Good Shepherd Church (LCMS)

Here we land upon a vital component of the Christian faith. As Jesus told His disciples to "Go therefore" and "make disciples", so many churches are instead turned inward and focused on self. This is the human disease, though, and just as the rest of the world struggles with it, so does the Church.

The purpose of studying God's Word (the Bible) is to grow in faith and understanding of God's will for our lives. We can certainly accomplish this by diving in on our own. But, God also created us to live and grow in community. That doesn't mean just being in the same room with other people, but getting to know them - their needs, their history, their joys...and, so we have this word and this effort: Outreach.

Here's what we're doing to combat the urge to stay huddled in our own little worlds...

• Inviting - Our members are encouraged to invite their neighbors, friends, and family to participate and grow through worship & Bible Study. Personal contact with people is a crazy-obvious thing to do, but is often left undone. Friendship Sunday is one of the days where we intentionally invite and expect visitors who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the very first time.

• Bible Study - Some folks tend to stay away from things that are unfamiliar, where they may risk feeling embarrassed. Our Bible Study groups are open to the public, and the study time is sensitive to the various degrees of faith and understanding of Christianity. These studies are available to adults & youth.

• Worship - While worshiping God can truly be understood only by a person who believes in God, coming to "church" on Sunday has the spectrum of believers and attendees in mind. An unbeliever can attend, and in the course of the service, be inspired to respond to God's love. We pray that God moves in this mighty way!

• Vacation Bible School - A short, one-week course for kids/parents during the summer. Inviting someone to VBS is easier because it gives families a little taste of what it looks like to follow Jesus Christ as their Lord. It's interesting and invigorating, yet introductory.

• The Ladies Guild has been active in supporting mission projects, quilt making for Lutheran World Relief, and in providing funds to purchase needed items in the church.

• Youth servant-projects – During the year, Confirmation students are asked to do acts of service. Senior-high youth also participate in an annual Servant-event, which takes them away from home, and away from a focus on themselves.

• Common Cup Ministry – In 2007, Good Shepherd became involved with a ministry called the Common Cup. It began in Hutchinson, and has since opened a satellite office at First Lutheran in Glencoe.

The main purpose of the Common Cup is to serve those in need. Volunteers from area churches meet with clients and determine need before giving vouchers to help them in financial concerns, prayer to help them with spiritual issues, and direction to get further help if there are medical or psychological issues present.