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April 2015
the
Staff
VOLUME 54
n
ISSUE 4
SHEPHERD’S
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Newsletter
FROM PASTOR GREG
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
When Sophie and Jonah attended preschool at Ascension Lutheran in
Towson, the 100th day of the school year was a big deal! They celebrated with t-shirts and a party. Each child brought 100 of something
with which they could work on their counting skills. The occasion was
a highlight of their first year of school.
As much as I like the nice, round number which 100 represents, 75
isn’t too bad either. By the time you get this edition of “The Shepherd’s Staff,” I will have
been serving as Pastor at LCGS for 75 days! I thought at first that I’d celebrate by listing
75 blessings I’ve experienced so far. As I got into it, however, my numbers started to get a
little wonky and I thought I’d offend someone by leaving her or him out. So, I settled on
the 3 BIG blessings I’ve experienced since I’ve been at Good Shepherd (let’s make them
worth 25 days a piece)!
1) The Spirit at work in you. There are so many fantastic ministries going on here all the
time. Service and fellowship events; book clubs and bible studies; committee and team
meetings; practices and rehearsals; and, of course, three wonderful worship services each
week. So many of you are so passionate about the part you are called to play in building
the Kingdom. It is a joy to behold.
I want to give a special shout-out to our Council: I continue to be amazed at the skill and
dedication each of you bring to your position. As a pastor who is just getting used to such
a big organization, you inspire me! Thank you!
2) The Spirit at work in me. I have heard many times, “Good sermon, pastor!” Also, when
the attendance is good, I hear, “You’re really packing them in!” Thank you for the sentiment! Let’s give the glory to God! For the sermons, I often point out that I am working
with some pretty good source material in the Scriptures. I stand on the shoulders of giants!
For the attendance, I give the credit to the Holy Spirit. As Luther said, it is the Spirit who
“calls, gathers, enlightens, and makes holy the whole Christian church....”
Now, I don’t want to be guilty of a false modesty. Am I proud of how hard I work “honing
my craft”? Do I feel good about how much I am willing to be accessible, approachable, and open to relationship? You bet! But without the strength and courage of God, I
couldn’t begin to do what I do, let alone do it well.
3) Hope for the future. Some may be asking, “Why all this fuss over 75 days?” I know, I
know - it is not a lot of time. After all, I was in my previous call for 13 years. I just want
to give a report on my “first impressions,” and to let you know how excited and happy I
am to be here.
Perhaps best of all, though, is that we are just beginning this leg of Good Shepherd’s
faithful journey. I respect the past and love to hear the stories from the history of this
place and people. Yet, I always believe that, in the Kingdom of God, the best is yet to
(continued on page 2)
HOLY WEEK Service
Dates and Times
Holy Week:
April 2nd
Maundy Thursday - 7:30 p.m.
April 3rd
Good Friday – 12 & 7:30 p.m.
April 4th
Easter Vigil - 6:30 p.m.
April 5th
Easter Sunday
7, 9 & 11 a.m.
11 a.m. is the Festival Worship
with choirs, brass, and timpani

The Lutheran Church
of the Good Shepherd
1515 Emmorton Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
p: 410-838-8081 f: 410-838-8026
www.lcgselca.org
Like us on .. ..
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9 am - 3 pm
Sunday Worship
8:00 AM, 9:40 AM & 11:00 AM
Contemporary Cross Walk Worship
2nd & 4th Sundays at 11 AM
Fellowship & Education Hour:
9:30 AM
come. I can’t wait to see and experience what God has in store for us!
The Lutheran Church
of the Good Shepherd
The Rev. Greg Fetzer
Senior Pastor
(410) 838-8081 office
[email protected]
Finally, I want to thank Steve Starbuck for his patience. I am 0-2 in getting my
article in before the deadline. Truth is, I struggle to come up with a topic. Once I
can wrap my head around something to write about, it flows pretty well. But, I do
struggle with topics! Could you all help me out with this? What is it that YOU
want to read in the Pastor’s article in the newsletter? Please, let me know!
