2017-2018Ministry BookletLiving As Disciples

The Church of the Good Shepherd 231 N. Church St.

Rocky Mount, NC 27804(252) 442-1134

www.goodshepherdrmt.org

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CHURCH STAFFEmail can be sent to the prefix listed below by each person’s name, followed by @goodshepherdrmt.org

(e.g. Matt Johnson is mjohnson@goodshepherdrmt.org)Mary Alston, Head Nursery Attendant

Lawrence Goering (lgoering), Organist/Choirmaster Shawanda Jordan-Taylor (sjordan), Day School

DirectorMatt Johnson (mjohnson), Rector

Katharina Johnson (kjohnson), Director of Christian Education

Tom Parker (tparker), Parish AdministratorJaime Shultis, Nursery Worker

Virginia Turner (vturner), BookkeeperTaushika Wade, Christian Education Intern

WEEKLY WORSHIP SERVICESSundays

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite IA spoken, contemplative service using traditional language.

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Rite IIAn elegant, contemporary language service with music and a Children’s Chapel.

Wednesdays7:30 a.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, Rite

II12:10 p.m. Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, Rite

I

CONTENTS

Calendar 7

Christian Formation For AdultsCovenant Groups 11Disciple Bible Study I 11Disciple Bible Study III 11Inquirers’ Class 12Sunday Morning Bible Study 12Sunday Lunch Forums 12

Christian Formation for Children, Youth, and Families

Baptism Preparation 13Children’s Chapel 13Special Events for Families 13Good Shepherd Day School Advisory Board 14Mini VBS 14Parents’ Breakfast and Conversation 15Service Projects 15Youth Christian Education 15Youth Confirmation 15Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) 16Youth Special Events 16

MusicAlleluia Choir 17Cherub Choir 17Good Shepherd Choir 17Music at Good Shepherd Series 17

OutreachChristmas Stars 21Conetoe Family Life Center 21Outreach Commission 21People of Faith Filling in the Gaps (POF-FIGS) 22Snack Bags 22Thanksgiving Dinner 22

Parish Life and ResourcesAnnual Meeting 23

CONTENTS

Buildings and Grounds Commission 23Coffee Hour 23Communications 23Diocesan Convention 24Finance Committee 24Hospitality Guild 24Office Volunteers 24Pledge Campaign 25Stewardship Trust 25Vestry 25

Pastoral CareEncouragement Ministry 26Eucharistic Visitation 26Flower Delivery 26Knitting Group 26Pastor’s Aid Ministry 27Pastoral Care Commission 27

WorshipAcolytes 28Altar Guild 28Chalice Bearers 28Flower Guild 28Greeters 28Oblation Families 29Readers 29Ushers 29Worship Commission 29

CALENDAR

YEAR-AT-A-GLANCE

September10 11:45

a.m. Homecoming Picnic3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education5:00 p.m. Youth Kick-Off Party

17 9:30 a.m. Parents’ Breakfast and Conversation

21 6:00 p.m. Day School Open House

30 3:00 p.m. Mini VBS

October1 9:30

a.m. Gospel Bible Study begins11:45 a.m. Abraham Book Study begins

2 5:30 p.m.

Women in the Bible (Monday session) begins

4 10:45 a.m.

Women in the Bible (Wednesday session) begins

6:00 p.m.

St. Francis Day Evensong with Blessing of the Animals

8 3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

11 5:30 p.m. Disciple I begins

13 7:30 p.m.

Elisabeth von Trapp Recital

13 - 15 Happening #64: Diocesan Youth Event for High School Students

18 5:30 p.m.

Disciple II begins

20 - 22 Raleigh Youth Mission: Urban Mission Trip for Middle School

CALENDAR

Students22 9:30

a.m.Parents’ Breakfast and Conversation

22 5:00 p.m.

Ensemble Chaconne Concert

27 3:00 p.m.

Day School Fall Festival

28 3:00 p.m.

Mini VBS

November5 10:30

a.m. All Saints’ Day Celebration (baptisms)

10 10:50 a.m. Day School Thanksgiving Dinner

12 3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

November (continued)17 - 18 Diocesan Convention (Winston-Salem)19 9:30

a.m. Parents’ Breakfast and Conversation5:00 p.m. Maureen Kroncke Recital

22 5:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Service

26 9:30 & 11:45 a.m.

