“How do Episcopalians in the twenty first century know what is true? How do we choose a course of action? How do we make wise decisions? Who are we? How did we become that way?” These are some of the questions one author asks in trying to explain who we are as Episcopalians. There are a number of ways to address the questions. Beneath them of course lies the issues of identity and belief. If you are interested in addressing these questions with the Rector, please call the Church office. We tentatively plan to meet this fall for eight weeks, meeting Sunday evening from 5:30-7:00.

The Bishop is coming to visit on January 8th. Those who want to join in these classes as preparation for being presented to him to join the Episcopal Church, are encouraged to join us.

Weekly Bible studies will be held in the Parish Library on Wednesday mornings at 9:00. This lectionary based study will serve several purposes. With our new Church School curriculum Feasting on the Word, these sessions will help teachers for all age groups prepare for the upcoming Sunday. This class was listed last week as meeting on Tuesday morning but has reverted to its former Wednesday mornings. It is a gathering for those interested in further contemplation and being a part of the church’s far reaching commitment to prayer, growth, and community.

We need YOU to be a Sunday School Teacher. What a great way to get involved in the church—working with young people. Their curiosity and innocence are refreshing. We are really working to make this year fun and educational. We want all members of Good Shepherd to want to come to church on Sunday mornings—and it starts with YOU! Show your children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends you want to be involved and they will respond. EVERYONE can help.

I am hoping to get enough teachers that you will only teach once every two months- that is a max four or five Sundays all year. Three to five hours for an entire year—I hope that’s not too much to ask! Teaching dates will be planned around your schedule. I certainly appreciate everyone that has already volunteered to teach- we are almost half way there. Recruit a friend, ask a fellow parishioner, teach with your spouse! Even if you taught twenty years ago you can still teach. Let me know where you would like to help:

• Godly Play: 3-5 year olds
• 1st–3rd grade
• 4th & 5th grade

If you’re flexible, I’ll fill you in where you can help the most. Call or e-mail Elizabeth Hope, 423-3230 , or Elizabeth.Hope@goodshepherdnorfolk.org

Want to help with older youth or adults? Give Ben or Robert a call, 423-3230.

Faithfully,
Elizabeth

At the Parish Picnic in June, five persons were handed diplomas. Emily Filer, Caroline Heath, Bob Starck, Peter Stewart, and Beth Williams graduated from the Education for Ministry Program from the University of the South, commonly known as EfM. For four years they had met in a seminar setting. They are not being ordained into the clergy. They have not been in a four year Bible study class. They have not been in group therapy. They have however met in a disciplined way to ponder their lives together and alone under God, and to ask questions such as “I wonder?” or “Why?” or “How?” Trusting that together they have strengthened their understanding of their Baptismal vows, they now go forward beginning again their lives in God’s realm. We wish them well.

EfM runs at Good Shepherd from September to May. This group meets from 9 to 11:15 on Friday mornings. Participants enroll for one year at a time. Although this is not a clergy dependent program, Robert Davenport has been mentoring this group. He hopes to add a co-mentor in the fall. There are presently 5 people who will be in a fourth year class, and there is room for 6 first year students. With sufficient interest, there is the possibility of forming a class in the afternoon with Sallie Avery as the mentor. Below is description of the EfM program. Other materials can be found online at http://www.sewanee.edu/EFM.

The seminar group is the nucleus of the Education for Ministry program. A group consists of six to twelve participants and a trained mentor who meet weekly over the course of a nine-month academic year. These meetings are usually from two and a half to three hours in length.

Through study, prayer, and reflection, EfM groups move toward a new understanding of the fullness of God’s kingdom. This process can be illustrated by a two-rail fence. One rail is the Christian tradition. The other is the collective experience of the group’s members. The rails are linked by fence posts which represent the seminar sessions where life and study meet. The fence is grounded in the soil of regular worship which is vital to the life of the group.

Participants are given weekly assignments to study with the help of resource guides. Students are responsible for setting their own learning goals. They spend between two and four hours in study and preparation each week. In the seminars members have an opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions which the study materials raise for them.

Through discussion and guided reflection, the seminars furnish an opportunity to deepen understanding of the reading materials.

