May we, the

people of Good

Shepherd contin-

ue to bring God’s

message of love

and peace to our

brothers and

sisters in

Plainview and

beyond by

following Jesus,

our shepherd,

into streets,

parks and

everywhere God’s

children gather.

J U N E 2 0 1 4

CELEBRATING 63 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICE

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

Dear Faithful People of Good Shepherd,

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School sits on top of a hill on a beautiful piece of property in Plainview. Like our ancient ancestors in the faith who trekked up God’s Holy Mountains in search of inspiration and healing, we too make our weekly Sabbath journey to experience God’s closeness. There are times, however, that God calls us as a people to take to the streets and to claim space in public places and to announce to the world that we are a community that cares, not only about our own, but also about the world and our neighbors. This past Memorial Day we had such an oppor-tunity. Over seventy strong, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School Families gathered at the Plainview Library with decorated wagons, holding banners and carrying balloons. As we walked along waving at those gathered along the parade route we were greeted with cheers and applause. As we approached the last leg of our journey into the park on Washington Avenue, Mellissa Sau-eracker, a teacher of both our day and Sunday school, began spontaneously leading us in “Be My Shepherd”, a song well known by both our children and families. This song served as an audible re-minder that it is our shepherd, Jesus, who leads us to live our lives for the sake of others.

While the mood was festive, upon arriving at the park the somber nature of the day began to un-fold as veterans, political leaders, and community clergy gathered on the dais. A disabled veteran from Iraq and Afghanistan that maneuvered deftly with his prosthetic limbs sat to my right and later spoke of his fallen brothers that would have loved to have spent one more beautiful day barbequing with their families… While Chris tried to keep his message “upbeat”, his presence and the way he quickly exited revealed the deep pain upon which Memorial Day celebrations stand. War is not glamorous. As one member at The Preacher’s Pub commented recently, “War is Hell.” Yet, God gives us the power to confront this Hell with the power of Jesus’ love.

The following is the benediction that I shared at the conclusion of our community Memorial Day remembrance at Plainview Park.

“On Memorial Day we pause to remember our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by the evils of war, and those who continue to die each day on our behalf. These people we grieve were not just names on a seemly endless list-

they were real people with husbands, wives, children, parents and siblings. They were members of churches, syna-gogues, mosques and temples. They were bankers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, police officers, firefighters, carpen-ters, electrician, plumbers, and nurses. They were just like us, but they are different than us too. Because not only did they answer the call to serve, a high calling, indeed, that many have answered and are answering for the sake of our nation, but we honor today those who were called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice- that of themselves.

Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, than to give one’s life for one’s friends.” It is this great love that we marvel at today while we mourn over the beautiful children of God that embodied that love. We pause today therefore not only to remember and never forget, but to also pray and commit ourselves to peacemak-ing so that their sacrifice will not be in vain because they died so others, namely you and I could live.

We also pause today to remember all of our returning veterans who are still suffering and dying due to the effects of the horrors of war. War related illness and post-traumatic stress disorder continue to take the lives of our brave men and women and we as citizens need to ensure that those who are returning know that they are appreciated and that support services are available.

(Continued on page 2)

Let us pray, Heavenly Father, You have entrusted to us the entirety of your magnificent creation. You call each of us to care for all that you have made, especially our fellow brothers and sisters. Thank you for the gift of your love which enables us to give of ourselves in your life giving service. Today we especially thank you for each man and woman who serves their fellow brothers and sisters by confronting horror, fear and suffering in the name of peace so that we can live more freely. We thank you for those precious souls who have laid down their lives for us and for those who will do so in the days to come. Give them rest and eternal peace in your loving presence. We also pray for all those who remain missing in action. May you shepherd them and us so we can honor those who have died appropriately and release those who are held captive. Protect our service men and women who remain ready to sacrifice their breath for ours. Give them courage and may your angels lead them on safe pathways for your name’s sake In your Almighty name we pray. Amen.” May we, the people of Good Shepherd continue to bring God’s message of love and peace to our brothers and sisters in Plainview and beyond by following Jesus, our shepherd into streets, parks and everywhere God’s children gather. Don’t miss Bible by the Beach and the Bay, our Captree fishing trips, and our family excursions planned for this summer.

