Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church

church staff

2007-02-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Robert Austell (Pastor) has served Good Shepherd since March of 2002. Previously he served as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Lenoir, NC. He is a graduate of Davidson College, studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Boston, MA), and graduated from Princeton Theological Seminary with a M.Div. in 1996. In May of 2008 he completed his dissertation on worship and music and graduated from Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte with a Doctor of Ministry. Robert is a life-long musician and continues to write and record music. He is married to Heather and has three daughters. Contact Pastor Robert at robert@gspc.net

Kathy Larson (Director of Christian Education and Creative Arts) joined the staff of Good Shepherd as Director of Youth Ministries in September of 1999. In September of 2006, the Session changed her title and responsibilities to cover Christian education and creative arts. Kathy graduated from Eastern College with a degree in youth ministry and from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (Charlotte) with a Masters in Biblical Studies (OT - her thesis was on Levitical offerings!). Kathy directs and writes scripts for the Good Shepherd drama minstry and returned from a Sabbatical (seminar on scriptwriting) in summer of 2006 with ACT 1, a Christian ministry to the movie and television industry in Hollywood. She is married to Patrick. Contact Kathy at kathy@gspc.net

Cathy Youngblood (Director of Music Ministry) returned to the staff of Good Shepherd in September of 2002 (previously on staff in 1989-1992). Cathy graduated from California Lutheran University with a B.A. in Music (organ performance) and a M.A. in Education (music emphasis). She grew up in a missionary family in Guatemala and later founded (1996) and directed the Guatemalan Choral Society. Cathy has been instrumental in putting together a community chorale, and has a vision for music ministry to the broader community. She also teaches and leads conference worship with Pastor Robert and the Good Shepherd worship team. Cathy is married to Quay and they each have two children. Contact Cathy at music@gspc.net

Melissa Baker (Director of Children's Ministries) joined the staff of Good Shepherd in July of 2005. She is also a life-long member of Good Shepherd. Melissa has B.A. and M.Ed. degrees from UNCC in Child and Family studies and education and taught pre-K in the public school system for 6 years before coming on staff. In directing the preschool and the church children's ministries, Melissa has brought those ministries closer together and strengthened our educational ministry to church and to neighborhood families and children. Contact Melissa at children@gspc.net

Joan Fedor (Director of Youth Ministry) joined the staff of Good Shepherd on October 1, 2008. Joanie is a graduate of Messiah College in Christian Ministry/Youth Ministry and has experience in church youth ministry and camping ministry. She loves children and youth of all ages and is excited to follow God's leading to NC (from Connecticut). Contact Joanie at youth@gspc.net

Diana Horne (Financial Secretary) joined the staff of Good Shepherd in January of 2005. She brings a wonderful personality and knowledge of finances to our staff. She is married to Glenn and has one daughter. Contact Diana at finance@gspc.net

Administrative Assistant - vacant

Jean Bruce (Assistant Director of Preschool) assists Melissa in the administration of the preschool. Contact Jean at cdp@gspc.net

current and upcoming events

2007-04-01T15:12:00.000-07:00

Bulletin - [working on this]

Newsletter - September 2010

For copies of old newsletters, please contact the church office at 704-364-1234 or gspc@gspc.net.

Volunteer Schedule - see last page of newsletter for a given month's schedule

Welcome to Good Shepherd's Website!

2010-01-16T14:42:00.000-08:00

Whether you have recently visited Good Shepherd or plan to in the future, we hope that you experience our church as the loving, warm, Christ-centered family that we believe it to be.

Whatever your stage or place in life, if you are seeking a church where people genuinely love each other and desire to grow closer to God, we encourage you to come again!

We have nurturing programs and ministry opportunities for every member, and truly have a church that feels like ‘home.’ Even more importantly, at Good Shepherd, we are committed to seeking and following God through His Son, Jesus Christ, as revealed in God’s Word, the Bible. We are not perfect people, but follow after a perfect Savior!

We hope you will consider visiting again and joining this ordinary family of people who have been drawn together in an extraordinary way by our loving and gracious God.

The September newsletter is online HERE.

neighborhood events

2007-01-03T07:57:00.000-08:00

We not only want to "be here" for our neighbors... we also want to offer quality concerts, dramatic productions, educational and community building events. Look here for upcoming events ranging from jazz concerts to dinner theater to a fall festival for children and their families. (and more!)

