Author: KATHRYN

Our Mission: To share the Good News of God’s grace through worshiping, teaching and reaching out to all in need of God’s love.

Pastor’s Message
mOnce a month, I have lunch with some old pastor friends I have been in ministry with since nearly the very beginning. In September, one of them brought a prayer written by the Mother Superior of a convent in France called Port Royal in the 17th century. It was startling, modern and oh so to the point. I read it to the council as a devotion, and they asked that I share it with you.
A Prayer for the end of the day…
O Lord, you know better than I know myself I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from being talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something about every subject on every occasion.
Redeem me from the craving to fix everyone else’s problems, keep my mind from a recital of every endless detail, give me wings to get to the point.
Give me grace enough to listen to the stories of other’s pain and seal my lips as regards my own, even though they increase and my love of rehearsing them grows stronger with each passing year. Help me to endure them with patience.
I do not ask for better memory, but for more humility and less cocksureness when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, it is remotely possible, I may be wrong.
Keep me reasonably sweet in my old age. I do not yearn to be a saint, most of them are too hard to live with anyway, but I know that a sour old woman is the crowning work of the devil. So, give me the vision to see good in unexpected places, talent in unexpected people and the grace, O Lord, to tell them when I do.
Make me thoughtful not moody, helpful not bossy, with my vast store of wisdom it seems to me a pity not to apply it to every circumstance, but you know, O Lord, that I want to have a few friends left when I die.
Amen.
PC
have lunch with some old pastor I share it with older