Yours in Christ,

Our Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation held on May 4, 2014 included a full agenda and many hand outs including our Vision for Mission Report for 2014-2015. I’m highlighting this report because a consider-able amount of effort and thought from each Ministry Team, Committee and School Board goes into its for-mation. If you were not able to attend the meeting on May 4th , we will provide copies of the report in the narthex, and it is on the church website. Take the time to read about the accomplishments of the various ministry teams and committees this past year as well as their goals through 2016. Of special importance and listed as goals of both the Church Council and School Board is the necessity to directly assist in the market-ing efforts of the school in order to maximize enrollment. We need to expand these efforts; may I suggest that all of us join in telling of the great story of our school to our friends, family and beyond. As I mentioned in my remarks at the congregation meeting, our school really is a manifestation of our overall mission, teach-

ing children that Jesus loves them and is always with them. This month we will be finalizing plans for another great Summer Concert Series and Pot Luck dinners. These were well received events last summer with good food and fellowship so look for the schedule and we hope you consider participating. Finally, thank you to all who continue to give of their time and various talents for the betterment of our Faith Community.

In Christ,

Kevin Ocker

Alleluia Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia! Although we remain in the midst of the joyful fifty days of Easter, we quickly approach the holy feast of Pentecost! It is on Pentecost that we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit that unites us, strengthens us, makes a dwelling within us, and sends us out into the world to spread God’s love to all the world. It is also on Pentecost that four of our Confirmation students will be confirmed. I have had the great joy and honor of getting to know them this past year as they learn and grow as children of God. At a recent Confirmation class, I asked the students to tell me why they are going to keep coming to church after Confirmation. I had them answer one after the other around the room. Some of the students weren’t completely sure, others thought that since their family comes anyway they would

just tag along. But then one student stopped us all in our tracks. “This is just the beginning,” he started. “Confirmation is just the beginning of our adult lives in the church and we should absolutely come to church after Confirmation.”

In Christ,

Vicar Nicholas Sollom

The Worship and Music Ministry Team is looking to begin a Bread Ministry. The purpose of the Bread Ministry is to make gluten free bread to use in the celebration of the Eucharist. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced baker or a novice, the recipe is easy to follow, and in-volves little time. You could bake the bread in your own home or join a group to bake it at the church and make a social event out of it. Are you interested? Speak to Lilli Schulz or Marge Wenger.

Eighty two people, including worshipers from St. Pius & St. Margaret’s, attended our first Taize Service on May 18th! It was a beautiful candle-lit service.....imagine over 350 candles in an otherwise darkened church. The candles remind us that even when the night is very dark, whether in our own lives or in the life of humanity, Christ's love is a fire that never goes out. In the center of the chancel in front of the altar and surrounded by candles was a cross. People were invited to approach it for prayers at the conclusion of the service while "Jesus Remember Me" was sung. Icons, also illuminated by candles, were placed in the area between the pulpit and lectern. Although the icons are images, they are not simply decorations. They are symbols of the incarnation, a presence which offers to the eyes the spiritual mes-sage that the word addresses to the ears. Singing is one of the most essential parts of Taize worship. The songs consist of just a few words and express a basic reality of faith. Singing the words over and over becomes very meditative, and we find ourselves listening to God and waiting on Him. Our music was beautiful!! How could it not be with pianist Teresa Ratkowski, flutist Kathy Prinz, and cantor Lois Fassino! Good Shepherd is truly blessed through these wonderful musicians.

Our next Taize worship will be on September 21. Come join us!

The hills of Good Shepherd will surely be alive with the sound of music this summer! In addition to a lineup of Thursday night barbecues and concerts yet to be announced, on Penetcost at 4:00 p.m. the Ars Longa Quire will be performing their spring concert. Cantor Caryn’s vocal students will be performing Broadway tunes on July 19th. And on Friday, June 27th from 7:30 p.m.. - 9:00 p.m. we are happy to announce a bass concert by August Berger. This concert is going to be an evening of classical music featuring August along with special guests, including Teresa Rat-kowski.

