Dearly beloved,

We are pleased to share with you an important update regarding the commissioning of a new altar table for our worship space. The proposal, which went to the vestry this month and received unanimous support, is the fruit of three years' hard work and reflection by five faithful lay leaders and two clergy.

The Background

In the summer of 2023, we began use of the freestanding walnut altar (otherwise located in the chapel on the third floor of the PLC) to facilitate the celebration of Holy Eucharist with the clergy facing the people. The reasons for this were three-fold:

• The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which Anglican leaders attended as observers,  profoundly shaped the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and our theology around the Eucharist. Practices rooted in the medieval traditions of the church, such as corporate prayers offered exclusively in Latin and altars designed and built to face Jerusalem, were retired in order to return to practices more faithful to the practices of the early church. The role of the lay worshiper was also recast from that of spectator (where the priest does and says everything, and everyone else watches or listens) to full participant. One of the most marked shifts between the 1948 Book of Common Prayer and its 1979 counterpart is the sheer increase in the number of liturgical prayers (including parts of the Eucharistic Prayers), assigned to the people.
• One important way Anglican Eucharistic theology differs from that of Roman Catholics is in the role of the priest. In the Roman Church, the celebrant is understood to be standing in the place of Christ. In the Episcopal Church, however, Christ is present in the whole community that has gathered together to celebrate the Eucharist. Facing one another, as we would at any shared meal, reminds us that we are all guests at God’s Table with Christ at the literal center of our prayer.
• When Rev. Imogen arrived at Good Shepherd, she was tasked with creating an environment where all people, including new Christians and new Episcopalians, would feel welcome. There is no greater expression of welcome and love than in the giving and receiving of Christ's body and blood during the Holy Eucharist. In this moment of intimacy and connection, our clergy have a precious opportunity to embody that love by facing the congregation as they speak the Words of Institution, a practice that feels more in line with our time and culture.

The Committee

Having received a positive response to the trial use of the freestanding altar, Rev. Imogen then convened a group of lay leaders to address the logistical and aesthetic issues that it raised. In the fall of 2025, Rev. Justin began serving as the Altar Committee’s clergy facilitator, continuing the  work that the Rev. Andrew Phillips began three years ago. The lay members of the committee are:

• Caryl Fuller (Altar Guild Director and longtime Parishioner)
• Ed Sharp (Livestream Coordinator and longtime parishioner)
• Elizabeth Gant (Godly Play Coordinator and longtime parishioner)
• Gregg Knepley (former Parish Treasurer and newer parishioner)
• Gretchen Ginnerty (church architect and newer parishioner)

The Proposal

The Altar Committee was tasked with addressing the following issues:

• The current location of the freestanding altar creates a bottleneck inside the altar rail, prevents the altar gates from being closed, blocks the congregation’s view of the high altar, and compels the clergy to celebrate while standing on a narrow step.
• The freestanding altar does not match the sanctuary’s existing aesthetic.

After meeting several times last fall to examine the space and discuss potential solutions, it was agreed that a new altar table should be constructed to take the place of the freestanding altar currently in use. The new design would need to achieve the following goals:

• Eliminate the logistical issues caused by the current arrangement.
• Seamlessly match the aesthetics of the chancel and sanctuary.
• Improve the visibility of the high altar from the pews.

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Gretchen Ginnerty, an architect who has extensive experience working in Episcopal churches, graciously agreed to design the new altar table for our sanctuary. In January, Gretchen presented her final design to the Altar Committee who unanimously agreed that it was not only beautiful but satisfied all the criteria the committee had established.

As you can see in the accompanying rendering, below, the new altar table will be the same height and length as the high altar, allowing for the continued use of our frontals and other altar clothes  Rather than sitting on the floor, however, it will be attached to the first two altar steps, allowing the clergy to celebrate from the wider platform at the top of the stairs and eliminating the bottleneck on the floor.

The new altar’s brass legs will mirror the slender, scalloped pattern on the altar gates. The top of the altar will be a thin piece of reinforced cherry strained to match the wood used elsewhere in the sanctuary.

The Altar Committee solicited bids from three design firms and is moving forward with a bid from Trig Modern, a local firm that both Gretchen Ginnerty and Ed Sharp have worked with in the past. Now that this project also has the full support of the vestry, we are moving forward with this project, and it is our sincere hope that the new altar table will be in place by Rally Day (September 13).

We would like to offer our profound thanks to Gretchen, Elizabeth, Ed, Gregg, and Caryl for all the thought, care, and hard work they have put into this process, the vestry for their thoughtful discussion and support, and you, the people of The Church of the Good Shepherd for your  continued prayerful support. We believe that this Altar will glorify God by restoring the beauty of our sanctuary and improving the quality of our liturgy.

In Christ,
Imogen+
Justin+

At the Church of the Good Shepherd, we believe that spiritual growth and meaningful relationships go hand in hand. Our Adult Fellowship Groups are a wonderful way to connect with others, share in life's journey, and deepen your faith. Whether you are a longtime member or a newcomer, we invite you to explore these opportunities to find a place where you truly belong.

