Good Shepherd s News. Pastor s Message

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1 3800 Roland Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Pastor Website: Facebook: We are called to address the needs of God s children within and beyond our walls. Pastor s Message One of my favorite prayers can be found in your United Methodist Hymnal, page 607. It is John Wesley s Covenant Prayer, and reads as follows: I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. I love this prayer because it convicts me. But moreover, I love this prayer because it is typically read as the high point of a Covenant Renewal Service, where people re-dedicate their lives to Christ and to Christian living. The practice of this type of worship service that is usually held on New Year s Eve or New Year s Day began in the Methodist tradition in John Wesley adapted an older service from Puritan Richard Alleine, that was written in Even from the very beginning, people found transformation in these services. On January 1, 1775, John Wesley wrote in his Journal about this service: It was an occasion for a variety of spiritual experiences I do not know that ever we had a greater blessing. Afterwards, many desired to return thanks, either for a sense of pardon, for full salvation, or for a fresh manifestation of His graces, healing all their backslidings. We as Methodists believe that salvation is a constant work in progress. Frequently, we take 1 step forward, and 2 steps backwards in our faith development. We do believe that we can backslide, and that we must constantly rededicate ourselves to the way of Christ, seeking perfection in love in this lifetime, so that we can reach full sanctification (holiness). So this January, instead of making mindless resolutions that you will probably break in a few days or weeks, commit yourself, or recommit yourself to your faith. Perhaps this means being more regular in worship attendance, increasing your giving, tithing (10% of your income given away), attending Bible Study or a small group, volunteering to help with a mission project, or something else. You may still backslide, but at least in faith, there is grace. Volume 12, Issue 1 Janu ary Sunday School 10:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am Fellowship Hour First Sunday Baptisms Second Sunday New Member Reception Fourth Sunday Ramp for Wheelchair or Walker accessibility Inside this issue: Pastor s Message 1 Within Our Walls 3 F.Y.I. 4 Worship Column 5 Children and Youth 6 Photos Inserts: Calendar of Events On the Journey, Pastor Bonnie

2 Page 2 Church Council Update Church Council did not meet in November because our regular meeting day fell on Thanksgiving. The last meeting of the year was on Thursday, December 15. We received year-end updates on finances and ministry areas. We also thanked those who are rotating off their leadership term(s): John Landers (Lay Leader); Linda Thompson (Church Council Chair); Shirley Huff (Member at Large); and Bonnie Thompson (Nominations). Our 2017 Leadership Team is as follows: *Bold* indicates newly elected Church Council Pastor: Rev. Bonnie McCubbin Lay Leader: Lori Curry Lay Member to Annual Conference: Randy Keith SPRC: Sharon Engleman Financial Secretary: Nancy Cromwell Treasurer: Pam Seibert Trustee: Roy Keys (building maintenance) Trustee: Ron Sands (special projects) Worship Chair: Virginia Dailey Minister for Children and Youth: Randy Keith Recording Secretary: Sandy Carnes Member(s) at Large: Shirley Milledge, Ginny Richardson Nominations Pastor (Chair): Rev. Bonnie McCubbin Lay Leader: Lori Curry Member(s) at Large: Susie Pearce Worship 1) Chair: Virginia Dailey 2) Pastor: Bonnie McCubbin 3) Director of Music: Jerry Guchemand 4) Acolyte Coordinator: Sandy Carnes 5) Liturgist Coordinator: Nancy Cromwell 6) Choir Representative: Pam Seibert 7) Member(s) at Large: Shirley Milledge 8) Minister for Children and Youth: Randy Keith Informational Only Membership Secretary: Rachel Yates (Church Secretary) Church Historian: Nancy Cromwell Acolyte Coordinator: Sandy Carnes Communications Coordinator: Rachel Yates Liturgist Coordinator: Nancy Cromwell Board of Child Care Representative: Bernie McAllister (District Treasurer) Native American Ministries (CONAM) Representative: Susie Pearce

