Good Shepherd s News. Pastor s Message

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3800 Roland Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21211 410-243-1129 Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Pastor Email: goodshepherdumc@comcast.net Website: www.goodshepherdhampden.com Facebook: www.facebook.

Volume 12, Issue 4 April 2017 Pastor s Message When I think of Easter Sunday from when I was a little girl, I remember getting up before the crack of dawn.

worship service. My mom would get me up with enough time to do a quick hunt for my Easter basket containing the requisite chocolate bunny and seemingly endless jellybeans. I normally got a video too.

A suitable spring hat and white lacey gloves, and perhaps a sweater were supposed to complete the outfit.

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. Volume 12, Issue 4 April 2017 Pastor s Message When I think of Easter Sunday from when I was a little girl, I remember getting up before the crack of dawn. My dad had come home from playing music as a DJ at a bowling alley with enough time to take a shower and change clothes before heading to church to set up a sound system for an early morning SonRise worship service. My mom would get me up with enough time to do a quick hunt for my Easter basket containing the requisite chocolate bunny and seemingly endless jellybeans. I normally got a video too. Then we would quickly get dressed. I would be clothed in a new Easter dress with new shoes that hurt courtesy of my grandparents. A suitable spring hat and white lacey gloves, and perhaps a sweater were supposed to complete the outfit. But all too often, it still felt like winter and sometimes there was still snow on the ground; so a winter coat would cover up the spring dress. My mom would drive me to church, 7 minutes away. And by the time we got to church, every year, without fail, my brand new, white lacey gloves would be sweaty and dirty. I didn t know how it happened! And so they would have to be left in the car no respectable young lady would be seen in church on Easter Sunday with dirty gloves! I always felt simultaneously thrilled and guilty. I was thrilled because they made me itch, and I didn t want to wear them. I was guilty because I didn t like to make anyone mad at me. Once at church, we went through the SonRise worship service, the breakfast, and at least 3 additional worship services before heading to dinner with the family. As I think back on those early, formative years, I now realize that getting new clothes on Easter is symbolic of the new life we experience in Jesus Christ. It was an opportunity to be born anew and to leave our old, dirty burial rags behind in the tomb, while seeking to be clothed with glory. This year though, this Easter, I invite you to come, no matter what you wear whether it is new clothes, a hat, dirty gloves, or ripped jeans to come and experience new life that can only be found in Christ. Join us as we leave behind our old, dirty past, and embrace new life in Christ. A new beginning awaits you. Come and see. On the Journey, Pastor Bonnie 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 2 F.Y.I. 4 Worship Column 5 Children and Youth 5 Photos 6 Inserts: Calendar of Events

Page 2 Mark Your Calendar May 21: Church Council May 31-June 2: Annual Conference Bible Study Our current Bible Study Creed by Adam Hamilton, based on the Apostles Creed, continues on Tuesdays at 2pm

2 Page 2 Mark Your Calendar May 21: Church Council May 31-June 2: Annual Conference Bible Study Our current Bible Study Creed by Adam Hamilton, based on the Apostles Creed, continues on Tuesdays at 2pm and 6pm (pick the time most convenient for you). All are welcome! Please join us. Summer Camps Summer Camp Registration for our August camps will be available after Easter. Stay tuned for more information. Registration will be online. 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! St. Mary s Outreach Center Spring Luncheon Tuesday, April 4, :30 AM 3900 Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD Come enjoy a delicious lunch with friends and join a discussion with Q&A time concerning senior benefits and issues. Please bring canned goods or a tax deductible donation for the Hampden Food Pantry! ~ Call for your reservation ~ 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.

Page 3 Church Council Update V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 Church Council met on Sunday, March 19, 2017. Three members were absent due to work or illness.

It was decided that Ginny Richardson would serve as acting secretary for Church Council until Sandy Carnes can return to her duties after her illnesses.

