Novemeber 2014 - Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

November 2014
the
Staff
VOLUME 52
n
ISSUE 11
SHEPHERD’S
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Newsletter
The ELCA Responds to the Ebola Outbreak
The Situation:
In the last several months, the Ebola outbreak has claimed thousands of lives. The
virus has spread rapidly, and with no approved vaccine and a high fatality rate, the
World Health Organization is now calling it “one of the world’s most lethal diseases.”
Ebola has spread to multiple countries, the hardest hit being Liberia, Sierra Leone and
Guinea.
In addition to health care, one of the most urgent needs is food. As people in affected
areas are quarantined to their homes, towns are being shut down to limit the spread of
the virus and people are not able to work, harvest crops or purchase food. The shipment
of food has also stopped because people from other countries fear contracting the virus.
“We need food,” says the Rev. D. Jensen Seyenkulo, bishop of the Lutheran Church in
Liberia. “There is a saying now: ‘If we don’t die of Ebola, we will die of starvation.’”
Our Response:
Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters
affected by the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Operating through our partners and
companion churches, together we are:
• Supplying and shipping essential protective gear and supplies to protect medical workers at Phebe Hospital and Curran Lutheran Hospital in Liberia.
• Providing food assistance to the Lutheran Church in Liberia and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sierra Leone.
• Raising awareness and providing sensitization messages on the symptoms and prevention methods of Ebola.
• Completing construction of an isolation center at Phebe Hospital and School of Nursing that meets World Health Organization standards.
The ELCA and its predecessor church have walked with the people of Liberia for more
than 150 years. Our long-standing relationship with our companions in Liberia and
Sierra Leone provides a strong foundation to respond holistically to the needs of those
who are suffering and living with the threat of Ebola.
What Can You Do?
Pray:
Pray for those affected or threatened by the virus that they may be granted healing and
hope.
Give:
Your gifts designated for Ebola Outbreak Response will be used in full (100 percent)
to assist those directly impacted by this crisis. Gifts from people like you allow us to
respond to those who are most vulnerable.
(continued on page 2)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
ANNUAL
CONGREGATIONAL
MEETING
NOVEMBER 16, 2014
following the 11am service
IN THE SANCTUARY
All members should
plan to attend.

The Lutheran Church
of the Good Shepherd
1515 Emmorton Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
phone: 410-838-8081
fax: 410-838-8026
web site: www.lcgselca.org
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am - 3 pm
Sunday Worship
8:00 AM, 9:40 AM & 11:00 AM
Contemporary Cross Walk Worship
2nd & 4th Sundays at 11 AM
Fellowship & Education Hour:
9:30 AM
The Lutheran Church
of the Good Shepherd
The Rev. Eileen Kelley-Warner
Interim Pastor
(410) 838-8081 office
[email protected]
Connect:
To learn more about the situation and the ELCA’s response:
• Check the Lutheran Disaster Response blog for updates and the latest information.
• Follow the ELCA News blog to keep up on the news about our church’s response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
• Sign up to receive Lutheran Disaster Response alerts.
- See more at: http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/Ebola#sthash.qAlnIoHn.dpuf
Deborah Woods
Director of Music
[email protected]
Linda Ruese
Treasurer
(410) 569-0605
[email protected]
Gina Miller
Interim Office Manager
(410) 838-8081 office
[email protected]
Ruth Marteny
Office Assistant
(410) 838-8081 office
Steve Starbuck
Editor, The Shepherd’s Staff
[email protected]
- From ELCA News at ELCA.org
Special November FED Hours
On Nov. 2 there will be 2 special FED hours - one at 9:40 a.m. and one at 11:00
a.m.. During that time, we plan on discussing:
-- Our congregational expectations of a new pastor based on our congregational profile
-- Our personal expectations of a new pastor
-- What our new pastor may expect of us
-- We know those expectations will not always be in sync, so what do we do about it?
-- What should you do if you are involved in a disagreement with the pastor, another
member about the pastor or hear the gossip occurring under the surface?
-- What does the Bible tell us to do about these topics?
Come and be part of the discussion and the solution. I hope to see you there.
