What's Happening at GSLC
ELCA Prayer Ventures
October 2-9, 2023
2 Remember in prayer those who have suffered tragedy, displacement and loss as a result of the wildfires in Maui. Ask God to stir their hope and strength for the long recovery ahead and inspire our generosity in supporting relief and rebuilding efforts, including the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and the Pacifica Synod.
3 “Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Pray that our lives might reflect the selflessness of Jesus and the work of the Spirit, which enable us to act with compassion and empathy for the well-being of our neighbor, our communities and the church.
4 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Pray for the Spirit to stir within us humility, generosity and respect for our neighbors in need and for all living creatures. Give thanks for pets that provide joy and companionship and for service animals that benefit people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
5 Pray for those gathering for the Center of Addiction & Faith annual conference in Bloomington, Minn., including rostered ministers and lay leaders, health care professionals, addiction specialists, people in recovery and those who love people affected by addiction. Pray that we might grow in our awareness of addiction and respond with compassion.
6 Praise God for the love and mercy woven into the Bible, pray that we might share God’s story and the good news of Jesus Christ everywhere, and ask the Spirit to inspire our belief, faith and awe. “We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and the wonders that he has done” (Psalm 78:4).
7 Pray for the work of ELCA World Hunger in feeding the hungry and connecting people with education, health care, clean water and sustaining sources of income. Give thanks for our partners in this work, including global companion churches, the Lutheran World Federation, Bread for the World, Church World Service and Lutheran World Relief.
8 Jesus, the Son of God, was humble yet strong, and endured suffering and death to be resurrected for our sake. This is the cornerstone of our faith and salvation. Praise God and sing with thanksgiving and joy for all to hear.
9 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Remember in prayer and give thanks for Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas and other parts of the world for thousands of years. Pray that we will not waver in our commitment to repentance, reconciliation, healing and unity as neighbors and children of God.
2 Remember in prayer those who have suffered tragedy, displacement and loss as a result of the wildfires in Maui. Ask God to stir their hope and strength for the long recovery ahead and inspire our generosity in supporting relief and rebuilding efforts, including the work of Lutheran Disaster Response and the Pacifica Synod.
3 “Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). Pray that our lives might reflect the selflessness of Jesus and the work of the Spirit, which enable us to act with compassion and empathy for the well-being of our neighbor, our communities and the church.
4 Feast of St. Francis of Assisi Pray for the Spirit to stir within us humility, generosity and respect for our neighbors in need and for all living creatures. Give thanks for pets that provide joy and companionship and for service animals that benefit people with physical and cognitive disabilities.
5 Pray for those gathering for the Center of Addiction & Faith annual conference in Bloomington, Minn., including rostered ministers and lay leaders, health care professionals, addiction specialists, people in recovery and those who love people affected by addiction. Pray that we might grow in our awareness of addiction and respond with compassion.
6 Praise God for the love and mercy woven into the Bible, pray that we might share God’s story and the good news of Jesus Christ everywhere, and ask the Spirit to inspire our belief, faith and awe. “We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and the wonders that he has done” (Psalm 78:4).
7 Pray for the work of ELCA World Hunger in feeding the hungry and connecting people with education, health care, clean water and sustaining sources of income. Give thanks for our partners in this work, including global companion churches, the Lutheran World Federation, Bread for the World, Church World Service and Lutheran World Relief.
8 Jesus, the Son of God, was humble yet strong, and endured suffering and death to be resurrected for our sake. This is the cornerstone of our faith and salvation. Praise God and sing with thanksgiving and joy for all to hear.
9 Indigenous Peoples’ Day Remember in prayer and give thanks for Indigenous communities that have lived in the Americas and other parts of the world for thousands of years. Pray that we will not waver in our commitment to repentance, reconciliation, healing and unity as neighbors and children of God.
God's Work, Our Hands
Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry
http://www.gslcirving.com/fish_loaves_files/fish_and_loaveshome.htm
Souper Bowl For Caring Fundraiser for Stewpot Ministries
An annual fundraising event that takes place on “Superbowl Sunday” to raise money for the Stewpot Ministries of Dallas.
School Supplies for Lutheran World Relief School Kits
Christmas in July is an annual event in which members of Good Shepherd are asked to donate school supplies that will be placed in backpacks and delivered to LWR.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
An annual event held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in which the people of Good Shepherd, along with members of our sister congregation Abiding Grace in Southlake, prepare and serve a full Thanksgiving dinner for members of the community who may not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with their family free of charge.
