Mike Lionberger is really helping our mission at Good Shepherd move ahead. Mike's job with the Federal Government brought him up to the Washington, D.C. area in 2006 along with his daughter Mackenzie. They moved to Damascus and found their way to Good Shepherd shortly thereafter. Mackenzie, age 8, is one of those joyful, lively kids who we see up front at the children's sermons each week.

Many of you will recognize Mike as one of our regular 9 a.m. worship assistants and one of our finest readers. At the Good Friday Tenebrae service this year, we tapped Mike to help us read the “Seven Last Words of Jesus.”

In the Fall of 2009, we asked Mike to serve on our Church Council and he was excited to join the cause. He has been Council Secretary the past two years and played a crucial leadership role from Day 1. He is thoughtful and passionate about our church. He is one who clearly is helping us “get in a position to thrive.” In recent days, Mike has helped us establish a Parish Life Fellowship

Committee that has begun to explore more opportunities to help our church members connect. He has brought some new folks into this important task and is actively seeking to connect with others to help in the cause.

On a personal note, Mike is a terrific guy to talk with and fun to be around. He's a great listener, insightful, faithful, generous, a good parent and extremely knowledgeable. He is truly using the gifts God gave him in service to others.

“I was worried when we first moved here that it would be difficult to find a new home church in Montgomery County that could replace our Lutheran church in Atlanta, where my family has worshipped for over forty years,” Mike commented. “Finding Good Shepherd and being able to serve in our dynamic ministry programs has truly been a blessing, and I am so very thankful for all of the opportunities GSLC offers for Mackenzie and me to grow in faith and thrive.”

Thanks, Mike, for all you do. - Pastor Dave Sonnenberg