3 Page 3 Church Council Update V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 Church Council met on Sunday, March 19, Three members were absent due to work or illness. Pastor Bonnie provided a short devotional, and Ginny lead us in prayer. It was decided that Ginny Richardson would serve as acting secretary for Church Council until Sandy Carnes can return to her duties after her illnesses. Worship Committee provided an update about Holy Week scheduling (please see the list on page 11). Easter flower orders have been submitted. Pastor Randy talked about our After School Programs which are going well. Many students have been sick over the winter. The snack donations from Giant have been very helpful we haven t had to purchase any snacks all year long! Parents and church members sometimes contribute too. The Easter Egg hunt will be on Saturday, April 15, 1-3pm. Pam suggested several craft ideas, and we brainstormed how to make it fresh. Candy donations for the eggs are welcome (individually wrapped, not expired, no peanut products). Our August summer camp registration will be open in-house after Easter, and to the general public on or about May 1. Mark your calendars! The Trustees have been working diligently to get our upstairs doors replaced around the building. However, there have been problems with the doors the manufacturer made them incorrectly. The ramp door has been installed and is functional. The Roland Avenue door and frame are being reconstructed to repair termite damage from many years ago. The other two sets of doors will be installed once they are returned from the manufacturer. All doors will be keyed the same after they have all been installed. Peepholes will be installed at that time too. Please be patient with us as some doors may be out of service on different days and weeks. We are working hard to maintain God s house. Additional Trustee projects have included placing 2 clamps over two pinhole leaks in heating pipes in the basement. This is a temporary fix to get us through the heating season until a longer-term repair can be made. The first floor in the Mission House was weak from old termite damage. It has been repaired where it could be, and replaced where needed. It looks beautiful now! Pastor Bonnie provided updates on community activities around Hampden Elementary/Middle School (if you know someone who wants to enroll there, please let her know. Spaces are available). She has been meeting with the principal to provide support, community knowledge, and prayer. Additionally, Pastor Bonnie has been working with the City to prevent a bus stop from being placed in front of the church building limiting parking and causing a safety hazard for students. The next Church Council meeting is moved back one week, due to Easter. It will be held on Sunday, April 23, after worship. In My Opinion... by John Landers As I gaze out my window at the snow, it s hard to realize that spring is nearly here. The poet once said In the spring a young man s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of --- baseball. I m sure once again this year, Pastors Bonnie and Randy will take our kids to an Orioles game. That s a lot of fun and I look forward to it! Then, of course, there is the Easter season. Easter, like Christmas, has become commercialized by merchants and the secular establishment. Many people feel that Easter means bunny rabbits, chocolate candy, dyeing eggs, or an Easter bonnet. The true meaning of Easter is the central focus of Christianity. The apostle Paul said Without the resurrection of Christ, your faith is futile. By His death, resurrection, and ascension, we have the ultimate hope of humanity - eternal life with God. Christ is risen and alive - Hallelujah! Happy Easter!

Page 4 Congregation s Corner Ushers Needed If you would like to be part of a rotating group of people who help to collect offering, assist in communion traffic patterns, and other duties as assigned,

4 Page 4 Congregation s Corner Ushers Needed If you would like to be part of a rotating group of people who help to collect offering, assist in communion traffic patterns, and other duties as assigned, please contact Pastor Bonnie. No experience necessary. Training will be provided. F.Y.I. Directory Update We recently updated the Church Directory. However, a draft version of the directory was accidentally printed and distributed. Please recycle that directory and pick up a new version at church. We apologize for any inconvenience. Booklets, 2017 Offering Envelopes Our Daily Bread March, April, and May are available in small print. April, May, and June are available in large print. Amazing Grace Easter booklets are available. Please contact Nancy Cromwell at to order 2017 Church Offering Envelopes. 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. Mother s Day Inserts Mother s Day inserts will be in the bulletins starting April 9th. The deadline for submitting names and donations is April 30th. 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.

Page 5 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 Worship Column by Pastor Bonnie The Easter Season, also known as the Great Fifty Days, begins at sunset Easter Eve and continues through the Day of Pentecost.

