Verbal Announcements
Last Sunday in the Church Year
23 Nov 2025
23rd Pentecost
16 Nov 2025
22nd Pentecost
9 Nov 2025
All Saints Sunday
2 Nov 2025
Reformation Sunday
26 Oct 2025
19th Pentecost
19 Oct 2025
18th Pentecost
12 Oct 2025
17th Pentecost
5 Oct 2025
16th Pentecost
28 Sep 2025
15th Pentecost
21 Sep 2025
14th Pentecost
14 Sep 2025
13th Pentecost
7 Sep 2025
12th Pentecost
31 Aug 2025
11th Pentecost
24 Aug 2025
10th Pentecost
17 Aug 2025
9th Pentecost
10 Aug 2025
8th Pentecost
3 Aug 2025
7th Pentecost
27 Jul 2025
6th Pentecost
23 Jul 2025
5th Pentecost
13 Jul 2025
4th Pentecost
6 Jul 2025
3rd Pentecost
29 Jun 2025
2nd Pentecost
22 Jun 2025
Trinity
15 Jun 2025
Pentecost
8 Jun 2025
7th Easter
1 Jun 2025
6th Easter
25 May 2025
5th Easter
18 May 2025
4th Easter
11 May 2025
3rd Easter
4 May 2025
2nd Easter
27 Apr 2025
Easter
20 Apr 2025
Palm Sunday
13 Apr 2025
5th Sunday of Lent
6 Apr 2025
4th Sunday of Lent
30 Mar 2025
As We Gather
“In God We Trust” is a familiar statement. It has been the official motto of the United States of America since 1956 and has appeared on American coins dating back to 1864. As God’s people, we trust that God will keep His promises. Centuries ago, the psalmist confidently stated, “In God I trust; I shall not be afraid” (Psalm 56:11). We begin a new Church Year—another year of God’s grace. We can celebrate that God has brought us to this time and place and together can look trustingly to blessings and surprises yet to come.
Holy Communion
The Lord’s Supper is celebrated today with the confession that we receive the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, in, with and under (a way of saying that Christ is fully present in) the bread and wine. Christ's presence gives us the assurance that our sins are forgiven and to nourish our faith. This is a solemn celebration, “For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves” (1Corinthians 11:29). The Lord’s Supper is meant for our good, not to our judgment. But, before presenting yourself ask these questions:
1. Am I sorry for my sins and need forgiveness?
2. Did Christ die and rise to forgive my sins?
3. Am I receiving the very body and blood of Christ Jesus?
If your answers are yes, you are welcome. If you are not a member of a LCMS church, or have further questions about The Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor.
Stewardship
Matthew 21:3 – “If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.”
Just a colt and her foal. How significant could they be? Could they really be used by the Lord for some great, heavenly purpose? This is one facet of stewardship we often forget. The blessing it is to us to be of service in the Lord’s Kingdom. What honor the Lord bestows upon us by using our gifts for His goals!
Lutherans For Life
“These two choices are vastly different: to give birth to a child or to abort it. But one thing is the same: to choose Jesus is to choose life. For Jesus holds every life—even the tiniest—in the nail-scarred palm of His hand.” Rev. Gary Blobaum, St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Oregon, Illinois – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • lutheransforlife.org
Lutheran Hour Ministries Devotions
Available in the Narthex.
Devotions will help strengthen and encourage your faith.
Altar Flowers
The Altar Flower Chart is posted on the bulletin board in the Narthex by the drinking fountains. Check chart for donation opportunities and availability.
Children Sunday School
"Esau Forgives Jacob" is the Bible story taught this week in Sunday School. This exciting account teaches us how Jacob struggled against man and God for his birthright. The children are learning that Jesus struggled against sin and death to win our heavenly birthright. Talk to your children about sin and how it breaks families and relationships. Discuss, "How has sin severed our relationship with God? How did Jesus restore our relationship with God etemoity? How does Jesus help us as God's children to restore our broken human relationships?
Good Shepherd Trust Account
The Good Shepherd Trust is a charitable trust established to support the ministry, mission, and charitable works of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church primarily through the distribution of interest and income generated from its assets. These funds are used exclusively for the following purposes:
• maintenance, upkeep, and improvement of church buildings and related facilities;
• support of called pastors, church workers, and staff;
• proclamation of the Gospel through public worship, preaching, and administration of the Sacraments in accordance with Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions;
• provision of Christian education, including Sunday School, Bible classes, and youth ministry;
• support of outreach, and mission work; and
• such other purposes as are consistent with Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, as the Trustees may from time to time determine.