- Owen Ashbrook, Peacemaker Team
IMAGES FROM THE LCGS Fall Festival
(continued on page 5)
Heather Raedeke
Graphic Designer, The Shepherd’s Staff
[email protected]
Communicatons Team
[email protected]
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool
[email protected]
(410) 838-8457
New Covenant Christian School
Jean Armstrong, Principal
[email protected]
(410) 420-7727
The Shepherd’s Staff is published monthly, and
mailed to all member households.The deadline
for submitting material for inclusion in the
December issue of The Shepherd’s Staff is
Wednesday, November 12th. Please send,
as early as possible, your articles, notices,
etc. to editor Steve Starbuck at
[email protected]
(photos by: Carol Mellor & Warren Hillstrom)
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 2
Music Notes
Lutheran Liturgy-The “Work of the People”
When Martin Luther nailed the 95 theses to the door of the Castle church in
Wittenberg in 1517, he was seeking to address the Catholic Church’s position of
“earning your salvation.” He felt that salvation was a gift from God –the gift of
“grace”--and was available to all who believed and were baptized. These statements are a “bare bones” simplification of Luther’s intent, and there are myriad
more books of theological discussion on this subject. Luther, however, loved the
Mass of the Catholic Church, and as the Reformation progressed, he sought to
preserve the basic shape of the liturgy and the rites of the church service. He did
not want to change these and as the Reformed church emerged from this period
of turmoil, it was a church which retained the same worship shape as its Catholic
predecessor. The Lutheran church is a liturgical church: its worship rite follows
similar patterns every Sunday. There is a feeling of regular and consistent worship
framework. This organization is the Liturgy, which literally means, “the work of
the people.” We are a community which joins together in certain regular practices,
which date back to ancient Christian church history.
We begin worship with an entrance hymn/song which starts the service on a
joyous celebration. Before we proceed further, however, we enter into a rite of
corporate confession: we confess our sins and receive forgiveness to make sure
that our souls are in “right relationship” with our God. Next, there is sung the
“Kyrie:” this phrase is the shortened version of “Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison,
Kyrie eleison” or “Lord, have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy.” The
hymn of Glory follows and can be sung to the traditional “glory to God, glory to
God in the highest.” Another hymn of praise can be sung in its place, and at Good
Shepherd, we are now singing an African hymn which lifts up all three parts of
our God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. This hymn serves to lift up our hearts and
voices to God in a lively and rhythmic manner!
Following the entrance rite, we enter into the Word segment of the liturgy. We
read four lessons or parts of scripture, all of which are thematically tied together.
The first is from the Hebrew or Old Testament. The psalm is next, and this
ancient hymn of the Hebrew church is a sung response to the Old Testament
lesson. The third scripture is an Epistle from St Paul (usually), and as over half
of the New Testament is written by Paul, we have lots to learn here. The final
scripture is the Gospel, the “good news” about the teachings of Jesus and His
message of salvation. It is the heart of the service and the sermon which follows
helps to clarify or expand on the messages of these scripture readings. “God’s word
is our great heritage” says our hymn #509 by Nicholas Grundtvig, and our service
definitely reflects this emphasis. Prayers and a creed conclude this section of the
liturgy. We always affirm who we are and what we stand for.
The third section of the liturgy is the meal or rite of Holy Communion. It is the
center of the service, as it represents God’s real and active presence in our lives, as
we taste and see the body of Christ. We begin with the “Great Thanksgiving:”“the Lord be with you…..Lift up your hearts…..we lift them to the Lord.” These
words are centuries old and tie us in a remarkable bond of Christians throughout
history. We sing the “Sanctus,” Latin for “Holy”-the song of the angels in Revelation: “Holy, holy, holy, heaven and earth are full of your glory, hosanna in the highest!” We hear the words of institution, “On the night in which he was betrayed,
our Lord Jesus took bread…” We are reminded always of Christ’s sacrifice for
us! We say the Lord’s Prayer and sing the very solemn, “Agnus Dei” or “Lamb of
God.” We ask for God’s mercy always, as we prepare to receive the bread and the
wine. This rite is the solemn center of our Mass, and should be a moment of great
majesty and as well as great joy.
or “Lord, now let your servant depart in
peace.” We sing a closing hymn as we are
sent out into the world, forgiven, free,
and joyfully alive in the Holy Spirit. The
words of the benediction remind us to
“go in peace, serve the Lord.” We happily
echo, “Thanks be to God.” Our liturgy
has a rhythm and a flow which helps us
to focus our thoughts on our Lord and
his message for the world. The liturgy is
part of our identity and heritage. It’s the
“capital-L” of Lutheran.
