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Shepherd's News
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- Good Shepherd Supports China’s Earthquake Victims Read More
The members of Good Shepherd have risen to the occasion by providing support for the victims of
the massive earthquake that hit China on May 12. Members of Good Shepherd have established a
program called The Chengdu Connection in an effort to aid the quake victims and to build a bridge
of compassion between the residents of the Triangle Area and the residents of Sichuan Province. Visit
the website at Chengduconnection.org.
A few dozen Good Shepherd members and guests turned out for the initial presentation
by the Chengdu Connection on Friday, June 6. Pastor Pat Russell shared a Power Point
presentation on his three trips to Chengdu and Sichuan Province since 2001. Ying Feng, a guest from Chapel Hill,
was present to share the powerful story about her experiences in Chengdu at the time of the earthquake.
To date, Good Shepherd has received $2,535 to support the earthquake victims. In addition, several members of Good Shepherd
have given financial support for the earthquake victims through their employer, since some employers provide matching funds.
Funds given through Good Shepherd will be sent directly to our Wider Church Ministries so that money can go to work immediately in
the places where it can do the most good for the most people. Thank you for your compassion and for your generosity.
Checks may still be made out to Good Shepherd, noting in the memo section of the check
“For China Relief.” The needs in China will be on-going, so your gift at any time will
be most welcome.
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- Worship Notes Read More
July is often a time for traveling or for taking a break from our normal
routine. But there are plenty of good reasons to be at worship at Good Shepherd
whenever you have the chance this month. Remember, you make an important difference
to others by being there.
Sunday, July 6 – This is the Fourth of July weekend, a time not only
for picnics and fireworks, but also a time to reflect on what it means to be an
American during this critical time in our nation’s history. Pat’s sermon, “Proud
to be an American?” explores some of the ways we can approach the gifts we have
received as citizens of the United States. Scriptures for the day are
Deuteronomy 8:1–10 and Matthew 22:15–22. Communion will be served.
Sunday, July 13 – Are you hooked on Starbucks? Pat’s sermon, “Latte Dah,” looks
at some of the little luxuries and other “extras” in our lives and explores their impact
on reaching our goals. This sermon is based on ideas from a fascinating workshop Pat
attended at the Southern Conference Annual Meeting. Our scripture readings for the day
will be Micah 6:6–8 and Mark 12:28–34. You can look forward to a solo from Mike Carney
on the trumpet (or is it the coronet?) during the time for special music.
Sunday, July 20 – It’s the third Sunday of the month, and time once more
for our monthly Praise Service. You’ll enjoy singing some of our most popular
hymns, and we will share in Communion. Pat’s sermon will be a summer rerun, “Message
from a Rose,” one of his most popular sermons from the past year. Scripture readings
for the day will be Ecclesiastes 3:1–8 and Matthew 6:25–34.
Sunday, July 27 – The United Church of Christ is encouraging all
of us to begin to engage in a Sacred Conversation on Race. What does that mean? Clearly,
this is a time in our nation’s history when we have a unique opportunity to examine
together some of the ways race impacts our daily lives, our relationships, and our society.
Pat will share the first of at least three sermons to be delivered in the months ahead on that
subject. His sermon, “Beginning a Sacred Conversation on Race,” will be based Psalm 133:1–3 and Galatians 4:23–29.
And don’t miss the chance to hear our Women’s Chorale as they provide our Special Music for the day.
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- Munchies and a Movie is on Sabbatical for the Summer Read More
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Stayed tuned for the next Munchies and a Movie
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- Book Read and Discussion Read More
As the summer heat starts to kick in, find a cool place, curl up with a good book and
deepen your Faith at the same time. The Christian Education Ministry has organized a
summer book club. We will be reading two books by authors that are popular with multiple GSUCC
members. After reading, we will meet and discuss how the books present two different
perspectives for our Christian Faith. To use some over-worked labels, the first book presents a
more “conservative” viewpoint while the second book portrays a more “progressive” perspective.
While both books are really good reads and will give you much to ponder, perhaps the greatest
value will be the discussions we will have with each other. It can be a truly rewarding exercise
to put your own heartfelt thoughts into words, and to really listen and look at the same issues
through the eyes of another.
The group will pick a convenient time one evening during the weeks noted below, and will gather at
the coffee shop inside the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Cary, across from Cary Town Mall.
The discussion will be facilitated by Larry Dickinson. You may still sign up by him.