The Trust is governed by the Church Council, acting as Trustees, and operates exclusively for religious, educational, and charitable purposes. All distributions are made without private gain and solely for the public benefit, in faithful service to Christ and His Church.
Your Email Address
We are updating our church email contacts. Please share your current email address by writing it on your attendance card or emailing
Curtis. Your information will remain confidential and used only for church communications. If you’d like to be included on the prayer chain and participate in our prayer ministry, simply let us know when you provide your email. Thank you for helping us stay connected!
Guardian ad Litem
The Guardian ad Litem Office, working alongside the Department of Children and Family Services, serves children in our community who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or the effects of drug use in their homes. Sadly, the need for volunteers continues to grow. As a Volunteer Guardian ad Litem, you become a voice for these children once they are removed from unsafe situations. Your role includes monthly visits, written reports to the court, and quarterly appearances before Judge Ketchel to share updates and recommendations about each child’s wellbeing. Our mission is grounded in James 1:27: “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
These children need caring advocates.
Military Love & Care Bags
As a church community grounded in compassion and service, we have a special opportunity to come together and make a real difference in the lives of local military families who are facing financial hardship. For the month of November, we are requesting baby formula. Monetary donations are also welcome.
Pastor Klemme's Facebook Account
To clarify a situation that some of you have noticed when trying to tag or message Pastor Klemme on Facebook.
Pastor Klemme recently experienced repeated issues with his personal Facebook account (hacking attempts and unusual restrictions). After careful consideration and prayer, he made the decision to deactivate and remove his personal Facebook profile.
As an unintended side effect of this, some older posts, comments, or tags that linked to his personal profile now display the message:
“This content isn’t available right now
When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.”
Please know this message is appearing only because his personal account no longer exists; it is not an indication that any church content has been hidden or removed. All official church posts, events, and updates remain fully visible on our church page as always.
Pastor continues to be reachable the same ways he always has been:
• By phone or text at his usual number
• By email (you may need to go through the church's website to be sure)
• In person before and after services
• Through the church office
We appreciate your understanding, and we’re grateful for the care and concern many of you have already shown. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Youth Group
Christmas Parade
We are joyfully proclaiming our Savior’s birth with a Nativity float in the Fort Walton Beach Christmas Parade. The parade is Monday, Dec 3 at 6:30 but we must be in our spot by 4:30 PM for inspection. We need people to walk the parade route with the float. For more information, see Family Life Minister Curtis or anyone on the Board of Outreach
Properties Board Meeting
For the maintenance and repair of the congregation’s facilities; to enable the congregation and its members to carry out our Christ centered ministries. Meets in the Library. For more information contact Jeff Adams
We’re excited to announce the launch of our new Children’s Choir for students in Grades 1–6! All kids who love to sing—or just want to give it a try—are invited to join. The choir will learn fun, faith-filled music and prepare to share their voices in worship throughout the year. Rehearsals will be held weekly, and no prior experience is needed. Come help us raise a joyful noise to the Lord!
For more information contact Katie Ott.
Christmas Eve Choir Practice
All singers are invited to join us for choir practice each Wednesday at 7:00 PM. Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or just love to make a joyful noise, there’s a place for you! Come rehearse, enjoy fellowship, and help lead our congregation in worship.
David Ott.
The Way Cafe
Join us for Thanksgiving Eve Worship at 6:30 PM, as well as Advent Worship on December 3, 10, and 17 at 6:30 PM (preceded by a meal at 5:30 PM) . We will also gather for Christmas Eve Worship at 6:30 PM and New Year’s Eve Worship at 6:30 PM. Way Café will continue through these services and return to the Café space on January 7th.
Advent Meals
The youth group is serving meals on Advent Wednesdays before the evening worship service. Dinner is served from 5:30 until 6:15 PM
Board of Elders Meeting
Meeting with the Called Ministers and the Board of Elders to discuss, plan, and implement strategies to carry out corporate worship, and addressing the spiritual health of the congregation.
For more information contact Joe Staton
Mite Boxes
LWML Mite Boxes are used to collect small, voluntary offerings that support mission work locally, nationally, and globally. Based on the widow’s mite (Luke 21:1–4), these gifts fund grants for spreading the Gospel, supporting ministries, and serving those in need. Every coin helps share Christ’s love through the work of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
Sharing and Caring
A ministry supported by our congregation through donations of non-perishable food items, placed in the collection basket in the inner Narthex. Sharing and Caring serves individuals and families in need by providing food, clothing, and emergency assistance. It brings hope, encouragement, and practical support to those experiencing hardship or crisis.
Voters Assembly Meeting
It is that time of year to address our annual budget at a Voter's Meeting. We praise God and thank you for your faithful giving to Good Shepherd’s ministries. The purpose of the budget is to establish spending authority to dedicate resources toward our worship of God and for our proclamation of the Gospel.
