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LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD THE VOICE
MAY 2017
Inside this issue:
Music Notes 2
Mindfulness 3
60th Anniversary/LCS
5
LEAD 6
Health Ministry 7
Family Promise 8
Youth News 9
Hilltop 10
“Why is this night different from all other nights?”
Dear Friends in Christ,
I’ve always been captivated by the beautiful ritual surrounding the Jewish rite of Passover. I
was given an inside glimpse into this sacred Jewish custom from my roommate back in my
days before seminary. We went together with her parents to her synagogue, into a room
filled with people gathered around tables and filled with cheer. I recall the lovely chanting of
scripture, lighting the candles and passing the challah bread around the table. I had dined
with the Levy family before, and shared Shabbat with them previously. But this time it was
Passover.
I remember doing my best to keep up with the service, though much of it was spoken in
Hebrew. I do remember the significance of the four questions asked about the meal by the
youngest child among them. This detail was something I was drawn to especially, as I had
learned years earlier that there was a special place for the youngest member of the family
gathered at the table. In my experience, I was ALWAYS the youngest one, so the idea of
having a special part to play was thrilling to me.
Why is this night different from all other nights? This question, asked four different ways, gets to
the heart of worship. Why does any of this matter? For those celebrating Passover, it pass-
es on the significance of God’s saving acts, fulfilling promises throughout the generations.
As I write this, on the other side of the week of all weeks, I hear this question in a new way.
I hear it writ large, if you will, and in my own context. Why was that week different from all other
weeks?
Beyond being a marathon test for those who plan and implement all the aspects of worship,
it is worth asking, why do we do Holy Week? Did it make a difference? Is it worth all the
extra effort (not to mention copier paper!) for this week? As I am just beginning to emerge
from the exhaustion and gratitude of the week, I need to ask this question anew. Why did we
just do that?
I think Holy Week this year was a significant and moving thing, but not necessarily in the
ways you might expect. For me, the best parts were things I could never have planned or
imagined. In the passing moments and surprising places. In the conversation that took
place while waiting to enter the sanctuary to share The Sacred Meal on Maundy Thursday, or
the power of the words of RFK intertwined with Psalm 22 as the altar was stripped bare. In
the beauty of hearing the choir sing the 3rd verse of There in God’s Garden, (“Yet look! It
lives! Its grief has not destroyed it, nor fire consumed it!”) a hymn that is rushing towards
the top of my greatest hits list at breakneck speed.
(continued on next page)
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
1530 Foulk Road Wilmington, DE 19803 (302) 478-3030
Prayer Line 11
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK (continued)
PAGE 2 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Celebration of Music Ministry
On May 14, both services will be a Celebration of Music Ministry. Participating will be our Senior Choir, Memorial
Handbell Ringers, Junior Choir and Instrumental Ensemble. We celebrate in our praise the rich musical gifts God has given our congregation. The theme of this service is God
Alone Be Praised. This year the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) is celebrating its thirtieth anni-
versary. To commemorate this and the 500th anniversary of the beginning of the Reformation, they commissioned a
hymn to be written by hymn writer Susan Briehl and composer Zebulon Highben. God Alone Be Praised is based on
Psalm 46 and speaks to our world today reminding us that “God’s strong word is solid ground.”
This will mark the close of the season for the handbell and junior choirs. Please join us in this celebration.
Summer Music
If you know of talent unknown to me that would enjoy the opportunity to present music during our summer worship
please pass that information on to me.
David Bowlsbey
Director of Music
MUSIC NOTES
In the joy of seeing dry bones stand up with the help of two little girls who were delighted to be asked to help (and not
asked by their mom!). In the overflowing exuberance of a boy who COULD NOT WAIT to resurrect the “A—eluia!”
from its tomb on Easter morning. These are the moments that remain with me. But what difference does any of this
make?