Peace,
Pastor Greg
Deborah Woods
Director of Music
[email protected]
Linda Ruese
Treasurer
[email protected]
Gina Miller
Interim Office Manager
(410) 838-8081 office
[email protected]
Ruth Marteny
Office Assistant
[email protected]
(410) 838-8081 office
Steve Starbuck
Editor, The Shepherd’s Staff
[email protected]
Heather Raedeke
Graphic Designer, The Shepherd’s Staff
[email protected]
Communicatons Team
[email protected]
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool
Lois Dobart, Director
[email protected]
(410) 838-8457
www.facebook.com/goodshepherd
lutheranpreschool
New Covenant Christian School
Jean Armstrong, Principal
[email protected]
(410) 420-7727
The Shepherd’s Staff is published monthly, and
mailed to all member households.The deadline
for submitting material for inclusion in the
May issue of The Shepherd’s Staff is Sunday,
April 19th. Please send,
as early as possible, your articles, notices,
etc. to editor Steve Starbuck at
[email protected]
Music Notes
Moravian Music at Good Friday Service-2015
The Good Friday Tenebrae service on April 3rd, 7:30pm, will present the dramatic
story of the betrayal, trial, and crucifixion of our Lord Jesus. The scriptures from
Matthew will be interspersed by several anthems by the Chancel choir as well as
congregational hymns and the soulful clarinet playing of Michelle Urzynicok. As the
story unfolds, the lights will be gradually dimmed, and a bone-chilling “strepitus”
(loud noise) by Mark Leppo on timpani will signal the tearing of the temple curtain.
Afterwards, Pastor Greg will carry a rough-hewn cross to the altar for prayer and
veneration. Adam Steel will close the service with the spiritual, “Were You there?” I
encourage all members of the congregation to attend this service and the other two of
the Triduum (three days) of Maundy Thursday and the Easter vigil. It’s important to
follow our Lord through the valley of the shadows to more fully experience the jubilation of Easter morning.
There is one anthem on Good Friday about which I would like to give some background information. Soprano Cassie Jacobs will sing a dramatic aria by Moravian
composer, John Antes, followed by the chorale, “Surely He hath borne our Griefs.”
The Moravians have a unique and rich musical tradition which is worth mentioning.
The Moravian church originated in Herrnhut, Germany, where it were known as the
“Unitas Fratrum,” They were followers of the early Czech reformer, Jan Hus, and their
denomination supported a tradition of prayer and reverence which inspired the Wesley
brothers, John and Charles, as they began their ministry in America. They were filled
with missionary zeal and traveled to many places, particularly in North America. In
the 1700’s, they established settlements in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and WinstonSalem, North Carolina. They, like the Lutherans, held music in high esteem in their
worship, and they brought with them hymns, anthems, instruments, and composers for
their new settlements. John Antes was one of these talented composers and his music
reveals a heart-felt and personal love of God. Moravians were famous for their trombone choirs which served the purpose of calling people to worship or accompanying
festivals and special occasions. Ben Franklin, on traveling in Pennsylvania, commented
on the richness and beauty of the singing in the Moravian worship.
On Easter Sunday, we will celebrate the festival of the resurrection with brass, timpani,
and choirs. Services are at 7 AM (outdoors, if the weather permits), 9 AM and 11
AM. Come and celebrate the empty tomb with our choirs and congregation on April
5th. Perhaps, Pastor Greg will “unearth” the hidden “Alleluia.”
- Debby Woods
Choir Robe Campaign
The LCGS Chancel choir and the Ringers and Singers Youth
choir are looking to purchase new robes. They are an elegant
Cranberry color with a beige collar and sleeve. The youth
choir robes are royal blue, with an ivory collar. If you would
like to contribute to “sprucing up the choir,” your help would
be greatly appreciated. Checks made out to LCGS, with
“choir robe” on the memo line will be gratefully received.
Many thanksDebby Woods
APRIL 2015 I PAGE 2
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
ALTAR GUILD
The Altar Guild is a vital group of volunteers at Good Shepherd, who make
sure the communion elements are set-up and ready for each service by volunteering on Saturday mornings during an assigned month. One or two members
of the team also help the communion assistants keep the wine trays filled. Each
team serves one month at a time. This is a great opportunity to serve Good
Shepherd and takes minimal time on your part. For more information contact,
Sallie Gartside, Vicar Dean.
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
Communion Assistants are needed, for the 9:40 & 11 a.m. services. As a
Communion Assistant you get to be a part of serving the congregation at the
Banquet. Please contact Sharlene Krause.
USHERS
We have four Usher teams who serve once a month, and take turns when there
is a 5th Sunday in the month. Four people are needed at each service. We are
short at ALL services. If you are willing to help out on one of the teams contact
Harry Quinn.
GREETERS NEEDED
Are you a “people person”? The 9:40 and 11 a.m. service needs greeters. This is
a great place for our youth as well as adults to serve God at LCGS. Two friends
could serve together! Think about it and mark on the Pew Pad by your name or
contact Ruth Marteny in the church office at to [email protected].
LAY ASSISTANTS & LECTORS
This is another area that needs help at ALL three services. The Lay Assistant
leads in Scripture reading and prayers. The readings and prayers are e-mailed to
you each week so you can prepare.
The Lector, (currently only at 8 a.m.) reads only the Second Scripture, (also
e-mailed to you). We’d like to see Lectors used at the 11 a.m. service as well.
