Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

The Chosen Season 5
2025-10-28 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Chicago) | Madison Peterson Hall
We will meet each week at 6:30 p.m. in Peterson Hall to watch the most recent season of the acclaimed series “The Chosen” – featuring a unique look at the life of Jesus and his ministry. There will also be an option to join each week on Zoom. Contact Eric Holmer with any questions.

Zoom Details:
Topic: The Chosen | Season 5 Episode 3
Click here to join the Zoom meeting!

Book Study – Neighborhood Church
2025-11-03 18:30 - 19:45 | Good Shepherd Madison Campus, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
When: Mondays, October 13 – November 3 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Madison Campus
All are invited to join a four-week study of Neighborhood Church – Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission. Together we’ll explore what it means to be a Neighborhood Church and how Good Shepherd can align our ministries with this vision. Sessions meet Mondays, October 13–November 3, from 6:30–7:45 p.m. Contact Pastor Dara for more info.

The Chosen Season 5
2025-11-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Madison Peterson Hall
We will meet each week at 6:30 p.m. in Peterson Hall to watch the most recent season of the acclaimed series “The Chosen” – featuring a unique look at the life of Jesus and his ministry. There will also be an option to join each week on Zoom. Contact Eric Holmer with any questions.

Zoom Details:
Topic: The Chosen | Season 5
Time: Oct 14, 2025 06:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83611173422?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 836 1117 3422
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Documentary Screening & Discussion: Screenagers
2025-11-05 18:15 - 20:15 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
GROWING UP IN THE DIGITAL AGE
SCREENAGERS: Growing Up in The Digital Age has been screened more than 8,000 times to 4 million people in more than 70 countries around the world.. With multiple screenings happening daily in communities across the globe, SCREENAGERS is the first feature documentary to explore the impact of screen technology on kids and offer parents and families proven solutions that work. What started out as a personal story for one has grown into a national movement, helping millions of teens and their families navigate growing up in a world with instant access to screens.
ABOUT THE FILM
Physician and filmmaker, Delaney Ruston decided to make SCREENAGERS when she found herself constantly struggling with her two kids about screen time. Ruston felt guilty and confused, not sure what limits were best, especially around mobile phones, social media, gaming, and how to monitor online homework. Hearing repeatedly how other parents were equally overwhelmed, she realized this is one of the biggest, unexplored parenting issues of our time.
As a director, Ruston turned the camera on her own family and others—revealing stories of messy struggles over social media, video games, academics and internet addiction. We meet Hannah, a 14-year old victim of social media bullying who struggled trying to hide her social media use from her mom. And Andrew, whose love of video games turned into an addiction taking him from earning straight A’s to flunking out of college.
Interwoven into these stories, are cutting edge science and insights from thought leaders Peggy Orenstein, Sherry Turkle, Simon Sinek, as well as leading brain scientists who present evidence on the real changes in the brain when kids are on screens. SCREENAGERS goes far beyond exposing the risks of screen time, it reveals multiple approaches on how parents and educators can work with kids to help them achieve a healthy amount of screen time.

Screenagers: Elementary Edition | Documentary Screening
2025-11-09 11:00 - 13:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
Showing of the Screenagers movie for elementary and younger kids!
The screening will begin at 11:15 a.m.
Childcare will be provided!
About the Film
Screenagers: Elementary School Edition addresses issues that elementary school-aged kids, parents, and educators are facing—smartwatches in class, unhooking from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures and exposure too young, what research shows is a healthy amount of screen time, and many solutions to these and other challenges.

Register Here

The Chosen Season 5
2025-11-11 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-18 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-11-25 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-12-02 18:30 - 20:00 | Madison Peterson Hall
We will meet each week at 6:30 p.m. in Peterson Hall to watch the most recent season of the acclaimed series “The Chosen” – featuring a unique look at the life of Jesus and his ministry. There will also be an option to join each week on Zoom. Contact Eric Holmer with any questions.