Neighborhood Events and Programs
Each year we have a major event for the neighborhood (and open to the community). In past years, this has included a July 4 neighborhood picnic and a Kids & Family "Fall Festival" around Halloween time. Please watch for signs and bring your household out to join us for this neighborhood event! Recently we hosted the Shelley Moore Band on the lawn.

Seminars and PresentationsAs part of what we'd like to offer our neighbors, we regularly schedule seminars and teaching events around issues important to everyone: finances, parenting, marriage, and more. Recent programs have included: "Heart to Heart" marriage seminar (by the Barnabas Center). Stay tuned for what's next!

Music and Drama Programs
We have a number of major music and drama events open to the neighborhood and community each year. Recent years have included Vivaldi's Gloria presented with chamber orchestra. Our drama ministry presents two full-length plays each year, including forays into dinner-theater. Drama auditions are open to the community and church membership is not required.

thinking of visiting?

2007-01-02T08:03:00.000-08:00

Two of the most significant things we offer to the community are our top-quality preschool and our unique and inviting church services.

Visit the Preschool - click for link to the preschool site

Sunday Morning Information

TIMES:

*Worship: 8:30-9:30am (smaller, more intimate gathering)
Sunday school: 9:30 – 10:30 am (class descriptions)
Cookies/Juice/Conversation: 10:30 – 11:00 am
Worship: 11:00 am – 12:10pm

*There is no early service during the summer (Memorial Day - Labor Day)

STYLE

The style of worship at Good Shepherd is an intentional blend of ancient, traditional, and modern forms of liturgy, prayer, music, and communication. Our starting point for planning each service is God’s Word, the Bible. Each week we seek to provide effective and numerous ways for worshipers to gather around, hear and respond, and go forth into the world with the good and hopeful Word of God in scripture. We also intentionally gather as a family of believers of many ages and backgrounds, and so use all the means at our disposal to invite each worshiper into the presence of God. It is our hope that each person present will not only worship God in Spirit and truth, but also in community. It is a joy and a privilege to worship God together!

DRESS

People's attire for Sunday morning worship varies pretty widely, from casual to suits, but the "median" is probably what you might wear out to a medium-priced restaurant for dinner. Pastor Robert preaches in a shirt and tie.

deacons

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The office of deacon as set forth in Scripture is one of sympathy, witness, and service after the example of Jesus Christ. Persons of spiritual character, honest repute, of exemplary lives, brotherly and sisterly love, warm sympathies, and sound judgment should be chosen for this office. It is the duty of deacons, first of all, to minister to those who are in need, to the sick, to the friendless and to any who may be in distress both within and beyond the community of faith.

At Good Shepherd, the Deacons lead our mercy ministries to the congregation and to the community. The Deacons currently serving are as follows:

Class of 2010
John Dameron
Julie Hetterly
Chris Orr

Class of 2011
Megan Butler (chair)
Bill Moorman

Class of 2012
Shannon Klar
Jon Morris
Patrick Larson

adults

2007-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

We have a number of ministries to and for adults. If you have any questions about any of them, please call Cynthia in the church office at 704-364-1234 or e-mail to gspc@gspc.net

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL: Sundays, 9:30-10:30am

Hebrews - Jim Hinton
Katibah Rm.; enter through glass doors, down hall to right
Large group lecture format
Study the book of Hebrews, which focuses on how Christ fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system - how He is both the perfect sacrifice and the perfect high priest. A great pairing with Leviticus from last semester!

Spiritual Disciplines - Kathy Larson, facilitator
Sanctuary Expansion Area (left past sanctuary and fireplace; last room on right)
Small group discussion format
Study and pracitce twelve spiritual disciplines as described in Richard Foster's book, Celebration of Discipline.

God As... - Melanie Hatfield
Library (glass doors, then left toward sanctuary; left again into library)
Small group lecture and discussion format
Explore fifteen characteristics of God in the Old TEstament: God as Creator, God as Redeemer, God as Husband, God as Shepherd, etc... (class workbook includes daily devotionals you can do the week after each lesson to go deeper at home)

ADULT BIBLE STUDIES

Women's Weekly Bible Study

Mondays, 7pm - resumes September 2010

Tuesdays 9:30am - Proverbs (Sue Edwards study)
Both studies meet at the church in the expansion area off the sanctuary (or sometimes the library). Call 704-364-1234 for more info.

