much more impor-tant to ask – to ask the family and the deputy how they felt during this incident – then to really listen to their responses.

Conversations about “principle” can only get us so far. Jesus spent much more of his time focusing on people. It is by sharing and listening to each other’s stories that we can really be the community that Christ calls us to be.

Yours in Christ,

Matt Johnson, Rector

The Shepherd’s HornNewsletter of the Church of the Good Shepherd

Fall 2015

Parish Picnic and Ministry Fair

Following the 10:30 a.m. service on September 13th we’ll have a parish picnic in the parish hall. The church will provide chicken and veggie burgers, and we’re asking parishioners to bring desserts and salads (e.g. green salad, potato salad, baked beans, macaroni salad, jello salad, coleslaw, three-bean salad).

Last names beginning with

A - M should bring desserts

N - Z should bring salads

Dishes may be dropped off in the Par-ish Hall before the 10:30 a.m. service. If you cannot attend but would still like to contribute a food dish, you may bring it to the church between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 12th.

A Note from MattDear Friends,

I mentioned recently that two Episcopal priests from D.C. were pulled over while driving a rental car on I-95. The Nash County Sheriff’s Deputies who stopped him said the driver had failed to signal while making a lane change, which he admitted. After providing identifica-tion, he was surprised when the deputy asked him to step out of the car and sit in the back of the cruiser. By all accounts everyone was polite and cooperative, and the deputies followed their official procedures. Once all were questioned, including inquiries about whether they were transporting illegal drugs, the clergy couple and their family (their toddler son and the wife’s black brother were with them) were sent on their way.

I tried to imagine how it would have felt to be the driver. This was a situation that could have easily happened to me a couple years ago when Katharina’s brother came to visit. What if I had been driving his rental car, with Katharina in the passenger seat, and her brother and Elli in the back? I expect that I would have been terrified, wondering why I was being separated from my family and detained for a minor traffic infrac-tion. Especially considering the news coverage

in recent months of police shootings, I’m sure I would have worried about potential misunder-standings that could result in one of the deputies firing his gun.

While my inclination was to side with the clergy couple, I also tried to think about it from the deputies’ points-of-view. We expect law enforcement officers to catch drug dealers and to prevent crimes, but we underpay them and don’t give them the tools they need to do their job effectively. One of the methods they’ve employed is profiling, and this car fit a profile (a rental car with multiple people, some of whom were black). If I were one of the depu-ties, I would be frustrated by the reaction to this incident since I was simply trying to do my job to keep Rocky Mount safe.

Profiling has helped law enforcement catch criminals, but it has also caused many innocent people of color to fear the police. Profiling presumes that someone is guilty until proved innocent. As a black friend of mine once put it, he worried about being pulled over for “driving while black.” There are no easy answers, and finger pointing won’t help. Instead, as this situ-ation has reminded me, it’s absolutely essential that we tell and listen to one another’s stories. We can imagine what someone felt like, but it’s

Ground is broken on the new columbarium!

Page 2 • The Shepherd’s Horn

Summer Lunch ProgramFor eight weeks this summer we offered

nutritious lunches to local children who might otherwise have gone hungry this summer. This ministry, which also included a daily activity (reading, drawing, singing, etc.) would not have been possible without the assistance of many volunteers and the leadership of our outreach committee. Thank you to all who helped this

Youth SundayYouth are “in the House,” or, I should

say, in the sanctuary! Youth Sunday was held on May 17th with many of our youth participating in the service. Thank you to the following youth for their leadership:

• Readers Lydia Warthin and Bishop Godwin

• Chalice Bearers Mackenzie Hedgepeth and Paul Larimer

• Acolytes Courtney Bondy, Malone Bondy, Audrey Ulrich, and Spencer Harris

•Ushers Quintin Mangano, Jack Tedford, and Emma Tedford

•Greeters Bella Warthin, Eliza Myers, Annie Larimer, George Shannon, Battle Shannon, and Andrick Martinez

Youth are always welcome and encour-aged to serve in any of the capacities. If interested, just let Matt know.

program be such a success!

On Wednesday, October 7th, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. the Down East Partnership for Chil-dren is hosting a session to discuss what went well and what could be better in the Summer Lunch Program. All who volunteered are encour-aged to attend so you can share your feedback.

