Inside: April Pastor Ned. Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

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1 The Shepherd s Voice Through the Holy Spirit, we are called by God to live Christ s love as we touch all those in our lives, our church, and our communities. Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, Why do you look for the living among the dead? The men at the tomb of Jesus spoke these words to some terrified women who had come to anoint the corpse that first Easter. I have always wondered about Luke s version of the resurrection story. These women were terrified because they were forced to think outside the box. If we let box represent tomb, casket or coffin, we get a glimpse of their terror. How could Jesus be outside the box? The women had no experience with resurrection. Because they were enclosed within traditional thinking and practices, the women could not get outside the box. They were looking for a dead Jesus instead of an alive Christ. They were looking in the wrong place. Now I believe we also may be looking for our resurrected Lord in the wrong places. Sometimes we keep going down the same dead-end roads. We see and hear different ways but we fail to perceive. Jesus often said, Those who have ears to hear, let them hear. What can we say when we talk about the same problem for years, yet no change happens? Could it be we re enclosed in a box? How and when will we break out? What do the resurrection people of God look like? How do they think? How do they act? During Lent this year, we ve been thinking back on our baptisms and what happened there, so we can think forward to how our baptisms have changed our lives. One thing that keeps us enclosed in the box is that we forget the words of the earthly Jesus. I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. If we remember what happened at our baptism, things open up. We died there to the old life which eventually ends up in a box. Our old selfish, turned inward lives were drowned that day and our new break through lives emerged. What happened to Jesus in his crucifixion and resurrection was reduplicated in your baptism and mine. That s the power of baptism! When Martin Luther was depressed and overwhelmed with dead-end thoughts and feelings, he would pound on his chest and scream. But I am baptized! You and I are resurrection people. We are challenged to think outside the box, but can do this only if we remember, only if we worship regularly, only if we constantly think outside the box. That s where the risen Christ is found. Maybe it s time for us at Good Shepherd to search for the risen Christ in a whole new place. Where do you envision that would be? May your Easter season be filled with Christ s endless life. April 2013 Inside: Sermon Are you behind in giving? Spaghetti, Stories, and Surprises Prayer List Valentine Thank you Council Highlights Pretzel Sunday Book Club Easter Baskets Shepherd s Pantry Community Supper World Malaria Day Relay for Life Quilting Happy Birthday Treasurer s Report Youth Quake ELCW Spring Gathering Annual Church Picnic Vacation Bible School Your brother in Christ, Pastor Ned

2 2 The Shepherd s Voice Sermon News Did you miss church on Sunday? Were you distracted during the sermon? Don t worry.it will be coming to you each week as part of the Weekly Update. If you are not currently receiving this weekly communication and would like to be notified via , just call the church office at to sign up or send a request to goodshepherdlutheran@snet.net. Printed copies are on the table in the narthex. In addition, it will be posted on the church blog on the website News & Events page, go to Financial Update - Are you behind in giving? We are about $6,000 behind our budgeted giving through the end of February. This is a significant amount. There are several reasons for this: we missed one Sunday in February due to the blizzard members are behind in their giving the projected giving included members who have passed away or have moved If the trend continues, we will end the year with contributions more than $20,000 below budget. We are asking you to please catch up if you are behind in giving. It is essential that we stay close to our projected giving to meet our planned budget. It is also important to note that candidates for Pastor will look at recent newsletters and finances to make sure we are on track, and can afford the salary and programs needed for a growing congregation. Donna Duessel, Council President Roy Remlin, Financial Secretary Tim Carlson, Treasurer Ken Furnes, Finance Chairman Spaghetti and Storytelling and Surprises Saturday, April 27, 2013 An event for all ages! Bring yourself, your family, and your friends to enjoy a scrumptious spaghetti dinner, super storytelling and special surprises! The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and then noted storyteller Maude Carpenter will engage us with intergenerational storytelling. She has been entertaining and inspiring audiences with storytelling for over 20 years. If you would like to help with cooking, serving, setting up, cleaning up, or decorating, please speak with Donna Duessel or Ken Furnes.

