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DiGG (DELVING INTO GOD'S GRACE) CLASS
Sundays from 9:10 to 10:00 a.m.,
Conference Room
Luther wrote, "A Christian is perfectly free, lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all, subject to all." We will explore this paradox of the Christian faith as we discuss the fourth of the elements of our baptismal vow: serve all people, following the example of Jesus.
Bill Johnson will lead the class.
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INTERSECTIONS CLASS
The Intersections Class discusses a variety of topics that connect faith and life. Come share your perspectives and hear from others.
On March 31, Heidi Bullock will lead the class. Please join us in Room 6 at 9:30 a.m. for the discussion or come at 9:10 to chat and enjoy refreshments.
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SPECIAL GUEST PREACHER & SPEAKER ON APRIL 7
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Pastor Kristin on the left, with the current YAGMs in Senegal.
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On
April 7, Pastor Kristin
Engstrom, the coordinator of the Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM) program in Senegal, will visit us. She will preach at both worship services and will speak during the Sunday School time beginning at 9:10 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
One of our church's strategic plan objectives is to "develop and implement 'accompaniment' as a model for being in community within and beyond the congregation." The YAGM program uses the model of accompaniment, and Pastor Kristin will talk about what this means. In her honor, we will enjoy special coffee hours after both worship services.
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WEDNESDAYS AT GOOD SHEPHERD DURING LENT
On Wednesday evenings
through April 10
, join us for Lenten soup suppers at 5:45 p.m. There is no need to sign up for the dinners - just come and enjoy!
After supper, join us for Lenten worship at 6:30 p.m. At each service, one of our members or friends will reflect on a promise of baptism, and how it impacts their life. Here are the promises of baptism and who will be speaking at upcoming services:
2. To serve all people, following the example of Jesus Christ (April 3 -
Susan Whitaker)
3. To strive for justice and peace in all the earth (April 10 - Ellen Dozier)
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KOINONIA COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICES
The congregations that form Koinonia are taking turns hosting a 30-minute noon* worship service, followed by lunch*, during the Lenten season. As a part of the service, a local charitable organization is invited to speak briefly about its work, and participants have an opportunity to contribute to a free will offering that is given to the charity. Each year, the Koinonia Lenten series raises more than $3,500 for local causes, and people from different faith communities - or no faith community - come together for worship and fellowship with one another.
This is the remaining 2019 schedule of Thursday* services:
April 4 - Sacred Heart Catholic Church with the Brevard Jewish Community (Bread of Life)
April 11 - First United Methodist Church (
Sharing House)
April 19, *Good Friday - Bethel "A" Baptist Church (Rise & Shine)
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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING THIS SUNDAY
At the
congregational meeting after the 10:30 a.m. service on March 31, members of the congregation will be able to vote on the proposed members of the Call Committee. The vote will be for the entire "team," not individuals. The proposed Call Committee members are: Roy Larson, Caroline Smith, David Gresham, Judy Caldwell, Kate Reinke, and Dave Carlson.
The congregational meeting will also include input to the Ministry Site Profile with the help of Sandra Cline of the NC Synod. The congregation's responses to four questions will serve to develop a profile used in the search for LCGS pastoral candidates.
Please plan to attend this very important meeting. Pizza will be served.
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COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
At their meeting on March 21, the Church Council approved a recommendation by the communications task force to create a volunteer Communications Coordinator position that reports to the Council. Donna Aiken-Colflesh was appointed to the position by Council, and will be responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of an effective LCGS communications strategy that is clearly tied to our Vision, Mission and Strategic Plan goals in a manner that supports our members in growing spiritually; feeling connected to our church community; and making informed decisions. Stay tuned for additional information in the near future.
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EASTER LILIES
If you would like to sponsor a lily ($6 each) to help beautify our sanctuary for Easter and to honor or remember someone, please sign up on the bulletin board. Thank you!
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THANK YOU
I would like to thank the members of Good Shepherd for their prayers and concern for the families of the two women, Rosa and Felipa, who died in a bus accident in Guatemala and for Reyna who was badly injured and remains in the hospital. I have received messages from their community thanking everyone for their prayers and asking for continued prayer for healing for all.
-
Ellen Dozier
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LIBRARIAN NEEDED
After many years of faithful service, Annette Blum has retired as our church librarian. We give thanks for her dedication to this task. If you love books, maybe this is your calling to become our next church librarian.