****Don’t forget to come to a free concert
of the Maryland Boychoir, Thursday, Nov
6th at 7:30pm. You’ll be treated to a wide
variety of spectacular choral music. Don’t
miss this one!
- Debby Woods
JOIN US AT
THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
The Maryland State
Join us for Rally Day
BOYCHOIR
- Tour Choir concert -
Thursday, November 7th at 7:30pm
Thursday
reception following
NovEMBER
6, at 7:30 pm
1515 EMMORTON ROAD, BEL AIR, MD 21014
Join the Tour Choir in a thrilling performance of a variety of music, including
sacred masterworks, contemporary
pieces, gospels, spiritual, and folk songs.
The concert is part of the tour choir’s
four day tour. FREE and open to the
public so invite a friend. For more
information call 410-838-8081 or visit
http://www.marylandstateboychoir.org/
410-838-8081 WWW.LCGSELCA.OR G
Youth Choirs
HAVE JUST BEGUN
Angel Choir - Beginning Oct. 30
(Pre-K, K, and Gr. 1) - Thursdays
4:30-5:15 p.m. in the music room.
Ringers and Singers - Beginning
Oct. 29
(Gr. 2-7) - Wednesdays 5-6 p.m. in
the music room.
After we have received the blessed sacrament, we can sing, the “Nunc dimitis,”
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 3
ways to SERVE
LCGS & Peacemaker Ministries Partnership
On Friday Oct. 10 and Saturday Oct. 11, The Lutheran Church of
The Good Shepherd hosted a Conflict Coaching Training event
for Peacemaker Ministries. On behalf of the peacemaking team
here at LCGS and Peacemaker Ministries, I want to thank you the
members of Good Shepherd for supporting this ministry. Special
thanks to Carol Mellor and Andrea Hooper for preparing meals for the attendees
and to Debbie Smeton and Gail Fricke for assisting in setup etc. And others for
behind the scenes contributions of their time & talents.
We had 13 people from around the mid-Atlantic area [from Red Lion PA to
Frederick, MD to Virginia Beach,VA] attending including 3 members of Good
Shepherd. One attendee was a missionary from Turkey and just happened to
be home on leave and saw the opportunity online. LCGS had a hand in taking
Peacemaking Principles WORLDWIDE! Annette Friesen, from Billings MT, was the
training instructor. Annette has over 11 years’ experience with helping individuals,
churches and businesses work through conflict. Her incredibly strong faith was
evident in the personal experiences in Pakistan nearly losing her life when the van
she and her traveling companions was attacked by a mob on non-Christians.
Some comments from attendees:
I was a little in shock and my head
was spinning after I left the class Sat
evening and was driving back to Falls
Church Va. I am in prayer about the
next steps and am trusting God will
take me where he needs me.
It was so wonderful to meet you
and the other members of Good
Shepherd. I really appreciate all the
work you did in setting up the class
and your valuable contributions to
the different discussions. If you get
a chance to talk to Annette, please
tell her she is an amazing teacher, a powerful witness for God, and an outstanding conflict
coach. I really enjoyed her class and felt blessed to have the opportunity to be part of this
experience.
I’m so glad you hosted this event. I had registered for this earlier this summer for a
program in NC but it was cancelled. God Bless you and Good Shepherd for hosting this
training.
God is at work in ways beyond our imagination. Thank you members of Good
Shepherd.
Owen Ashbrook, Peacemaking Team
Youth collecting items for TerraCycle
recycling to raise funds for their activities
Our middle and high school youth are collecting many items in the Youth Room
to recycle through TerraCycle to raise funds for their activities and programs.
You can help by bringing these items to the Youth Room and leaving them in the
collection boxes.
For more information about our programs through TerraCycle, which collects
and repurposes hard-to-recycle waste, visit www.terracycle.com. If you have
questions about the program and how you can help us raise funds for our youth
programs, contact Debbie Madigan.
Registration for Youth
Retreats!
Youth in grades 6 - 9 are invited
to spend the weekend of Jan. 9 -11
learning, growing their faith and
having fun together at the annual
Youth Quake in Hunt Valley.
The Youth Encounter staff will lead
the kids through a weekend of activities
that includes music, worship, parties,
service projects and learning opportunities called “treks”. One adult chaperone is needed for every 3 - 4 youth
High School Youth can participate
in Road Trip in Ocean City on Jan.