The Shepherd’s Horn • Page 3

This year marks the 24th anniversary of Gatekeepers Workcamp, a partnership of local churches in Rocky Mount that provides a hands-on, Christian mission experience for youth in sixth through twelfth grade. Youth and adult leaders from Good Shepherd joined forces with volunteers from other area churches to make repairs to homes of selected disabled, elderly and low-income homeowners in Rocky Mount. Common repairs included: exterior and interior paint-ing, roof repairs, door and window

VBSThe week of June 15th – 19th the Church of

the Good Shepherd was transformed into a sum-mer camp with logs around the doors, wooden posts with burlap signs, and sign posts directing our children to their next activity, for “Camp Discovery,” the community Vacation Bible School (VBS).

Each year, a local organization is selected to receive donations from the children, and this year the Comfort Cart Program of Nash UNC Health Care received the children’s gifts. The Comfort Cart stocks items like blankets, bottled water, books, crayons, and small goods for families attending to their loved ones during the last stages of life.

It was amazing to see the five churches from three denominations working together to create a caring and Christian environment for 97 of our children while also supporting a local cause. As we face so much darkness in the world, it is inspiring to experience people of faith come together as one in Christ. Ministries like the com-munity VBS offer a glimpse of what’s possible.

Gatekeeper’s Workcamp 2015 was a Success!insulating, and weatherization. In addition to supplying volunteers, Good Shepherd acted as the “lunch time” host for all participants, making sure lunch and cold drinks were available for the workers. (This was quite a feat considering the

Summer Lunch Program was going on at the same time.) Gatekeepers is a powerful experi-ence – please consider volunteering your time next summer as we mark the 25th year.

Page 4 • The Shepherd’s Horn

MattChat Parent/ Youth Cookout

Youth and parents met at the home of Emily and Paul Bondy on Sunday, June 7th for MattChat, an opportunity to talk with the rector about how the church can best serve our youth and what youth offer the church. While Matt met with the youth, Jeanne had a conversa-tion with parents for their input. The youth Sunday school teachers Barbara and Al Hicks and Eric Seale’s family also attended so they could share their thoughts and continue to get to know our wonderful youth. All enjoyed Paul’s master grilling skills with hot dogs and ham-

Busch GardensThirty youth and friends from the Church of

the Good Shepherd and St. Andrew’s enjoyed beautiful day of rides, fun, and fellowship at Busch Gardens on Saturday, May 30th. Many

burgers along with appetizers, sides, and dessert supplied by parents. A big thank you to all who brought food and to Emily and Paul for hosting this event in their home.

thanks to Tom Shannon, Roney Harris, Britt Myers, and Trevor Foote for tagging along for the fun (we know who the real kids are here!).

Fall Youth CalendarAs fall arrives, we have taken youth and par-

ent input from our spring MattChat to expand our youth programming. With many demands placed on their time, it is especially important for youth to have opportunities to be refreshed and to go deeper in their relationship with God. To help youth more easily include church in their busy schedules, the calendar has a greater variety of events. This fall, youth Sunday school will take place on the first and third Sunday of each month, and we are grateful to Barbara and Al Hicks and Eric Seale who will continue as our youth teachers. On the fourth Sunday of each month we will pack snack bags. (The youth will meet in the Parish Hall to organize the contents then pack bags in the kitchen.) We will also continue to offer service opportunities as well as meet with our Faith in Action partners at First Presbyterian Church and St. Andrew’s.

September:Sun, 13th (4:30) Youth Cookout, Moss Farm

Sun, 20th (9:30) Christian Formation

Fri, 25-26 Fall Youth Leadership Retreat (Diocese Event)

Sun, 27th (9:30) Pack Snack Bags –Kitchen

October:Sun, 4th (9:30) Christian Formation

Sun, 11th (9:30) Church Tour for Stewardship Campaign

Sun, 18th (9:30) Christian Formation

Sun, 25th (9:30) Pack Snack Bags –Kitchen

Sun, 25th Faith in Action Soccer Golf, Northgreen Country Club

Date TBD YAM JAM - Gleaning Sweet Potatoes

November:Sun, 1st (9:30) Christian Formation

Fri, 6th (4:00) Sky Zone and Mellow Mushroom

Sun, 15th (9:30) Christian Formation; Assemble Op Christmas Child Boxes

Sun, 22nd (9:30) Advent Wreath Workshop

Sun, 29th (9:30) Pack Snack Bags –Kitchen

Sun, 29th Faith in Action Fellowship & Community Service Project

Date TBD Bassett Center Visit

December: Sun, 6th (9:30) Wrap it up!!! Wrap gifts for adopted children

Sun, 20th (9:30) Pageant Practice (No Christian Formation)

