The Shepherd s Fold-er Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd

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1 The Shepherd s Fold-er Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Where Strangers are Welcomed as Friends! January, 2014 THE PASTOR S PEN A few months ago the Transylvania Times did a story on Alzheimer s disease that included the news that more than 1100 Transylvania County residents are living with Alzheimer s. The Times also reported that across the country, some 15 million people serve as unpaid caregivers for people with Alzheimer s disease. Alzheimer s is, of course, just one of several illnesses that result in memory loss. This month, during the Wednesday Adult Forums, we will be talking about the practical and theological questions that we face as Christians who are dealing with memory loss in our own families and are seeking to accompany others in these circumstances. Here is a description of each week s program. Please join us and invite friends. If you would like to come to dinner before the program, sign up on the bulletin board, or call the church office. Dinner begins at 5:00 p.m. and is $4.00. The programs begin at 5:45 p.m. and are free and open to all. In weeks 2, 3, and 4, we will have adult care available during the education hour so that full-time caregivers can attend as well. (cont d)

2 January 8 - Mr. Robert Anderson, manager of the KOALA program (Keeping Older Adults Living Abundantly) at Transylvania Regional Hospital, will be our guest speaker. Robert is a graphic and visual artist who bought a home in western North Carolina intending to fix it up and sell it. Instead he fell in love with the people and mountains of our area and stayed. His passion is caring for folks who are compromised cognitively or physically. He will share stories from his work at KOALA and what makes it a special place. January 15 - The Early Memory Loss Collaborative in Asheville is an extraordinary resource in our own backyard. From their media collection, we will view the videotaped story of Cannan and James Hyde. James is a retired professor of psychiatry who is living with Alzheimer s. He and his wife, Cannan, talk about their life. January 22 - Where is God in this? The loss of memory raises theological questions related to our identity and to the way we perceive God s presence or absence in our experience. I will present a talk on the topic of how a biblical imagination can help us make sense of what is happening in our lives when life means living with memory loss. January 29 - In the last week of the series, we will take up practical questions like, How do I talk to someone with memory loss? and Are there things we can do to help caregivers? Our guide will be the book Talking to Alzheimer s by Claudia Strauss. Strauss happened one day to engage a stranger in a nursing home who was confused and anxious. From that experience and subsequent years of conversations with those whose memories were compromised, she has put together a small book of practical advice. I will offer a summary of Strauss s work and we will talk together about her tips.

3 JANUARY MENUS PLEASE REMEMBER TO SIGN UP! JANUARY 8 TH Roasted Pork Loin Black Eyed Peas Coleslaw Greens Corn Bread Dessert Coffee & Tea JANUARY 22 ND Potato Leek Soup Cream of Broccoli Soup Mixed Salad Dessert Coffee & Tea JANUARY 15 TH Spaghetti Mixed Salad Garlic Bread Dessert Coffee & Tea JANUARY 29 TH Fried Fish Coleslaw French Fries Hushpuppies Dessert Coffee & Tea

4 ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL Beginning January 5 th, the Adult Sunday School class will be studying Making Sense of Scripture, by David J. Lose, professor of preaching at Luther Seminary. Each session includes a short DVD presentation. Please bring a Bible. The course book will be available at the first class. In January and February, the class revolves around these themes. Come for all seven weeks, or if one of the questions below especially interests you, drop in on that week. Pastor Mary will be teaching. January 5 - What Is the Bible? January 12 - Is the Bible True? January 19 - How Is the Bible the Word of God? January 26 - Where Did the Bible Come From? February 2 - How Can I Read the Bible with Greater Understanding? February 9 - Is There a 'Center' to Scripture? February 16 - What Kind of Authority Does the Bible Have?

NEW MEMBERS CLASSES Are you interested in joining the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd?

On January 19 th and 26 th, we will have a two-session New Members Class after the 10:30 a.m. worship service.

On the 26 th, we will introduce the ministries of LCGS specifically and help you find places to participate in our life together.

