The Shepherd`s Voice - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
Transcription
The Shepherd`s Voice - Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH The Shepherd’s Voice Sunday Worship: 8:15 am, 10:45am and 5:30pm Sunday Morning Education: 9:30am F E B U R A R Y INSIDE THIS ISSUE: 2 0 1 4 From the Pastor... June 27, 2010. Do you know what you were doing that day? Upcoming Events 2 Celebrations 3 Youth News 4 Business News 5 Birthdays 6 Committee News 6-9 Monthly Calendar 10 Worships Leaders 11 PLM News 12 PLEASE JOIN THE COMMUNITY OF GOOD SHEPHERD AS WE GIVE GOD AND PASTOR LAUREN. A reception will be held following the 10:45 am worship service on February 2 in the Fellowship Hall. THANKS TO SAY GOODBYE TO That morning, you gathered as a congregation to vote on extending a call to a young woman who was sitting down the hall in the church library, a young woman who was a bundle of nerves and anticipation. That morning, you voted to give this new seminary graduate a chance to be a pastor, to start her career in ministry, to put her shiny new degree to use. You prayed, you trusted in the Holy Spirit, and you chose to identify someone you barely knew as your new pastor. That morning, I was invited to the front of the sanctuary as the announcement was made that a call had been extended to me. I looked out at a room full of people I did not yet know—people whose stories and lives I had just been invited to be part of. I had no idea of the experiences we would share in our ministry together, but as I saw a room full of people standing and clapping, I knew this was where God intended for me to be. I prayed, I trusted in the Holy Spirit, and I became your pastor. . .and you became “my people.” There is something special and unforgettable about a first call. After all, you’re the ones who first offered me the opportunity to be a pastor! Good Shepherd will forever remain close to my heart; you trusted God’s call, and you invited me to join you in ministry. You have made a mark on my life; you are part of my story. This month, I say goodbye to you as your pastor. Though you will no longer be “my” parishioners, you will always be my family in Christ. Always. Our relationship will change from here, but a new one will develop. My identity here will change, but another one will take its place. It’s likely (and normal) that we will experience some confusion and even discomfort as we transition into this new phase of our relationship. It’s important for us to take the appropriate time and space to ease this transition. Therefore, for a while, you may not see me as often as you are used to. I will worship with you on Sundays, but I probably will not be joining any ministry teams, choirs, or events anytime soon. . .perhaps for a long while. This will be difficult for me, but it is a necessary part of developing my new identity as a fellow parishioner with you. I will be praying for the right time to re-enter ministry at Good Shepherd, and I am very grateful for your support and understanding during the transition. Some of you have asked what you should call me after February 2. My answer is this: you can call me what is most comfortable for you. If you want to continue to call me “PL,” that is fine by me. If you want to call me “Lauren,” that is also fine. If you want to call me “Owen’s Mom,” well, that works, too! And so, dear Good Shepherd, I give so much thanks to God for you and for all you have taught me about serving Christ. Being your pastor has been a true joy in my life. I now look forward to being part of the Good Shepherd family in a new way. Love in Christ, +Pastor Lauren PAGE Upcoming Events 2 GSLC Super Bowl Subs Sale February 2 Visit gslchurchnew.org to place your order online or submit a hard-copy order, located on Wittenberg Information Center. Please submit a separate order for each sub sandwich. Your order will be submitted to our Super GSLC Team of Sub Designers and Constructors. Freewill donations are gratefully appreciated when you pick up your sub on Super Bowl Sunday. All proceeds go toward funding GSLC Youth 2014 Summer Mission Trips. Want to make a difference in someone's life? Most of us do and if you're one of those folks who does, know that decades of research shows that kids who have five significant adult relationships in their church environment tend to have a stronger faith as they transition into adulthood. Be one of those significant relationships! Join our Volunteer Safe Haven/Boundary Workshop on February 9 from 12:15-1:30 pm in Underwood Hall. Lunch will be provided and childcare if requested. Please contact Pastor Nadine at [email protected] for more information. To