Discussion on Book 1 - Week of July 21st
Plan for a cozy 1.5–2 hour discussion of Book 1, which is to have been read by the participants. Then start reading book 2.
Discussion on Book 2 - Week of August 25th
We’ll discuss the 2nd book, as well as compare and contrast the differing perspectives presented by the authors.
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- Let's Go - Family Game Night July 18 Read More
The carefree days of summer are almost upon us. A time of warm days and beautiful
evenings are ready for us to enjoy. Let’s get together and spend some time with fellow
members and enjoy conversation and fellowship. Mark your calendar now for these
upcoming events:
Friday, July 18, 2008 at 7:00–10:00 p.m. Family Game Night.
Everyone’s invited to spend the evening testing their skills of chance, deduction, and
flexibility(?). How about an evening filled with Twister, Clue, Chutes and Ladders?
Bring yourself, a dessert, and a game to High House and enjoy an evening of friendly fun
and games!
Sneak Preview:
August: Spend the evening with the Durham Bulls. Our annual baseball outing will be
once again in August. Watch for dates and information to come in the next newsletter.
Sunday, September 7, 2008: Experience the wonder of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Details to
come in August.
Sunday, September 21, 2008: Golf Outing at Lochmere. Get your clubs ready for another
great day on the fairways. Details to follow in the August newsletter.
If you know of any local activities that would be great for the Let’s Go series, please let Pat know.
Let’s Go! is an on-going series of entertaining and educational events designed to expand our horizons and
to bring members and friends of Good Shepherd closer together.
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- Summer Singing Read More
While our choir takes a well-deserved break for the summer, it’s time for the
next appearances of the Women’s Chorale and Men’s Chorale. Do you enjoy singing
but aren’t able to commit your time to the choir during the year? Are you a choir
member who misses singing during the summer? This is the opportunity for you! Adults of
all ages and musical abilities are invited to join us. Women’s Chorale will rehearse at
9:15 a.m. on two Sundays, July 20 and 27, singing during worship on July 27. Men’s Chorale
will rehearse at 9:15 a.m. on two Sundays, August 3 and 10, singing during worship on
August 10.
The Music Committee has some fun music planned that you won’t want to miss. For
further information, contact Linda Velto, Carla Gleason, or Chris Alberti. Hope to
see you—and hear you—in one of our Chorales!
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Read Our Latest :
Newsletter July Sermon 07/13 Pastoral Prayer 07/13
From 7/06/08 Sermon Prayer
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Where All Are Welcome
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Welcome to Good Shepherd United Church of Christ (UCC). Good Shepherd is young, just twenty years old in 2007. We love the diversity that thrives within this community of faith. Good Shepherd is a church for people of all ethnic and racial backgrounds. We've got folks of all ages - people with a wide range of religious and political views. We have a healthy mix of couples, families and singles. Folks often say that Good Shepherd feels like "family," and it's a place where You can belong. We believe that it is not necessary to be of one mind for us to be of one faith. We thank God that we are able to walk this spiritual journey together, and we invite You to join with us. We'll allow You to be Yourself, and we will encourage You to grow.
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Good Shepherd offers a wide variety of classes and programs for children, youth, and adults. We're not afraid to try something new. You might enjoy our Intergenerational Class on Sunday mornings where teens and adults have a chance to learn from each other. Our Munchies and a Movie series presents a quality feature film each month, followed by a brief discussion.
We honor our children and try to make Good Shepherd a safe place for them and for all people. We've got a great new children's Christian Education program, and the teachers, kids and parents all love it! Most Sundays there's a children's sermon. All children are invited to receive Communion with us at least twice a month, with their parents' approval. Our nursery is staffed by two experienced, caring child care professionals.
Our worship music ranges from traditional to contemporary. Pastors Patrick Russell and Yvonne Riddick give sermons that are practical, down-to-earth, and grounded in Christian scripture. We are proud to be part of the United Church of Christ (UCC), and we have a strong commitment to mission. We contribute to God's mission around the world and participate locally in programs that include The Carying Place, Alliance Medical Mission, Habitat for Humanity, and others. We also sponsor a Mission Trip for teens and adults every other year. Our members are glad to roll up their sleeves and help out in any way they can.
Our congregation includes people from a wide variety of religious traditions. We know that Good Shepherd is not the church for everyone. But perhaps this is the church for You. Please try visiting us for three or four Sundays, and find out for Yourself. We'd feel honored to welcome You "home."
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