Contact Ruth Marteny in the church office at to [email protected].
PLEASE PRAYFULLY CONSIDER SERVING IN ONE OF THESE
POSITIONS AT THE SERVICE YOU ATTEND.
AN Invitation to THE
Congregation
I wanted to share some wonderful news,
my "setting-apart" Ordination Ceremony
for becoming a Deacon at Good
Shepherd is Saturday, October 24th,
2015 at 2:00 pm at Grace Lutheran
(21 Carroll St., Westminster, MD 21157).
Bishop Wolfgang Herz-Lane (DelawareMaryland Synod) will be officiating. The
color of the day is red. There are five
Deacons being set-apart at the service. I
know it's a little of a trip but I cordially
invite the congregation to attend. I am
very excited about becoming a Deacon
at our church.
This has been an exciting journey the
past few years. My last classes, which
I am finishing now, are Old and New
Testament at Epiphany with Pr. Churchill
Wortherly. This has been very challenging
and fulfilling. The classes require quizes,
exams, sermons, devotionals, and a ninepage final paper. I am dedicated to this
program and am working hard to bring
my best to the call of Deacon at Good
Shepherd to all of you!
In Christ,
Sallie J. Gartside
a note of thanks...
I would like to thank the many friends who showed their
concern for me while I was in the hospital. Calls, cards, prayers
and visits did much to help me recover.
- Neal Siebold
N
Harford Family House is thankful for your gift of $635.03 received on
12/31/2015. Because of your generosity, we will be able to continue to provide
shelter and support services to homeless families with children right here in our
own community.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Your donation will enable us to provide
housing, resources, and support to enable a family to move from homelessness to
permanent, stable housing and hope for a brighter future.
Our Church Family
BAPTISMS
March 1, 2015
Owen Edward Krakowski
Son of Timothy & Dana Krakowski
Alexa Elaine Krakowski
Daughter of Timothy & Dana Krakowski

As you enjoy the winter weather, please know that by sharing your many blessings this holiday season you have made a difference in the lives of homeless families right here in Harford County. You are a part of our extended family and for
that we are thankful.
Sincerely,
Joyce Duffy, Executive Director
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 3
Youth Synod Rep For Tanzania Task
Force (TTF) Mission August 19-25!
Application Deadline Fast Approaching!
CIA Youth Events
CIA (youth group for grades 6 - 12)
are the first Sunday and third Tuesday each month
from 7-8:30 p.m. in the lower level of the parsonage
Contact Mrs. Connie or any of the CIA leaders with
questions/ information.
Youth collecting items for
TerraCycle recycling
Our middle and high school youth
are collecting many items in the
Youth Room to recycle through
TerraCycle to raise funds for their
activities and programs. You can help by bringing
these items to the Youth Room and leaving them in
the collection boxes. Check the E-Pistle for a link to
a list of items that are being collected.
For more information about our programs through
TerraCycle, which collects and repurposes hardto-recycle waste, visit www.terracycle.com. If you
have questions about the program and how you can
help us raise funds for our youth programs, contact
Debbie Madigan.
Hershey
Park
Love riding
roller coasters
or just seeing how chocolate is made? Then join us
for a fun filled day at Hershey Park!
The CIA Youth are sponsoring a LCGS Hershey
Park Family and Friends Day on Saturday, May
30, 2015. In order to receive the group rate, those
interested must sign up by Sunday, April 5th. Ticket
prices may decrease depending on the number of
people signed up to attend. On April 6th an email
will be sent out to all who have signed up with the
adjusted discounted prices. Those attending will be
given their tickets the week before the event so that
they can arrive and depart at their leisure. So invite
your family and friends to sign up and join us! Those
interested in going should sign up in the narthex or
email Connie directly at the email provided below
or via Facebook on the Youth of LCGS events page.
If you have any questions, please contact Connie
Charitonuk.
Prices start at:
Regular (ages 9-54) $33.50
Junior/Senior (ages 3-8 & 55-69) $28.50
Senior Plus (ages 70+) $21.95
Tickets purchased are valid for the 2015 summer season.
Are you a Young Adult who wants to gain meaningful insight
into our Companion Church relationship with the Lutheran
Church in Tanzania as well as expand our own personal global
experience? Are you willing to do short presentations in Synod
congregations and learn more about the work of the Synod’s
Tanzania Task Force? College students may also want to consider using this experience as foundation for an independent
study course.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania has invited
the ELCA to send young adults (ages 18 – 35 years old) from
Companion Synods to attend their Youth Consultation from
August 19 – 25, 2015 to be held in Dodoma, TZ.
