Pastor Michael Bovingdon (Pastor Mike) pastormike@goodshepherddouglasville.org
We are a relatively new congregation here in Douglas County, officially organized as
a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 1993. We want
you to get to know us and to consider us your church family!We are a vibrant congregation with a diverse population, from loads of children to our
retired members. At Good Shepherd there is a place for everyone and all are wanted and
needed as we seek to share the blessings of Jesus Christ in this community. We reach out
through worship, our homeless ministry, our ministry to poorer children in our schools,
our many youth groups, our Bible Studies, special fellowship and service events, and
in too many other ways to list.At Good Shepherd there is a safe haven in the brokenness of this world. There is a message
of life and love in the celebration of faith. Here you will find a people who believe that the
joy of life is found in loving our Lord and loving each other. Judgment belongs somewhere else,
not in God’s house.Come see us! Come Worship! Come fellowship with us on Wednesday Nights!
Come be a part of a family founded on the joy and diversity of Jesus Christ.
You are wanted and you are welcome! May God share his light with you today and in the
days to come!
July 2010
It was the 26th time I had gathered confirmation students on Sunday, loaded them and their luggage into cars, and headed for Lutheridge for a week of Campfirmation. Over those 26 years, many things have changed. Lutheridge has new and nicer buildings, some of the camper's cabins are even air conditioned (even though where I stay remains very hot!) There are new outdoor worship areas and even the area around has grown into a busy commercial area. But some things have not changed at all.For 26 years youth have gathered with no real desire to make the journey. Some have complained mercilessly about having to spend the week at camp. Yet the parents and the Pastor encourage and cajole them into going. By Monday afternoon, they are glad they came!
This year, 5 of our youth made the trip, but the journey was more than miles. Over the week they were touched by the presence of the Holy Spirit. Their faith grew in amazing ways and they experienced a fellowship with students, pastors, and counselors that is unique and uplifting.
You made this possible.The Gospels speak of Jesus sending out the disciples to proclaim the wonderful news of the Kingdom of God. Today he sent you. Through your offerings, support, care, and prayers for our youth you have touched their lives with a grace in ways they had yet to experience. God sent you out by calling you into the ministry of Good Shepherd and your commitments have lifted the lives of those whom He loves.
On behalf of Robert, Johnny, Claudia, Christopher, and T.J., thank you for your ministry!
Talk to them about their camp experience and let them share with you some of the faith journey they have been on. They are inspiring youth and you have made a difference in their lives.I will take some more campers next year for the 27th time. You may question my sanity and wonder why I keep doing this....sometimes I do too! But we do this because it is what God would have us do. It is His Spirit and your ministry that make a difference.
Shucks, I am already looking forward to cajoling our students to go next year!
See You on Sunday,
Pastor Mike
