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.
As We Gather
The spring of souls. The queen of seasons. The royal feast of feasts. With those colorful phrases the ancient writer John of Damascus, who lived in the eighth century, described Easter Day in a classic hymn text. The Feast of the Resurrection and its importance is difficult to put into words. Everything has been done: Christ has come and has established His kingdom in the world for the sake of the resurrection and the life to come. His saving work is accomplished—and we are the beneficiaries! The action word “go” is central for us this day, as we go in to meet our Lord in worship and go out to share the message of the empty tomb and of the risen Christ, our Lord!
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
John 20:16 – “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ ”
Jesus is not only risen from the dead and the Victor over sin, He even calls us by name. He still calls us His friends and brothers, and He means to bring us through death to join Him in His resurrection. Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!
Lutherans For Life
“Silence among the tombs, but then loud rumbling and a rolling stone—the earthquake and the empty tomb. And so today: We await the new creation of the Lord, when our mortal bodies will be changed. We wait, we wait, we mortal men. Let us comfort one another with the news of this broken silence and final victory.” James M. Kushiner, The Fellowship of St. James – 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
The Easter Sunrise Service has been a beloved annual tradition of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Shalimar (LCMS) since 1957. When it began at the Drive-In Theater in Shalimar (now the site of Haverty Furniture) until 1968, when it was moved to Etheredge Stadium at Choctawhatchee High School. Services were held at the stadium until 1973, when the local ministerial association reserved the venue for a nationwide evangelism campaign known as “Key 73.”Then in 1974, Good Shepherd Shalimar and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (then ALC now ELCA) of Fort Walton Beach jointly held an Easter service at Wayside Beach, along with Chaplain Jack Bauer of Eglin AFB. The following year the Easter service moved to Beasley Park (1975). That same year, participating congregations expanded to include all of the Lutheran Churches of the Emerald Coast; Good Shepherd Shalimar, Holy Trinity Fort Walton Beach, Grace Lutheran Church (LCMS) of Destin, and St. Paul Lutheran Church (then ALC) of Niceville.
In 2019, Grace Destin withdrew citing denominational differences with the ELCA (formally ALC) and the LCMS.
In 2022, the ELCA churches, Holy Trinity Fort Walton Beach and St. Paul Niceville, withdrew due to internal denominational challenges, leaving Good Shepherd Shalimar as the sole organizer.
The annual Easter Sunrise Service at Beasley Park has had only three interruptions. In 2016, heavy rain forced cancellation. In 2020, the Okaloosa County Commissioners denied beach access due to COVID-19 restrictions. In 2025, leadership at Good Shepherd decline to pursue a permit siting restrictions imposed by construction issues on Highway 98.
In 2026, Immanuel Anglican Church of Destin took over the Easter Sunrise Beach Service when they learned it was available, carrying forward what had long been a beloved tradition among the Lutheran Churches of the Emerald Coast.
LCMS - Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
ALC - American Lutheran Church
ELCA - Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
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.
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.
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
Lutheran Women in Mission use the Mite Box to gather loose change throughout the month to support national, district, and local ministries. Lutheran Women all over, raise funds through this voluntary offering. The first Sunday of the month is when we receive your collected mites in the LWML Mite Box.
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
Youth Group
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
American Heritage Girls Troop 1517
American Heritage Girls Troop 1517 (Shalimar, FL): This Christ‑centered troop guides girls aged 5–18 through badge work, leadership development, service, and outdoor adventure. Members grow in faith, character, and community through Bible study, service projects, camping, and more. With family involvement and faith-based mentorship, Troop 1517 builds girls of integrity dedicated to serving God, family, community, and country.
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.
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.
Commemoration of Lucas Cranach & Albrecht Duerer, Artists
The Church honor's saints for showing us how living out faith can be done.
Lucas Cranach (1472-1557), a close friend of Martin Luther, was a celebrated painter of portraits and altar pieces and a producer of woodcuts of religious subjects. Albrecht Duerer (1471-1528), a native of Nuernberg, Germany, was one of the most learned of Renaissance artists and also an ardent admirer of Martin Luther. His paintings and woodcuts include examples of the splendor of creation and skilled portrayals of biblical narratives. Both Cranach and Duerer are remembered and honored for the grandeur of their works of art that depict the glory and majesty and the grace and mercy of the triune God.
Source: LCMS Calendar of Commemorations.