February 2014 - Good Shepherd Mount Holly

THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE
MOUNT HOLLY, NORTH CAROLINA
Volume
Issue
13
1
IN THIS
ISSUE:
Council
news…
Music search
update…
In the
mailbag…
Committee
and group
happenings…
Strouds
announce
birth of
grandson …=
...and MUCH
more!
STAFF
Rev. L. Cuttino
Alexander
PASTOR
Rev. Cyrus F.
Frazier
PASTOR EMERITUS
Shaun T. Koh
INTERIM CANTOR
Sheila B. Wallace
PARISH
ADMINISTRATOR
Beverly R. Couto
SEXTON
Living in the light...
February 2014
During this season after Epiphany, we hear a lot in church
about lights—the light to the nations, the light of the star,
and, of course, the light of salvation, which Simeon saw
with his own eyes in the temple. And perhaps that’s fitting
this time of year, as the days get gradually longer and just a
little brighter. It may be cold outside, but we enjoy the
warmth within our little community.
And we can say that things are heating up at Good
Shepherd! Our new council has formed and the
preparations are underway to launch our capital campaign.
I look forward to working with many leaders within our
congregation—both young and old, longtime and new
members.
I want to thank all who worked so hard during the Advent
and Christmas seasons to make the church such a festive
place. Our worship services and fellowship events were
very meaningful. It was wonderful to see so many faces at
the Christmas Eve services, including the very large group
of children who gathered around to hear the story of Jesus’
birth at our afternoon service.
Even though the Christmas decorations are packed away,
we look forward to Lenten preparation and Easter
celebration. The search for our permanent Cantor (see
more about this term inside) continues. We have released a
call for applications and the search committee will be
interviewing through March. We hope to have a permanent
cantor in place after Easter. Meanwhile we are most
grateful to Shaun for all the hard work he has done thus far
to help us during this interim period.
“. . . a light
to reveal
you to the
nations and
the glory of
your people
Israel.”
The Shepherd’s Voice
2014 COUNCIL IN REVIEW
Cantor Search Continues...
The initial meeting for the 2014 Congregation Council was
somewhat fast paced and to the point. We each introduced
ourselves after which Pastor explained council materials that were
distributed and expectations of members, such as being familiar
with the constitution and the need for confidentiality at appropriate
times.
There was a brief "Year in Review" of 2013, followed by some
discussion of goals for 2014. Foremost among those were Strategic
Planning, the Capital Fund Campaign and the need to ensure
"institutional memory" and long term follow through on council
actions.
Officers for 2014 were elected: President, David Abernethy; Vice
President, Lee Walker; Secretary, Kathy Drumm; and Treasurer,
Beverly Couto
As part of the election discussion, council agreed that it would be
beneficial to follow the practice of having a Vice President who
would be eligible to serve as President if so elected the following
year. Ideally, the vice president would not serve as president if he/
she is serving in their final year of their term on council.
I think it was generally felt
that we have much before us
in 2014, and with God's
help and guidance, also
much opportunity to move
Good Shepherd forward in ways that demonstrate love for each
other, care for our neighbors and sound stewardship of all God has
given us.
David Abernethy, 2014 Council President
Invitation from the Choir
The new year building up to Easter is filled with exciting musical
activities. If you have thought about playing hand bells or singing in
the choir, now may be the time.
The Hand Bell Choir is working on several pieces for the Lenten and
Easter seasons. The adult choir is working on a cantata, In My Place
by Craig Courtney. All voices are needed as well as narrators/actors.
The cantata, which tells the Passion story of Christ's Sacrifice of
Love, will be presented on Palm Sunday.
If you would like more information, speak with Interim Cantor,
Shaun.
If you don't sing or want to play hand bells or play the role of
narrator or actor, there is also a need for instrumentalists. Flutists
and string players are needed right away, but all instrumentalists
interested in playing on Sunday or for special services will be
considered. Again, speak with Shaun, if you need more information.
Shaun Koh
Page 2
J.S. Bach
Cantor Extraordinaire
CANTOR—
You may have
heard this
word being
used when we
are talking
about our
search for the
music
director. “Cantor” is the title of the person
who is “responsible for coordinating the entire
musical expression of the liturgical life of the
church (Association of Lutheran Church
Musicians).” In other words, the Cantor is the
choir director, pianist, organist, and music
leader.
When Tom and Jane Huber retired, the Music
Staff Search Committee recommended to the
Council to combine the two positions into one.
Council agreed. This decision was made for a
number of reasons: First, by combining the
two salaries, we can afford a highly qualified
cantor for this part-time position. Second, one
person will make it easier to plan and
coordinate worship and music. Finally, the
decision makes us part of a growing number
of Lutheran congregations in North America
and around the world that are restoring this
historic title. So, next time you hear the word
“Cantor” know that’s someone who is quite
gifted and truly called by God to lead us in our
worship.
The search committee for the permanent
Cantor has discussed in depth the advantages
and drawbacks of a combined position. We
thank Shaun Koh, the Worship & Music and
Property Committees for their help to address
these challenges. Obviously, our sanctuary
configuration makes it tricky for the choir to
see the director if he or she is seated at the
piano or organ. However, we are confident
that the right director will easily overcome
these limitations and may enlist help from
many of our talented members.
The description of the Cantor position was
submitted to local colleges, universities,
Lutheran institutions and local musician
guilds. The Music Search Committee hopes to
interview through March. All qualified
interested applicants are welcome to apply to
the Music Search Committee
The Shepherd’s Voice
Page 3
Wandering Flock announces
February and
March plans
A trip to WCNC television
studios is in store for the
Wandering Flock on
Thursday, February 27. They
will tour the facility then go to
Niko's for lunch. The time for
the tour will be announce.
Have a “honey of a
time” at Men’s
Breakfast
The February Men's Breakfast will be
Saturday, February 1 at 8:30 am in the
Paris Hall. There has been a lot of buzz
about this month's meeting. Chuck Myers
will be sharing some of his knowledge
about bee hives and producing honey. It’s
also quite possible Chuck will be sharing
some of his honey as part of the
breakfast. The breakfast will be prepared
by Gary Engel and he promises it will be
more of a traditional breakfast than from
last month. So men, come out for an
educational program, appetizing food, and
some important church fellowship.
Gary Engel
Worship & Music plans
for Lent and Easter
The first Worship and Music committee
meeting will be on Sunday night,
February 9 immediately following choir
rehearsal in the Parish Hall. (Probably
around 6:15pm – 6:30pm)
We will discuss Ash Wednesday, Lenten
services, Palm Sunday, Holy week and
Easter.
Teresa Neely
On March 27, the Wandering
Flock will visit the Shiele
Ice desk at WCNC
Museum and Planetarium in
Gastonia, a local treasure! In
the last year, a major new addition has been added to this museum
of natural history. The time for the tour will be announced later. See
Anne Fields for details.
Anne Fields
Zesty Grazers Announce Hiatus
The Zesty Grazers are taking a break for a while. If they decide to
graze anymore tempting pastures, you will be notified.
Linda Harris and Charlene Linsenmayer
Can you help?
Meals on Wheels needs help
The Mount Holly service area for this vital
program is in great need of volunteers to
deliver meals to homebound residents
periodically. If you can volunteer or want
to know more, please contact the
Department of Social Services.
Information below:
Phyllis Chute
Adult Nutrition Specialist
Gaston County Department of Health &
Human Services
330 N. Marietta St., Gastonia, NC 28052
Office 704-862-7825 | Mobile 704-6785728 | Fax 704-862-6670
The Shepherd’s Voice
Page 4
HELP WANTED
Good Shepherd is currently seeking a paid nursery
attendant for both worship services each Sunday.
Flyers are available in the narthex and
administrative hallway. Please feel free to
distribute them to local daycares and anyone else
who may be interested!
Altar Guild updates altar flower information
Information:

Removing Flowers
From the Altar:
Current florists being used:
Anna Bells Florist 704-827-2624
Rabb Florist 704-827-4365
 If you choose to take
your flowers after the
11:00 a.m. service:

Fresh cut flowers should adorn the altar. They are
symbolic of life, joy, and human frailty.

Contact a florist yourself to order and pay for your
flowers.

Flowers should coordinate with your Sunday’s
liturgical color.

Provide BULLETIN INFORMATION for

memorials or honorariums. Sheila needs

information, no later than Wednesday morning of
the week prior to the Sunday you provide

flowers.

Decide if you want to DONATE YOUR
FLOWERS to the Shepherds Ministry Committee
to take to sick or homebound members. Helen and
Don Killian of the Shepherds Ministry will divide
the flowers into bouquets for delivery. Please call
them at 704-827-2125 to donate.
 Please remove only the
VASE LINERS from the
brass altar vases. (Brass
Vases should remain on
the Altar.)

To remove the VASE LINERS, gently lift the
underside of the bottom of the greenery and flowers.
The liners should come out easily.
Take the VASE LINERS with the flowers to the
church kitchen and remove flowers from the LINERS.
You may bring your own vases from home or wrap
your flowers in paper towels or foil. Foil is located in
the upper cabinet near the kitchen sink.