register, please sign up at the Wittenberg Information Center, the Youth Happenings Bulletin Board, or on the church website at gslchurchnew.org. This workshop is required for everyone working with children, youth or otherly-abled adults if you have not had the training within the past year. Take a day off from bagged lunches and cooking...Dine at Sawmill Tap Room anytime on Wednesday, February 12. Place itemized receipt in the envelope on the Youth Bulletin Board near the office. Sawmill Tap Room will donate 10% back to support our Youth Mission 14/National Youth Gathering 15 Trips. The Good Shepherd Book Study will meet on February 20 in the library at 10:00 am to discuss the book ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK by Piper Kerman. New members and visitors are always welcome. Questions, contact Lois Erickson 919-6216562. SENIOR ADULT MINISTRY/OWLS have scheduled a trip to NC Museum of History on Thursday, February 27 for a guided tour of the Imperial Russia Exhibit including: The Tsars’ Cabinet and Windows Into Heaven. The cost is $5 per person. Meet at church by 9:30 am for a 9:45 am departure on church bus. After tour we’ll have lunch at a nearby restaurant. A sign up sheet is at the Wittenberg Information Center. Questions, contact Lois Erickson at 919-621-6562. SAVE THE DATE FOR GSLC Coffeehouse! Friday Feb 28, 7-8:30PM in the FELLOWSHIP HALL Our house band, CoffeeGrinds, will perform at our next event, and their music is better than ever! Can you join us this month to help us offer a warm welcome to our 200+ guests? We need approximately 25 adult and youth volunteers to help with set-up, serving, and clean-up -- and this is a great volunteer activity for families too! Questions? Email: [email protected] Save the Date...6th Annual Kure Beach Women’s Retreat - October 3-5 Fresh ocean air, water, and sand, along with music, Healing Touch prayer, loads of laughter and women talk. Plan now to attend! Reservations will open soon. The weekly Pewsletter contains more information about weekly events at Good Shepherd. Celebrating God’s People PAGE 3 Congratulations to Brian and Lauren Mielke on their marriage. Congratulations to Angie Metz for being commissioned as a ChristCare Equipper. Thanksgiving for the Baptisms of Jillian Thomas and Hunter Sebastian! Christian Sympathy to Lucy Monks and family at the death of her father; Sam Poston & family at the death of his uncle, Tom Ogle; Meg Ehm and family at the death of her stepfather, John Apgar; the Newman and Allen families at the death of Donald Allen; Dolores Barndt and family at the death of her brother, Warren Jacoby; family and friends of Sandy Legg (cousin of Mary Franck); Bill Wise and family at the death of his wife, Katie. ENDOWMENT FUND DISTRIBUTIONS The Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Endowment Fund was established to provide opportunities for Christian Stewardship involving faithful management of in perpetuity gifts. Distributions from the Fund are for the sole purpose of enhancing the ministries of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and are not available to supplement the operating budget. The Endowment Ministry Team is pleased to announce that distributions from the Endowment Fund are planned for April 1 and October 1 of this year. Restrictions apply for fund distributions. To review the restrictions and complete an application, please refer to the Endowment web page on the Good Shepherd website. Click on the Ministries link, and scroll down to click on the Endowment Ministry page under Resource Ministry to access the application. Applications are due on March 15, 2014. Any questions, please contact Larry Goode, 919-783-0208; Duane Ischer, 919-781-0482; or Paul Phillips, 919-848-1573. When you are making planned gifts, please consider GSLC’s Endowment Fund. Gifts to the Endowment Fund can be money, securities, real or personal property, insurance policies or annuities, or deferred gifts through wills and other estate planning. It is necessary to designate one’s gift to the Endowment Fund. Connection Card Basics The Connection Cards that we ask worshipers to complete each Sunday have proven to be a great source of information for our church staff and ministry teams. The Evangelism Team, for example, reaches out with a friendly call or note whenever a guest provides us with contact information. And every week we receive several dozen requests for prayer for various needs. Here are some pointers for using the Connection Cards: Turn in a card every week. Since we use the cards to track individuals’ worship attendance, it’s important to write your name (clearly) on a card at each service