The ELCA Global Mission will provide a subsidy of $1,500
toward covering travel expenses such as air fare, the $100 TZ
Visa cost for US passport tourists, immunizations, etc. Host
families in the Dodoma Diocese will provide room and board
for the visitors. While you will be responsible for some personal
expenses, your congregation may also financially assist you in
funding this educational opportunity. The Synod’s Tanzania
Task Force (TTF) will also help with additional expenses for
this exciting experience.
The Synod Tanzania Task Force (TTF) invites those who are
interested to contact our LCGS rep, Meghan Marx. A Completed
application and availability for an interview will be part of the
selection process. We hope to choose the person to represent our
Synod by early April.
Synod Congregations are also invited to make a contribution
toward helping a Young Adult represent our Synod at this
event. Please contact Meghan, above, for additional details.
“Eat More Chikin” to Benefit GAX!
Dine at Chick-fil-A at Constant
Friendship ALL DAY the 3rd Tuesday
of each month February through June
and 20% of the non-taxed sales will be
donated towards our GAX program.
You MUST TAKE THE FLYER with you to Chick-fil-A so
GAX gets credit for the sale.
Flyers are located in the Narthex or they can be printed at:
http://lcgselca.org/pdf/LCGS-GAX-Program.pdf
Contact Jill Healey with questions. Thank you for your support!
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 4
The CIA Youth Have a Fun Night of Bowling, Friday, March 13th
(Photos by Carol Mellor)
MOM2MOM FAMILIES ENJOY A NIGHT OF EASTER FUN! (More on page 6)
(Photos by Carol Mellor)
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 5
staying CONNECTED
MOM2MOM
Mom2Mom will have our monthly meeting
on April 17th at 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM in the
Narthex. This is the final monthly meeting of the
school year. Mom2Mom will have a Mommy’s
night out at Chopstix in Bel Air on Friday, April
10th at 6:00 PM.
Childcare provided for children 1 - 6 years old.
Please bring a sippy cup and $5 dues (per family).
Mom2Mom is a mommy Christian support network. We offer a time to get together with other
women who face similar situations and challenges
you do. We encourage each other, have fun and
learn together!
If you are interested or have any questions about
our group, please contact Cindy Burkhardt or
Jennifer Nesaw. You can email us at [email protected], find us on Facebook, or visit us at
http://mom2momlcgs.blogspot.com.
A NIGHT OF EASTER FUN!
BROWN BAG BOOK CLUB:
April 19, 2015
Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish
The Brown Bag Book Club meets on Sunday, April
19, 2015 following the 11:00 AM worship service. We will meet in the LCGS Conference Room.
Please bring your lunch or snack and join us as we
discuss Stones for Bread by Christa Parrish.
Stones for Bread was a 2014 Christy Award Winner
in Contemporary Fiction.
A solitary artisan. A legacy of bread-baking. And one secret that could
collapse her entire identity.
Liesl McNamara’s life can be described in one word: bread. From her
earliest memory, her mother and grandmother passed down the mystery of baking and the importance of this deceptively simple food. And
now, as the owner of Wild Rise bake house, Liesl spends every day up
to her elbows in dough, nourishing and perfecting her craft.
But the simple life she has cultivated is becoming quite complicated.
Her head baker brings his troubled grandson into the bakeshop as
an apprentice. Her waitress submits Liesl’s recipes to a popular cable
cooking show. And the man who delivers her flour-a single father with
strange culinary habits-seems determined to win Liesl’s affection.
When Wild Rise is featured on television, her quiet existence appears a
thing of the past. And then a phone call from a woman claiming to be
her half-sister forces Liesl to confront long-hidden secrets in her family’s
past.With her precious heritage crumbling around her, the baker must
make a choice: allow herself to be buried in detachment and remorse,
or take a leap of faith into a new life.
Filled with both spiritual and literal nourishment, Stones for Bread provides a feast for the senses from award-winning author Christa Parrish.
“A quietly beautiful tale about learning how to accept the past and how
to let go of the parts that tie you down.” -RT Book Reviews, 4.5 stars,
TOP PICK!
Description taken from BarnesandNoble.com
Any questions? Please contact Linda Ruese or Andrea Hooper.
Our upcoming 2015 schedule…
May 17, 2015
The Round House by Louise Erdich
June 14, 2015
Gray Mountain by John Grisham
July 19, 2015
Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
Aug. 16, 2015
Somewhere Safe with Somebody Good by Jan Karon
Sept. 20, 2015
Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver
Oct. 18, 2015
The Dinner by Herman Koch
Nov. 22, 2015
Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury
Dec. 13, 2015
A Christmas novel (TBD) by Richard Paul Evans
(Photos by Carol Mellor)
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 6
DAY♥TIMERS
The Daytimers will hold their luncheon/meeting on Tuesday, April 14 in
the Celebration Room. We will be having a speaker from the Harford
County Sheriffs Department speak to us about ID theft and scams. This is
something we should all be interested in and how we need to be more alert.