Most of us know him as a frequent guest musician during our holiday services, but did you know that since starting the double bass at age 8, August has been fascinated with all things musical? He began studying privately with Matthew Schneider at the age of 15 and had the honor of being selected to the All State Symphony Orchestra in 2008 and the All State String Orchestra in 2009. He went on to study the bass with Metropolitan Opera Principal Bassist, Timothy Cobb at Purchase College - SUNY. While engaged in his study of the bass Mr. Berger also studied conducting with Ransom Wilson and had his conducting debut at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College with the world premiere of composer Nick Vi-zi’s piece for wind ensemble, “Langa”. August also had the opportunity to participate in master classes with world- renowned bassists Thomas Martin and Enrico Fagone. In the summer of his junior year he traveled to Russia and England as a Resident Assistant with the inaugural season of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA with Valery Gergiev and Joshua Bell. In May 2014 he was awarded the President’s Award for Achievement in the Conservatory of Music as well as graduating Summa Cum Laude with an impressive 3.99 GPA. In the fall he will continue his studies with Timothy Cobb at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL where he will be pursuing his Master’s Degree in Music. In the future Mr. Berger intends on earning his teacher certification so that he might pass on his knowledge to the next generation of musicians. We look forward to hosting this concert. Please join us on this very special evening, Friday, June 27th, from 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

WE PRAY FOR...

Maureen Kelly Araujo, Alex & Derek Bartkow, Maya Berger (Vicar Nick’s friend), Eleanor Bierlmaier Dugan, John Binsfeld (Benner family friend), Edwina Bishop, John & Eddie Brusdeliens (J. Hinsch family friend), Brad Carbone & family (R. Benson family friend), Lynne Carlson (Irma’s daughter-in-law), Edna Carrera (Martha Peterson’s friend), Carol Cassis (Elaine Cassimatis’ mother), Ava Cataldo (GSL student), Rita Cooper (Ruth Strakele’s friend), Gisela Conforti, Dorothy Cronin, Claudia DeMauro, Kristin DeMayo (McGowan family friend), Ryan DeVerna, Denise (Lisa Olsen’s coworker), Ken Dixon (Pastor Eric’s friend), Susan Dowd (Maisch family friend), Brooke Ducey, Sally Ducey, Anna Duda (Denise Bartkow’s mother), Becky Ernst (Paul Wenger’s cousin), Ryan Faret & family, Melody Fassino, Pat Froelich (Peggy Lang’s friend), Rashid Ghani (Mason family friend), Mary Gessing (Vincent Cronin’s cousin), Lilah & Jim Gillett (Kathy Prinz’s friends), Erika Green, Liz Haley, Hedy (GLS Teacher Barbara Valenza’s mother), Renee Iannone (Irma Carlson’s niece), Alexis Jacobsen (GSL teacher LeeAnn’s daughter), An-na Jerome, Robert Kaiser, Robert Kamps (Lee family friend), Lois Kaza-rian, Chris Kim (Hu Jin’s friend), Dillon Kwarta, Lois Lengenfelder, Toni Anne LaGois, Christian Lakis, Kenneth Lane, Martha Langhahr, Claire Larrie (Mary Wiegert’s sister), Angel Lorch, Joan Lombardo (Rickmeyer family friend), Kim Maca (Kathy Prinz’s friend), Maryann Macy (Rosemary McNair’s mother), Bea McCabe, Pastor Fred McElderry (St. An-drew’s in West Hempstead), Lori Mason, Claire Barbara Meeker (Martha Peterson’s friend), Claire Mehrhoff (Alice Vorstadt’s friend), Linda O’Brien (McGowan family friend), Ruth Odwazny, Rose Oliver (Ellen Benson’s friend), Meghan Ortega (Lisa Olsen’s niece), Shari Paterakis, Olga Petras, Nick Portugal (Liam Broggy’s friend), Kathy Prinz, Dr. Mark Prowatzke (Danny Wenger’s father in law), Anthony Real-muto (Olsen family friend), Cathy Reese (Alice Vorstadt’s friend), Justin Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew), Glenn Schabel, Lilli Schulz, Audrey Schwartz, Adam Sink (Judy Hinsch’s nephew), Ian Spadaro, Nancy Stingelin, Ruth Strakele, Anna Stutzbach, Joyce Tare, Susan Tonnesson (Terry Miccio’s friend), Emily Trapp, Shannon Udell (Miccio family friend), Madison Von Bargen (Ruff’ family friend), Jeff Zenko (Karen Faucera’s friend), and Brother George Zenle (Wenger family friend).

T H O S E I N N E E D O F H E A L I N G

T H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V I N G T H O S E P R E P A R I N G

F O R O R D A I N E D

Keith & Kyle Calderone (Army), Specialist Sean Hassett (Lori Mason’s cousin), CPT. Paul Rick-meyer, Captain Robert Saueracker, LTC. Phillip Sounia, USMC, Corporal Nicholas Ventrelli-O’Connell (Patty Larson’s family friend).