23 - 25. The weekend will include
service projects, faith-filled discussions, and relationship-building in
small groups. Come make new friends
and renew friendships with attendees
from throughout our synod! Cost is
$160 and includes meals. Register by
Dec. 14.
Sign up for either event in the
Narthex or by returning the registration form distributed in Sunday
School to Gina Miller.
UPCOMING CIA EVENTS
CIA (youth group for grades 6 - 12)
are the first Sunday and third Tuesday
each month from 7-8:30 pm in the
lower level of the parsonage Contact
Mrs. Connie or any of the CIA leaders with questions/ information.
Mark your calendar now for CIA’S
annual Lock-In on November 7-8th.
You may spend the night or leave by
11:30 pm on Friday night. Movies,
snacks, campfire, and small group
break-out sessions will be a part of the
fun. Cost is $8 per person. Look for
signup sheets in the Narthex or at our
CIA meetings.
--Connie Charitonuk
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 4
Fall Festival
LCGS families enjoyed a moon
bounce, crafts, games, food,
snowballs from Kona Ice, and live
music at the Fall Festival.
Music included LCGS’s Our
Father’s Band and Seven Day’s
Band and hip hopper Agape who
shared his Christian message
that all are welcome in God’s
church and will find comfort,
acceptance, and fellowship in his
house. Many thanks to those who
participated in planning, executing,
and attending the Fall Festival.
Especially thankful for Meghan
Marx and Gina Miller’s leadership.
(photos by: Carol Mellor & Warren Hillstrom)
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 5
ways to SERVE
from the FLOWER COMMITTEE
Altar Flower Sponsors Needed
Have a Special Occasion that you want
to honor? Sign up for your “Special
Date” asap! Just pick your date and
sign up on the Flower Chart which is
on the counter by the windows in the
Narthex.
Arrangement Availability:
Nov. 2, Dec. 7 and 28
The 2015 sheets are out now, so
be sure to pick your date early for
next year!
When you sign the chart, be sure to
take an envelope, located on the display.
Complete the information on the
envelope and either put it in the offering plate or send it to the office along
with the payment, $40.00 per arrangement. The flowers need to be paid for
prior to the week they are on the altar.
Please be sure you indicate on the
Flower Chart if you will remove
the arrangement or if you want
the Flower Committee to deliver
it to a hospitalized or “home
bound” member. When you remove
the flowers, please just take the paper
mache container and leave the silver
one on the shelf.
If you have any questions or need more
information, please contact Karol Ashbrook, Flower Chairperson.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is a vital group of volunteers at Good Shepherd, who make
sure the communion elements are set-up and ready for each service by volunteering on Saturday mornings during an assigned month. One or two members
of the team also help the communion assistants keep the wine trays filled. Each
team serves one month at a time. This is a great opportunity to serve Good
Shepherd and takes minimal time on your part. For more information contact,
Sallie Gartside, Vicar Dean.
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
Communion Assistants are needed, for the 9:40 & 11 am services. As a Communion Assistant you get to be a part of serving the congregation at the Banquet. Please contact Sharlene Krause.
USHERS
We have four Usher teams who serve once a month, and take turns when there
is a 5th Sunday in the month. Four people are needed at each service. We are
short at ALL services. If you are willing to help out on one of the teams contact
Harry Quinn.
GREETERS NEEDED
Are you a “people person”? The 9:40 and 11 am service needs greeters. This is a
great place for our youth as well as adults to serve God at LCGS. Two friends
could serve together! Think about it and mark on the Pew Pad by your name or
contact Ruth Marteny in the church office at [email protected].
LAY ASSISTANTS & LECTORS
This is another area that needs help at ALL three services. The Lay Assistant
leads in Scripture reading and prayers. The readings and prayers are e-mailed to
you each week so you can prepare.
The Lector, (currently only at 8 am) reads only the Second Scripture, (also
e-mailed to you). We’d like to see Lectors used at the 11 am service as well.
Contact Ruth Marteny in the church office at [email protected].
PLEASE PRAYFULLY CONSIDER SERVING IN ONE OF THESE
POSITIONS AT THE SERVICE YOU ATTEND.
Harvest Sunday November 24
We will be decorating the Sanctuary for Harvest Sunday
on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 9:00 a.m. If you would like to help,
please come!
