Our Theme for 2026: "Called, Gifted, and Sent"

Pastor Anna here - in its January meeting, the congregational council approved a theme for this year -- "Called, Gifted, and Sent" -- around which we will be offering several opportunities to explore our baptismal callings as individual Christians. Every single one of us is called by God, individually, throughout our lives, to serve God and our neighbors in various ways. We will also be exploring how God might be leading Good Shepherd as a congregation, at this time. Watch this email newsletter and the bulletin for more about this in the coming weeks and months.

Pastor Anna will be away starting Monday, February 9, and will return on Monday, February 16. In case of a pastoral care emergency, please contact Good Shepherd's council president, Tom Nida, at 202-809-7711.

Souper Bowl of Caring, THIS Sunday, February 8 Martin Luther said that God doesn't need our good works, but our neighbors sure do! Let's love our neighbors by bringing a can of soup and a dollar to Good Shepherd this Sunday (or multiple cans of soup and multiple dollars, if you like) to be donated to the Souper Bowl of Caring. And, thank you!

NEW! Two Fellowship and Study Opportunities Led by Deacon Lyn

Men's Fellowship Breakfast

Third Saturday of the month, 8:30 a.m., starting February 21, contact Deacon Lyn for location

Good Shepherd Men—come and see. You’re invited to gather with Deacon Lyn on the third Saturday of each month for breakfast, fellowship, and a time of devotion and shared community. Our first Saturday breakfast is February 21. Contact Deacon Lyn at deaconlyngselc@gmail.com or text/call 540-692-9294.

Online Bible Study - Disciple Bible Study

Zoom meetings weekly on Monday evenings from 7-8 p.m., starting February 23

Join Deacon Lyn for a 12-week “Becoming Disciples through Bible Study” journey through the Old Testament. We’ll gather on Monday evenings, beginning February 23, from 7:00–8:00 p.m., meeting via Zoom. Contact Deacon Lyn at deaconlyngselc@gmail.com or text/call 540-692-9294.

THIS week:

• Friday, February 6 at 11:00 a.m. - funeral service for Betty Leckie
• Saturday, February 7 at 4:30 p.m.- Good Shepherd's Chili Cook-off in the Fellowship Hall. Join your friends at Good Shepherd for fellowship, a little friendly competition as we taste-test different chilis, and live bluegrass from Reno & Dunlap Bluegrass band! All are invited to come and/or bring a pot of chili. Tickets to vote on the winners will be sold.
• Sunday, February 8 at 8:30 a.m. - Congregation Council meeting
• Sunday, February 8 at 9:30 a.m. - Worship service followed by fellowship time, refreshments, and Sunday School

Mark Your Calendars:

• Wednesday, February 18 at 7:00 p.m., Ash Wednesday Service at Good Shepherd

• Saturday, February 21 at 8:30 a.m. - Men's Fellowship Breakfast, contact Deacon Lyn for location and more information at deaconlyngselc@gmail.com or text/call 540-692-9294

• Monday, February 23 at 7:00 p.m., online Bible study via Zoom. "Becoming Disciples through Bible Study," focusing on Old Testament. Contact: Deacon Lyn, deaconlyngselc@gmail.com or text/call 540-692-9294

• Sunday, March 1 at 9:30 a.m., installation of Deacon Lynette McSpadden, during our regular worship service.

• Friday, March 13 starting at 1:00 p.m. - Blood Drive at Good Shepherd, from 1-5 p.m. Sign up online through the Red Cross or talk with Stacy Mayle.