SHEEP BUZZ NEWSLETTER

July 18, 2025

 We are called gathered and blessed to be a community and instrument of grace for all sheep of the Good Shepherd.

THIS SUNDAY

Sermon Series: The Tears of Things

Sundays: July 20, 27, and August 3

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – In person & online

This summer, join us for The Tears of Things, a four-week sermon series shaped by Richard Rohr’s latest work on the prophetic path—from righteous anger, through grief, into courageous, compassionate truth.

Each week, we will reflect on the tension between judgment and mercy, between despair and hope, and the prophetic transformation that happens not in triumph, but in tears. Rohr writes that most prophets begin with outrage at injustice—but they do not stay there. True prophets evolve. They become bearers of love forged through lament.

Here is this week's study guide.

Come sit with us in the “blue”—in the grief that doesn’t end the story, but deepens it.

THE CHANGE IS HERE

In case you can't make it to Fellowship Hall to get on the order form, send pastor an email with your desired quantity. Money is due at the time of ordering. Hardcover Bibles are $47, Softcover Bibles are $28.

Babies, Babies Everywhere!

For the entire month of July, Outreach is collecting baby diapers (newborn through toddlers) and baby wipes for Inspiritus. These items are not covered by Food Stamps and therefore Inspiritus has a great need for families with little ones. There will be bins in the Entryway and Fellowship Hall throughout the month of July. 

STAY TUNED

The texting software company we have been using to send text messages when a Sheep Buzz is delivered has changed their business model and is forcing us to look for a new product. We hope to roll out something new in the next few weeks. If you would like to be added to the list or removed from the list, please let Donna know at media@gslutheran.org.

SUMMER VACATIONS - Are you a visitor?

Are you traveling this summer and plan to visit another church? Have you always wanted to attend the church down the street? Or on the other side of town? Or a mega church, tiny church, or a different denomination?

If yes, Evangelism needs you!

We want you to attend another church and ask yourself how it felt to be a visitor. Then consider how it feels to be a visitor at Good Shepherd.

We’ve got some questions to help you ponder this. Please pick up a copy from the entryway desk or from this link before you travel, then on Sunday, August 17, join us either between services or after the 10:45 service to share your experiences. We hope to learn how we can make others feel more welcome at Good Shepherd, here in this place we all love.

If you can’t attend our meeting, consider filling out the sheet and giving it to Pastor Karen. We’d love to hear about your experiences!

SUNDAY SERVANT SCHEDULE- JULY AND AUGUST

Consider serving in a new capacity. We need Acolytes and Crucifers, Assisting Ministers and Altar Guild.

Please advise the office of any vacation plans so we can schedule to the best of our abilities.

Direct all updates and changes to the schedule to our Office Coordinator, at Office@gslutheran.org. Please remember to try to find your own replacements. Thank you.

GARDEN OF GRACE

This week's harvest, thank you to all of our gardeners!!

🎶 A GRATEFUL FAREWELL TO CHASE PETERSEN

Over the past 13 months, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has been truly blessed by the musical talents and heartfelt dedication of Chase Petersen. His leadership and creativity in our worship services have elevated each gathering, drawing us closer in spirit through beautiful harmonies and unforgettable collaborations.

As Chase prepares to embark on an exciting new chapter—continuing his studies in Germany this fall—we send him off with deep gratitude and our very best wishes. Thank you, Chase, for sharing your gifts so generously with our community. You will be missed!

With his departure, the Personnel Committee has posted an opening on Indeed.com for a Choir Director/Organist. If you or someone you know may be interested in this role, we invite you to spread the word. For questions or more information, please reach out to Jenny Champion.

CONSIDER THE NEED FOR YOUR SUPPORT AND CARE

Many of us have been fortunate to have a friend or loved one walk with us through some very holy spaces. We may have experienced physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges or joys, and then received a hug, card, phone call, text, meal or visit when we needed it most. We may have felt God's holy, inexplicable, and healing presence surround us. The journey may have been long, but we were not alone.

Good Shepherd is blessed with a true community of caring people who act as God's hands and feet, walking with others through sacred spaces. I am touched when I hear about the care that "just happens" in our midst. What a blessing! 

If you are interested in making our care even more intentional, ensuring that no one slips through the cracks, please pray and see whether God is resting this ministry on your heart...then let me know.  -Pr. Karen

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

Want to join Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as a member? Save the dates August 3 and August 10 at 9:45 AM in Rm. 115. The classes are two, 45 minute classes comprised of a short introduction to who we are, an opportunity to learn about each other and meet our staff.

