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The Journey Begins!! As I sit down to write this article, I am just hours away from beginning a journey that will take me to the village of Bokonzo in the Equateur Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the poorest province in the second poorest country in the world). I will be flying out of Philadelphia airport on a US Air flight to Paris, where I will meet up with a group of six people from Crossroads Covenant Church in Minneapolis, MN who will be traveling with me to visit a project they support in the Congo. God willing, we will arrive in Kinshasa (the capital of the DRC) around 6:30pm on Thursday evening (February 12th). We have been praying and planning for this incredible journey for several months and we are anticipating a wonderful experience meeting and establishing a relationship with many of our Congolese brothers and sisters in Christ. I expect the highlight of the journey for me personally will be the opportunity to meet, for the very first time, the child that Susan and I have been sponsoring through World Vision…little 9 year old Emmanuel. Emanuel and his family struggle every day with the harsh realities of grinding poverty that make life very difficult. I am so eager to meet this young boy and give him the soccer ball that I purchased for him. Emmanuel loves soccer (he calls it football) and has never had a ball of his own… I‘m sure it will soon be one of his prized possession. This journey, which was originally scheduled for November of 2014, but was cancelled because some 30 cases of Ebola were reported in the Equateur Province. When we rescheduled the trip for Feb. 11th thru the 20th, I didn’t even think about the beginning of Lent, and the fact that I would miss the Ash Wednesday services at Good Shepherd (I am so grateful that Fr. Rick will be available to preach and preside at all three Ash Wednesday liturgies). I love the Ash Wednesday liturgy, and it is a disappointment that we will not be together on this most important day when we, following in the footsteps of our Lord, “set our faces and our hearts” toward Jerusalem and the remarkable events of Holy Week and the inexpressible joy of Easter. God willing, I will be back from the Congo to preach and preside on Saturday evening, Feb. 21st and to preside (Mark Nicole will be preaching) on Sunday, February 22nd. Someone once observed that every journey (whether it is to the Democratic Republic of the Congo or to the joy of Easter) begins with one step. On Wednesday, February 18th the Church begins the annual 40 day journey of Lent. My prayer for all of you (and for myself as well) is that you would begin the journey well by participating in the Ash Wednesday liturgy, and that you and those you love and care about would have a Holy Lent…

Faithfully, Fr. Dave Snyder

“Rend your hearts and not your garments…return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love…” Joel 2:13.

The Shepherd’s Crook The Church of the Good Shepherd

Pitman, NJ The Rev. Dr. David L. Snyder – Interim Rector March/April 2015

“We Love Our Church”

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2014 ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

& ELECTION RESULTS

The Annual Meeting of the Church of the Good Shepherd was held on Sunday, January 25th. At the Meeting, the ministry and business of the Parish for 2014 was reported on and reviewed and the 2015 Budget was presented. The Jr. Youth Group once again provided a delicious lunch. The election results for the positions of Senior Warden (2 years), 3 Vestry members, and 3 Delegates and 3 Alternates to the Diocesan Convention and Convocation are as follows:.

Senior Warden - George Funk

Vestry Members - Wayne Szalma, Chelsea Richmond, Connie Parent

Delegates - Ellie Dunn, Chuck Lezenby, Harvey Corbett

Alternates - Gail Morton, Kathy Pastiu, Karen Mackay

Fr. Dave to Lead Pericope Bible Study…

Beginning in early January, Fr. Dave took over the leadership of the Adult Bible study, which is held in the conference room of the church on Tuesday evenings @ 7:00pm. Because of his limited amount of time to do Bible Study preparation, a proposal was made to the class that each week the study be focused on the scripture texts that will be read, proclaimed and heard in church the next weekend. The proposal was accepted by the group and, to date, three sessions have been held. The plan is to continue until after Easter and then to re-evaluate the approach and decide if it will continue. The Episcopal Church follows the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) which is a three year

