fall 2015 ministry booklet -...

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

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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


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


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



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



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


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)


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

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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


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.


13

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


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


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.


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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


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


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.


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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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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.

fall 2015 ministry booklet -...

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