Good Shepherd,
Late last week, I received news that a longtime member of Good Shepherd, Alta Winebrenner, passed away. Some of you knew Alta well; others may have never met her. But if you call Good Shepherd home, Alta has impacted your life. For decades, she poured herself into this church—ensuring we had enough communion bread, caring for babies while parents dropped older children at Little Lambs preschool, and serving in countless quiet ways. Whether we realize it or not, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. Alta was one of those faithful people, and I am deeply grateful for the legacy she leaves behind.
If you’d like to celebrate Alta’s life, her service will be held tomorrow, Friday, April 4, at our North Oak Campus. Visitation is from 9:30–11:00 AM, with the Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 AM.
Legacy. It’s something we often think of in terms of the past, but the truth is, we are shaping our legacy every day. Through the words we speak, the kindness we show, and the ways we serve, we are writing a story that will outlive us. Alta’s life reminds us that true legacy isn’t measured in wealth or recognition but in the lives we touch and the love we share.
That’s why Ignite—Good Shepherd’s vision for the next three years—is so important. We are strengthening our ministries for the next generation because we believe God is calling us to ignite hope and meaningful change. And as we approach Easter, we have an incredible opportunity to live out that vision.
Easter is a time when many families and visitors step through our doors, some for the very first time. It’s a season when hearts are especially open to the hope of the resurrection. And we have the privilege of sharing that hope—not just in words, but in the way we welcome, serve, and love.
One way we are doing this is through our GS Kids Easter Party, happening at both of our campuses. Designed for preschool and elementary kids, this high-energy experience will be filled with singing, dancing, games, and the Easter story. But more than that, it will be a moment where children can encounter the joy and truth of the gospel in a way that stays with them for a lifetime.
Many of us can recall the names and faces of those who invested in our faith when we were young. What if you could be that person for a child this Easter? What if your legacy included helping a little one discover the love of Jesus?
We need extra hands and hearts to make this Easter celebration meaningful for our children. Serving in gsKids isn’t just about filling a spot—it’s about creating an environment where faith can take root in young hearts.
It’s about creating a legacy.
If you feel called to serve this Easter, whether in gsKids or elsewhere, I encourage you to take that step. You never know whose life you might touch—whose story you might become a part of.
Thank you for being a church that loves well and ignites hope for the next generation.
Peace,
Matt Fulmer
