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: We are called to address the needs of God s children within and beyond our walls. Volume 10, Issue 5 May Pastor s Message As I think about the warmer weather, and the long, (hopefully!) lazy days of summer, I am transported back to my time on Summer Staff at West River Center. I spent four years on working at our United Methodist Camp located on an inlet of the Chesapeake Bay, just south of Annapolis. My job was varied and never dull. Some days I belayed (operated) a climbing wall and other high ropes course elements. Other days I ran a Giant Swing, taught archery, came up with art ideas, created wacky games, played dodgeball, bailed boats during storms, rescued kids in a canoe who got turned around, drove a boat (and narrowly avoided running it aground!), built campfires, or led worship. These were some of the best times of my life. And why, you might ask, did I do this? To share my love of God with others. God is the most important thing in my life more important than my job, house, or even my husband. And God has transformed me from what I once was into the person I am today. Everything we did at camp even wacky things like blowing feathers with a straw across a sticky floor was designed to help campers build a closer relationship with God. Every week, we had kids come to camp who didn t yet know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Every week, we had kids who experienced worship designed by them and for them for the first time in their life. Every week we had kids who made new friends, gained independence, and built relationships with God and with others. Every week, God brought about transformations in campers, volunteers, and staff. In fact, the reason I m a pastor today is due in large part to the time I spent in ministry as a Summer Staff Member at West River. It was there I first realized that I enjoyed ministry and felt God pushing me to share my faith openly every day. Watching the transformations happen in the campers I served transformed me and called me into ministry. I wouldn t be your pastor today if it weren t for those experiences of watching a terrified kid pray to be able to climb the wall then do it; a blind girl hit the target at archery; or a kid who came as a bully leave as a leader of his camp thinking that Bible Stories are pretty cool. Some of those campers are now pursuing ministry themselves. And I couldn t be more thrilled. So as we think about the summer days ahead, I am asking you to help a new generation of kids experience a part of what I experienced. First and foremost, I and the other counselors and staff need your prayers. Prayer works. Secondly, please spread the word about West River and our own Good Shepherd Camps what is camp without the campers? Lastly, please consider making a financial donation to help our campers attend. It is a financial investment for our families, and every little bit helps. At their baptisms, we promised to help support 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 Farewells 2 F.Y.I 6 Editor s Note 10

2 Page 2 Good Shepherd s News and guide these children. Let us fulfill part of those vows now. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Blessings on the Journey Pastor Bonnie CHURCH COUNCIL UPDATE Linda Thompson and John Landers went to Leadership Days in February and learned about a new church structure that reduces our committees to one that meets monthly. They recently presented the information to Church Council who saw this as a benefit because it would allow information to be streamlined, decisions to be made in a more timely fashion, and cut down on the time everyone spends in meetings so that they can spend more time making disciples in the community. However, Church Council also recognizes that changing the structure we have now will present challenges, including the potential for fewer persons serving on committees, and the need to ensure that information is disseminated throughout the congregation through updates in the newsletter and announcements on Sunday Mornings. Church Council foresees that most of the meetings would be open to the entire congregation, but only those serving on the committee being given a vote. Church Council has agreed to spend several months examining how we could adapt this structure to fit our needs; and any proposal would be presented to Charge Conference in the fall for a vote. This structure is allowed according to Book of Discipline paragraphs 243, 244.2, 247. If you have ideas or concerns about this, please see Shirley Milledge, Church Council Chair. MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH UPDATE We have been in the process of searching for a new Minister for Children and Youth. SPRC met, created a position description, outlined the process, and created teams to handle much of the process. A Resume Team met to review the applications and create targeted questions for each applicant. As of the writing of this article, we have received 23 full or partial applications, looked at 7 in-depth, and chose to interview 4. An Interview Team is in the process of interviewing the top candidates and making recommendations to the full SPRC. Once the recommendations are made, the top candidate(s) will be invited back to meet with the full SPRC for an additional interview, and hopefully a job offer (pending a completed background check and fingerprinting). Once that offer has been made and accepted, it will be announced to the congregation, and candidates not chosen will be notified. If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact Sharon Engleman, Chair of SPRC; or Pastor Bonnie. FAREWELLS Dear Congregation, Twenty-eight weeks seemed like a long time when I first met all of you in August, but now that my time is over I feel like I just began. I know it sounds cheesy, but words cannot express how much you all touched my life. For those of you who did not know this, here is another fun fact about Pastor Angie: I love show tunes! It started with my obsession with Cats when I was in elementary school and it has grown from there. One of my favorite musicals is Wicked, I cry every time I hear the music from it. My second favorite song from Wicked is, For Good. When I was trying to write this letter to all of you, I was listening to show tunes and it started to play- I've heard it said That people come into our lives for a reason Bringing something we must learn And we are led To those who help us most, to grow

