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volume 8 • issue 1
News you Can “Ewes”
News You Can “Ewes”
A publication of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Woodstock, GA CALENDAR
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 V O L U M E 8 , I S S U E 1
G OOD S HE P H E RD
1st Happy New Year! Office Closed 5th Blood Drive 8 am 6th Epiphany Sunday Yarn Angels 10:30 am FX3/Confirmation 12:30 pm 8th Council Meeting 7 pm 9th Stewardship Meeting 7 pm 12th Council Planning Mtg. 9am 13th Baptism of our Lord Communion Instruction 9:45 am 15th Faith Formation Mtg. 7 pm 20th 2nd Sunday of Epiphany First Communion 10:45 am High School Lock-in 7 pm FX3/Confirmation 12:30 pm 21st MLK, Jr. Day of Service 9:30 am 27th 3rd Sunday of Epiphany
Stewardship is Love!
January
We give thanks to God for your generous response to our Stewardship is Love campaign. We are happy to report that we have received 128 service forms to date. As you are aware, many people are needed each time we gather for worship from preparing the sanctuary, communion, music, fellowship—organizing all the volunteers! We thank you for completing and returning your service forms and for those who have been moved by the Holy Spirit to even try something new! We also appreciate your financial commitment of $378,058. This is our church home, and like our individual homes, funds are needed to not only care for our building and staff, but to reach out and be a presence in our community. Your generosity will help the Finance Committee as they prepare for the next fiscal
Happy New Year! And a blessed Epiphany
Sunday and season! We have come to
worship the King, just as the wise men did
so long ago. Come! All Are Welcome.
O God, you give the winter’s cold, as well as summer’s joyous rays. You warmly in your love enfold, and keep us through life’s wintry days. —Samuel Longfellow
1 John 4:12 “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”
Continued on page 8
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A note of thanks…. Accolades from our Church Council
Council Update November 2018
Discussions Financial Secretary, Geoff Morton,
reported that although November giving was on budget, we are $12,224.55 short for the YTD budgeted income.
Treasurer, Mary McCoy, reported that November YTD expenses are running under budget, however, November YTD expenses are running in the red for both Actuals and Budget.
The newly elected officers of the 2019 Council are:
President:: Carrie Escamilla Vice President: Gina Crittenden Secretary: Cathy Mattocks Financial Secretary: Geoff Morton Treasurer: Mary McCoy The 2019 Council Liaisons: Congregational Care: Mary Tucker Facilities and Maintenance: Marc
Duclos Faith Formation: Kristin Freeman Fellowship: Cathy Mattocks Finance: Mary McCoy Outreach: Ben Setzer Personnel: Gina Crittenden Stewardship: Geoff Morton Worship and Music: Paul
Christensen The council voted to move $2,000
from Thrivent funds to help with the cost of tree trimming and tree removal from the upper parking lot, and from around the retention ponds. The Facilities and Maintenance budget will cover $1,700 of the expense.
Accolades
Thank you to Barb Blanke, Karen Epstein and Ron Mixon for their service on council.
Thank you to Carlie Epstein for organizing the Dessert Bake-Off. Thank you to those that contributed a dessert. Thank you to those who came and participated, thank you to those who helped prepare the meal and serve and thank you to the judges; Pastor Paul, Alec Morris and Carlie Epstein.
Thank you to the Fellowship Committee for desserts and coffee prior to the Advent services each week.
Many thanks to everyone that supported the youth by eating at Chili’s once again.
Thank you to the youth that made Santa faces for the seniors’ mailboxes at The Oaks Assisted Living and for all the members that sang Christmas Carols at The Oaks on Sunday, December 16th.
Thank you to all the members that helped clean and decorate the church for the Christmas season.
Thank you to all the past chairs and co-chairs of committees, and thank you to those that are serving as chairs or co-chairs in 2019.