5 NEW MEMBERS CLASSES Are you interested in joining the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd? Are you already a member but curious about Lutheran theology and practice or about the mission, vision and values of Good Shepherd? On January 19 th and 26 th, we will have a two-session New Members Class after the 10:30 a.m. worship service. On the 19 th, we will talk about what Lutherans distinctively contribute to the Christian church. On the 26 th, we will introduce the ministries of LCGS specifically and help you find places to participate in our life together. On February 2 nd, we will receive new members at both worship services. Contact Pastor Mary or the church office for more information. ONLINE GIVING IS HERE Through the LCGS website, you can now set up onetime or recurring debits from a checking or savings account. Regular debits offer a convenient way to keep up with your pledge, and they make the congregation's cash flow more even and predictable. You can designate donations for general (envelope) giving, specific ministries, flowers, memorials, and more. Credit card giving is coming soon. Click the "Give Now" link on the far right of the top menu at

6 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH As past of their prayer ministry, Christ Lutheran Church in Greensboro, a church of the North Carolina Synod, prayed for LCGS and our ministries. You can read the letter in its entirety on the bulletin board. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor Alfredo Oviedo s ordination and installation as a Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Hendersonville will take place on Sunday, January 12 th at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Mary will be attending and others are welcome to ride along.

7 COUNCIL NOTES Council met at 4:00 p.m. on December 10 th, with all members present and President Thelma Erickson presiding. New members Kathleen Milligan and Hal Galloway were welcomed. Pastor Mary read from Isaiah and offered a prayer. Treasurer Ed Hennig reported a good month, with income exceeding expenses. Walt Schneider presented information on a proposed contract with VANCO, an on-line program for making contributions to the church. VANCO will be accessible from the church website, and Caroline Smith will give assistance to those who wish to use it. After discussion, a motion was made to approve the proposed contract. The motion was seconded and carried. A new category for Memorial Gifts has been added for needed recording equipment. For more information, check with Marilyn Carlson. The carpet fund stands at $8390; $3390 in contributions plus a $5000 gift. New carpet will be installed in the Fellowship Hall and the Nursery. Council reviewed Chapters 11 and 12 of the church constitution and by-laws, leading to a discussion of the timing of the stewardship drive, annual reports due date, and the annual meeting. Members will discuss this further at the January Council meeting. Pastor Mary led a review of Council s goals for 2013: Increase net membership by 25, and Have social activities that are attended consistently. Pastor pointed out that the membership goal was very ambitious at 16%, but that actual net growth was a more realistic 6.3% -- our first year of growth since Regarding social activities, opportunities for members have increased with SAGE, a hikers group, book club, Trivia club, and men s and women s groups. (cont d)

8 COUNCIL NOTES (cont d) President Thelma Erickson was thanked for her many years of service as Council member and as president. Her willingness to take on an extra year as president to assist with the transition of pastors has been much appreciated. The meeting adjourned with the Lord s Prayer at 5:45 p.m. NEW CARPETING FOR LCGS As you likely know, LCGS needs new carpeting in the Fellowship Hall and in the Nursery. The total cost will be close to $12,000. If we raise $7,000, a donor has committed to pay the $5,000 balance. The LCGS Trivia Team is still giving away a $10 Dugan s Pub gift card to each person who donates $100 or more to the carpet fund. Additionally, the LCGS Trivia Team won first place at the regional finals, earning $1,000 which they generously donated to LCGS carpet fund. We now have a total of $9,445. Only $2,555 more to go!

9 NEWS FROM THE CRÈCHE But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.... Luke 2:10 That message of hope echoes throughout the ages to us here in Brevard and in a small village in the southeast state of Tamil Nadu in India. There, as the Good Shepard Creche (child care center) enters its fourth year, the words Do not be afraid have real meaning. Parents can go to work in the confidence that their young children are in a safe place, receiving care and instruction from people who care about them, being provided with good food, and health care when needed. There is hope for these children s future. Sincere thanks to the Lutheran Christians in India who labor to organize and manage this Creche and to all of you here in Brevard who have helped make the message of the Angels real and meaningful for the families of one small village. May you experience the Joy that comes from the Good News of hope that the angel brought many years ago and continues to herald to us and through us to all people. At the November Congregational Meeting, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue receiving gifts that support the Good Shepherd Creche. As has been true since the beginning, all gifts for the crèche are outside the regular budget and must be designated. Good things are happening, fear is being banished, and God s love in Jesus Christ is reaching the people of this village because of our gifts. May this continue in the new year.

10 ADOPT-A-FAMILY CHRISTMAS TREE Thanks to everyone who sponsored one or more person from our Adopt-A-Family Christmas Tree. Together, we assisted more than 50 individuals in Transylvania County, and hopefully brightened Christmas for many families. UNDECORATE THE CHURCH On Thursday, January 9 th, at 10:30 a.m., please help us undecorate the church. Many hands make light work. Thank you! JANUARY WELCA MEETING At noon on Tuesday, January 7 th, WELCA will hold their monthly meeting in the Conference Room. Remember to bring your lunch.