cycle of texts with a particular focus on the writings of one of the three Synoptic Evangelists (In Year A the focus is the Gospel according to Saint Matthew; in Year B-the year which began on the First Sunday in Advent-the focus is the Gospel according to Saint Mark; in Year C, the focus is the Gospel according to Saint Luke). During our weekly sessions we read the Collect for the Day and all the Lessons (including the Psalm) and then spend most of our time discussing the main themes in the Gospel reading and any connections between the other readings and the Gospel, which is the most important reading of the day. Fr. Dave’s doctoral dissertation was on Collaborative Sermon Preparation: A Model of Preaching as the Work of the People. The thesis was that the homily (or sermon) belongs to the entire church community and is not the sole possession of the preacher, and, because this is true, then preparation should be done in conversation with and not in isolation from the community of faith. One of the great advantages of this approach is that is provides the preacher with an opportunity to hear from and engage in conversation with members of the community who will be hearing the homily the next weekend. The Bible study on Tuesday evenings is open to any adult in the parish so why not consider attending and helping Fr. Dave as he prepares the proclamation of the Gospel for the upcoming Sunday!!

Page Turners’ Book Group

Reading list

March 22 Flight Behavior by Barbara Kingsolver

April 19 The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty

May 17 The Boys In The Boat by Daniel James Brown

June 21 Two Old Women by Velma Walls

The Page Turners meet once a month, immediately following the 10am Holy Eucharist, in the Conference Room. Please come and join us for some very interesting discussion and sharing.

Please come and join us for interesting exchange of ideas.

SERVICES

Saturdays 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist

Sundays 10:00 AM – Holy Eucharist

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Church Ministry Leaders

These are some of their names and numbers, if you have any questions.

Senior Warden George Funk - 856/232-0941

Junior Warden Art Dilworth - 856/881-6595

Treasurer Lee Braidwood - 856/228-0737

Assist. Treasurer George Funk - 856/232-0941

Brotherhood of St. Andrew Wayne Szalma - 856/582-7225

Women at the Well Cindy Taglienti - 856/227-1566

Altar Guild Shelly Harris - 856/589-8160

Newcomers Sue Dixon – 856/589-4877

Youth Group Maria Szalma - 856/582-7225

College Scholarship Forms

There are a few College Scholarships available through the Church. The forms are in the white envelope on the bulletin board across from the Conference Room. Please make sure to check the Deadline dates that the paperwork & recommendations need to be in by. Any questions please see Father Dave.

EfM looking to start a September 2015 Class

“Interested persons please contact Chuck Lezenby---856-404-4006” EfM stands for Education for Ministry, and is a self-enrichment program that is coordinated by the University of the South in Sewanee Tennessee, through the Diocese of New Jersey. When we say ministry, we are not talking about "Ordained Ministry" but the ministry that you perform in the world today as a lay person. Students study in four general areas; Old Testament; New Testament; Church History; Theology. Each area is studied for a period of one year. During the study year you will become proficient in Theological Reflections. That is taking scripture or a personal experience and looking at it though God and reflection. The entire group participates. All work in EfM is confidential and not repeated outside the room. We also read the required texts that are provided to you through your tuition. We have also added liturgics as a fifth topic of discussion, but not requiring a fifth year. We mix in those discussions during the four years. The EfM group is very close knit and it also serves as a support group to its members. Although the program runs for four years, you can take as many segments as you want. When you join, you are committed to a one year segment not four. It is a very worthwhile course of study and I know that you would love it. The class runs on Wednesday evenings from September through June, from 6:30-8:30, followed by Compline in the Chapel. Please contact me, Chuck Lezenby, EfM Mentor, if you are interested and we can chat (856-404-4006). Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join our program. Completion of all fours years earns you a Certificate from the University of the South, presented to you by the Bishop. We are very hopeful that there will be financial assistance available if needed.

Pastoral Emergencies

If a Pastoral Emergency should come up for you, hospitalization, death in the family, please call the Church Office 856-589-8209 or Father Dave 609-444-6706

DEADLINE

The deadline for the May/June Crook will be on April 15, 2015. Please e-mail all articles to goodshepherdpitman@gmail.com.

