CGS Announcements

Remember to Set Your Clocks Forward!

Daylight Savings Time Begins

Sunday, March 14, 2010!

YOUNG ADULT GATHERING --Good Shepherd members, friends, and visitors in their 20's and 30s, married (w/w-out children), partnered or single are invited to the Shepherd's Hall porch Sunday, March 14, from 9:15am-10:15am for a kickoff Young Adult Gathering. This is a time to get connected with each other, form community, and talk about possible future events, bible studies, nights out and other activities inside and outside the Church that we can connect with. Coffee and other goodies will be provided. For more info., contact Bill Bennett, bill.bennett@cgs-raleigh.org

 You are invited to come participate in our services of Evensong in March at 5pm in the Church on Sunday the 14th & 28th. The beauty of this service -- which begins with a dimmed, quiet, and reflective sanctuary that gradually becomes infused with the soft light of candle after candle flaring to life -- makes for a very special worship experience. This service is also a wonderful opportunity to get settled and centered as you get ready for another week--it is what is often spoken of as "contemplative" experience of worship. Dress is casual. Then...join us for a wine and cheese reception in the Duncan-Giersch Center following the service.

Evensong--5:00PM, 2nd & 4th Sundays each month

If you play the piano or any other muscial instrument, we need your help! I am trying to recruit a group of musicians who would be willing to play their instrument of choice at the Evensong services at 5PM on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month. We have found that having musical accompaniment assists in the singing of the simple tunes that are a vital part of these contemplative services. So if you are willing to do this from time to time, please call Miriam at 831-2004 or send an e-mail message to Miriam.saxon@cgs-raleigh.org

March 14 & 21 following the 10:30AM Sunday Eucharist, on the porch of Shepherd's Hall, Third Floor Duncan/Giersch Parish Life Center

A time for new Christians, Seekers, and those who want to renew their understanding of the basics of Christian faith: 

What does it mean when we say, "I believe in God the Father...Jesus Christ, his Son our Lord...The Holy Spirit..."? How about when we pray, "Our Father..." And where exactly is "...in heaven"...? And how about that stuff about "...Forgive us our sins as we forgive others...give us our daily bread"...? What do the Ten Commandments (aka "The Decalogue") mean for Christians today? What is Jesus teaching us in the "Summary of the Law"? Bill Bennett will lead us in unpacking key words we say in worship each week and each day:

1. The "Summary of the Law" and Decalogue (Ten Commandments)
2. The Creeds (Apostles' and Nicene)
3. The Lord's Prayer

We'll explore what Scripture, Reason, and Tradition say about these fundamental texts and how they form a GPS for the raw data of our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Meeting in Shepherd's Hall, 3rd Floor, Duncan-Giersch Center 

Exploring The Theology of Food

The fourth of our five-part series on the Theology of Food will feature a mini-Bible study. We'll focus on the book of Genesis, God's first covenant with his people, and what it means in today's world. the material for this class comes from the Diocese of North Carolina's School of Ministry. Please join us at 9:15am in Shepherd's Hall on the third floor of the Duncan-Giersch Center. All are welcome. You needn't have participated in earlier discussions to take part in this one.

The EYC is offering the opportunity to help decorate the church for Easter with the Sale of Easter Lilies & Hydrangeas!

You can Order On-Line or

 Download a form, fill it out & return it to the church by March 15th!

Easter Lily ($14) & Hydrangea ($18)

After the plants have been used to decorate the church on Easter Day, you may take them home with you after the 11:00am service, or you may choose to donate your plant to some one who is shut-in or in a nursing home.

Thank you for supporting the programs and activites of the EYC!

Inquirer's Class, Parlor, 1st Floor, Duncan-Giersch Center

Please Join us for our first Class on MARCH 14TH!

The Inquirer's Class is an introduction to the Episcopal Church and serves as preparation for Adult Confirmation or Reception if you are coming from another denomination.  You can also Reaffirm your Confirmation. If you wish to be confirmed or if you would like to participate in the class as a refresher course on the Episcopal Church, contact Fyl Thompson, Membership Coordinator, at 831-2012 or fyl.thompson@cgs-raleigh.org.

