News
As We Gather
While we have received great freedom in Christ, we must not use such freedom for our own selfish desires. We use our freedom to follow Jesus. We follow Jesus by living and walking in the Spirit of God, seeking to produce His fruit for the benefit of our neighbors. We cannot have caveats and conditions to following Jesus, as some people did in today’s Gospel. Such people have become conceited and arrogant, thinking they can make demands of God. Thanks be to God that Jesus knows better than we do. Where He is leading is infinitely better than where we choose to go with all of our caveats and conditions.
Relay For Life of Fort Walton Beach
Relay For Life of Fort Walton Beach For more information email: Jean.
All of us know someone who has been affected by cancer in some way, shape, or form. I have been a volunteer with the American Cancer Society for 16 years now and I am a Survivor (since 2012). Unfortunately, I have lost too many friends and family to this dreadful disease. In recent years, GSLC has lost many of its members to Cancer and have members that continue to fight.
As of now, all of the local Relay For Life events in our area are being postponed to a later date. In some cases, Relay events are joining forces and will be combining into one event. The Fort Walton Beach event is looking at a date in June (still on a Saturday) at Choctaw High School. We hope you will still be able to participate in some way.
How can GSLC/YOU help in the fight against Cancer?
1. GSLC can form a team, participate in the RFL Event, and raise much needed funds for local programs and research;
2. YOU can sign up as an individual participant and walk in support of those who have lost the battle or continue to fight;
3. YOU can make a donation to the Relay For Life of Fort Walton Beach which will fund local programs and research;
4. YOU can purchase a luminaria online in honor or in memory of someone;
5. If you are a Survivor, you can sign up as a Survivor and take part in the Survivor Lap as well as the Survivor activities that will take place in the Survivor Tent the day of the event.
This is the 25th Anniversary of the Relay For Life of Fort Walton Beach. Our Event will take place on Saturday (for the first time), June TBD, 2020. There are plenty of activities planned including the traditional things; e.g., Opening Ceremony, Luminaria Ceremony, Survivor Lap and Photo, Mz Relay Contest, and so much more! Details will be forthcoming as we progress through the COVID-19 crisis and await guidance from the American Cancer Society.
Sign up TODAY at
Food Basket
For those who do not know, the Human Care Board has a Food Basket located in the Narthex where we collect non-perishable food donations. This is a year-round endeavor. Each month the donations are delivered to Caring and Sharing or Catholic Charities on a rotating basis to help the homeless and others in need in our local community. If you are so inclined, please feel free to clean out your pantry and bring in those canned goods or boxed items and place them in the Food Basket … we will do the rest! Your donations are truly appreciated. If you have any questions or need more information, contact Jean Grieve, Human Care Board Chair. For more information email: Jean.
2020 Easter Lily Signups
2020 Easter Lily Signups - Going on NOW! For more information email: Jean.
We are limiting the number of Lilies this year to 10 due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation, and whether or not we will be holding Easter Services in person. The signup sheet is locating in the Narthex next to the Flower Chart (near the restrooms).
Lilies are $7 each - Please place cash or check in an envelope and label Lilies for Easter along with your name and envelope # and drop off at the church office, or place in the Altar Guild box.
Worship Schedule For Holy Week
Schedule still remains tentative although the beach service has been canceled.
Palm Sunday April 5 - 8:00 & 10:45 AM both with Holy Communion
Maundy Thursday April 9 - 7:00 PM with Holy Communion
Good Friday April 10 - 7:00 PM Service of Tenebrae
Easter Sunday April 12 -
- Beach Sunrise Service 6:00 AM - Beasley Park, Okaloosa Island --- Canceled (18 March)
- Worship @ Good Shepherd 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM
- Pancake Breakfast 7:00 - 11:00 AM - Fellowship Hall
- Puppet Show 9:30 AM - Fellowship Hall
Children Sunday School
No Sunday School on March 29th
The Sunday School lesson would have been “The Transfiguration” of our Lord. At the transfiguration, Jesus’ glory was unveiled before the disciples. Everyday, His glory is unveiled for us in the Word preached by the pastor, in the water of Baptism, and in the bread and wine of His Holy Supper. In heaven, we shall see Him in all His glory! Discuss with your children, “How are we like the disciples who trembled at the sound of God’s voice?”