Learn about a few of our Adult Fellowship Groups here.  Do you see something missing?  Reach out if you'd like to start a new group or have your group included on the parish website listing here. 
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Weekly & Monthly Fellowship Groups

Books and Bagels: the Parish Book Club
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Our parish book club, Books and Bagels, meets every Thursday at 8:30 AM at the Chanticleer Cafe and Bakery in Cary (6490 Tryon Road). We believe that great stories—both sacred and secular—can be a gateway to deep spiritual reflection. We are currently reading Becoming by Michelle Obama, exploring themes of identity, resilience, and public service over coffee and pastries.

Can’t make it to Cary? If this time or location doesn't work for you, we would love to help you start a new satellite book group in your own neighborhood! Contact Jean Knepley for guidance on how to get your book club started.

If you have ever paused to admire the vibrant arrangements flanking our altar, you have witnessed the quiet and creative ministry of the Flower Guild. While their work adds undeniable beauty to our worship, the story behind the flowers is one of stewardship, artistry, and pastoral care.

The Flower Guild is a dedicated team of volunteers who handle more than 80 percent of our Sunday services along with receptions, funerals, and special events like ordinations. While a commercial florist arrangement can often exceed $300, the Flower Guild provides stunning seasonal displays for just $100. They are able to do this because the artistry and time are donated by the members themselves. Their materials come from everywhere including local farmers markets, grocery stores, wholesale florists, and even fresh greenery clipped from their own backyards. This resourceful approach ensures that our sacred space is filled with life and color in a way that is both sustainable and heartfelt.

Did you know that the Christmas custom of displaying figures depicting the birth of Jesus, owes its origin to St. Francis of Assisi over 800 years ago?

You see, Francis had a special devotion to the Child Jesus. This devotion inspired him to create the first Nativity scene (or Christmas crèche) on Christmas Eve in 1223. It is believed that the idea first struck St. Francis on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land after he visited the original birthplace of Christ at the humble stable in the town of Bethlehem.

Shape the Future of Our Parish: Vestry Nominations Now Open!

Are you passionate about the mission of our church? Do you have a vision for how we manage our resources or grow our community? As we look toward a new year, we are officially seeking dedicated individuals to step into leadership roles.

The Vestry is an elected representative body that acts as the legal agent for the parish. Many liken the role to a city or town council, providing governance and oversight for our community. At CGS, our Vestry consists of 12 members organized into three classes of four. Each year, four members rotate off as a new class is elected for a three-year term. This structure ensures we welcome fresh voices and new ideas every year while maintaining a steady foundation of institutional knowledge.

The Parish will elect four new vestry members at our upcoming Annual Parish Meeting in January 2026. These new members will begin their term on February 1, 2026. If you are curious about how the Vestry works, they meet on the fourth Monday of each month, and parishioners are always welcome to sit in. You can also find Vestry members around CGS during Sunday services—they’d love to hear what’s on your mind!

What Does the Vestry Do?

If you are new to the Episcopal tradition, you can think of the Vestry as the governing board of a nonprofit. According to the national Episcopal Church, the Vestry acts as the legal representative of the parish regarding all corporate property and business.

While the Rector leads our spiritual life, the Vestry supports that mission "by word and deed" through:

• Defining the Mission: Helping to discern where God is calling our congregation.
• Resource Management: Overseeing the church’s finances and budgeting.
• Property Oversight: Caring for our buildings and grounds.
• Leadership: Selecting the Rector and ensuring the church remains effectively organized.

Is This Role Right for You?

Serving on the Vestry is a rewarding way to give back, but it does require a significant commitment of time and heart. Members are expected to:

• Attend Meetings: Participate in monthly Vestry meetings and the annual retreat.
• Act as Liaisons: Serve as a bridge between the Vestry and at least one other church committee or ministry.
• Lead by Example: Support the annual stewardship campaign through personal giving and assist in raising funds.
• Be Present: Regularly attend church services and parish events.

Requirements for Eligibility: Per our bylaws, candidates must be at least 18 years old, baptized, and confirmed in the Episcopal Church.

How to Nominate

The Nominating Committee, chaired by Esther Hall, is currently seeking qualified parishioners to stand for election. We strongly encourage self-nominations—if you feel called to serve, please don't hesitate to put your name forward!
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1. Review the Details: Read the full Vestry Member position description. 
2. Submit a Form: You can download the nomination form by CLICKING HERE.
3. Ask Questions: If you’d like to learn more about the day-to-day experience of serving, reach out to Esther Hall for a friendly chat.

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Important Deadline: All nomination forms must be received by Friday, January 4, 2026.
Help us continue to build a vibrant, sustainable, and Christ-centered community. We look forward to seeing who will step up to lead us into 2026!