Empty all water out of the VASE LINERS and leave
the LINERS in the kitchen window at the sink.

Please do not take the VASE LINERS home or
throw them away because they are expensive to
replace.
The Shepherd’s Voice
Page 5
Dear Good Shepherd members,
The Community Relief Organization would like to thank you for
your generous support of our annual children’s gift program. The
requests for assistance were much larger in 2013 than in previous
years, and it was only through the kindness of folks like you that
we were able to fill the need and supply over 300 children with
Christmas toys and clothing. We continue to be grateful for the
prayers, concern and support of our ministry as we begin another
year of service to the less fortunate members of our community.
Blessings,
Alice Bayne
CRO Board Chairperson
The note was signed by every member of the CRO Board.
Peace on earth…
and good will to all!
Dear Good Shepherd Family,
I want to offer my gratitude and thanks to those of you who
offered well wishes and prayers while I was hospitalized and laid
up over Thanksgiving. I am especially thankful and appreciative
to my friend Beverly Popwell for being at the hospital and also
opening up her home to me after I was discharged so I could
recuperate for a few days.
I very much appreciated Pastor Cuttino's hospital visits, especially
the Tuesday evening I was admitted. Also thank you to
Dick and Anne for getting my vehicle and checking up on me. I'm
fortunate to be surrounded by such salty and caring people here at
Good Shepherd.
Respectfully,
Gary Engel
Thou has put gladness in my heart.
Thank you so much for
your ongoing support of
Catherine’s House. We
were blessed to receive the
Kleenex, toilet tissue, hand
soap, baby wipes and trash
bags donated in October.
Know that you are
remembered in prayer.
Have a blessed Christmas
and happy, healthy 2014!
Sister Carmelita
Hagan
Psalm 4:7 KJV
Bless you for the visits, candy and flowers, etc. Enjoyed it all. Visits by so many which was especially
enjoyed.
Thinking of you means thanking God for you. Thank you Shepherds!
Love and bless you all!
Norma Flowers
The Shepherd’s Voice
A warm thank you
Life is like a lovely garden
An ever-growing thing,
Where thoughtfulness and kindness bloom
Like flowers in the spring.
Thank you for being such thoughtful
persons!
The staff thanks the Shepherds for the Christmas
goodies and the congregation for your generous
gift cards presented to us at Christmas. We
sincerely thank you!
Page 6
A Message from
Pastor Cuttino
To:
The person or persons unknown who
gave him the lovely print of a quote of
Martin Luther.
I am very grateful for the lovely print and
would like to thank you personally;
unfortunately there was no name attached to
the gift. Please let me know who you are so I
can properly express my thanks.
Pastor Cuttino, Beverly Couto, Sheila
Wallace, and Shaun Koh
Good Shepherd family,
Good Shepherd family,
Dear church family,
Thank you so much for my
Amazon gift card! It will come
in very, very handy! Thank y’all
for thinking about me. Y’all are
always on my mind. I am so
thankful for having such a
wonderful church to grow up in
with so many incredible and
loving people. I can’t wait to see
everyone when I come home for
Christmas and catch up. Thanks
again!
Thank you for the
beautiful Christmas card
and the $25 Amazon gift
card. I will use the gift
card in the upcoming
spring semester to
purchases some things I
may need for school.
God bless all, and thank
you for keeping me in
your thoughts and
prayers.
Corey and I would like to
thank you all for the
wonderful Bible for
toddlers! That was so
thoughtful of you all to
think of us and Carrington!
It will certainly be put to
great use now as we read it
to her and later as she
begins to read on her own.
Love,
Respectfully,
Victoria Biggers
Christopher Estrada
We have truly been blessed