Roger Griffith & Nick Sollom

T H O S E S E R V I N G

I N T H E M I L I T A R Y

Alice Vorstadt and the family & friends of Maryanne Senia.

A little late, but ...

Birthday Blessings to:

Richard Benson — May 8

Judy Hinsch — May 18

Hope your day was great!

On Friday May 9th, Long Island Lutheran Mid-dle & High School honored CPT Paul Rickmey-er during their Alumni of the Year Chapel ser-vice. A graduate of the class of 2001, CPT Rick-meyer was the youngest of the four honorees by 17 years! He delivered an inspiring address to the students about putting their LuHi education in-to action by becoming a servant leader and was commended as being the “perfect example of a LuHi alumnus who has gone on to make a posi-tive difference in the world.” All of us at Good Shepherd extend our congratulations to Paul!

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 99 Central Park Road, Plainview, NY 11803

Phone: 516-349-1966 E-mail: church@ourshepherdlives.org Website: www.ourshepherdlives.org

Ministers: The Members of Good Shepherd Reverend Eric O. Olsen, Pastor

Reverend Nicholas Sollom, Vicar Reverend Marc Herbst, Assistant to Bishop Robert Rimbo

Judy R. Hinsch, A.I.M., School Director Teresa Ratkowski, Director of Choir and Organist

Maureen Cooke, Church Secretary/Newsletter Editor Lindsay Kuefner, School Secretary

Ed Indellicati, Accountant/Bookkeeper John E. Menig, Jr., Sexton

Bobby Lang, Sexton

We’re going fisHing!!! Please save these dates for our family fishing trips off Captree and look

for more detailed announcements to come in our weekly church bulletin

& website:

Friday, June 20th — Evening Fishing for Blues

Tuesday, July 1st — Day Fishing for Fluke

Friday, August 15th — Evening Fishing for Blues

Michael & Nicole Steinert

On June 21, 2014

Andrea & Erik Hansen - 6/25 Gail & Stephen Haupt - 6/16 Diane & Ron Maisch - 6/5

Judi & Charlie Miranda - 6/1

Dean and Annmarie Brown's nephew,

Vincent Lawrence Festa graduated this

May from Bard University with a

Masters in Music, his undergraduate

degree is from Julliard. He will be sing-

ing as a Tenor in an Opera this June

at Avalon in Canada and in August

Etienne Bouchard - 6/29 Elizabeth Cammarata - 6/30

Daniel Collins - 6/8 Stephen Contos - 6/15

Matthew Fox - 6/5 Daniel Hayes - 6/25

Jonathan Hayes - 6/3 Maximillian Ludewig - 6/21

Grant Maffei - 6/8 Emily Miccio - 6/21

Melissa Milhim - 5/26 Logan Moran - 6/20 Luca Pecora - 6/14

George Saueracker - 6/20 Dorothea Spadaro - 6/4

Roy Steinhilber - 6/2 Samantha Strack - 6/25

Paul Wenger - 6/7 Kaitlyn Whitenack - 6/12

Hugh Whitenack, Jr. - 6/11/68 Billy Wiegert - 6/26

at the Tanglewood Music Festival in the Berkshires. In Sep-

tember he will continue his studies at the New England Con-

servatory in Boston. Dean & Annmarie are very proud of

his hard work and dedication to his singing career and wish him

much success. Please see the next page for more graduates of

whom we are very proud.

Jennifer Aldrich — Masters in Social Work from Fordham University

Kathryn Banzer — Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University

August Berger -- Bachelor of Music from SUNY Purchase to

Lynn University for Masters

John’s Schwaninger’s daughter Jill Boyle —

Masters in Nursing from Denver University

Ryan Cacchioli — Sports Management BA from

Misericordia University where he will continue for Masters

Daniel Collins — from LuHi to Boston University

Fred & Loretta Ruff’s granddaughter Lauren Klose —

from the College of St. Rose in Albany

Danielle Kovel — from Old Bethpage ES to Mattlin MS

Caroline Nickels — from Herricks HS to Molloy College

Ryan Ratkowski — Communications BA from SUNY Geneseo

Interning at Disney World in August

CPT. Paul Rickmeyer — from Columbia University Teacher’s College,

MA in Organization & Leadership with Recognition from the

Eisenhower Leadership Program USMA at West Point

Fred & Loretta Ruff’s granddaughter

Justine Sweeney — from Trinity Lutheran ES to LuHi

Alyssa Tollefsen — from POB MS to LuHi

Please see the back of this

sheet for registration form.

Due June 2, 2014.

