November 5

Beloved families of Good Shepherd,

Peace be with you!  Earlier this morning I shared “The Exodus” Godly Play story with our 4-year-old and kindergarten students at Good Shepherd Day School.  This story describes the Pharaoh’s cruel enslavement of the people of God in Egypt. Moses was the one whom God asked to guide his people into freedom.  This story says, “God came so close to Moses and Moses came so close to God that he knew how to take the people through the water into freedom.”  The people of God went through the water and were free on the other side.  The Pharaoh and his army could not get them.  The people of God “were so happy that they just had to give thanks to God, and Miriam led the dancing!”

After this story I asked the question, “I wonder, what do you think freedom really is?”  One four-year-old boy said, “Freedom is life.”  A four-year-old girl then raised her hand and quietly answered, “Freedom is being with God and having love.”  These children’s descriptions of freedom opened my heart wide this morning.  I had to pause and breathe in their spiritual wisdom.  These children were my spiritual guides this morning, as children naturally are when I am present and ready to listen.

The children’s thoughts about freedom helped me to see the precious gift of freedom we enjoy in our common life together at Good Shepherd.  We have the freedom of experiencing vibrant life and worship together, such as this past Sunday in our celebration of All Saints’ Sunday and the baptisms of eight children.  We have the freedom of being with God and growing in love as we engage in a variety of formation and outreach offerings for children and adults.

The freedom to be with God and to be grounded in Love in community is a rare gift, especially considering the turbulent times in our culture.  One way to express our gratitude to God for this gift of freedom is to participate in Commitment Sunday this Sunday, November 9.  We invite families to prayerfully consider making an Estimate of Giving for the 2026 Mission and Ministry Budget and the Building Together Campaign.  Circumstances may be that your family can give to one and not both campaigns at this time.  If this is the case, we ask that you consider giving to our 2026 Mission and Ministry Budget to support our parish ministries.  You can access our Giving Page HERE.  To learn more about our Building Together Campaign, go HERE.

We hope you will join us this Sunday at the 8 am, 10 am, or 5 pm service!  We will gather for a catered celebration luncheon at Ashland Elementary School after the 10 am service.  This luncheon is for everyone and will start at 12:00 pm.  Please RSVP “yes” or “no” to the luncheon HERE.

We hope to see you this Sunday!

Many Blessings,

Patty

P.S.  It is time to sign up for a part in our annual Christmas Pageant!  Go HERE to sign up your child(ren) to be an angel, shepherd, wise person, star, sheep, cow, camel, horse, donkey, or their favorite animal!