with a sweet little angel and
we look forward to having
her meet all of you!
Sincerely,
Corey and India Bauer
Dear church family,
Thank you for the Amazon gift card; it was very thoughtful. Sorry I
have not been able to be at church lately. I have been working on
Sundays.
I wish y’all a happy New Year, and thank you again for the card.
Kailey Hinds
The Shepherd’s Voice
Page 7
Cast from
2013 Children’s Christmas Program
BUDGET STATISTICS
Through December 2013
YTD Budgeted Expenses
$ 292,996.59
YTD Offerings Received
$ 246,090.60
YTD Actual Expenses
$ 245,165.30
RECEIVED IN MONTH TO DATE
General Fund BUDGET through
January 26, 2014
$
General Fund R EC E IV ED
through January 26, 2014
$ 13,748.97 *
22,994.96
* does not include electronic giving totals
The Shepherd’s Voice
Worship
BI RTHDAY S
1
Susan Philbeck
15
Tom Ewart
22
Nancy Skinner
2
Brady Wayburn
15
Teresa Neely
23
Michael Abernethy
5
Pat Frazier
16
Judy Suttenfield
23
Rachel Merritt
5
Ernest Koone
18
Jimmy Drumm
24
Delores Poteat
5
David Plunkett
18
James R. Nichols
26
Aydan Bradley
9
Deb Price
20
Emma Plunkett
26
Patsy Norwood
13
Leonard Sigmon
21
Helen Killian
27
Robert Stevens
14
Christian Buchanan
22
Marc Cox
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
5
Fritz & Bonnie Faust
25
Lee & Sheila Ezell
7
Jerry & Carmen Drumm
25
Oliver & Brenda Moore
22
David & Amy Plunkett
PRAY ER CONCERNS
Barbara Drumm
Lee Hinds
Ken Summey
Norma Flowers
Will Plunkett
Bernice Zander
David Campbell
Keith
Featherstone
Pat & Jim Drumm
Brian Buchanan
Linda Jarnagin
FOR
Family of Ray Frazier
(Ronnie’s uncle)
Lucy Neely (Bill & Hal’s
mother)
FOR
Wade Hampton (friend of
(Reinhard’s father)
Zac Hullander (Jeff’s &
Kim’s nephew)
Norris Beatty (Beth
Butlak’s dad)
Erroll Sult
Rose Neal
Jack McGinnis
James Robert
Nichols
FRIENDS
Ginger Ervin (Debbie
the Wallaces)
Ewart’s father)
Tom’s son)
Rev. Jamie Wallace
(Sheila’s & Tom’s son)
Ushers
David Abernethy
Margaret Abernethy
Ushers
Mike Cloninger
Dick Dubler
Chuck Myers
Gil Harris
Assisting Minister
Debbie Keller
Acolyte
Christine Ewart
Acolyte
Carson Philbeck
Lectors/Communion
Assistants (hold common cup)
2 Hal Neely
9 Michael Petko
16 Ann Berg
23 Beth Butlak
Altar Guild
Jackie Ewart
Sound System
Tom Ewart
Nursery
Diane Falls
Mackenzie Myers
9 Ruth Neely
Taylor Myers
16 Linda Robinson
23 Amy Cobb
2
Crucifer
Caroline Philbeck
Junior Crucifer
Tabetha Zander
2
9
16
23
Bread Baker
Mackenzie Myers
HELPING
… this
Hamrick’s Dad)
Sherry Wentzel (Amy
Cobb’s aunt)
Lillian Croft (Jennifer
Nichols’ grandmother)
Rose Fiorenza (Jennifer
Bob Jessen (Barry’s brother)
Butch Witherspoon (Bud’s
Doris Starnes (sister of Ruth
McConnell’s step-mother)
Levi Hinds (Lee’s dad)
Bill Jones (Jimmie Stroud’s
sister)
PRAY ER CONCERNS
FOR
Council
Representative
Dick Dubler
Koone’s sister)
Auditor
Ruth Neely
This list was updated. If a name
was removed and needs to remain,
please call the church office.
Office Assistant
Kathy Oakes
BEREAVED
Beth Butlak and her family upon the death of Beth’s grandmother, Oree
Beatty, on Saturday, January 18.
PRAY ER CONCERNS
FOR
MILITARY
Cuttino’s brother)
Evan Barry, Marines (Linda Hamrick’s
cousin)
Sound System
AUDIT DUTY
Grier, Jim & Charlie Drumm)
Nichols’ grandmother)
Altar Guild
Nancy Ford
MONTH
son)
2
9
16
23
Altar Flowers
Fraziers
Nancy Faulkner
Shoemakers
Ken Summey
Lectors
Gene Keller
Nancy Ford
Dick Dubler
Bonnie Faust
Communion Assistants
2 Debbie Keller
9 Nancy Ford
16 Judy Suttenfield
23 Bonnie Faust
...
Eleanor McCarter (friend of Winfred Waite (Linda
Brandon Whitley, Army, S. Korea
Kelly Philbeck, National Guard
Toler Alexander, U.S. Coast Guard (Pr.
11:00 Worship
Assisting Minister
Debbie Keller
Ervin Poteat (Delores’ son)
McConnell (Mac’s
Avis Ewart (Tom’s mother) Ronnie
cousin)
Kate Frazier (Ronnie’s mom)
Wayne Shue (Jackie
Lou McConnell (Mac
Margaret Murphy (Ernest
Eric Wallace (Sheila’s &
8:30 Worship
Keller’s step-daughter)