UPDATE FOR JUNE 2014

WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN: NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER STATEN ISLAND & BROOKLYN

Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools

Parenting has been described as a "benevolent

dictatorship" with the purpose of guiding children

safely to adulthood. Most parents agree that their

job is to set the parameters for children. However,

modern technology has made this increasingly

more complicated. Many children know more about

the computer and social media than their parents

do. As a result, children find their way into poten-

tially dangerous and damaging online situations.

You can be a savvy parent by following these

guidelines:

1. If you are technologically limited, make an effort

to learn and continue learning. Most communi-

ties offer adult education courses. The Apple

Store offers free training when you purchase a

computer. If these options are not possible, ar-

range opportunities with others who can teach

you. Your child's safety might depend on this.

2. Place the computer in a central location where

you are able to observe your child. The comput-

er should not be in the child's bedroom. It is im-

portant to communicate the amount of screen

time allowed each day. Set a timer and establish

consequences for time violations. An excellent

consequence is to take away screen time for the

next day. If your child has a cell phone, set sim-

ilar restrictions on phone calls and texting; do

not allow them to use it at will.

3. After your child is finished online, check the

browser and view the recently visited web-

sites. If the viewing history is cleared, they

might be visiting sites that are inappropriate. If

your child shuts down the web page or the com-

puter when you walk by, chances are they are

hiding something. Be clear that you will be

checking in order to assure their safety.

4. Establish the rules for the internet. What web-

sites are they allowed to visit? What social me-

dia are they allowed to use? Check all the web-

sites that they visit. Post the rules, including

time limits near the computer. This way there

will be no confusion. The internet browser can

be set to block certain sites and help with p

arental monitoring

5. Educate your child regarding predators who are

online. They should not engage in conversation

with people they do not know. They should nev-

er give out their name, address, school, phone

number or anything that would enable an online

person to find them. Even pictures of landmarks

can identify their location. It is prudent to disa-

ble your webcam, so that children cannot en-

gage in video chat with strangers. If you sus-

pect a problem involving predatory behavior,

bring it to the attention of the police.

6. Each year many children fall victim to cyberbul-

lying. This type of bullying is dangerous for eve-

ryone involved and has been a factor in many

tragedies. Everyone is at risk, bullies as well as

the bullied. For the children who are being bul-

lied, there is no refuge; it continues even after

school when they return home to their fami-

lies. The child acting as bully needs as much

help as the victim. Be vigilant regarding this is-

sue, impose no tolerance and report it immedi-

ately.

7. Social media is constantly changing. Even if you

are behind the times, it is important to join and

follow your child's activity. Most social media

sites have age restrictions and it is important to

follow their guidelines. Parental monitoring is

necessary for safety. The landscape of technol-

ogy will continue to grow and change. The safe-

ty precautions in place today will soon be out-

dated, and are never a substitute for you. It is

critical for parents to stay informed, be vigilant,

set parameters and encourage ongoing discus-

sions regarding online behavior throughout mid-

dle childhood and beyond.

Mrs. Geiling counsels children, teens and families at

LCC’s Bronxville counseling site. Contact Luther-

an Counseling Center at 1-800-317-1173 or

516-741-0994 or e-mail us at Center@lccny.org

Helpful Hints for Internet Safety for Children, Ages 7 to 11

By: Mrs. Elizabeth Geiling, MSED, LMHC, LCC Psychotherapist

Tuesday, June 17th is the closing date for our July newsletter. If you have an article that you would like to be included in this newsletter, please e-mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org no later than that date. Thank you very much.

DATE SERVICE ASSISTING MINISTER LECTOR GUEST USHERS

June 1

Seventh Sunday of Easter 10:00 a.m.

John Hinsch &

Lori Mason Judy Hinsch Tollefsen Family

June 8

Day of Pentecost 10:00 a.m.

John Schwaninger &

Marge Wenger George Milhim Uzzo Family

June 15

The Holy Trinity 10:00 a.m.

Judy Hinsch &

Terry Miccio John Hinsch Broggy Family

June 22

Second Sunday of Pentecost 10:00 a.m.

Bonnie McGowan &

Christin Walsh Richard Benson

Cathy Vollono

Jim & Wendy Jansky

June 29

Peter & Paul, Apostles 10:00 a.m.

Anne Rickmeyer &

Lori Mason Lori Mason

Robert & Helen LaBarbera

Alice Vorstadt

Altar Care—Bonnie McGowan