3 Page 3 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 1 Janu ar y 2017 Mark Your Calendar March 1: Ash Wednesday. Ashes to Go in the community during the day (times/locations TBA) and worship at 7pm. Bible Study Our next Bible Study will be an Adam Hamilton Study, Creed: What Christians Believe and Why, based on the Apostles Creed. We re all searching. Sometimes the search is easy: simply type a question and the answer pops up. But sometimes our questions are complicated, and the answers are difficult to see and harder to articulate. How do we discover and examine the truths that give meaning and purpose to life? Adam Hamilton believes that some powerful answers are contained in the Apostles Creed, an early statement of foundational Christian beliefs. The study will begin the first week of March. You will need to sign up by the end of January so that we can order the books in time. In an effort to make the study available to more people, please consider whether Tuesdays at 2pm or 6pm would be better for your schedule. If there is enough interest (at least 4 people per session) it will be offered at both times. The sign up sheet is in the 38 th Street Narthex and on our website, Children s Choir Our Children s Choir, under the direction of Ms. Pam Seibert, rehearses after church each week. The choir sings the 4 th Sunday of each month during the Offertory. All Children and youth interested in singing during worship are welcome to join the choir no experience necessary! Note From the Editor: The views expressed in any newsletter articles are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, its pastor, leaders, or members; the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference; or The United Methodist Church.

4 Page 4 F.Y.I. Our Daily Bread, 2017 Offering Envelopes Our Daily Bread December, January, and February are available in small print. January, February, and March are available in large print. Gift of Grace and other Advent booklets are available. If you need to order 2017 Church Offering Envelopes, please contact Nancy Cromwell at Room Reservations To avoid space conflicts, please ensure that all events and activities, no matter how small, make it to the Church Calendar located outside of the Office. Thank you. Lay Readers Needed Weekly lay readers are needed for upcoming months. Please contact Nancy Cromwell if you are interested in signing up. Mission Opportunities HWRMW FOOD PANTRY...Bernie McAllister Please continue to support the HWRMW Food Pantry by donating non-perishable food items. There is always a need for soups, pasta/pasta sauce, tuna, canned vegetables, cereal. Toiletries, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream and soap are also needed. Please continue to bring these items in throughout the year, and place them in the box in the Roland Avenue narthex. BOARD OF CHILD CARE...Bernie McAllister The Board of Child Care and The Strawbridge School are still in need of Labels for Education. The labels will continue to help The Strawbridge School to get things they need. Please remember them by bringing in labels to put in the box on the table in the 38th St. Narthex. The participating products are: Bic, Dannon, Emerald, Pace, Pepperidge Farm, Pop Secret, Post, Prego, SpagettiO s, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Splash, V-8 V-Fusion. If you have questions, please contact Bernie McAllister.

5 Page 5 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 1 Janu ary 2017 Worship Column by Pastor Bonnie The Epiphany (Manifestation) of the Lord (January 6 each year, and observed on the Sunday closest to it), an even more ancient celebration among Christians than Christmas, originally focused on the nativity, incarnation, and baptism of Christ. On this date we celebrate the coming of the three wise men (magi), who brought gifts to the Christ child. For this reason, in Puerto Rico and in most Latin American countries this day is observed as Three Kings Day or Dia de Los Reyes. It marks the end of the Christmas cycle, which began the First Sunday of Advent and lasted through the 12 days of Christmas (which began on Christmas Day). The Latino culture has preserved and developed this ancient celebration in a way that is a great gift to the whole Church. Within the church service, this day is celebrated with plays and special songs emphasizing the coming of the kings and their gifts for the Christ child. In the home the children are told to place boxes filled with hay under their beds so that the camels will eat the hay and the kings leave presents for the children. (Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship, 295). In My Opinion... by John Landers When I was in school at Robert Poole Junior High, I often erased the blackboards for Miss Sherman, a teacher I secretly had a crush on! Then I would beat the erasers and nearly choke to death. What fascinated me was when the board had been wiped clean, it was as if nothing had ever been written on it. Our new year resolutions, which I m sure we will make shortly, are a little like that. We make them every January and forget the past ever happened. It is as though our past habits were on a blackboard that we can wipe clean on January 1st. Our God is holding a giant eraser in his hand and can wipe our blackboard (lives) clean. This is what Paul had in mind when he said Forget what lies behind and go forward to what lies ahead. We humans like to make our resolutions on January 1st, but to God, everyday can be January 1st. So this year let s all make a resolution to ask God to give us the strength, guidance, and leadership to carry on his work as he would have us do it. Happy New Year! Winter Weather Policy We care about your safety. If at any time you do not feel it is safe to come to worship or an event held at Good Shepherd UMC, please use good judgment and stay home. We will make every attempt to clear our sidewalks, entrances, and the parking lot as soon as possible after ice and snow develop. However, in the case that we are unable to do so before a scheduled event, we will publicize this information on our website, and on our Facebook Page, If you do not have internet access and need a phone call, please notify the church office so that a list may be maintained.