Habitat for Humanity Lutheran Coalition 2019 Build Thanks to the support of GSLC, its members and other area Lutheran Churches, the Lutheran Coalition for Habitat is able to sponsor its 31st house in 2019. This year the build will be in Woodstock, so participation in the builds will be more convenient for GSLC members. The build will start in March, 2019. GSLC work days will be finalized within the next month, so look for updates in the February newsletter and in the Sunday bulletins. If you are interested in participating in the build or need more information, please contact Mike Dooley at [email protected].
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OUTREACH AT GOOD SHEPHERD
H appy New Year! Can you believe it is 2019? The years just fly by when you are busy doing God’s work. Once again, I am amazed at the wonderful generosity of our congregation. I realize sometimes that our impact on the world around us may
get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life but let me assure you, with every donation you bring in on any given Sunday and every hour of your time you volunteer, we are spreading God’s love and generosity to those around us who need it most. We accomplished some amazing things in 2018. Look for the posters around the church for a recap of our incredible work.
I especially want to thank you for your overwhelming generosity and support for our local seniors this holiday season. On Tuesday, December 18, we delivered 58 blankets/throws, 8 robes, 19 pair of slippers, 7 pajama sets, 35 pair of socks, 6 books of stamps, and 10 grocery store gift cards to Cherokee County Senior Services. I wish I had a video recording of how gracious and overwhelmed the administrators at CSS were with our donation. They repeatedly said that the blankets and throws are one of their greatest needs for their homebound clients and they never have enough for everyone they serve. This is another great testament to what we at Good Shepherd can do collectively for our community.
Good Shepherd has always been a very generous and giving church that responds greatly to the needs of our community and for this, I thank you all immensely. As we turn our attention to 2019, I can assure you there will be several more opportunities to make a difference in our community and spread God’s love, with our first one coming up soon. See the details below for a great service opportunity to kick off the New Year. Here’s to another great year! I look forward to serving with each one of you in the days to come.
Join us, Monday, January 21, 2019 for an MLK Day Service Project. We will be arranging care packages and writing letters of support to an Army Unit from
Georgia that is currently stationed in Iraq. Here’s how you can help:
DONATE: Donate requested care package items between now and January 21.
Requested Items:
Ground coffee in bags Coffee Creamer
Black or Tan calf socks Nerf Footballs /Frisbees
Board Games Small Fans
Beef Jerky Body wash (both Male and Female)
Salty/Sweet snacks Sunflower seeds
MIO or Crystal Light Drink Enhancers Magazines
JOIN US: Come to the Fellowship Hall on Monday, January 21, at 9:30 am to help
create individual packages and write a personal letter of support to a soldier. Sign up at
Sign-up Central.
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Y O U T H N E W S
Confirmation
Confirmation Class will be held on Sunday, January 6th and January 20th. Our
lessons will cover: Ruth and Esther. Our classes meet from 12:30 to 2pm. Class will be held in the Fellowship Hall.
Saints and Sinners will meet at the church every Wednesday, from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm. January 16
th - Game Night-Bring your favorite game so we have extra options.
January 23rd - Service Project Sunday, January 20th– Overnight Lock-in, 7 pm, see below for details. January 30th-Devotion
Saints & Sinners
Shepherd’s Choir (ages K-3rd) practices on Sundays, after Sunday School, at 10:30 am, in the Music Room.
Shepherd’s Choir
We will resume after the holidays on January 6th, and January 20th, from 12:30—2 pm. We are always looking for new faces, if you are in 4th or 5th grade, consider joining us!
FX3
Children's Communion Instruction will be Sunday, January 13th. Due to the changing ages at which children begin receiving communion, this is no longer titled First Communion class. While it is generally geared toward 1st and 2nd grade, if your child began taking communion earlier and you would like to go through this class now, or if you would like to explore if this is the time your child is ready to begin taking communion, please see the Sign up in Fellowship Hall about this class. This class will include instructional time, worship time and a wonderful meal as well, so the time is well spent. There will still be a recognition of those having their First Communion.