(10:30) Pageant

Sun, 20th Youth Caroling and Christmas Dinner

Sun, 27th (9:30) Pack Snack Bags – Kitchen

Date TBD Salvation Army – Ringing the Bell

2016 Save the DateBishop’s Ball (Camp Walter Johnson, Denton, NC) - January 29-31, 2016

Faith in Action Ski Trip (Wintergreen, VA) - January 29-31, 2016

Happening 62 (Camp Walter Johnson, Denton, NC) - March 11-13, 2016

The Shepherd’s Horn • Page 5

Fall Youth Kick-OffSeptember 13th at 4:30 p.m. Youth Cookout

September 20th at 9:30 a.m. Christian Education Begins for All Ages

HUGS Campby Annie Larimer

This summer I attended HUGS (Helping Under-stand God through Sharing) Camp as a helper for the second year in a row. The camp was at Haw River State Park from July 18 – 25. The purpose of HUGS Camp is to bring young people of differ-ent abilities together to help them understand each other while learning that God made us all and loves each of us. Last year I helped a camper named Edwardo and this year I helped a camper named Raven. Even though they had totally dif-ferent personalities and needs, I enjoyed helping them and getting to know them. I also enjoyed meeting the other helpers from the Diocese. 

 Participating in the HUGS camp was a great experience for me because it helped me feel closer to God by assisting others. I am looking forward to going back next year and hope more youth (including my brother Paul!) will attend also.

Children EventsWe are seeing more and more young families

visit our church and hope they will consider mak-ing Good Shepherd their parish home. Be on the lookout for information about Sunday School as well as a calendar of events for children and their families.

Page 6 • The Shepherd’s Horn

nizations, this unit was transported to Conetoe, refurbished, and now serves as the center for their educational activities. Last year, the Rever-end Joyner approached us to construct a deck on the back of the building to serve as a platform for seed boxes so that their four year olds could learn how to plant and take care of young seedlings. With the financial support of Good Shepherd, Lakeside Baptist, and West Haven Presbyterian, along with the talents of John Bonner, John Alexander, William Joyner, Ike Pittman, Doug Edwards, and Devontae Anderson, this project is complete. Many thanks to all!

Conetoe Deck ProjectOur mission to assist the Conetoe Family

Life Center has been ongoing for several years, mainly through the efforts of the “Gatekeeper” churches and many other dedicated individuals. Two years ago, the youth of the center petitioned Edgecombe County with a proposal to receive a surplus commercial mobile unit to serve as their Community Center. Their proposal was accepted and, once again, through the combined efforts of several churches, individuals, and service orga-

The Shepherd’s Horn • Page 7

September Birthdays 2 Quintin Mangano 3 Mary Craig, Walker Farish 6 Mary Ruth Divine, Jimmy Whatley, Ronald Williams, Barden Winstead 7 Ashton Burnette, Angela Urquhart 8 Shebe Harris, Oscar Seale 9 Keith Harris 12 Michie Coppedge, Trish Weeks 14 Katie Boone, Courtney Steed 15 Richard Learn 16 Barbara LaRose 17 Jim Curtis 19 Lucas Bayless, Stokes Suiter, Norita Watson 20 Lisa Godwin 22 Alston Meadows, Alexis Reams, Betsy Wood 24 Alex Langley 25 David Daughtry 27 Faye Brady, Maureen Kroncke 28 E. L. Daughtridge, Bernice Dawson, Westray Hicks 30 Bruce Daughtry, Laurie Lilley, Riki Mottershead

October Birthdays 2 Betty Adkins, Susanna Crestetto 4 Vicky Tulloss, Carolyn Weeks 7 Jefferson Griffin, Jackson Tedford 8 Emily Bondy, William Jenkins, Thelma Sasser 10 Caroline H. High, Betsy Fritschel, John Haley 11 Andrick Martinez, Jack McKellar 12 James Whatley 13 Nancy Penick 14 Philip Curtiss, John Mebane, Dillon Rose, Lucy Turner 15 Reid McAuley, Molly Sherburne 16 Janie Johnson 17 Don Ulrich, Mary Wright 18 Katie Craig, Selden Bullock 19 Pat Slone, Kate Weeks 20 Jenna Bock, Katelyn Bock, Emily Bullock 21 Eliza Myers, George Tobias 22 William Frohbose, John Turner 24 Rebecca Moore, Cacky Daughtry 25 Noah Seale 26 David Rose 27 Jerome Hodges, Jordan Harrison 28 Arlene Sherburne, Aurora Pajeau 29 Bunny Lea 31 Olivia Bullard