Wednesday Night Bible Study: Wednesdays, 7-8pm
"Wednesday Night Experiment" - small group discussion on and off the church property. Read more HERE.

ADULT PRAYER GROUPS

Men's Prayer/Breakfast Group: Tuesdays, 6:30am
A lively group of men meet in the church library at 6:30 every Tuesday morning to pray through the church's prayer list and add any new prayer concerns or thanksgivings. After prayer, those who are able go out for fellowship over breakfast, usually concluding by 8:00am. Men of all ages are welcome and invited to come!

FOCUS Prayer Group and PARENTS PRAY
Contact Cathy Youngblood at 704-364-1234 for meeting times and location.

Prayer E-mail Chain
Prayer requests are collected on a master list, posted at the church, but also circulated by e-mail to a group committed to prayer. If you have a thanksgiving or concern you would like the Good Shepherd family to pray for, please send it to the church office (704-364-1234 or gspc@gspc.net) or to Pastor Robert at robert@gspc.net

christian resources

2007-04-01T15:18:00.001-07:00

On this pull-down menu, find links to Christian resources and our church library (soon to be accessible via Internet).

PCUSA Links and Resources

Neighborhood Churches

Library Resources - This links to our church library catalog, making it possible for you to determine if the church has a book for which you are looking.

[Note: Click "Library Resources above for the link." You can access the library from a mobile phone or device using this address: http://connect.collectorz.com/m/users/GSPC/books/view]

haiti support

2010-01-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Good Shepherd family,

I wanted to alert you that we will be taking a special offering in worship for Haiti relief in the wake of the recent 7.0 earthquake. For a natural disaster on this scale, the most immediate need is for cash. We will be taking a special offering this Sunday and next (and can receive gifts at any point), to be sent to the Red Cross. Starting Feb. 1 we will transition our gifts to Samaritan's Purse and/or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, both of whom will be transitioning into more intermediate and longer-term response.

I am writing to let you know that Good Shepherd can serve as a vehicle for gifts for Haiti relief. We will pass on 100% of your designated gifts to the agencies listed above and believe each of them will do a responsible job of using your money for maximum benefit.

If you want to write a check for the offering or to mail to us, simply note "Haiti relief" on the memo line. And if you want to designate specifically to one of the agencies above in a way different than the timeline described, just note that on the check.

If you are interested in learning more about charitable giving and disaster response, I would commend the following articles to you. The basic gist is that what is most helpful for maximum benefit and response is:

1) initial cash (first few weeks);

2) supplies sent from U.S. (several weeks in; requires systems to be in place for sorting/distribution);

3) volunteers (needed months in, but slow down response if they come in too early) - exceptions are trained, specialized volunteers like nurses and doctors

For more info:

Interaction: U.S. based NGO's - How to Help page

http://www.interaction.org/how-help

American Red Cross

http://bit.ly/7VTo5g

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

http://www.pcusa.org/pda/response/latinamerica/haiti-earthquake-faq.htm

Samaritan's Purse

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/articles/responding_to_haiti_earthquake/

In God's grace,

Robert

music

2007-02-01T14:52:00.000-08:00

philosophy of worship

The style of worship at Good Shepherd is an intentional blend of ancient, traditional, and modern forms of liturgy, prayer, music, and communication. Our starting point for planning each service is God’s Word, the Bible. Each week we seek to provide effective and numerous ways for worshipers to gather around, hear and respond, and go forth into the world with the good and hopeful Word of God in scripture. We also intentionally gather as a family of believers of many ages and backgrounds, and so use all the means at our disposal to invite each worshiper into the presence of God. It is our hope that each person present will not only worship God in Spirit and truth, but also in community. It is a joy and a privilege to worship God together!

our worship & music focus

Part of the mission of Good Shepherd is to worship God joyfully. It is in that God-focused spirit that our musical ministry aims to offer Him as beautiful an offering of worship as we are able, humbly acknowledging His greatness, and loving Him with heart, soul, mind and strength. Though we strive for excellence, we do so, not to “perform for” or to please the congregation, but rather to honor God and to lead His people in offering their praises, too.

We also aim to follow Christ’s call to be outward-focused, reaching out to each other and to our neighbors and community through music, sharing Christ’s love, truth and hope. Some current opportunities for musical outreach are: community choral concerts, neighborhood Christmas caroling, and bringing Word and music to residents of area nursing homes, hospital patients and inner city rehabilitation centers.