Children’s Communion Instruction
Attention High School Youth!!! We will be having a lock-in starting on Sunday, January 14
th at 7 pm and concluding with the MLK Day of Service. Please bring
your friends for an evening of fun activities and adventures. Cost will be $25 to cover the evening and activities on Monday. Please RSVP to Cat by Sunday, January 7
th. Let’s look forward to all the fun we’ll have.
H.S. Youth Lock-In
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We really need you. Do you like to hang out with amazing youth and help them along their faith journey? Our spring meeting sign up genius is out and we need adults to help us on Wednesday evenings for our meetings. Please consider signing up. We cannot do our ministry without you. If you are interested, and have taken Child Youth Protection training, please contact Cat and she will get you added to our Sign-up Genius list. If you need CYP training in order to volunteer, we can set that up as well.
All Middle School and High School Youth: we still have spots available for our 2019 Summer Mission Trips. If you are interested please let Cat know. A $25 late fee applies.
Mission Trips 2019
Y O U T H N E W S
If your child is in 5th or 6th grade, please consider coming to the parent informational meeting on Sunday, February 3rd at 10:00 am for our Created by God class which will begin on February 24th. This meeting is mandatory if you have not already had a child attend this class. If you have any questions, please see Janice Swinford, Sunday School Superintendent.
Save the Date for Created by God Class
Volunteers Needed for Saints and Sinners
Chili Cook-off—Coming February 10th
February 10th will be our annual chili cook-off fundraiser for youth summer trips. Begin digging through those old family recopies to come up with the entry that will impress the taste buds of our judges. Look for more information coming soon in your bulletin and on our website.
Southeastern Synod Advocacy Policy Council would like to invite you to the fourth annual advocacy gathering; the
day will begin with an Affirmation of Baptism. Walking Wet is all about who God has called us to be as He claims us
in the waters of baptism. Walking Wet means we know where we belong and to whom we belong. Walking Wet is to
know without a doubt that through the waters of baptism, God promises to always love us, to forgive us, to support
us, and to always be by our side. Walking Wet is about confidence and trust. Walking Wet implies we are part of a
large group, brothers and sisters in Christ. Walking Wet gives us a new perspective from which to love and serve our
neighbor.
This event will take place at : 9AM—3PM
St. John's Lutheran Church
1410 Ponce De Leon Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30307
Get more information about keynote speakers, event details and registration at www.eventbrite.com/
Search for Walking Wet, Georgia
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Adult Chancel Choir practices on
Monday’s, 7:30pm,
in the Sanctuary.
Coffee & Conversation Is one of your New Year's resolutions to join a Bible Study group? If so, please join the discussion “Our
Love For God” from Augsburg Fortress. We meet Sunday mornings in room 111 at 9:45. No experience necessary. Contact Lori Peters for details at [email protected]
Sunday School (ages 4-adult) We have classes for ages 4 through adult and we hope to see all of you there, beginning again on January 6th. Classes begin at 9:45 am and are open to all members and visitors. If you have
questions, please contact Janice Swinford, Sunday School Superintendent at [email protected]
Thursday Morning Bible Study
We will begin a new study on the book of Ruth on January 17th. No additional study materials will be required. As always, all are welcome and we would love to see new faces. Come and join us at 10:00 am.
Word on Wednesday Are you interested in joining a Bible Study for the New Year? Please join us Jan. 9th as we
resume the study for “40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer”. We meet Wednesday mornings in the Meeting Room at 9:30. No experience necessary. Contact Lori Peters for details at [email protected]
Tuesday Lunch & Learn Typically, we meet at noon with lunch and begin our discussion around12:30. We will begin something new after the holidays. We would love to have new faces. Contact the office, Margaret Mixon, Angela Renner, Emilie Gudger, Nancy Coupland or Brenda Kviten for more information.
Men in Mission Sunday mornings at 9:45 am in room 116. An ELCA sponsored mission for men that provides support and guidance for men of all ages. Stop in or contact Jaime Escamilla for more information. [email protected].