3 3 The Shepherd s Voice Members: Dorothy Schrecker, Norma Hudson, Don Juliano, Arlene Juliano, Louise Begley, Vic Johnson, Trudi Black, Joanne Carlson, Ethan Dikmen, Bret Jackson, Linda Pleva, Jill Schmidt, and Sarah Mora. The Prayer Requests Notebook is on the counter in the narthex. If you would like to add a loved one to the list, simply write the name in the book. If you would like a prayer card sent to your loved one, please include the full name and address. Prayer requests may also be made by or phone and will be included in the notebook by the church office. Should a loved one need prayers for longer than three months, simply add their name to the list again. To keep the list current and up to date, only the names recorded in the Prayer Request for Family & Friends Notebook will be listed on the prayer list. If you have not recorded a loved one s name, please do so. Family & Friends of Members: Vicki, cousin of Janet Szulga; Bonnie, mother of Jessica Thom; Starr, niece of Joan & Ray Doherty; Joyce, cousin of Janet Szulga; Margret, stepmom of Dorey Fordpierce; Nikki, niece of Arlene Juliano; Noah, friend of the Simon family; Frank & Jean, friends of Vicki Creutz; Honey, friend of Miriam Kursawe; Gladys, sister of Arlene Juliano; Donna, cousin of Arlene Juliano; Madeline, aunt of Eileen Remlin; Joyce, cousin of Eileen Remlin; Eric, brother of Eileen Remlin; Janet, friend of Lisa Lilly s; Nancy & Lee, relatives of Bob & Joanne Carlson; Ingeborg; Greg, father of Lisa Lilly; Barbara, mother of Lisa Lilly; Mirta, sister of Thelma Cleland; Laura, daughter of Bill and Marie Fischer. Special Prayers for Armed Forces Personnel: Zachary Flashman, Phil, nephew of Mary Ruesch; Ryan Piccirillo, Brian Kursawe, Glenn Riccio, Damon Dykes, Phillip Balestrieri and Guy Davis. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to: The Convertito family on the death of Charles Balestrieri, father of Deb Convertito. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147 vs. 3 Thank you Good Shepherd, Sorry this is a little late, but I want to thank you all for thinking of me for valentines day. The chocolates were great and I enjoyed going to Starbucks for a frapachino! I hope all is well with everyone! Best, Alex Buck University of Connecticut Good Shepherd Lutheran Church members, Thanks so much for the valentine's package. It was a great surprise when I checked my mailbox! David Furnes University of Connecticut

4 4 The Shepherd s Voice Highlights from Your Church Council March 2013 Devotions led by Diane Hensel based on the beginning chapters of the book Reclaiming the L Word which is currently being studied by a group of members Financial Sec. Report: There is concern that we are already over $6,000 below the income that was anticipated/budgeted to date. The Exec. Committee will meet with the Finance Committee to try to determine the causes of the deficit and strategies to remedy the situation. An article will be placed in the newsletter to make sure that members are aware of the situation.. Worship and Music gave an oral report of their meeting last week with the Christian Ed Comm. On May 19 th there will be an additional service at 9:15. It will be a more contemporary service. The Call Committee is preparing for upcoming interviews. No word from Synod regarding candidates yet. Solar Energy: We did not receive the grant but will reapply in October. Council Goals: Goals for the next two years will be chosen at the next meeting. Members were asked to review the list of suggestions received last month. Spaghetti Dinner: April 27 th is the date. Ken Furnes is responsible for meal planning and Donna Duessel will oversee entertainment. This will be a family event with a storyteller for entertainment. Stewardship: Bob Carlson announced that Larry and Billie Flaherty have agreed to chair this committee. They will be presenting suggestions to Council next month. New Business Council approved a Christmas In July fundraiser (July 20) that will be headed by Kathy Goulet. Tables will be rented out for $15. Profits to be split between the Monroe Food Pantry and the Youth Group at GSLC. GSL will support the ELCA Malaria Day Campaign on April 28 th. Bob Carlson will speak and this will also connect to the World Hunger Campaign. Pastor received a proposal to have a Place of Peace Yoga class at GSL. Donna will contact the program director for additional details and report back to Council. Respectfully Submitted, Trudi Black, Council Secretary If you have any questions or would like more information, your council members are happy to speak with you. Church Council members include: Mike Beno Trudi Black Bob Carlson Donna Duessel Leslie Forte Ken Furnes Ray Goulet Diane Hensel Eileen Holleran Matthew Johnson Eric Lee Bill McDonough Dakota McDonough - Youth Representative Charlie Simon

5 5 The Shepherd s Voice Pretzel Sunday Sunday School and Confirmation Students enjoyed baking pretzels for the congregation on Sunday, March 3, If you would like to bake pretzels at home, here is the recipe. Soft Pretzels Heat oven to 425 o F. 1 pkg. dried yeast 1 ½ c hot water ¾ tsp salt 1 ½ tsp sugar 3-4 c flour 1 egg, beaten coarse salt (Kosher salt) Dissolve yeast in hot water. Add salt and sugar and stir. Blend in flour, 1 c at a time, blending last amount with hands. Knead on floured surface until smooth. Form into 4-5 in. sticks or other shapes. Brush with egg and sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake for minutes. Cool slightly. Makes 3 dozen. Special thanks to Ruth Duessel, mother of Donna Duessel for the wonderful recipe! Book Club On April 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. we will discuss Run by Ann Patchett. In May we will discuss The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Kathy Goulet is delighted to answer any questions you may have about the book club and looks forward to having you join in the discussion.