Maryanne Charlton Parish Administrator

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Regina Sandra Louie Michelle F. Janet L. Jim Minnie Ms. DeStefano Kelly Julie Landwher Florence Avril Jane E. Terry Johnson Ashley Kari Mike Lahey Donna Barton Bill Dilworth Aaliyah Seely McFadden family Seely family Art Dilworth Daniel Pignuola Walter Hickman Amy Elfreth family Don Snyder Clint Lorance Anna Lorance Mary Shaw Carole

Dawn Cameron Steve Alice

Church of the Good Shepherd

Prayers of the People

Prayers for the Church and Clergy

For all Churches in the Diocese of NJ & Ecuador Katherine Jefferts Schori, the Presiding Bishop William “Chip” Stokes, Our Bishop The Rev. Dr. David Snyder, Interim Rector Sister Cass, AF Charles Nakash – Missionary in the Dominican Republic

Prayers for the Nation

Barack Obama, Our President Chris Christie, Our Governor

“For all those who serve and protect us at home”

Prayers for the Sick and in Need

Gordon Ellis II Ruth DeLoreto Barbara Leonardis Heather Alice Swan Antonette Gorman Sandy Mary Jane Merille Ulisny Radd Dilworth Frank Meralinda Stevis Christine Victor Jimenez Lenny Jim Doris Faith John & Pat Wisniewski Mickey Conover Vincent Jackson Jeremy Williams & family Tod Porter Terri Tara Ronald Morton Chase Michael Freda Debbie Dawson Kristy Waldron Ryan Bubnoski Daniel Moore

Melissa Benson Isabella Bill Brower

Prayers for all Military Personnel

* We pray for our enemies and for those with whom we are at war. *

“Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad. Defend them by day with your heavenly grace; strengthen them in their trials and temptations; give them courage to face the perils, which beset them; and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be; Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

MORNING PRAYER

Morning Prayer is on Wednesday mornings at 9 AM with Father David Snyder.

Peter Larrabee Brian Almondrod Raymond Harris, III Steven Sanders Matt Spangler Lynn Spangler Scott Thomas Glen Tim Dan Hurlbut Zak Bartelt Alex Driscoll Brian Randazzo Buzz Parish Charlie Hiemeril John A. Lukacs Joe Sheridan Hal Wagner Matt Rebecca Jon S. Lehr Keith Tucker Dave McElwain Hugh Robinson Andrew Olsson Joshua Albright Ted Pickering

Zachary Guise Scott McPherson Andrew Ten Eyck Matthew Cushinotto Theresa Cushinotto Mike Grzybowski Ted Mike McHugh Tom Devore Bonnie Weis Kane Lawlor Drew Naphy Rhen Brinkerhoff Brian Opel Jonathan Dickson Matt Michael Marta Marcos Bryan Jensen Allistair Edinger Andrew Charles

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Prayers for the Parish Families

For March & April

DeLooff family, Derkoski family, Devore family, Dilworth family, Dixon family, Dreyer family, Dmytro family, Dunn Families and Durham family

Good Eats for Good Shepherd at Jake's on Broadway

Good Eats for Good Shepherd at Jake's on Broadway Enjoy a great meal at Jake's on Broadway in Pitman and the owner will generously donate 10% of your tab back to our Church! Jake's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, eat-in BYO or take-out. The food is fresh, home-made, delicious, and beautifully presented. The menu is posted on the bulletin board in the parish hall. Hours are 8 - 3 Tues - Wed, 8 - 8 Thurs - Sat, and 8 - 3 Sun. Parishioners are welcome at all times. To participate in the give-back program, tell your waiter/waitress that you are from Good Shepherd, they will enter your tab in the "book." Be sure it is the Good Shepherd list! Any questions contact Deb Prieto.

Inquirer’s Group After services on Sunday, March 1st, Chuck Lezenby, a delegate to the Diocesan convention, will lead a discussion on the big issues brought forward at the convention. Chuck believes that the financial health of the diocese will generate heated discussion. He reports that some churches are withholding their fair share giving assessment to the dioceses as a form of protest against church policy on gay marriage, gays as Bishops and a woman serving as Presiding Bishop. This practice has resulted in higher assessments (14% last year) on churches who do their best to meet their financial obligations to the diocese. What will Bishop Chip and the Bishop’s Council do to address this challenge to the Church’s future? Please attend the meeting to learn more and provide your input.