Advent Wreath Workshop

December2 3:00

p.m. Mini VBS5:00 p.m. Young Families St. Nicholas Celebration

10 3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)5:00 p.m. A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

CALENDAR

14 10:00 a.m. Day School Christmas Pageant

17 10:30 a.m. Christmas Pageant

23 5:00 p.m. Youth Christmas Eve Eve Party

24 10:30 a.m.

Advent IV Service (no 8:00 a.m. service)

5:00 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service (music begins 4:40 p.m.)

10:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Service (music begins 10:00 p.m.)

25 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Service with Carols

January14 10:30

a.m. Baptism of Our Lord (baptisms)3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

15 Youth MLK Service Day21 9:30

a.m. Parents’ Breakfast and Conversation26 - 28 Youth Ski Trip (tentative)27 3:00

p.m. Mini VBS

28 5:00 p.m.

The Massey Duo: French Impressions Concert

February4 11:30

a.m. Annual Meeting

11 3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

February (continued)5:00 p.m.

Choral Evensong: Alleluia Sunday

13 5:00 Mardi Gras Party

CALENDAR

p.m.14 7:30

a.m.,12:10 &6:30 p.m.

Ash Wednesday Services

17 3:00 p.m. Mini VBS

23 - 25 Bishop’s Ball: Diocesan Youth Event for Middle and High School Students

March3 9:00

a.m.Parents’ Sabbath Retreat

11 3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)5:00 p.m. “My Soul Doth Magnify the Lord”:

A Program of Music and Art Celebrating Mary, the Mother of God

24 3:00 p.m.

Mini VBS

25 8:00 &10:30 a.m.

Palm Sunday Liturgy with Passion Gospel

9:30 &11:45 a.m.

Palm Cross Workshop

29 6:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Service

30 12:00 p.m.

Good Friday Service

April1 6:00

a.m.Great Vigil of Easter

7:30 a.m.

Easter Breakfast

10:30 a.m.

Festival Eucharist of Easter (baptisms)

CALENDAR

11:45 a.m.

Easter Egg Hunt

8 3:00 p.m. Youth Christian Education4:30 p.m. Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)

13 - 15 Genesis: Diocesan Youth Event for Middle School Students

22 9:30 a.m. Parents’ Breakfast and Conversation5:00 p.m. Katherine Johnson Organ Recital

May5 3:00

p.m.Mini VBS

5:00 p.m.

Young Families Cook Out

13 6:00 p.m.

Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre

20 10:30 a.m.

Pentecost Celebration (baptisms) and Youth Sunday

11:45 a.m.

Parish Picnic

4:30 p.m.

Youth Year End Picnic

24 10:00 a.m.

Day School Graduation

June11 - 15 Vacation Bible School

July8 - 13 Gatekeepers Youth Workcamp

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ADULTS

Covenant GroupsContact Person: Matt Johnson and Katharina JohnsonParticipants in covenant groups commit to join in spiritual reflection at each of the eight weekly sessions, to support and care for one another, to pray daily, and to take part in an outreach ministry or project. Two of the covenant groups this fall are:

Women in the BibleMonday session:

5:30 - 6:30 p.m., October 2nd - November 20th Wednesday session:

10:45 - 11:45 a.m., October 4th - November 22nd

Book Study Abraham: Journey to the Heart of Three Faiths

Sundays, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. from October 1st - November 19th

Parishioners are encouraged to form additional covenant groups of three to ten people who meet weekly for eight weeks. Groups generally form around either a shared identity (e.g. the women’s bible study) or a shared activity (e.g. book study, outreach project, or scripture theme).

Disciple Bible Study IContact Person: Matt Johnson and Paula StilesAlternating Wednesdays from 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. in the parlorThis eight month long seminar meets from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. every other Wednesday, beginning October 11th, to survey the entire Bible. The aim of this program is to grow as disciples of Christ by more fully incorporating the scriptures into our daily lives. Disciple Bible Study IIIContact Person: Matt Johnson and Paula StilesAlternating Wednesdays from 5:45 - 7:30 p.m. in the parlor

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR ADULTS

Disciple III, which begins October 18th and meets every other Wednesday from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., is open to those who have completed Disciple I. Through in-depth study of the books of the Old Testament prophets and Paul’s epistles, participants will continue the exploration begun in Disciples I and II to live more fully as Christ’s disciples.