you attend. Use the card to indicate changes in your contact information. If we already have your current information, you don’t need to supply it again. Indicate how you’d like your prayer requests to be shared. The pastors meet each week to read your comments and to pray personally for every prayer request. But if you want the request to go to the Prayer Team or to be published in the church bulletin, you need to indicate that by checking one of the boxes to the right of your request. Unless you tell us otherwise, we treat all prayer requests with complete confidentiality. Thanks for taking the time to keep in touch! PAGE 4 Youth News Youth Calendar of Events 2 February - SUPER BOWL SUBS (8:30—10:30 am) This is one of our major fundraisers for the 2014 HS Youth Summer Mission trip. Since the cost of the trip for participants is offset by the money raised at these fundraisers, it is very important that those registered to go on the mission trip participate. However, even if you aren't going on the mission trip, we would appreciate your involvement! 8 February (Saturday) - WIHN Pancake Breakfast (7:00 - 9:00 am) High and Middle School Since everyone's enjoyed our time with WIHN so far this year, we thought we'd take a different approach for the next WIHN visit. Please consider helping to cook, serve and enjoy a pancake breakfast with our WIHN guests as they end their week at GSLC. No additional food is required unless you'd like to bring something to share. 9 February - Little Shepherds – 3 & 4 year olds – 3:30-4:30 pm– Underwood Hall High and Middle School Youth Group : College Care Packages (6:30p - 8:00 pm) Last year the Middle School Youth helped for the first time in this long-standing tradition, and it was a blast. This year, we'll be building care packages with a St. Valentine's Day theme. (And remember, this counts for service hours for those of you who track them). 16 February SOS – Serving Our Savior – K thru 2nd graders from 3:30-4:30 pm– Fellowship and Underwood Halls (Not our normal Sunday due to the Super Bowl.) 21 February (6:00 pm)—22 (8:00am) TBFC – True Believer’s Friendship Club 3rd & 4th grade and KOF – Kids on Fire 5th grade IT’S TIME FOR OUR SLEEPOVER! Cost: $5.00 which includes pizza, snacks, drinks and a light breakfast RSVP: Barb Newcomer [email protected], 919-931-0289 by February 20th 22 February (Saturday) - Brown Bag Ministries (8:30—1:30 pm) Join us on a service adventure to make and deliver brown bag lunches to those experiencing homelessness in downtown Raleigh. We will travel together to St. Andrews Church in Apex to assemble the lunches and then travel downtown to help hand them out. We will work alongside others from around the area to bless those in need. Upcoming Events TBFC – True Believer’s Friendship Club – 3rd & 4th Grade When: March 1 st Where: Camp Agape For: Saturday Safari -Learn how to build a shelter with natural materials from the woods. Practice your wilderness fire -building skills and much more!! Time: 8:30 am – 1:30 pm Cost: $8.00 RSVP – Barb Newcomer @919-931-0289 or [email protected] by February 23rd KOF – Kids on Fire – 5th Grade SAVE THE DATE: March 7th FOR: A trip to Triangle Rock Club More details to follow. LIVING IN GOD’S TIME – Agape Day Camp REGISTRATION will be held March 2in the Narthex before and after Sunday school. Dates are July 7 th thru 11th. Cost is $165.00 for the week. Before and after care is provided at an additional charge of $35.00 per child. If you would like more information and details contact Barb Newcomer 919 -855-9558 (H) 919-9310289 (C) or [email protected]. Registration for High School BYGest is coming soon! The retreat will be held at Camp Agape March 1416!! Don't miss the great weekend of faith, fellowship and fun! 21-23 March - Middle School Beach Retreat to Kure Beach - Start planning now for our very, very awesome Beach Retreat! HS Youth Mission Trip: June 15-20, 2014 to Charleston, SC to do Urban Ministry Work. For more information, contact Sandy Cash at [email protected] or Ann Kuhar at [email protected]. PAGE 5 From our council president, Steve Martin While we have many important priorities, our top priority remains the transition to a new Senior Pastor. We have been planning the next steps for a church-wide conversation to renew and refine our long term vision. Council has identified excellent outside resources to help guide us through this process, and you should expect to learn more about that later in February. Making sure we are clear and together on our long term vision will help us attract the right candidates for Senior Pastor. Another priority is our youth ministries, and last summer a number of