Good Shepherd’s 2026 Stewardship Appeal kicked off on September 23rd with the theme “Giving Like God.”

As we did with the 2025 appeal, we will connect to a hymn - one that reminds us of God’s giving nature, entitled “God’s Whose Giving Knows No Ending” (ELW 678). This hymn not only speaks of the ways God gives live and love to all the world, it also can be sung to a variety of familiar tunes which will be sung during worship over the course of the appeal Sundays.

In the coming weeks, we will hear fellow Good Shepherd members speak on our Core Values of Generosity (October 12th), Community (October 19th), and Worship (October 26th).  These individuals will share how Good Shepherd’s Core Values resonate with their Christian faith and inspire them toward “Giving Like God.”

On All Saints Sunday, November 2nd, people will be encouraged to bring forward their statement of intent cards that indicate their giving plans for the coming year.  We appreciate each household indicating how they intend to support Good Shepherd’s mission in 2026, as it helps to accurately plan for the ministry we look to accomplish together to the glory of God.

 With the support of a couple of sizeable gifts above and beyond our pledging last year, we were able to fully support our Outreach Partners and Choral Scholars Program from the budget without having to use special appeals.  We hope to build upon that faithful foundation and do likewise in 2026.  In the coming weeks, you will be learning more about the 2026 Stewardship Appeal, including a preliminary 2026 budget, prior to being asked to complete your statement of intent.

 We look forward to the challenge of “Giving Like God” whose generosity knows no bounds and a season of building on the strong foundation of reaching out in love and service to our neighbors set by those who came before us.

Serving Joyfully Together,

The 2026 Stewardship Appeal Team

 Pastor Ken Albright, Donna Aiken-Colflesh, Bonnie Clark, John Colflesh, Dean Jagels, Bruce Larson, Tim Marquardt