VBS and the Bandshell Service!
This past month has been wonderfully busy, filled with a variety of enriching activities such as worship services, youth trips, and an unforgettable week of Vacation Bible School!
Below, you’ll find two articles that recap two wonderful events. The first article provides a recap of the Bandshell worship service, while the second article reflects on a week brimming with joy and cherished memories from Vacation Bible School. Dive in to read all about these wonderful and joyfull experiences!
Lake Harriet Bandshell Service 2024!
On Sunday, June 23, we were treated to a most glorious morning of enthusiastic worship at the Lake Harriet Bandshell. As is our tradition during the summer for the past forty years, churches near Lake Harriet pick one Sunday a summer to spread the good news to those assembled in however we choose to worship. This year, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd partnered with our neighboring congregation St. John’s Lutheran, with whom we have partnered during Lenten Wednesday Holden Evening Prayer services.
An engaging service with multiple styles of music, a JOYful sermon from the ever enthusiastic Pastor Mark Tiede, a rousing offering of Praise His Holy Name by the joint choirs, Roger on drums, Yvonne on keys, Pastor Jeff sharing warmth and humor as only he can, the fine staff of Good Shepherd producing the video capture of the service to share with those who couldn’t be present in body— all these from God’s Work and Our Hands, made the day a true representation of our congregation’s energy on any given Sunday.
Written by Seth Hartwell, Director of Worship and Music
Superheroes from the Old Testament, VBS 2024!
Our theme for Vacation Bible School this summer was “Super Heroes of the Old Testament!” Over 35 kids and youth helpers had a great time learning about Joseph, Moses, David and Goliath, and Daniel and the Lion’s Den through music, drama, art, games, and service projects.
Most of the kids were from Good Shepherd, but we also had several kids from the neighborhood join us.
We concluded our wonderful week of fun, faith and learning with a dramatic presentation, with songs, for all the families.
Special thanks to Mara Halvorson for her endless creativity and artistry; to Cathy Davenport for her patience, creativity, and organizational skills; to Sasha Jensen for organizing the service projects, and most importantly, setting up and serving goodies at snack time; to Colton Davenport for creating a video piece of our daily activities that we viewed on Friday with the families; to Ralph Johnson, who came out of retirement, again, to accompany the songs on guitar; and Mark Halvorson who was always willing to lend a hand in any situation.
Overall, I was very happy with how VBS turned out, but I couldn’t do it without the help of the people I mentioned and the middle school and high school youth helpers!
Written by Tor Johnson, Director of Children’s Ministries, Performing Arts, and Outside Groups
