Outlook
Our Spiritual Growth
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The Good Shepherd congregation numbers 745 individuals from 322 families. About 60 percent of the congregation (452) are members. Last year, we welcomed 68 new prospective members.
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We celebrated 16 baptisms in 2024, including a full-immersion baptism in the narthex as part of the 2024 Easter Vigil – a first for Good Shepherd – and two adult baptisms at the All Saints service in the fall.
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In April of last year, six adults and seven youths were presented to Bishop Jeff Fisher for confirmation or reception. One other adult, already confirmed, made a public reaffirmation at the Easter Vigil.
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Average Sunday attendance in 2024 was 215. The 5 pm Sunday service was discontinued, but the 8 am Rite I, 9:15 am Family Celebration, and 10:15 am Rite II Sunday services continued with consistent attendance.
Our Engine of Growth
In 2024, attendance at our 9:15 am Family Celebration, which also functions as Sunday School for second-graders and younger, ranged from 35 to 60 with an ASA of 48. As children “age out” of the family service, their families tend to move into the main services, where young people discover more opportunities, such as Acolyte Guild, to actively deepen their faith as they mature. At the same time, new families continue to join and grow the Family Celebration.
Our Finances
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We completed an engineering evaluation of necessary corrective maintenance in 2024 and are exploring various funding options. A professional bid specification is now being developed.
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A Call to Action campaign in the spring of 2024 raised $38,500 for maintenance and to help close the budget gap.
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The building loan balance will be under $200,000 by the end of 2025 and is scheduled to be paid off in December 2028.