people gathered to start Youth ReNew. Recently many of us heard the report during SME about the changes to our youth ministries, and it is clear that we are on a very positive path forward together to create a sustainable youth ministry at Good Shepherd. Many thanks to all the parents, youth, and staff involved in Youth ReNew for work done to date, and for the work ahead. FINANCIAL REPORT December 2013 General Fund December YTD Gifts Received $196,733 $1,084,830 Expenses $ 90,618 $1,085,663 Difference $106,115 ($ Over the past couple months we have worked with the Pastors on managing Pastor Lauren’s resignation to develop a solid coverage plan. This plan redistributes responsibilities to appropriate lay leaders and other staff, and engages Pastor Nadine Ridley for a six month, interim basis as Interim Director of Faith Formation Ministry. We are blessed to have leaders in our congregation that can help make this transition smooth and help us move forward together. 833) Thank you for your feedback - our door is always open. If you would like to talk, raise a question, or share an idea, please call me or send an email to [email protected]. Steve Martin, Council President ABUNDANTLY BLESSED, ABUNDANTLY GIVE The Giving Team invites you to respond to Good Shepherd’s annual commitment drive beginning on February 9 and culminating in Commitment Sunday on March 2. This year’s annual commitment drive will focus on intentional giving, one of six biblical stewardship values which describe a biblical giver. These values include: intentional, regular, generous, first, proportional, and cheerful giving. Intentional giving is described as developing a plan for giving and following through with that plan. It is our hope that returning to the practice of having members fill out pledge cards, returning them to the church, and holding ourselves accountable to our plan for giving will help each of us be more intentional in our giving. Please look for your annual commitment card in the mail. During the campaign there will be temple talks and information on how our church is responding to the challenge of intentional giving. A devotional book written by members of Good Shepherd has been written to support discernment of how God is calling you to be a good steward of His blessings. You may view the devotional on the church web site (include link) or may request to receive daily email devotions by contacting Brenda Dozer ([email protected]). May our giving be a reflection of all God has given us. Beth Melcher, Giving Team Chair THE SHEPHERD’S VOICE PAGE 64 February Birthdays 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 THE Jan Kimosh, Craig Mize, Ken Newcomer, Rev. Mark Ridley, Byron Trimmer Kathryn Bachand Russ Corbally, Madeline DeGroodt, Vance Josey Angela Alford, David Falk, Erica Spear Erin Hinrichs, Christopher Parrish, Sophia Valente Alexa Colasurdo, Karen Crews, Jeff Morsch, Mary Beth Neuhaus Grace Bacchi, Michael DeSilva Ralph Funderburk Lucy Ann Hefner Max Farzanegan Mallory Crumpler, Doug Kuhar, Kristen Worrell Mark Klimek Liz Agather, David Amidon Amelie Leng, Lyn Nelson, Margaret Perry, Brenda Wright Cathy Crane, Kyle Macemore, Dick Martin Jacob Barlett, Sara Barlett, Martha Sanderson, Garrett Skaar Susan Mobley Shelbi McCoy, Tyler Walker Valerie Alfisi, Lynne Allen Jeanette Kuchenreuther, Barbara Meyer, Elise SaengerHeyl, Gabrielle Zwilling Scott Buell, Magesh Michael, Tyler Vammino Randy Ehm Bryan Dickson, Gil Hoellerich, Kathy Hrivnak, Judy Ulman Christopher Alfisi, Rachel Bohl, Jennifer Haugland, Wayne Horan, Bob Lovelace, Laurie O'Connor, Jim Yeatts Matthew Gainey, Thomas Quinn, Beth Withee Huntley Hughes, Madeline McMillan, Lee Ann Roberts Rachel Austin, Laura Prill Lois Blair, Jonathan Spear, Beth Stiles SHEPHERD’S VOICE Music and Worship News Pianist Needed We need a pianist to volunteer for our Children’s Choirs, rehearsing Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm. Please contact Clifford Badgley at the church if you can serve in this most appreciated way. SHiNE on February 16 12:30 - 1:00 pm in the Sanctuary SHiNE is a Christian worship service that addresses the unique needs of groups and families who have children with or without special needs. The mission of SHiNE is to share God’s love with people of all needs and abilities in Christian worship. SHINE meets on the 3rd Sunday of each month. Drum Circle on February 23 Come join in Good Shepherd’s drum circle! 