Welcome to Advent
As we begin the season of Advent, a time of spiritual preparation and anticipation, you're invited to embark on a profound journey. This year, our Advent theme is "We Who Wait..."
The Good Shepherd staff and our committees have been intentionally working to help this be a blend of reflection, prayer, and active participation.
December 1
Advent is about the “coming days.” God's people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus' contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.
Reading: Luke 21:25-36
December 8
Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Christ as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of Jesus and assist all people in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God.”
Reading: Luke 3:1-6
December 15
Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing. The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news—and cause for exultation—for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.
Reading: Luke 3:7-18
December 22
Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion—with high delight—“we proclaim the Lord’s death.”
Reading: Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]
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9:00 a.m. | Madison Campus
You're invited to the intersection of
Whitney Way and Raymond Road for a morning of worship with traditional Lutheran textures and rhythms.
10:00 a.m. | Verona Campus
Head down County Highway PD in Verona for morning Worship featuring modern expressions of praise and prayer anchored by foundational traditions.
6:00 p.m. | Verona Campus
A worship service with evening rhythms for song, prayer, reflection rooted in ancient practices and present-day cares & concerns.
Worship Together
All Good Shepherd worship services are available as a livestream or replay
Advent Family Dinner & Gingerbread House Making
Friday, Dec. 6 from 5:30-7 p.m.
Joanne Zastrow or Emily Gold
Verona Campus
Enjoy a meal, Advent crafts and gingerbread house decorating. Bring a gingerbread house and we’ll provide the candy to decorate.
Christmas Camp
Friday, December 13, 5:30 - 8 p.m.
Joanne Zastrow
Verona Campus
Drop the kids off for an evening of Christmas joy with crafts, music, and games. Register here!
Christmas around the Tree
Sunday, December 22 @ 6 p.m.
Sarah Iverson
Verona Campus
An evening to ponder, pray, praise, and prepare in this Advent season.
Birth - 3 Playgroup
Tuesdays, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
Emily Gold
Verona Campus
Enjoy group story time, rhymes, songs and time
for caregivers and babies to socialize!
Church School
Sundays at 9, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.
Joanne Zastrow
Madison & Verona Campus
Church school is offered for kids aged 3 through fifth grade. Explore the Bible and grow in faith together.
A Night of Caroling, Cabernet & Cookies
Sunday, December 8 at 7 p.m.
Jared Stellmacher
Toot & Kate's Wine Bar
Come one, come all for an evening of Christmas songs and spirits! And feel free to bring a plate of cookies or munchies to share.
Drawn to the Word
Wednesday, December 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Sarah Iverson
Madison Campus
A worship and artistic experience where Artist and Pastor Paul Oman will paint a larger-than-life sized mural before your eyes - all are welcome!
Christmas Concert: "The Promise of Light"
Monday, December 16 at 7 p.m.
Jared Stellmacher
Madison Campus
Scripture readings, meditations and numerous familiar Christmas carols are woven into this festive program.
Blue Christmas Worship
Thursday, December 21 at 7 p.m.
Jared Stellmacher
Madison Campus
Blue Christmas is a gentle, contemplative service for those with hearts that are hurting.
Advent by Candlelight
Thursday, December 19 at 6:30 p.m.
Ronda Beggs
Verona Campus
We’ll read scripture. We’ll sing carols. Storytellers will share with us what Advent means so them. We’ll also share devotional materials that could be a good anchor for you in this holy season.
Madison Campus
10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Verona Campus
10:00 a.m., 4:00 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Worship Together
All Good Shepherd worship services are available as a livestream or replay
Have a question?
If you'd like to know more about a specific program, we'd be happy to connect you with a member of our staff.
Click below to connect via e-mail with someone from our team and we'd be happy to help!