If you have any decoration, i.e. pumpkins, gourds or other
fall items, please bring them to the Sanctuary that Saturday
morning or contact me.
Thanks, Karol Ashbrook, Flower Committee Chairman
We will again decorate our Chancel area with Poinsettias this
year. THE PLANTS MUST
BE ORDERED BY DEC 7.
The sign-up display will be on the
narthex counter in early November.
You will have a choice of red or white. Be sure
to complete the envelope, include your payment of $8.50 per plant and put it in the offering plate or drop it by the church office ASAP.
The order must be in to the florist by Dec. 8
to insure receiving the plants.
If you have any questions, contact Karol Ashbrook..
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 6
Sharing Your Time & Talents This Christmas Season:
Thank you everyone who donated coats for our friends at the Sharing Table and
St Rita’s Parish in Dundalk throughout the month of October. As of this writing, the collection has not yet concluded, so we will let everyone know the final
count in December. Special thanks to our behind the scenes coat team, Jennifer,
Aaron, and Noah Clarke!
This is such a fun, rewarding, and spiritual project for everyone involved. We
invite you to join us in sharing our time,
talents, and Gods Love with our neighbors in need this Christmas.
-The Servanthood Ministry Team
If you are looking for a way to make the Christmas Season more meaningful
to you, please consider participating in our annual Christmas Basket giving
program. The project is right around the corner, and there are many ways you
can help!
You can DONATE: We continue to accept donations of non-­perishables (drop
off in tubs located in Narthex) from now until Sunday, Dec. 14. All food collected from Harvest Sunday to this date will be used to fill the food baskets for
100+ needy Harford Countians, to help them have a better Christmas. What
to donate?? Canned fruit and vegetables, crackers, pasta, soup, coffee, tea, and
we are always low on peanut butter, canned tuna/meat, fruit juices, and boxed
cereal! You can also make a monetary donation towards the purchase of perishable items (each will receive milk, apples, potatoes, butter, eggs, & bread) for
these baskets.
**Make your check payable to LCGS, and clearly note in ‘memo’ Christmas
Basket Project. Communion rail offering for the month of December will also
go to the project.**
You can SHOP: Please prayerfully consider sponsoring one of more of these
individuals/families by taking a tag from our ‘gift’ tree. Each recipient will
receive gifts (tags represent something they have requested/need) and their
family will receive either a turkey or ham, and food basket/box with all the
trimmings for a Christmas feast. Suggested gift value is $20-­$25, and wrapped/
tagged gifts are due back to the church on Sunday, Dec. 14.
You can OFFER YOUR PHYSICAL HELP/TALENTS: But wait, there’s
more! It takes many hands to bring this project together. Some of our volunteers
have ‘retired’ from their leadership roles, and we desperately need to fill their
shoes in order to keep the project running smoothly. Please see the sign-­up
sheets in the Narthex beginning mid-­month, or call Karen Hilton if you would
be willing to assist in with any of the jobs below:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Communication chair/to draft and submit weekly bulletin announcements, updates, and reminders
Leader of the post-­Thanksgiving pre-­sort (to get a preliminary count of food so we know what is still needed)
Leader for the Sort Night (to assign youth and adults to stations, supervise
volunteers, delivery to families who have elected to ‘pick up’ that night)
Gift card chair – to purchase (expense reimbursed) and track FOOD gift cards on delivery/pick­up dates
Volunteer to recruit volunteers and staff the gift tag sign up table (Sundays Nov 30, and Dec 7­14)
People to make reminder calls to those who have volunteered to donate Hams and Turkeys
People to make reminder calls to those who have volunteered to drive/deliver
Someone to make/print Google maps for delivery drivers/teams
People willing to sort, and/or drive & deliver gifts
People to be ‘on call’ to make last minute shopping run for gift cards, etc
People willing to move food from Narthex into storage closet each week throughout food collection, to keep Narthex area clear/uncluttered.
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd will serve a hot lunch at the Sharing
Table on Saturday, Nov. 1. Help is
needed to provide ground beef barbecue, potato chips and hamburger rolls; to
wait tables; to serve the meal; to set-up
and clean-up; and to work in the kitchen.
Credit for service hours is available. It’s
a great way to serve our Lord! Please
contact Lisa Steel if you can help.