November Birthdays 1 Lee Gravely, Gayle Edwards, Gavin Meiring 2 Vera Holmes 3 Jama Greene, Victoria Sowers, Marion Stoga 5 Sherry Curtiss, Kathryn Kelly 6 Ben Moore 7 Bob Larimer 9 Ann Parke Godwin 10 Katharina Johnson 11 Ginger Elliot, Elizabeth Reynolds 12 Timmy Battle, Janet Cooper, Dave Bock 14 Jenny McKellar 15 Ron Johnson, Skip Sprye, Teresa Parker 16 Spencer Harris 19 Shirley Boone 21 Tom Adams, Sharon Crestetto 22 Susan Van Dyke, Esme Braswell 23 Laurie Ezzell 25 Shields Harris, Devin Learn, Matthew Mangano 27 Ewen Groner 29 Scott Fritschel, Al Hicks, George Shannon, Katie Moss

2015-2016 Choir Season After a summer break, the Alleluia and

Cherub Choirs have resumed regular Wednes-day rehearsals, but it’s not too late to join. The Cherub Choir (for children ages 3 through 1st grade) rehearses on Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. for thirty minutes. This choir learns fundamentals of music and liturgy, and they sing at the 10:30 a.m. service several times throughout the year, at the St. Francis Day service, on Christmas Eve, and at the Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre. The Alleluia Choir (for children in 2nd through 8th grades and 1st graders with excellent reading ability) rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. This choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. service every

MUSIC AT GOOD SHEPHERDtwo to three weeks from September through May, at the St. Francis Day service, at Lessons & Carols, on Christmas Eve, and at the Mother’s Day Dinner Theatre. The Good Shepherd Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m., with rehearsals resuming on Wednesday, September 9th. The Good Shepherd Choir sings in church weekly at the 10:30 a.m. service, at Evensongs, at Lessons & Carols, on Christmas Eve, and at other services during the liturgical year. For more information about any of our choirs, please call Lawrence Goering at 442-1134, ext. 224 or e-mail at lgoering@goodshepherdrmt.org. Come sing with us!

Save the dates:

Sunday, October 4, 5:00 p.m.St. Francis Day Choral Evensong with Blessing of the Animals

Sunday, October 25, 5:00 p.m.Music for Flute and Harp: A Concert by Beth Kupsco and Vonda Darr

Sunday, November 15, 5:00 p.m.Organ Recital by Katherine Johnson

Sunday, December 13, 5:00 p.m.A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols

The Church of the Good Shepherd231 N. Church Street • Rocky Mount, NC 27804(252) 442-1134 • www.goodshepherdrmt.org

Non-Profit Org.U.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit No. 194

Rocky Mount, N.C.

REQUIESCAT IN PACEKeith Spivey, cousin of Deborah Burnette,

died on May 28

Ellis Smith, parishioner, died on May 30

Juanita Andrews, cousin of John High, died on June 8

Charlie Neville, parishioner, died on July 7

Holly Fryar, parishioner, died on July 21

Virginia (Jenny) Cutchin, parishioner, died on August 10

Day School NewsGreetings from our Day School! We have

enjoyed a fun-filled summer that included field trips to the spray park and walking trips to the library. As fall quickly approaches, we are plan-ning for our annual fall festivities. Our theme for September is “Back to School,” and we will continue to keep you updated about upcoming events. Know that your participation is always welcome.

We will miss our Pre-K graduates dearly as they transition to kindergarten this month, and we bid farewell with happy hearts, confident that they will master new challenges. At the same time, we’re excited to welcome several

new students to the Day School. Enrollment is booming and the only class with space is the Infant I room (age 6 weeks to 6 months). If you know of anyone who is currently looking for childcare in that range, we would be delighted to welcome them into the school. Contact Shawanda Jordan at 252-442-1092 or via email at gsdayschool1@gmail.com.

Thank you, parishioners, for the donations of crayons and books donated to our Day School. They are greatly appreciated.

Shawanda Jordan, Day School Director