Good Shepherd s News. Pastor s Message

Transcription

1 Good Shepherd s News 3800 Roland Avenue Baltimore, Maryland Rev. Bonnie McCubbin, Pastor goodshepherdumc@comcast.net Facebook: Volume 9, Issue 2 February We are called to address the needs of God s children within and beyond our walls. Pastor s Message What are your memories of Lent? Do you think of giving something up like TV or chocolate? How about no meat on Fridays? My memories of Lent include strong memories of Ash Wednesday and Holy Week worship services powerful times to reconnect myself with God. Lent is the church season that lasts for 40 days (excluding Sundays) that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Holy Saturday, right before Easter. The word, Lent, comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lencten, which means spring. The season is a preparation for celebrating Easter. Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time for penance by all Christians. This year, Lent begins on Wednesday, March 5. We will have a reflective, interactive worship experience at 7pm as we prepare to head to the desert and go deep in ourselves as we repent (turn from our sins) and spiritually ready ourselves before the Easter miracle. Communion, the imposition of Ashes (made from the previous year s palms from Palm Sunday), and a desert prayer station will all be part of worship. But before we even get to the worship experience, there will be a unique opportunity to spread the love of God in our community throughout the day. We will be joining with Rev. Amy Sens and the congregation of Six:Eight United Church of Christ Church new church plant in Meadow Mill to provide Ashes to Go for people who are on their way to work, around town, or just don t feel comfortable in a traditional worship space. Each person will be given a piece of paper with a brief explanation of Lent, Ashes, and why we are doing what we are doing. It will include a prayer. And those persons who wish to receive ashes will have the mark of the cross placed on their head along with a short prayer, and they are on their way. If they desire to linger and chat, we are available. We are looking for a group of people who are willing to help spread God s love in a real and tangible way in our community that day. If you are able to participate, please see me. No experience necessary we will train you that day and provide needed supplies. We will not be out all day, but will have shifts, including morning Inside this issue: Pastor s Message 1 Church News 2 Youth Ministry 3 Missions Opportunity 4 F.Y.I 6 Congratulations 7 Editor s Note 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 Inserts: Calendar 9

2 Page 2 Good Shepherd s News rush hour, lunchtime, and evening rush hour, at different locations throughout Hampden. Intrigued? Sign up at church so that we know to expect you. Make this a Lent to remember more than you remember chocolate, TV, or meat. Start off Lent this year with an act of service Ashes to Go and spread God s love one ash cross at a time. May you find this Lent to be reflective, meaningful, and filled with God s love. Blessings, Pastor Bonnie Church News GOOD SHEPHERD ON THE MOVE On Sunday, January 19th, Good Shepherd s Sanctuary was cold due to some kind of furnace issue. Pastor Bonnie decided that instead of turning away members of the congregation because of the cold it would be better to have the worship service in the Jr. Room. It was much warmer down there since the heat was turned on, but slowly rising to the Sanctuary. Those who were in church early helped with arranging the chairs, bringing down the hymnals and bulletins and passing out the bulletins. Don Lippy waited upstairs to send everyone downstairs for the service. Children s Sermon involved the children as well as Good Shepherd s young at heart. The worship service went off like a charm, Thank the Lord. The title of this article came from Pastor Bonnie as she opened the service she said, Welcome to Good Shepherd on the Move. I liked it so much that I decided to use it, with permission, of course.

3 Page 3 V OLUM E 9, ISSU E 2 F ebr u ar y 2014 SOUP S ON Sunday, January 19th was Soup s On Sunday. Three different soups were on the menu as well as garden salad, bread and an assortment of desserts were on the menu. Most, if not all, who attended the worship service was in the Social Hall laughing, talking and enjoying the meal. Youth Ministry Over the past few months our After School, Children s and Youth Programs have been very busy. Our Family Christmas Activity was a great success reaching out to over 20 children and youth and their families. We were delighted to celebrate Christmas with an impromptu Christmas pageant. The children and adults were delighted to get in costume and rejoice in Christ s birth. Birthday Party for Jesus After School Kids singing Christmas Christmas Pageant 2013 Joseph (Gordon), Angel (Madelynn), Shepherd (James) Jesus (Josephine) & Mary (Christine Wiedefeld) Coming up for our After School program is a two week curriculum about justice in our world through music, faith, and art. Our Children s and Youth Programs will gather on March 7 to begin the Lenten season. And, mark your calendars early for our West River Camp, July If you have any questions about our Children s and Youth Programs, contact Pastor Nickie at or goodshepherd.youthprograms@gmail.com.

