Pastor's Note | Sunday, June 7th

"The only constant is change." No doubt you've heard this saying before!

It's been attributed to Heraclitus, a 5th century BC Greek philsopher, who authored a number of other similar phrases, as well:

Everything changes and nothing stands still.

You cannot step twice into the same river.

All is flux, nothing is stationary.

I think we'd all agree that ol' Heraclitus had a certain theme going on in his writing! And that this theme speaks to our current season of ministry at Good Shepherd.

At the end of this month - on Sunday, June 28th - we will be led in worship by Rev. Dr. Jim Wilson, who has served Good Shepherd faithfully for nearly 14 years! Pastor Jim will preach at our Sunday morning gatherings at 9 & 10:45am, then, at 4pm we will gather to show him our appreciation for his years of service. If you haven't yet made plans to celebrate Pastor Jim's ministry on Sunday, June 28th, do so today!

Two other staff transitions are also taking place this month: Karen Eckland, our Director of Children's Ministry, is beginning a new season of life in Washington state after vacationing there earlier this year. A celebration of her ministry will be held next Sunday, June 14th at 10am in Zirbel Hall. Don't miss this opportunity to thank Karen for her devoted ministry to the children and families of our church! In addition, Eric Grasmeyer, our Director of Modern Worship, is stepping away from worship leading for a season. Please be sure to thank him for his ministry next time you see him! If you didn't recieve the recent Congregational Letter regarding these transitions, click here.

Despite Heraclitus' assertion to the contrary, there is at least one thing that doesn't change: God's continual love shown through His Son, Jesus Christ. And for that reason, by God's grace, Good Shepherd's committment to be and become Jesus' disciples won't change either!

In fact, in the midst of these significant changes, may we be even more committed to one another and to serving together in mission! May we join together with our Children & Family Ministry Team and Interim Director Michelle Heath to serve the children and families of our church in classrooms on Sunday morning and throughout the week of VBS! May we offer up our talents to help lead one another in worship on Sunday mornings at 9 & 10:45am! May we not forget Paul's reminder to the Galatians: "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

As always, if you have any questions or concerns during this time of transition, please feel free to contact me at or 562/493.2553 x115.

Grace and Peace,
Curtis