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The
Church of the Good Shepherd
eShepherd's Staff
New & Noteworthy
May 19, 2017
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Eucharist
: 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.
Christian Ed. for all ages: 9:15 a.m.
Sermon - The Rev. Bruce McPherson
"We celebrate community and serve others!"
Reflection: The Faith of an Uber Driver
As you may know, Phebe and I just returned from a wonderful post-Easter vacation in The Netherlands and Belgium. We saw a lot of interesting things and met a lot of interesting people. None was more interesting, however, than the Uber driver who took us to the Brussels airport. His name was Sasa. He is a Belgian national, married to a Macedonian. His father is a Serb and his mother a Croat. He claimed to have lots of friends, but his best friend is a Somali. He served his military obligation in Serbia, though it was cut short by a motorcycle accident. I asked him if he felt like a man without a country and he said, "No. I feel like I am the future."
Equally interesting was his take on faith. His mother was Roman Catholic and his father Eastern Orthodox. He, like many in Europe, belongs to no church. But he does wonder aloud about God with his friends and with complete strangers like us. He says that Albert Einstein got it right when he said that belief in God depended in what you mean when you say, "God." And if God is understood to be the most profound wisdom and the most subtle beauty beyond imagining, then he believed. Not too bad for an Uber driver, is it?
I suppose it is obvious that in world religions, globalization is making its mark. As the world get smaller, people of differing faith traditions come to know each other. Sometimes they use religion as an excuse to go to war. More often, they openly discuss their traditions with one another, ask deep questions and come to find out that, like so many things, they have more in common with one another than they thought. Sometimes, the only substantive difference is the name we give God. But in every case, we find our own understanding of God enriched.
For the three Sundays, the Adult Forum is focusing on Islam, one of the world's great religions and about which we know so little. Last Sunday Imam Bilal Ankaya,
Director of Interfaith Dialogue at The Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies/Ezher Bloom Mosque gave us an overview of the "pillars" of Islam. This week Dr. Margaret Johnson, a practicing Moslem, will talk about the role of women in Islam. Finally, next week Samil Nasser, a neighbor of our Church, will speak about the role of Islam in daily life. I don't think that I can get Sasa, the Uber driver, to join us, but I hope that you will.
Bruce+
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Fellowship Events
Coming together for friendship and fun!
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Health and Fitness Ministry
The Health and Fitness ministry will not meet this Sautrday, May 20. The Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Ministry invites you to join us to train for a 5K walk/run race that will take in June. We will start training this Saturday. Here is an article from the Mayo Clinic about the benefits of training for a 5k race:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/5k-run/art-20050962 The training takes 7 weeks and the article explains all about it. I will bring copies to our next meeting this Saturday. I have been running a 5k every year for the last 5 years and find it that the preparation for the race brings me closer to God. And God knows I get to the end by His Grace, not mine! I was able to just walk the first time and I prayed all the way for God's help and I got a miracle when I crossed the finish line. Now, by the grace of God too, I can jog and even run most of the 5K. I want to invite you to join the Good Shepherd Health and Fitness Ministry in the 5k training, even if you do not want to join the race or can't do all the 7 weeks. Join us Saturdays at 5 pm in the outside chapel. You will feel great! If you have any questions, please contact Elvira Beracochea at
elvira@realizingglobalhealth.com
Parish Dinner/Outreach Fundraiser
Saturday, September 16 - Mark your calendars now!
Fall Parish Dinner with delicious food, fellowship, music, and fun for the whole family!
Save the Date! Special Treasures Sale October 14
 We have received our first "special treasure" to be included in our sale on October 14th - a Turkish brass samovar, pictured here. Won't you hold on to any special treasures you may come across between now and October to donate to the sale? All proceeds will go to the Outreach Compassion Fund. Thank you!