The Education Committee wants to work closely with you about any reconsiderations of goals and procedures you or we might think of for the library; training about the current situation will be available to you. If you are interested, please contact Linea Warmke (
[email protected] or 740-707-1822) or Kimberly Dunbar (
[email protected]). Thank you!
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CHOIR ROBES
Any Sunday now you will notice that the choir is sporting new robes. The purchase was necessitated because our current robes are no longer being made, and the membership has grown! Some contributions have been made to defray their cost (thank you!), but we still lack around $650 to having them completely paid for. If your spirits have been lifted by our
song,
please consider a donation to this cause.
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HEARING LOSS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
The next meeting will be on Saturday, April 13, at 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd. The room will open at 12:30 p.m. so people can sign in, browse the free literature available, and talk with others. All are welcome.
Our two-part program this month will first feature David Fitzsimmons from the North Carolina
Division of Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing who will explain the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles Hearing loss Determination Form and Stamp/Symbol for the driver's license. This symbol is added to the driver's license of hard of hearing people to alert law enforcement personnel so they are aware of a hearing handicap.
The second part of our program will be
an interactive discussion focusing on Communication Strategies for people with hearing loss and their communication partners. Strategies will be presented and discussion about how they work will be encouraged from everyone attending.
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PLANNING FOR EASTER SUNDAY BRUNCH IS UNDERWAY!
The Fellowship Committee will be hosting the annual Easter Sunday Brunch between the early and late services on April 21. Congregation members are asked to support the brunch by providing breakfast sweets (i.e. coffee cake, muffins, pastries) or fruit for the brunch. Please use the signup sheet on the bulletin board by April 14 to let us know what you plan to bring. Thank you!
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NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY PROGRAM
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Transylvania County will present this free 12-session educational series at Good Shepherd. This evidence-based series is intended for family and friends of people living with mental health issues, and will be led by lay and professional leaders. The series will run on
Mondays and Thursdays from April 8 through May 16, between 5:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Please register by April 3 to Janice Kimball (877-2806 or
[email protected]) if you'd like to attend.
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GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER?
It's time to sign up for the next round of "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?" which starts in May!
This is such a great way to get to know new church members and learn more about members we've already met. Those who sign up are divided into groups that will get together monthly in May, June, July and August. There is a "convener" assigned for each group who makes the initial contact and serves as the first host. Then each person or couple takes turns being the host.
We welcome singles to sign up either individually or with another single as a couple.
Typically, groups take turns meeting in each other's homes with the host providing the entrée, bread, and beverages, with others in the group providing the appetizer, salad, and dessert. However, groups have the flexibility to decide together whether they want to stick with this tradition or do something different - such as have dinner at a restaurant or meet for brunch or lunch instead of dinner. Making new traditions is highly encouraged! Plus, based on feedback from past participants, we are now providing the option to sign up for groups of 6 or 8 participants.
Please sign up on the bulletin board ASAP to be included in this opportunity to make new friends and connect with existing friends. Groups will be announced in late April/early May. In the meantime, contact Donna Brim ([email protected]) or Marilyn Carlson (884-2756) with any questions.
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REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS
Please remember to wear your name tags while at Good Shepherd, especially on Sunday mornings. This helps everyone get to know each other and is a way to show welcome and hospitality to others.
If you don't have a name tag in your church mailbox, please let Whitney in the office know (883-3680 or
[email protected]
). There are also write-in name tags on the table in the commons. Thank you!
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COMING SOON AT GOOD SHEPHERD . . .
Sunday, March 31
8:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary)
9:00 a.m. Coffee Hour (Fellowship Hall)
9:10 a.m. Delving into God's Grace Class (Conference Room)
9:10 a.m. Intersections Class (Room 6)
9:10 a.m. Elementary Children's Sunday School Class (Rooms 3 & 4)
9:10 a.m. Nursery/Preschool Class (Room 1)
10:30 a.m. Worship Service
(Sanctuary)
11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour
(Fellowship Hall)
12:00 p.m. Congregational Meeting (Fellowship Hall)
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COMMUNITY CARE CORNER
The "Community Care Corner" feature in the weekly newsletter allows us to update you on people for whom we are praying or to submit a new prayer request. If you have an update on someone or a new prayer request to share in the Corner, please email or call the church office ([email protected] or 883-3680) by noon on Thursday.
Frank McConnell's mother, Margaret McConnell, passed away on March 17.