Did you know that CGS has two ongoing Green Initiatives that offer simple, impactful ways for you to contribute to a healthier community? The Green Team is working hard to reduce waste and increase safety—and you can track our collective success every month!

Here is a look at two Green Team programs and how you can get involved.

🍎 Community Composting: Diverting Food Waste from the Landfill

During our tour of the Wake County Landfill,  the Green Team discovered that nearly 25% (24.8%) of all trash going into the landfill is food waste. Composting is an easy action everyone can take to significantly reduce this number, turning food scraps into valuable nutrients for the earth instead.

We are excited to partner with The ReCollective's Community Compost Program to make CGS a convenient collection site, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable community. The ReCollective manages the pickup, transports the compost to a processing center to be ground into soil, and returns these important nutrients to the earth.

There are two primary ways you can participate in composting at CGS:

1. Home Composting Membership

• Sign Up: CGS members can join The ReCollective's Community Compost Membership. You'll receive a 4-gallon Purple Bin to collect food scraps at home. Memberships start at $3.15 per week.
• Drop-Off: Bring your filled bin to the community collection carts, located in the back parking lot at Church, at any time. The ReCollective manages the weekly or bi-weekly cart swap-out.
• Get involved: Contact Megan at [email protected] with any questions.
  
  

2. Composting at Events

• Look for Bins: At all CGS Fellowship Events, look for specially marked composting bins.
• What to Compost: Please drop your food waste, paper cups, plates, and napkins here. Everyone at CGS has a role in composting!
• Progress as December 2025: Since launching in June 2025, our community has diverted an incredible 986 pounds of food waste from the landfill!

Your Impact, Their Gift: Celebrating the Season with CGS Alternative Giving

​Do you ever find yourself fretting about what to get your grown children or other adults who seem to have everything? Or perhaps they’re planning to get you another wonderful thing you simply don't need? Many of us have reached a point of too much abundance and too little storage space.

Here is a thoughtful solution: Alternative Gift Giving (AGG)!

Donating to a non-profit which upholds your loved ones’ values can be a meaningful alternative to a physical gift. It’s a perfect way to honor, remember, or celebrate someone by making a real difference in the lives of people with very high levels of need.

Our Featured Causes: Loving Our Neighbors

This year, the Outreach Committee focused on causes with either a direct CGS connection or those dedicated to serving disadvantaged children and families. Your generosity will support the following proven charities:

Loving Our Neighbors Here at Home

• The Rector's Discretionary Fund: A tradition in the Episcopal Church for centuries, this fund allows our clergy (Imogen and Justin) to provide immediate, confidential assistance to church members and others in need. Donations are split evenly to help with basic needs like food, rent, transportation, utilities, and scholarships for diocesan youth activities.
• Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen: Located right here at CGS, Shepherd’s Table feeds a free, hot, and nutritious lunch to over 275 people daily, Monday through Friday. CGS had a key role in starting Shepherd’s Table and continues to have members serving as volunteers. (www.shepherds-table.org)
  
  

Loving Our Neighbors in Wake County

• Urban Ministries of Wake County: Serving over 64,000 low-income individuals and families yearly, UM provides essential services including food, healthcare, and medicine. Their Helen Wright Center also offers shelter and programming for single women experiencing homelessness. CGS and other local churches helped start UM 44 years ago. (www.urbanmin.org)
  
  

Loving Our Neighbors in the World

• World Pediatrics: Based in the US, World Pediatrics provides much-needed surgery and specialty care to critically ill children and babies who would not receive these services otherwise. They partner with local healthcare resources in sites including the US, Haiti, India, and Vietnam, and have a special program to reduce infant mortality. (www.worldpediatrics.org)
• Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD): The official relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church responds to suffering around the world. ERD partners with locally-led organizations in communities impacted by injustice, poverty, disaster, and climate change across the US, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. (www.episcopalrelief.org)
  
  

How to Give: Dates and Logistics
We have made participating in Alternative Gift Giving easy this holiday season!

When & Where to Give
Visit our Alternative Gift Giving tables which will be set up in the PLC lobby after both the 8:00 and 10:15 services on the first, second, and third Sundays of December:

• Sunday, December 7 (After Both Services)
• Sunday, December 14 (After Both Services)
• Sunday, December 21 (After Both Services)

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The tables will have all the necessary information, donation forms, and a variety of handcrafted and store-bought Christmas/holiday cards and inserts for you to complete your gifts on the spot.

Donation Details

• Minimum Suggested Gift: A $20 minimum per cause selected is suggested, but there is no maximum. You may choose as many or as few causes as you like, and can make multiple gifts to one or more organizations. You can also write in other charitable non-profits (501C3) of your choice.
• Payment: We accept cash, checks, and online donations through Realm. Please make checks payable to CGS, and be sure to write “AGG” in the memo line. We are also on track to accept debit/credit card payments at the table.
• Gift Cards: We will provide 4" by 5-1/4" inserts that are quick to fill in for "in honor of,” "in memory of,” and "in celebration of" designations.​