5 Page 5 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 Worship Column by Pastor Bonnie The Easter Season, also known as the Great Fifty Days, begins at sunset Easter Eve and continues through the Day of Pentecost. It is the most joyous and celebrative season of the Christian year. It focuses on Christ s resurrection and ascension. The ancient Christian name for this festival is Pasch, derived from the Hebrew pesah ( deliverance or Passover ), thus connecting the Resurrection to the Exodus. The origin of the English word Easter is disputed but may come from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eastre and her festival. White and gold are the colors of the season. During the Great Three Days, from sunset Holy Thursday to sunset Easter Day, we celebrate the saving events of Jesus Christ s suffering, death, and resurrection. In the development of Christian worship, each event came to be remembered on a separate day. In the earliest centuries, however, these events were celebrated as a unity in an extraordinary single liturgy that began Saturday night and continued until the dawn of Easter Day. It was known as the great Paschal (Easter) Vigil. Preceded by a fast day, it was the most holy and joyful night of the entire Christian year, for it proclaimed and celebrated the whole of salvation history and Christ s saving work. It is the most appropriate time for baptisms; persons symbolically die and rise with Christ. The Easter (Paschal) Vigil has both historic and symbolic roots in the Jewish Passover. That is why so many images are from the Old Testament and why so many analogies are experienced in Christ. In this service we experience the passage from slavery to freedom, from sin to salvation, from death to life. It is the first service of Easter. (Adapted from The United Methodist Book of Worship, 1992, ) Good Shepherd Children and Youth Programs Our after school program has been busy over the past month. The students were very happy with their one and only snow day so far this year. That said, we are looking forward to being able to get outside more often as we enter into the spring season. You might see us playing kickball or a game the students invented called alley ball. Cooking class has been busy as well. This month we made cookies, cakes and even burritos! Melissa is always looking for new cooking ideas if you would like suggest something. We are currently planning our Easter egg hunt for this month. Please mark your calendars for April 15 th from 1pm -3pm and plan to attend. The egg hunt should be Pastor Randy Keith and family action packed as the students search for the special golden egg among the many others. Finding the golden egg will win the student a surprise gift! This year we will be holding 2 separate hunts. There will be one for the younger children and then one for the older ones as well. In addition to the egg hunt there will also be a craft time and other games. We are in need of individually wrapped candy for the eggs if you would like to help in that way. If you would like to help with the Easter egg hunt, or if you have any ideas for crafts or activities, please contact me. We are also always looking for new ideas to share with our after school students and would love to hear how you can help. My family and I would like to thank you all for giving us some time away for a much needed vacation. We truly enjoyed the Florida sun and time around the pool. Thank you and God bless, Pastor Randy

6 Page 6 Ash Wednesday Pastor Randy riding a hoverboard 1st Sunday Fellowship Acolytes Kiran s Birthday

Page 7 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 SUNDAY S SERMONS BY MAIL OR EMAIL If you want a copy of Pastor Bonnie s sermons sent to you, please contact Rachel Yates, Administrative Assistant,

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.

7 Page 7 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 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. 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. 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.

Page 8 1 Shirley Reynolds 13 Lori Curry 3 Henry Iverson 17 Sharon Engleman Birthdays And Anniversaries 5 Betty King 24 Andrew Wheat 11 Betty Pennington 26 Lyndsy Keith 27 Susan & David Tager 2 Nick

; Barbara (Linda T.); Norman S.; Betty K.; Jean L.; Jack P.; Evelyn R. and her daughter.

8 Page 8 1 Shirley Reynolds 13 Lori Curry 3 Henry Iverson 17 Sharon Engleman Birthdays And Anniversaries 5 Betty King 24 Andrew Wheat 11 Betty Pennington 26 Lyndsy Keith 27 Susan & David Tager 2 Nick Curry 9 Ashley Keith 16 Gordon Wheat 23 Madelynn Wheat 30 Nicholas Seibert Continuing Prayers Tim P.; Myrtle M.; Edith s Family; Pastor Bonnie s grandfather, Al; Shirley S.; Frances S.; Barbara (Linda T.); Norman S.; Betty K.; Jean L.; Jack P.; Evelyn R. and her daughter. 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

Page 9 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 Upcoming Events Worship participants this month: Liturgists 2 - Pam Seibert 9 - Susie Pearce 16 - Vicki Vandenburg 23 - Nancy Cromwell 30 - Linda Thompson

