fall 2015 ministry booklet -...
TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2015 Ministry Booklet
Feed Your Faith
The Church of the Good Shepherd
231 N. Church St.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
(252) 442-1134
www.goodshepherdrmt.org
CONTENTS
2
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
Adult Christian Education
Sunday Forum 4
Disciple Bible Study 4
My Faith, My Life 5
Other Small Groups 5
Children and Youth Ministries
Day School Advisory Board 5
Families with Young Children Ministry 6
Sunday School 6
Youth Group 6
Youth Calendar 7
MUSIC
Alleluia Choir 8
Cherub Choir 8
Good Shepherd Choir 8
Music at Good Shepherd Series 9
OUTREACH
Christmas Stars 10
Conetoe Family Life Center 10
Food Pantry 10
Outreach Commission 11
People of Faith Filling in the Gaps (POF-FIGS) 11
Snack Bags 11
Summer Lunch Program 12
Thanksgiving Dinner 12
CONTENTS
3
PARISH LIFE AND RESOURCES
Buildings and Grounds Commission 13
Coffee Hour 13
Diocesan Delegate 13
Finance Committee 13
Hospitality Guild 14
Office Volunteers 14
Parish Retreat 14
Pledge Campaign 14
Shepherd’s Horn 15
Stewardship Trust 15
Vestry 15
PASTORAL CARE
Encouragement Ministry 16
Eucharistic Visitation 16
Flower Delivery 16
Knitting Group 16
Pastor’s Aid Ministry 17
Pastoral Care Commission 17
WORSHIP
Acolytes 18
Altar Guild 18
Chalice Bearers 18
Flower Guild 18
Greeters 19
Readers 19
Ushers 19
Worship Commission 19
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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Adult Christian Education
Sunday Forum
Contact Person: Matt Johnson
Sundays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in the parish hall
The 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.
September 20th Our Church I: What is an Episcopalian?
September 27th Our Church II: Do Episcopalians read the
Bible?
October 4th Our Church III: What do Episcopalians really
believe?
October 11th/18th Pledge Campaign facilities tour or Our Church
IV: How does the Episcopal Church work?
October 25th Pledge Campaign facilities tour or Our Church
V: What’s wrong with the Episcopal Church?
November 1st Our Church VI: What’s Good Shepherd all
about?
November 8th Signs of the Apocalypse I: The Middle East
November 15th Signs of the Apocalypse II: The U.S.A.
November 22nd Advent Wreath workshop
Disciple Bible Study
Contact Person: Tom Parker
Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (beginning October 7th) in the parlor
This nine month long seminar, facilitated by the rector, surveys
the entire Bible. The aim of this program is to more fully
incorporate the scriptures into our daily lives, thereby becoming
more effective disciples of Christ. “Disciple” is limited to twelve
adults – please sign up by September 30th.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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My Faith, My Life
Contact Person: Tom Parker
Days and times to be determined
Using Pastor Rob Bell’s provocative NOOMA series, this group of
up to twelve adults will gather with the rector once a week for ten
weeks to discuss challenges to our Christian faith in the modern
world. Please sign up by September 30th.
Other Small Groups
Contact Person: Matt Johnson
Parishioners are encouraged to form small groups of no more than
twelve people to meet weekly for ten 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). If you are interested in facilitating a small
group, please contact the rector.
Children and Youth Ministries
Acolytes, Chalice Bearers, and Readers
See WORSHIP below.
Alleluia and Cherub Choirs
See MUSIC below.
Day School Advisory Board
Contact Person: Shawanda Jordan
For nearly sixty years children and their families have been
coming to the Good Shepherd Day School for day care and
preschool. We are one of the few programs that offers an all-day
program throughout the entire year, and it is our divine duty and
pleasure to make the most of every teachable moment, leaving a
lasting, positive, and loving impression on the lives of our
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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families. The advisory board assists the director in establishing
the vision and policy of the Day School, while also ensuring that
its resources are managed as effectively as possible.
Families with Young Children Ministry
Contact Person: Katharina Johnson
In response to the growing number of families with babies and
toddlers at Good Shepherd, several parents have formed this new
ministry. The offerings of this group are still developing, but
several events are already planned for the fall. Be sure we have
your contact information so we can keep you posted.
Sunday School
Contact Person: Jeanne Shannon
Sundays from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in the Sunday School hall (upstairs)
Two classes (young children: 3 years old - 1st grade and older
children: 2nd grade - 5th grade) meet each week to explore one of
the day’s scripture readings using activities from the popular and
engaging “Feasting on the Word” curriculum.
Youth Group
Contact Person: Jeanne Shannon
With so many demands placed on their time, it is especially
important for youth to have opportunities to be refreshed and to
go deeper in their relationship with God. To help youth more
easily include church in their busy schedules, the calendar
includes a variety of events. We also continue participate in
service and social activities with our “Faith in Action” partners at
First Presbyterian and St. Andrew’s Episcopal.
