Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers in Christ called to be servants, who worship God, love others, and reach out to the community and the world.

From the Study By Bob Machovec, Pastor

After the earliest disciples discover the empty

tomb, John tells us that after the Risen Christ had

appeared to the disciples, he and Peter are engaged

in a conversation. In the midst of their discussion, the

Risen Christ asks Peter, “Do you love me?” The

question is repeated three times to Peter, and each

time as Peter replies “Yes Lord, you KNOW that I love

you!” John tells us that Peter was hurt in having to be

asked so many times. Yet each time Jesus simply

gives him a command to “GO.” As Peter encounters

the Risen Christ, he is told that if

he truly loves his living Lord,

then he must go into the world.

Through the ages, those

who have come to experience

the risen Christ have had a

variety of responses. Alyce

MacKenzie, who teaches at

Perkins School of Theology writes:

There are as many responses to Easter today as there

were then. Some flee from the strange news or

consider it an "idle tale." Some worship at the feet of

the Risen Lord. Some tell others the good news. And

some return to their homes. But going home to hide

from Jesus isn't an option for us any more than it was

for Peter. We can run, but we can't hide. He knows

where we live. He stands on the shores of our lives. He

stands at our front doors. And when we answer his

knock, he has just two questions for us: "Do you love

me?" and, if so, "What are you going to do about it?"1

One of the first things those who take Disciple Bible

Study learn is the meaning of the word “Disciple,”

which simply means, “one who learns.” Steve Court,

Director of Connectional Ministries for the East Ohio

Conference, suggests that a more appropriate term

would be “apprentice.” “A disciple is one who learns

– which is good and wonderful – and has its place.”

He goes on, “However true discipleship is more than

learning.” For an apprentice is one who is learning . . .

and doing.” Perhaps “apprentice” is a better term for

those who genuinely seek to follow

Christ.

In these days, even weeks,

following Easter, the question for

each of us isn’t whether or not you

believe in the empty tomb. The

question is, what are you going to

do about it? I wonder sometimes

how many times the Risen Christ has to ask us not

only if we love him, but send us into a broken world –

before we get it. The greatest response one can have

is actively seeking to be the hands, arms, feet, even

face of Christ in the world around us.

“Do you love me?” asks the Risen Lord . . . then

be an apprentice and go into the world!

See you in church –

Pastor Bob

______ 1 Alyce MacKenzie, “You Can Run, But You Can’t Hide:

Reflections on John 21: 1-19

G O O D S H E P H E R D U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

A P R I L 2 0 1 5

“Peter, Do you love me?

Feed my Sheep! ”

John 21: 15-19

Worship Services

EVERY SUNDAY Traditional Service 9:15 AM

Praise Service 11:25 AM

Church School for all ages 10:30 AM

Bible Studies Attend one of our weekly Bible Studies! Mondays For Men Every Monday (Excluding Holidays) 6:30—8:00 pm Location: Stage Room Pastor’s Bible Study Every Thursday 10:00 AM Location: Library

Special Worship Services

Maundy Thursday April 2, 2015 Service 7:30 pm Good Friday April 3, 2015 7:30 pm Easter Sunday April 5, 2015 9:15 am & 11:25 am

Local Outreach Ministry Seeks Volunteers

Twice Blessed Free Store is currently housed within the Nehemiah

Mission located at West 65th and Bridge in Cleveland. It operates much

like a Goodwill Store, in that persons can come and shop for clothing

and small household items, but for free! It is an outreach ministry of

Rocky River United Methodist Church, and supported by the North

Coast District.

The store is opened on Saturdays from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm for

shoppers; and Mondays and Thursdays for sorters. Volunteers are

needed any of those days to help register shoppers, help folks shop,

and sort donations. Each Saturday, there is a brief worship service just

prior to the time when shopping begins.

Good Shepherd is planning to take a team of volunteers on Saturday,

May 2, 2015. Won’t you join us in this outreach ministry? Contact the

church office to sign up.

