Posts by Stephen Ackermann

Did you know that, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, 54% of U.S. adults read below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level, and 64% of fourth graders are not reading proficiently? Literacy is a challenge that affects every generation and has a profound impact on education, employment, health, community engagement, and quality of…

Love to sing? Join us for Summer Choir on the third Sunday of each month: June 21, July 19, and August 16. Summer Choir is open to all vocal musicians, whether you’re a regular choir member or simply enjoy singing. No long-term commitment is required. Just arrive one hour before worship to learn (or relearn)…

The Good Shepherd Foundation met on May 4, 2026 and awarded the following grants: Church camp scholarships $11,615 Refresh Madison Campus classrooms $4,500 Music Mondays $3,000 Scholarship for GSLC member at a Lutheran college $1,000 The Foundation helps fund ministries and opportunities beyond the congregation’s operating budget. We are grateful for the members whose legacy…

After worship June 7 in Madison Join us after worship for a Vision Forum conversation about the future of Good Shepherd. As we welcome Lead Pastor Ben Sheets and continue important staffing and ministry conversations, we invite you to share your ideas, hopes, and questions about where God is leading our church. These gatherings are…

United Week of Prayer – April 26-May 2, 2026 Good Shepherd is joining churches across our community in intentional prayer, using our prayer labyrinth as a way to engage in this practice together. You’re invited to participate through group prayer opportunities like prayer walks with your small group, friends, or family. Join us Thursday, April…

LEAD PASTOR UPDATE One Worship & Congregational Meeting | April 19 The Lead Pastor Call Committee is grateful to share that a congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, April 19 following a combined 9 a.m. service at the Madison Campus, where we will vote to call our next Lead Pastor. You will learn more…

This spring marks a joyful milestone in the life of Good Shepherd: the 30th anniversary of the pipe organ at our Madison campus. Designed and built by the Holtkamp Organ Company of Cleveland, Ohio, the organ was first played on Easter Sunday in 1996. This beautiful instrument has supported our worship, our hymns, and our community’s voice for…

At its January 20 meeting, the Board of Directors created the Worship & Music Task Force to recommend what Good Shepherd’s worship and music strategy should look like for the remainder of this year and into the future. The group is working to identify the resources and staffing needed to sustain and strengthen our music…

The Good Shepherd Foundation met on February 2, 2026, and awarded the following grants: Good Shepherd Food Pantry    $18,000 Holy Cow Summer Intern            $3,600 Six summer interns for CYF      $17,000 The Foundation is an important part of the GSLC ministry, providing funding for programs that are not part of…

Congregational Meeting When: Sunday, March 8 at 11:30 a.m. Where: Verona & on Zoom We invite you to attend an upcoming congregational meeting to hear about a significant estate gift to Good Shepherd. The congregation will be asked to approve money for facility needs this year and the creation of a new Facilities Fund to…

We are excited to share that the lead pastor call committee is in advanced conversations with a strong pastor candidate and are encouraged by where the Spirit seems to be leading. A key part of the pastoral call process is confidentiality. Out of respect for their current congregation, pastors who are discerning a new call…