6 6 The Shepherd s Voice Covenant to Care Easter Baskets Thanks to everyone for the beautifully decorated Easter baskets that once again will brighten the day for the at-risk kids on our list. Your ongoing generosity is deeply appreciated. Shepherd s Pantry We need: Soups Pasta Tuna Salad Dressing Pasta Side Dishes Ketchup Mayonnaise Mustard The Social Ministry and Community Outreach Committee invites you to contribute items to the Shepherd s Pantry located in the narthex. The items are delivered to the Monroe Food Pantry once a month. The Pantry also accepts Big Y coins (gold and silver) which can be put in the basket that has been placed on the Shepherd s Pantry shelves in the narthex. If you have any questions, please speak with Diane Hensel. Community Supper - April 3, 2013 at Golden Hill Methodist Church, Golden Hill Street, Bridgeport Cooks and set up crew needed between 2:30-3:00 p.m. If you haven't already signed up and would like to help, please put your name on the list in the narthex. We can discuss car pooling if you want to. Any questions, please speak to Peg Wesche, Cathryn Lee, Amanda Lee or anyone who has attended a supper before. Thank you! World Malaria Day - April 28, 2013 Malaria kills 655,000 people each year, most are children under five. That s a child every 60 seconds. On Sunday, April 28, Good Shepherd will be joining congregations across the country and people around the world in the fight against malaria by observing World Malaria Day. For a long time, the ELCA has been supporting clinics and programs in Africa to provide health care. Now we re focusing on malaria with a new intensity. The ELCA, through the ELCA Malaria Campaign, is joining hands with eleven Lutheran church bodies in Africa and becoming part of an historic global movement to say, enough is enough! No child, no person, should die of a disease that is both preventable and treatable. Therefore the ELCA Malaria Campaign has committed to raise $15 million to help prevent, treat and educate communities in Africa about malaria and eliminate deaths from this disease for good.

7 7 The Shepherd s Voice Relay for Life June 7-8, 2013 Trumbull High School Relay for Life, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, is a unique activity that offers individuals of all ages an opportunity to join the fight against cancer. We are gathering a team of Good Shepherd members and friends to participate in this event again this year. To join us, please sign up at Click on the Find a Team tab, enter our team Good Shepherd Steppers, and join or donate. Watch for our upcoming Plant Sale (special thanks to Miriam Kursawe for chairing this wonderful annual event) and Bake Sale (special thanks to Rachel Smith for chairing this delicious event) to help support our team. Relay will be held on the afternoon and evening of June 7 and conclude the morning of June 8. Team members will share a campsite at Trumbull High School in Trumbull and take turns walking around a path lighted by luminaries honoring cancer victims and survivors. A variety of fun and entertaining activities for children and adults is also planned. We hope that we will have lots of participation again this year. Those who have been involved in past years will certainly attest to the uplifting and worthwhile nature of this event. If you have any questions, please speak with our team captain Lisa Lilly. Quilting Group News Lutheran World Relief (the recipient of our quilts) has contacted us asking for more quilts. We are adding more quilting days to be able to meet the great need. We will be meeting on Monday, April 8. Saturday April 13, Monday April 15, and Saturday April 13. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Saturdays and/or 1:00 p.m. on Mondays - whenever you can for whatever amount of time you have to give. We need help cutting fabric, ironing, tying, assembling and sewing each part of the process of making a quilt is important. Come and be a part of this great hands on experience. If you have questions, please speak with Ellie Noll.

8 8 The Shepherd s Voice David Wang 1-May Paul Amado 12-May Scott Chin 2-May Dorothy Mackey 12-May Riley Immel 2-May Alexis Calhoun 15-May Lauren Bespuda 3-May Howie Holleran 17-May Myles Dikmen 3-May Emily Juliano 19-May Bill Karchere 3-May Brian Mahoney 22-May Dorothy Schrecker 4-May Eden Ames 23-May Kathy Johnson 5-May Christian Steinnagel 23-May Kim Mora 7-May Kristina Qubick 27-May Bill Uhde 7-May Robert Troesser 28-May Bob Johnson 8-May Lisa Pelella 29-May Maggie Smith 8-May Anne Marie Carlson 30-May Eileen Holleran 11-May The current month s birthday listing is posted on the bulletin board outside of the Pastor s office. If your birthday is not listed, please contact the church office and the files will be updated. We do not want to miss anyone s birthday.

9 9 The Shepherd s Voice Youth Encounter Quake When: April 19-21, 2013 Where: Morristown, NJ What: A regional event for grades There will be guest speakers, a band, and worship opportunities. We can add people to our group until they run out of space. Please let us know if you are interested in joining us. It should be a great time! Contact Sue Chin, Cathryn Lee, Sydnie Chin, or Amanda Lee for more information. Registration forms are on the table in the narthex. Save the Date for these Upcoming Events June 16, 2013 The Annual Church Picnic and Worship Service will be held at Wolfe Park in Monroe at 10:00 a.m. Come for an inspiring worship service, great food and fun outdoor games for all ages. August 5-9, 2013 Camp Calumet is once again coming to Good Shepherd this summer and will run a full day vacation bible school program. Ages 4-14 are invited. Watch the bulletins and upcoming newsletter for more information. Teens and adults who are interested in volunteering, please contact Cindy Carlson or the church office.