Pastor Harald’s Column: Finding Joy and Connection at Good Shepherd
Many of you know that I had knee replacement surgery on July 17th. I’m so grateful for the many well wishes and prayers for my recovery—thank you! Your kindness and thoughtfulness have meant so much to me.
One of my major activities during this recovery time was lying flat on my back with my knee on pillows to reduce swelling from the major trauma to my knee, sometimes with ice and sometimes without. While this position was essential for healing, it also gave me space to reflect—on life in general, and on life at Good Shepherd as we move into our fall season and activities. One thought that came to mind is that the meaningfulness of this community of faith isn’t just found in our Sunday worship, but in the vibrant life and deep connections that flourish when we choose to get involved. My hope is that we continue to connect through worship, and also consider engaging in the many activities and groups that meet here. Joy comes from sharing faith and life together.
At Good Shepherd, our mission is to help people grow in faith, build community, and follow Christ. This mission comes to life in so many ways:
Growing in Faith: We offer opportunities for all ages to deepen their understanding of God’s Word. Sunday School, Confirmation, and High School programs provide a strong foundation for our youth. For adults, Bible studies and small groups create spaces for thoughtful discussion and spiritual growth—with even more opportunities coming this fall.
Building Community: Fellowship is the heartbeat of our church. Whether through our Women’s and Men’s Groups, fun board game and Bunco nights, or the shared purpose of our quilting group and Faith Webs, we nurture connection. We also support Scouting groups, as well as Dementia and Cancer support groups, demonstrating Christ’s love in many ways.
Following Christ: This is where faith is active in the world. Good Shepherd is a community committed to serving others. Our various music ministries—including Sounds of Praise, Sanctuary Choir, Sunday School Choir, and Bell Choir—uplift our worship and share the gift of music. We also engage in broader outreach through programs like Food For Schools (formerly Hintgen Food Program), Lutheran Campus Ministry (LuMin), Sugar Creek Bible Camp, and many others—extending our reach beyond our church walls.
Good Shepherd is more than just a place to attend; it’s a place to belong, like a family. My prayer for each of us this September is that we find a way to plug in, share our unique gifts, and be part of the beautiful work God is doing right here in our midst. My hope is that our church can be a place where we embrace diversity and equality, celebrate kindness and inclusion, and foster abundant joy and justice.
Harald Bringsjord
Senior pastor at Good Shepherd