Meeting weekly at 9:15AM in Room 404, 3rd Floor, Duncan Giersch Center

Journey in the Word -- The Battle Bible Class begins a five-to-nine week study of the Book of Psalms. This fexible schedule will allow for any special points of interest which emerge during the study to be explored further. Walter Bruegemann's THE MESSAGE OF THE PSALMS will be a principle text and reference in this Bible study.

from James Deal

Our last Habitat Workday is Saturday, March 13, and you are needed! We still have 4 of the 7 volunteer slots available. We'll be partnering with St. Mark's Episcopal this time, and we need to a good turnout. Good Shepherd is also providing lunch, so if you would like to participate in that way, please let me know. The location is 4005 Green Jacket Trail (lot #14), Augusta Crossing. Ours is the final workday on this site, so it will be finishing work.

Volunteer sign-up is on-line.  When you register on the website, choose Apostle Build 2009 - Church of the Good Shepherd. Each build day is broken into morning and afternoon shifts. If you want to work the full day, be sure to sign up for both shifts.

Read details about a typical build day can be found here.

Get Directions to the site here.

No experience is required! You'll be shown what to do and given tasks appropriate to your skill level. When construction begins, anyone on site must be 16 or older. Volunteers aged 16-17 will need a signed consent/waiver form from their parents.

Meeting weekly at 9:15AM, Room 303, 2nd Floor, Duncan-Giersch Center

We do Sunday School "Outside the Box."  This interactive class will use a wide variety of source material to guide us through conversations about God, Christian Life and questions of faith with the goal of finding ways to turn faith into action. We'll hear from books with diverse authors such as theologian Tom Bandy and sociologist Peter Berger, as well as news headlines, newspaper columns and video that will be used to launch our lively discussions.

GPS@CGS: Gospel Positioning For the Soul at Church of the Good Shepherd

Download the2010 Lenten Adult Christian Formation Brochure here! 

You bid your faithful people cleanse their hearts, and prepare with joy for the Paschal feast; that, fervent in prayer and in works of mercy, and renewed by your Word and Sacraments, they may come to the fullness of grace which you have prepared for those who love you. - THE BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER, Proper Preface for Lent (II)

Please look through this bulletin to connect your own Lenten journey with the people and resources you need to enjoy and grow in your day-to-day Baptismal journey, and connect with other companions on that journey, with Jesus and the People of God, his Church, in our special fellowship as the Church of the Good Shepherd. Also, find resources to help in your experience and celebration of this special season.

Congratulations to Will and Gena Cherry on the safe arrival of their daughter Ella Grayce Cherry on March 10, 2010!

Also, congratulations to our friends, Arnoldo and Anna Leigh Marquez, on the birth of their daughter, Liliana Barrineau Marquez, who was born on March 6, 2010 in Charlotte, NC.

Good Shepherd's participation in the Stop Hunger Now Meal Packing Event at St. Savior's on March 6 was a huge success!  We had over 90 people for our two hour shift, and everyone had a great time packing meals.  Our crew was so good at it they had their quota of 20,000 meals completed with time to spare, and instead of stopping our vigilant team just kept going. In the end Good Shepherd packed over 25,000 meals! Thank you to everyone who participated and to David Haygood who coordinated our volunteers for this event.

Stop Hunger Now, dedicated to the worldwide eradication of hunger, has stepped up its efforts in Haiti and is currently sending meals, water, and medication to their partners there. At this time, 50,000 Haitians are receiving food and help on a daily basis at distribution points outside of Port-au-Prince.

Learn more about Stop Hunger Now

We are still collecting donations to cover our part of the ingredients for the meals ($5,000) we packed on March 6. DONATE ON-LINE HERE or you can make a donation by check, please be sure to note on the memo line "Stop Hunger Now Meal Packing Event."  