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 23. Drumming is an ancient spiritual practice in many parts of the world. Drumming brings us closer together as a community, and allows us to offer our rhythms to God. Bring your drum! Don’t have a drum? Various percussion instruments will be available for use. Open to all ages and abilities. Call Clifford for more information. Join a Choir! Holy Week and Easter are coming soon. What better reason to join a choir? And what better time? Consider joining: Sanctuary Choir: rehearsals Wednesdays 7:00-8:30pm; sings at 10:45 service Shepherd Song: rehearsals Tuesdays 7:00-8:30pm; sings at 8:15 service Gentle Shepherd: rehearsals Tuesdays 1:15-2:30pm; sings at alternate services HEARTSONG: 6th-12th grade youth, rehearsals Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm Praise Gang: age 3-2nd grade, rehearsals Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm Shepherd’s Choir: 3rd-5th grade, rehearsals Wednesdays 6:00-7:00pm Celebration Ringers: handbells, rehearsals Mondays 7:30-9:00pm Kid’s Bells: rehearsals Mondays 6:30-7:30pm Contact Clifford for more information, [email protected] EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS NEEDED - Are you interested in becoming an Eucharistic Minister, taking communion to a shut-in after worship on Sunday? Most Eucharistic Ministers serve once a month. Contact Pastor Dave at [email protected] for more detailed information and instruction. PAGE 7 GSLC Food Barrel Food Barrel for February: The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina is the recipient of our donations for February. Did you know that this organization serves 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina? Most needed items: canned meats, such as stews, soups, tuna and ravioli (pop top cans are appreciated!); peanut butter; cereal; canned fruits and vegetables; rice, pasta and dried beans; hygiene items, such as toothpaste, feminine products, shaving items and soap; infant products, such as diapers, wipes, formula and infant cereal (no loose glass or plastic jars of baby food please); paper products, such as toilet paper, paper towels. Adult Appalachian Service Project (ASP) scheduled for April 2-4 Have you ever heard the buzz that follows a service trip – either from the youth or adults – and wondered what they are like? Now’s your chance to find out! A trip with ASP is planned for April 2 – 4. We will depart the church parking lot around 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday and return late Friday. We will work full days on Thursday and Friday. No experience is necessary- just a willingness to show God’s love to some of our neediest neighbors by swinging a hammer, digging a ditch or just visiting and showing that we care. The cost of the trip is approximately $130 plus shared gas and 2 meals on the road. We will, once again, make this a joint adventure with members from Genesis Methodist in Cary. If you would like more information or to register, please contact Frank Kuhar at [email protected] or Ann Kuhar at [email protected]. Once you have contacted Frank or Ann, you will be instructed on how to register. Deadline to register is March 16. Sticky Faith Firing Squad? What would I do if I were facing a firing squad? When I was growing up, my grandparents, who had immigrated from eastern Germany before the “Iron Curtain” was put up, shared stories of family and friends who had stayed behind and been imprisoned for their faith. “You know what they did before they died?” they’d ask me. “They sang hymns and prayed.” Fifty years later, I can still picture myself in my Nanny’s kitchen, hands buried in kuchen dough, wondering what I would do if I were facing a firing squad for my faith. And I have to admit, there have been times in my life that it’s felt like I’ve faced various types of firing squads. Maybe I haven’t come face-to-face with a circle of guns, but there have been enough crises, family dysfunctions, fears, tough decisions, deaths, anxieties and all that life throws at us to convince me that without my faith, I’d be a sorry mess today. And oddly enough, in the midst of all those crises, dysfunctions, fears, deaths and tough decisions, I always find myself praying and mouthing the words of some hymn. Why? Because my Nanny told me that’s what people do. They turn to God in the midst of the messiness of this world. Have you shared your faith story with your children recently? Do you know how to share that story? Do you know what a difference it might make in their lives? Come and find out how to share your faith story at one of the Sticky Faith seminars being offered at Good Shepherd this spring. Ann Kuhar will offer two different opportunities to learn about Sticky Faith: Everyday Ideas to Build Lasting Faith in Your Kids. Join her for six weeks on Sunday mornings, starting January 19, from 9:30 to 10:30 