3 Page 3 And we help them in return Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you... Like a comet pulled from orbit As it passes the sun Like a stream that meets a boulder Halfway through the wood Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you I have been changed for good V OLUM E 10, ISSU E 5 M ay 2015 I would like to thank all you for welcoming me into your lives and for helping me grow. For those of you who asked, I will be working at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA doing interfaith work next year. Again, thank-you all for everything. May God be with you till we meet again. Peace and Grace, Pastor Angie If anyone refuses to welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet as you leave that house or city. - Matthew 10:14 As a child my family and I moved quite a bit. When we moved from a city, my Dad would stop just inside the city limits and force the whole family to get out. By whole family, I mean me, my Mom, the dog, and the cat in the cat carrier. My dad would take a handful of dust and dump it on our shoes and sandals. He d dump some dirt on the dog s paws. And even, carefully dump some dirt on the cat s paws too. I would complain and grumble. But then, he d get very serious and remind us of all the joys we d had there. Then he d pray. He d give God thanks for all the blessings we received while we were there, all the people we d met, and all the lessons and memories we would take with us. I never understood the ritual until I was older. I read the scripture above, Matthew 10:14 and it all came together for me My Dad was honoring this scripture by doing the very opposite of what it instructed. He was placing the dust on our feet as we left because we had been welcomed and listened to in those places. As I prepare to leave you, the people of Good Shepherd UMC, and as I prepare to leave Baltimore, I am thinking of this ritual. And, I m thinking of all the wonderful dust and dirt I will take with me. The lessons you have taught me, the ways you welcomed me and continued to welcome me, the time you took to listen to me or share with me, the laughter and tears, the concerns and joys; they are all bits of dust I take with me as I leave. I give thanks to God for your ministry to me and the ministry we shared in together. I offer this pray for you all and hope we can pray it together: O God, you are the strength and the protector of your people. We feel sorrow in this departing, yet we rejoice with you in anticipation of the newness you bring. We will miss supporting each other, yet we know you will add much to our lives. We have shared with each other good times and bad, we have shared each other s joys and sorrows, we have lightened each other s heavy loads. Together we have laughed and cried, together we have worshiped and praised you God, together we have lived.

4 Page 4 Good Shepherd s News We will continue to praise God for each other. We place each other in your hands God as we separate. Keep and preserve us, O Lord, in all health and safety, both of body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. - Adapted from The United Methodist Church Book of Worship Peace be with you all! Pastor Nickie 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, Campbell s, 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. UMW NEWS AND PROJECTS Linda Thompson, President UMW The UMW s recent flea market sale of clothing, books, music, and baby items netted $600. This money will be used for our monthly donation to the Church and for our outreach and mission projects. I thank everyone who gave their time and effort to make this another successful flea market. Our next flea market is scheduled for August 8 th, 9am 3pm. Thanks again. Reflections by John Landers On Sunday, May 10 of this year we will celebrate what should be one of the most important days in our calendar year, MOTHER S DAY. Sadly, most of us here at Good Shepherd have lost our mothers. But for those of you who haven t, how fortunate you are! The influence that mothers have on their children cannot be over stated. Lord Shaftesbury once said, Give me a generation of good God-fearing Christian or Jewish mothers, and the whole face of society would change. Delinquency, immorality, and crime would be drastically reduced. So many good people have been influenced by their mothers. The Father of Our Country, George Washington s mother was God-fearing and pious. On the other hand, Nero, that evil Emperor s mother was a murderess. In my own case, I thank my mother for starting me in God s service at Mt. Vernon Sunday School and later taking me to task for some of my questionable activities. She, of course, was right! So on this special let us give thanks to God for our mother, both past and present, and may we always love and cherish them.