Fourth and final session: March 17, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Shepherd's Hall, 3rd Floor, Duncan-Giersch Center

St. Patrick and Celtic Christianity: An Ancient Faith for Post-modern Times

Join us as we celebrate Saint Patrick's day by viewing and discussing brief videos on the life of St. Patrick and Celtic Christianity. Celtic Christianity represents one of the oldest expressions of Christianity in the British Isles, and integrated God's revelation in nature with God's revelation in the Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Celtic Christianity was largely the Christianity of St. Patrick. Many now are finding aspects of Celtic Christian spirituality a way to experience Christ's presence in their life. For more on Celtic Christian spirituality, see: http://explorefaith.org/celtic/index.html  To see a sample of the brief videos we will watch Wednesday evening, click here and here.  Join us for community, learning, and special St. Patrick's Day goodies and refreshments.

From Dave Roten, Sr. Warden

With the recent outreach activities here at Good Shepherd, we've all been looking outside the parish for ways to contribute our Time, Talent, and yes, some Treasure as well.  Now I'd like to draw your attention inward for a moment.   Committees provide an opportunity for everyone in the parish to contribute their Talents without a huge time commitment.  I can't stress enough that the committee meetings are open for everyone to bring ideas that are new, traditional, or lost but prime for a comeback.  If you've worked on a committee in the past but haven't had the opportunity to serve recently, do consider helping out again.  If you've not participated before, it's a great way to get your feet wet without being overwhelmed.  Committees always have a vestry representative as well so the parish leadership can support the group's activities.

There are several committees that meet all year long to organize various activities.  They include Outreach, Membership, Communications, Buildings & Grounds, Stewardship, Finance, Personnel, Fellowship, and Development.  Some meet once a month and some not as often.  We need to do a better job of scheduling meetings ahead of time and advertising those to the congregation in a timely fashion.  You'll see that happening soon.  Think of it as a bit of spring cleaning on the committee process.

I would be remiss if I didn't  thank everyone who has participated in our recent outreach events.  Between Habitat for Humanity, Warmth for Wake, and Stop Hunger Now we've had close to 100 parishioners involved with taking Christ's message into the world.  I don't believe that there's any way to color that other than wonderful.  We all give many thanks to those who've contributed their Time, Talent, and Treasure for this.  We hope there are ample opportunities for even more parishioners throughout the year.

BAKE SALE!!! 

Easter Day, April 4th

-- on the lawn between the Church & Duncan-Giersch Center

proceeds benefit our Stop Hunger Now Collection

The third Friday of the month is almost here. That means it's time for our next potluck dinner with time to discuss and grow together. Please join Serve One Another at 6:30pm on Friday, March 19, at the home of Gigi and Van Giersch. Our dinner will be a simple supper for Lent with soup, salad and dessert. Please let the Giersch's know if you plan to attend and what you'll bring. All are welcome!

The Amazing Grace Supper Club will meet at 6:30pm on Sunday, March 21, at the home of Pete and Martha Taylor. Monty and Sallie Houlder are the Co-hosts.  Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share, and remember to RSVP to the Taylors.

Good Shepherd is CoSponsoring a Blood Drive at First Presbyterian Church on March 21, 2010!

We had a big turnout from our neighbors at First Pres for our drive in January, and we hope we can reciprocate!  If you have any questions contact Larry Seiger.

• Blood Drive Location:  First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, 120 W. Hargett Street
• Drive Date:  March 21, 2010
• Drive Times:  8AM - 12:30PM

Sign up by visiting: www.membersforlife.org/cbsr/schedule click on ‘search by sponsor code' and enter 13766

The Church of the Good Shepherd now has a Facebook Page.  Visit our Facebook Page and become a Fan of CGS. It's a new way to keep in touch with you parish family and the events at church!

The address is: http://facebook.com/pages/Church-of-the-Good-Shepherd/184063247485.