in the sanctuary. Or, come on Wednesday nights, starting February 5, from 7 to 8:30 in E12. Research has consistently shown over the past 20 years that the most influence on a child’s faith development is the parents’ faith, with significant adult relationships within a congregation also making an important difference. And that’s what we want to do at Good Shepherd — make an important difference. Please help make that happen by joining the Sticky Faith Revolution! For more information see the Youth Happenings Bulletin Board in the administration wing, or contact Ann Kuhar at [email protected]. Come and be part of the Sticky Faith Revolution! PAGE 8 GSLC’s Stephen Ministry NEWS Join us in welcoming Our new class of Stephen Minister Trainees! Michelle Nunalee, Mike Montgomery, Martha Sanderson, Joye Groff, Carol Crowder and John Davis Our new Stephen Ministry Training class began on Tuesday, January, 7th with a dinner at Pam Montgomery’s home. The class will train weekly and be commissioned to serve as Stephen Ministers on April 6th. We are so excited that God has called these men and women into Stephen Ministry! We are asking you - the people of Good Shepherd - to pray for each of them as learn and grow as God’s caregivers. For more information about Stephen Ministry contact Pastor Dave at 919-848-1573 or Rene Anctil (919) 556-8697 Cheerio! Memory Café for adults with dementia and their caregivers kicked off the New Year with a “visit” to England and an enthusiastic crowd! The Café crew of volunteers created a festive evening for our guests befitting our theme, complete with beautiful teapots, lace and winter snowflakes. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal that included Shepherd’s Pie, raspberry/banana trifle and English tea…and our incomparable youth servers came out to take a welldeserved bow to our guests’ delight! The evening’s wonderful entertainer was Steve Toll, back by popular demand, who played guitar and sang many familiar old standards He was joined by a chorus of many who knew the classic tunes and reveled in the nostalgia. As usual, our guests created the magical Memory Cafe moments through dancing, singing or coming in costume! There were again some new guests and we’re thrilled and humbled that the word continues to spread about this ministry! Hugs are now a normal part of the experience and each month becomes another visit with old friends and meeting new ones. The volunteers and guests are simply now “family”. We always welcome new volunteers and encourage you to see what makes Memory Café evenings so special. We also hope you’ll talk about the Cafe with family, friends or acquaintances who are caring for someone with dementia and might like to attend. Our space is limited so we encourage you to make a reservation. To make a reservation call Ginny Poston; (919) 8467650 To volunteer call Josee Chow; (919) 855-9517 OUR NEXT MEMORY CAFÉ IS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 4:30-6:00 pm Ooh la la – the theme is France! THANK-YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Children of Chernobyl Today, the Chernobyl disaster does not generate the headlines it did when nuclear reactor no. 4 exploded on April 26, 1986, with the winds blowing 70% of the radioactive debris and toxins into Belarus. However, the aftermath of this catastrophe continues to have devastating effects on the people of the Chernobyl region, especially the children. Children of Chernobyl NC is a Christian based non-profit organization whose mission is to offer care, compassion, and hope to the children and families affected by the Chernobyl disaster by aiding in their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Children of Chernobyl NC has, since 1997, been part of a worldwide grass roots effort that has brought an estimated 150,000 children living in areas affected by the April 1986 explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear plant for summer respites in 19 countries. We collaborate with the Medicine and Chernobyl organization in Belarus to place 7-13 year olds with families throughout Wake County for approximately four weeks during the summer. Good Shepherd has been part of the network of churches, whose members host the children in their homes, since the organization began. If you are interested in sponsoring a child in your home or providing financial support please contact Kate Greengrove at 919601-6290 or [email protected]. PAGE 9 Christ Care in the Real World After being a ministry at Good Shepherd for more than five years, the question still remains, "What is ChristCare all about?" In the training manual, it is about the four components of ChristCare: