The Rector's Ramblings...September 17, 2009

Rally day was a great and joyful occasion this year.  There was a wonderful amount of energy and excitement as children and parents met with teachers and got a taste of this year's programs.  Then later in the day a large group of our younger children and their parents, after enjoying a tasty lunch provided by Fyl Thompson, Meriwether Walker and May Sherrod, took a bus trip to Rising Meadows Farm and got some hands on experience for the theme for this year, "We are the sheep of his pasture."

The new worship schedule is also off to a great start.  The 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist was very well attended and participation was enthusiastic to say the least.  The announcement time gave everyone an opportunity to hear to hear just the tip of the iceberg about all the activities that take place at Good Shepherd.

There was one announcement that truly stood out for me because it brought forth two responses.  Donna Gundrum, our Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, introduced by name the twelve youth who had committed to our Fall Confirmation Class and stated that there was a volunteer adult mentor for each of them. The first response to this announcement was applause on the part of the congregation showing their support for the youth and their mentors.  The second response came the next morning when Donna informed me that seven more youth had committed to the Confirmation Class and that there was a mentor for each of them as well. We are blessed to have so many adults who are willing to volunteer their time to be a part of the lives of our youth in the Confirmation process. This is a great sign for the life of our parish.

The excitement continues this week with Adult Rally Day and the Ministry Fair.  You will have the opportunity to learn something about all of the ministries that are funded by our tithes and offerings.  You will also learn about the outstanding Adult Education/Formation offerings that Father Bill has put together for this year.  I sure am glad that Good Shepherd takes Adult Christian Education/Formation seriously.  Our parish is a model for those who seek to understand the life long commitment to learning as we walk the pilgrimage of faith together.