Zoom Details:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89360421354?pwd=[REDACTED]
Please contact Eric if you have issues with the Zoom link

Responding to Christian Nationalism
2025-11-16 11:15 - 12:30 | Verona Coffee Bar
What exactly is Christian Nationalism and how do we respond?
Be a part of this conversation on Sunday, November 16 after 10:00 a.m. worship in Verona as we welcome Rev. Breanna Illéném the Director of Ecumenical Innovation and Justice Initiatives at the Wisconsin Council of Churches, to lead a conversation on this movement that has increasingly been in the headlines.
We’ll recap some of the conversation that took place at the October adult forum at Madison Campus and hear from Rev. Breana about her work with the WCC and discuss concrete ways we can respond. Refreshments will be provided and the event will be held in the Verona Coffee Area in the main lobby.
Watch the replay of the October Event

Additional Resources for the Conversation

A column from Bishop Eaton of the ELCA on Christian Nationalism
An article from Christians Against Christian Nationalism on defining what CN is
A Substack post from Ryan Burge on measuring the prevalence of Christian Nationalism
Five Elements of Christian Nationalism by Andrew Whitehead

Advent Wreath Making | Madison Campus
2025-11-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Good Shepherd Madison Campus, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
Welcoming the Advent Season
Join us following worship to make an Advent wreath for your household! Together we will learn the what, why, when and how of the Advent wreath while you make one together with your family. This is a family-friendly event open to everyone ages 1-101! One wreath/household and a suggested donation of $15/household can be made the day of the event to cover the cost of supplies. You can also make a donation here.

Advent Wreath Making | Verona Campus
2025-11-23 11:00 - 12:00, 2025-11-30 19:00 - 20:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
Welcoming the Advent Season
Join us following worship to make an Advent wreath for your household! Together we will learn the what, why, when and how of the Advent wreath while you make one together with your family. This is a family-friendly event open to everyone ages 1-101! One wreath/household and a suggested donation of $15/household can be made the day of the event to cover the cost of supplies.

Potluck and Advent Hymn Sing
2025-12-03 11:00 - 13:00 | Madison Sanctuary; Madison Peterson Hall
The whole church is invited!
The Gathering team will host a time of Advent music, lunch, and fellowship. This lunch is open to all as a time to visit with folks you know and folks you don’t know yet. Think of it as an extension of Sunday morning lobby fellowship! Lunch will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by a time of Advent music and singing in the sanctuary at 11:45 a.m., led by Jared Stellmacher, Director of Music and Worship. Soup will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Advent by Candlelight
2025-12-04 18:30 - 20:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
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.

An Advent Evening with The Brilliance
2025-12-07 18:00 - 19:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
We’re thrilled to welcome back The Brilliance, a dynamic New York-based group known for their poetic lyrics and soulful sound. Their music weaves together hope, justice, and faith—offering a moving reflection on Advent’s promise of light breaking into darkness. This free concert replaces 6 p.m. worship for the evening and is sponsored by the Good Shepherd Foundation. Come early, bring friends, and be inspired by songs that bridge sacred tradition and contemporary storytelling.

An Advent Conversation with Will Willimon
2025-12-09 18:30 - 20:00
“In Advent, we celebrate and anticipate the earth-shaking, life-transforming good news that God is coming to us. Watch out. Get ready. God is on the way.”
– Will Willimon, Heaven and Earth

You’re invited to a special in-person and online event featuring one of America’s most influential preachers. Will Willimon will join us via Zoom for a conversation about the often-misunderstood season of Advent. In 2024, Willimon authored “Heaven and Earth: Advent and the Incarnation” and this conversation will feature a discussion about his book along with time for Q&A from the audience.

Zoom Meeting Details
Click here to join the Zoom meeting

About Will Willimon
Will Willimon is a preacher and teacher of preachers. He is a United Methodist bishop (retired) and serves as Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry and the Director of the Doctor of Ministry program at Duke Divinity School. He is former Dean of the Chapel at Duke University and is considered by many as one of America’s best-known and most influential preachers. He has written over 90 books and has sold over a million copies.

Blue Christmas
2025-12-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Madison Sanctuary; Madison Lobby
For many, the Christmas season brings a mix of emotions. Our Blue Christmas service offers a gentle, contemplative space for anyone walking through grief, loss, or hardship. Come as you are, find comfort in prayer and song, and hear again the message of hope: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.” Even when life feels heavy, light persists. Live Stream Available.