Know & Grow in Christ through Service to Others

GSUMC’s Latest News

The Spring Rummage Sale Has Been Scheduled for May 1st & 2nd! The GSUMC Rummage Sale Team has set the dates for the 2015 Spring Rummage Sale. Set up will begin Sunday, April 26, 2015 after the second service and continue throughout the week until finished. The Rummage Sale Team is constantly looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the church office. New, like-new, and gently-used items can be donated during normal office hours. Electronics such as computers and televisions can not be accepted.

Support Twice Blessed Free Store A Ministry of Rocky River UMC Twice Blessed Free Store provides clothing, household goods, and toiletries free of charge to those in need. Within a two mile radius of the store, thirty-four and a half percent of households live below the poverty line, under $24,000.00 for a family of four. You can support this ministry by volunteering or donating items. Volunteers are needed on Saturdays, during the week to run the store, and on Mondays and Thursday to restock and sort items. Items needed are new or gently used seasonal clothing, household goods, and toiletries. Visit www.twiceblessedfreestore.org for more information or to sign up to volunteer.

Financial Summary through February 2015

Month Income Expense Over/Under

Jan. $13,742.02 $19,751.08 -$6,009.06

Feb. $16,931.37 $23,265.43 -$6,334.06

Total $30,673.39 $43,016.51 -$12,343.12

Guidestone (Berea Children's Home) $10.00

Parma Hunger Center $300.00

Project Smile $50.00

Westside Community House $10.00

Conference Apportionment $1,112.00

District Apportionment $88.00

Special Easter Giving $325.00

Christmas $45.00

Human Relations Sunday $104.39

UMC Student Sunday $10.00

Group Forming to Volunteer at Twice Blessed Free Store A group is being formed to volunteer at Twice Blessed Free Store on Saturday, May 2, 2015. This is an opportunity to volunteer and support a local mission in Cleveland that is supported by the North Coast District. The store offers free clothing and household items to the needy. Contact the church office to sign up.

The Nehemiah Mission Project June 7-13, 2015

This coming summer we invite you to join us on a unique local mission experience. The Nehemiah Mission is a mission of the North Coast District of the United Methodist Church located at 6515 Bridge Avenue in Cleveland. Crew members will stay in their barracks for the week, and will provide help and support to needy people in the heart of Cleveland. Mission experiences may include construction, yard work, painting, cleaning, and working in food pantries, soup kitchens, and vacation Bible camps. This experience is open to youth and adults. You must be at least 15 years old to attend. The cost for the week is $302.50 and includes air-conditioned sleeping quarters, all meals, building supplies, and a t-shirt. There will be a $100.00 discount for the first 10 crew members who register with a deposit of $50.00 and turn-in all completed medical and release forms. Checks should be made payable to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church. Please go to www.nehemiahmission.org for more details. Contact Bev Schultz or Carly Neczypor with your questions or for registration information.

Beverly Schultz Carly Neczypor beverlyschultz@gmail.com cneczypor@live.com

“Send me to the city, so that I may rebuild it.”

Nehemiah 2:5

Missions & Outreach

Change for a Change A collection of loose change that makes a difference in our community. Each Sunday pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters are collected in the offering plate. This change is collected and donated to the following:

GSUMC Mission Trips Church Camp Scholarships Grade school children in need of necessities West Side Community House Ohio Guidestone Parma Heights Food Bank Parma Hunger Center Flat Rock Homes Cleveland Food Bank

In 2014, $1,147.40 was collected in loose change from the offering and was donated to the charities listed above. Thank you for donating your loose change. Your efforts in contributing to Change for a Change is greatly appreciated and is making a difference in the lives of others. If you would like to recommend a charity for Change for a Change, please contact Pat Bridle at (440) 843-6047.

Youth News

By Jennifer Sefl, Youth Director youthdirector@gsumparma.com | 216.741.8876

Youth Group is open to all 7th – 12th graders.