4 Page 4 Good Shepherd s News Mission Opportunities HWRMW FOOD PANTRY...Betty Callahan 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 The Board of Child Care and The Strawbridge School is still in need of Campbell s Labels. 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. Cookies for The Board of Child Care The Board of Child Care is asking for donations of homemade or packaged cookies. The deadline is Sunday, February 16th. A box labeled "Cookies for the BCC" will be in the back of the Sanctuary. Contact Bernie McAllister at if you have questions. United Methodist Women: News and Projects...Shirley Stran THE COMMUNITY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Thursday, December 19th In response to our special invitation, Pastor Bonnie joined Bill, Jeanne, Sandy and Shirley at the Community School Open House. The students Christmas decorating created a warm and cozy atmosphere. We were welcomed with big smiles from current and former students, board members and other volunteers. We were delighted to see previous students and learning what is current in their lives, Tom explained to Pastor Bonnie the role we all have with the students. We introduced Pastor Bonnie to one and all and she in return learned more about the school, various individuals and their part in the programs and plans for the future. In addition to all this we shared and enjoyed delicious cookies, cakes, baked ham and other refreshments. It was a lovely, delightful, warm evening spent with old and new friends with a common interest - the school and its students. Reflections by John Landers In a few days we will be in the month of February. This month has never been a real popular one and I guess that s why they made it the shortest. February, however does provide us with several things that we are thankful for. This month is Black History Month. A time when we honor those African Americans who have and are bringing so much enjoyment and inspiration to our lives. Whether you enjoy the wonderful jazz music of Louis Satchmo Armstrong, thrill to a running catch by Adam Jones, or find inspiration in the Dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Black History Month means so much to so many of us. Then, of course, there is Valentine s Day. This is when Cupid shoots his magical arrows. He may have shot many people in this world, but personally I think his aim is terrible. Of course, there are many kinds of love. Love of food, TV programs, sports, music, and of course, each other. I remember reading somewhere that Love talked about is easily ignored, but love demonstrated is irresistible. If our God had only talked about how much He loved us, it might not have meant much, but He demonstrated His love by sending His son Jesus to die for us so we may have eternal life. The greatest Valentine ever sent is found in John 3:16. February

5 Page 5 V OLUM E 9, ISSU E 2 F ebr u ar y 2014 Congregation s Corner PINEAPPLE BREAD 1/4 lb. butter 1 C sugar 4 eggs 6 slices cubed bread 1-20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained Cream butter, sugar and eggs. Add bread cubes and pineapple. Bake in a well greased casserole dish at 350 degrees for one hour. Recipe from Virginia Dailey. GETTING TO KNOW YOU Linda May Thompson Favorite things: Food: steamed crabs, tacos Books: James Patterson books Movie: E.T. Music: 40 s & 50 s, Big Band Bible Passage: Psalm 117 vs 2 TV show: NCIS (I really like Mark Harmon) Special gifts, hobbies & other interests: Wed. Choice Senior Club, HWR, Women's Society, Bible Study Why you chose Good Shepherd as your church: Lots of my friends go to Good Shepherd and they made me feel at home, and close to home.. PRAYERS & CONCERNS Make prayer requests to the church by calling the Prayer Chain Captain, Shirley Stran Your church family will pray for healing of your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers and others in need. (For addresses and phone numbers, please refer to your Church Directory. PRAYERS ARE NEEDED FOR: Betty Callahan Bill Huff Delores Nash Betty Pennington The Weese Family Our Shut-ins: Helen Bridges Doris Cromwell John Cromwell Polly Klages Ruth Kurz Lois Lewis Elizabeth McQuay Myrtle Markland Pat Naylor Paul Spitzbarth Eleanor Therit Don Webb Betty Webb Rosetta Whittington I Thank God For...bringing me through my second year in remission from Breast Cancer....Michelle Smith...bringing my niece, who lost her teenaged daughter, through her first Christmas without her....shirley Milledge

6 Page 6 Good Shepherd s News Good Shepherd extends its deepest sympathy to... Sharon, Jeff and Cooper Weese in the of their sister, aunt & great-aunt, Fran Woolwine....the family of Donna Thompson, a former member at Mt. Vernon, upon her recent passing. F.Y.I. PLANNING MEETINGS, EVENTS, OR NEED PARKING PASSES? Please inform Sharon Weese, Chair of Trustees, if you want to schedule an event at church. Contact Sharon Weese for Parking Passes. The parking lot will be patrolled by Greenwood Garage from 8 am to 1 pm. You 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 Sharon on 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. 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 address or your name & 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. CHOIR The choir rehearses on Wednesday at 2:30 pm in the Jr. Room and Sunday morning at 9:30 am. All are welcome to join and sing for the Lord. 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. CHURCH ENVELOPES Boxes of church envelopes are in the front, right side of the sanctuary on the table with the white lace cloth. They are ready to be picked up. If you do not see your name contact Pam Seibert. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FELLOWSHIP HOUR Hosts are needed for the 1st Sunday of the month socials. Individuals or groups welcome. Consider signing up for 1 or more months. Help is available. The church provides coffee, tea, hot chocolate, utensils, plates, a and napkins. Contact Shirley Huff or Bonnie Thompson with questions. Sign up in the narthex. Available Dates: August, September, October, November and December AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Substitutes are needed for the After School Program. If you want to volunteer contact Nickie Moreno -Howard.

