The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Sacramento, California is an active congregation whose members are offered a variety of opportunities to share in its ministries. You may have already visited our Preschool, !IMPACT!, Youth, and Christian Education pages. Listed below are some more ministries which may interest you.

College Age Group Global Missions Higher Education Library Lutheran Social Services Auxiliary Men's Ministry Mission Partners Music Programs Sacramento Lutheran High School Social Concerns Stephen Ministry Visitation Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA) Youth Program of Good Shepherd

College Age Group

Are you out of high school, out of touch, out of sorts?  This is where you need to be - with your peers who are going through the same things you are.  Meet with Mike Villalovos in the Youth Room at 7:00 pm each thursday for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship. Return to Index

Global Missions

Good Shepherd strongly supports global missions. An Active Global Missions Committee enlightens our congregational members on mission work and opportunities that exist in the far reaches of our world, including Western China, Latvia, Southern Africa, Japan, and Russia. Through special activities of the Committee and regular support from the congregation’s benevolence budget, financial support is provided to these missions. And through prayer, the work of these missions are a focus of our members. Most recently, the congregation has responded to requests for support from Japan’s new Kyushu Lutheran College for construction of facilities and the Russian Seminary Project in St. Petersburg to fund student scholarships. Return to Index

 Higher Education

Good Shepherd provides support to students of higher education in a number of ways. A Higher Education Scholarship program provides financial assistant to student members of the congregation who will be attending Lutheran colleges, universities, seminaries, and bible schools. Additionally, financial support is provided to California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks where many of our students members have attended or are presently attending. Good Shepherd also provides support to the Campus Ministry of the University of California in Davis. Several of our members have also attended Pacific Lutheran University in Parkland, Washington. Other Lutheran Colleges and Universities may be found on the ELCA Website.  Return to Index

 Library

We all need a little encouragement, devotional material, study material, humor, Christian children's literature, or Christian fiction from time to time to balance our lives. Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Library fills just that need! Our very active Library Committee invites you to stop by on any Sunday morning and see the shelves bursting with books. Many of these books are new and many have stood the test of time with insight into the Scriptures that is never outdated. You are invited to use our church library! The library continues its membership in the National Lutheran Church Library Association and in the Sierra Central Valley Lutheran Library Association. The Reading Club has many children signed up for the reading program that began last year. The theme for the program is "Go the distance with a good book." The theme Bible verse is "Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation." Mark 16:15. We encourage our children to participate in this reading opportunity. Return to Index

 Lutheran Social Services

Supporting the activities of the Lutheran Social Services Auxiliary of Northern California with material, financial, and spiritual aid is the primary goal of Good Shepherd’s Lutheran Social Services Auxiliary. The aim of our members is foster fellowship and cooperation among all Lutherans in this mission of support and help to the needy. The Auxiliary meets on the first Monday of each month, hosted by different Lutheran churches. Fellowship time starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by devotions at 10:00 a.m. and a program at 10:30 a.m. Membership is open to both Lutheran men and women. Activities of the organization include participation in canned goods and clothing drives, helping at the Gift and Thrift Shop, and support of the yearly membership drive of the Auxiliary. A monthly sewing group of Good Shepherd women makes quilts and baby gowns for layettes given out at Lutheran Social Services.  Return to Index

 Men's Ministry

The men of Good Shepherd meet on the first Saturday morning of each month at 7:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room for breakfast and a time of sharing. Referred to as our “Saturday Morning Men's Fellowship”, this group has become a sort of ecumenical gathering for men from a number of other churches and denominations. The great cooking is done by volunteers (on a monthly rotational basis) and there is time to have wonderful time of fellowship as well as discussions on topics important to men. This group of men also involves itself in several other events during the year. There is no need for reservations–just be there. Click here to go to Men's Ministry Page Return to Index

 Mission Partners

Good Shepherd has been active in a mission partnership with Lord of Life congregation in the Elk Grove area. Our prayers, financial support, and personal help has gone out to help form this new church serving the residents of southern Sacramento County.  Return to Index

 Music Programs

Opportunity for vocal and instrumental expression abound at Good Shepherd–for 3 year-olds on up. This is a wonderful opportunity to help enhance the spiritual experience of worshipers through music and song. The bell and vocal choirs normally practice once a week during the “choir season” which is from September through June 13.

	Cherub Choir focuses on early musical vocal training for 3 year-olds through 2nd graders. The director is Ms. Jay von Rajcs. The “Cherubs” combine the use of sign language with vocal, a unique combination that helps develop physical and vocal coordination. Practices are on Wednesdays at 4:15 p.m. during the “choir season”. The Choir normally participates at one of the worship services each month.
	Choristers Choir (vocal) in composed of children in grades 2-4. The director is Mrs. Lynn Stevens, well known in the Sacramento area for her participation and leadership in choral groups. She is the director of the prestigious Sacramento Children’s Chorus. Practices for the Choristers Choir are on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. and the Choir usually sings at one worship service each month.
	Shepherd Singers is a vocal choir for 5th through 8th graders. The director is Mrs. Lynn Stevens. Participation in worship services is normally once a month. Practice for the Choir is on Wednesdays 5:20 p.m.
	Chancel Choir normally contributes to one or two of the worship services each week during the “choir season”. Practices are held every Wednesday from 6:55 pm to 8:45 p.m. during this period. The director is Ms. Joan Conklin who has been active for a number of years as a music teacher and choral director in the San Juan School District. She is presently Coordinator of Childrens’ Choirs for the District. Chancel Choir members need to possess a basic knowledge of music and be able or willing to learn to read and perform from a musical score. The pleasing atmosphere and some “extra-curricular” social activities of this choir help to make the experience one which is both enriching and fun.
	Shepherds Bells is a handbell choir which participates in various worship services once or twice each month. They perform as a solo ensemble, with the other choirs, and with the Brass Ensemble. New ringers are accepted subject to audition. Practice for this group is on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. There is a beginning bell choir, Shepherd's Carillon, that also meets on Wednesday between 4:15 and 5:00 p.m. under the direction of Mrs. Tammy Sigl. This is an opportunity for students in grades 4-12 who have not had any musical experience. You may contact Mrs. Sigl at 727-2906 or at t.sigl@worldnet.att.net.
	Instrumental Opportunities. A brass ensemble participates at various worship services during the “choir season” either soley as a brass ensemble or with the Chancel Choir and/or other choirs. Practices are at the call of the Brass Coordinator, David Wuchter. There is also a variety of opportunities for other instrumentalists to participate in the worship experience.