Recognizing our constant need of God, our worship and music ministries seek to maintain an attitude of prayer, that our hearts and lives be pleasing to God, our true act of worship.

MUSICAL GROUPS

choir

The Good Shepherd choir is an adult mixed choir which provides anthems and service music nearly every Sunday (with a break during the summer), and two major works per year, at Christmas and Easter. Weekly rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. in the choir room. Some musical skills are necessary, such as the ability to sing in tune and to harmonize; the ability to read music is also helpful, though not required. New members are always warmly received into the “choir family” – no audition is necessary.

Every few years, Good Shepherd hosts a Choral Festival, inviting choirs from other area churches to join us in a larger choral worship event or major choral work, which the smaller church choir might be otherwise unable to do. The first such event was the 2007 Choral Festival, “Christ, Our Foundation: Anthems of the Church Year”. The next such festival will be held in April 2010 to celebrate the church’s 30th anniversary.

worship team

The Worship Team leads the contemporary element of our worship services. Two rotating teams of instruments and voices are active year-round, in what can be described as a mostly acoustic worship style, including guitars, piano, bass, percussion, keyboard, and occasionally mandolin, flute or recorder. It is helpful for vocalists to be able to harmonize by ear. Rehearsals are Sunday afternoons from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. in the sanctuary. The Worship Team will lead occasional special worship events, both at Good Shepherd and at other locations, and has become a “teaching tool” for churches seeking to incorporate contemporary music into their worship.

handbells

Handbells are used in a variety of ways at Good Shepherd:

The Carillon Ringers – children and youth (grades 4-12) meet weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30 – 6:15 PM in the worship expansion area, during the school year. They ring in church 5-6 times per year. Some musical background is helpful. This group is directed by Lynda Shuler.

Deo Gloria Ringers – an adult ensemble of 2-5 ringers. This group convenes upon demand.

Alumni Handbell Choir – Adults who have rung at Good Shepherd at some time in the past return annually to ring for the Christmas Eve Candlelight service.

Weekly Bell Peals – Brief bell peals are rung ahead of the prelude at each 11:00 AM worship service, involving anywhere from 1-5 ringers.

children’s choirs

The Covenant Choir (Grades K-5), led by Lynda Shuler, meets on Wednesday evenings at 6:45 PM as part of the SSS Club children’s ministry. The children will sing in church once every 6-8 weeks. Miss Lynda teaches a balance of basic music education, singing skills, Orff & rhythm instruments, and worship skills.

instrumental music

Psalm 150 speaks of a variety of musical instruments used to praise God. We like to use a variety of instruments at Good Shepherd, both from within the congregation and hired professionals. If you are new to Good Shepherd and play an instrument that you would like to offer in worship, please speak to our Director of Music Ministries.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6

For more information, or to discuss how you might fit into one of the music ministries of Good Shepherd, please contact:

Catherine Youngblood
Director of Music Ministries
music@gspc.net
(704)364-1234

sunday school - sunday morning, 9:30-10:30am

2009-10-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

3-4 year olds
Mark and Melissa Katibah/Lara Dolinger and Angela Hinton
(meets in the education wing; to the right after entering)
God Loves Me is a collection of simple storybooks that share the truths of the Bible with even the youngest learners. They will be introduced to Bible concepts and have the opportunity interact with one another, the teachers, and their environment to learn together. The ultimate goal of this curriculum is just as its title implies, to show children that God loves them!

K-2nd grade
Robin Orr and Susan Slade (meets in the education wing; to the right after entering)
Walk with Me is a curriculum that teaches children knowledge about the Bible, how to have a living and active faith, and challenges them to grow in their walk with Christ at any age. Sunday school will be an interactive time of learning, sharing, singing, playing, and growing together in Christ.

3rd-5th grade
Paulette Austin and John Shuler (meets in the education wing; to the right after entering)
Learning God's Word - Paulette and John help our older elementary students become familiar with God's Word and learn how to apply it to their everyday lives. These two years before middle school are crucial in preparing them to enter teenage-hood with a solid foundation of both head knowledge and heart knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

6th-7th grade
Confirmation class with Pastor Robert Austell and Joanie Fedor (meets in admin offices)
The purpose of this class is to study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ in order to offer students at this critical stage of faith and development the opportunity to make a public profession of faith in Christ. Guests are welcome as the class time is simply a study of the Gospel of John, with Confirmation students doing additional work. If you would like more information, please contact Pastor Robert (robert@gspc.net).

