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 Years ago, when I was in Boy Scouts, one of the requirements we had to advance along the way was to learn some of the constellations. It was fairly easy to find the North Star, the Big Dipper, and the Little Dipper, but some of the others weren’t so easy. I often wondered how ancient people would look at the sky and find combina-tions of stars that formed shapes of animals or fig-ures. I learned enough about the night sky to get me through that require-ment, but through the years have stood in awe some nights just staring at the night sky.

Even to this day, one of the things I enjoy at night, is to look at the night sky, espe-cially if I’m someplace where city lights don’t in-terrupt my vision. On a clear night, out in the middle of no place in partic-ular, it can be an awe-filled experience. To look up into the heavens are some of the times I feel clos-est to God. At such times, the words of from Psalm 8 become so real. “When I look at the heav-ens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast established ....” (Psalm 8:3).

A recent devotion in the Upper Room reminded me of this. The author wrote:

“It occurred to me that the constellations have been around since the beginning of Creation. The ancients looked upon them with the same awe and reverence that I look upon them today. In the same way, God has been there since the beginning, and God is with us today. God is unchang-

ing; the God who spoke to Job is the same God to whom I pray every night. In our busy lives, it is easy to get caught up by stress and anxiety and let the One who has the power to relieve them go unnoticed — or forgotten. The mariners of old used the stars to guide them because they were a constant. Our constant is

the God who created those same stars — the unchanging God who will be with us all the days of our life’s journey.” (Wallace Brixner, Jr, Upper Room, August 19, 2014)

On a clear night, take some time to look up at the night sky …. And stand in awe and wonder. See you in church! Pastor Bob

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

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 4

“When I look at the heavens,

the work of your fingers, the

moon and the stars which

thou hast established....”

(Psalm 8:3)

Sunday School Classes Begin Sunday School classes for all ages begins on September 7, 2014. All classes are from 10:30—11:15 am every Sunday. Joining a class is a great way to grow in faith and meet friends.

Adult Classes

Friendship Class Location: Stage Room (Basement Level) The class looks at current issues and events through a Christian perspective in a relaxed, informal atmosphere where opinions and ideas are welcome.

Mariner’s Class Location: Parlor (Main Floor) The class studies material that has been written by current religious leaders through books and videos from the UMC Media Center.

Raising Christians Location: Lilac Room (Third Floor) The book-based class focuses on learning powerful strategies to encourage parents with their children’s spiritual growth as well as their own. Adolescent Classes

Youth Class *NEW Location: Meets in the Youth Room Grades 7 & 8—Junior High Room Grades 9—12—Youth Room Teens will meet together in the Youth Room for snacks and a video. After, they will move to their classrooms for discussion and activities.

Grow, Proclaim, Serve *NEW Location: Yellow Room (Third Floor) The children will learn Bible stories, participate in activities, crafts, videos, and games to help build their Christian faith. Children will discover that their faith can grow right along with them! Each week they will also have an opportunity to participate in the children’s choir which will share their musical gifts in wor-ship each month.

Membership Classes Would you like to know more about the United Methodist Church? Are you interested in becoming a member of Good Shepherd UMC? Then come learn more about the church and what it means to be a mem-ber of Good Shepherd. We will be starting a new class on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at 10:30 am. There will be three sessions: October 5, 12, and 19; with receiving new members on October 26, 2014.

Worship

Services

EVERY SUNDAY

Traditional Service

9:15 AM

Praise Service

11:25 AM

Connecting In

Groups GRIEF GROUP By Arlene Anderson Spiritual Director

Loss of a loved one is a very difficult time for families. It requires one to find a “new normal” to one’s life. The group will come along side an-other facing the loss to give support and to share God’s love through the process. Meeting one-on-one may be easier. Please know that I am willing to meet with anyone who feels that this sup-port is needed. Do not hesitate to call me at (440) 572-4679 or leave a note in the church office and I will contact you.

The group will meet on September 19th from 2:30—4:30 pm in the Parlor.

BOWLING LEAGUE September—May

All talent is welcome.

The league meets every other Sunday at York-town Lanes located in Parma Heights from 6:30—9:00 pm.

Want to join? Contact Allen Garrett (216) 267-3376 or Jack Carpenter (440) 237-4353

Bible Studies

DISCIPLE 14 - Starting Sept. 2 Location: Stage Room Frequency: Twice monthly on the first and third Tuesday Time: 7:00—8:00 PM

A study of the Book of Acts. All are invited to join this study. Contact Arlene Anderson with any questions at (440) 572-4679.