7 Page 7 V OLUM E 9, ISSU E 2 F ebr u ar y 2014 NEW INFORMATION 2014 DIRECTORY Membership Directories will be printed and distributed in February. Please contact the church Secretary, Rachel Yates with any changes to the directory no later than February 1st. Changes can be left in the mailbox outside the church office (above the water fountain), or you can send them to Rachel s rachelyates@live.com. THANK YOUS Pastor Bonnie would like to thank the congregation for their beautiful cards and the generous Christmas bonus. It was not expected, but much appreciated. Thank you all for your ministry and presence at Good Shepherd, in the Hampden community, and beyond. To the Congregation of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church Please convey to everyone my sincere thanks for the support and prayers during the time I had my back surgery. I really believe in the power of prayer and certainly felt this during the past several months. I am coming along slowly, but have noticed a daily increase in my energy and walking ability. Also, thanks for the beautiful flower arrangement that Nance delivered to me. Flowers always cheer me up. Again, thanks for everything and may your church be blessed in the years to come. Linda Thompson (Nancy Cromwell s neighbors) CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS MICHAELA SMITH On November 26, 2013, Michaela Smith, Miss Maryland Jr. High, was selected by the Mayor s Office to be Mayor For A Day. As Mayor For A Day she was able to experience a close look at the way Baltimore City is run. JEFF WEESE Jeff Weese, pictured with his son, Jason, has made the Dean s List for the 3 rd time.

8 Page 8 Good Shepherd s News Upcoming Meetings & Events These meetings and events are subject to be changed. All will be promptly notified. Check your Calendar of Events as well. JANUARY Wednesday 29th Worship Committee meeting 3:30pm in the choir room to plan for Lent and Easter. Please bring your ideas. FEBRUARY Wednesday 5th Finance Committee meeting 1pm in the parlor to discuss the end-of-the-year reports and statements. MARCH Wednesday 5th Ash Wednesday Meal in the Parlor (Time and other details to be determined ) Saturday 15th SHIFT HAPPENS a young adult conference, will be held at Queens Chapel UMC in Beltsville. The guest preacher will be Tye Tribbett; Kurtis Parks will b the worship leader. The cost of this event, sponsored by the Baltimore-Washington Conference, is $22 if you register before February 14. See Pastor Bonnie for information to register, or to set up a carpool. Sunday 30th PIZZA!! PIZZA!! Immediately following the Worship Service in the Social Hall. The Pizza is supplied by Good Shepherd. The Hospitality Committee asks for donations of desserts and drinks from the congregation. When you sign up please specify what type of dessert you will bring, cake, pie, etc. Children and Youth Activities Calendar JANUARY Monday 27th Justice and World Religions Tuesday 28th Exploring Injustice Thursday 30th Confronting Injustice Friday 31st Half Day-Music and Justice FEBRUARY Monday 3rd Justice Music for Us Tuesday 4th Art and Photography Thursday 6th Game Day Friday 7th Reading Party Monday 10th Art Day Tuesday 11th Game Day Thursday 12th Dance Party Friday 14th Reading Club Monday 17th NO AFTER SCHOOL Tuesday 18th Game Day Thursday 20th Writing Activity Friday 21st Reading Club Monday 24th NO AFTER SCHOOL Tuesday 25th Game Day Thursday 27th Science Activity Friday 28th Reading Club