8th-12th
Friendships with Cindy Dolinger (meets in youth building next to playground)
This class will talk about wisdom on friendships. Friends are a big part of life. We all want to have great friends and be the kind of person others want to be around. And God has a lot to say about how much friends matter in our lives.

ADULTS

Apologetics - Quay Youngblood and Sue Freeman
Katibah Rm.; enter through glass doors, down hall to right
Large group lecture format
This class will deal with the hard questions about Christianity, in an attempt to give us a "ready defense" when someone asks them of us.

The Five Love Languages - Royallen Wiley
Sanctuary Expansion Area (left past sanctuary and fireplace; last room on right)
Small group discussion format
By studying how different people feel loved and show love, we will learn to speak the love languages of our family, friends, and enemies in an effort to learn to lvoe others and God more effectively.

Leviticus: Understanding Holiness - Kathy Larson
Library (glass doors, then left toward sanctuary; left again into library)
Small group lecture and discussion format
Through an in-depth study of Leviticus - historical context, archaeology, imagery, and interpretation of the cultic ritual of the ancient Israelites - we will learn about God's holiness and what it means for us to be holy as His people.

elders

2007-02-01T14:35:00.000-08:00

Elders in the Presbyterian Church USA are responsible for the mission and government of the local church. This wide range of responsibilities finds expression at Good Shepherd through ten "ministry teams," each moderated by a Sessional elder (or two).

**Sessional Ministry Teams**
Missions and Service	Shelley Northcutt, Melissa Katibah
Christian Education	Jim Hinton
Congregational Life	Kim Kinken
Worship	Royallen Wiley
Finance	Quay Youngblood
Facilities	Bill Kinken, John Shuler
Personnel	Ann Baker
Deacons	Mike Harrington

children

2007-02-01T14:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Good Shepherd! I hope that you have found our church to be the “home” that we believe that it is. I want to invite you to bring your children to be a part of our children’s ministry programs. We have something available just for them on Sundays, Wednesdays, and special monthly events. Our goal is to provide a safe, encouraging, loving, and Biblically based environment for your children to build a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We also want to support parents and families as they seek to raise their children with a heart for Christ. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me at church and I will be glad to meet with you. I encourage you to get involved in the great things that are happening for our children by volunteering within the children’s ministry. I covet your prayers as we begin a new school year together for our children.

~Melissa Baker

Here are some of our values and goals:

Education
The children’s ministry seeks to educate children in God’s Word to us.

Worship
The children’s ministry seeks to provide opportunities to learn and practice worship skills and a lifestyle of service to God.

Fellowship
The children’s ministry seeks to create opportunities for children to build relationships with their peers and adults in a Christ-like manner.

Outreach
The children’s ministry seeks to provide an environment for children to invite friends to participate, as well as encouraging the children to share Christ’s love with others in their everyday life.

Service
The children’s ministry seeks to encourage children to be active in service to others as a way of showing God’s love.

from our pastor

2007-01-01T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to our website on behalf of Good Shepherd Church. My name is Robert Austell and I am the pastor at Good Shepherd. I am so glad you are exploring our website and have found me here!

I believe that all kinds of people (not just church-types or “Christians”) are interested in connecting with God. I think it’s something built into us – to long for something and someone much bigger and more lasting than ourselves. While you and I can go about identifying or even creating something bigger and lasting, I believe that what people really are looking for is God. Clearly, there are a zillion religions around the world, all with some way of trying to connect to God. And sadly, even within the Christian religion, there are countless confusing versions, with each group seeming to believe and do something a little different.

If you are interested in more details about religion and God, check out the Christianity 101 section on this site. For now, from me, I’d like to invite you to look around the whole site, write me, or come visit us because I believe that you will find connection with God at Good Shepherd. I’m not saying that because we have the corner on truth, because we’re Presbyterians or because we teach some special brand of Christianity. I say that because I believe God wants to connect with you. The whole God-thing isn’t about being good, creating a good philosophy or religion, or attending a church obsessively. If the God described in the Bible is truly God, then that God has made a way to us. He is not waiting around for us to figure out where He is – He actually is involved in human history, and “shows up” when people gather to seek Him and hear what He has done.