Board Of Outreach Meeting
Philemon 4-6. The Board of Outreach has a two fold mission: To Communicate the Gospel of Christ through the members of our congregation and in the endeavor to identify the congregation with the Gospel in the local community. Meets with Pastor Klemme in the Cafe.
AHG Christmas Party
The American Heritage Girls Christmas Party is a mystery dinner set in the North Pole. We are citizens of town, who, by-the-way, desperately need to hear the good news of the Savior's birth. See Curtis for your character assignment.
Lacey Kringel is once again hosting the annual Kringel’s Block Party in Holly Hills. The RSVP list for this year’s event has you on edge. Hollyberry Town’s rumor mill has been churning with scandals—blackmail, backstabbing, and deception have shaken this once-peaceful community. You’re certain drama is inevitable. With a few personal grudges of your own to settle, you’re eager to see what unfolds.
Congregational Christmas Breakfast
In the Fellowship Hall to celebrate the birth of our Savior by enjoying food and fellowship, (maybe some trivia and other games). Come, be known and encouraged.
Cookie Walk
Christmas Cookies Exchange/Walk is an opportunity to eat and take home delicious cookies made with love and maybe a few made by faceless bakers bought in a chain store. Satisfy your Christmas cookie appetite and help support the youth group.
Angel Tree
An Angel Tree will be set up in the Narthex beginning in Advent. We are supporting the same families from Kenwood Elementary that we did for Thanksgiving. Take an angel (or two) and put your name and phone number next to the angel number on the signup sheet. ALL GIFTS need to be returned, wrapped, and underneath the tree so we can distribute them to the families in time for Christmas. Contact Jean Grieve for more information:
Contact Jean.
Youth Christmas Party
The Youth Christmas Party is a mystery dinner set in the North Pole. We are citizens of town, who, by-the-way, desperately need to hear the good news of the Savior's birth. See Curtis for your character assignment.
Lacey Kringel is once again hosting the annual Kringel’s Block Party in Holly Hills. The RSVP list for this year’s event has you on edge. Hollyberry Town’s rumor mill has been churning with scandals—blackmail, backstabbing, and deception have shaken this once-peaceful community. You’re certain drama is inevitable. With a few personal grudges of your own to settle, you’re eager to see what unfolds.
American Heritage Girls Troop 1517
Building women of integrity through service to God, family, community and country.
American Heritage Girls is a Christ-centered scouting ministry for girls ages 5-18. AHG offers badge programs, service projects, girl leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences to its members.
The troop meets on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month.
The AHG Oath: “I promise to love God, cherish my family, honor my country, and serve in my community.
For more information contact Adrienne Cook.
Benevolence
Benevolence is established to identify and meet the needs of under-resourced individuals - people who are unable to meet essential needs for themselves or their families. Benevolence stem from our desire to do good to others, show goodwill, extend kindness, and extend charity to those in need. (Online to donate: https://www.shalimar.church/human-care)
Marionette Puppets
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree ... that all the world should be counted... People were looking for someone to save them and when Jesus was born.
Concert Series
4th in the 2025 concert series "Sheep May Safely Graze" featuring classical music groups. A community event to reach out and draw people in. For more information contact David Ott
Staff Appreciation Gift
If you would like to contribute toward a Christmas gift for the Staff of GSLC, please put your gift in a Staff Appreciation envelope provided in your bulletin. You may place your envelope in the offering plate, bring it to the office, or use the online giving dropdown on our church website www.shalimar.church. Since we recently celebrated Clergy Appreciation, Pastor Klemme & Family Life Minister Curtis is not included in the allocation of these funds. Your donation will be reflected on your record of contributions.
Charitable Contributions Tax Reminder
Thank you for supporting the mission and work of your congregation. To ensure your contribution is counted for this year's charitable giving, we must receive it by December 31st.
Once you reach age 70½, you can take advantage of Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) to reduce your IRA balance and future Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). In 2025, you may donate up to $108,000 directly from your IRA to qualified charities without any tax consequences on the withdrawal. If you are already of RMD age, these donations count toward your RMDs and remain tax-free.
Council Meeting
Let us do everything with love. The Church Council is a gathering of elected advisers who serve and guide the ministries of the congregation toward our given mission. (Matthew 28:19-20). We meet in the library.