Please contact Pastor Karen if you are interested. Her e-mail address is pastor@gslutheran.org.

CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP

Our next Caregivers Support Group in connection with the Alzheimer's Association is scheduled for Saturday, July 23rd, at 1 PM in Fellowship Hall. Anyone in the community who is supporting and/or caring for a loved one experiencing dementia or other long-term debilitating issues is invited to attend and become a part of this group.

YOUTH SUNDAY

Youth Sunday is scheduled for August 10th, at the 10:45 AM service. Please use the link below to secure the role(s) your youth member would like to serve during the service. An additional sign up sheet is also located in Fellowship Hall.

ACOLYTE/CRUCIFER TRAINING

Following each service on August 10th, we will conduct acolyte and crucifer training for anyone interested in taking a part in these worship servant opportunities. Although it may seem, this is not only for youth. If you feel drawn to help bring the light of Christ and the cross into our sanctuary on Sunday mornings, then join us for training we would love to have you serve.

LADIES NIGHT OUT

Our next event is scheduled for: August 19 at 7:00 pm

Marietta Fish Market

3185 Canton Rd.

Marietta, GA 30066

Please sign up in Fellowship Hall

SOCIAL JUSTICE

The next meeting for the Social Justice group will be on Saturday, August 23^rd at 2:00. Our next book group discussion will take place as regularly scheduled on Monday night, July 21st at 7:00 on Teams as we continue our discussion of Beth Alison Barr’s The Making of Biblical Womanhood.

WEEKLY BIBLE STUDIES

Monday Evening: "The Making of Biblical Womanhood." 7 PM on Teams. Contact the church office if you need the link.

Thursday Bible Study:  We will be digging in deeper on the topics of the weekly sermon series, “The Tears of Things”. Class will not meet on July 24th. 

Theology On Tap: We will meet at Hickory Flat Kitchen in Canton during July, at 6:30 PM. Our next meeting date is July 9th.

Men in Mission

We continue to meet on Sundays, in room 116 at 9:45 AM. Come and check us out. We are a great group of men doing marvelous things together in fellowship and service. Our next outing for Marlow's Tavern in Woodstock, for Burgers and Beers, is July 7th.

Coffee and Conversation

We continue our study, "Responding to God's Grace" on Sundays at 9:45 AM. We will not meet July 27-August 10.

GREETING CARD MINISTRY

ALL OCCASION handmade greeting cards are available, most for a suggested donation of $2.00 per card. All proceeds support our Good Shepherd Youth Mission Trips. This ministry is being hosted by Molly Maher, Linda Rowell, and Pam Hough. Thank you for your wonderful support of this GSLC ministry.

By popular request, we have a new supply of MAGNETIC BOOKMARKS that have Bible verses on them, still only $1.00 each. Pick one out for yourself or tuck one into a greeting card to send to someone else. It makes a nice, tiny gift for someone special.

CARING FOR CREATION

We continue our many recycling initiatives. We appreciate all the help from congregation members to keep these items out of landfills. 

NEW WAY TO RECYCLE THOSE PLASTIC BAGS

Mostly Mutts Market is accepting plastic bags from various businesses - Target, WalMart, Publix, Kroger, etc. to use at the store. They are also accepting small cardboard boxes, flattened or not, as well. Their address is 5505 Bells Ferry Rd. Acworth 30102.  

1. ORAL CARE WASTE
2. HEFTY ORANGE ENERGY BAGS: (First Sunday of month) Please remove labels (see below)
3. BATTERIES: (Size D and smaller) 
4. OLD EYEGLASSES
5. METAL/ALUMINUM (near garage)
6. POPTABS
7. PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE BOTTLES; Please remove labels.

We need to remove labels from these bottles try these methods:

1. Warm the label in the sun
2. Use a hairdryer for heat
3. Put bottle in a glass of very hot water

MORE NEWS AND INFORMATION

Do you love your church? Consider giving Good Shepherd a 5 Star review on Google. It helps other know about who we are and what we do!

CHURCH CALENDAR

ONLINE CALENDAR

Use this as a resource for all Good Shepherd Events. Need to add an event? Contact our Media Coordinator and she will get it on the calendar for you.

This is our submission form for you to submit non-urgent prayer concerns. Prayers will be posted to the Prayer Circle, via e-mail, during normal business hours, usually around 3 PM. As always, if you have an urgent prayer request, please contact Pastor by cell or email. 

If you would like to pray for others, as part of our prayer circle, please contact our Media Coordinator and she can add you to the Prayer Circle group.