Bring a friend, paper products for the Welcome One Center, and food for
the Sharing Table. Come and meet someone new !!!
- Lowell Repp
Welcome One Emergency Shelter Shares Their
Stories
A case worker, a
financial director, and 2
clients of the Welcome
One Emergency Shelter
shared their gripping,
eye-opening, and heartwarming experiences
with the Daytimers
and students and staff
from New Covenant
Christian School. The
speakers provided a
personal glimpse into the seriousness of homelessness, identified the
causes of homelessness, and provided ideas to help the homeless. One
idea given during the talk was to keep bottled water in your vehicle and
distribute the water as needed to the homeless. The Welcome One
Emergency Shelter is the only full-service emergency homeless shelter in
Harford County. The shelter is operated by FCCAU (Faith Communities
and Civic Agencies United), a charitable organization that is supported
by a successful collaboration of churches, faith-based groups, local businesses, foundations, and government agencies. The shelter provides and
advocates for a continuum of services designed to reduce the incidence
and burdens of homelessness in Harford County. If you have any questions, see Tom Meyer or Bettyann Smith. FCCAU holds fundraisers such
as Basket BINGO on April 17 at St. Margaret’s gymnasium. Doors open
at 6:00 and BINGO begins at 7:00. In advance is $17. At the door is
$20. For more information about FCCAU visit their website http://www.
welcomeoneshelter.com
- Carol Mellor
New Small Group Study
Starting April 6
One of our evening women’s small groups will be
starting a new study on Monday, April 6 discussing the title What Good is God: In Search of a Faith that Matters by Philip
Yancey. The group will meet the first and third Monday of every month at
7:00 PM. Contact Linda Ruese if you are interested in participating.
Pastor Greg
spoke with
the Daytimers about the
history of
the Christian
Church and
how cultural
changes have
had an impact
on the church.
He said that
it is not easy
how we live
out our faith
in the changing world
around us and we need to embrace that
change. Pastor Greg wants individual LCGS
ministry groups to come together in a greater
ministry that reaches out to the community
in new ways to support those in need as well
as attract those who are seeking a place for
worship.
- Carol Mellor
Need prayers? Here’s
how to list someone on
our Good Shepherd Prayer
Chain
To list someone on the Prayer Chain, call
the office at 410-838-8081 or Coordinator
Doris Mellor, or complete a prayer card
(in the pew pockets.) Provide the person’s
first and last names and a contact number,
or include your contact number. The Coordinator will verify a member’s desire to be
on the list and specific purpose to be listed.
In order to make the extensive list of family
and friends current and manageable, we
will keep the name listed for three weeks
unless it is resubmitted.
Growing Faith Together in Community!
Contact Debbie Smeton for information about small groups.
We have a seat reserved for you!
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 7
ways to SERVE
from the FLOWER COMMITTEE
Altar Flower Sponsors Needed
Have a Special Occasion that you want
to honor? Sign up for your “Special
Date” ASAP! Just pick your date and
sign up on the Flower Chart which is
on the counter by the windows in the
Narthex
Arrangement Availability:
April 19th
May 10th, 17th and 24th
June 28th
All Sundays in July
When you sign the chart, be sure to
take an envelope, located on the display.
Complete the information on the
envelope and either put it in the offering plate or send it to the office along
with the payment, $40.00 per arrangement. The flowers need to be paid for
prior to the week they are on the altar.
Please be sure you indicate on the
Flower Chart if you will remove
the arrangement or if you want
the Flower Committee to deliver
it to a hospitalized or “home
bound” member. When you remove
the flowers, please just take the paper
mache container and leave the silver
one on the shelf.
If you have any questions or need more
information, please contact Karol Ashbrook, Flower Chairperson.
Karol Ashbrook
Flower Chairman
Do you enjoy writing, editing,
photography or design?
The Communications Ministry Team
invites you to join us
Do you enjoy writing, editing, graphic design, Web design, photography,
or shooting videos? The Communications Ministry Team invites you to
explore how you could use your talents and interests to help share the
good news of Jesus and His work in and through Good Shepherd in our
congregation and in the wider community. Our next meeting is Tuesday,
April 7 at 7 p.m. in Room 208 in the education wing.
All are welcome.