Return to Index

 Sacramento Lutheran High School

Sacramento Lutheran High School, located at 2331 St. Marks Way, Sacramento, receives financial support from Good Shepherd. Additionally, several members of the congregation serve on boards/committees of the school.  Return to Index

 Social Concerns

The mission of the Social Concerns Committee is to serve as an outreach ministry with a goal to heighten awareness and response within the congregation to human needs. All members are encouraged to become involved in this ministry and to act on their Christian faith by responding to human need as an expression of God’s love. "The king will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40) "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men," (Ephesians 6:7)

	Mustard Seed School is a privately-run school for homeless children and "motel kids." It provides a caring and structured learning environment to facilitate a re-enrollment of homeless children into public schools.
	St. John's Shelter for Women and Children provides safe overnight shelter and meals for homeless women and children. Groups from Good Shepherd provide evening meals at this shelter. The shelter serves forty guests, and volunteers are always needed to serve monthly meals, holiday meals, and prepare holiday baskets.
	Literacy Little League is a tutoring program for children, sponsored by the San Juan Unified School District. Volunteers from Good Shepherd participate in this year-round program which helps students of all reading abilities.
	Sierra Arden Food Closet is located at Sierra Arden United Church of Christ at Morse and Northrop Avenues. The Food Closet provides food and clothing to needy families residing in the close-by neighborhoods. The Social Concerns Committee has sponsored a blanket drive and continues its ingathering of food and financial support at Good Shepherd on the first Sunday of every month. Members are encouraged to bring groceries to the church on that Sunday. The items most needed are tuna, noodles, rice, dry cereal, and peanut butter. Infant layettes and clean, used blankets are also needed. Additionally, members of Good Shepherd are welcome to help at the Food Link Warehouse, bagging and stocking food at the food closet, sorting clothes at the clothes closet and remodeling to improve the facility. If you would like to help, call Nina Nelson at 487-3640.
	The Child and Family Institute is an organization that assists families who are making the transition to living in an apartment or rental home after either homelessness or successful completion of drug and/or alcohol programs. Working through the Lutheran Social Services and in cooperation with The Child and Family Institute, members assist in proving furniture, appliances, utensils, and household necessities for needy families.
	Health Ministry program utilizes the gifts given to us to promote wellness and wholeness through education nurturing, and outreach. The ministry of Jesus Christ included healing the sick and teaching followers to care for one another. Those interested in this ministry are encouraged to attend the meetings that are held regularly on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Return to Index

 Stephen Ministry

STEPHEN MINISTERS have been installed and are available to be called upon by members or visitors of our church family here at Good Shepherd. HOW? Contact the church office (483-0451) and let us know that you would like to speak with Pastor Lee or Shirley Schaber about having a Stephen Minister contact you. WHY? As humans, we face times in life that require extra Christian caregiving. Yes, we have our friends and family, but sometimes having a trained caregiver to walk us through a difficult time can make a world of difference. All contacts are kept confidential, and there is no pressure; the final decision will be yours. Please call the church office (483-0451) with questions or to request more information.  WHO MIGHT BENEFIT FROM A STEPHEN MINISTER? - Those grieving the loss of a loved one - Terminally ill people and their families - Victims of disasters - Those who are separated or getting a divorce - The hospitalized - The aging and elderly; those retired - Those who are lonely or discouraged Return to the Index

 Visitation

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd has an active visitation program. One part-time Visitation Pastor is available to meet the needs of those who are shut in and unable to attend regular services. If you are in need or know of someone who is in need of this service, please call the church at 483-0451 and make the need known. Return to Index

 Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (WELCA)

All women of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd are invited to participate in the many activities of WELCA. This organization is a vital part of Good Shepherd's program to serve the Lord in a number and variety of ways. It is the freewill offerings, the proceeds from the two rummage sales each year, and special contributions from members of the congregation that allow WELCA to provide support for many very worthwhile causes and projects. Some of these are Lutheran World Relief, Navajo Lutheran Missions, Global Missions, Pleasant Ridge Auxiliary, WEAVE, St. John's Shelter, Mustard Seed School, and Lutheran Social Services. Funds are also make available to make improvements to Good Shepherd's facilities as well as purchase new equipment. There are two Circles, Faith Circle and Rebecca Circle, at Good Shepherd who meet for monthly Bible study, spiritual gatherings, and other events. All women are invited to come and be a part of WELCA. For current news about WELCA, click here. Return to Index