October 2023
nd will someday be old. Keep me from
being talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something about every subject
on every occasion.
Redeem me from the craving to fix everyone else’s problems, keep my mind from a recital of every
endless detail, give me wings to get to the point.
Give me grace enough to listen to the stories of other’s pain and seal my lips as regards my own, even
though they increase and my love of rehearsing them grows stronger with each passing year. Help me
to endure them with patience.
I do not ask for better memory, but for more humility and less cocksureness when my memory seems to
clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, it is remotely
possible, I may be wrong.
Keep me reasonably sweet in my old age. I do not yearn to be a saint, most of them are too hard to live
with anyway, but I know that a sour old woman is the crowning work of the devil. So, give me the vision
to see good in unexpected places, talent in unexpected people and the grace, O Lord, to tell them when
I do.
Make me thoughtful not moody, helpful not bossy, with my vast store of wisdom it seems to me a pity
not to apply it to every circumstance, but you know, O Lord, that I want to have a few friends left when I
die.
Amen.
PC
point. I read it to the council as a devotion, and they asked that I share it with you.
A Prayer for the end of the day…
O Lord, you know better than I know myself I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from
being talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something about every subject
on every occasion.
Redeem me from the craving to fix everyone else’s problems, keep my mind from a recital of every
endless detail, give me wings to get to the point.
Give me grace enough to listen to the stories of other’s pain and seal my lips as regards my own, even
though they increase and my love of rehearsing them grows stronger with each passing year. Help me
to endure them with patience.
I do not ask for better memory, but for more humility and less cocksureness when my memory seems to
clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, it is remotely
possible, I may be wrong.
Keep me reasonably sweet in my old age. I do not yearn to be a saint, most of them are too hard to live
with anyway, but I know that a sour old woman is the crowning work of the devil. So, give me the vision
to see good in unexpected places, talent in unexpected people and the grace, O Lord, to tell them when
I do.
Make me thoughtful not moody, helpful not bossy, with my vast store of wisdom it seems to me a pity
not to apply it to every circumstance, but you know, O Lord, that I want to have a few friends left when I
die.
Amen.
PC
I share it with you.
A Prayer for the end of the day…
O Lord, you know better than I know myself I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from
being talkative and particularly from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something about every subject
on every occasion.
Redeem me from the craving to fix everyone else’s problems, keep my mind from a recital of every
endless detail, give me wings to get to the point.
Give me grace enough to listen to the stories of other’s pain and seal my lips as regards my own, even
though they increase and my love of rehearsing them grows stronger with each passing year. Help me
to endure them with patience.
I do not ask for better memory, but for more humility and less cocksureness when my memory seems to
clash with the memories of others. Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally, it is remotely
possible, I may be wrong.
Keep me reasonably sweet in my old age. I do not yearn to be a saint, most of them are too hard to live
with anyway, but I know that a sour old woman is the crowning work of the devil. So, give me the vision
to see good in unexpected places, talent in unexpected people and the grace, O Lord, to tell them when
I do.
Make me thoughtful not moody, helpful not bossy, with my vast store of wisdom it seems to me a pity
not to apply it to every circumstance, but you know, O Lord, that I want to have a few friends left when I
die.
Amen.
PC
s we enter September, I am working a new schedule. I have my work week as I seek
“reentry” into full retirement! I plan to be off for some weeks during September through December -
LSIM has agreed to cover our vacancies so there will be continuity at in the pulpit, and I will continue to
meet with leadership for planning purposes. My new agreement extends through the end of this year.
August was a busy and fulfilling month. The Homecoming Weekend and Car Show were well
attended and appreciated! We took in a new member, Chloe Howard, through the sacrament of Holy
Baptism on August 20 th . September will also be full of good things to do!
LSIM Deacon Nancy Trimble will be our guest preacher on September 3rd as Pastor Craig takes a
Sunday off. A four-week Adult Bible study on the Book of Revelation will commence on Sunday,
September 10 th , 9:15 am in the Community Room. The coffee will be on! I call it, “Pastor Craig’s Guide
to the End of the World!” It will run through Sunday, October 2 nd . Plan to attend and bring a friend! On
that day also Choir begins rehearsing at 9:15 in the sanctuary.
Pre-school starts again after Labor Day and we will be providing “prayer partner sheets” in
September so volunteers can “partner” with one of our 35 pre-school students, throughout the school
year, perhaps to invite them to events at the church. Watch for this opportunity as soon as we are able
to get the roster for the preschoolers later this month!
September 10 is ELCA’s “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday. We plan to engage in a service project
to reach out in the name of Christ to our community by staying after church to enjoy a provided lunch,
and pack at least 50 personal toiletry bags for our homeless friends at First Lutheran in Dayton.
Our Worship leaders look ahead to the great festival days in the Fall: Reformation Sunday, All
Saints Sunday, Consecration Sunday, Advent Night the season of Advent, and, of course, Christmas Eve.
Planning is currently underway! The council and call committee continue to await contact by our
bishop’s office to restart the call process. We will keep you informed of any progress or news via email
blasts as information warrants it. There is lots going on, so keep the faith, it’s worth keeping!
PC
ents, throughout the school
year, perhaps to invite them to events at the church. Watch for this opportunity as soon as we are able
to get the roster for the preschoolers later this month!
September 10 is ELCA’s “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday. We plan to engage in a service project
to reach out in the name of Christ to our community by staying after church to enjoy a provided lunch,
and pack at least 50 personal toiletry bags for our homeless friends at First Lutheran in Dayton.
Our Worship leaders look ahead to the great festival days in the Fall: Reformation Sunday, All
Saints Sunday, Consecration Sunday, Advent Night the season of Advent, and, of course, Christmas Eve.
Planning is currently underway! The council and call committee continue to await contact by our
bishop’s office to restart the call process. We will keep you informed of any progress or news via email
blasts as information warrants it. There is lots going on, so keep the faith, it’s worth keeping!
PC
ack my work week as I seek
“reentry” into full retirement! I plan to be off for some weeks during September through December -
LSIM has agreed to cover our vacancies so there will be continuity at in the pulpit, and I will continue to
meet with leadership for planning purposes. My new agreement extends through the end of this year.
August was a busy and fulfilling month. The Homecoming Weekend and Car Show were well
attended and appreciated! We took in a new member, Chloe Howard, through the sacrament of Holy
Baptism on August 20 th . September will also be full of good things to do!
LSIM Deacon Nancy Trimble will be our guest preacher on September 3rd as Pastor Craig takes a
Sunday off. A four-week Adult Bible study on the Book of Revelation will commence on Sunday,
September 10 th , 9:15 am in the Community Room. The coffee will be on! I call it, “Pastor Craig’s Guide
to the End of the World!” It will run through Sunday, October 2 nd . Plan to attend and bring a friend! On
that day also Choir begins rehearsing at 9:15 in the sanctuary.
Pre-school starts again after Labor Day and we will be providing “prayer partner sheets” in
September so volunteers can “partner” with one of our 35 pre-school students, throughout the school
year, perhaps to invite them to events at the church. Watch for this opportunity as soon as we are able
to get the roster for the preschoolers later this month!
September 10 is ELCA’s “God’s Work Our Hands” Sunday. We plan to engage in a service project
to reach out in the name of Christ to our community by staying after church to enjoy a provided lunch,
and pack at least 50 personal toiletry bags for our homeless friends at First Lutheran in Dayton.
Our Worship leaders look ahead to the great festival days in the Fall: Reformation Sunday, All
Saints Sunday, Consecration Sunday, Advent Night the season of Advent, and, of course, Christmas Eve.
Planning is currently underway! The council and call committee continue to await contact by our
bishop’s office to restart the call process. We will keep you informed of any progress or news via email
blasts as information warrants it. There is lots going on, so keep the faith, it’s worth keeping!
PC