prayer and worship, biblical equipping, missional service, and care. It is about staying on track, it is about leadership of a group, it is about knowing when to listen and when to help. The training may seem formal, but it serves a purpose. In the real world, they are small groups. The group members share and care. The leaders facilitate, not "lead". In the real world, there is not model to follow when a group member's parent dies or when a group member is diagnosed with cancer. There is no model for helping when a group member has a baby and needs some extra help around the house. There is no model for talking with a Mom before her child has an MRI. There is no model for what a leader should do when she stands in the emergency department with her arm around a group member whose husband has just been injured in a serious accident. In the real world, small groups are valuable, caring, joyous, uplifting, supportive and loving. If you are looking for these things, please look into ChristCare small groups at Good Shepherd. There is information on the bullet board on the administrative hallway or you can contact any group leader or Equipper regarding what groups have to offer. TRANSITIONS Christ Care Group Now that the holidays are over, are you facing new challenges in life? Do you feel frustrated and wish you had someplace to share your feelings in a small group situation? Maybe the Transitions Christ Care group is for you. We currently meet on the second and fourth Friday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. in the church library. Pray about joining our group, or come to one session to see if you feel this may help you. If you have any questions, please contact me, Joyce Wehrle, at 919-274-5155. Hopefully we can assist or help you get the guidance you may need to go through this difficult time in your life. You can also email me at [email protected]. Joyce Wehrle Alpha Q&A What Is Alpha? Alpha is an opportunity to explore the meaning of life in a relaxed, friendly setting. The Alpha course meets once a week for 10 weeks, including a one-day or weekend getaway. Each session begin with a meal, followed by a short talk and time to discuss what's been presented. During the discussion time, everyone is welcome to contribute their opinions, and no question is considered hostile or too simple. Questions might include: Is there a God? Is the Bible trustworthy? Why am I here? Where am I going? Who Is Alpha for? Alpha is for anyone, and people attend from all backgrounds, religions and viewpoints. They come to investigate questions about the existence of God, the purpose of life, the claims of Jesus and more. Some people come for the long-lasting friendships that are built during the course. Others want to get beyond mere religion and find a relationship with God that really changes their life. In a typical Alpha course, many guests have never been to church, but others may be regular church-goers looking for a “refresher course” on the basics of the Christian faith. Everyone is welcome! How Much Does It Cost? There is no charge for attending the Alpha course, but participants are invited to contribute toward the cost of the meals (approximately $5) and the day or weekend away. What Happens at Alpha? Each gathering begins with a meal or refreshments — a chance to get to know others. Then there’s a short talk which looks at a different aspect of the Christian faith each week. This is followed by a time of discussion in small groups, where everyone is welcome to contribute their opinion and ask questions. People usually stay in the same small groups for the duration of the course so they can get to know each other, continue discussions and deepen friendships. The emphasis is upon exploration and discovery in a relaxed and informal environment. When Will Alpha Be Offered at Good Shepherd? Our first Alpha course will take place on Thursday evenings, beginning on January 30 and ending April 3. Dinner is served at 6 pm, and the evening concludes by 8:30. How Can I Register for Alpha? To register online, use the link on our church website (www.gslchurch.org); to register by phone, call the Church Office (919-848-1573). How Can I Find Out More? For more information, check out the Alpha USA website (www.alphausa.org) or contact Pastor Mark ([email protected]) or Pastor Nadine ([email protected]). PAGE February 10 PAGE February Worship Leaders 2/2/2014 Lee Ann Roberts 8:15 AM Lisa Holzworth Alene Love Jeanette Kuchenreu10:45 AM ther 8:15 AM The Sloman Family 2/9/2014 Altar Guild 2/16/2014 2/23/2014 Julia Cooper Janet McCauslin Alison Meseck Sherry Mowrey Gail Phillips Laura Eaton David & Karen Critchley