6 Page 6 Good Shepherd Children and Youth Programs The holiday season is now upon us! Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas day will soon be here. This past week we celebrated Christmas together during our after school program by exchanging gifts and eating pizza. Our students also made food crafts to give away as gifts to family and friends. Students in our Sunday school program have been working hard on a pageant which will be performed on Christmas Eve. I hope all of you can come out to our Christmas Eve service to support our students. This month, during our family night named The Table, we partnered with another local church to provide a meal and Christmas gifts to children within our community. We had a great response and were able to make this Christmas season extra special for those who were involved. I would like to thank those who donated their time, and also those who donated gifts. If you missed this month s event, please try and attend the next one. Pastor Randy Keith and family God Bless, Pastor Randy Decorating the Christmas Tree

7 Page 7 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 1 Janu ary 2017 SUNDAY S SERMONS BY MAIL OR If you want a copy of Pastor Bonnie s sermons sent to you, please contact Rachel Yates, Administrative Assistant, (the church office number). Leave your name and home or address so she can send you the sermon. Those who are able to attend services may also request a copy to follow along during Sunday s sermon. Please leave your name with Pastor Bonnie after the worship service. PLANNING MEETINGS, EVENTS, OR NEED PARKING PASSES? Please inform the office or a member of the church staff, if you want to schedule an event at church. The parking lot will be patrolled by Greenwood Garage from 8 am to 1 pm. Y ou must make sure your Parking Pass is visible or your car will be towed. If you plan to have guests, please be sure to get passes from the office or church staff on or before the day your guests are to arrive. If you notice a visitor in the congregation, feel free to ask if they parked on the lot so that they can get a pass. CARDS TO CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS Please be aware that we continue to ask for your help in encouraging and lifting the spirits of many of our homebound members and friends. Please remember to share God s love with others. Addresses are in your Church Directory. FELLOWSHIP HOUR Hosts are needed for the 1st Sunday of the month socials. Individuals or groups welcome. Consider signing up for one or more months. Help is available. The church provides coffee, tea, hot chocolate, utensils, plates, and napkins. Sign up in the narthex. If you have questions contact Shirley Huff or Bonnie Thompson. INTERESTED IN BECOMING A MEMBER OF GOOD SHEPHERD? Please contact Pastor Bonnie to schedule a time to meet. If there are several interested persons, a class after worship can be arranged. BULLETIN DEADLINE Every Monday all announcements, joy and concerns, fellowship opportunities, mission opportunities and other information you want to share with the congregation should be in writing and left in the mailbox, on the wall, outside the office of Rachel Yates, Administrative Assistant.

8 Page 8 2 Harry Bigham 10 Nick Curry Birthdays 11 Linda Thompson 14 Nicholas Seibert 23 Louise Bane 28 Jeanne Harris 8 Nick Curry 15 Ashley Keith 22 Gordon Wheat 29 Madelynn Wheat Continuing Prayers Tim P; Myrtle M; Edith s Family; Pastor Bonnie s grandfather, Al; Shirley S; Frances S; John & Doris C; Barbara (Linda T.); Norman S., Betty K; Jean L. Memorial and Honorarium Donations Memorial gifts provide a meaningful way for people to witness their thanksgiving for the life of a loved one. Honorarium gifts provide an opportunity to recognize those who have made a notable impact in the life of an individual or group. Good Shepherd UMC is grateful for all gifts to the church. If you are interested in making a donation, please contact Nancy Cromwell at