11 FROM SNOOKIE HENSON... Snookie would like to thank you for all the cards that Doug received from church members. He was so pleased. I would take them into him while he was in the hospital, the Oaks, Mission, St. Joseph s and the hospice center. Always he would say, Now wasn t that nice that so and so sent me a get well card? Thank you so much for putting a smile on his face. He was so special. HYMNALS If you are interested in hymnals for home use or to give as gifts, you can order them through Augsburg Fortress online ( or by phone ( ). The pew edition costs $22.50, but other versions are also available. WEEKLY PRAYER INSERT Beginning later in January, LCGS will publish the weekly prayers of the church and prayer requests that will be included in the bulletin as an insert. If you would like a prayer request included in the insert, please call the church office.

the mobile version of LCGS web page, where you can find out more about LCGS and contribute online.

LCGS receives 5% of the purchase cost, and now with Ingles new gas program, you can save even more.

12 SCAN TO LEARN. SCAN TO GIVE. When you scan this QR (Quick Response) code with your smartphone's QR decoder, it will instantly connect you to the mobile version of LCGS web page, where you can find out more about LCGS and contribute online. INGLES CARDS Don t forget to purchase your Ingles cards during Coffee Hour or at the church office! LCGS receives 5% of the purchase cost, and now with Ingles new gas program, you can save even more. Thanks for your support! NAME TAGS AND MAILBOXES The office staff have been trying to make sure that everyone who wants and needs one has a church mailbox and a name tag. If we have inadvertently overlooked you, please let us know. Thank you!

13 THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Dear LCGS Congregation, Thank you so much for our Christmas gifts. Your very kind generosity is both overwhelming and greatly appreciated. We look forward to serving you and LCGS in Happy New Year! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

ANNIVERSARIES Paul & Ann Onnink..............January 3 Terry & Linda Moore...........January 13 Charles & Arlene Weier........ January 23 Jerry & Else Calendrillo........ January 25 Rich & Karen Handschin.

14 ANNIVERSARIES Paul & Ann Onnink January 3 Terry & Linda Moore January 13 Charles & Arlene Weier January 23 Jerry & Else Calendrillo January 25 Rich & Karen Handschin January 28 BIRTHDAYS Debbie Cooper January 2 Randy Stinson.... January 16 Phil Caldwell January 6 A.J. Wing January 17 Marilyn Sheehan.....January 6 Sophie Dunbar....January 23 Beverly Martin January 9 Ellen Rae Wilson.. January 23 Arthur Raynolds.... January 11 Roy Larson January 26 John Swancara......January 11 Anne Krogstad....January 30 Lois Bollini January 14 Joyce Dempsey... January 31 Sheila Swancara.... January 15

15 DUTY: TIME: January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26 ASSISTING MINISTER: 8:00 AM 10:30 AM Annette Blum Bill Johnson Gene Shonka Larry Fogdall Lauren Weed Karen Anderson Gail Leon Hugo Martin Acolyte & Crucifer: 8:00 AM Annette Blum Gene Shonka Lauren Weed Gail Leon CRUCIFER: 10:30 AM Lauren Wing Joe Smith Raegan Eggleston Forrest McConnell ACOLYTE: 10:30 AM Lauren Wing Joe Smith Raegan Eggleston Forrest McConnell 8:00 AM Landwehrs Weeds Beckers Coopers GREETERS: 10:30 AM Ken Aarsund Calendrillos Carlsons Coles 8:00 AM Landwehrs Landwehrs Landwehrs Landwehrs USHERS: 10:30 AM Hal Galloway & Ken Aarsund Hal Galloway & Ken Aarsund Hal Galloway & Ken Aarsund Hal Galloway & Ken Aarsund NURSERY CARE: 10:30 AM TBD TBD TBD TBD COUNTERS: Mike Anderson & Marilyn Carlson Mike Anderson & Marilyn Carlson Mike Anderson & Marilyn Carlson Mike Anderson & Marilyn Carlson ALTAR CARE: Sheila Swancara Sheila Swancara Sheila Swancara Sheila Swancara 8:00 AM TBD Mary Morrill Caroline Smith Fred Weed COFFEE HOUR HOSTS: 10:30 AM Thelma Erickson & Shelly Webb Milligans, Kimberly Dunbar & Susan Case Stinsons, Mary Grodnik & Barbara Hotaling Waters & Reinkes COUNCIL PERSON OF THE DAY: Marilyn Carlson Marilyn Fogdall Judy Caldwell Ed Hennig

Good Shepherd January 2013

The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd January 2013 Where Strangers Are Welcomed as Friends! JANUARY INTERIM FORUMS BEGIN JANUARY 9TH Join us on consecutive Wednesdays in January, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.,