Carols & Cabernet
2025-12-14 19:00 - 21:00 | Toot & Kate’s Wine Bar, 109 S Main St, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
When: Sunday, December 14 at 7 p.m. Where: Toot and Kate’s – Verona
Join us for a lively evening of Christmas carols, community and cheer. Jared Stellmacher will lead a festive sing-along, and everyone is invited to bring a plate of cookies or a holiday specialty to share.

Music Monday Christmas Concert: Handel’s Messiah
2025-12-15 19:00 - 20:30
Experience the beauty of the season with Good Shepherd’s annual Music Monday Christmas Concert!
This year features Part I of Handel’s Messiah and Sing We Noel—a new Christmas cantata by Joel Raney—performed by Good Shepherd’s 50-voice choir, orchestra, and guest soloists including Matt Skibo, under the direction of Jared Stellmacher. This free, joy-filled concert is open to the public and made possible through the Good Shepherd Foundation. Invite friends and family for an unforgettable evening of holiday music!

Christmas Around the Tree
2025-12-21 18:00 - 19:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
Gather at the Verona Campus on Sunday, December 21 at 6:00 p.m. for an evening to ponder, pray, praise, and prepare in this Advent season together. Everyone is welcome to this beloved Good Shepherd tradition. A cozy gathering of readings, song, scripture and stillness. Kids are invited to wear their PJ’s. Everyone is invited to draw in close and take a holy pause before heading into a week of preparations.

Christmas Eve Worship | Verona Campus 10:00 a.m.
2025-12-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States
Joy to the World!
You’re invited to a Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship service at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church as we celebrate the arrival of the Savior and the fulfillment of hope.

Come and experience this heartwarming celebration, surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight. Through music, scripture, and holy Communion, we’ll commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ – the light of the world.

Everyone is welcome at these services —whether you’re a longtime member or have never attended church before. Invite your friends and family to share in this service as we embrace the light that brings light to the whole world. We gather together, rejoice, and welcome the hope that Christmas brings.

Christmas Eve Worship | Madison Campus 4:00 p.m.
2025-12-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Good Shepherd Madison Campus, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI, 53711, United States

Christmas Eve Worship | Verona Campus 4:00 p.m.
2025-12-24 16:00 - 17:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States

Christmas Eve Worship | Verona Campus 6:00 p.m.
2025-12-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Good Shepherd Verona Campus, 7291 County Road PD, Verona, WI, 53593, United States

Christmas Eve Worship | Madison Campus 6:00 p.m.
2025-12-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Good Shepherd Madison Campus, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI, 53711, United States

Christmas Eve Worship | Madison Campus 7:30 p.m.
2025-12-24 19:30 - 20:30 | Good Shepherd Madison Campus, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI, 53711, United States

GLOW Night - Family Friday Dinner & Fellowship
2026-01-09 17:30 - 19:00 | Verona Sanctuary; Verona Coffee Bar; Verona Lobby
Shine Jesus’ light together as a family and GLOW!
Enjoy time together hearing an epiphany message, music, glow-in-the dark games, food and fellowship! This free event is geared towards families with kiddos preschool-5th grade. RSVP HERE or to Emily Gold at egold@gslcwi.com

Bingo
2026-01-13 18:30 - 20:00 | Verona Coffee Bar
When: Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Verona
Get ready for another round of fun and fellowship—Bingo returns in January! Join us for an evening of laughter, community and a little friendly competition. All ages are welcome, and prizes will be up for grabs. It’s a great chance to connect, relax and enjoy being together.
RT and Ronda

"The Vanishing Church" Book Study
2026-01-20 18:30 - 20:00 | Good Shepherd Madison Campus, 5701 Raymond Road, Madison, WI, 53711, United States
How the Hollowing Out of Moderate Congregations Is Hurting Democracy, Faith, and Us
In following up in some of the topics covered in our previous offerings on Christian Nationalism, this book discusses:

How religious polarization reshaped America and caused many to leave church,
Why faith became an identity in the culture wars,
The hidden truth that Americans are more moderate than the media suggests,
Why polarization in our churches affects all aspects of social connection and community
A path forward for churches to bridge political divides.

Click here to order a copy of the book from the Publisher
Click here to order a copy of the book from Amazon