Sunday School starts in the Youth Room at 10:30 am.

Sunday School Room Assignments

Grades 7—8

Junior High Room

Grades 9—12 Youth Room

All grades initially

meet in the Youth Room.

SAVE THE DATE Youth Sunday – April 19 Save the date for Youth Sunday on April 19 during both services. On this Sunday the service will be planned out and put on by the youth. The theme chosen by the teens this year will be "A Battle of the Mind." Participants will take part in both services with breakfast provided for them at 10:30 am. A rehearsal will be held on Saturday, April 18 from 9:30—11:30 am. On Youth Sunday (April 19) Youth need to arrive at 8:50 am in order to be

ready for the first service which begins at 9:15 am. There will not be Sunday school for 7th – 12th graders on Youth Sunday. Chili Challenge The youth made chili once again this year! We had fun making the chili and we came in third place. Thank you to all who helped set up and serve! A HUGE thank you goes to the Chili Challenge committee as they generously donated a portion of the proceeds to the youth fund.

Graduation Sunday - Calling All Grads! Graduation Sunday is May 31. GSUMC will recognize our high School graduates during both services. College graduates will also be recognized that day. If you are graduating from High School this spring, please let the church office know by May 15. Also, please let us know if someone in our church family is graduating from college this spring too! We would like to honor them as well.

Saturday, April 18, 2015 All Church Birthday Party & Magic Show Dinner 6:00 PM | Magic Show 7:00 PM The celebration will take place on Saturday, April 18 starting with dinner at 6:00 pm and ending with a magic show at 7:00 pm. Dinner will consist of pizza, salad, beverages, and cake for dessert. The magic show will be performed by magician and comedian, Michael Mage! All are welcome to attend. The program is free, though donations will be appreciated. Location: GSUMC’s Lower Level

Friday, May 1, 2015 | 5:00—8:00 PM Saturday, May 2, 2015 | 9:00 AM—1:00 PM Spring Rummage Sale The Spring Rummage Sale is an outreach ministry of GSUMC. It supports various ministries within the church. The sale consists of gently-used items at extremely affordable prices. Tell your family and friends! Location: GSUMC’s Lower Level

Race at the Rock—Flat Rock Homes Saturday, April 25, 2015 | 8:00 AM This event helps raise much needed funds for the ministry of Flat Rock Homes. Flat Rock Homes, located in Flat Rock Ohio is a ministry of the United Methodist Church which seeks to help the developmentally disabled. Participants in The Race to the Rock may choose either 1 mile walk, 4 mile run, or 4 mile team run (teams of 4). Registration forms are available in the church office or online at www.flatrockhomes.org. You can also volunteer and help at the event on April 25. See Pastor Bob for more details. Location: 7353 N Co Rd 29, Flat Rock, OH 44828

Sunday, April 12, 2015 Second Sunday for Seniors 12:30 PM Topic: Caring for the Caregiver The last session of the Second Sunday for Seniors program will be held on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at 12:30 pm in the Stage Room covering the topic of “Caring for the Caregiver.” The presenter will bring a wealth of experience and expertise. The goal of this program is to help seniors gather information and form their own care team. Reservations are not required, but suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the church office at (440) 884-9090. Fliers are available at the Forestwood entrance or by request from the church office. Location: GSUMC’s Stage Room

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Call to Prayer and Self Denial Luncheon 12:00 PM Rachel Circle will host the Call to Prayer and Self Denial Luncheon on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 12:00 pm. The program will include a discussion of the book, “The Shack.” There will be an offering taken for the North Coast District’s mission work. The menu will consist of chicken soup, crackers, and jello. Please join us, all are welcome. Location: GSUMC’s Stage Room