These things matter to me because they show how Good Shepherd is a community that is not just “going through the mo-
tions” year after year. We do Holy Week because we trust that this story, an immense and overwhelming narrative of trans-
formation, makes a difference in our lives. We tell this story, not so we can say we did, but so we can find ourselves within
the story. There are times when we are waiting to be invited to the meal, not sure we will find a place to belong. There are
times when we sit silently as things around us are stripped bare. There are times when we can do nothing but stand at the
foot of the cross and weep, but we are reminded that we will not always weep alone. There are times when we sit in the
dark, unable to fully see what is around us and are told, “This is the night. And the night will not last forever.”
We do Holy Week because knowing this story helps us know God, and then live in this world in a new way. It helps us
invite others to the table. It helps us stay in the dark places and weep with others, not trying to fix things, but refusing to
let them weep alone. It helps us tell each other over and over that Good Friday is not the end of the story. Darkness will
not last forever. Morning will come, and dawn will break. And while we may be confused and scared and feel all alone, we
won’t always be so. Easter courage is possible.
These are things that the world does not easily show us. So we need to remind each other, year after year and week after
week, that resurrection can happen. I have seen it over and over and over in you, in the places of your lives you have
shared with me and the sacred ground we have walked together. Worship, in Holy Week and through the entire year, is
what gives us what we need to do these things. May you continue to be blessed as we live the story together.
In Christ,
Pastor Kathy
PAGE 3 MAY 2017
FROM THE LEAD TEAM
AN EXPERIENCE INTO MINDFULNESS BROUGHT TO US BY BRAHMA KUMARIS*
Come join us for a life-changing workshop!
We will explore the WHY we need to be mindful, the WHEN, WHERE, and HOW
of being mindful and experience just what MINDFULNESS is.
Saturday, May 20, 2017 Fellowship Hall 4:00pm - 6:00pm
FREE!
Workshop Presenter: Ed Wondoloski
Ed Wondoloski is Professor Emeritus of Management at Bentley University and a CPA by training. He has been studying and teaching Raja Yoga Meditation for more than 25 years. Now in his retirement he is able to devote his time solely to his passion.
When he is not facilitating workshops and retreats at Peace Village Learning & Retreat Center where he resides, he travels internationally conducting workshops in meditation, and personal development.
His dynamic style of presenting and light personality makes him a favorite among all who attend his classes.
*Brahma Kumaris is a worldwide spiritual movement dedicated to personal trans-formation and world renewal. Founded in India in 1937, Brahma Kumaris has spread to over 110 countries on all continents and has had an extensive impact in many sectors as an international NGO.
However, their real commitment is to helping individuals transform their per-spective of the world from material to spiritual. It supports the cultivation of a deep collective consciousness of peace and of the individual dignity of each soul.
Please email me your intent to attend: [email protected]
PAGE 4 MAY 2017
HANDBELLS
Saturday, May 21, 4:00 PM Elkton United Methodist Church
Featuring themes from Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Magnificent Seven,
William Tell Overture, The Entertainer, Star Wars, The Addams Family and more!
Details on our website at www.wilmingtonhandbells.org
Ed Brugel, Handbells - Margaret Love, Piano
Thursday, May 4, 12:30 PM Market Street Music First & Central Presbyterian Church Saturday, May 6, 2:00 PM Hockessin Library Sunday, May 7, 7:30 PM Benefit Family Promise of Northern NCC Ebenezer UMC
Monday, May 8, 7:00 PM The Summit Assisted Living Facility Saturday, May 13, 7:00 PM Chester Bethel UMC Saturday, May 20, 2:00 PM Ware Presbyterian Village Vista Ridge Pavillion
Spring Concert Series
Theme Songs to Ring By
4/3 1900 Shipley Independent Living
4/5 1400 Foulk Manor South
4/7 1400 Forwood Manor-Health Center
4/12 1830 Forwood Manor-Independent Living
4/19 1400 Luther-I
4/20 1400 Luther-II
4/28 1500 Forwood Manor-Assisted Living
(5/2 1400 Foulk Manor North)
5/3 1400 Gilpin Hall
5/9 1315 Saint Francis Life
5/16 1400 Shipley Health Center
6/22 1400 Lorelton Assisted Living
6/30 1200 New Castle Senior Center
"The circus is coming ! The circus is coming!" Not really but a fun filled day is coming on Saturday September 10
th, when Good Shepherd will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a
community day. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 10th, 2017. Plans are being made for lots of fun and food. We're looking for help-if you have any spe-cial talent like making balloon animals, face painting, juggling or any carnival acts-here's your chance to share it. See more in the next issue of the voice. But SAVE THE DATE Now Sat. Sept. 10th
PAGE 5 MAY 2017
60th ANNIVERSARY
LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES
Single Mother Perseveres
Kenya is a single mother of two and a homeowner. She received unemployment after
losing her job in 2013 - $123 per week. She quickly fell behind on her bills. By late
2016 Kenya was working two part-time jobs but was still struggling. She was having
the most trouble with her water bill. Her provider was willing to work with her to set
up a payment plan, but she needed to make a large initial payment. She met with As-
sistant Program Director Jean Washington and LCS quickly committed to paying half
of her outstanding bill. She's since paid down her water bill and arranged a mortgage
modification. Kenya and her girls will be able to stay in their home!
