February 2014 - Good Shepherd Mount Holly
Transcription
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