Millie Kennerly, daughter of Margarette and Ike Kennerly, is experiencing health issues.
Erin Whiteaker, daughter of Debra Whiteaker, had surgery on Tuesday, March 26 to remove a cyst and is recovering nicely.
Two women,
Rosa and Felipa, who were part of a micro loan program in Guatemala, were killed in a freak bus accident in Guatemala earlier this month. A third woman from the micro loan program,
Reyna, was badly injured but is now recovering. Several women at Good Shepherd are prayer partners with some of the 100 women who are part of this project.
Please pray for the families of all the women and for their community, El Progreso, Guatemala.
Jameson Courtine
, age 9, died suddenly on February 27 after a brief illness. Some of our children knew Jameson, whose parents are both fifth grade teachers at Transylvania County Schools. Jameson also leaves behind an eight-year-old brother. We pray for
Jameson's family and friends
at this time of loss.
Najah Ferrell, of Avon, Indiana, was last seen on March 15, and there are grave concerns for her safety.
She has two minor children and was also caring for two foster children before her disappearance.
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COFFEE HOUR - BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
During both coffee hours this Sunday, March 31
, we will have a birthday cake to celebrate all members who have a March birthday. Please join us!
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ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS
ANNIVERSARIES
Suzi & Glenn Karnatz
......................................................................................
April 11
Patricia & Hal Galloway
..................................................................................
April 12
Jane & Robert McKeown
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April 13
Mary & Steven Dart
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April 17
De & Dave Carlson.........................................................................................
April 18
BIRTHDAYS
Becky Patrie
....................................................................................................
April 3
Hank Shore..................................................................................................... April 4
De Carlson...................................................................................................... April 6
Paul Onnink.....................................................................................................April 6
Jamie Lancaster............................................................................................ April 11
Kim Owen...................................................................................................... April 12
Linda Voll....................................................................................................... April 13
Kris Emaus.................................................................................................... April 17
Debra Whiteaker............................................................................................ April 17
Mike Anderson.............................................................................................. April 19
Lorel Durlak................................................................................................... April 19
Lisa Busche................................................................................................... April 22
Robert Currier................................................................................................ April 22
Susan Case................................................................................................... April 23
Caroline Smith............................................................................................... April 24
Gene Shonka................................................................................................ April 26
Joe Smith...................................................................................................... April 28
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SERVING THIS SUNDAY
Ministers
......................................................................
The People of Good Shepherd
Interim Pastor
.............................................................................Rev. Dr. Richard Graf
Minister of Music..................................................................................David Gresham
Organist...................................................................................................Vance Reese
Outreach Ministry Coordinator...........................................................Kimberly Dunbar
Children's Ministry Coordinator.............................................................Heather Merritt
Guest Musicians....................................................................................Brevard Belles
Assisting Minister
..............................................................Annette Blum / Bill Johnson
Reader
................................................................................Jody Schuld / Bob Milligan
Cantor...........................................................................................Debra Kelly Greene
Ushers..............
Bonnie Clark, Jody & Bob Schuld /
Ken Aarsund, Hal Galloway, Isa Emaus
Acolyte.............................................................................
Jody Schuld/ Zia McConnell
Greeters
..............................Lauren & Fred Weed / Zia & Frank McConnell, Parker Dickens
Child Care during Sunday School........................................................Laurie Johnson
Elementary Sunday School Teacher...................................................Suzanne Barrett
Elementary Sunday School Door Person.............................................
Heather Merritt
Child Care during Worship
........................................................................Lisa Busche
Altar Care...........................................................................................Suzanne Barrett
Communion Bread
.............................................................................Suzanne Barrett
Tellers
...............................................................................Paul Onnink & Kate Reinke
Doorkeeper of the Day...........................................................................John Colflesh
Coffee Hour (8:00 a.m.) ................................................LCGS
Fellowship Committee
Coffee Hour (10:30 a.m.)...............................................LCGS Fellowship Committee
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NOISY OFFERING THIS SUNDAY
Our next "noisy offering" will take place on Sunday, March 31, when the children will collect your pocket change in metal buckets (hence, the noise
). The purpose of these offerings is two-fold: to support worthy programs and to promote their understanding of and participation in Christian stewardship.
Our children and Children's Ministry Coordinator, Heather Merritt, have decided that this noisy offering will be in memory of a 3rd grader at Brevard Elementary, Jameson Adair Courtine, age 9, who passed away suddenly on February 27. Donations will be given to The Jameson Courtine Memorial Service Fund. A Ninja Warrior Course will be built in his memory "to show Jameson's heart and give back to the community."