Inquirers’ ClassContact Person: Matt JohnsonDates and times tbdIn preparation for the bishop’s annual visitation, the rector will offer an Inquirers’ Class for anyone who would like to be confirmed, received into the Episcopal Church, reaffirm his/her baptismal vows, or would just like to learn more about the Episcopal Church.

Sunday Morning Bible StudyContact Person: Albert Ervin and Craig ScottSundays from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m.Beginning October 1st, parishioners gather each week to discuss the gospel passage of the day and how it applies to our lives. No preparation or commitment required.

Sunday Lunch ForumsContact Person: Matt JohnsonSundays (as scheduled) from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the parish hallThe Sunday Forum offers an opportunity to explore a variety of topics from a Christian perspective. The usual format is presentation from the rector or guest speaker followed by discussion.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

Acolytes, Chalice Bearers, and Readers See WORSHIP (pages 28 - 29).

Alleluia and Cherub ChoirsSee MUSIC (page 17).

Baptism PreparationChildren and adults of any age may be baptized at Good Shepherd when the bishop visits (date tbd) or on one of the four baptismal feasts:

November 5th All SaintsJanuary 14th Baptism of JesusApril 1st Easter SundayMay 20th Pentecost

Those desiring to be baptized (or the parents and godparents of infants and young children) should complete a course of preparation, which can be scheduled with the rector for a mutually convenient time.

Children’s Chapel Contact Person: Katharina JohnsonSundays during the 10:30 a.m. serviceShortly after the service begins children (preschool age through 5th grade) process from the sanctuary to Children’s Chapel, where they continue their worship by engaging the gospel story through drama, games, music, or crafts. The children then return to the sanctuary in time for the celebration of the Eucharist. Parents are invited to come if children need assurance.

Special Events for FamiliesContact Person: Katharina JohnsonFamilies are invited to join for physical, spiritual, and emotional nourishment.

December 12th St. Nicholas PartyFebruary 13th Mardi Gras PartyMarch 3rd Parents’ Sabbath DayMay 5th Cook Out

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

Good Shepherd Day School Advisory BoardContact Person: Shawanda Jordan-TaylorFor nearly sixty years children and their families have been coming to the Good Shepherd Day School for daycare and preschool. We are a 5-star state accredited institution that offers an all-day, all-year program for about 50 children ages 6 weeks through Pre-Kindergarten. The advisory board assists the director in establishing the vision and policy of the school so its resources are managed as effectively as possible to benefit the children.

Mini VBS Contact Person: Katharina JohnsonSaturdays (as scheduled) from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.Similar to traditional Vacation Bible School, these afternoons will be a time of learning for children (age 4 through 5th grade) about a biblical passage through storytelling, music, crafts, and games. Childcare is available for younger siblings and children of volunteers. For 2017 - 2018 Mini VBS will be held on:

September 30th October 28th

December 2nd

January 27th February 17th

March 24th May 5th

Oblation FamiliesSee WORSHIP (page 29).

Parents’ Breakfast and ConversationContact Person: Katharina JohnsonSundays (as scheduled) from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in the parlorNo matter where they find themselves on their journey, parents are invited to enjoy some delicious food and

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

conversation with others who are in a similar boat. Childcare is provided.

September 17th October 22nd November 19th January 21st April 22nd

Service Projects for children in grades 4 and 5 (pre-EYC)Contact Person: Katharina Johnson

November (date tbd)

Yam Jam

January 15th MLK Work Day

Youth Christian EducationContact Person: Katharina JohnsonEvery second Sunday of the month, 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Location alternates between St. Andrew’s and Good ShepherdThis monthly class is aimed at everybody in Middle School or High School who wants to more deeply explore the bible and the life of the church. It’s Sunday School – at a different time. Please check the website or contact Katharina for dates and locations.