Faith Stories A group which focuses on in-depth discussions of various faith-related topics, usually using a book to guide our study. Meets Sunday mornings at 9:45 am. Contact Mary Tucker for more information [email protected].
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volume 7 • number 3
January Events
Yarn Angels Sunday, December 6th Room 120, 10:30 am
Needlework Friends Join us on Saturday, January 12, 2019
from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the home of
Linda Rowell (114 Newcastle Walk,
Woodstock) for needlework and
fellowship. Bring your projects, learn
something new, teach or help another
friend. Knit, Crochet, Cross-stitch,
Embroider, Sew, etc. Light
refreshments provided. Contact Linda
Help Un-decorate the Sanctuary
Volunteers are needed for sanctuary un-decorating (taking down Christmas decorations). This event will take place
on Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 11:00 am. This should take no longer than an hour or so.
10009 Highway 92
Woodstock
Jan. 15th 7 pm
All ladies welcome!
Sign-up or contact Sue Pence
Ladies Night Out
Two-Can Sunday is NEXT Sunday,
January 6th Bring in your Canned Goods
for support of our local food initiatives.
Thank you for all your support!
Every day, blood donors help
patients of all ages: accident and
burn victims, heart surgery and
organ transplant patients, and
those battling cancer. In fact, every
two seconds, someone in the U.S.
needs blood. The Red Cross sent
blood from Good Shepherd’s November 3rd blood drive to :
GRADY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL-ATLANTA
PIEDMONT HOSPITAL-ATLANTA
PIEDMONT FAYETTE COMMUNITY HOSP.
MEMORIAL HEALTH SAVANNAH
EMORY UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL MIDTOWN
Saturday, January 5, 2019 is our next blood drive from 8:00
am to 1:00 pm. Please consider giving blood. As you can see,
you can have an impact right here in the Atlanta area. You can
sign up online at www.redcross.org, at the Red Cross Table
below Sign-Up Central in the Fellowship Hall, or fill out the form
in the bulletins and place in the offering plate.
Blood drive Jan. 5th
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This year the seasons of Hanukkah and Advent began on the same date, December 2. The Word on Wednesday Bible Study group is currently studying 40 Day Journey with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and learning about the 20th century martyr and his compassion and support of the Jewish people. Long-time friend of Wendy Vogt of our congregation, Fran Ellinson, is a familiar face around Good Shepherd. Fran was a guest speaker at Word on Wednesday at our November 28 gathering. Fran and Wendy provided a festive meal reflecting foods used in celebrating Hanukkah and Advent. Gathered around the table adorned with both a Menorah and an Advent Candle, dreidels and Hanukkah gelt (chocolate coins), Fran enlightened us on the history of Hanukkah, the traditions associated with the holiday and general insight of the Jewish Faith.
Fran read prayers in Hebrew from her Siddur (Jewish prayer book) and blessed the meal of potato pancakes (Latkes), Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts), and a traditional vegetable soup. Wendy complimented the meal with Scandinavian treats of meatballs, cheeses, fruit, and a Christmas Kringle (pastry). Thank you Fran and Wendy. Together we look forward to celebrating the season of Light!
Word on Wednesday Anticipates Seasons of Hanukkah and Advent
The 2019 Flower and Donut Charts are now available in the Administrative Hallway.
Beginning in 2019, if no one is signed up for flowers for the week, we will not be putting flowers on the Altar. The cost of donuts remain at $30 and the cost of flowers is $40. Please fill out forms completely to coincide with the dates you are scheduling and leave in the slot outside the Office Coordinator’s mailbox, along with your payment. All checks can be made out to GSLC, and note “Flowers” or “Donuts” in the memo line.
year. If you have not had the opportunity to complete service and offerings forms, it is never too late. Forms are available in Fellowship Hall and can be returned to the mail slot outside of Kathy Gunn’s office in the Administrative Hallway. We invite you to be a part of the Stewardship team. If you are interested, please let us know. Our next meeting is January 9, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Meeting Room.