Jameson's parents are both fifth grade teachers at Transylvania County Schools. Jameson leaves behind other family members, including an eight-year-old brother. Read Jameson's full obituary here.
Start rounding up your change now! If your change jar happens to be low, bills and checks will be gratefully accepted by the children. Thank you!
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HELP OUR NEIGHBORS FACING DISASTERS
The following is part of a letter from the director of ELCA World Hunger and Lutheran Disaster Response Funding. Because of multiple relief efforts currently underway around the world, Lutheran Disaster Response is asking for funds that are designated "where needed most." If you would like to contribute, please make your check payable to LCGS and indicate "LDR - Where Needed Most" on the memo line. Or
make a donation through Good Shepherd's website, choosing "ELCA Disaster Relief" and specifying for "Where Needed Most."
Friends,
As I write you this, many of our neighbors around the world are facing disasters, including:
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Effects of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique. Picture courtesy of Reuters.
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In Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, where Cyclone Idai has caused massive destruction and flooding that have killed more than 200 people, with the death toll expected to rise. Aid workers are rushing to rescue trapped survivors. News reports estimate that 1.5 million people will be affected by the cyclone.
- In the United States, where heavy rainfall and rapid snow melt have caused major flooding across several states. At least three people have died, and hundreds of homes and businesses have been affected. With more rain and warmer weather expected, more flooding may happen soon.
- In Madagascar, where a measles outbreak has led to 800,000 reported cases and an estimated 900 deaths since October 2018, worsened by food shortages and drought. Children are most at risk.
Because of the generosity of many, we are able to respond with Christ's love, hope and healing - and practical support for disaster survivors.
Unfortunately, not every disaster that should be front-page news makes the headlines. But even when they don't, we can still accompany our neighbors, with your help.
With gratitude for your partnership in ministry,
The Rev. Daniel Rift
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SOAP COLLECTION UPDATE
Thank you to everyone who contributed to the soap collection for people in North Samar, Philippines, organized by Ann Farash. So far, 80 pounds has been collected and will soon be shipped!
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KITS FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF
This Lenten season, Good Shepherd is collecting items to make personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. These kits will help people around the world stay healthy in difficult situations, like natural disasters and displacement due to violence. On Palm Sunday, we'll assemble the kits during the coffee hours in the Fellowship Hall.
Please bring your donations in and place them in the large bin on the pew in the commons. Thank you! Here is the collection schedule (although donations will be gratefully accepted throughout Lent):
- March 10: Bars of Soap (4 - 5 oz, any brand, in original wrapping)
- March 17: Bath Towels (light-weight, maximum 52" x 27", dark color)
- March 24: Toothbrushes (adult size, individually wrapped in original packaging or sealed individually in a paper envelope)
- March 31: Combs
- April 7: Nail Clippers (metal, attached file optional)
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THE RALEIGH RINGERS IN CONCERT
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RISE & SHINE OFFERS "GUEST TUTOR DAYS" AGAIN
Wednesday, April 24, and Thursday, May 2
Rise & Shine invites members of our community to join us in tutoring our scholars so that they can see the great things that are happening in our program. If you are interested in learning more about Rise & Shine, meeting other tutors and scholars, and/or spending a day tutoring, please sign up for one of these tutoring opportunities. Contact Laura Leatherwood (828-506-2480 or
[email protected]) for more information or to sign up.
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ELCA, NC Synod, & LWF News
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LENT: DEEP HONESTY, DEEP FREEDOM
A Lenten reflection from NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith.
In the 8th chapter of John, Jesus promises us that "if you continue in my Word, you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Of course, his audience argues with him. "Set free? Whatever do you mean? We've never been slaves to anyone or anything!" (my paraphrase) Apparently the same truth that sets us free also stings to begin with. What difference does a declaration of freedom make if we don't even realize we are bound?
Read the full reflection here. |
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CREATE IN ME AT LUTHERIDGE
Give creativity larger space in your life. Explore the FRUITS of the SPIRIT,
April 25-28, through music, words, paint, movement, fabric, drums, paper, clay and more! Inspiring Bible study by NC Synod Bishop Tim Smith and creative worship are highlights of this retreat. Learn from artists excited to share their skills with you. No experience is needed! Let God create in YOU!
Learn more and register.
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