5 Page 5 Worship Column V OLUM E 10, ISSU E 5 M ay 2015 The sermon is the time when one or more of the scripture readings is interpreted and proclaimed, (BOW, 23). It was adapted from the early synagogue practices and is where the preacher speaks for God, from the scriptures, by the authority of the Church, to the people, (White, 167). The pastor used the passages to help bring healing to a hurting congregation by assuring the congregation that despite life s problems, God has promised to walk beside us. We can stand firm in our faith, knowing that God will care for us. Congregation s Corner A GOOD LIFE IS WHEN YOU: Assume nothing Do more Need less Smile often Dream big Laugh a lot Realize how blessed you are submitted by Susie Pearce FOR MOM S EVERYWHERE THANK YOU For the time you told me that thunder is the sound of the angles bowling above. For the love that you gave me each and every day. For every time you said you were proud of me. For your patience for making the best pies and cakes in the world. For all the times you took me took me to visit my friends and for your warm hugs. For believing in S advice. For you wonderful sense of Humor. For showing me the true meaning of Unconditional Love....submitted by Shirley M

6 Page 6 Good Shepherd s News FROM THE BALTIMORE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE April 28, 2015 Friends, This morning, I prayed with all my soul at St. Nicholas Lutheran Church in Leipzig, Germany, founded in It breaks my heart that I am not home, near Baltimore. I am currently in Germany for the Council of Bishop's meeting. The images unfolding on social media and from the news media that have come out of Baltimore are nothing short of heart-breaking. I saw photos of young children throwing rocks at police officers, cars being set on fire, indiscriminate looting, and hatred and hopelessness being played out on the city streets. I don't know how to respond. I do know my prayers are fervent, and reach into the core of my being. I continue to call on the people of Baltimore and all United Methodists to stand up for the values that endow all of the city's residents with dignity, pride and wholeness. I know in my heart that justice will prevail. I also know in my heart that God watches over the Gray family, Baltimore's leaders and police, and all people trying to make sense of the death of Freddy Gray and the violence perpetrated by people taking selfish and senseless advantage of events that have unfolded in the city. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said she will deploy every resource possible to ensure that Baltimore is not destroyed. As people of faith, we know one of our greatest resources is our belief in and reliance on God. Let us come together in prayer; let us come together in action; let us come together in unity to ensure that peace, justice and hope comes to and prevails in Baltimore. In the United Methodist community, we often cite Jeremiah 29 in which God tells God's people to "seek the peace and prosperity of the city." In the wake of the riots in Baltimore, I would like you to re-look at these words and, with new eyes, claim God's promise: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." This is our intention for Baltimore. In this ancient church in Leipzig, I think of all the world has endured. This is an historic moment of recovery and of the creation of justice. Today, we are called to be the church, for one another and the community. May it be so. Grace and Peace, Bishop Marcus Matthews Baltimore-Washington Conference F.Y.I. GOOD SHEPHERD SUMMER CAMPS Thinking about Summer? Consider attending our FREE Good Shepherd Summer Camps. More information is available on our website, and registration will open on or about May 15. Dates on the website are subject to change until our new Minister for Children and Youth is hired. WEST RIVER FUNDRAISING Our church will be going to overnight camp at West River Center the week of July 12. This camp has a cost associated with it, however, scholarships are available. Please see Pastor Bonnie for more information, to sign up, or request a scholarship. Additionally, please consider sponsoring a child for camp. Every little bit helps. Fundraisers will be starting soon. We need your help. As of the writing of this article, we have 14 campers signed up to go to West River from our Sunday School and After School programs! After applying for scholarships for those students who receive free lunch, and asking families to pay the $100 registration fee for their children, we still need to raise $ Pastor Bonnie has pledged to give a Pastor s Scholarship for the remaining balance for one camper ($355). Will you join her in sponsoring a camper in part or in full? You will find envelopes numbered 1-50 on a bulletin board, decorated by our students. You choose an envelope, and place the same amount of money in the envelope as the number (for example, if you pick envelope 27, you place

