Welcome To The Good Shepherd Website
We are happy that you have found us on the internet. It has certainly been a crazy few months. It broke my heart to close our location on Walnut Street here in Pasadena, but the operating expenses were crushing us. We had nice attendance on Sunday mornings, but the expenses of doing a worship service just proved to be too much for a small congregation to endure. As in many things in life, it boils down to money.
Having said all of that, I firmly believe in my heart that the ministry of Good Shepherd needs to continue. We need to re-define the concept of "church". Is church defined by four walls? Is it brick and mortar? Or is it something much more? Is there a more effective way to reach people in this age of the internet? Is it time for religion to adapt to a new kind of spirituality?
Because of all of this, I came up with Good Shepherd Live Online where we explore God's wonderful creation at interesting locations and combine that with Scripture and an inspirational message. Fortunately, this idea has received tremendous support, with 2 newspapers covering it, including a professor from Fuller who thought it was a terrific idea! We have already broadcast 9 episodes of Good Shepherd Live Online on Facebook from various locations in Southern California, with a total viewership of over 360! And it continues to grow! We are reaching people from Australia to Finland to Mexico with a message of God's love and grace.
While our online presence is very important, "church" is also about community. It is not just an online experience or a one to one relationship with God. Church is not just a vertical relationship with God, but also a horizontal relationship with those around us. With that in mind and to meet that need of community fellowship, we will be holding each month a "pop-up worship service" outdoors at a location in Pasadena. We held our Easter service at Washington Park and it was a beautiful experience. Keep watching our website to see where we will be worshiping next.
Our ministry continues because the needs of people continue. God's grace and love continue.
So the adventure of Good Shepherd continues. I ask for your prayers and support. Tell your friends about Good Shepherd Live Online. Share links on Facebook. Spread the Good News! Join us in our ministry together!
God Bless.
Rev. Rick Eisenlord, M.Div
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OVER 9100 PEOPLE VIEW PARADISE COVE VIDEO!!!
We are so excited it is hard to express the words. Our last video from Paradise Cove has received over 9100 views in 3 days! And the count is continuing to grow. What we need to remember is that what is important is NOT the number - as impressive as it is.
What is important is that we are reaching so many people all over the world with God's message of grace and love and inclusiveness. What is important is that we are reaching that kid who is confused and lonely. We are reaching that young adult who is trying to determine the course of their life. We are reaching that adult who needs hope and encouragement.
To all of those individuals who have helped spread the news of our videos -THANK YOU! 9000 TIMES THANK YOU!
But our work is NOT done. There are still many more who need to hear God's message of love and forgiveness. Help us spread the Good News. Link us - like us - heart us - bring a smile to someone's face.
We have exciting plans in store for you, including an online gift store called "Good Shepherd Gifts". We want to raise the money to EXPAND our online video presence. So watch this space for further developments, and share these videos with those you love. Thank you and God Bless!
~ Pastor Rick
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This Sunday, July 9 Pastor Rick will broadcast live from the Port of Los Angeles and the charming Ports O'Call Village. We will also visit the famous San Pedro Fish Market and Restaurant where fresh fish caught locally is served daily. You can even bring fish you have caught and the restaurant will cook it for you!
Pastor Rick will deliver a very powerful and inspiring sermon this Sunday on the 23rd Psalm:
"The Lord Is My Shepherd."
The Port of Los Angeles, America's Port® and the premier gateway for international commerce, is located in San Pedro Bay, 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. This thriving seaport not only sustains its competitive edge with record-setting cargo operations, but is also known for groundbreaking environmental initiatives, progressive security measures, diverse recreational and educational facilities, and emerging LA Waterfront.
The Port of Los Angeles encompasses 7,500 acres of land and water along 43 miles of waterfront. It features 27 passenger and cargo terminals, including automobile, breakbulk, container, dry and liquid bulk, multi-use, and warehouse facilities that handle billions of dollars' worth of cargo each year.
The San Pedro Bay port complex wields tremendous economic impact, generating employment for nearly 3 million Americans nationwide. In California alone, nearly 1 million jobs are related to trade though the Port of Los Angeles.
Against the backdrop of international trade and shipping, the Port of Los Angeles boasts the World Cruise Center, quaint Ports O' Call Village, welcoming Vincent Thomas Bridge, signature Fanfare Fountains & Water Features, historic Angels Gate Lighthouse, and open green space at 22nd Street and Wilmington Waterfront parks. The Port is also home to two historic U.S. warships open to the public: Battleship IOWA and SS Lane Victory Merchant Marine Museum and Memorial. Joining the LA Waterfront are WWII-era warehouses that have been transformed into CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles, a permanent craft marketplace, featuring local artists and designers, and Brouwerij West, a Belgian-style craft brewery.
PORTS O' CALL VILLAGE. Los Angeles' own New England fishing village since 1963, Ports O' Call Village, located along the Port of Los Angeles Main Channel in San Pedro, is a unique seaside plaza that features souvenir and gift shops, along with popular and one-of-a-kind restaurants, tempting sweetshops, fish markets and quick-bite eateries. In front of the village's namesake Ports O' Call Restaurant stands a statue modeled after the Gloucester Fisherman's Memorial, in Gloucester, Mass.
With meandering cobblestone walkways weaving through the 15-acre destination, Ports O' Call is also the departure point for narrated harbor tours, dinner dance cruises and whale watching excursions. Enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants overlooking the harbor. Afterward, take a walk along the boardwalk and stop for a photo with the picturesque harbor backdrop. Ports O' Call Village is easy to reach and offers free parking, a rarity with most oceanfront venues.
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IMPORTANT HIV INFORMATION
Every week I get telephone calls from anxious young men who are seeking a place to be tested for HIV. There is a wonderful "locator" web site run by Health and Human Services that can pinpoint HIV testing sites for you - no matter WHERE you live.