The beauty of Good Shepherd at Easter is made possible through the participation of many parishioners. No specific amount is required for a memorial or thank offering. Please use this form to indicate your wishes as to how your memorial/thank offering is to be listed and return it to the parish office or put it in the offering plate as soon as possible. We would like time to prepare the service leaflet. The absolute deadline for inclusion of the names in the Easter service leaflet is Monday, March 30, 2015

IN MEMORY OF _____________________________________ IN MEMORY OF _____________________________________ IN MEMORY OF _____________________________________ IN MEMORY OF _____________________________________ IN THANKSGIVING FOR ____________________________________ IN THANKSGIVING FOR ____________________________________

Enclosed is a check made out to the Church of

the Good Shepherd and noted "Flower Fund"

for $______, from:

____________________________________

____________________________________

Lenten Meditations & Pamphlets

On the table at the back of the church you will find an array of booklets and pamphlets for Lent. Please help yourself, take home and use these meditations to strengthen your Lenten devotion and prayer time.

Easter Flowers

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New Consecration Sunday is COMING!!

Please mark your calendars and “Save the Date”…Sunday, May 3rd, 2015!! The Vestry gave their blessing to a proposal that Sunday, May 3rd be designated as New Consecration Sunday at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. This will mark the exciting culmination of a four week annual stewardship campaign which will utilize the New Consecration Sunday curriculum and strategy. New Consecration Sunday is a stewardship education program which teaches stewardship from a spiritual perspective rather than from a fund-raising perspective (the emphasis is on the individual disciples need to Give rather than the church’s need to Receive). The NCS program has been endorsed by the Diocesan Stewardship Commission. Our Guest Leader for the New Consecration Sunday campaign will be The Rev. Canon Rob Droste (Canon for Congregational Development and Mission for the Diocese of New Jersey) and he will preach the sermon on New Consecration Sunday. You will be hearing much more about New Consecration Sunday and the annual stewardship campaign in the next few weeks. For now, please save this important date and plan to be in Church on Sunday, May 3rd!!

OUR PRAY-ERS MINISTRY

Each Sunday during Communion time, our team of Pray-ers offer prayers with our parishioners. We have now expanded this meaningful ministry to our Saturday evening, Holy Eucharist at 5:30pm. After you receive Holy Communion, if you want/need additional prayers, there will be a team of Pray-ers by the Lady Altar who will be willing to offer prayers for you. These prayers can be offered in Joy for a Blessing you have received, or it can be to help ease a burden which lies on your heart. Please take advantage of this wonderful ministry of our parish.

Pray-er Ministry

Anyone interested in being a Pray-er Minister at the Saturday night or Sunday services please contact Cindy Taglienti @ 227-1566 or cindytaglienti@comcast.net.

HOLY WEEK & EASTER SERVICES

March 28 & 29 – PALM SUNDAY: SUNDAY OF THE PASSION Saturday, 5:30pm – Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10am – Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist April 2 – MAUNDY THURSDAY 6pm - Agape Meal 7pm – Holy Eucharist & Stripping of the Altar 8pm – Watch before the Blessed Sacrament Labyrinth in Parish Hall April 3 – GOOD FRIDAY 10AM – Children’s Interactive Stations of the Cross Noon – Stations of the Cross 7pm – Mass of the Pre-Sanctified April 4 – HOLY SATURDAY (NO 5:30pm service) 7pm – The Great Vigil & First Eucharist of Easter April 5 – EASTER DAY 10am – Festival Eucharist & Flowering of the Cross 11:30am – Easter Egg Hunt for our younger children

Spring Clean-up

Church of the Good Shepherd Annual Spring Clean-up

March 21, 2015 (Rain Date: March 28, 2015)

9 AM ~ Noon Come join the fellowship.

Please bring gloves, rakes and shovels if you have them.