9 Page 9 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 1 Janu ary 2017 Christmas Card Mailbox For your convenience, we provide a Christmas Card Mailbox for you to exchange cards with other church friends. Please place the cards in the appropriate mailbox according the last name of the recipient. Don t forget to check the mailbox! And if you see cards for a neighbor and can deliver them, it would be appreciated. Any leftover cards will be recycled after worship on Sunday, January 8. Also, consider making a donation to the church or another charity in the amount that you saved in postage! Thanks for the Christmas Cards Thank you for the Christmas cards, well-wishes, and gifts! We are very grateful. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours. Pastor Bonnie & Pastor Lem Thank you for the Christmas cards and gifts. We hope that you had a Merry Christmas and have a great new year to come. Pastor Randy and the Keith Family Learn More About Good Shepherd UMC or Join Us If you have been attending worship with us and would like to learn more about what The United Methodist Church believes, our congregation s mission and vision, or if you d like to join the congregation, please see Pastor Bonnie. It all starts with a conversation. LECTIONARY READINGS 8 Baptism of the Lord/First Sunday After the Epiphany Isa. 42:1-9 Psalm 29 Acts 10:34-43 Matt. 3: Second Sunday After the Epiphany Isa. 49:1-7 Psalm 40: Cor. 1:1-9 John 1: Third Sunday After the Epiphany Isa. 9:1-4 Psalm 27:1, Cor. 1:10-18 Matt. 4: Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany Mic. 6:1-8 Psalm 15 1 Cor. 1:18-31 Matt. 5:1-12 Participants this month: Liturgists 8 - Linda Thompson 15 - Lori Curry 22 - Virginia Dailey 29 - Nancy Cromwell Greeters Elaine Grill Roy Keys Ushers Bill Harris Acolytes (see schedule on p. 8) Nick Curry Ashley Keith Evelynn Keith Nicholas Seibert Gordon Wheat Madelynn Wheat Alternates: Pam Seibert Director of Music Jerry Guchemand

10 Page 10 Thanksgiving Dinner at the After School Program Lighting of the Advent Wreath Tuesday Raking Night Leaves Ballet Class

11 Page 11 V OLUME 12, I SSU E 1 Christmas Party at The Table January 2017

12 Page 12 1st Sunday of each month in the lounge, following the Worship Service. Come, enjoy light refreshments and conversation. If you are interested in hosting one Sunday, sign up in the 38th St. Narthex, or contact Shirley Huff or Bonnie Thompson. Ways to Support Your Church Remember your offering Altar Flowers and Bulletins $26 Garden Windows $10 Donations -Memorials -Honorariums -Bulletin Insert -Easter Flowers -Mother s Day -Father s Day -Grandparent s Day -Poinsettia Remember Good Shepherd in your Will Please contact Nancy Cromwell, , to place your order for flowers & to support your church by making donations. February Issue Sunday, January 22 Publication Sunday, January 29 ALL articles, as w ell as meetings and church events, need to be in writing and in the hands of the editor, Rachel Yates, no later than the Sunday prior to the week of publication. Thanks for your understanding and assistance. Contact Info: or by goodshepherdumc@comcast.net Join one today Adult Bible Studies Creed: What Christians Believe and Why Tuesdays at 2 PM (Beginning in March) Led by Rev. Bonnie McCubbin Meets in the Parlor Lounge Second Tuesday thru Last Tuesday of each month 10:30 am Friendship Circle Meets in the Jr. Room Led by Nancy Cromwell Please bring bag lunch All are Welcome to any group

13 Page 13 JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday Sunday Tuesday Tuesday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Sunday 1 11:00 AM Worship at Mount Vernon Place UMC 8 Pick-Up Choir 10 10:30 AM Friendship Circle 17 10:30 AM Friendship Circle 21 10AM - 4PM Church Leadership Retreat; 5PM The Table 22 Deadline for February Newsletter 24 10:30 AM Friendship Circle 29 February Newsletter Published UPCOMING EVENTS: March 1: Ash Wednesday. Ashes to Go in the community during the day (times/locations TBA) and worship at 7pm.