the Wallaces)
Fritz von Hennig
.…. A S S I S T A N T S
MEMBERS
Bryan Wayburn
Delores Poteat
Diane Falls
Sydney Falls and
her family
Elizabeth Broome
PRAY ER CONCERNS
Page 8
Blair Walker
Nursery
Jackie & Christine
Ewart
9 Jackie & Christine
Ewart
16 Jackie & Christine
Ewart
23 Jackie & Christine
Ewart
2
The Shepherd’s Voice
Page 9
What’s happening at church this month?
Sat
1-Feb
8:30
am
Men's Breakfast
Sun
2-Feb
8:30
am
Worship
9:30
am
DOUGHNUT SUNDAY
9:45
am
Sunday School
10:00
am
Young Adult Sunday School
11:00
am
Worship
12:30
pm
Youtheran lunch
4:30
pm
5:15
Sun 16-Feb 8:30
am
Worship
9:30
am
Coffee Corner
9:45
am
Sunday School
10:00 am
Young Adult Sunday School
11:00 am
Worship
12:30 pm
Congregation Council
Hand Bell Choir
4:30
pm
Hand Bell Choir
pm
Choir Practice
5:15
pm
Choir Practice
6:15
pm
Aerobics
Mon 17-Feb 6:15
pm
Aerobics
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
Mon
3-Feb
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
Tues
4-Feb
6:00
pm
Parish Life Meeting
Wed
5-Feb
Wed 19-Feb 11:30 am
Quiet Communion
11:30
am
Quiet Communion
7:00
pm
Bible Study
Thurs 20-Feb 6:15
pm
Aerobics
6:15
pm
Aerobics
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
Fri 21-Feb 7:00
pm
Food Anonymous
7:00
pm
Food Anonymous
Sun 23-Feb 8:30
am
Worship
8:30
am
Confirmation Class / Good
9:30
am
Coffee Corner
8:30
am
Worship
9:45
am
Sunday School
9:30
am
Coffee Corner
10:00 am
Young Adult Sunday School
9:45
am
Sunday School
11:00 am
Worship
10:00
am
Young Adult Sunday School
4:30
pm
Hand Bell Choir
11:00
am
Worship
5:15
pm
Choir Practice
4:30
pm
Hand Bell Choir
Mon 24-Feb 6:15
pm
Aerobics
5:15
pm
Choir Practice
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
6:15
pm
Worship & Music Committee
6:15
pm
Aerobics
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
12-Feb 11:30
Thurs 13-Feb 6:15
pm
Quiet Communion
pm
Aerobics
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
Thurs
6-Feb
Fri
7-Feb
Sat
8-Feb
Sun
Mon
9-Feb
10-Feb
Wed
Shepherd
Wed 26-Feb 11:30 pm
Quiet Communion
Thurs 27-Feb TBA
Wandering Flock
6:15
pm
Aerobics
8:00
pm
Alcoholic's Anonymous
Fri 28-Feb 7:00
pm
Food Anonymous
Treasurer ---------------- [email protected]
Parish Administrator [email protected]
Pastor -------------------- [email protected]
110 South Main Street
P.O. Box 671
Mt. Holly, N.C. 28120
704.827.4751 office
www.goodshepherdmtholly.org
704.827.8295 fax
facebook.com/goodshepherdmtholly
The Shepherd’s Voice
Page 10
MISSION STATEMENT
Saved by God’s grace through Jesus Christ, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit
to worship, teach and share His love.
Bobby and Jimmie Stroud are pleased to announce…
Ten little fingers, Ten little toes, and The cutest nose.
We are so proud to announce the newest little Stroud!
Landon Lucas Stroud, grandson of Jimmie and Bob Stroud was born December
12, 2013. He is the son of the Stroud’s son, David, and his wife, Lori, who
reside in Cary, North Carolina. Baby Landon weighted 8 lbs.6 ounces and
measured 20.5 inches at birth. Since then the Strouds are sporting wide grins
and report that the newest little Stroud is doing well, along with his parents.
They are adjusting to the demands of life with a newborn and all the changes it
brings to their lives.
Landon Lucas Stroud
We offer our congratulations to Bobby and Jimmie for this blessing of a grandson. May God keep Landon and
his family in his care now and always.
O Lord, our God, creator of all that exists, we thank you for the joy of watching new life begin and for the privilege of
sharing with you and your continuing creation. In your mercy grant that these new blessings may continue to us and
even to our children’s children, that generations of yet unborn may bless your holy name; through Jesus Christ, our
Savior and Lord. Amen Prayers for the birth of a child; ELW page 81.
The Shepherd’s Voice
O NLINE VERSION
Page 11