Youth ConfirmationContact Person: Katharina JohnsonConfirmation means to make an informed, mature, and conscious decision to affirm one’s baptismal covenant. Youth candidates for confirmation have to be at least in High School, attend the Youth Christian Education class, and participate in a 4-week class with Matt leading up to the bishop’s visit (date tbd).Episcopal Youth Community (EYC)Every second Sunday of the month, 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

CHRISTIAN FORMATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

Location alternates between St. Andrew’s and Good ShepherdDuring EYC, Middle and High School youth eat, pray, play, serve, and have all kinds of fun together. Friends are always welcome. Please check the website or contact Katharina Johnson for dates and locations.

Youth Special EventsContact Person: Katharina Johnson

October 13th-15th

Happening #64: Diocesan Youth Event for High School students

October 20th-22nd

Raleigh Youth Mission: urban mission trip for Middle School students

January 26th-28th

Youth Ski Trip (tentative)

February 23rd-25th

Bishop’s Ball: Diocesan Youth Event for Middle and High School students

April 13th-15th Genesis: Diocesan Youth Event for Middle School students

MUSIC

Alleluia Choir Contact Person: Lawrence GoeringWednesdays from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the choir roomThe Alleluia Choir (for children in 2nd through 8th grades and 1st graders with excellent reading ability) offers an opportunity for children to develop their musical knowledge and skills. This choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. service every two to three weeks from September through May, at the St. Francis Day service, at Lessons and Carols, on Christmas Eve, and at the Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre.

Cherub ChoirContact Person: Lawrence GoeringWednesdays from 5:00 - 5:30 p.m. in the choir roomThe Cherub Choir is for children age 3 through 1st grade. This choir learns fundamentals of music and liturgy, and they sing at the 10:30 a.m. service several times throughout the year, at the St. Francis Day service, on Christmas Eve, and at the Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre.

Good Shepherd ChoirContact Person: Lawrence GoeringWednesdays from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. in the choir roomThe Good Shepherd Choir of youth and adults sings in church weekly at the 10:30 a.m. service, at seasonal evensongs, for Lessons and Carols, on Christmas Eve, and at other services during the liturgical year.

Music at Good Shepherd SeriesContact Person: Lawrence GoeringMusic at Good Shepherd is a series of special services and concerts offered throughout the year. The series is supported by the Friends of Music at Good Shepherd, a group that has grown to nearly 100 members. During the past several years highlights of the series have included evensongs sung by the choir of the Saint James School (Maryland) and by the choir of Christ Church (Raleigh), the annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, the annual Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre, silent movies

MUSIC

with Dorothy Papadakos, and concerts by the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, Svyati (a cello and organ duo from England), the choir of St. Ambrose Episcopal Church (Raleigh), the Virginia Girls’ Choir, and internationally renowned trumpeter Edward Bach. All events are free and open to the public, and receptions follow most performances. Childcare is provided for each concert and service except the St. Francis Day Evensong and the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Prelude.

St. Francis Day Choral Evensong with Blessing of the AnimalsWednesday, October 4, 6:00 p.m. Bring your pets and a blanket or lawn chair for this outside service that will be sung by the Cherub, Alleluia, and Good Shepherd Choirs.Elisabeth von Trapp Friday, October 13, 7:30 p.m. Elisabeth von Trapp, whose vocal style has been compared to Judy Collins and Loreena McKennitt, will perform an eclectic program, accompanying herself on guitar. Her concert repertoire ranges from Bach to Broadway, Schubert to Sting, and a New York Times reviewer wrote that “her voice is hauntingly clear and her lyrics tender and romantic.” Ms. von Trapp is the granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose real life experiences inspired The Sound of Music.Ensemble Chaconne: European Masters in 18th Century London Sunday, October 22, 5:00 p.m. Using period instruments, this Boston based early music ensemble (Peter H. Bloom, baroque flute; Carol Lewis, viola da gamba; and Olav Chris Henriksen, baroque lute and English guitar) will perform works by Handel, Vivaldi, J. C. Bach, Abel, and Fischer.Maureen Kroncke Sunday, November 19, 5:00 p.m. Good Shepherd’s own Maureen Kroncke, mezzo-soprano, will be accompanied by Lawrence Goering in a