That’s what we do at Good Shepherd. We think the Bible is God’s love letter to the world and we get together to seek God and hear His story. And you know what? God shows up. It’s not mystical or spooky – there are no sparks or screaming people; there is no giant voice from the sky. But if you asked just about anyone who comes to our church… God is here. It’s a very special place full of very special people. We aren’t perfect – far from it. But we are all seeking the same thing – to connect with a God who’s story is that He loves us and has come to us… all the way down to where we are.

Look around some more… think about it… take a chance… e-mail me or come see us. We’ll do some churchy things in the service – singing, praying, and such. But it’s very open, explained, and authentic. I talk the same in church as I do at my kids’ soccer games. You will be spoken to… will probably meet several very friendly folk. But they are not pushy. They just genuinely like having guests “in the house.” Or come to one of our special concerts or programs if you don’t want to start with the church service. We’ll keep information on all those things updated on the website.

I’d love to meet you in person or correspond by e-mail. Thank you for visiting our site and taking time to hear from me!

Warmly,

Robert Austell

Jesus is Risen!

2009-04-12T01:50:00.000-07:00

Jesus is Risen!!

Have a blessed Easter!

=============

Whether you have recently visited Good Shepherd or plan to in the future, we hope that you experience our church as the loving, warm, Christ-centered family that we believe it to be.

Whatever your stage or place in life, if you are seeking a church where people genuinely love each other and desire to grow closer to God, we encourage you to come again!

We hope you will consider visiting again and joining this ordinary family of people who have been drawn together in an extraordinary way by our loving and gracious God.

connecting to God

2007-01-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

Explore some basics of Christianity and read a letter from our pastor to you.

Christianity 101
From our Pastor
Ask a Question/E-mail the Pastor

Welcome to the Good Shepherd Website!

2009-03-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

Whether you have recently visited Good Shepherd or plan to in the future, we hope that you experience our church as the loving, warm, Christ-centered family that we believe it to be.

Whatever your stage or place in life, if you are seeking a church where people genuinely love each other and desire to grow closer to God, we encourage you to come again!

We hope you will consider visiting again and joining this ordinary family of people who have been drawn together in an extraordinary way by our loving and gracious God.

Upcoming Events - Holy Week/Easter

Palm Sunday(4/5) - morning services (8:30, 11:00am) and Choir Program (7pm)

Maundy Thursday (4/9) - communion service, 7pm

Good Friday (4/10) - "Journey to the Cross" individual guided devotional, noon-8pm

Easter Sunday (4/12) - sunrise service, 6:30am (casual); breakfast; morning services (8:30, 11:00am)

from the welcome team

2007-03-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

Whether you have recently visited Good Shepherd or plan to in the future, we hope that you experience our church as the loving, warm, Christ-centered family that we believe it to be.

Whatever your stage or place in life, if you are seeking a church where people genuinely love each other and desire to grow closer to God, we encourage you to come again!

We hope you will consider visiting again and joining this ordinary family of people who have been drawn together in an extraordinary way by our loving and gracious God.

GSPC News: Week of March 22, 2009

2009-03-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

Sunday Services (March 22): Pastor Robert continues in James 2:14-26.

Wednesday Night (March 25): Pastor Robert is teaching on "How to Read/Study the Psalms"

Saturday Morning (March 28): all-church workday from 9am - 1pm

--------------

Read the pastor's blog about Girl Scout Sunday and Larry Wilson's memorial service last weekend.!

GSPC: prayer and news (Mar 14, 2009)

2009-03-14T07:57:00.001-07:00

Larry Wilson went to be with the Lord last night (Friday, March 13) about 10:30pm. Please keep his family in prayer. Read the obituary HERE.

The memorial service will be at Good Shepherd on Monday, March 16, at 4:00 p.m.

-------------------------

Worship on Sunday, March 15, will be full of children and youth! The children's choir is singing in worship and two girl scout troops hosted at Good Shepherd will help lead in worship. We are continuing a series on James and will be looking at James 2:1-13.

If you are visiting our website, please look around the links in the header of each page. Or feel free to contact Pastor Robert at robert@gspc.net

OUT AND ABOUT: gspc on the road

2009-03-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

Maddie and Robert are part of a team that went to Spartanburg, SC, for the weekend of March 5-8 to participate in a congregational renewal event at Second Presbyterian Church. Here is a video clip of Maddie speaking and sharing her song called "Life." See more at youtube.