Thanksgiving Eve
We Receive Our Daily Bread with Thanksgiving to God and Service to One Another
“Fool!” (Luke 12:20). So is anyone who believes that we make our own living. Rather, it is the Lord who gives the land and its increase (Deuteronomy 26:9), who “supplies seed to the sower and bread for food” (2Corinthians 9:10). He who made us and all creatures still takes care of us, and He gives us a part in His Kingdom. Through our vocations, we serve others. In the Old Testament, the offerings of the people provided for the Levites. So also in the New Testament, “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work” (2Corinthians 9:8). We do not create ourselves, nor does one’s life “consist in the abundance of his possessions” (Luke 12:15). Covetousness is idolatry (Ephesians 5:5). But we trust in Christ, from whose sacrifice alone all good gifts come. Flowing from our “confession of the gospel of Christ,” we submit to one another in service to our neighbor, supporting the work of the Church and serving in our daily vocations (2Corinthians 9:13). Such faith overflows “in many thanksgivings to God” (2Corinthians 9:12), from whom comes “every good gift and perfect gift” (James 1:17).
Commemoration of Noah
The Church honor's saints for showing us how living out faith can be done.
Noah, the son of Lamech (Genesis 5:30), was instructed by God to build an ark, in which his family would find security from the destructive waters of a devastating flood that God warned would come. Noah built the ark, and the rains descended. The entire earth was flooded destroying “every living thing that was on the face of the ground, both man and beast” (Genesis 7:23). After the flood waters subsided, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat. When Noah determined it was safe, and God confirmed it, he and his family and all the animals disembarked. Then Noah built an altar and offered a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for having saved his family from destruction. A rainbow in the sky was declared by God to be a sign of His promise that never again would a similar flood destroy the entire earth (Genesis 8;20). Noah is remembered and honored for his faithfulness, believing that God would do what He said He would.
Source: LCMS Calendar of Commemorations.
Festival of St Andrew, Apostle
The Church honor's saints for showing us how living out faith can be done.
The old church year ends with the watchman’s cry (Matthew 25:6), and the new one begins with it (Ezekiel 3:17): John the Baptist’s call of warning and repentance, which St. Andrew heard and heeded. But John’s forerunning task was chiefly to point his disciples to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, 36). Thus, Andrew became the first of Christ’s disciples. He, in turn, pointed his brother Simon Peter to the Messiah (John 1:41), and “immediately they left their nets and followed” the Christ (Matthew 4:20). “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Romans 10:15). Andrew’s eagerness to follow Christ and bring others to Him made “no distinction between Jew and Greek” (Romans 10:12; John 12:20-22), and he may be counted as the first missionary. His zeal in following Christ led him, according to tradition, to face a martyr’s death on an X-shaped cross. So we are directed at the beginning of Advent to focus our eyes on Christ’s cross, where God’s Lamb was offered for our salvation.
Source: LCMS Calendar of Feasts and Festivals
Festival of St Andrew, Apostle
The Church honor's saints for showing us how living out faith can be done.
The old church year ends with the watchman’s cry (Matthew 25:6), and the new one begins with it (Ezekiel 3:17): John the Baptist’s call of warning and repentance, which St. Andrew heard and heeded. But John’s forerunning task was chiefly to point his disciples to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, 36). Thus, Andrew became the first of Christ’s disciples. He, in turn, pointed his brother Simon Peter to the Messiah (John 1:41), and “immediately they left their nets and followed” the Christ (Matthew 4:20). “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news” (Romans 10:15). Andrew’s eagerness to follow Christ and bring others to Him made “no distinction between Jew and Greek” (Romans 10:12; John 12:20-22), and he may be counted as the first missionary. His zeal in following Christ led him, according to tradition, to face a martyr’s death on an X-shaped cross. So we are directed at the beginning of Advent to focus our eyes on Christ’s cross, where God’s Lamb was offered for our salvation.
Source: LCMS Calendar of Feasts and Festivals
Pastor Klemme's Anniversary at Good Shepherd (1)
With gratitude and joy, we give thanks this day for Pastor Eric Klemme and his faithful ministry among us. Born on the southwest side of Chicago, IL, he is the eldest of three brothers and a sister. He earned his undergraduate degree from Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, graduating in 1990 with a dual major in theology and psychology. He then attended Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, where he received his Master of Divinity.
Pastor Klemme was ordained in 1995 and installed at Saint Martin Lutheran Church in Winona, MN, serving as assistant pastor and campus chaplain for Winona State University’s Lutheran Student Fellowship. He later accepted calls to Messiah Lutheran Church in Moundsview, MN; Bethany Lutheran Church in Chicago; Christ the King Lutheran Church in Natchitoches, LA; and Lamb of God Lutheran Church in Slidell, LA. In 2024, he was called and installed to serve as pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Shalimar, FL.
We praise the Lord that He has permitted His servant Eric to labor in His Church, that He has sustained and strengthened him, and that He continues to bless his ministry among us.