The Sharing Table is a group of churches
and organizations working together
to serve a free meal every Saturday to
anyone in need at Prince of Peace Church
2600 Willoughby Beach Road, Edgewood.
The Sharing Table serves approximately
75 to 100 guests from 11:30am to
1:00pm and distributes grocery bags of
food for clients to take home.
Our Church Family
DEATHS:
September 19, 2014
Doris Richards
Mother of Peggy Thomas
WEDDINGS
September 27, 2014
Thomas French and Julie Bellamy
October 4, 2014
Layne J. Andrews and Carly L. Smith
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 7
staying CONNECTED
MOM2MOM
mom 2 mom
Mom2Mom will hold our monthly
meeting in the Narthex on Friday,
November 7th at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM.
We will be collecting candy to donate
to Growing Smiles who will send it to
our troops overseas. We will also make
prayer ribbons to send to Cranio Care
Bears. Cranio Care Bears also collects
small toys, travel hygiene products,
books, gum, tissues, and socks. If you are
interested in making a donation, please
let us know.
We will have a Mom’s Bingo Night Out
on Friday, November 14th at Patterson
Mill Jr-Sr High School, 85 Patterson
Mill Rd. Please RSVP by Wednesday,
October 29th so that tickets can be
purchased and a table reserved. Contact
Cindy Burkhardt or Jennifer Nesaw. You
can email us at mom2momlcgs@gmail.
com, find us on Facebook, or visit us at
http://mom2momlcgs.blogspot.com.
Need prayers?
Here’s how to list
someone on our
Good Shepherd
Prayer Chain
To list someone on the
Prayer Chain, call the office at 410-8388081 or Coordinator Doris Mellor, or
complete a prayer card (in the pew
pockets.) Provide the person’s first
and last names and a contact number,
or include your contact number. The
Coordinator will verify a member’s
desire to be on the list and specific
purpose to be listed. In order to make
the extensive list of family and friends
current and manageable, we will keep
the name listed for three weeks unless
it is resubmitted.
BROWN
BAG BOOK CLUB November 23, 2014 - Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver
The Brown Bag Book Club will next meet on Sunday, November 23, 2014 following the 11:00 a.m. worship service. We will
meet in the LCGS Conference Room. Please bring your lunch
or snack and join us as we discuss the novel, Flight Behavior by
Barbara Kingsolver. (Please note the change in book schedule.
We “flipped” November and January books due to availability.)
Flight Behavior transfixes from its opening scene, when a young woman’s
narrow experience of life is thrown wide with the force of a raging fire. In
the lyrical language of her native Appalachia, Barbara Kingsolver bares the
rich, tarnished humanity of her novel’s inhabitants and unearths the modern
complexities of rural existence. Characters and reader alike are quickly
carried beyond familiar territory here, into the unsettled ground of science,
faith, and everyday truces between reason and conviction.
Dellarobia Turnbow is a restless farm wife who gave up her own plans when she
accidentally became pregnant at seventeen. Now, after a decade of domestic
disharmony on a failing farm, she has settled for permanent disappointment but
seeks momentary escape through an obsessive flirtation with a younger man. As
she hikes up a mountain road behind her house to a secret tryst, she encounters a
shocking sight: a silent, forested valley filled with what looks like a lake of fire. She
can only understand it as a cautionary miracle, but it sparks a raft of other explanations from scientists, religious leaders, and the media.The bewildering emergency
draws rural farmers into unexpected acquaintance with urbane journalists, opportunists, sightseers, and a striking biologist with his own stake in the outcome. As the
community lines up to judge the woman and her miracle, Dellarobia confronts her
family, her church, her town, and a larger world, in a flight toward truth that could
undo all she has ever believed.
Flight Behavior takes on one of the most contentious subjects of our time: climate
change.With a deft and versatile empathy Kingsolver dissects the motives that drive
denial and belief in a precarious world. [Summary by publisher HAPERCOLL]
Barbara Kingsolver’s work has been translated into more than twenty languages and has earned a devoted readership at home and abroad. She was
awarded the National Humanities Medal, our country’s highest honor for
service through the arts. She received the 2011 Dayton Literary Peace Prize
for the body of her work, and in 2010 won Britain’s Orange Prize for The
Lacuna. Before she made her living as a writer, Kingsolver earned degrees in
biology and worked as a scientist. She now lives with her family on a farm in
southern Appalachia.
40+ copies available at Harford County Library. 610 pages. Published in 2012
Please feel free to drop in if only one of the books interests you. Start
thinking about some books you’d like to read and discuss… we’ll be planning
for 2015 soon.