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What’s Happening In March

Feb 28 & Mar. 1 – LENT 2 Saturday, 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM - Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM - Inquirers’ Group

All Tuesdays – 7 - 8:30 PM - Bible Study

Mar. 3 - No Bible Study

Mar. 4 - 7 PM - Brotherhood of St. Andrew

All Thursdays – 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM - Choir Practice

Mar. 7 & 8 – LENT 3 Saturday, 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 9 AM – Parish Breakfast 10 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM - Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM - Vestry Meeting

Mar. 9 – 7 PM - Women at the Well – ECW

Mar. 10 – 9 AM - Caring Hands

Mar. 14 & 15 - LENT 4 Saturday, 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10 AM – Holy Eucharist & Lenten Cantata 10 AM - Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM Page Turners

Mar. 17 - No Bible Study

Mar. 18 – 6:30 – 8 PM - Good Shepherd Quilters

Mar. 21 & 22 – LENT 5 Saturday, 9 AM - Altar Guild Meeting 9 AM Spring Clean-up Day (Rain date 3/28) 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM - Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM – Jr. Youth Group

Mar. 24 – 9 AM - Caring Hands

Mar. 25 – 6:30 PM EFM

Mar. 28 & 29 – Palm/Passion Sunday Saturday, 5:30pm – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10am – Holy Eucharist 10 AM Sunday School - Fellowship Children’s Choir Practice

Mar.31 - No Bible Study

March Birthdays

01 – Timothy Peel 03 – Christopher Greco 03 – Tina LaBarge-Audio 05 – Eugene McLaughlin 05 – Vivian Prieto 07 – Edward Behm 07 – Samantha Biebel 07 – Janice Funk-Ray 07 – Lila Irving 08 – Jane Esbjornson 09 – Melanie Ambrose 09 – Mark Sobolewski 13 – Gregory Potter 13 - Colin Morris 14 – Ellie Dunn 15 – Faith Gigliotti 15 – John Greco 16 – Joseph Bierman 17 – Alexander Bierman 17 – Benjamin Bierman 21 – Sadie Ray 22 – Connor Spears 23 – Sally Bierman 23 – Lorraine Merryman 26 – Susan Nicolle 28 – John Ambrose 28 – Genevieve Portocalis 29 – Jacob Manganello 29 – Joshua Manganello

The Food Pantry

The Food Pantry always needs tuna, canned fruit and vegetables, macaroni & cheese, peanut butter, jelly and juice. They are also in need of volunteers to help with the Food Pantry on Tuesday evenings to give out food. They are open on even dated Tuesdays each month from 6pm – 7pm.

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What’s Happening In April

All Tuesdays – 7- 8:30pm Bible Study

Apr. 1 – 7 PM Brotherhood of St. Andrew

All Thursdays – 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM - Choir Practice

Apr. 2 – Maundy Thursday 6 PM Agape Meal 7 PM Holy Eucharist & Stripping of the Altar 8 PM Watch & Labyrinth

Apr. 3 – Good Friday 10 AM Children’s Stations of the Cross Noon – Stations of the Cross 7 PM – Mass of the Pre-Sanctified

Apr. 4 – Easter Vigil Saturday, 7 PM – Holy Eucharist

Apr. 5 – Easter Day Sunday, 10 AM – Holy Eucharist No Sunday School

Apr. 11 & 12 – EASTER 2 Saturday, 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist 6:30 PM Progressive Dinner Sunday, - 9 AM Parish Breakfast 10 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM - Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM – Vestry Meeting

Apr. 13 – 7 PM - Women at the Well – ECW

Apr. 14 – 9 AM - Caring Hands

Apr. 15 - 6:30 – 8 PM Good Shepherd Quilters

Apr. 18 & 19 – EASTER 3 Saturday, 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10 AM – Holy Eucharist 10 AM - Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM Page Turners

Apr. 25 & 26 – EASTER 4 Saturday, 5:30 PM – Holy Eucharist Sunday, 10 PM – Holy Eucharist 10am Sunday School Children’s Choir Practice 11:30 AM Jr. Youth Group