7 Page 7 V OLUM E 10, ISSU E 5 M ay 2015 $27 in the envelope). Then place the envelope in the offering plate. If you would like this to be credited to your yearly offerings, please place your name on the envelope. You are welcome to place additional funds in the envelope, or simply write a check to Good Shepherd UMC with West River in the Memo Line. If all 50 envelopes are filled, we can raise $1275 towards our total! Please help us. Thank you. 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. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING: Sunday School and After School during April. Please see Pastor Bonnie to sign up for one or more dates. No experience needed. Will train! SEARCH FOR MINISTER FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH We are in the process of searching for our new Minister for Children and Youth. If you know someone qualified for this position, please take a copy of the position description in the 38 th Street Narthex, or go online to our website, for more information. DIRECTORY UPDATE Pastor Bonnie s new home phone number: Shirley Stran s new address is 624 St. Johns Road Littlestown, PA CHOIR REHEARSAL The choir rehearses on Wednesdays at 2:30 pm and Sunday mornings 9:30 am. 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.

8 Page 8 Good Shepherd s News INTRESTED 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. Mark Your Calendar Sunday, May 24 is Pentecost The birthday of the Church! You are encouraged to wear red to worship, and to join us as we celebrate Valerie McCauley joining the Church by making her Profession of Faith after a year of Confirmation Classes! Peace with Justice Sunday will be observed this year on May 31. Special offering envelopes will be in your bulletins. Ruth Bible Study Our next Pastor s Bible Study will be on the book of Ruth. This 4-week study will examine one of the two books of the Bible named after a woman. It will meet on Tuesdays at 2pm, starting June 2, in the Parlor. If you would like to join the study, but can t make it on Tuesdays, gather a group of at least 3 people, and let Pastor Bonnie know, so we can have a second group! You will need your Bible. Please read Ruth 1 before the first class, and sign up in the 38 th Street Narthex. GOOD SHEPHERD FREE SUMMER CAMPS will be continuing this Summer; dates to be announced. Also, our church will be going to West River Camp for the week of July 12. We need campers, volunteers, sponsors, and prayer! If you are interested in going to West River, please contact Pastor Bonnie ASAP. The cost for a full week of camp, for entering grades 3-12 is $455. Mini-week, for entering grades 2-4 is $325. Scholarships are available. If you would like to offer additional financial assistance for our youth to attend camp, you can make a donation to the church, noting on the envelope or memo line West River Campership. Fundraisers will be coming. More information is available at: MOTHER S DAY INSERTS Inserts for Mother s Day will be in the bulletin through May 3, Make your donations in honor or memory before May 3 rd. The inserts will be in the May 10 th bulletins. Contact Nancy Cromwell if you have questions. OUR DAILY BREAD Copies of the Our Daily Bread, small print: March, April and May and large print: April, May and June are available. THANK YOU To those who donated, arranged, distributed and delivered Easter flowers to the Shut-ins. A special thanks to Lori and Nick Curry for their help. Nancy Cromwell To Valerie McCauley for stepping in and teaching Sunday School after Nickie left. She is a great asset to the Good Shepherd church family. Pastor Bonnie To Pastor Bonnie, Virginia Dailey and Pam Seibert for taking pictures for this issue....shirley Milledge

9 Page 9 V OLUM E 10, ISSU E 5 M ay Ernie Grill 10 Mary Justice Birthdays Anniversary 11 Pastor Bonnie & Pastor Lemuel 3 years 13 Virginia Dailey 16 Vicki Bigham 29 Lemuel Dominquez 31 Delores Nash Karen Sands JOYS 3 Nick Curry 10 Gordon Wheat 17 Nicholas Seibert 24 Madelyn Wheat 31 Nick Curry Pastor Angie s ministry! Shirley R is here! CONCERNS Nepal Baltimore The Lewis family The Bigham family Susie s sister-in-law, Kathy Sharon Weese s son-in-law Henry The Cumbo family Beth s friend, Dot. John and Doris Cromwell Linda s husband, Ed. Renice Bloom Doris Montgomery is in Keswick. Susie s cousin, Tom, has had complications from his cancer surgery. Pastor Bonnie s friend, Kathy, may have a recurrence of cancer. CONTINUING PRAYER CONCERNS Tim Pennington Evelyn Ruckert and her family Edie Wiley & Family Myrtle Markland Edith Taylor s Family Pastor Bonnie s grandfather, Al Shirley Stran Mary Justice Frances Spitzbarth Raymond Norris Norman Snyder MEMORIALS We are grateful for the Memorial Gift to Good Shepherd from: The Donald Lippy Memorial Fund Given by Shirley and Ronald Dailey

