What a difference a year makes!  If you recall, about this time last year we were beginning to make plans to embark on a Strategic Ministry Planning Process.   The purpose of this plan was to help us gain clarity in witnessing the power of God and his plans for us and to see how God will lead us over the next five, ten and twenty years at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. 

As a part of our SMP, one of our goals is to grow and strengthen our relationship with the Building Families Boutique. So, we challenged Trinity Lutheran to a diaper challenge to benefit the Boutique.  Who knew that when all was said and done, nearly 23,000 diapers would be collected!  Good Shepherd collected 12,930 and Trinity collected 10,065.  The fact that two churches each collected over 10,000 diapers is a great example of what can happen when God’s people work together to serve others!  In addition to the May 14 Fremont Tribune article raising awareness in the community about this event and how it served the Boutique, there was an excerpt of the story (along with some great photos) in the summer edition of the Lutheran Family Services Connection magazine.

On June 13, Trinity graciously hosted our congregation to a potluck luncheon with over 150  people in attendance.  At that time, they presented us with the "Hallelujah Huggie" trophy and vowed to win it next year.  It was a great time for celebration and fellowship.  I heard many of our members and those from Trinity talking that we should do more things together.  The seeds have been planted for future opportunities to come together in the name of our Lord to serve others.

Amazing things can happen when we put our full faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.   As we come before the Lord, we need to come with open hands, God-filled hearts, and clear heads, and with excitement and enthusiasm, to hear God’s calling to us.  When we remember that God is working through us to connect people to Jesus, and that it is not about us, the reason to celebrate becomes clear.  After all, NOTHING is impossible with God, HE knows the plans he has for us, and we need to celebrate the JOY of the Lord each and every day!

What is God calling us to do next?  

Doug Watson, Chairperson

The Christian Care Vision Team