Study Materials Needed: The Acts of the Apostles by William Barclay and a Bible The book can be ordered at the study. PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY - Starting September 18 Location: Library Frequency: Weekly on Thursday, with exceptions Time: 10:00 AM

A study led by our Pastor, Bob Machovec. Join us on Thursday mornings as we learn and grow together in God’s word. The focus will be on the Gospel of John. MONDAYS FOR MEN Location: Stage Room Frequency: Weekly on Mondays, except on holidays Time: 6:45 PM

A Bible study for men of all ages that takes an informal look at how the stories of the Bible can apply to their lives today. Contact Rea Cantwell with any question at (440) 655-6469.

Farewell But Not Goodbye

Sunday, August 31, 2014, was David Dieball’s last day as GSUMC’s organist. We thank David for the music ministry he provided us through the many worship services, wed-ding ceremonies, and memori-al services he performed in. Though David will not be play-ing the organ on Sunday mornings, you will still see him around as David says, “I’m not going anywhere.”

Mega Sports Camp Report By Cathy Neczypor What a great time everybody had at Mega Sport Camp! The program was from August 4 –8, 2014 from 6:30—8:30 pm. Twenty-seven smiling children participated in either Volleyball, Basketball, Cheerleading or Tae Kwon Do. In addition to learning and improving their sport skills. They enjoyed learning what the Bible teaches us about being a good athlete. The theme was breaking free from self-doubt, lying, bad choices, selfishness and fear. Through Bible stories and real life sports stories, they learned that God gives us confi-dence, helps us to be honest, gives us wisdom to make good choices, makes us a part of His team and that having faith can help us do scary things. Believe it or not, they still had time for a snack, music and a visit from the Mega Sports Camp mascot, MEGA MAN! This was all concluded Friday evening with a demonstration of what they learned and a sing-a-long with their families, followed by an ice cream social. Thank you to Good Shepherd for supporting Mega Sports Camp and thank you to the following high energy staff and people who helped make it all happen: Ken Neczypor, Leah Neczypor, Carly Neczypor, Alissa Neczypor, Victoria Nec-zypor, Bill Neczypor, Marie Neczypor, Monica Fralick, Na-than Rericha, Clay Campbell, Bev Olenik, Barb Kindel, Calla Schulte, Amy Sinnema, Tom Schultz, Taylor Rericha, Camer-on Tkachik, Garrett Tkachik, Karla Campbell, Kate Sinnema, Jessica Robb, Jonathan Robb, Kaitlyn Cesa, Julie Weigand, Diana Andrews, Kevin Sefl, Alex and of course... MEGA MAN! The Mega Verse learned at camp:

Pictured: GSUMC Organ in the Sanctuary

Thank You Thank you so much for the continued sup-port as I went through my June 18th surgery. Special thanks to Pastor Bob and Arlene Anderson who were with me and my family on that day. Phone calls, cards, and offers of help were so appreciated. God bless you all.

Love, Lois Ditata

Dear Friends in Mission, Thank you for your support of the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). Through your gift, you are helping to provide assistance of survivors of human trafficking, funding for health and development projects that alleviate hunger and poverty, holistic community-based health programs, and access to clean water and sanitation. This is just a sampling of the good works that gifts like yours make possi-ble. Thank you for giv-ing so generously. Your gift will bring hope to those who need it most.

Grace and Peace, Roland Fernandez General Treasurer

UMCOR

Rummage Sale Report By David Dieball The rummage sale at Good Shepherd has been a popular event in our community for over 40 years. When the Mariners Class began the an-nual sale, they wanted not only a fundraiser, but an opportunity for financially challenged people to buy used-but-useful items at low cost. While not everyone thinks of it this way, the rummage sale is just as much a mission project as it is a fundraiser. The event was so popular and successful that it was increased to twice per year, and the Mari-ners have developed and tweaked the sale over the years into a well-oiled machine. Now, many of the Rummage workers are in their eighties, and alt-hough several younger people have joined the team over the past few years, many of the workers feel that they are too old to carry the sale on. The sale scheduled for this fall will probably be our last one unless enough younger help joins the team. You are invited to speak with any experienced rummage worker about what working the event means to them and about the fun and friendships that resulted from getting in-volved. Visit the Mariner's Class and ask about the rummage sale! The Mari-ner’s Class resumes September 7th in the Parlor at 10:30 am. You can also contact the church office to get in touch with the Rummage Sale Team.

Welcome Angela Kovacs! As of Monday, September 1, we welcome Angela Kovacs as our new church organist!

Angela Kovacs is recently gradu-ated from Seton Hill University with a degree in Sacred Music. While attending, she focused on the Holy Sacraments and Liturgy, as well as a general study of Hymnology in the church envi-ronment.

Musically, Angela focused on Choral and Instrumental Con-ducting, and has a special love for handbells. Angela was in-volved with many ensembles while at Seton Hill, including Chamber Choir, University Choir, Handbell Ensemble, Griffin Band, and the Three Rivers Youth Wind Ensemble.