WEATHER NEWS: Sunday-Tuesday, March 1-3, 2009

2009-03-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Please check back for updates... and, whatever program is happening or not, use your own best judgment in traveling from your location to/from church!

Sunday: Drama, 3-5pm - is ON
Sunday: Line Dancing - CANCELLED
Sunday: Youth Group, 5:30-8:30 - CANCELLED

Monday: Church Office: CLOSED
Monday: Preschool: will follow CMS closings

Tuesday: Men's Prayer Meeting: ON
Tuesday: Church Office: OPEN

GSPC News: February 11, 2009

2009-02-10T15:57:00.000-08:00

The weather is warm - a good time to get out and walk, ride a bike, and enjoy God's creation!

Nonetheless, the youth are going skiing this weekend (Feb. 14-15) and having Cafe Cafe on Friday, the 20th.

I wrote in the Voice about the "Love Won Out" Conference at Central Church of God and hope that some from Good Shepherd will be able to attend.

We are wrapping up our series on worship and getting ready for Lent to begin with our Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 25.

If your kids want a fun night out (or mom or dad do, too), be sure to come out and support the youth mission trip babysitting fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 5-10pm. Childcare is free, but donations for the mission trip are welcome!

WEATHER CLOSING: Wednesday, February 4, 2009

2009-02-04T11:36:00.000-08:00

Dear family and friends,

Good Shepherd will be closed for ALL Wednesday evening activities tonight, February 4, 2009

Yes - we could probably all make it and be fine - the roads around the church are clear where there is sunshine; but there is still standing water and some ice in the shade (the high is only about 35 degrees), particularly on the hill on Rea Road. And word is that by late afternoon on into the evening, it will get well below freezing.

I hope you will have some good extra family time, or maybe some personal time of prayer and study. In some way, please pause to thank God for His grace in our lives. I will look forward to seeing you again soon!

In Christ,

Robert

GSPC News: New Year's 2009

2009-01-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd re-post some of my cover article from the January 2009 Voice...

2009 is upon us! I look forward to the upcoming year with you in the life and ministry of Good Shepherd. I am excited as I have ever been about what God is doing in and through the family gathered together at Good Shepherd. Even as God has drawn us closer together in worship, fellowship, and study of His Word, He has increasingly been prodding us to get up and get out into our neighborhood and world to participate in His own mission to seek and save the lost. What a privilege it is to serve as your pastor in this high calling!

As we head into this New Year, I have some inklings of what God is setting before us. We are being called on to influence, impact, and instruct other Presbyterian churches in our region. We are being asked to share expertise, creativity, testimony, and experience with other Christians and neighbors. These invitations and opportunities manifest as mission trips, lay renewals, conferences, and carrying our ministries beyond the walls of our church. Joanie is up and running full steam with the youth group and we have youth showing up in droves – members, friends, and some visitors from the nearby neighborhoods. The preschool is thriving and we have more and more young children and babies! Smaller groups are meeting for prayer, mutual support and accountability, fellowship, and instruction. Primetimers are getting new recruits and enjoying rich fellowship.

And there is much more that I trust God will lead us to when His timing is right. There is interest in establishing a men’s ministry – starting with regular opportunities for fellowship and encouragement. More and more people are offering their talents and interests to see what God might do with them. In 2009, after seven years of ministry here, the Session is offering me a sabbatical, for rest, renewal, and an opportunity to offer myself to God in ways that I have longed to do for some time. That extended period away will also mean drawing on the congregation in new ways for leadership, ministry, and mission.

Scripture continues to convict me of this truth: YOU are the church. And I believe God continues to invite us to an extraordinary ministry in our neighborhood, community, and world. God has a ministry and mission for each of you! If we keep growing and stretching in obedience to God’s Word and Spirit, I think we ain’t seen nothin’ yet!

In Christ,

Robert

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Hello all! We have been working behind the scenes to move our website content to this new blog format. If you are reading this, then you have followed www.gspc.net to this new site. Please take a moment to look around via the left-side menus. You can return to this home page and the newest "GSPC News" by clicking on the main "Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church" header.

I'd welcome your feedback on this format. You can e-mail me at robert@gspc.net or leave a comment at the bottom of this entry.

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