Apr. 28 – 9am – Caring Hands

April Birthdays

01 – Debra Prieto 02 – KC Edinger 04 – Maryanne Charlton 04 – Erin Hills 04 – Diane Dilworth 05 – Nickolas Amato 05 – Amanda McNally 06 – Joy Lundahl 06 – Laura Ridge 07 – Joel Kesser 08 – Elisabeth Brent 09 – Kaylee Braidwood 10 – Lauren Elwell 11 – Nancy Johnson 12 – Steve Funk 12 – Laura Manganello 16 – Paul Budman 16 – Grace Sobolewski 16 – Megan Wolk 17 – William Black 17 – Mackenzie Harrington 17 – Trey Scull 18 – Jennifer Miller 18 – Candyce Gwalthney 20 – Karen Lynd 22 – Beth Snodgrass 23 – Avril Miklavcic 24 – Chelsea Earley 24 – Alex Edinger 24 – April Winship 25 – Dana Earle

Church History Display

Please make sure that you take a moment to view the church history exhibit in the glass display case in the parish hall. This exhibit rotates quarterly and affords us an opportunity to share our mutual history as a Good Shepherd Church family! If you have items that you would like to share, pictures of church events, Sunday School curriculum, old prayer books, Bible markers, etc, please let me know and I will put them in a future display. Your items will be cared for and returned to you when the exhibit ends. Thanks so much!

Ellie Dunn

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Update from the Good Shepherd Discernment Committee:

Our January meetings brought us close to completing work on our Portfolio for the Office of Transition Ministry (OTM) website. The full committee has reviewed each of the answers drafted by our small workgroups. Utilizing this feedback the answers are being revised and prepared to submit to the Vestry for review. We also gathered additional data required for the Portfolio, such as financial information, Sunday school registration, average Saturday and Sunday attendance, etc. The OTM Portfolio will represent our church to priests who are registered with the OTM and are in search of a parish. In February we turn our full focus to our Parish Profile, which will be a supplementary document on our website that will replace the printed booklet published to inform prospective candidates that some of you may remember from searches past. The Parish Profile allows more room for creativity, so it may include more than the OTM Portfolio to describe our worship, our activities and fellowship, and photographs to express the essence of Good Shepherd. We will complete both the OTM Portfolio and the Parish Profile before we move on to the next phase of the search. In response to the needs of the Discernment Committee and the transition process, a Vestry initiative in January led to the formation of a new Website Committee which is enthusiastically working behind the scenes to revise our website. At the same time, our webmaster Maureen Wynkoop is also maintaining our existing website where there is now a page with monthly Discernment Committee updates. Thanks to everyone involved in this exciting new project! We all welcome your ideas, questions, and input ... and please keep our work in your prayers! Mark Nicolle, Chairman Roger Baker, Darrin Buono, Aimee Burgin, Pat Braidwood, Len Clark, Becky Goff, Stuart Lynd, Elizabeth Nelson, Deb Prieto, Chelsea Richmond, Tom Rigg, Chris Southwick, Jeff Snodgrass, Wayne Szalma, Diane Wall, Jim Wynkoop

PROGRESSIVE DINNER COMING SATURDAY, APRIL 11

Back by popular demand, the Parish Progressive Dinner will be held on the Saturday after Easter, April 11.

As in the past we will all meet at one location for wine and appetizer; then off to various houses for dinner and dessert.

This year instead of chicken, the main course will be lasagna or another pasta dish of the host’s choosing. Recipes will available or you can make your own favorite. The host can be reimbursed for supplies.

Each guest will be asked to bring, salad, bread, wine or appetizer.

The suggested donation per person is $20.00, with proceeds going to the Church Scholarship Fund.

Sign up sheets are in the Parish Hall.

Please consider being a host! It is a wonderful opportunity for fellowship.

This is an adult event, but definitely not limited to couples. If you need a ride indicate on the sign up sheet.

If you have not participated before, you are in for a treat!

See Janice Gowland for more information.

An Invitation to Join any of our Choirs

We have 4 choirs at Good Shepherd, an Adult Choir which meets each Thursday evening at 7pm, Children’s Choir which usually practices right after the 10am Holy Eucharist on Sundays, Children’s Bell Choir and Adult Bell Choir practice after Children’s Choir on Sundays. All are welcome. You don’t need any knowledge of music. Come, Join Us and Make a Joyful Noise to Our Lord.