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Adult Forum Schedule
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Islam
May 21 - The Role of Women in Islam - Dr. Margaret Johnson, Institute of Islamic-Turkish Studies
Dr. Margaret A. Johnson, sociologist, is a Senior Research Associate for the Institute of Islamic and Turkish Studies in Fairfax, VA. She is an international speaker, writer, and editor. Currently, she is a practicing Moslem and is engaged in research for a book about peacebuilding in areas of conflict.
May 28 - Islam in Family Life - Samir Nasser
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Choral Arts Chamber Singers this Sunday!
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The Good Shepherd concert series presents the Choral Arts Chamber Singers as the final concert of the 2016-2017 season this Sunday, May 21, at 6:00 p.m. In addition, the Choral Arts Youth Chorus, made up of outstanding high school singers, will be featured on the program. The Chamber Singers are also members of the nationally renowned Choral Arts Society of Washington, under the direction of Scott Tucker. Choral Arts presents a regular concert season in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall, and often collaborates with major orchestras including the National Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, and Baltimore Symphony. The Chamber Singers will present a varied program, with music spanning five centuries. The concert will be followed by a festive reception in the Parish Hall. Tickets may be purchased after Sunday services, or click
here to get them online. Tickets will also be available at the door.
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AEDs Now Functional
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Both Automated External Defibrillators (AED) are now fully functional and operational. One is located in the cabinet next to the Volunteer Office and the second is located next to the Preschool Director's Office. Be aware that the cabinet doors are alarmed such that if the door is opened to access the AED unit, an alarm will sound to notify anyone in the area. Training began this past Saturday with an orientation of the units with the Men's Group; the Preschool Staff will receive an orientation soon; the Rector will schedule a time for all staff to be training certified; and, lastly, a training certification will be offered to other parishioners in the near future. Watch here for notifications. We continue to seek someone to manage this program for the church. The requirements and time are minimal now that the units are functional. If you have questions or have an interest in this important ministry, contact the church office.
When is an AED used?
Use the Fully Automatic AED Plus when a suspected cardiac arrest victim has an apparent LACK OF CIRCULATION as indicated by:
- Unconsciousness; and
- Absence of normal breathing; and
- Absence of pulse or signs of circulation
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Help Wanted
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We are searching for a new Parish Administrator. This is a full-time position with full benefits. If you know of anyone who may be interested, they can send a resume and cover letter to Bruce at
rector@good-shepherd.net. Parishioners are not eligible for this position.
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Our robust rental ministry at Good Shepherd is seeking additional names to add to our roster of event managers. We are seeking vibrant and outgoing event managers to host, supervise and support our rental events. These are paid positions, and we do ask for flexibility in being able to work some evenings and weekends. Full training will be provided, and any experience in customer service or event planning is helpful but not required, as is the ability to do light lifting such as setting up folding chairs and tables. Excellent opportunity for college students and retirees! If you know of anyone who would be a good lead for us, please get in touch with our Rental Ministry Manager Darrell Rison at grand-hall@good-shepherd.net.
The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) program is in need of a new Administrative Assistant. The next term begins with registration on September 6 and 7, but some summer preparation is necessary. Training will be provided by the current assistant, Roberta Lindsay. Contact Carol St. Germain, ESOL Coordinator, at 703-323-5400, ext. 149 or 703-978-0823 for more information.
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Parish Finances for April 2017
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Our financial picture continues to be satisfactory. Overall Revenues are below budget and Expenses are below budget. Overall Revenues were $88,475 and Expenses were $61,859. Rental Ministry income was above budget this month. It is about 12.5% below year-to-date. Pledge income is above budget for April and slightly below the year-to-date budget. Easter Offerings were below budget. The El Hogar Friend a Child total was $11,520 for the campaign. Other Regular Offerings were $6270 ($2516 above monthly budget). This increased generosity from non-pledging parishioners is gratifying.
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Opportunities for Ministry and Giving
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Jazz Vespers - Ascension Day, May 25, 7:30 p.m.