Carolyn Shankland Ushers Ken Newcomer Rick Resovsky Ben & Cathy Crane Pat Chow Roxanne Hicklin Fred Monk John Allsbury Andrew Ballard Larry Goode Mark Klimek Ron Kurz Mike DeSilva Suzanne Neuschaefer Nicole Barefoot Mike Brooks Roger Meyer Terry Clark Bob Shankland Charlie Walters 10:45 AM Cindy Killian Assisting Minister Matt Gainey John Chaplinsky Jessica Trimmer Becky Martin Nancy Herje 10:45 AM Bill Isler Readers Kris Allsbury Carol Weber 8:15 AM Randy Ehm Sam Poston Lois Walker Barbara Kjellberg Communion Assistants Colleen Vitek Byron Trimmer Rich Mielke Ben Crane Ken Newcomer Peggy Ruopp Karen Crews Kris Sloman Alex & Judy Plavocos Lorrie Houze Sylvia Saenger Jessica Trimmer Jeff Dozer Cheryl Kruse 8:15 AM Cindy Davis Art Pffeferle Gordon Keehn Duane Ischer Kate Greengrove Sue Keehn Nancy Ballard Julia Forbes Sandy Cash Sherri Cassidy Todd Haugland Jim Yeatts Ellen Yeatts 10:45 AM Angela Hutzenbuhler Joyce Wehrle Greeters Cheryl Kruse Rob & Karen Deb Paff Crews Sherry Mowery 8:15 AM Linda Aubel Alene Love Kirsten Larson Kevin & Jill Stephanie Darnell Brimhall 10:45 AM Wendy Voigt Shepherd Shuttle Cliff Wilcoxen Bob & Emily Andrew & Nancy McGaffin Ballard 10:45 AM Alene Love Prayer Ministers Laura Prill Wendy Voigt Lorrie Houze 8:15 Nancy Herje Roxanne Deter Wendy Voigt 10:45 Lyn Nelson Kris Sloman Cheryl Kruse Byron Trimmer Brennan Trimmer Alex Trimmer Duane Ischer Henry Eide Pam Rowland Jim Yeatts Jeff Dozer Diane Amidon Monica Lavery Jayne Rusincovitch John Chaplinsky Kris Allsbury Meg Ehm Randy Ehm Monica Lavery Lois Smarrella Mary Reed John Davis Beth Stiles Ann Kuhar Denny & Merry Oestreich Tom & Mary Wedegaertner Jayne Rusincovitch Shari Herbst Ken Newcomer Peggy Ruopp Wendy Voigt 11 Good Shepherd Staff & Leadership Mark Ridley Interim Senior Pastor, ext 204 Lauren D. Wegner Pastor, ext 203 David W. Wegner Pastor, ext 205 Denny Brake Pastor Emeritus, 848-7236 h. Clifford Badgley Director of Music Ministry, ext 210 Bill Shelton, Organist Barb Newcomer Children’s Director, 855-9558 h. Paul Phillips Director of Resource Ministry, ext 206 Suzanne Lewis, Communications and Information Administrator, ext.208 Jeff McCauslin, Facilities Manager Deanna Klimek Preschool Director, 846-5060 Peyton Cline, Financial Manager, ext 203 Lois Walker, ext 201; & Brenda Dozer, ext 200 Administrative Assistants GSLC 2013 Council & Leaders Steve Martin, President, 919-609-5879 7000 Creedmoor Road Matt Gainey, Vice President - 919-610-2312 Mike DeSilva, Meg Ehm, Rich Mielke, Kate Greengrove, Tien Landstrom, Treasurer Cheryl Kruse, Recording Secretary Raleigh, NC 27613 Main phone line: 919-848-1573 Emergency Pager: 919-771-5756 www.GSLChurchnew.org PLM Families Together Board Representatives: John Davis Colleen Vitek GOOD SHEPHERD PRESCHOOL Director: Deanna Klimek 919-846-5060 Board Representatives: Katie Kingsbery, Chair open, Treasurer Liz Agather, Tanya Medlin, Marcia Hefner, Ann Luke, Paul Phillips, Judy Plavocos, Deanna Klimek This month we shine the spotlight on volunteer opportunities at PLM Families Together. If you haven’t been involved with PLMFT before, it’s a great time to start. If you’re already a volunteer, we thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of the families in our program. Here’s a quick look at how you can get involved. Valentine’s Day Cards – Help the children we work with participate in the time-honored tradition of exchanging valentines at school. Pick up an extra pack of cards and donate them, or host a collection drive of Valentine’s Day cards to help us have stock on hand. Annual Campaign Volunteer – Do you like sharing stories of hope and positive change? We’re signing up volunteers to help raise money during our upcoming “Change a Family’s Tomorrow” Annual Campaign. There are numerous opportunities in person and on social media. Afternoon Children’s Program – On most school day afternoons, children can be found doing homework, playing games, making crafts, etc., in our program room from 4-5:30 p.m. Consider spending time with us one day per week. It’s important for the children we work with to have a lot of one-on-one attention, so this is a great opportunity to make a direct impact. Family Activity – Would you or your group like to host an activity with the families in our program? Come play a game of kick ball, host a cook out, or provide a holiday or birthday party for the children and parents! Spend some time having fun and building positive relationships. For more information about these and other opportunities, contact Community Engagement Coordinator Kylene Dibble ([email protected] – 919-121-1123 ext. 232). www.plmft.org / www.facebook.com/PLMFT / @PLMFT