Good Shepherd Lutheran Church will “Welcome Neighbors” again this year at a picnic in the congregational back yard at 701 Iowa Avenue in West Decorah.

The date is Sunday, September 8, the time 5:00-6:30 p.m. The picnic is free for neighbors, according to Good Shepherd’s evangelism committee–“neighbors” being defined as “anybody who turns up.” Assisting the evangelism committee are the Good Shepherd education and social justice committees.

• A tent will again provide shelter from sun or showers. Heavy rain will move everything into the fellowship hall.
• Food—locally produced as far as possible, with hot dogs from Grass Run Farms and buns from Waving Grain Bakery—will be provided by congregation members.
• Kids can enjoy s’mores, face painting, games, and just plain running around in the spacious church back yard.
• The Good Shepherd band, directed by Jim Buzza, will welcome early arrivals; John Goodin, mandolinist, Erik Sessions, violinist, and Ray Torresdal’s Tromboneota will follow.

This year’s “Welcome Neighbors” launches Good Shepherd’s fall “Celebration of Gathering” recalling the completion 25 years ago of a substantial addition to the original 1958 facilities. The 1988 expansion provided a new main entrance, sanctuary, narthex, office spaces, and nursery. The original sanctuary was remodeled into the present fellowship hall and kitchen.

Good Shepherd is the site of Kinderhaus Preschool as well as the meeting place for several community organizations and support groups.

All facilities are ADA accessible.

This fall, the Welcome Neighbors Picnic launched A Celebration of Gathering: 25^th Anniversary of the Expansion of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church’s Building and Mission. 250 members and neighbors gathered in Good Shepherd’s backyard on Sunday evening, September 8, for picnic food, were entertained by music and activities for children, and enjoyed the fellowship of old and new friends.

Hotdogs, hotdishes, salads, and desserts were provided by congregation members – some guests were observed bringing food, as well! The Good Shepherd Band, John Goodin (mandolin) and Erik Sessions (fiddle), and two members of Tromboneota (Ray Torresdal and Benjamin Yates) provided music during the event. A core of Good Shepherd workers, including members of the Evangelism and Education Committees, were easily visible sporting orange, 25^th anniversary of the ELCA T-Shirts.

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The Northeast Iowa Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is hosting a gathering for kids of all ages at the Wahlbergs’ family home in the beautiful Iowa countryside, 3401 Locust Rd (10 miles north of Decorah).

They are inviting children, teenagers, and adults from Decorah Congregational UCC and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to join them for an evening of food, fellowship, film, and fire! The grill will be fired up, and everyone is welcome to bring food and/or beverages to share. They will have a bonfire and show an outdoor movie. They’re also hoping for some singing by the fireside (feel free to bring an instrument!).

And there will be opportunities for other outdoor fun—batting around badminton birdies, chasing fireflies, star gazing, and so on. In case of inclement weather, we’ll reschedule.

Questions? Contact Karen Esterl (kesterl@post.harvard.edu or 563-277-0093).

Event Details

The Moravian Daily Texts offer an inspirational connection to the Holy Scriptures every day. Each entry in this beloved daily devotional includes “watchwords”—Old and New Testament verses to accompany readers throughout the day—combined with beautiful hymn texts and heartfelt prayers.

The Moravian Daily Texts are available in the following versions: English ($10.50), English Large Print ($13.00), German ($10.50), Spanish ($12.50). These are the regular prices and do not include shipping. As usual, there is a 15% discount for ordering early. Pastor Mau will be ordering the Moravian Daily Texts for 2014 during the first week in August. If you would like a copy, please let her or the church office know by Thursday. (Call: 382-3963)