar Guild: (5:30) Pam Hoffman (8:00) Jeff & Terri Blasingame (10:30) Janice Wilson
Greeter: (8:00) Terri Blasingame (10:30) Ken & Donna Bunton

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
 

For Ann Goldsmith, health concerns (November 1, 2025)

For Paul Baillargeon, friend of Ken & Kay Jones, who is hospitalized (October 21, 2025)

For the family of Jo Ross, Asleep in Jesus (October 15, 2028)

For Virginia Woolf, friend of Ken & Kay Jones, who is having surgery on Wednesday (October 10, 2025)

For Reuben Woolery, nephew of Rachel Forden, diagnosed with bone cancer (October 4, 2025)

For the family of Michael Fedorsak, Asleep in Jesus (October 7, 2025)

Dylan, friend of Matt Voss, had a motorcycle accident (October 4, 2025)

Sally Randles, sister of Ann Goldsmith, had a successful heart surgery, thanks to God and ask for His continued protection as she heals (10/30/2025)
 

For the family of Diana McMahan, Asleep in Jesus (September 21, 2025)

For the family of Linda Shasteen, Asleep in Jesus (September 13, 2025)

For the family of Vernon Meister, father of Tim Meister, Asleep in Jesus (September 11, 2025) 

For Ralph Montgomery, hospitalized (September 11, 2025)

For Thanksgiving for Tony Zidolek, son-in-law of Rich and Linda Lubbert, who had a successful heart transplant (September 4, 2025)

For Janet Martino, close family friend of Elizabeth Diggs, diagnosed with lung cancer and has upcoming surgery (September 3, 2025)

For Nancy Schilbe, for her upcoming surgery (August 22, 2025)

For Larry Shasteen, beginning Chemotherapy treatment for cancer recently found (July 24, 2025)

For the family of Dorothy Hoffman, Asleep in Jesus (June 10, 2025)

For the family of Myrna Schneider, Asleep in Jesus (June 2, 2025)

For the family of O'Neal Smith, Asleep in Jesus (May 15, 2025)

Family of Karen Dall, mother of Valerie Fortner, Asleep in Jesus (April 13, 2025)

For the family of Ruth Clark, Asleep in Jesus (March 10, 2025)

For Gary Whitehead, being out of remission 
 

Note:  All prayer requests are kept on the list for one month unless you make a request for long term prayers. It is helpful to resubmit prayer requests with updates.