TO LOCATE AN HIV TESTING SITE NEAR YOU,CLICK HERE.
This site will also show locations for housing assistance, mental health facilities and substance abuse centers.
THIS IS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. PLEASE SHARE WITH SOMEONE YOU LOVE. YOU COULD SAVE A LIFE! MAYBE YOUR OWN!
For further info on HIV, you can visit HIV.gov on the internet. The site provides many useful resources and helpful information.
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NEW WAYS TO PREVENT HIV:
PrEP and PEP
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WHAT IS PrEP? PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medicine (taken as a pill) that helps a person stay HIV negative and reduces the risk of contracting HIV. PrEP has been shown to work for gay and bisexual men, heterosexual women and men and people who inject drugs. PrEP can help protect anyone whose partner has HIV. Talk to your doctor to see if PrEP is right for you. For further information you can visit GetPrEPLA.com.
WHAT IS PEP? PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is emergency protection after possible exposure to HIV. If you are HIV negative and exposed to HIV, PEP can stop HIV before it infects your body. PEP can stop HIV if started within 72 hours of exposure. You continue to take PEP for 28 days. Talk to your doctor to see if PEP is right for you. For further information visit GetPrEPLA.com.
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Easter Gifts To Villa Esperanza * Easter In The Park
It was a wonderful Easter for Good Shepherd. Last Thursday we distributed 100 Easter Bags to the clients and staff of Villa Esperanza. Then Easter morning we celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with a beautiful Mass In The Park. Many thanks go to the Briones family and to all who celebrated Easter with us on Sunday.
Did you miss the broadcast of our Easter Mass? You can STILL see the Easter Mass by going to the church's Facebook page: Good Shepherd Church Pasadena. Click on videos and enjoy
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Looking for a little hope? Ready for a smile for the day?
Let's face it, life can bring many storms into our lives. Sometimes we wonder if we will ever get thru it all. Take a break and listen to the latest sermon from Pastor Rick. It's a wonderful combination of humor and inspiration. Give yourself a little "happy break" today and click on the "SERMONS ONLINE" tab above.
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You just HAVE to see this music video...
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Andy Grammer is a singer/song writer in the Los Angheles area. He has had several Top 40 pop hits. He just released a new music video called "FRESH EYES". The original song was an ode to his wife. However, for the music video, Andy chose the Union Rescue Mission on Skid Row in downtown LA. PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND WATCH THIS IMPORTANT VIDEO! Just click on the icon above. You will be glad you did!
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Good Shepherd Church Pasadena is an emerging welcoming congregation for all people, regardless of race, gender or sexual orientation. We believe in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We affirm that God loves and cherishes all His children, and has shown His love through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us, regardless of your religious or denominational background.
A LGBT Church and so much more...
Our mission is to offer hope and inspiration to those who feel discouraged, who have been discriminated against or who are seeking spiritual fulfillment they are not getting elsewhere. We are God's hands and feet in a world desperately searching for hope and guidance. The Good Shepherd knows His flock and loves us fully. You are deeply cherished for who you are, gay, straight, bi-sexual, lesbian or transgendered. The Good Shepherd wants you. We want you! Please join us, won't you?
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Good Shepherd and Pastor Rick Featured In Article in the Daily News...
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To view the Daily News article on the internet, CLICK HERE.
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The Bible and Homosexuality...
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What does the Bible REALLY have to say about homosexuality?
We have been alerted to a great little website that tackles the issue of homosexuality in the Bible. The explanations are clear and concise, and there is even a great little video to watch that really helps. All of this will give you ammunition when you get into that next argument with someone who is trying to clobber you over the head with Bible passages. Show them YOU KNOW YOUR BIBLE! CLICK HERE to check it out! Many thanks to Robert Burnham for the heads-up!
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Good Shepherd Internet Project - Reaching OUT To the World!
We are very excited to announce plans to expand our presence on the internet. We are currently working on 6 major areas:
1. Social Media. We now have a presence on:
Facebook (rickeisenlord@mac.com),
Twitter (@GoodShepherdPas),
Instagram (goodshepherdchurchpasadena),
Tumbler (gd.shep.tekboy.com) and
MySpace (good.shepherd.church.pas).
2. MeetUp. The Good Shepherd Women have their own MeetUp Group happening. The link for that MeetUp Group is: http://www.meetup.com/Women-of-Good-Shepherd-Church-Pasadena/.
3. Live Streaming of the Good Shepherd Worship Service. Coming soon! Every Sunday you will be able to tune into the Good Shepherd Twitter account to watch a live stream of the Good Shepherd Mass.
4. iTunes Podcast. Pastor Rick is now on iTunes with his brand new podcast "My Gay Church". The podcast series will highlight news, interviews and topics affecting the Christian LGBT Community.
Directions: Go to the iTunes store and head to the Podcast section. Click on the search box and enter: My Gay Church. You will then be directed to the podcast by Pastor Rick. BE SURE TO CLICK ON THE SUBSCRIBE BUTTON! Apple will then automatically notify you when new episodes of My Gay Church are available. But you need subscribe! New podcast episodes will be broadcast every Tuesday. Be sure to catch all the fun! AND IT IS FREE!
5. Sermons Online/Good Shepherd Website. People can now go to GoodShepherdPasadena.com, click on the Sermons Online tab, and listen to Pastor Rick’s sermons! There is also information on the website concerning upcoming activities at Good Shepherd.
6. Email Blasts. Our email blasts go out to over 1000 individuals with the latest news and info on our activities.
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Click on the icons below to follow Good Shepherd on
Facebook (Good Shepherd Church Pasadena) and Twitter (@GoodShepherdPas).
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