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PG'S PEN
Elsewhere in the Newsletter this week you will read about how important it is that the LCGS faith community be faithful in financial support of ministry during this critical time of transition. I certainly echo that. And one of the things I have emphasized in leading hundreds of workshops on Stewardship and Evangelism is that if a pastor is going to lead by example, she or he needs to be transparent in his or her financial support of Gospel Ministry, and why she or he contributes.
An Interim Pastor is different from a "Called Pastor" since the Interim usually is a member of another congregation. But to witness to you about how important I think being a faithful and generous "Trustee" of all God has entrusted to me, using all I can to make God's world a better, safer, more sustainable, and healthier place where God's message of grace can change lives, draw all people into richer fellowship with God and each other, and strengthen God's Church in that mission, I'm sharing here what I give. Why I give is out of gratitude for what Christ does through his Church, what he has done for me, what I am called to do as his follower, and the trust God has placed in me to care for God's Word, world and people. This is not to brag. Some of you do much more and some do less for personal reasons. But if I can challenge you, encourage you and maybe inspire you, letting you know I have never been in want for anything, and have genuine joy in what we give, this little revelation will be worth while.
I officially "retired" as a "Called Pastor" twenty years ago (1999). During these twenty years, my income has ranged from around $35k a year when not doing an Interim, to as much as $140k a year when serving as an Interim. Currently as the LCGS Interim, I receive a monthly income, before taxes, of $5k from LCGS, $2,600 from my pension, and $1,400 from Social Security. Since "retiring" we have contributed an average of $10k annually to the congregations we have been members of, plus an average of another $10k annually to Lutheran ministries such as Lutheridge, Lenoir-Rhyne University, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and other churches (including congregations I've served as an Interim Pastor such as LCGS). Like many of you, we also support non-church programs and agencies serving people's needs like the Red Cross, United Way, AM vets, etc., and I have no idea of our out of pocket help to individuals in need (such as the lady needing cash to buy gas to get from Brevard to Spartanburg a week-or-so ago). I would estimate since 1999 we have given away between 20% and 25% of our usable income every year, with about 80% of that going to Lutheran congregations and ministries. And we have lived comfortably, eaten well, remained healthy, taken trips abroad, and enjoyed life. God has blessed us so abundantly, gives us eternal life through Jesus' sacrifice for us on the Cross, and allowed me to be a Trustee of God's Holy Word which now includes sharing the Good News of Jesus with all of you.
Am I grateful? You bet! Are we happy? Absolutely! Is life good for anyone who takes seriously being a faithful trustee of all that belongs, in fact, to God? From my perspective of nearly 80 years on this earth, I can answer that with a resounding, "Yes!" LCGS gives you the opportunity to exercise your trusteeship in attendance, service, and generously contributing to ministry here. Take advantage of it! It will make a difference in your life, I guarantee it!
Live it up!
Pastor Graf
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SUMMER PROGRAMMING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
This summer the children and youth have been taking part in events comprised of the theme:
Who is my neighbor?
This past Tuesday, July 9,
the youth toured Sharing House and through authentic discussion learned the difference between toxic charity and accompaniment. Even if the vocabulary is not remembered, the concept was. The youth gathered back at the church to make homemade deodorant to give to Sharing House. They worked hard and had fun!
On Thursday, July 11,
the youth caravanned to the home of Jackie Jenkins and Bobby King. They appreciated God's creation through a King special bird and turtle tour and creative craft time with Jackie. Another enjoyable day!
Coming up next:
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Wednesday, July 31 - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Children and youth will work alongside the LCGS Carpenters on projects around the church. Afterwards, the youth and adults will enjoy a lunch provided by the Fellowship Committee.
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STEWARDSHIP UPDATE
We are halfway through the calendar year and four months into our transition to new pastoral leadership. Church programs and activities have proceeded without interruption. Pastor Graf has provided able leadership as our interim pastor. Our call process is well-organized and proceeding on schedule. Our financial affairs are in satisfactory condition, but there is one concern that needs to be shared with the congregation. Our pledge giving is slightly below where it has been in previous years. Through June we are about 5%, or about $8000, below our anticipated level of giving. Typically Good Shepherd gives close to 100% of pledges.
This time of transition is not a time for coasting, but is an important time to lay the groundwork for new leadership. There are extra expenses associated with the search process which must be covered. There is a need for our church to be active and engaged as potential pastors are considered (and as they consider us.) We have our commitments to local, national and worldwide ministries which must continue to be supported.