CHRISTIAN FORMATION
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Youth Calendar
September 13th, 4:30 p.m. Youth Cookout at Moss Farm
September 20th, 9:30 a.m. Christian Formation
September 25th-26th Fall Youth Leadership Retreat
(Diocese Event)
September 27th, 9:30 a.m. Pack Snack Bags
October 4th, 9:30 a.m. Christian Formation
October 11th, 9:30 a.m. Church Tour for Pledge Campaign
October 18th, 9:30 a.m. Christian Formation
October 25th, 9:30 a.m. Pack Snack Bags
October 25th Faith in Action Soccer Golf at
Northgreen Country Club
Date TBD YAM JAM - Gleaning Sweet Potatoes
November 1st, 9:30 a.m. Christian Formation
November 6th, 4:00 p.m. Sky Zone and Mellow Mushroom
November 8th Bassett Center Visit
November 15th, 9:30 a.m. Christian Formation: Assemble
Operation Christmas Child Boxes
November 22nd, 9:30 a.m. Advent Wreath Workshop
November 29th, 9:30 a.m. Pack Snack Bags
November 29th Faith in Action Fellowship and
Community Service Project
December 6th, 9:30 a.m. Wrap it up!!! Wrap gifts for Christmas
Stars children
December 20th, 9:30 a.m. Pageant Practice
10:30 a.m. Christmas Pageant
College Student Homecoming
Youth Caroling and Christmas Dinner
December 27th, 9:30 a.m. Pack Snack Bags
Date TBD Salvation Army Bell Ringing
MUSIC
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Alleluia Choir
Contact Person: Lawrence Goering
Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the choir room
The 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
& Carols, on Christmas Eve, and at the Mother’s Day Dinner
Theatre.
Cherub Choir
Contact Person: Lawrence Goering
Wednesdays from 5:00 – 5:30 p.m. in the choir room
The Cherub Choir is for children ages 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 Choir
Contact Person: Lawrence Goering
Wednesdays from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. in the choir room
The Good Shepherd Choir of youth and adults sings in church
weekly at the 10:30 a.m. service, at seasonal evensongs, for
Lessons & Carols, on Christmas Eve, and at other services during
the liturgical year.
MUSIC
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Music at Good Shepherd Series
Contact Person: Lawrence Goering
Music 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
more than seventy-five members. During the past several years,
highlights of the series have included a concert by the Virginia
Girls’ Choir, evensongs sung by the Good Shepherd Choir and
guest choirs including the choir of the Saint James School
(Maryland) and the Raleigh Convocation Choir, the annual
Service of Nine Lessons and Carols sung by the Alleluia and Good
Shepherd choirs, the annual Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre,
concerts by the North Carolina Baroque Orchestra, a concert by
Elisabeth von Trapp, a concert by Svyati (a cello and organ duo
from England), a concert by the choir of St. Ambrose Episcopal
Church (Raleigh), a concert by internationally renowned
trumpeter Edward Bach, and internationally renowned organist
Dorothy Papadakos in concert and improvising to several silent
films. This fall’s events include:
October 4th, 5:00 p.m. St. Francis Day Choral Evensong with
Blessing of the Animals
October 25th, 5:00 p.m. Music for Flute and Harp: A Concert
by Beth Kupsco and Vonda Darr
November 15th, 5:00 p.m. Organ Recital by Katherine Johnson
December 13th, 5:00 p.m. A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols
OUTREACH
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Christmas Stars
Contact Person: Victoria Sowers
Each 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 Center
Contact Person: Ted Sherburne
With the support of the Reverend Richard Joiner, youth and
adults currently provide fresh vegetables to Conetoe residents
through their ongoing garden project. Our mission to assist the
Conetoe Family Life Center has been ongoing for several years.
At their request, Good Shepherd coordinated the effort to build a
deck at the Community Center, which adjoins the garden. This
deck serves as a platform for seed boxes so that their four year
olds can learn how to plant and take care of young seedlings. The
center also has beehives, which support the garden by producing
honey that is sold locally, offering educational opportunities
related to beekeeping, and enhancing pollination of the gardens.
Good Shepherd has been leading an effort to replace bee hives
that were destroyed by bears. Our goal is to provide 175 new
beehives and additional bees to support these hives, and we made
a good start last spring. Good Shepherd is committed to
supporting the center through these projects and others that
develop as the center grows.
Food Pantry
Contact Person: Lora Benz
Almost every day the church receives requests for food, and any
donations of non-perishable foods are appreciated. You can leave
OUTREACH
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your donation in the basket in the baptistry (front of church, left
side) or drop them off in the church office.
Outreach Commission
Contact Person: Ron Sowers
Meets on the 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 and hosting
activities and programs that fulfill this purpose.
People of Faith Filling in the Gaps (POF-FIGS)
Contact Person: Matt Johnson
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 Bags
Contact Person: Ron Sowers
Every day during the work week from 11:15 – 11:45 a.m. 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.
OUTREACH
12
Summer Lunch Program
Contact Person: Tom Adams
During the school year, 22 million children receive free or
reduced-priced meals through the National School Lunch
Program. When school is out during the summer months,
however, only 2.7 million receive free or reduced-price meals
through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. By
participating in this program, we at Good Shepherd can make a
difference and help lower the number of hungry children in
Rocky Mount.