Golf Tournament Registration Now Open
The annual "Gimme Shelter" Golf Tourna-
ment benefits LCS' homelessness prevention pro-
grams. This year's tournament will take place
on Friday, May 19th. This year we've added online
registration for foursomes, twosomes, and individ-
uals. We also have a variety of sponsorship op-
tions, including the opportunity to buy advertising
space in the tournament program. More details can
be found on our "Gimme Shelter" web page, or by
contacting Development Diretor Greg Moore.
Relationships – When a Good Idea Pops Up All Over (Part 3/3)
By Lynn Willis, LEAD Spiritual Director
3 books. 3 fields of study – anthropology, business management, and theology – all pointing to the same conclusion.
If we are to be healthy, if we are to be fully developed, if we are to live faithfully with God, then we must push back against the American stereotype of self-made, autonomous person.
We, in the West, live more and more isolated lives – bigger houses with fewer people per house, fewer and fewer friends reported each year and we congratulate ourselves on our own achievements. The church can and should be pivotal in nudging our culture back into community with each other.
LEAD is starting to make a big difference. LEAD is pointing the way. What we are do-ing is critical to the lives and health of God’s people. We wish to make this trusted com-munity bigger and more diverse than it has ever been before –and it all comes down to creating and maintaining relationships.
Let’s pray:
Lord God, we give thanks and praise that we have the honor to be in relationship with you. We ask for help and wisdom to nudge the church away from smallness, narrowness and isolation and toward trustworthy relationships with each other. Give us all a reason to get up in the morning, a group of friends that we can count on, and a community that supports our efforts to love you and serve each oth-er. In the name of the blessed Trinity we pray.
Amen.
PAGE 6 MAY 2017
LEAD
FROM THE HEALTH MINISTRY TEAM
PAGE 7 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
HEALTH & LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT
Taking care of God’s amazing gift— A balancing act.
by Nancy Guebert, R.N.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged — take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness — take it to the Lord in prayer. Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior still our refuge take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer. In His arms He’ll take a shield you, you will find a solace there.
FROM THE WOMEN’S RETREAT
PAGE 8 MAY 2017
FAMILY PRMISE
Hello! Here at Family Promise NNCC, we are getting geared up to participate in the 5K Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community. On behalf of Family Promise, we invite you to participate in this terrific event and walk of solidarity with our
families. We will walk on Saturday, June 3rd at Bellevue Park, starting at 9 AM. Won't you join us for a walk in the park to prevent and end homelessness for families? Families facing uncertainty come to us with many heartbreaking stories. You help create happy endings for their stories, restoring hope along the way. Our Family Promise community helps these families envision a brighter future as they move to a place they can call home. This year, money raised for the walk will be used for Day Center improvements. Our families will enjoy a comfortable environment while they are with us and caring for their family. Help us reach our goal to raise $12,000 by becoming a Team Captain, walker or donor. If you can't make it on the day of the event, you can sign up as a virtual walker or donate to Family Promise or your favorite team or walker. Can we count on you to make it happen? Find out more, sign up and/or donate here: http://hcf.convio.net/familypromisede We hope to see you there!