9 Page 9 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017 Upcoming Events Worship participants this month: Liturgists 2 - Pam Seibert 9 - Susie Pearce 16 - Vicki Vandenburg 23 - Nancy Cromwell 30 - Linda Thompson 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 Moving Forward Having conversations with those you don t see eye-to-eye with is difficult. A group of 13 people, mostly from the community, gathered together on Thursday, March 9 under the leadership of Misty and Pastor Bonnie to begin the discussion on how to make this happen. All of our activities and handouts are on our website, under Resources and Moving Forward. If you would like to get in on the conversation, the next gathering will be on Thursday, April 20 at 7pm in the Fellowship Hall (basement). RSVP is helpful, but not required. Please invite friends! The purpose statement is as follows: Moving Forward: Learning to Communicate With the Other Side, is an attempt of a group of people to come together to bridge what divides us. We will try, with an open heart and an open mind, to listen and grow in understanding through faith and forgiveness. We are not allied with any political group. We do not seek to create agendas. We are interested only in breaking down barriers that keep our humanity apart. We depend on humility, and our own humanity to guide us. We rest in the presence of the great mystery in each of our lives, to overcome hatred, and live in peace.

Page 10 Committee on Native American Ministry The Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM) supports Native American ministry and outreach, promotes awareness of the Native American community

10 Page 10 Committee on Native American Ministry The Committee on Native American Ministry (CONAM) supports Native American ministry and outreach, promotes awareness of the Native American community residing within the bounds of our annual conference and develops leadership among the Native community. CONAM has two major ministries. One is a prison ministry that cares for Native American inmates and addresses their spiritual lives. The committee sends the inmates copies of a Native American Christian newspaper, which is published bi-monthly. The second major outreach ministry involves continuing support of the WINS program, which is sponsored by American University in Washington, D.C. The program offers classes and internships for qualified Native American students. CONAM members welcome the students to the area and serve as their mentors and contacts away from home. Please give generously to support the United Methodist Native American Ministries on April 30th! Thank you, Susie Pearce, Good Shepherd CONAM Rep. The Native American Prayer by Yellow Hawk, Sioux Chief Oh Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the winds, and whose breath gives life to all the world - hear me- I come before you, one of your children. I am small and weak. I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made, my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise, so that I may know the things you have taught my People, the lesson you have hidden in every leaf and rock. I seek strength not to be superior to my brothers, but to be able to fight my greatest enemy, myself. Make me ever ready to come to you, with clean hands and straight eyes, so when life fades as a fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame. Lent The 40-day period of preparation for Easter, Lent, will be a time of reflection. Join us in worship each Sunday in Lent as we explore the Lord s Prayer and what it means for us today.

11 Page 11 V OLUM E 12, ISSU E 4 Apr il 2017

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

May Issue Sunday, April 23 Publication Sunday, April 30 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

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. May Issue Sunday, April 23 Publication Sunday, April 30 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 & 6 PM (Through April 18) 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 APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday Tuesday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Tuesday Thursday Sunday Tuesday 2 Communion Sunday / Fellowship Hour 4 2 & 6 PM Bible Study 9 Palm Sunday / Pick-Up Choir 11 10:30 AM Friendship Circle / 2 & 6 PM Bible Study 13 7:00 PM Holy Thursday Worship 14 10:30 AM Good Friday Community Crosswalk / 12:00 PM Worship at Salvation Army Church 15 1:00-3:00 PM Easter Egg Hunt 16 7:00 AM Easter Worship in Roosevelt Park / 10:00 AM Worship at Good Shepherd 18 10:30 AM Friendship Circle / 2 & 6 PM Bible Study 20 7:00 PM Moving Forward 23 Church Council Meeting / Deadline For May Newsletter 25 10:30 AM Friendship Circle UPCOMING EVENTS: May 21: Church Council May 31-June 2: Annual Conference

Good Shepherd s News. Pastor s Message

Good Shepherd s News. Pastor s Message 3800 Roland Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21211 410-243-1129 Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Pastor Email: goodshepherdumc@comcast.net Website: www.goodshepherdhampden.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodshepherdhampden