All Saints & Global Missions
All Saints Sunday, Parlor Dedication
In addition to all the usual parts of worship on Nov. 3, we dedicated the Heritage Parlor in memory of Karl Jacobson. Soon, a plaque will be placed on a freshly painted wall in the room where he spent hundreds of hours teaching and engaging in dialogue with his congregation and friends.
Every November, we observe All Saints Sunday during worship. It is a time set aside to remember the saints who have gone before us—those we think of when the words “the communion of saints” echo through the brick walls during the Apostles’ Creed. We reflect on the empty chairs at family gatherings and the spaces left by loved ones we once spent time with.
In the memory of individuals like Pastor Karl, we catch glimpses of how close God is to us—not just in worship or in moments of remembrance, but in ordinary, day-to-day routines.
While All Saints Sunday often draws our attention to those we honor with pinwheels and bowties, we are reminded to also recognize the saints still with us. During children’s time that morning, Tor Johnson beautifully said, “We are all saints… You are saints.” He directed his words to the children, a poignant reminder that the language of “All Saints,” “the communion of saints,” and “remembering the saints” must also make space to appreciate the saints in our midst.
What a powerful message for children to hear: You are saints in the eyes of God. And as adults, we are reminded that we, too, are God’s children and included in that beautiful, simple truth.
One day, others will remember us. Until then, we honor the memory of those who have gone before us by striving to live out the lessons we’ve learned from the faithful saints we miss.
Written by Mark Halvorson, Director of Congregational Ministries
Global Missions Game Night & an Ethiopia Update
On the evening of Sunday, November 17, Good Shepherd members gathered for an exciting Game Night filled with fellowship, a delicious chili cook-off, and board games, and raised funds for our Global Missions in Ethiopia and Uruguay.
This was the third and final Global Mission event in 2024 that has raised nearly $15,000 to support our Feeding Ministry projects this year.
Sixty competitors, aged 5-80+, cheered for the 11 chili dishes. Cathy Roinas was the overall winner in first place and Craig Brandt and Joe Gorecki were close behind.
Fierce bidding ensued for the Baskets of Treasures that were awarded to new homes!
Thank you, Good Shepherd, for all of your support in our global mission.
An Update from Ethiopia:
Good news! For nearly 20 years we have been in partnership with God's people in Ethiopia, including Aira Hospital. At its recent meeting, the Global Health Ministry executive committee voted to approve a grant of $15,190 USD for Aira Hospital to purchase one anesthesia machine from funds already raised.
In 2010 Good Shepherd raised funds for equipment, provided by Global Health Ministries, which included two operating room suites. Equipment for one of the suites replaced the current equipment which was worn and only functioned with jerry-rigging. The second suite provided opportunities for additional necessary surgeries. Now, a second anesthesia machine will allow more efficient services for their patients.
We are so grateful for our partners in ministry, including Aira Hospital which truly serves as the hands of Christ to thousands in western Ethiopia. We are also thankful for our partners at Global Health Ministries (GHM), located in Fridley, Minnesota. That non-profit organization collects discarded but still usable equipment from U.S. hospitals and clinics, refurbishes them as needed, and ships them to mission hospitals throughout the world, which transforms the medical care they offer. In addition, GHM collects money from donors which is used to purchase equipment on-site when that is possible, here the anesthesia machine will make it possible to offer expanded medical care in western Ethiopia. Thanks be to God!