Thanksgiving Dinner
Contact Person: Ted Sherburne
Good Shepherd partners with the Bassett Center of United
Community Ministries to provide Thanksgiving dinners for those
less fortunate than ourselves. 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
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Buildings and Grounds Commission
Contact Person: Dillon Rose
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month from 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Most of the commission’s work focuses on repairs and
maintenance. Good Shepherd’s buildings form a sprawling
complex, with structures dating from 1873 to 1997. Upkeep of the
nine roofs, twenty-six HVAC systems and units, and all other
aspects of the physical plant is continuously occurring. Although
we sometimes have to hire professional contractors, volunteers
from the parish perform the work whenever possible.
Coffee Hour
Contact Person: Tom Parker
Every 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.
Diocesan Delegate
Contact Person: Matt Johnson
Each year the vestry appoints four parishioners to represent Good
Shepherd at the annual convention of the Episcopal Diocese of
North Carolina. This convention, which takes place in November
in Winston-Salem, is the primary governing body of the diocese.
Finance Committee
Contact Person: Bill Walker
Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Finance Committee meets monthly and consists of the rector,
the treasurer, a vestry liaison, and members of the church
appointed by the vestry. Each month they review financial
statements and make recommendations to the vestry. They also
prepare a draft of the church’s annual operating budget for the
vestry’s modifications and approval.
PARISH LIFE AND RESOURCES
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Hospitality Guild
Contact Person: Emily Bondy
The 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
picnic, receptions following special events, and Sip n Dip parties.
This fall’s Sip n Dips will be from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. on October 11th
(at the Bondys’) and November 22nd (at the Frohboses’).
Office Volunteers
Contact Person: Tom Parker
To 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 Retreat
Contact Person: Ted Sherburne
This spring Good Shepherd will have a parish retreat at the beach
from May 13th-15th. We’ll stay at the Trinity Center in Salter Path,
NC, where we’ll also worship together and have programs for
both adults and children.
Pledge Campaign
Contact Person: Jim Curtis
Each 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.
PARISH LIFE AND RESOURCES
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Shepherd’s Horn
Contact: Tom Parker
The Shepherd’s Horn is our quarterly newsletter (past issues are
available on the website). Each issue includes articles about
ministries that have taken place over the previous three months as
well as information about upcoming events. Parishioners are
encouraged to write articles or submit artwork for inclusion.
Stewardship Trust
Contact Person: Reuben Harris
The Good Shepherd Stewardship Trust was created to manage the
trust funds given for the benefit of the parish. There are six voting
members, appointed by the vestry to serve a three year term, and
eligible to serve three consecutive terms. The church treasurer is
also a voting member, and the rector and senior warden are non-
voting members. The trust meets quarterly, and its fiscal year
ends September 30th.
Vestry
Contact Person: Al Hicks
Meets on the 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. Four confirmed members are elected at the annual
meeting each year to serve a three year term. The basic
responsibilities of the vestry are to help define and articulate the
mission of the congregation, to support the church’s mission by
word and deed, to select the rector, to ensure effective
organization and planning, and to manage resources and finances.
PASTORAL CARE
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Encouragement Ministry
Contact Person: Cheryl Coppedge
Meets on the 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 Johnson
Lay 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 Parker
After 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 Group
Contact Person: Boo White
Meets Wednesdays 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,
PASTORAL CARE
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orphans, homebound, and nursing care patients. No previous
knitting experience is necessary.
Pastor’s Aid Ministry
Contact Person: Riki Mottershead
Through 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 Commission
Contact Person: Jim Curtis
The pastoral care commission coordinates the various ministries
of caring for 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
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Acolytes
Contact Person: Howard Weeks
Training (pick one): Saturday, September 26th from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
or Sunday, October 11th from 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
The primary role of acolytes is to lead processions and assist with
communion. Young people in 4th through 12th grades may serve
in this ministry, and their participation is a great gift to all who
worship at Good Shepherd.
Altar Guild
Contact Person: Pat Weeks
Training and Coffee: Saturday, October 10th from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.
So 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 Bearers
Contact Person: Frank Meadows
Training (pick one): Saturday, September 26th from 10:15 – 10:45 a.m.
or Sunday, October 11th from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Lay people administer the cup of wine, which we recognize as the
blood of Christ, whenever communion is offered. We currently
have a dedicated but small group who serve in this role, and we
hope to increase the number of these servers.
Flower Guild
Contact Person: Hal Peck and H.I. Tharrington
Meets Saturdays 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.
WORSHIP
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Greeters
Contact Person: Tom Parker
Our 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 everyone at the church entrance before
services then circulate during coffee hour to ensure that all feel at
home.
Readers
Contact Person: Frank Meadows
Training (pick one): Saturday, September 26th from 9:45 – 10:15 a.m.
or Sunday, October 11th from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Publically 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.
Ushers
Contact Person: Tom Parker
The 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 Commission
Contact Person: Matt Johnson
Members 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 questions and concerns from parishioners regarding our
worship life.