Last Saturday’s Spring Cleanup proved to be very productive, with some cleaning inside the church but, a tremendous amount of tree trimming done by our handyman, Jerome. Two large trailer loads of branches were taken to the city drop off area. Special thanks to those that helped: Mo. Christina, Alice, Keel & Patty, Laurel & Jeff.
The Children's Prayer Garden
The “Walking Cross”, in the Children’s Prayer Garden, has been set in place. LGC (Landscape Garden Center) did an excellent job. The “Walking Cross“ has three colors of pavers and a fire pit in the center area.
Chris Clem wore out his back and muscles digging three big holes for the three Oak trees that we planted on one very late evening. We were trying to beat the forecasted rains, and we did. Also, Chris dug nine more holes for the boxwood bushes that are at the head of the Cross. (He is an animal) LOL.
Joe and Laurel Dose have graciously donated four bench’s for this project. A very BIG ‘Thank You’ to Joe and Laurel.
The beautification committee is now planning on how to proceed with the enhancement of this area. More shrubs, flowers, some assorted plants and a walking path to the Cross.
Please take some time to walk to the south side to the church and view this wonderful addition to our church property.
Dedicated by Bishop Jonathan Folts in October 2021.
Hcc and Union Gospel Mission Delivery
Our HCC group have been blessed with donations to purchase must needed items for The Union Gospel Mission here in Sioux Falls- just in time for Christmas! Teri, Barb and Nanc made the delivery today. Many thanks to the HCC who have taken this ministry on to help the displaced and homeless population here in the city. This is an ongoing ministry for the HCC and Good Shepherd. Donations are always appreciated.
Christmas Eve Service- Thursday, December 24th at 5PM
Christmas will look different this year. Our service will be on our FACEBOOK page only starting with wonderful Christmas music at 5PM then beginning the liturgy at 5:15PM. Please join us as we celebrate with joy the birth of our Lord and Savior. Have a candle available to light prior to the conclusion of our service for the hymn ‘Silent Night’. Yes, Christmas Eve will look different this year but we’ll all still be together. We will celebrate Lessons and Carols on Sunday, December 27th at 10am!
Blue Christmas- A service of Rembrance and Hope
The Advent and Christmas seasons are full of anticipation and joy for many, but not everyone is up and cheerful for the Christmas holidays especially during this time of COVID. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future, and a number of other human situations makes parties and joviality painful for some in our congregation and community. We are offering a quiet service of prayer, reflection and song on December 16th at 7PM on our FACEBOOK page.
December Services
Our Church Services continue online in December!
Due to continuing high Covid numbers in our city, the Vestry has decided to continue to hold only online services and meetings through December, including Christmas Eve.
Through December, we will not have our 8am Eucharist and we will hold our 10am Eucharist and our Thursday 1pm midweek Eucharist completely online on the church Facebook page.
We will continue to reevaluate when we can resume safely distanced, sanitized, and masked attendance at services.
Fall Spiritual Growth Opportunities
Wednesday Night Educational Forum
Our Speakers Forum continue ON LINE with What Other Christians Believe and Why. Speakers from a variety of Christian denominations will explain the history of their branch of Christianity, what they value about their tradition, and will answer questions. Join Zoom Meeting ID: 701 251 4474, Password: Psalm23
Nov 4 - Catholicism, Joe Rutten, Director of Benedictine Leadership Institute, Mt Marty University
Nov 11 - Baptist, Dr. Philip Thompson, SF Seminary
Nov 18 – Pentecostalism, Rev. Traci Humphrey
Thursday Bible Study, 11:15am
Our study of the Book of Acts using the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible will finish in October and we will begin a study of the Book of Revelation on Oct 22. Anyone is welcome to join the group at any time. You can join via video conferencing on Zoom or by telephone for teleconference.
Thursday and Sunday Book Study
Our book study groups will begin on Oct 1, 1:45pm and Oct 4, 11:30am with Adam Hamilton’s Christianity’s Family Tree: What Other Christians Believe and Why. You can purchase the book yourself locally or on Amazon or contact the office to order one.
A Message from Mother Christina, Rector
Dear Ones,
In this time of uncertainty, I wish you God’s deep peace!
In addition to continuing our Facebook Live services, as of Sunday August 16, our Vestry has prayerfully decided to open our doors again to in-person worship on Sunday 8am and 10am and Thursday 1pm:
Masks, hand sanitizer, and physical distancing in our nave will be required.
We ask that you do not come to church if you are ill, have contact with someone who is, if you are older, or if you have a health condition that puts you at risk.
Thursday and Sunday services will continue online using Facebook.
We will continue Communion drive-up from 10:30-11am on Sunday and deliver sealed communion kits on request (a ziplock bag containing home communion liturgy, readings, and host). Please call the office — (605) 332-1474 — if you would like delivery
We will also deliver, on request, freezer meals or grocery needs if you are homebound. Please call the office — (605)332-1474 — or Mary Soukup (605) 201-2926.
You may talk with Mother Christina by phone or Facetime for prayer and pastoral care. Call the office — (605) 332-1474 — to let us know, and we’ll get you in contact. In a time of great fear and uncertainty, please let us know how we can help. Don’t suffer in silence. Do not isolate yourself.
Please continue your giving toward your pledge in person, by mail, or online so we can continue to minister to all in Christ’s name.
Let us know how we can continue to help you nurture your soul.
May God’s peace guard and protect your heart and soul,
Mother Christina, Rector
A Letter from our Senior Warden
I hope this letter finds you all well. I know that many of you have been asking and wondering when we would be able to return to in-person worship services and other church activities. The vestry has been prayerfully considering this question and working on a way to do this safely.
Church of the Good Shepherd Reopening Plan
July 31, 2020
Dear Good Shepherd Family,
I hope this letter finds you all well. I know that many of you have been asking and wondering when we would be able to return to in-person worship services and other church activities. The vestry has been prayerfully considering this question and working on a way to do this safely.
I am happy to announce that we will begin this process over the next few weeks. We will be having training sessions for anyone interested in ushering, which will include learning the new COVID-19 safety procedures. A copy of the Operations Plan for Good Shepherd can be made available upon request to the office or any vestry member. This plan is in accordance with the CDC Guidelines and has been approved by the diocesan office here in South Dakota. I will also be involved in a walk-through of the building with a representative of the City of Sioux Falls Health Department. We are making every effort to provide a safe return to in-person services and activities while still maintaining the Facebook Livestream of our services. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me anytime.
We are currently planning to reopen the church for in-person worship on Sunday, August 16, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. Please note that this plan is very fluid and may change if there is:
· a significant increase in COVID-19 cases in our area
· a change in the CDC Guidelines
· a change in local government recommendations
· someone who has been present within our building tests positive for COVID-19
Here are some of the major changes that you need to be aware of if you intend to enter the church building:
· Face masks are mandatory. If you do not have one, we have disposable ones available.
· Please enter using the main entrance into the rear of the nave. The office doors will be locked unless overflow seating is needed.
· Using CDC approved hand sanitizer is mandatory before entering the building.
· Social distancing is mandatory. Ushers will assist you with seating.
· Music will be instrumental only. Singing is discouraged as it has been shown to significantly increase the spread of COVID-19.
· Communion will consist of the Host and will be distributed at the base of the step by the handrail. Ushers will direct parishioner to assure proper social distancing.
· Overflow seating will be available in the fellowship hall as needed to assure proper social distancing.
· Coffee hour will not be held at this time. You are more than welcome to converse outside the building.
Again, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at (605) 201-2926.
Love and Prayers,
Mary Soukup
Senior Warden