The messenger

September 10 was ELCA’s “God’s Work Our Hands”
Sunday. Many from the church engage in a service project to reach out in the name of Christ to our community by staying after church to enjoy a provided lunch and pack at least 50 personal toiletry bags for our homeless friends at First Lutheran in Dayton. Thanks to everyone who donated items and packed bags.

Son Rise Breakfast
If you can help pack sack breakfasts, meet in the church kitchen on October 28 at 10 a.m.
The next breakfast will be October 29. Thank you in advance for helping with this mission.
Son Rise breakfast is offered at First Lutheran Church in Downtown Dayton every Sunday
morning. Various churches contribute. The LSIM obligation is the 5th Sunday breakfast. (About 4 times a year). A special collection will be taken at Good Shepherd Lutheran on the 3rd Sunday of each month to fund this mission.
Serving with Christ, Judy Moncrief
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9

CHRISTMAS CHOIR TO START PRACTICE
I am excited to announce that the first practice for our Christmas Choir will be at noon on October 15 after worship. Practices continue at that time each week until the performance on December 15. Additional practices on Wednesdays will begin in November from 7:00 to 7:45. You are not required to attend every practice. You don’t need to be a member of our chancel choir to sing with us at Christmas. All are welcome….high school through adult ages.
Please join us and invite family and friends to participate even if they don’t attend Good Shepherd. If they attend another church, they can come to practice after their own church service is over. If you or someone you know have further questions, please contact Marsha at (937)581-6036.
“The Sounds of Christmas” program will be presented on Friday, December 15, at 7:00 p.m. Hope you’ll sing with us. What a wonderful way to celebrate our Savior’s Birth!
Marsha Fischbach
Music Director

Consecration Sunday Coming Soon!
The next few weeks will be exciting times for our congregation. We will be talking about our blessings, both personal and those of our church family, and the ministry we share together.
Consecration Sunday is November 26, 2023.
Please be sure to mark this date on your calendar!
All members are invited to attend; details on the Celebration Luncheon will be sent soon. This will be a time for fellowship and celebration. Please plan to join us. We also welcome friends of the congregation.
If you have any questions, please contact Rob Williams at (937)545-2924 or
Email: rwilli1377@gmail.com

All Saints Day
November 5, 2023
The names of all those who have entered the Church Triumphant through baptism or death since the last All Saints Day will be read during the service on November 5.
There is a signup sheet in the Welcome Center for you to add the name of anyone else you wish to be remembered.
The deadline to add names is October 29.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month
Please remember Pastor Craig and Leann with words and signs of encouragement. Please also remember Deacon Nancy Trimble and Pastor Tom Batterman. Thanks!

Please note: Due to increased cases of the flu and COVID.,
we are no longer going to share a sign of peace during Sunday services.

Free Computer Class on Sat., October 14
at 10 a.m. in Community Room
The first Computer Class we offered was very well received. Attendees were unanimous in their praise of the presenter and the content and encouraged us to do it again!
So we are! At 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2023, we will be holding our second Computer Class. At the last class, our presenter, Nathan Fields, hinted that there were many apps and software programs that we would find valuable. That, then, will be the first topic of this next class.
He will also take some time to share tips and tricks to using a computer keyboard. Have you ever wondered what all those keys on the keyboard that you never touch are for? Now we're going to find out.
So, plan on joining us. Coffee and donuts will be available. There is no cost except an hour of your time. And we are confident that it will be worth your while. Just ask anyone who attended the first class.