MUSIC

program of works by Bach, Brahms, Wagner, Verdi, Tosti, and Sowerby as well as arrangements of traditional spirituals. A Service of Nine Lessons and CarolsSunday, December 10, 5:00 p.m. This much loved annual candlelight service, sung by the Alleluia and Good Shepherd Choirs, will include traditional carols, hymns, and anthems. A wassail reception will follow the service. Prelude to the Ten-thirty Christmas Eve Eucharist Sunday, December 24, 10:00 p.m. The Good Shepherd Choir and soloists will sing favorite Christmas anthems and carols.The Massey Duo: French Impressions Sunday, January 28, 5:00 p.m. This concert, the eleventh in memory of Lynn Kroncke, will feature the New York City based Massey Duo. Flutist, Angela Massey, and clarinetist, Taylor Massey, a husband and wife pair who have been performing together for over two decades, will perform works by Connesson, Debussy, Hue, Milhaud, Ravel, and Saint-Saëns. Choral Evensong: Alleluia Sunday Sunday, February 11, 5:00 p.m. To celebrate Alleluia Sunday, the Good Shepherd Choir will sing this candlelight evening service from the English cathedral tradition.My Soul Doth Magnify The Lord: A Program of Music and Art Celebrating Mary, the Mother of God Sunday, March 11, 5:00 p.m. The Good Shepherd Choir and Maureen Kroncke will sing selections of music inspired by the life of Mary, the Mother of God. This program, which will be accompanied by images of artworks depicting Mary, includes several settings of the Ave Maria and Stabat Mater as well as anthems for the Annunciation and other events in Mary’s life.

MUSIC

Katherine Johnson Sunday, April 22, 5:00 p.m. This prize-winning young organist is a senior in high school at Nash Community College, the Cathee Jean Huber Organ Scholar at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Greenville, and a student of Andrew Scanlon. Johnson, who has won many competitions including the prestigious Albert Schweizer Competition for Young Organists in 2016, will offer a recital including works by Bach, Franck, and Alain.Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre Sunday, May 13, 6 p.m. For the nineteenth annual Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre, the Cherub and Alleluia Choirs will perform a musical to be announced. There is a small charge for the dinner served at this event, and tickets are required (We will begin selling tickets a few weeks prior to the dinner).

OUTREACH

Christmas StarsContact Person: Victoria SowersEach year Good Shepherd collects gifts for approximately 75 local children who are in need. To participate, take a star from the bulletin board that will be placed in the foyer of the Parish Hall, then have fun shopping for a child’s Christmas gifts (please spend no more than $50 – less is OK). More details will be provided on the Christmas Star card.

Conetoe Family Life CenterContact Person: Ted SherburneOur mission is to partner with the Reverend Richard Joyner and assist the Conetoe Family Life Center in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to residents of Conetoe. Good Shepherd has also been leading a beehive effort for the Center. These beehives support the garden by producing honey that is sold locally, offering educational opportunities related to beekeeping, and enhancing pollination of the gardens. Good Shepherd is committed to supporting the center through these projects and others that develop as the center grows.

Outreach CommissionContact Person: Katharina JohnsonMeets 2nd Thursday of each month from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.The purpose of the outreach commission is to provide opportunities for our congregation to lovingly serve, according to their passions and abilities, people in need. We meet this purpose by being informed about efforts to address issues currently facing our community, educating the congregation about the needs of our community and beyond, empowering our members to make a difference where they see a need, and organizing activities and programs that fulfill this purpose.

People of Faith Filling in the Gaps (POF-FIGS)Contact Person: Matt Johnson

OUTREACH

POF-FIGS is a combined effort of several Rocky Mount churches to help the underprivileged in our city. Each member church makes financial contributions to the POF-FIGS accounts at the Edgecombe and Nash Departments of Social Services (DSS). When someone comes to a POF-FIGS church for financial assistance (e.g. for help with a power bill or rent), they are given a POF-FIGS referral. The client then takes that referral to DSS, where their needs are assessed. DSS then grants them funds from POF-FIGS and/or helps them through other programs as they deem appropriate.

Snack BagsContact Person: Tom ParkerDaily (Monday - Friday) from 11:15 - 11:45 a.m.Every day during the work week we distribute snack bags to 30-40 of Rocky Mount’s underprivileged. We need at least two adults for each day’s distribution, so volunteers are always appreciated.

Thanksgiving DinnerContact Person: Katharina JohnsonGood Shepherd partners with United Community Ministries to provide Thanksgiving dinners to residents of the Bassett Center shelter. You can participate by writing a check that covers the cost of a turkey and sides (the amount will be announced in November), or you may purchase the side items yourself and include a check to cover the cost of a turkey only.