 Join us for thoughtful prayer and excellent jazz on the evening of Ascension Day. It is relaxing; it is contemplative; it is reverent.
Notification of Services
Longtime Good Shepherd parishioner Ray Ward passed away last Wednesday. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, May 29 in the Auditorium at Goodwin House Alexandria, 4800 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22311. A reception will follow in the Living Room. Burial will occur at a later date at Lakeview Cemetery, China, ME.
Good Shepherd Easter Food Drive
Brown bags are available in the Narthex for folks to take home and fill with dry goods as indicated in the suggested list attached to the bags. Please return them to the church by the end of this month, if possible, and they will be delivered to the "Food for Others" organization in this county, which services needy individuals and 25 other pantries in Fairfax County. The need continues to be very demanding in our county for help according to staffers at "Food for Others" and FACETS. These food drives at COGS have been very successful in the past and we hope to continue with a great outpouring of food at this Eastertide.
Annual FACETS Baby Supplies Drive
Each May the Outreach Commission sponsors the Annual FACETS Baby Supplies Drive. Just as we did last year; we will focus on diapers. The cost of diapers is a huge expense for a low income family. And, 20 percent of the people in Fairfax County earn below the Federal poverty level. We - Good Shepherd - can help. Continuing until May 28th, the Outreach collection box will be beside the table across from the office. Please put your diaper donations in the box. We will collect these and transfer them to FACETS. Remember, the focus is on diapers, especially the larger sizes. But, if you prefer to shop for other supplies, clothing, toys, or to make a monetary donation; your generosity will be greatly appreciated by those in need. Monetary donations may be in cash, a check to Good Shepherd (baby supplies on the memo line) or gift cards. If you make a monetary donation put it in the offering plate or leave it with the Office Manager. For additional information please contact Richard Holcombe via email at
jrholc49@cox.net or by phone at 703 909-4138.
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Our Parish Mission and Vision
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The Church of the Good Shepherd is a Christ-centered community sharing God's love. We strive to Strengthen Faith, Build Community, and Serve Others.
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Visit Good Shepherd on the web at
good-shepherd.net Church of the Good Shepherd 9350 Braddock Rd. Burke, VA 22015 703-323-5400 |
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Save the Date!
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Sun, 5/21
Easter Sunday, 8:00 and 10:15 a.m.
Christian Ed for All Ages: 9:15 a.m.
Jazz Vespers - Ascension Day, May 25, 7:30 p.m.
Join us for thoughtful prayer and excellent jazz on the evening of Ascension Day. It is relaxing; it is contemplative; it is reverent.
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Youth News
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Camp Hope 2017: Good Shepherd is looking for participants for Camp Hope 2017; youth and adult leaders. Camp Hope (Christian Appalachian Mountain Project Helping Other People Enthusiastically) is a mission trip to Frostburg, MD where homes of elderly and less fortunate people are worked on. The week is filled with hard work, learning new skills, making new friends, and serving God's mission. Youth between the ages of 14-18 can attend and adults over the age of 24 can chaperone. Please let
Perry Brown or
Steve Sides know if you are interested.
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Thank you!
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Susan Todenhoft, for playing the flute at last Sunday's 10:15 service
Brass Ensemble, for accompanying hymns at last Sunday's service
John Morris, for his continual support of Good Shepherd as Building & Grounds chair
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"Send us out to do the work you have given us to do."
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B
e the Prayers of the People
The healing of: Eleanor Martin; Ray Caddell; Marilyn Gorlin; Chris Bollerer; Lee Bailey; Amy Brennan; Ryan Link; Scot Allen; Gaye Stuart
For those in special need:
Andy; Belinda; Margaret; Bill; Anne; Karl
For the soul of:
Ray Ward; Frederick L. Jones, father of Fred Jones
We pray for peace in our world especially in the Middle East, for our service men and women serving in harm's way, especially James Grandchamp and Matthew Allen, for humanitarian workers, and all who work for peace.
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