9 Page 9 V OLUM E 9, ISSU E 2 F ebr u ar y 2014 From the Editor I was going to write about myself, but I feel the need to express how much Fran Woolwine meant to me. When I first met Fran, she came to good Shepherd as a visitor. I am told that I have a way of greeting everyone with a smile. Well, I smiled at Fran while passing the peace and she reached out to hug me. I thought, wow that was nice because she didn t really know me. Fran has always been that nice. She was warm and sweet and had a great sense of humor. Pam and I would stop by 3838 to drop off the bulletins for Evelyn Ruckert and she would be sitting behind the desk, sometimes eating a snack (that she probably shouldn t be eating) and talk and laugh with us for a few minutes. She always complimented the choir on its good job and wanted to know if there were any solos coming up so she could be sure to be there. What sticks heavily in my mind is that Fran was a strong woman and never complained about her illness. I would ask her how she was doing when she came back to church from being ill and she d say, I m going to be here until I can t anymore. I said what we all say, You re not going anywhere for a long time. As I walked away from her, I thought how she and I had that in common. We took our illnesses as a way of life with no complaints. The Lord will take care us. When I heard that Fran was gone, I cried. I knew, as she said, I m going to be here until I can t anymore had come. I loved Fran Woolwine and I will truly miss her. Peace and blessings, Shirley M LECTIONARY READINGS February 2nd 4th Sunday after the Epiphany Micah 6:1-8 Psalm 15 I Corinthians 1:18-31 Matthew 5:1-12 February 9th 5th Sunday after the Epiphany Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) Psalm 112:1-10 I Corinthians 2:1-12 (13-16) Matthew 5:13-20 February 16th 6th Sunday after the Epiphany Deuteronomy 30:15-20 Psalm 119:1-8 I Corinthians 3:1-9 Matthew 5:21-37 February 23rd 7th Sunday after the Epiphany Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18 Psalm 119:33-40 I Corinthians 3:10-11, Matthew 5:38-48 PARTICIPANTS THIS MONTH LITURGISTS VIRGINIA DAILEY GREETERS Elaine Grill Don Lippy Roy Keys USHERS Don Lippy Bill Harris ACOLYTES Pam Seibert Broc Smith Michaela Smith ACOLYTES IN TRAINING Nicholas Seibert Jaylyn Reedy Jason (Cooper) Weese DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Jerry Guchemand

10 Page 10 Good Shepherd s News 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 contact Shirley Huff. DEADLINE: MARCH ISSUE Sunday, February 16th PUBLICATION: Sunday, February 23rd ALL articles, as well as meetings and church events, need to be in writing and in the hands of the editor, Shirley Milledge, no later than the Sunday prior to the week of publication. Thanks for your understanding and assistance. Contact Info: or by churcheditor3800@verizon.net 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. SMALL GROUP AND BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT GOOD SHEPHERD ADULT BIBLE STUDIES 8-week Bible Study: The Book of Acts Begins Tuesday 7th 2 pm in the parlor Lead by Rev. Bonnie McCubbin First Tuesday of the Month 10:00 am Prayer Group & UMW Meeting Shirley Stran, President Groups meet promptly in the Fellowship Hall Please bring a sandwich or light lunch, drinks and desserts will be provided Second Tuesday thru Last Tuesday of each month 10:30 am Friendship Circle Led by Nancy Cromwell Meets in the Jr. Room Please bring bag lunch ALL ARE WELCOME TO ANY GROUP

11 Page 11 V OLUM E 9, ISSU E 2 F ebr u ar y 2014 GETTING TO KNOW YOU Your church family would love to know a little more about you. Fill this out and return it to Shirley Milledge. Name: Favorite things (food, books, movies, music, Bible passage, TV shows, etc.): Special gifts, Hobbies and other interests: Why you chose Good Shepherd as you church: If you have suggestions to make this newsletter better please submit your them in an envelope with my name, Shirley Milledge or Shirley M., and the words Suggestion Box and put it in the mailbox outside the office near the Ramp Entrance. Leave your name if you want, but it s not necessary.

12 FEBRUARY 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat JANUARY 26 9:15 am JANUARY 27 Bulletin Deadline JANUARY 28 2 pm Acts Bible Study JANUARY 29 2:30 PM 3:30 pm Worship Committee meeting in the choir room JANUARY 30 JANUARY FELLOWSHIP HOUR 9:15 am 3 Bulletin Deadline 4 10 am Prayer Session & UMW meeting 2 pm Acts Bible Study Anniversary Vicki & Harry Bigham 5 1:00 pm Finance Committee meeting in the Parlor 2:30 PM 6 Christian Fellowship :15 am 10 Bulletin Deadline 11 10:30 am Friendship Circle 2 pm Acts Bible Study 12 2:30 PM 13 Birthday Elizabeth Lutz 14 VALENTINE S DAY Birthday Frances Spitzbarth :15 am NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 17 Bulletin Deadline Anniversary Frances & Paul Spitzbarth 18 10:30 am Friendship Circle 2 pm Acts Bible Study Anniversary Bonnie & John Thompson 19 2:30 PM Birthday Pastor Bonnie McCubbin :15 am MARCH ISSUE OF NEWSLETTER Bulletin Deadline 10:30 am Friendship Circle 2 pm Acts Bible Study 2:30 PM Birthday Susie Pearce