Youth (Grades 6-12), their parents, and any interested volunteers are invited to meet with new Youth Director Wren Blessing on Sunday, March 21, immediately following the 10:30am service in the EYC Room. We will discuss spring and summer EYC plans and the formation of a new youth council. Please contact Wren Blessing (wren.blessing@cgs-raleigh.org) for more information.

The Amazing Grace Supper Club will meet at 6:30pm on Sunday, March 21, at the home of Pete and Martha Taylor. Monty and Sallie Houlder are the Co-hosts.  Please bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share, and remember to RSVP to the Taylors.

The Out and About Supper Club will also meet on Sunday, March 21, at 6:30pm at the home of Jeff Aldridge. Host will provide meat and soft drinks. Please bring an appetizer, side dish or dessert to share. BYOB and remember to RSVP to Jeff.

Weekday Services in Lent

Mondays:  Morning Prayer, 8:30AM, Church

Thursdays:  Holy Eucharist & Healing Service, 12:05PM, Stoker Chapel (3rd floor, D-GC)

Fridays:  Stations of the Cross, 12:00PM, Church

Saturday, March 27, from 9:30 am to 1 pm, Good Shepherd, Raleigh (125 Hillsborough St)

Cost is $10 for lunch.

Open to clergy and laity; Register online at www.episdionc.org

For more information, contact Susannah Smith at mailto:sr-smith@mindspring.com

Eggstravaganza 2010 Is April 3rd!

Get your tickets On-line or at Church on Sundays!

It's the biggest egg hunt you ever saw! Come meet the Easter Bunny and join us for the Easter egg hunt, games, giant inflatable play stations, prizes, Bill Ellis Barbecue (including banana pudding) and more!

We'll be at the Hendrickson's Farm in Zebulon from 11am to 2pm!

Tickets must be pre-purchased!!

• $10 for everyone age 9 and up
• $6 for ages 4 through 8
• Free for everyone 3 and under who does not take a plate

Must Haves:

• Your Easter basket
• Lawn chairs (remember, it's a real farm!)
• Camera (for the many Kodak moments)
• Meal Tickets (You don't want to miss Bill Ellis' barbeque!)

Dress according to the weather! There is no rain date.

A SHORT HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY by Stephen Tomkins "The sort of book I wish I'd read fifty years ago. Steve Tomkins provides a context for so much of Western history over the last two millienia. His book explains a lot." - TERRY JONES, star and co-writer of Monty Python. Worshiped by 2 billion Christians worldwide, Jesus Christ is arguably the most famous human being ever. Yet grasping the vast story of his followers over the last 2,000 years can be a dizzying, difficult task. In A Short History of Christianity Stephen Tomkins takes readers on an entertaining and enlightening journey through the key stages of Christian development, covering the people, the events, the movements, and the controversies of the church. ... His penetrating, energetic Short History of Christianity is sure to delight and inform a broad range of readers. Meeting at 7:00pm in the Parlor, 1st floor, Duncan-Giersch Center.

Encountering God by the Sea (Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of NC School of Ministry)

Spring Tide Retreat featuring Lauren Winner, author and professor at Duke Divinity School

April 28-30, 2010

at Trinity Center, Salter Path, NC

Register by April 12th.  Brochures with registration form available in main lobby of the Duncan Giersch Center.

For more information contact:  Shelley.Kappauf@episdionc.org  

Here's How It Works:

There are 88 keys on the Piano. You can become a supporter of our Music Ministries' 88 Key Campaign, during Lent and Easter, by purchasing a piano key or keys for $50 each. The names of those honored or memorialized will be published in a commemorative brochure at the conclusion of the campaign.

See how your support will enhance our Music Ministry:

• 1-2 keys = New anthem
• 2-3 keys = Additional singer for 2 worship services or choir robe for any of our choirs
• 3-4 keys = Instrumentalist for 2 worship services or piano tuning
• 4-5 keys = Additional hand bells
• 5-6 keys = Choral Masterwork
• 9 keys = Organ tuning

Download a Donation Form here, fill it out and turn it back in by April 18th!