PARISH LIFE AND RESOURCES

Annual MeetingContact Person: Matt Johnson or Lalor SmithFebruary 4th, 2017During the annual meeting the parish hears reports about the state of the parish, learns about plans for the coming year, and elects four confirmed members to serve three-year terms on the vestry.

Buildings and Grounds CommissionContact Person: Dillon RoseMeets 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m.Most of the commission’s work focuses on repairs and upkeep of Good Shepherd’s buildings, which form a sprawling complex of structures dating from 1873 to 1997. Volunteers, or professionals when necessary, are continuously working to maintain the nine roofs, twenty-six HVAC systems and units, and all other elements of the physical plant.

Coffee HourContact Person: Tom ParkerEvery Sunday a simple “Coffee Hour” of coffee, lemonade, and cookies is offered in the parish hall following each of the morning services. Volunteers clean-up and return the equipment to the kitchen at the end of the morning.

CommunicationsContact: Tom ParkerThe goal of our parish communications is to help us go deeper into our identity as “People of the Story” at Good Shepherd. The Shepherd’s Horn newsletter, published quarterly, records stories of recent parish events. We also use the newsletter to tell the stories of parishioners and families so we can get to know each other better. The eShepherd (weekly email newsletter) gives details about events coming up in the next couple of weeks, and the Sunday Paper (distributed at Sunday services) covers roughly the next four weeks. This fall we’ll also be

PARISH LIFE AND RESOURCES

upgrading to a new webpage, which will have general information about the parish and Day School, as well as news about past and upcoming events. Facebook will continue to offer reflections about various topics and announcements.

Diocesan ConventionContact Person: Matt JohnsonNovember 17th - 18th

Each year the vestry appoints four parishioners to represent Good Shepherd at the annual convention, which is the primary governing body of the Diocese of North Carolina.

Finance CommitteeContact Person: Bill WalkerMeets 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.The Finance Committee is appointed by the vestry to review financial statements and make recommendations on the best use of the parish’s financial resources. They also prepare a draft of the church’s annual operating budget for the vestry’s modifications and approval.

Hospitality Guild Contact Person: Emily BondyThe aim of the hospitality guild is to foster a warm and welcoming community through fellowship. Specific events we’ve organized include Wonderful Wednesday dinners, the annual fall and spring picnics, special event receptions, and Sip n’ Dip parties.

Office VolunteersContact Person: Tom ParkerTo help keep expenses down, Good Shepherd relies on volunteers whenever possible. One invaluable service provided by volunteers is working in the office from 9:00 a.m. through noon each weekday. The office volunteers answer the phones, stuff the Sunday bulletins, and do other tasks as needed.

PARISH LIFE AND RESOURCES

Pledge Campaign Contact Person: Jim CurtisEach fall the church conducts a campaign to solicit pledges of financial support for the coming year. By making a financial pledge we show our trust that God will continue to provide for us. While 10% should be the goal, the amount you pledge isn’t the focus of our campaigns – what matters is your expression of faith through a pledge of any amount.

Stewardship Trust Contact Person: Bob EdwardsThe Good Shepherd Stewardship Trust was created to manage the trust funds given for the benefit of the parish. Its membership includes the church treasurer and six voting members who are appointed by the vestry to serve a three-year term (and eligible to serve three consecutive terms). The trust meets quarterly, and its fiscal year ends September 30th.

VestryContact Person: Lalor SmithMeets 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.In the Episcopal church the vestry is the governing board of the parish. The basic responsibility of the vestry is to partner with the rector in the spiritual and temporal leadership of Good Shepherd. This leadership includes helping to define and articulate the vision of the parish, supporting the congregation’s mission in word and deed, ensuring effective organization and planning, and managing the church’s resources and finances. Four confirmed members are elected at the annual meeting each year to serve a three-year term.

PASTORAL CARE

Encouragement Ministry Contact Person: Cheryl CoppedgeMeets 3rd Wednesday of each month from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.The Encouragement Ministry is a group of parishioners who meet monthly to write notes of encouragement and prayer to all those on our prayer list. Recipients regularly tell us how much these notes help them feel connected to us and to God.