Any questions? Please contact Linda Ruese or Andrea Hooper.
Our upcoming schedule…
Dec. 14 Stories Behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas by Ace Collins
Jan.18, 2015 One Thousand White Women: The Journal of May Dodd by Jim Fergus
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 8
DAY♥TIMERS
The Daytimers will be meeting on Tuesday,
Nov. 11, at 11:00 am. in the Celebration
Room. Joining us will be Ms. Vicki Beilfus
to speak about her experiences at Gettysburg
Seminary in training to become a pastor.
Her October presentation was postponed
until November. The Daytimers will be
attending a Christmas dinner/theater at
the Rainbow theater in Paradise, Pa. on
Thursday, Dec. 4. Bring food for the Sharing
Table, paper products for the Welcome One
Center, and a friend.
-- Lowell Repp
(other photos by: Carol Mellor)
(LEFT) This group
of smiling faces are the
Daytimers who visited
Ladeau Gardens. We often
plan trips and tours, some
working to help others. You
are welcome to come and
join us for friendship and
fellowship.
—Photo by Thelma Repp
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 9
Do you enjoy writing, editing,
photography or design?
Health Care Ministries
Blood Pressure Screening:
On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Health Care Ministry will continue offering free blood pressure
screenings the first Sunday of each month
between services. You do not need an appointment, just come to the Library between 9:15
and 10:45!
Good Shepherd Riders and Striders:
There are several upcoming biking/walking/running
events coming up. Join us for a fun way to stay fit! Great
for families, couples or singles of all fitness levels!
November 15: Color Run. Contact Debbie Adams Griffith.
Join Our Walking Group!!
See e-pistle for times and places or contact Kathy DeHoff.
Health Tips and Recipes:
Please continue to check the narthex and e-pistle for our
health tip and recipe of the month.
The Communications Ministry Team
invites you to join us
The Communications Ministry Team invites you to
explore how you could use your talents and interests
to help share the good news of Jesus and His work in
and through Good Shepherd in our congregation and
in the wider community. Our next meeting is Tuesday,
November 4 at 7 p.m. in Room 208 in the education
wing. All are welcome.
Hungry for more Lutheran Church of the Good
Shepherd news? Contact the Communications Team
at [email protected] with your First and
Last Name and email address to sign up to receive the
newsletters of your choice:
• E-pistle is the e-newsletter for Good
Shepherd members and friends. Its purpose is
to share brief, timely, upcoming information that
cannot wait for the weekend or The Shepherd’s
Staff monthly newsletter. It’s a good place to read
emergency or time-sensitive announcements, and
to receive The Shepherd’s Staff newsletter, in
full color.
• Sunday School is the e-newsletter for
Sunday school parents and teachers. Its purpose is
to share news and time-sensitive announcements
about our Sunday school program.
If you have any questions or would like to join the Health
Care Ministy team, please contact Diane Brown.
LCGS’s Women Evening Small Groups
To kick-off LCGS’s Women Evening
Small Groups, Elsie-Marie Niiler
and Sue Quinn arranged a potluck
dinner based on foods from the Bible.
(Numbers 11:5) We remember the
fish we ate in Egypt at no cost–also
the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions,
and garlic. (Luke 11:12) Or if he asks
for an egg, will give him a scorpion?
Our Women’s Small Groups meet the
1st and 3rd Monday’s of the month.
Linda Ruese’s group is currently
studying Discovering the Treasures of a
Godly Woman: Proverbs 31 by Elizabeth
George. Carolyn Darrow’s group in
currently studying The Idiot’s Guide to
the Bible by John S. Bell.
You can also visit our Website, www.lcgselca.
org, for more information about our ministries
and programs. We’re on Facebook too:
• Find Good Shepherd on Facebook at www.
facebook.com/LutheranChurchoftheGoodShepherd.LCGS
• The CIA youth group is on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/CIAYouthGroup.LCGS
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool is on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/goodshepherdlutheranpreschool
- The Communications Ministry Team
--Carol Mellor
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 10
PRESCHOOL CORNER
Questions or comments?