We encourage each member of the church to keep current in their financial commitments and to make participation in church life a priority so that Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd can continue to be the healthy and vital congregation that it has been.
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CALL PROCESS REMINDER
Nominations for Pastoral Candidates
The Call Committee welcomes your suggestion of possible candidates for our next pastor. Only a member of the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America may be nominated. All ELCA pastors, with the exception of our interim pastor, are eligible. The Call Committee will take all nominations seriously and share appropriate names with the office of the bishop. If a nominee is from a synod other than North Carolina, our bishop will obtain clearance from the nominee's synod.
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CHILDREN'S MINISTRY NEWS
As mention over the last two weeks in the newsletter and bulletin, as well as during Sunday worship, Heather Merritt will be stepping down from her position as LCGS Children's Ministry Coordinator effective July 31st. The Council is making plans for moving forward following Heather's departure. If you know of someone who is interested in filling the part-time position of Children's Ministry Coordinator, please have him/her directly contact Council President Bob Schuld and/or Council Vice President John Colflesh with the relevant background information as soon as possible.
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BOOK CLUB
The next meeting of the book club will be at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, at Broad Street Wines. The plan is to discuss "Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet" by Jamie Ford. In the church office, there are copies of the book if anyone would like to borrow one. If not enough people are able to read the book by the time of the meeting, we will just chat and push the discussion to our next meeting. Please join us!
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GIFT FOR PASTOR MARY
The farewell gift that was created for Pastor Mary by a local artist has been completed and will be presented to her during coffee hour following the 10:30 service on Sunday,
July 21st. This special piece of artwork will be made available during both coffee hours on
July 14th so that all congregation members can see it and sign a card for Pastor Mary before the gift is presented to her. Be sure to stop by the Fellowship Hall after worship and check it out!
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LADIES OF LCGS SUMMER GATHERING
On Wednesday,
July 24
, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. there will be a luncheon for the ladies, husbands, and friends of LCGS at Deerlake Village Cubhouse. Barbara Meyer will be providing sub sandwiches and attendees are invited to bring a salad or dessert to share. The theme of the gathering will be "A Time For All Saints: God given gifts inspire us to follow in the footsteps of the saints". Please join us!
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AMAZON PRIME DAY AND AMAZONSMILE
Prime Day at Amazon.com will begin
July 15. Many people take advantage of this day and a half of special offers and free shipping!
Did you know that if you access Amazon through
AmazonSmile, you can choose where 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases is given? Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd and Living Waters Lutheran Church in Cherokee are both designated charities on AmazonSmile.
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COMING SOON AT GOOD SHEPHERD . . .
Sunday, July 14
8:00 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary)
9:00 a.m.
Coffee Hour (Fellowship Hall)
10:30 a.m. Worship Service (Sanctuary)
11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour (Fellowship Hall)
11:45 a.m. Call Committee Meeting (Conference Room)
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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.
Family & friends of Stascia Kookan
,
Jerry Kookan's mother, at Stascia's passing. Jerry and his wife, Danelle, were members at LCGS for several years before moving back to Pennsylvania. Danelle Kookan is Jamie Lancaster's sister. Cards may be sent to Jerry and Danelle at 435 Main Street, Freemansburg, PA, 18017.
Sandy Ostermeier
is scheduled to be released from Accordius on Friday and will continue her healing at her mother's home. Cards may be sent to 240 Country Club Circle, Brevard, NC, 28712.
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SERVING THIS SUNDAY
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
Assisting Minister
.........................................................Lauren Weed / Karen Anderson
Reader
.................................................................................Bob Schuld / Jane Madsen
Ushers
...................................................Jody & Bob Schuld / Jane & Robert McKeown
Acolyte
.................................................................................Lauren Weed / Yuri Emaus
Greeters
........................Henry Dixon & Darrell Dixon / Heidi Bullock & Parker Dickens
Child Care during Worship
........................................................................Barb Jackson
Altar Care.....................................................................................................Barb Meyer
Communion Bread......................................................................................Kate Reinke
Tellers
........................................................................Mike Anderson & Jane McKeown
Doorkeeper of the Day
...........................................................................Mike Anderson
Coffee Hour (8:00) ................................
..........................................................Ruth Lentz
Coffee Hour
(10:30).
..............................................Donna Aiken-Colflesh & John Colflesh,
Lorel & Jim Durlak, & Peggy & Walt Schneider
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LIVING WATERS NEWSLETTER
Here is the
from our friends at Living Waters Lutheran Church in Cherokee.
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ELCA, NC Synod, & LWF News
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J
OIN US FOR SUMMER OF PSALMS!
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