As We Gather
Palm Sunday begins with unbridled joy as we recall how Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, while being acclaimed by the crowds with loud shouts of “Hosanna” and boisterous waving of palm branches. So today we begin with songs of praise and waving of palm branches as we hail Jesus as the One worthy of all glory, laud, and honor. But then the solemnness of Holy Week also begins. With a time of silence, the service shifts our focus to Jesus’ path to the cross. As foretold by prophets long ago, Jesus was stricken and afflicted, beaten and spit upon, crucified, and He died. He did this out of divine love for all of humanity, taking on Himself the sins of all people for our forgiveness. Today’s worship reflects the pattern of our lives. At times we experience unbridled joy and celebration. And then, sometimes in the next moment, we experience heartbreaking suffering. Jesus is there with us—in the joyful celebrations, in the heartbreak and suffering. He alone can transform it all into deeper love for God and neighbor. The hour of Jesus’ death on the cross is the hour of our life and salvation.
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.”
Did Jesus really need the donkey? If the man had refused to give the donkey, would the work of salvation have been derailed? Of course not. But what an honor for the man who owned this donkey and foal! Likewise, the Lord needs none of us, but what an honor for God to choose to use our generosity in the work of His Church.
Lutherans For Life
“For me, Holy Week offers us a glimpse into the holy and vicarious humanity of Jesus. The human Jesus struggling with His own suffering in agony is a portrait for which I am deeply thankful. Jesus struggled as I do. And while I often reluctantly say to God, ‘Not my will but yours be done,’ I trust that God will generate salvation out of suffering and life from death.” Margaret Manning Shull is a member of the speaking and writing team at Ravi Zacharias International Ministries in Bellingham, Washington – A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life • www.lutheransforlife.org
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
This week's Sunday School lesson is the account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman. In this lesson, we learn that Jesus gives the Spirit, who cleanses us from sin and unrighteousness in the living water of Holy Baptism. Talk with your children about how sin causes us to have guilt and shame before God. Emphasize that through the water and Word of Holy Baptism all guilt and shame are removed. Discuss, "Jesus comes for all people, no matter what race or color they are. Ordinary water leaves us thirsting for more, but the living water of Jesus, which flows from His Word and the font of Baptism, quenches our spiritual thirst forever."
Easter Lilies
We are adorning our sanctuary for Easter with Easter Lilies. For those who wish to purchase an Easter Lily to help beautify our sanctuary, the cost is $10 per plant. Place your cash/check in an envelope and write LILIES on the envelope along with your name and envelope number, and place in the offering plate. You may take your plant home after the late service on Easter Sunday, or the following Sunday.
Wednesdays in Lent
Lent Meals Wednesdays @ 5:30 PM
Lent Worship Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM
Palm Sunday, 29 March @ 8:00 & 10:45 AM
Maundy Thursday, 2 April @ 6:30 PM
Good Friday, 3 April @ 6:30 PM
Easter Sunday, 5 April
Worship
@ 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM - Sanctuary
Puppet Show
@ 9:30 AM – Fellowship Hall
Pancake Breakfast
@ 7:00 – 11:00 AM – Fellowship Hall
Kenwood Elementary Donates
Kenwood School is currently in need of donations of pants and shorts for students who may require a change of clothes during the school day. Gently used items are welcome, including sweatpants, leggings, jeans, pajama bottoms, athletic shorts, and similar styles. Elastic waistbands are especially helpful, and well worn pants are perfectly acceptable. Needed sizes range from children’s sizes 5 through 14, as well as adult size Small. For more information contact Rachel.Bollinger@okaloosaschools.com.
Youth Group
Maundy Thursday
The name for this day comes from the Latin word "mandatum," meaning "commandment." It refers to the two "new" commandments our Lord gave to His disciples on this day. The first is "love one another," and the second is "do this in remembrance of Me." In the early church, Maundy Thursday was also the day on which those who had fallen away from the Church were restored to full fellowship with other believers after having observed the 40-day penitential season of Lent. Today we are reminded of the reconciliation we have because of Christ’s body and blood given for the forgiveness of our sin, and the example of self-giving love shown by our Lord as He washed the feet of His disciples.
Our service today is the "first act" or portion of what the early Church observed as "the triduum," a three-day observance of the events of our Lord's suffering, death, and resurrection. Even though Christians come and go during these three days, the worship services from now through the great Vigil of Easter are considered to be one continuous service.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a time of somber reflection as we approach the mystery of the cross. But the austerity of the Good Friday liturgy should not obscure the fact that this is a death we celebrate because of the life and forgiveness that flow from the cross for us and for our salvation. Because Good Friday is not an isolated event or day but part of God’s planned revelation of His love, we listen to the entire story of God’s work of salvation and deliverance. The message of the cross is the message of the Scriptures, planned by God, proclaimed by the prophets, and fulfilled in Christ. This liturgy continues what was begun on Holy Thursday and adds its own message of hope and triumph.
Easter Marionettes
This Easter, we are retelling Mark’s account of the resurrection using string puppets. Each of the Gospel writers highlights different details in their testimony about Jesus. In Gospel of Mark, there is a strong emphasis on rejection, suffering, and the cross. The disciples are portrayed as confused, afraid, and slow to understand. Even so, the focus remains on Christ Jesus and on what God has accomplished for us through him.