Image Release Forms
Our LCGS photographers have been busy capturing photos of many exciting activities going on at LCGS! This spring is particularly filled with youth
celebrations, music performances and events that the Communications
team is excited to share with our church family! If you have not already
signed a Image Release Form for your child (youth under age 18), please
take a moment to do so. Forms can be found in the boxes outside the
church office and be dropped off in the Office Managers mailbox. If you
have already filled out a form in the past, you need to do nothing. Thank
you for your help!
Hungry for more Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd news? Contact
the Communications Team at [email protected] with your
First and Last Name and email address to sign up to receive the newsletters of your choice:
• E-pistle is the e-newsletter for Good Shepherd members and friends.
Its purpose is to share brief, timely, upcoming information that cannot wait
for the weekend or The Shepherd’s Staff monthly newsletter. It’s a good
place to read emergency or time-sensitive announcements, and to receive
The Shepherd’s Staff newsletter, in full color.
• Sunday School is the e-newsletter for Sunday school parents and
teachers. Its purpose is to share news and time-sensitive announcements
about our Sunday school program.
You can also visit our Web site, www.lcgselca.org, for more information
about our ministries and programs. We’re on Facebook too:
• Find Good Shepherd on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LutheranChurchoftheGoodShepherd.LCGS
• The CIA youth group is on Facebook at www.facebook.com/
CIAYouthGroup.LCGS
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool is on Facebook at www.
facebook.com/goodshepherdlutheranpreschool
- The Communications Ministry Team
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 8
WANT TO SERVE?
Follow Up To FED …Taking The
Next Step
If you were one of the 85 youth and
adults who attended the March 8th
FED program you were treated to
a rare glimpse of what it’s like to be
homeless in Harford County, from the
inside out. This month’s Shepherd Staff
article features our Welcome One Day
Shelter Team; What LCGS is currently
doing, how we’d like to expand,
and how you can contribute to this
important outreach for our homeless.
LCGS currently supports FCCAU
with an annual $1500 donation
plus any monies collected from
designated communion rail offerings.
In addition, we serve 4 times a year
at their Welcome One Day Shelter in
Belcamp. (Several members volunteer
on a regular basis, aside from our
assigned dates.)
For each of the serve dates volunteers
check the shelters existing food
stock for basic supplies and shop to
fill in anything needed to prepare the
menu we chose for that day. They
pack sack lunches, prepare and serve
an evening buffet-style meal, and visit
with the guests (often playing cards
or watching TV) until bedtime. One
member spends the night and sets
out a ‘grab and go’ breakfast the next
morning. There is usually an overlap
in help as the dinner prep crew often
chose to stay as host or hostess
after supper. The total number of
volunteers needed for each serve
date is only 6-7!
What makes our ‘Welcome One
Day Shelter’ team so special is their
emphasis on ‘Welcome.’ They make it
a point NOT to serve pasta – guests
get that from many of the other
volunteer groups – and instead go
out of their way to cook ham, or
turkey (January & April), hot dogs
or bratwurst on the grill (July &
October.) Our volunteers never just
‘feed and leave’ but make time to get
to know the folks they serve. The
guests are real people, most of them
surprisingly normal! Nothing to be
frightened of!
Kim Wagner is our current program liaison and shares the below, ‘Close to
home’ stories to illustrate how serving there has touched her life:
“…I could literally lie in my bed, under my comforter, looking out over my toes
across the street and see the home where one guest I met used to live. She
was a WV native, with limited education, the second wife to a man who worked
at APG for 40 years, living in Bel Air. When her husband became stricken with
Alzheimer’s her stepson obtained POA and literally changed the locks on the
doors and put her out on the street to fend for herself.” Elderly and financially
dependent on her sick husband, with no family of her own or close connections
to guide her towards resources, she soon found herself at the homeless shelter.
When Kim met her she was using a magnifying glass to read books because she
couldn’t afford cataract surgery. Eventually she reunited with family and moved
back to WV. “ … But not every story has a happy ending…” Kim added.
“…on what I think was my very first serve date I was talking with a guest whom
I instantly recognized, but couldn’t exactly place. I felt like I knew his soul … his
eyes were hauntingly familiar.” As they talked she realized that his family was also
from Fallston, and both he and his younger sister attended Fallston High with
Kim and her older brother. Both families lived in good neighborhoods, attended
the same schools, and had parents who worked. But somehow this man and his
sister both lost their way, becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs. Sadly, Kim
learned that his sister (her arch nemesis in high school) died of an overdose, and
several years after their first meeting she heard that he froze to death living in
the woods of Harford County.
Our job is to help these neighbors make the connection of how letting God’s
love in to their lives can give them strength to cope and heal. They are not alone.
And all we have to do is prepare a meal, sit, pray and listen as they share their
stories. How simple is that? If you are interested but still a little afraid call Kim
to schedule a ‘mini-tour’ on an upcoming serve date. Likewise, if you’re ready to
take the leap please let her know you’d like to be a part of a new, second Team
to help us expand this important outreach. Kim Wagner.
