Good Shepherd will recognize and celebrate its status as a Reconciling In Christ (RIC) congregation at its 9:30 a.m. Sunday morning service of worship and Holy Communion. Pastor Amy Larson will preside; congregation member Amalia Vagts will serve as preacher. Amalia is Executive Director of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM), an organization which affirms and supports LGBTQ Lutheran rostered leaders and those pursuing a call to rostered leadership while engaging allied congregations and ministries to proclaim God’s love and seek justice for all.
The Reconciling In Christ program is for Lutheran communities – congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, organizations – that publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Good Shepherd was added to the RIC roster in 2007 after an enthusiastic endorsement vote at its annual congregation meeting and approval of its Welcome Statement by RIC. At present, it is one of three congregations in Winneshiek County on RIC’s roster, joining the Luther College Student Congregation and most recently, First Lutheran Church.
Good Shepherd’s commitment to RIC is visible by the use of the RIC logo on the exterior sign, entry doors, and website. The Welcome Statement appears in all worship bulletins, newsletters, and prominently on the website with links to additional information about RIC . And, the congregation lives this commitment through its mission, witness, and outreach.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Good Shepherd is fully accessible to all. 