Eucharistic Visitation Contact Person: Matt JohnsonLay eucharistic visitation is an ancient practice of taking the consecrated bread and wine to those who could not be present at corporate worship. Following that tradition, many Sundays a lay eucharistic visitor is sent from the 10:30 a.m. service to take communion to someone who is home bound. Through this important ministry even those who can’t join us in church can experience that they are still part of the one Body because we share one bread and one cup.

Flower Delivery Contact Person: Tom ParkerAfter Sunday services the altar flowers are taken to someone who is in the hospital, homebound, or has experienced a recent difficulty. This ministry brings brightness to those who need it most and helps them experience a tangible connection with their brothers and sisters at Good Shepherd.

Knitting GroupContact Person: Boo WhiteWednesdays from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.In 2002 we began knitting for the Seamen’s Church Institute’s program “Christmas at Sea.” Our knitting ministry has grown and now we also knit blankets, shawls, hats, and gloves for newborns, children, homeless men and women, the abused, orphans,

PASTORAL CARE

homebound, and nursing care patients. No previous knitting experience is necessary.

Pastor’s Aid MinistryContact Person: Riki MottersheadThrough the Pastor’s Aide Ministry calls, visits, and meals are provided when families are experiencing the stresses of major life events such as illness, birth, recovery from surgery, or death of a loved one. We also try to identify families who need a little help on a long-term basis, and we do our best to take them meals and stay for visits. Additionally, when there is a funeral at Good Shepherd we offer to provide a reception in the parish hall after the service.

Pastoral Care CommissionContact Person: Jim CurtisThe pastoral care commission coordinates the various ministries of tending to one another. These pastoral ministries are intended to provide comfort, love, and support to those who are homebound, suffering from illness, mourning the death of a loved one, recovering from childbirth, or in any way unable to partake fully of our communal life.

WORSHIP

AcolytesContact Person: Howard WeeksThe primary role of acolytes is to lead processions and assist with communion. Young people in 4th through 12th grades may serve in this ministry, which is a great gift to all who worship at Good Shepherd.

Altar GuildContact Person: Pat WeeksSo that we can offer our best to God in worship, guild members ensure that everything in the church, from the communion bread, to the hangings, to the candles, and more, is cleaned and placed properly for each worship service.

Chalice BearersContact Person: Frank MeadowsCommunion has been the central act of Christian worship for nearly 2,000 years, and lay people who serve in the ancient ministry of chalice bearer administer the cup of wine, which we recognize as the blood of Christ, whenever communion is offered.

Eucharistic VisitationSee PASTORAL CARE (page 26).

Flower GuildContact Person: Hal Peck and H.I. TharringtonSaturdays at 10:00 a.m.One value of Episcopal worship is that it be beautiful, and Good Shepherd is especially known for its wonderful altar flower arrangements. If you are interested but don’t have experience arranging flowers, guild members are happy to teach you.

GreetersContact Person: Tom ParkerOur goal at Good Shepherd is that every person who comes to worship here feels welcomed but not smothered. Central to that effort are those who greet

WORSHIP

everyone at the church entrance before services then circulate during coffee hour to ensure that all feel at home.

Oblation FamiliesContact Person: Katharina JohnsonEvery Sunday during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist the oblation bearers serve as representatives of the congregation and bring people’s offerings of bread and wine to the altar. By serving as an oblation bearer, even young children can provide worship leadership.

ReadersContact Person: Frank MeadowsPublicly proclaiming the words of scripture and prayer is a holy experience, and it is a blessing to hear a variety of voices during our worship services. Previous experience with public speaking is not required – we’ll work with you so you’ll be as comfortable as possible speaking in front of the congregation.

UshersContact Person: Tom ParkerThe ushers support the work of the greeters in welcoming everyone to the church. They also distribute the bulletins, collect the offering, and assist people to the altar for communion. No one is too old or too young to be an usher, and it’s an especially good ministry for families who would like to serve together in church.

Worship CommissionContact Person: Matt JohnsonMembers of the worship commission are responsible for every aspect of worship, and they strive to maintain the rich Episcopal traditions of the past while looking to the future. In addition to planning upcoming services, they also review recent liturgies and discuss reflections from parishioners regarding our worship life.