Here are two other ways you can help the Harford County homeless:
Attend the upcoming, annual Bingo Night to benefit Welcome One Emergency
Shelter on Friday night April 17th at St Margaret’s. For details call Pat Eiler: 410676-2018.
Sign up to help at the upcoming Bel Air Habitat For Humanity / Interfaith Build on
Saturday May 2nd. Signup sheets will be in the Narthex soon!
God’s Peace
- Servanthood Committee
New Support to Local Homeless Initiative
Looking For A Fun Way To Support The Local Homeless Initiative? Reserve Your
Ticket NOW To Attend The Annual Bingo for Welcome One Emergency Shelter.
Bingo Featuring Longaberger & Vera Bradley Products to benefit the Welcome
One Emergency Shelter.
Friday, April 17, 2015 at St. Margaret Gymnasium, Bel Air. Doors open at 6:00
p.m., Bingo Begins 7:00 p.m.
Tickets are $17.00 in advance, $20 at the door. Checks payable to FCCAU. Mail
order to Pat Eiler 1400 Stockton Rd. Joppa, MD 21085, 410-676-2018.
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 9
Peacemaker Ministries - PeaceMeal
Forgiveness in a Word
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:36
Forgiveness is a radical decision not to hold an
offense against the offender… forgiveness is
undeserved and can’t be earned.
Taken from Resolving Everyday Conflict by Ken Sande and Kevin Johnson
(Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2011) p.89.
If you had just one word to describe forgiveness, what would it be? In the
same way that a picture can't possibly capture the expansive greatness and
wonder of the Grand Canyon, there are few if any words that on their own
capture the beauty found in the extension of grace through forgiveness.
To forgive is to pardon, to set free, to be set free. It is to release another
from guilt, and to be released from the heavy burden of holding a grudge.
Forgiveness is extending mercy, when none is due. It is setting aside the
right to be right, all while embracing the attributes of humility, kindness, and
compassion.
Food For Thought
The complications and complexities of forgiveness are hard to sum up in one
word; but, it can be summed up in one example - His name is Jesus. His life was
the very essence of grace and forgiveness. He is our model - and, because we
have been freely forgiven, we are free to forgive.
DAYTIMERS FUND
In Memory of Bertha Grimm from
Ms. Dorothy Kraft
Ms. Ruth Marteny
Mrs. Karen Nordman
In Memory of Frances Slater Smith from
Mr. and Mrs. John Busick
WORSHIP and MUSIC FUND
In Memory of Bertha Grimm from
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Richter
SERVANTHOOD FUND
In Memory of Bertha Grimm from
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Meyer
Ms. Betty Ann Smith
UNDESIGNATED FUND
In Memory of Bertha Grimm from
Rev. and Mrs. Donald Keyser
As the Lenten season ends and we rejoice in the Resurrection, let us become
“radicals” and lighten our load and that of others through forgiveness.
PASTORS’S DISCRETIONARY FUND
In Memory of Bertha Grimm from
Ms. Betty Ann Smith
Need help? If you desire help in reconciling a conflict, disagreement
or broken relationship, consider calling a LCGS Peacemaking
Reconciliation Team member. Owen Ashbrook; Debbie Smeton or Gail
Fricke. All communications are confidential.
ALTAR GUILD FUND
In Memory of David Rigotti from
Mrs. Karen Nordman
- Gail Fricke, Peacemaking Team
GAX FUND
A Special Gift from
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Matthews
Health Care Ministries
SAVE THE DATE!! We will be holding a community health
fair the morning of Saturday, April 18 here at LCGS. Free
fitness classes, health and wellness information and more!
Join us!
AED News and call for certified members:
We now have our 2nd AED! It is located outside the Celebration Hall near the water fountains. There is also an AED
in the narthex near the coat room. Please take a moment to locate these
potentially life-saving devices!
We are also looking to compile a list of members who are currently CPR/
AED certified. If you are currently certified, please e-mail Kathy DeHoff.
BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING:
On Sunday, March 29, the Health Care Ministry will continue offering free
blood pressure screenings. You do not need an appointment, just come to
the Library between 9:15 and 10:45!
JOIN OUR WALKING GROUP!
Contact Kathy DeHoff.
HEALTH TIPS AND RECIPES:
Please continue to check the narthex and e-pistle for our health tip and
recipe of the month.
If you have any questions or would like to join the Health Care Ministry
team, please contact Diane Brown.
