Saturday, November 5 at 2 pm
Category Archives: Events
Praise Pumpkin Patch Display
Take Photos in Gethsemane’s Praise Pumpkin Patch
Beginning Sunday, October 23!
Come enjoy the Gethsemane Garden with the beauty of the harvest season! We have our Praise Pumpkin Patch set up again this year in the Gethsemane Garden. All are welcome to take photos in the patch!
GLCM classes will use the space for photos as well, and it will be open to the community at GLCM’s Fall Fest on Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 1 pm.
GLCM Fall Festival
Saturday, October 29 from 10 am to 1 pm
Everyone is welcome! Join the fun!
- Bounce house & petting zoo
- Glitter tattoos, games, food
- Amazing Aaron & live music
- Buy raffle tickets with a chance to win a YETI cooler
- Virtual silent auction
We need your help to make this event a success! Volunteer to help with game booths, food, cookies, cupcakes, etc. There is also a signup sheet in the narthex and a sign-up genius going out very soon.
Questions? Email Angelica Lundquist.
Affirmation of Baptism
Sunday, October 30th
Reformation Sunday – Remember to WEAR RED this Sunday!
Affirmation of Baptism – Reception during Sunday School at 9:30 am to honor the confirmands. All are welcome!
Since 1973, Reformation Sunday has been designated the Sunday when Gethsemane youth are invited to Affirm their Baptism in the Rite of Confirmation. Reformation Sunday is celebrated by the Lutheran/Reformation community as the Sunday to focus “on the heart of our faith: the gospel of Christ-the good news– that makes us free!” The Reformation community prays for the Holy Spirit to continue uniting the church catholic in proclamation and witness for all the world to hear of the grace of God. In the blessed sacrament of “Holy Baptism, the people of God are made one body;” giving thanks for Dr. Martin Luther and all the reformers past and present.
Gethsemane youth, having completed study/participation in Gethsemane Lutheran confirmation ministry will affirm their baptism Sunday, October 30th. Family members present a candle, symbolic of the confirmand’s baptismal candle. Continuing a Gethsemane tradition of four-plus decades, the confirmands introduce family members during the 9:30 am Sunday School Hour. These baptized Christians claim their family faith heritage by affirming their gratitude for the nurturing they have received on their faith journey since baptism. Congratulations parents, grandparents, and extended family for encouraging the Gethsemane Lutheran 2022 Confirmation Class to live their baptismal birthright.
“The Bridge” Lunch
All young families and young adults are invited to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship together!
Sunday, November 6
12 pm (following 10:30 am worship)
Phil’s Ice House (Hwy 183)
“The Bridge” is a ministry designed for young professionals, singles, and families with and without children – all people who share in this busy stage of life. Contact Alice Bassett or Stephanie Scheffel for more information.
Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pets to worship on Sunday, October 2nd at 10:30 am for a blessing!
- All friendly pets welcome
- Please keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier
- Consider bringing pet food or toy donations for the Austin Humane Society
Can’t bring your pet(s) to worship with you?
Post a photo of your pet on our Facebook page starting Saturday morning, October 1 to receive a virtual blessing!
Pastor Gronberg will also continue the annual Blessing of the Animals tradition at the Austin Humane Society (AHS) on St. Francis Day, Monday October 3rd. AHS donors are invited to join with Pastor Gronberg and Dar Krenek in this traditional blessing. Thanks to Erin Jolly and Gethsemane neighbors at the Austin Humane Society for sharing their commitment to dogs, cats and humans in the Austin community. Everyone needs a “furever home”.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, August 14 during 10:30 am Worship
As a new school year begins, students of all ages are invited to receive a backpack blessing and backpack tag from Gethsemane during worship to remember that God is with you everywhere you go.
Remember to bring your backpack to worship!
“Discovery Canyon” Vacation Bible School
Join Gethsemane Lutheran’s “Discovery Canyon” VBS Week:
June 20-24, 2022 from 8:45 am to 12 pm
“I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart and tell about the wonders you have worked.” – Psalm 9:1
Register Your Child to Attend VBS Week
Gethsemane invites all children age 3 by June 20, 2022 and including those completing 6th grade to register for our FREE in-person VBS Week! 6th graders may also choose to assist as a volunteer. 7th graders and older can sign up to assist with VBS as volunteers. You are encouraged to invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to participate in this fun outreach ministry!