Christmas Eve Children’s program 2023
Christmas is a wonderful time of year. One of my very favorites. My name is Christa Clelan. I am the daughter or Pastor Craig and Leann Fourman. I was the director of Youth and Family at Abiding Christ from 2007-2013. During my time there my dad and I wrote a Christmas Eve worship service which included a children’s tableau portion. I would like to bring this children’s program to Good Shepherd for the 2023 Christmas Eve Service.
This is a simple yet beautiful program that brings the story of the birth of Christ to your altar. Any child of any age can participate in the tableau. There are no speaking parts, however, there is specific timing with music and reading of the gospel which takes practice. A guardian who is attending the service will be needed to attend practice with the child.
I am planning to have three practices before Christmas Eve (see schedule below) in the community room and the sanctuary at Good Shepherd. If your child, grandchild, neighbor or anyone you know wants to participate in this year’s Christmas Eve tableau please email me their name and contact info at christaclelan14@gmail.com on or before November 12, 2023. You may also use this email if you have questions regarding the program. In Christ, Christa Clelan
Practice for Christmas Eve children’s program
Sunday December 3, 9:40-10:20 a.m. Community Room
Sunday December 10, 9:40-10:20 a.m. Community Room
Sunday December 17, 9:40-10:20 a.m. Sanctuary

LIFEWISE ACADEMY IS AT MILTON-UNION THIS FALL
LifeWise Milton-Union is now enrolling students.
Looking for ways to volunteer or support financially?
Register and find more information at: lifewiseacademy.org/milton-unionoh

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Council Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2022
C

August 13, 2023

NEW BUSINESS: Pastor’s Report: Pastor Craig reviewed his bullet points 1.Pastor and Call Committee: The Call Committee is waiting to hear from Synod. No candidates at this time. 2. God’s work Our Hands Sunday proposal (9/10/23). Pastor has $350 to purchase toiletries for the homeless. He is asking for permission to use $60-70 for food for the volunteers. Motion to approve Pastor’s Report and to use $60-70 of the $350 funds for the homeless for lunch for the volunteers who are bringing and packing toiletries: Amy Grile, Second: Suzie Vagedes. All were in favor. Regarding Consecration Sunday, Pastor Craig will help Rob Williams in preparing for the events. Pastor Craig is asking that Council be thinking about Staff salaries and develop a budget for 2024, but not to present it to the congregation until after Consecration Sunday. Les Barker asked Ric Warner to pull the last 3 years’ budgets for the October meeting.
Committee Reports:
5-Year Plan review: Pastor Craig will share a summary of the three Council Listening Posts at the September meeting.
Worship: Music Director Marsha Fishbach will be calling a meeting to prepare for Fall & Christmas.
Mission/Outreach/LSIM/MUCC: Amy Grile- MUCC Backpacks distributed August 9 at GSLC.
Property: Les Barker- Painting done in fellowship hall. Next will touch up paint in Narthex and Sanctuary and schedule Fall Clean Up Day. Switch to LED lights in activity room.
Youth/Christian Education/ Preschool: Preschool has two openings for the 3yr old class. Will plan Sunday School to begin the Sunday after Labor Day weekend.
Fellowship: The first computer class was a hit, follow-up class in the works. Stay tuned.
Motion to adjourn Rob Williams, Second: David Stein. All in favor. Meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer .
Respectfully Submitted, Suzie Vagedes

Present: Les Barker, President; Pastor Craig Fourman; Molly Franks; Diana Frye; Ray Lewis; David Stein; Amy Grile, Vice President; Toby Theis, Suzie Vagedes; Ric Warner, Treasurer
Meeting was called to order by Les Barker
Opening Devotion- Pastor Craig
Secretary’s Report: Minutes were approved with spelling correction. Motion: David Stein, Second: Ric Warner. All were in favor.
Financial Secretary’s Report: Motion to approve as written: Pastor Craig, Second: Amy Grile. All were in favor.
Treasurer’s Report: Motion to approve as written: Toby Theis, Second: Rob Williams. All were in favor.
Pastor’s Report: Deferred to New Business
OLD BUSINESS:
Car Show Recap – Les Barker: Car Show made money. Feedback from Car people was that we should state where our proceeds are going. We plan on giving the proceeds to Fish pantry and indicating it on the flier next time. Also, will make more viewable from the road next year. Finally will start earlier finding food trucks next year and market ourselves more to the vendors (vendors were hesitant to commit due to concern of small turnout). We sold all of our Hickory Rivers dinners which made a small profit. This helped off set the cost of the caterer on Sunday.
Homecoming Recap – Wood Fired Catering Co. provided the lunch after church on Sunday. They were a little late due to breaking down on the way but we got great compliments on their pizza. The Net cost for the whole weekend was approx. $900. We had over 90 people at the event! Ric Warner thanked Les Barker, Suzie Vagedes, Amy Grile and Pastor Craig for their time and effort in making it a great weekend.