Your outpouring of love is vital to the health of our
Good Shepherd family and community. Each
individual response is key, and when added together
enables us to do great things.
Stewardship is Love! From page 1
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HAPPY NEW YEAR! This month’s article is aimed at the youth of Good Shepherd and what they can to do to help care for creation. However, there is no reason all of us can’t practice these activities every day. It’s that time of year when we think of changes we want to make or things we want to improve on in 2019. As a young person you may say what can I do? You can do a lot every day. SAVE WATER: Take shorter showers and turn
the water off while brushing your teeth. STRAWS: When you visit your favorite
restaurant tell them no straw or ask do you have a paper straw?
BOTTLED WATER: Not only is bottled water expensive, but it generates large amounts of container waste. Bring a reusable water bottle, preferably aluminum rather than plastic, when you are playing sports or traveling.
LITTER: Look around. If you see litter on the ground pick it up and put it in the trash can.
BORROW INSTEAD OF BUYING: Borrow from libraries instead of buying personal books and movies. This saves money, not to mention the ink and paper that goes into printing new books.
These are just a few things that young and old alike can do every day to care for creation. Watch this section over the next few months for more fun things we can all do.
Caring for Creation
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Dessert Bake-Off Winners Thank you to all who participated and attended the Third Annual Dessert Bake-Off. This Years Winners: Best Name (Adult): Mary McCoy - Oodles of Joy Best Name (Youth): Lilly Champion - Hazelnut Holiday Best Taste (Adult): Kristin Freeman - I've got my eye on
Rudolph Best Taste (Youth): Brooke Myers - Sugar & Spice &
Everything Nicer
a little of this and a little of that...
Continuing Prayers List
Is available online at
gslutheran.org
Have pictures to share from a Good Shepherd event? Have you been featured in the newspaper? Send the information to our Media
Coordinator, Donna Garges, at [email protected] and we will try to get it posted on our
Facebook/Instagram posts or featured in our next newsletter.
Safety Task Force Tips
1. Be mindful. Always check your surroundings. Alert someone on staff if something seems out of place or unusual…”See something. Say something.”
2. Be a person of action. In an emergency help
your neighbor. Move quickly. 3. Emergency cheat sheets are located near the
front door. Take a look to see what is information is available.
Beginning Dec. 26th, follow the Wisemen on Facebook and/or Instagram as they travel for 12 days leading up to Epiphany. Each day will bring a glimpse into their adventure as they journey to meet the newborn king, Jesus. Our Facebook page is www.facebook.com/gslcwoodstock and our Instagram page is www.instagram.com/gslutheran. A
great way to share the good news of Christ is to share our pages and to do it often!
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Good Shepherd Scrapbook Page
Christmas
Preparations
Empty Nesters
Christmas Party FX3
Advent Wreaths
Saints and Sinners
Pottery Making
Casserole Making
Fundraiser
Caroling at
The Oaks
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1208 Rose Creek Drive
Woodstock, GA 30189
770-924-7286
gslutheran.org
Good Shepherd Lutheran
“Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you.”
Romans 15:7
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church warmly welcomes people of any age, race, nationality, sexual orientation, life circumstance,
and physical or mental capability.
An Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Congregation serving North Cobb and Cherokee County Communities.
Join us! 8:30 a.m. Traditional Service
9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Praise Service
Online:
Gslutheran.org
Want to see Good
Shepherd Facebook posts
first? Prioritize our page in
your news feed settings!
Like us and share often!
on
Facebook:
GSLCWoodstock
Instagram:
@gslutheran
DID YOU
FORGET
SUNDAY’S
ANNOUNCEMENTS?
Go to
www.gslutheran.org
and look for the quick
link to Sunday
Bulletin
Announcements.
Did you know our two TV
screens in the entryway and
Fellowship Hall show different
messages? Grab a cup of coffee
or a sweet treat and take a look
next Sunday morning.