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 10
PRESCHOOL CORNER
Can mean people change to be nice people? In their March
chapel lesson, the preschoolers of Good Shepherd learned
that they can indeed! The children heard the story of how
God changed Saul, an enemy of Jesus, into Paul, a friend and
helper of Jesus. They also learned that they can be Jesus’ helpers too by telling people of Jesus’ love for them, just as Paul did. Back in their
classrooms, the three year-olds explored farms and learned about all the animals
and plants on the farm and the products we get from them. They painted and
drew farm animals and crops to get ready for their trip to North Harford High
School’s farm in April. The children also had “Teddy Bear Day” in which they
brought a teddy bear to school and participated in some fun activities together.
The four year-olds explored spring weather, St. Patrick’s Day, and rainbows with
some fun art projects and science experiments, such as rainbow milk and a cloud
in a jar. They are continuing to learn their alphabet and numbers and sight words.
Father’s Night was held in the middle of the month and fathers and children had
fun in school together one evening making a special picture frame. The Transitional
Kindergarten also had Father’s Night and learned about what happens in the nighttime.
They talked about how God cares for us and keeps us safe. They also studied the sea
and all the creatures in it. After reading several Eric Carle books, they made their own
artwork in the style of Eric Carle’s work. All the children are looking forward to the
warmer days of spring and the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the fresh air and
sunshine.
- Rhonda Messick
Good Shepherd Lutheran Preschool 2015-2016 Registration Information
Registration for preschool is currently open. The preschool offers a wide variety of
classes for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds, including a transitional kindergarten program. If you
know of anyone who may be looking for an excellent preschool, please help us to get
the word out about registration.
For more information about the school, visit our Web site at www.lcgselca.org or our
Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goodshepherdlutheranpreschool or contact
Director Lois Dobart at (410) 838-8457 or [email protected]
Questions or Comments?
Please feel free to contact any of
the 2015 Congregation Council:
President
Stuart Goemmer
Vice-President
Evelyn Spratt
Treasurer
Linda Ruese
Secretary
Sallie Gartside
Christian Education
Maureen Stark
Outreach
Susan Quinn
Worship and Music
Gene Oaksmith
Stewardship
Jim Lolley
FEBRUARY 2015 TREASURER’S REPORT
This Month,
2015
Income
Expenses
IncomeExpenses
Year-to-date,
2015
This Month,
2014
Year-to-date,
2014
$ 37,716.65
$ 68,729.15
$ 38,651.08
$ 67,993.91
$ (42,144.78)
$ (84,453.75)
$ (43,477.50)
$ (83,395.01)
$ (4,428.13)
$ (15,724.60)
$ (4,826.42)
$ (15,401.10)
February additional payments to principal
-
Campaign-to-date additional payments to principal
$ 60,301.30
Mortgage Balance
$ 96,253.47
Projected pay-off date
September 2017
Congregational Life and Service
(CLAS)
Missy Leppo
Youth
Gordon Brown
Facilities Operation
Chris Poling
Finance, Legal and Operations
(FLO)
Kim Wagner
APRIL 2015
I PAGE 11
The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
1515 Emmorton Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Response to Ebola
Our ELCA has provided $275,000 to support companion churches in both
Liberia and Sierra Leone. The funds were dispersed through Lutheran
Disaster Response to ELCA companion churches and partners responding
to the immediate needs of people. Mrs. Roselyn Kawah, chairperson of
a concerned group of Liberian women, spoke about how “the Lutheran
Church has been a shining ray of light in this bleak situation. Liberians
have learned a lot, and we are grateful for our partners’ accompaniment.”
The funds provided oil, rice, and fish to thousands of households that were
under quarantine; construction of an isolation center in Phebe Hospital,
education about hygiene, support for orphans, and job creation. Offerings
and donations to Lutheran Disaster Response make this work possible.
- ELCA
Neighborly Approach
2015 Shepherd’s Staff
deadlines
April 19 (Sunday)
May 17 (Sunday)
June 14 (Sunday)
July 19 (Sunday)
Neighbor to Neighbor is a ministry of the Feagaville Lutheran Parish which
includes St. Luke and Mt. Zion of the Frederick Conference. Neighbor to
Neighbor collects clothes, appliances, furniture, and children’s toys which are
given away to people and charity organizations. The ministry was founded
three years ago and has seen a steady increase in number of families served.
The Rev. Ken Gill estimates that Neighbor to Neighbor has helped 500
families during the year. About 22 volunteers help at the ministry on the
first and third Wednesdays and the second and fourth Saturdays of each
month. The Rev. Gill states, “We’ve touched a lot of people. It’s really grown,
and it’s helped us to grow.”
- ELCA
August 16 (Sunday)
September 13 (Sunday)
October 18 (Sunday)
November 11 (Wednesday)
December 9 (Wednesday)