News:

September went so fast…
We had a blast in the month of September. We started it off with Grandparents Day! We had around 80 Grandparents come for our party. We decorated cookies, sang songs and made a craft. We truly enjoyed showing our grandparents our preschool.
This coming month- October, we will be learning a lot! We will be learning about bats, pumpkins, spiders, and fire safety. We will have the firemen, police officers and EMTs out one day. We will also have a trunk or treat and get to wear our Halloween costumes on Wednesday, October 25 at 11:15am. If you would like to come and see the students and pass out candy/treats we would love it!

BIRTHDAYS & Anniversaries
October 2023

O
C
T
0
B
E
R

6 Meaghan Overla
9 Noah Barth
10 Bob & Barb Cecil
12 Jack Bredeson
13 Connie Louis
13 Mark Knife

15 Ann Siler
16 David Hayes
18 Molly Franks
21 David Stein
23 Trevor Grile
29 Amy Grile
29 Victoria Hammermeister

Serving
ASSISTING MINISTER COMMUNION ASSISTANT ALTAR GUILD
Ric Warner Barbara Cecil Susan Landis & Susan Langley
LECTOR USHER CAPTAIN SOUND
1 Peri Bonner 1 Barbara Cecil Jarrett Grile
8 Peri Bonner 8 Jarrett Garrett
15 Barbara Cecil 15 Dave Vagedes
22 Barbara Cecil 22 Molly Franks
29 Barbara Cecil 29 Barbara Cecil
COUNTERS
Susan Langley
FLOWERS & Ralph Blakley
1 In celebration of Barb & Bob Cecil’s 63rd anniversary
8 In celebration of Noah Barth’s birthday
15 In celebration of Ron Blankenship’s birthday
22 In celebration of David Stein’s birthday
29 In celebration of Victoria Hammermeister’s birthday

Pledge Giving Reports
through the end of: September 2023
Pledges over 8 Pledges under 13 Pledges even 17
Year to date pledge giving over : $ 53.00

October 2023

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
1 / 9:15 Bible Study / 9:30 Choir Practice / 10:30 Holy / Communion	2 / 9-12 Preschool / 7:30 pm AA Mtg.	3	4 / 9-12 Preschool / 3pm Plarning	5	6 / 9-12 Preschool	7
8 / 9:30 Choir Practice / 10:30 Holy / Communion	9 / 9-12 Preschool / 7:30 pm AA Mtg.	10	11 / 9-12 Preschool / 3pm Plarning	12	13 / 9-12 Preschool	14 / 10 to 11 / Computer Class
15 / 9:30 Choir Practice / 10:30 Holy / Communion / 12 p.m. Christmas / Choir Practice	16 / 9-12 Preschool / 7:30 pm AA Mtg.	17 / 7pm Council / Meeting	18 / 9-12 Preschool / 3pm Plarning	19	20 / 9-12 Preschool	21
22 / 9:30 Choir Practice / 10:30 Holy / Communion / 12 p.m. Christmas / Choir Practice	23 / 9-12 Preschool / 11:30 Lydia’s Circle / 7:30 pm AA Mtg.	24	25 / 9-12 Preschool / 3pm Plarning	26	27 / No Preschool	28 / 10 Son Rise / Bag Packing
29 / 9:30 Choir Practice / 10:30 Holy / Communion / 12 p.m. Christmas / Choir Practice	30 / 9-12 Preschool / 7:30 pm AA Mtg.	31

Our Church Staff
Craig Fourman Interim Pastor
Marsha Fischbach Music Director
Darrell Fryman Pianist
JoAnn A.
Administrative Asst.

Ongoing Prayers and Concerns
Clem Meyer, Chuck Franks, Diana Frye, Judi Gilbertson, Bill Sims, Judy Tipton, and Patty Tipton

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
1209 South Miami St.
West Milton, Ohio 45383
Phone (937)698-5826
Email: gslcwmilton@gmail.com
PASTORAL CARE: Pastor Craig Fourman
Email: craigfourman@yahoo.com
Phone : (937)902-3820

Thanks

Toby Theis