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First Communion… I have been asked to share with you my thoughts and feelings about first communion instruction during the time I will serve as your “temporary shepherd” (the new Rector may have different ideas about how first communion instruction should be done). My practice and my thoughts about first communion instruction are guided by three foundational principles related to the Church’s teaching about the Holy Eucharist: #1. We don’t need to understand the Eucharist in order to receive the spiritual benefits. If understanding were a pre-requisite for receiving Holy Communion, then none of us would receive it because, at the heart, the Eucharist is a mystery and a mystery is something we will never fully understand. #2. The sacrament of Baptism is the only necessary pre-requisite for participating in the sacrament of the Altar (the Holy Eucharist). The baptized children of God are full members of the church and therefore every baptized son or daughter should be welcomed at the Lord’s Table. I actually like the Orthodox practice in this regard…a child receives their first communion as soon as the sacrament of Baptism has been performed! #3. No child who expresses an interest in receiving the Holy Eucharist should be denied that sacred opportunity. It is the Lord’s Table and we are all invited guests and no guest has the right to tell another guest that they are not welcomed. We practice “Open Communion” which means ALL the Baptized are welcome at the Table of Grace! My practice over the years has been to encourage parents to contact me as soon as their child begins to express an interest in receiving communion or asks, “why can’t I receive communion”. That is the “teachable moment” and the right time to do some basic First Communion instruction and welcome the child to begin receiving the Holy Eucharist with the rest of his church family. Here is what I like to do… schedule a time when I can visit the child in his/her home. We will do some basic teaching about the sacrament and then the child will receive her/his first communion around the dining room table with parents and siblings (and grandparents

as well). The next Sunday, the child will receive her/his first communion in church and will receive a special First Communion certificate during the announcements. My hope (and prayer) for the children of Good Shepherd would be that they never remember a time when they were not welcomed at the Lord’s Table. Please contact me if you have questions or if you would like to schedule First Communion instruction for your child/children… Fr. Dave+ OUTREACH

We are now donating clothing to St. Paul’s in Camden. That is the church that our Good Shepherd men helped paint a few years ago. They have a program in which they help cloth the homeless. Thank you for all your donations. They are VERY much appreciated! Men’s shoes are always in short supply. They are also desperate for warm coats right now. If you have anything that you wish to donate, please place your items in manageable size bags, on our front porch. (Please do NOT leave items in boxes!) We will be happy to deliver them for you. We are located at 223 Highland Terrace. Thanks so much!

Ellie and Carl Dunn Prayer Shawl/Caring Hands Ministry

Every so often we get a request for a Prayer Shawl to be given to someone in need. Sometimes it is during an illness, sometimes during grieving periods after the loss of a loved one. The Shawls are crochet or knitted by the women in this ministry. Every other Tuesday morning you will find our Caring Hands Group knitting/crocheting the shawls in our Conference room. They are made with prayer for those who will receive them. I can’t begin to tell you of the peace and comfort these shawls have brought to so many people. They need not be members of our parish. Need is spread everywhere. If you know of a need, just ask Pat Braidwood.

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Women’s Retreat

Our annual Women’s retreat is approaching fast. This year’s theme is “Get Out of the Boat.” We will be returning to Stella Maris Retreat Center in Elberon, NJ again this year. The center is located on the beach and has wonderful ocean views. We will depart from Good Shepherd on Sunday May 31st after the 10 AM service and return on Tuesday June 2nd in the afternoon. If you have any questions about the retreat please contact Cindy Taglienti or Jenniffer Harrington. We have started taking reservations and payments. Please fill out the reservation form below along with your payment of $225. Check made payable to Church of the Good Shepherd (note at bottom retreat). If you wish to pay for the retreat in installments we have the “retreat savings plan”. Just note this on bottom of check. All payments should be made by May 3rd.

Come join us and “Get Out of the Boat”

Retreat Information – Please Return to Church Office Name ________________________________________ Phone # ________________________________________ E-Mail Address ________________________________________ Emergency Contact & Phone # ________________________________________ Tee Shirt Size ________________________________________ Any special requests i.e. – 1st fl room, or near bathroom, please note below. ________________________________________________________________________________ Please make check payable to The Church of the Good Shepherd.