The Family Promise Team
Quotes from volunteers across the Family Promise Network:
“This a blessing for our family.”
“I just absolutely love it when one of the kids runs up to me with a big hug and when a mom smiles
when they see me. Maybe that's selfish, but it just shows me that there's lots of real love being felt -
and it's mutual! This is the real deal - loving our neighbors well, and feeling their love in return.”
“This is a life changing experience, for both the volunteer and the families.”
“We have grown in our understanding and compassion for those who are currently homeless.”
“It is always a joy to see a family "make it" and be able to have a home of their own through the Fam-
ily Promise efforts.”
“It may only be a week at a time that we interact with these families but the beautiful memories last
forever!”
“The more people from my church who hear about Family Promise hosting weeks, the more people
want to help out any way they can. It's truly amazing to feel the love and support of so many people
wanting to show God's love to those less fortunate in our community. Truly a blessing to all who work
in this ministry to the homeless families.”
YOUTH NEWS
PAGE 9 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
Since spring and summer vacations are just around the corner we have rolled out the
Youth calendar for the entire summer. Eager Beavers and Youth group are going to keep
meeting throughout the summer, but just not always on Sundays to help accommodate
beach-goers and vacation plans.
Please note the time change for the May 7th youth hangout and painting project. We will
now be meeting 2-5p in the Youth room and tackling a painting service project so dress
accordingly! Some great fundraisers are also set for June 12th at Panera, and July
22nd will be the Youth Car wash at Foulk Auto Center.
Here are some other fun dates coming up!
May 7th- Youth hang 2-5p in the Youth Room, Painting and Snacks
May 12th- Eager Beavers 6:15-8pm in the Youth Room
May 21st- Cross Generational Celebration, to mark the end of Sunday School, @9:45,
Youth and any other helping hands are encouraged to come help with lawn games and cel-
ebrations!
May 31st- John Mark McMillan Concert at Calgary Church, Chadds Ford @6:00pm, this is
an incredible opportunity to see such a talented musician for FREE, families, friends, You
do NOT want to miss this
June 9th- EDR Lasagna Prep in Kitchen @6:00pm
June 10th- EDR High School Youth Serving in Wilmington
June 12th- Panera Bread Youth Fundraising Night 4:00-8:00p at the Panera off rt 202 in
Brandywine Town Center, pass out flyers to friends and family and come dine at Panera
that night!
CancerCare is a national organization that provides free, professional support services and information to
help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Their workshops are a
cost-free way to learn about cancer-related issues from the convenience of your home or office. Registra-
tion is required, and then you listen on the phone or stream through the internet. They are offering a work-
shop called Life with Cancer, which is a five part series, running on Wednesdays from 1:30 - 2:30 begin-
ning on May 3. You can register at www.cancercare.org/connect, or by calling 1-800-813-HOPE. You can
also listen to previous workshops on the website under podcasts. Many different subjects are covered. A
brochure is on the bulletin board at church.
CANCER CARE
HILLTOP
PAGE 10 LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
“Wishy-Washy Day” and Computer Coding
During my days with DuPont, Safety took top priority. Today, Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Cen-
ter pre-school students take up this philosophy through a “Healthy Me!” series of educational efforts.
Center Education Coordinator, Heather Fortney, says the students used “big books” to drive home the
point.
“The big books incorporated into this theme included Signs Keep Us Safe, Wishy-Washy Day, Dr.
Tabby’s Clinic, and Open Wide. They discussed staying safe while walking and riding in a car by pay-
ing attention to the traffic and pedestrian signs.”
Heather says students also focused on good hygiene and regular doctor visits.
“The children were able to practice many of the things they were learning in the classroom; such as
brushing their teeth, washing hands, and covering their coughs and sneezes.”
For the older Hilltop students, Center Youth Service Director, Matthew Johnson, was busy acquiring
technological assistance.
“I have been in contact with organizations that recruit and train teens in computer programming and
coding. I hope to be able to offer this at the Center, (as) our young women and men need to start
learning the true purposes of computers, and don’t just use them for games and You Tube!”