10 Page 10 Good Shepherd s News EDITOR S NOTE Bible Studies at Good Shepherd are inspirational for me. No matter how many times I read the Bible, and that is every morning, I can never know everything. That s why I enjoy the Bible Study classes. They are short-term (no more than 8 weeks) and the reading is not overwhelming. The same group meets for the study and we have fantastic discussions and plenty of fun. After each class I have a need to know more and I am anxious for the next class. Our next study about Ruth, in June, will probably be the last one until the fall. If you can t make it on Tuesdays, Pastor Bonnie is offering the possibility or another class that fits your schedule. I pray that you will take the opportunity to attend one of the classes in June or in the future. Peace and blessings, Shirley M LECTIONARY READINGS 3 5th Sunday of Easter John 15:1-8 Acts 8:26-40 Psalm 22: John 4: th Sunday of Easter John 15:9-17 Acts 10:44-48 Psalm 98 1 John 5: th Sunday of Easter Luke 24:44-52 Acts 1:1-11 Psalm 1 1 John 5: Pentecost Sunday Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104:24-34, 35b Romans 8:22-27 John 15: Trinity Sunday John 3:1-17 Isaiah 6:1-8 Psalm 29 Romans 8:12-17 PARTICIPANTS THIS MONTH Liturgists Ginny Richardson Greeters Elaine Grill Roy Keys Ushers Bill Harris Acolytes (see schedule on p. 9) Nick Curry Nicholas Seibert Gordon Wheat Madelynn Wheat Alternates: Pam Seibert Michaela Smith Director of Music Jerry Guchemand

11 PASTOR ANGIE S FAREWELL PHOTOS Page 11 V OLUM E 10, ISSU E 5 M ay 2015 SUNDAY, APRIL 12 PASTOR ANGIE PREACHING SUNDAY, APRIL19 FAREWELL CELEBRATION ICE CREAM & CAKE

12 V OLUM E 10, ISSU E 4 Apr il st 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. JUNE ISSUE Sunday, May 25 PUBLICATION: Sunday, May 31 ALL articles, as w ell 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 Join one today Adult Bible Studies Book of Ruth 2:00pm Tuesday, June 2 Lead by Rev. Bonnie McCubbin Meets in the Parlor Lounge First Tuesday of the Month 10:00 am Prayer Group & UMW Meeting Linda Thompson, 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 Meets in the Jr. Room Led by Nancy Cromwell Please bring bag lunch All are Welcome to any group

13 Sunday 3 Fellowship Hour 9:30am Choir Rehearsal Tuesday 5 10:00am UMW/Prayer Session 1:00pm Church Council Meeting Wednesday 6 2:30pm Choir Rehearsal Thursday 7 6:00pm Christian Fellowship Sunday 10 Mother s Day 9:30am Choir Rehearsal Tuesday 12 10:30am Friendship Circle Wednesday 13 2:30pm Choir Rehearsal Sunday 17 DEADLINE FOR JUNE ISSUE 9:30am Choir Rehearsal Tuesday 19 10:30am Friendship Circle Wednesday 20 2:30pm Choir Rehearsal CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sunday 24 PENTECOST SUNDAY (WEAR RED) 9:30am Choir Rehearsal Tuesday 26 10:30am Friendship Circle Wednesday 27 2:30pm Choir Rehearsal Sunday 31 PEACE WITH JUSTICE SPECIAL OFFERING 9:30am Choir Rehearsal JUNE ISSUE PUBLISHED JUNE Tuesday 2 10:00am UMW/Prayer Session 2:00pm Bible Study: Book of Ruth Chapter 1 Wednesday 3 2:30pm Choir Rehearsal Thursday 4 6:00pm Christian Fellowship