Treasurer's Blog - March 2015

Results for January 2015

Total Income:

Here is a breakdown of our total income for the first month of 2015: Budget Actual

Loose Plate 100 294 Envelopes 14,000 12,465 Special 500 550 Other 0 Income 14,600 13,309 Total expenses:

Here is a recap of our total expenses for the first month of 2015:

Budget Actual Expenses 13,544 14,879

HAVE YOU THOUGHT ABOUT PUTTING OUR BELOVED PARISH, GOOD SHEPHERD

IN YOUR WILL?

Stations of the Cross

We will be having Stations of the Cross every Friday evening during Lent at 7 PM. We started Friday, February 20th and will continue through to March 27th. Please plan on joining us.

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Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

March 2015

1 10 AM Holy Eucharist

Lent 2

10 AM Sunday School

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Inquirers’ Group

2

3 No Bible Study

4

7 PM Brotherhood of St. Andrew

5 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

6 1 PM World Day of Prayer @ Queen of Peace in Pitman 7 PM Stations of the Cross

7 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

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Lent 3 9 AM Parish Breakfast

10 AM Holy Eucharist

10 AM Sunday School

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Vestry Meeting

9 6 PM Women’s Retreat Planning Meeting 7 PM Women at the Well - ECW

10 9 AM Caring Hands 7 PM Bible Study

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12 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

13 7 PM Stations of the Cross

14 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

15

Lent 4

10 AM Holy Eucharist & Lenten Cantata

10 AM Sunday School

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Page Turners

16

17 No Bible Study

18 6:30 – 8 PM Good Shepherd Quilters

19 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

20 7 PM Stations of the Cross

21 9 AM Altar Guild Meeting 9 AM Spring Clean-up Day (Rain date 3/28) 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

22

Lent 5

10 AM Holy Eucharist

10 AM Sunday School

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Jr. Youth Group

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24 9 AM Caring Hands 7 PM Bible Study

25 6:30 PM EFM

26 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

27 7 PM Stations of the Cross

28 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

29

Passion/Palm

Sunday 10 AM Holy Eucharist

10 AM Sunday School – Fellowship

Children’s Choir Practice

30

31 No Bible Study

13

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

April 2015

1 7 PM Brotherhood of St. Andrew

2 6 PM Agape Meal

Maundy Thursday

7 PM Holy Eucharist & Stripping of the Altar

8 PM Watch & Labyrinth

3 10 AM Children’s

Good Friday

Stations of the Cross

Noon – Stations of the Cross

7 PM Mass of the Pre- Sanctified

4 No 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist 7 PM Easter Vigil

5

Easter Day 10 AM Holy Eucharist

No Sunday School

6

7 7 PM Bible Study

8

9 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

10

11 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

6:30 PM Progressive Dinner

12

Easter 2 9 AM Parish Breakfast

10 AM Holy Eucharist

10 AM Sunday School

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Vestry Meeting

13 7 PM Women at the Well - ECW

14 9 AM Caring Hands 7 PM Bible Study

15 6:30 – 8 PM Good Shepherd Quilters

Crook Info Due

16 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

17

18 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

19

Easter 3

10 AM Holy Eucharist

10 AM Sunday School - Fellowship

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Page Turners

20

21 7 PM Bible Study

22 6:30 PM EFM

23 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

24

25 5:30 PM Holy Eucharist

26

Easter 4

10 AM Holy Eucharist

10 AM Sunday School

Children’s Choir Practice

11:30 AM Jr. Youth Group

27

28

9 AM Caring Hands 7 PM Bible Study

29

30 6:30 PM Adult Bell Choir 7:30 PM Choir Practice

14

The Shepherd’s Crook

Church of The Good Shepherd

Pitman, NJ

March/April 2015

Church of the Good Shepherd 315 Highland Terrace Pitman, NJ 08071 Telephone – 856-589-8209 E-mail – goodshepherdpitman@gmail.com www.goodshepherdpitman.org