Many Helping Hands
An annual event held in December in which members of Good Shepherd are asked to donate items that are necessary for basic health needs (tooth brush, toothpaste, washcloths, combs etc.) along with warm clothes and blankets for area homeless. This is an ecumenical ministry partnership among local congregations.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Women's Piecemakers Needlework Ministry
This ministry focuses on quilting, hospice bibs, chemo caps and other projects. Prior experience with crafts and needlework is not necessary. The group meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. The sewing room will also be open on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
God’s Little Lamb
Good Shepherd’s Evangelism Committee has initiated an ongoing ministry with Baylor Hospital of Irving in which we provide gift packages for new mothers who may be unable to afford some of the most basic supplies for a new born baby. Inside of each gift package they receive diapers, lotion, a “God’s Little Lamb t-shirt and a small blanket.
Angels of Comfort & Hope
Recently Baylor Hospital of Irving has requested support for mothers who give birth to a still born baby. Good Shepherd is now providing cloth “angels” that the hospital hangs on the doors of those mothers who have lost their babies.
Mission Partnerships
Good Shepherd has developed ongoing partnerships with the following ministries who receive prayer support as well as financial support from the members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church:
Briarwood Retreat Center, Argyle
Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest, Austin
Church of the Damascus Road, Weatherford
Dallas Oromo Ev. Lutheran Mission, Richardson
Community of Hope Lutheran Church, Fort Worth
Lutheran Campus Ministry at UNT and TWU, Denton
Lutheran Social Services of the South, Austin
Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Dallas - Food Pantry Ministry
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Dallas
Walnut Hill Lutheran Church, Dallas
Mission Luteran San Gabriel, Alvarado
First/Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Garland
Umoja International Church, Dallas
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Fort Worth
Mosaic Home, Dallas
An annual fundraising event that takes place on “Superbowl Sunday” to raise money for the Stewpot Ministries of Dallas.
School Supplies for Lutheran World Relief School Kits
Christmas in July is an annual event in which members of Good Shepherd are asked to donate school supplies that will be placed in backpacks and delivered to LWR.
Community Thanksgiving Dinner
An annual event held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving in which the people of Good Shepherd, along with members of our sister congregation Abiding Grace in Southlake, prepare and serve a full Thanksgiving dinner for members of the community who may not be able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner with their family free of charge.
Many Helping Hands
An annual event held in December in which members of Good Shepherd are asked to donate items that are necessary for basic health needs (tooth brush, toothpaste, washcloths, combs etc.) along with warm clothes and blankets for area homeless. This is an ecumenical ministry partnership among local congregations.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Women's Piecemakers Needlework Ministry
This ministry focuses on quilting, hospice bibs, chemo caps and other projects. Prior experience with crafts and needlework is not necessary. The group meets on Wednesday evenings from 7:15 - 8:30 p.m. The sewing room will also be open on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
God’s Little Lamb
Good Shepherd’s Evangelism Committee has initiated an ongoing ministry with Baylor Hospital of Irving in which we provide gift packages for new mothers who may be unable to afford some of the most basic supplies for a new born baby. Inside of each gift package they receive diapers, lotion, a “God’s Little Lamb t-shirt and a small blanket.
Angels of Comfort & Hope
Recently Baylor Hospital of Irving has requested support for mothers who give birth to a still born baby. Good Shepherd is now providing cloth “angels” that the hospital hangs on the doors of those mothers who have lost their babies.
Mission Partnerships
Good Shepherd has developed ongoing partnerships with the following ministries who receive prayer support as well as financial support from the members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church:
Briarwood Retreat Center, Argyle
Lutheran Seminary Program of the Southwest, Austin
Church of the Damascus Road, Weatherford
Dallas Oromo Ev. Lutheran Mission, Richardson
Community of Hope Lutheran Church, Fort Worth
Lutheran Campus Ministry at UNT and TWU, Denton
Lutheran Social Services of the South, Austin
Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Dallas - Food Pantry Ministry
Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Dallas
Walnut Hill Lutheran Church, Dallas
Mission Luteran San Gabriel, Alvarado
First/Sagrada Familia Lutheran Church, Garland
Umoja International Church, Dallas
King of Glory Lutheran Church, Fort Worth
Mosaic Home, Dallas