Each day begins with opening songs and stories in the sanctuary at 8:45 am. You are welcome to come any time after 8 am; there will be supervision on the church grounds. The morning includes storytelling, music, craft time, recreation/games, and a light snack. Each day there will be an opportunity to bring an offering of money or canned goods to support the Gethsemane Food Pantry.
***Each day the person picking up their child(ren) after VBS must come in to the narthex to sign them out for the day with their group leader.***
All are invited to the closing program on Friday morning at 11:30 am in the sanctuary followed by a hotdog lunch in the Multi-Purpose Room with a freewill offering to help with VBS expenses.
Volunteer at VBS
We need help in the craft area, preparing and serving snacks, the storytelling room, games, and being a guide to lead the children from one area to another. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and make a difference in the lives of children. You are invited to volunteer even if you can only assist one day. Gethsemane is grateful to all who lead Vacation Bible School! Adults of all ages as well as 6th graders and older can sign up to volunteer at VBS.
Order VBS T-Shirts
Gethsemane VBS 2022 T-Shirts are available for $12 or $15 each. Your shirts will be delivered during VBS. Order and pay by Monday, June 6th to be guaranteed a shirt. Deliver cash or check payable to Gethsemane to the church office. You may also pay online using the “OTHER (please specify)” section and adding an additional 3% processing fee.
VBS Daily Themes
Each day will include a different story from the Bible.
Prepare at home for the daily fun and excitement of VBS.
Parting of the Red Sea; Song of Miriam
Exodus 14:21-24; 15:19-21
Hannah prays for a child
I Samuel 1:9-27
A storm
Matthew 8:23-27
A dying girl and a sick woman
Matthew 9:18-26
Jesus heals a man who cannot walk
Luke 5:17-26
Youth Dinner Theatre Fundraiser
Join the Gethsemane community for the
Youth Dinner Theatre Fundraiser on Saturday, May 7th
“WONDERFUL”
By Lane Holmstrom
Saturday, May 7th
– Concessions & Silent Auction open at 5 pm
– Show begins at 6 pm
Tickets are $10 per person (plus bring cash for concessions)
Silent Auction * Live Auction
Delicious Food! Fun for the whole family!
Auction Items Needed
Please help us raise money for the youth by donating an item to the silent auction. Email the church office with a description of your items to be donated. We’re also accepting wine donations for a wine pull. Proceeds from the dinner theatre and auctions will benefit the summer youth activities.
Playbill Ads
You are invited to place an ad in the playbill: business ads or student “brag ads.” Full-page ads are $50 and half-page ads are $25. Email the church office with your order. Past supporters may use the same ad as before or send a new layout. New supporters please send a layout in Publisher format and/or a PDF.
“Boundless Grace” Senior High Trip: July 11-15 in Minnesota
Plans are taking shape for the Gethsemane youth trip. Youth will visit the Mall of America, attend a Minnesota Twins baseball game (Carlos Correa, a former Astro is now a Twin), visit Shalom Hill Farm in rural Minnesota, and enjoy the hospitality of Don & Anne Roefer, Todd & Sheri Pottebaum, George & Rhia Spears. (Rhia grew up in Gethsemane youth ministry) plus visits to Luther Seminary and Augsburg University. A fun, informative, and exciting time for Gethsemane youth. Email Pastor Schnelle for more information.
Youth Tackle Hunger: 32nd Annual Souper Bowl of Caring
Bring non-perishables and cash for the Gethsemane Food Pantry on Sunday, February 13
For 32 years, this event has transformed Super Bowl weekend into the nation’s largest celebration of giving/serving. Thousands of youth groups and passionate individuals unite to “Tackle Hunger Together”. Gethsemane youth will greet the community (they will not tackle you) following the 10:30 am liturgy inviting the Gethsemane faithful to give a gift benefiting the Gethsemane Food Pantry. Celebrate the 32nd anniversary of this ministry by giving a generous donation on “Souper Bowl Sunday.”