Lent Meals
The coronavirus has put significant double as to whether or not the remaining meal will take place as schedule.
The Youth Board was sponsoring meals prior to Wednesday services during the Lenten Season. Dinner was served from 5:30 until 6:15 PM. The Fellowship Board provided the desserts.
April 1 - Lisa: Taco Bar
Pastor's Wednesday Bible Study
Missional Church
What would you say?
Once upon a time, being a Christian in America was comfortable. Not anymore. A skeptical culture is asking questions, but many Christians are completely unprepared to answer.
This study will help prepare you to face the world with clarity, confidence, and courage.
The coronavirus has put significant double as to whether or not this study will take place as schedule.
Lutheran Witness
It’s time to renew your subscriptions. Please make your checks for $13.00 payable to GSLC, and in the memo line write Lutheran Witness. You may deposit these checks in the offering plate or drop them off to the Church Office.
The Flash
Easter Egg Hunt
Easter Egg Hunt April 11th at 10:00 AM.
The coronavirus has put significant double as to whether or not we can hold the Easter Egg hunt on April 4th. Therefor we are tentatively rescheduling for April 11th. It all depends on the continuing response to the Pandemic.
The Tradition of Easter Eggs: Second-century Christian missionaries encountered people in the North with pagan celebrations and evangelized to them using the symbols familiar to that culture. Christianity changed the pagan symbolism of the egg (nature’s rebirth) and linked it to the empty tomb - to Christ’s Resurrection and His victory over death. Lore that has developed around the decoration of Easter Eggs includes a tale about the mother of Jesus at the foot of the cross and Mary Magdalen’s visit to Jesus's tomb. Mary is said to have given eggs to the soldiers at the cross so that they would be less cruel. Her tears fell upon the eggs, spotting them with dots of brilliant color. Another tale explains that when Mary Magdalen went to the tomb to anoint the body of Jesus, she had with her a basket of eggs. Upon arriving at the tomb she discovered the eggs had taken on a rainbow of colors. These story’s are not biblical but are useful examples of how Christians in the past took advantage of secular symbols to share the Gospel with the world around them. The prize found in today’s Easter Eggs can be an opening to describe the prize won for us through Christ’s work.
Egg Hunt Candy
We are in need of filled Easter eggs (non-chocolate please) for our community Easter Egg Hunt on April 4th. Donations may be dropped off at the church office
American Heritage Girls
The coronavirus has put significant double as to whether or not we will be meeting as scheduled.
American Heritage Girls Troop 1517: AHG is a faith based girl scouting organization. Troop 1517 begins another exciting year on November 13th @ 6:00 PM with kick off and registration party. Make new friends! Bring a parent and learn more on what we are about. We’ll have light snacks & activities. Tell your neighbors and bring a friend! For more information see Family Life Minister Curtis
Stewardship
Rom. 8:1 - “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 
This is the joy of the Gospel. There is no condemnation for us before the throne of God, because in His love He has provided salvation for us in Christ. We have been set free. We are His children once again, and coheirs with Christ of all the blessings of heaven. If this does not make us thankful, nothing will.
Life Quotes
“Only God could call death a nap. Only God could do something about Jairus’s daughter. Only God can give you life after death. Soon, soon you will personally witness the Son of God’s unlimited power over death as He forces graves all over the world to yield the bodies in them.” Pastor Mark Jeske, Time of Grace - A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • www.lutheransforlife.org
Lifetree Cafe
It is looking very doubtful that we will meet this week because of the coronavirus.
Since the age of 4, Bob says he knew he was really a girl in boy’s body. Join us as we discuss the issues surrounding transgender people during “When He Becomes She” this week at Lifetree Café.