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool 2014-2015
Registration Information
Registration for the 2014-2015 school year will
begin on Monday, December 8, 2014 at 8:30 a.m.
for church members and returning students and their
siblings. Registration is handled on a first come/ first serve
basis. Please be aware that some classes fill up quickly, so register early
for the best class selection. If you have questions concerning the registration process, or would like to visit a class before the registration date,
please call the preschool office at 410-838-8457. We look forward to
seeing you on registration day!
Please feel free to contact any
of the 2014 Congregation
Council contacts below:
Maureen Stark
President
Stuart Goemmer
Vice President
- Lois Dobart
The children of Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool enjoyed a busy and funfilled month of October. All the classes started the month with a trip to Harman’s Farm in Churchville. Mrs. Harman talked with them about the growth of
a pumpkin plant. Then the children took a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch
and picked out a special pumpkin to take home. Back in their classrooms the 3
year-olds learned about pumpkins and read a story about Spookley the Square
Pumpkin and how he helped his friends. They also learned about all the changes
that occur in the fall and made fall paintings and pictures. The 4 year-old’s
learned about the life cycles of apples and pumpkins and made crafts to show
those cycles. They also read stories and did activities about the fall harvest. The
Transitional Kindergarten explored backyard habitats and the season of fall. They
took a nature walk and observed a decaying pumpkin. At the end of the month
all the classes participated in a costume parade and a special fall celebration!
- Rhonda Messick
SEPTEMBER 2014 TREASURER’S REPORT
Linda Ruese
Treasurer
Sallie Gartside
Secretary
Gene Oaksmith
Worship and Music
Stephanie Talbott
Finance, Legal and Operations
(FLO)
Missy Leppo
Congregational Life and Service
(CLAS)
Glenn Garbinski
Facilities Operation
Susan Quinn
Outreach
Evelyn Spratt
Christian Education
Jim Lolley
Stewardship
NOVEMBER 2014
I PAGE 11
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1515 Emmorton Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
B.I.G. -- Books for International Goodwill -http://www.big-books.org
B.I.G. provides services for recycling books discarded by current owners
and putting them in the hands of new users.
Carol Mellor will take donated books on the fourth Saturday of each
month to B.I.G. Make sure bags and boxes are strong enough to support
your books. There is a blue cart in the coat room to place books.
Worship during the Ebola Crisis
This update comes from the Rev. John Lunn, one of our ELCA missionaries in
Tanzania. “I spoke with the Rev. Moses Jeogbar at St. Luke’s in Phebe, Liberia. He
reports that they are still holding Sunday worship. Worship begins by washing hands
in bleach water. People keep their distance and wave rather than touch when the
peace is shared. Holy Communion is received by having a wafer spooned into the
hand and drinking from individual cups. Cups are then washed in bleach water. After
worship there is a health talk about the Ebola virus.” Thank you for your support of our
missionaries, and donations to our ELCA Disaster Response to make a difference in
treating Ebola patients.
- ELCA
Multicultural Welcome
Global Peace Lutheran Fellowship celebrated its third anniversary on Saturday,
September 20th at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick with a Global Church
service. “A true multicultural service offers a better welcome to second generation
immigrants,” says the Rev. Surekha Nelavala. Music was presented by a pianist from
Uganda, an Irishman playing a Native American flute, a family singing a hymn in
Farsi accompanied by guitar and tambourine, a traditional flute, and soloist of an
African American hymn. The psalm of the day was read responsively in both French
and German. Scripture readings were by participants from Sri Lanka and India. Pastor
Prabhula John taught “God is so Good” in
Tamil and Telugu, languages of India. The
Rev. Marina Flores brought greetings and
remarked that the congregation reflected
God’s desire for all cultures to praise God
and share the body and blood of Christ.
Thank you for giving to support new and
renewing congregations.
- ELCA
God’s Story on the Ridge
This story is from Rev. Lauren Muratore,
former member of our Synod Council. “I
graduated from Gettysburg Seminary, was
ordained, and began my call as the Director
of Admissions, Assistant Dean of the Chapel,
and Coordinator of Spiritual Formation at
Gettysburg Seminary this spring. I know
the challenges the Seminary faces, but I also
know that Gettysburg Seminary is engaging
those challenges in ways that will transform
and enrich theological education in this
place and beyond. The transformative work
of the Spirit is evident; it gives me hope,
and joy, and convinces me that the future
of Gettysburg Seminary and the church is
bright.” Our offerings and special donations
help Lauren and other seminarians answer
God’s call. Thank you!
- ELCA