Angela has studied organ for three years, and piano for over ten years. She has used her tal-ents in the past as organist of Trinity UCC of Greensburg, PA.

Angela has two cats that are very dear to her, and she would also like a dog at some point in her life.

Celebrating 99 Years of Life!

October 6, 2014 will be church member, Pat (Irma) Nichols, 99th birthday!

Help us celebrate by sending cards and photos to Pat at 803 Alpha Street, #144 Grand Island, Nebraska 68803.

Pat has been a member of GSUMC for over 50 years and misses her church family dearly.

Directory Updates Leah Neczypor 1045B Weybridge Road N Columbus, OH 43220 (440) 623-3863 Matt & Lisa Polsley (Alexandria) 16001 N Laguardia Pkwy Strongsville, OH 44136

Memorial Service Information The Memorial Service fee forms and the Don Brown Memorial Re-pository form have been updated as of July 2014. Request your new forms through the church office.

New Stair Treads & Carpeting If you haven’t seen already, the picture on the right shows the new stair treads and carpeting that has been installed on the stairwell at the Forestwood entrance, in the Choir Room, Rummage Room, Exo-dus Room, the two third floor Sunday School Rooms, and the hallway from the elevator leading to the balcony on the third floor. Thanks to your ongoing support of the Capital Funds Campaign, we were able to complete this project. One of the most often asked questions is, “What’s next?” The Trustees have a long list of projects as we continue to make improvements in and around the church. Your continuing support of the Capital Campaign allows these much needed projects to be completed. You may still make a commitment to the Capital Funds Campaign.

Youth News By Jennifer Sefl, Youth Director youthdirector@gsumparma.com Exciting changes are coming to youth Sunday School this year!! The 7th – 8th graders will meet in the Exodus Room (right off of the Eleva-tor, between the Rummage and Choir rooms) with Mrs. Herron lead-ing the class. The 9th -12th graders will meet in the Youth Room off of Fellowship Hall.

Sunday School is from 10:30—11:20 am each Sunday. The teens will meet all together in the Youth Room for the first 10 minutes for food, fellow-ship, and a brief introduction to the day’s focus. For the remainder of Sunday School time, the teens will meet in their grade rooms for discus-sion and activities.

September’s Focus | Noah For the month of September, the Sunday School classes will focus on studying Noah in which we will discuss and view the 2014 movie “Noah.”

Sunday School Kick Off Breakfast! September 7th at 10:30 AM Location: Youth Room All youth are invited to a Sunday School kick off breakfast for food, games ,and giveaways.

Inspirational Scriptures

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September 2014

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 LABOR DAY

Church Office

Closed

MFM Canceled

2 3

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

4

7:30 PM TCM, L

5 6

7 Communion

10:30 AM All SS

Classes Resume

2 PM Church

Picnic, GCO

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

8

6:30 PM MFM, SR

7 PM PSCM, O

9

12 PM RCM , SR

10

10 AM CCM ,SR

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

11

7:30 PM DMBM, P

12

7 PM PTP, S

13

14

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

15

6:30 PM MFM, SR

16 17

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

18

10 AM PBS, L

19

7 PM PTP, S

20

11 AM Rose’s

Bible Study, YR

21

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

22

6:30 PM MFM, SR

23 24

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

25

10 AM PBS, L

7 PM SPRCM, L

26

7 PM PTP, S

27

28 29

6:30 PM MFM, SR

30 1

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

2

10 AM PBS, L

7:30 PM TCM, L

3

7 PM PTP, S

4

Titles

MFM—Mondays for Men

TCM—Trustees Committee Meeting

GCO—German Central Organization

YTL—Yorktown Lanes

PSCM—Program Staff Committee Meeting

RCM—Rachel Circle Meeting

CCM—Care Committee Meeting

DMBM—Discipleship Ministry Board Meeting

SPRC—Staff Parish Relations Committee Meeting

PTP—Praise Team Practice

PBS—Pastor’s Bible Study

Rooms

O—Church Office

SR—Stage Room

S—Sanctuary

P—Parlor

YR—Youth Room

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.

September Starts the

New Sunday School Year!

Sunday, September 7, 2014 marks the first day of the 2014—2015 Sun-

day School year! Classes are offered for all ages. Read page 2 to find

out more about the different adult, teen, and children classes offered.

Do you have little ones? GSUMC provides childcare for children ages

6 weeks to 3 years old in a safe, fun-loving environment for both ser-

vices and Sunday School. Childcare is located on the main floor in the

Preschool and Nursery Rooms on the north side of the building.

New Sunday School Classes...

Check out our new Sunday School classes for teens and children!

Read more on page 2 under the heading, “Sunday School Classes

Begin.”

GOOD SHEPHERD

United Methodist Church

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

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The Shepherd | September 2014

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