The Hilltop Center is best known for its education (“Education is the Key”), recreation, and summer
camp activities. Floating under the radar are other programs that benefit all ages. For example, in one
month this winter just past, Hilltop staff assisted 15 families with job searches, resume help, housing,
and utility assistance.
Executive Director, Jea Street, reports that Hilltop cleared $3000 from this year’s Super Stars competi-
tion. Thanks to all who participated!
Eric F. Mease Member Board of Directors Hilltop Lutheran Neighborhood Center
ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
A Kindergarten teacher was observing her classroom of children while they
were drawing. When she got to one little girl who was working diligently, she
asked what the drawing was. The girl replied “I’m drawing God”. The teacher
paused and said “But no one knows what God looks like.”. Without missing a
beat or looking up from her drawing, the girl replied “They will in a minute”!
PAGE 11 MAY 2017
PRAY FOR: CONCERN: REQUESTED BY:
KEN BUCHMANN Cancer Fran Dixon
DEE BURRS Stroke Pastor Kathy
DOTTIE CHIDESTER Fractured Pelvis Faith Moyer
ROGER ELLEFSON Head Injury Faith Moyer
SALLY ERNSBERGER Tumor Faith Moyer
DONNA HARMER Breast Cancer Denise McCracken
NANCY MYERS Heart attack Sally Ernsberger
ANN NESCIO Cancer Fran Dixon
ANDREA OAS Multiple Problems Hattie Lesser
JUNE ROBINSON Continued Care Pastor Kathy
JOANNA SCHWARTZ Continued Care Pastor Kathy
BILL SHONE Health Concerns Phyllis Shone
MARY SILER Breast Cancer Office
BRIAN SNYDER Chemo Therapy Phyllis Shone
KELLY SWAB Breast Cancer Susan Wendt
CHRIS WHITE Bone Cancer Kim Klocke
NANCY WILLIAMS Return of Cancer Janet James
Friends and families of those persons removed from the prayer line thank everyone for their prayers
and concerns.
Prayer requests may be made by calling Pastor Kathy at the church office, (302) 478-3030 or Faith Mo-
yer (302) 475-3122.
FAITH MOYER
PRAYER LINE REQUESTS
Dwell in the Word
Theme passage for Lent 2017
As they came near the village to which they
were going, he walked ahead as if he were
going on. 29But they urged him strongly,
saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost
evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So
he went in to stay with them. 30When he
was at the table with them, he took bread,
blessed and broke it, and gave it to
them. 31Then their eyes were opened, and
they recognized him; and he vanished from
their sight .
(Luke 24:28-31)
Flower Chart and Sanctuary Candle Chart
Sign up sheets are posted in the Narthex.
Two flower arrangements are available each week at $30.00 each.
Sign up on the chart, complete a pink slip detailing dedications and
place in wooden file box.
A sign up sheet for the Sanctuary Candle at $10.00 each is also
posted. Fill out a green slip and place in wooden file box.
Envelopes marked “Flower Fund” are provided for your prompt pay-
ment. Please place these in the offering plates.
Note to Contributors:
For the June issue, please submit
your articles by May 15, 2017. If you
would like to send a contribution by e-
mail, please send an attachment in
Word to [email protected].
Pastor: Kathy Ierien
Director of Music: David Bowlsbey
Youth and Education Minister: Kendra Beitzel
Pastoral Associate: Sue Loney
Office Administrator/Voice Editor: Lynn Ziemer
Sexton: Bob Moyer
Handbell Director: Margaret Love
Church Council President: John Crum
Parish Administrator: George Huemmrich
Parish Nurse: Heidi Preisendanz
Clerical Assistant: Sandy Andrews
Volunteer Coordinator: Nancy Griffith
Church Staff:
Sunday Worship
May 7 - 21
8:30 and 11:00 AM
Education for All ages: 9:45 AM
May 28
9:30 am
1530 Foulk Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 478-3030
E-mail: [email protected]
On the web:
www.goodshepherd-wilmington.org
LU TH ERA N CH U RC H OF
TH E GOO D SH EPH ERD