Legacy Deo
Only 10% of Americans have a valid estate plan by the time they reach age 55. Creating one, in the form of a will or living trust, is an important step toward ensuring a strong financial future. Legacy Deo, our trusted partner, works with attorneys and can help Good Shepherd families with the charitable aspects of their estate plan. They have tools that help you prepare for that first meeting with your attorney. Give them a call at 1-800-880-3733 or visit www.legacydeo to learn how they can help with the process of creating your estate plan.
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.
Smokes and Jokes, a Christian Fellowship
Enjoy an evening of conversation and light refreshments as we relax together, share stories, and encourage one another in faith and friendship. Feel free to bring a snack or a joke to share, and come ready for a warm, casual time among friends. If you’d like to join, please contact Pastor Klemme directly for date, time, and location.
Easter Sunday 5 April
Worship @ 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM - Sanctuary
Puppet Show @ 9:30 AM – Fellowship Hall
Pancake Breakfast @ 7:00 – 11:00 AM – Fellowship Hall
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.
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
The Way Cafe
Join us for Ash Wednesday Worship at 6:30 PM, as well as Lent Worship through the month of March at 6:30 PM (preceded by a meal at 5:30 PM). Way Café will continue through these services and return to the Café space on January 7th.
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
Sunday School (Samuel)
The Books of Samuel tell how God led Israel from the judges to the monarchy, showing His sovereignty, mercy, and guidance through human sin and failure. God raises Samuel as a faithful prophet, grants Hannah’s prayer, and anoints David as king, emphasizing that God chooses the humble and obedient over worldly strength. Saul’s troubled reign warns against trusting in human power, while David’s faith and reliance on God point forward to Christ, the true righteous King. Throughout, God’s Law reveals our sin, and His grace through His promises offers salvation and hope.
For more information contact Curtis
American Heritage Girls Troop 1517
American Heritage Girls (AHG) is character development ministry for young women that embraces Christian values and encourages family involvement.
For more information contact Adrienne Cook.
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.
Sanctuary Cleaning Day
A clean sanctuary helps us focus on what truly matters: Christ Himself, present among us in Word and Sacrament. We invite the whole congregation, young and old, to join in a Sanctuary Cleaning Day. The pews need to be cleaned with hot water and Murphy's Oil Soap. Cleaning items, buckets and rags will be supplied. No experience is needed. The work will take about 2 to 3 hours. Your labor of love blesses us all. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord” - Colossians 3:23.
For more information contact Anna Haase.
Benevolence
Luther once wrote, “A man is placed between God and his neighbor as a medium which receives from above and gives out again below, and is like a vessel or tube through which the stream of divine blessings must flow without intermission to other people.” The people we help through the benevolence fund find themselves in difficult financial circumstances. Please consider contributing to our benevolence fund. (Online to donate: https://www.shalimar.church/human-care)
Concert Series
The first in the 2026 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
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.
Car Show
The Board of Outreach is excited to announce an upcoming Car Show and invites you to help make it a success. This event will bring our community together, connect with new families and neighbors, and create meaningful outreach opportunities. We are forming a volunteer team to plan and carry out the event, with roles in organizing, hospitality, marketing, registration, and logistics. Contact Pastor Eric or Jennifer.
Worlds Greatest Baby Shower
Hosted by Healthy Start Coalition of Okaloosa and Walton Counties. The World's Greatest Baby Shower is expected to welcome approximately 1,300 who are new parents, expectant parents, and their family members! Our purpose is to have a presence in the public square, and as a reminder for the unchurched community that faith has a place in the welfare of a growing child.
Annunciation of our Lord
Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, Born of the Virgin Mary and Made Man
“It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4). But “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). He opens ears to hear and wombs to conceive. “Let it be to me according to your word,” says St. Mary (Luke 1:38). The Most High who once dwelt in the tabernacle comes to overshadow Mary, who believes the angel’s “annunciation” (Luke 1:35). “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In Jesus Christ, God is with us — even from the moment of His conception. This miracle, that Mary should become the mother of God, will be a sign against the proud in Israel; it is the fulfillment of the prophecies of Isaiah and David. “I delight to do your will, O my God,” says Christ (Psalms 40:8). From Mary’s flesh, the Most High has prepared a body for His Son (Hebrews 10:5), a body to be offered “once for all” as the sacrifice that alone takes away sins and gives a righteousness apart from the Law (Hebrews 10:10). Through His conception, life and death, we have been sanctified. God favors us in this child. And like the blessed Virgin Mary, blessed “are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).
Commemoration of Joseph, Patriarch
The Church honor's saints for showing us how living out faith can be done.
Joseph was the son of the patriarch Jacob (February 5) and Rachel. The favorite son of his father, he incurred the jealousy of his older brothers, who sold him into slavery in Egypt and told their father he was dead (Genesis 37). In Egypt he became the chief servant in the home of Potiphar, a military official. Because Joseph refused to commit adultery with his master's wife, he was unjustly accused of attempted rape and thrown into jail (Genesis 39). Years later, he interpreted dreams for Pharoah, who then freed him from prison and placed him in charge of the entire country. When his brothers came from Canaan to Egypt in search of food, they did not recognize him. He eventually revealed his identity to them, forgave them, and invited both them and his father to live in Egypt. He is especially remembered and honored for his moral uprightness (Genesis 39) and for his willingness to forgive his brothers (Genesis 45 and 50).
Source: LCMS Calendar of Commemorations.