Upcoming Events

26

1 PM Rummage

Sale Set Up

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

27

6:30 PM MFM, SR

28

6:30 PM DBS, L

29

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

30

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

May 1

5 PM—8 PM

Rummage Sale, LL

7 PM PTP, S

May 2

9 AM—1 PM

Rummage Sale

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

2

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7:30 PM Maundy

Thursday Service

3

7:30 pm Good

Friday Service

4

5 Easter

6

6:30 PM MFM, SR

7

6:30 PM DBS, L

7:00 PM D14l, SR

8

10 AM CCM, SR

7 PM FCM, O

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

9

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

10

7 PM PTP, S

11

12 UMW Sunday

12:30 PM Senior

Sunday

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

13

6:30 PM MFM, SR

7:30 PM TCM, L

14

12 PM RCM, SR

6:30 PM DBS, L

15

7 PM ACM, L

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

16

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

17

2:30 PM Grief

Support Group, P

18

6 PM All Church

Birthday Party

and Magic Show,

LL

19 Youth Sunday

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

20

6:30 PM MFM, SR

21

6:30 PM DBS, L

7 PM D14, SR

22

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

23

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7 PM SPRC, L

24

7 PM PTP, S

25

1 PM Caring

Dinner, LL

Titles

CEM—Christian Education Meeting

MFM—Mondays for Men

TCM—Trustees Committee Meeting

PSCM—Program Staff Committee Meeting

CCM—Care Committee Meeting

SPRC—SPR Committee Meeting

PTP—Praise Team Practice

Titles continued...

FCM—Finance Committee Meeting

RC—Rachel Circle

D14—Disciple 14

ACM—Administrative Council Meeting

DBS—Disciple Bible Study

WCM—Worship Committee Meeting

Locations

O—Church Office

SR—Stage Room

S—Sanctuary

P—Parlor

YR—Youth Room

YTL—York Town Lanes

LL—Lower Level

YTL—Yorktown Lanes

United Methodist Church

April 2015

Office Hours: M—Th 9:30 am—3:30 pm

F 9:30 am—1:30 pm

Closed daily from 11:15 am—12:15 pm

Tel. 440-884-9090

Email: office@gsumparma.com

www.gsumparma.com

This page was left blank so that you may remove the April 2015 Calendar from you newsletter.

Messages, Sympathy, and Thanks

Our sympathy to the Neczypor family for the passing of Victoria Clise. Victoria passed away on March 19, 2015. She is the mother of Cathy (Ken) Neczypor, grandmother of Victoria, Alissa, Carly, and Leah Neczypor, and great-grandmother to Logan.

GSUMC Church Family

Dear Good Shepherd Friends I am writing this letter to say thank you for your continued good efforts and commitment to mission work and sharing God's love by helping others. I am very grateful to those who have contributed to the Schiering Fund which supports mission work and honors the Schiering Family and all that they have done over the years to spread the gospel. This endeavor was especially important to my grandfather Rev. Dr. H. C. Schiering who began this church, and to my mom Eunice Schiering, who died 5 years ago. We are very thankful for your willingness to support this fund and reach out to others in the name of Jesus Christ.

Rev. Janet Schiering and Family Our sympathy to the family and friends of Janice Sheets who passed away on January 5, 2015. A memorial service will be held for Janice on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 11:00 am at Busch Funeral Home (7501 Ridge Road, Parma).

GSUMC Church Family

I would like to thank everyone for their

prayers, cards, and visitations for the passing

of my parents. God bless you all.

Jan Horvath

Congratulations to Conrad & Debbie

Wos on their 30th wedding anniversary

on April 17! May God continue to bless

your marriage!

GSUMC Church Family

Contact Us

Good Shepherd UMC

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

(440) 884-9090

office@gsumparma.com

Visit us on the web at

www.gsumparma.com

Prayer Requests

Let us pray for you.

Submit prayer requests

through the website, by

phone, or by e-mail.

SAVE THE DATE!

All Church Birthday Party

& Magic Show

Saturday, April 18, 2015

6:00 pm

Come celebrate GSUMC’s 89th

birthday! Read “Upcoming Events”

for more information!

Good Shepherd

United Methodist Church

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

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