More important is the development of skills in theological reflection. The goal is to learn to think theologically. By examining their own beliefs and their relationship to our culture and the tradition of our Christian faith, participants can learn what it means to be effective ministers in the world. In coming to terms with the notion that everything we do has potential for manifesting the love of Christ, we discover that our ministry is at hand wherever we turn.

The seminar is supported by a life of prayer and regular worship. EfM groups are encouraged to develop a pattern of worship appropriate to their situations. Liturgical materials are furnished with the course materials.

‘Twas the night before Sunday school when all through the house,
not a person was anxious, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by little dresses with care,
tiny shirts sat pressed for little boys to soon wear.
The children so peacefully nestled in bed,
while visions of Jesus danced in their heads.
And Mama in her PJs and Dad on his back,
even they were looking forward to tomorrow’s big trek.
When suddenly the phone started ringing real loud,
I sprang from my bed, my head still in a cloud.
I rushed down the hall, tripped over some toys,
thought some harsh words to myself, “I’ll speak to those boys!”
I finally reached the phone, slightly out of my breath,
answered “Hello!” really quickly, annoyed half to death.
When what to my weary ears should I hear, but….
Sunday school’s off…We’ve no teachers this year.
So shocked, I stood silent, so sadly I quivered.
“But…my children, my babies”… My speech I delivered.
“I’m sorry, dear sir, but we’ve tried all we could
But not enough will help us, though… If only they would.”"But what of the older and what of the new?”
Have you tried all the members? Just what shall we do?”
“We’ve made lots of calls, we’ve asked all so nice.
We’ve begged and we’ve pleaded…They still said, ‘No dice.’ ”
“But what about Andrew or Sally or Paul?
Did you think, my dear friend, upon those names to call?”
“We’ve thought long and hard and on those names we prayed.”
“And I wonder, my friend, has your decision been made?”
“Oh! I sure meant to call; you were at the top of my list.”
“But with soccer and softball, I’ve no time for this!”
“It is with you as it is now with all.”
“God’s work takes last place, no time for ‘God’s ball.”
“That’s not what I meant!”
“But that’s what you said!”
“What’s wrong with my thinking, what is it I dread?”
“OK, now you’ve got me, I’ll help just this month.”
“Do you have the materials?”
“Oh yes…I’ve got a bunch!”
I hung up the phone, slightly anxious, a little weary,
Could God really use me and my talents? How scary!
But the more that I pondered, and the more that I thought,
The more I felt needed, and God’s love I still sought.
So, On Adam! On Eve! On Noah and Moses!
On David! On Ruth! On Mary and Joseph!
What a joy to share, a real blessing ’twill be,
giving back to these children what was given to me!
I rested so peacefully, knowing I’d done what’s right.
So, Happy Sunday school to all and to all a good night!

-Pat Lynch Fredericksburg, Virginia

Volunteer to help
Elizabeth Hope 423-3230
or Elizabeth.Hope@goodshepherdnorfolk.org

Picture your typical Sunday night dinner conversations… How was Sunday school? Fine; What did you learn today? Nothing; Who was your teacher? I can’t remember. Now it’s all different! At Good Shepherd we are using Feasting on the Word. The whole church curriculum will let you know exactly what your children, friends and neighbors are learning. From first grade through adults we will study the same material each week. A first grader may learn more by singing a song, looking at color pages, or building a structure. Your teenager may watch a video clip off the web or download a song from iTunes. With their wealth of knowledge, adults may already have connections and experiences to enhance biblical passage and the education of their friends. We look forward to building our community with a common thread this year and hearing about your Sunday night dinners where everyone can contribute!

Faithfully,
Elizabeth Hope

Do you know what they are???? Come to Church each Sunday and find out… 9:00 a.m. Sunday morning. All are welcome. Children’s Chapel and nursery are available and waiting for you!!!!

Did you wonder last week what Emily Flier was speaking about in the Acts reading? This summer, Robert has asked one person each Sunday to offer a brief review of the gospel reading from the perspective of one person in the story. This will come after the reading and before the sermon. What do you think they’ll say this week?

Please remember “Summer Glories,” Pastries on the Portico following the 9 a.m. service.

This Sunday, Trinity Sunday, we welcome The Rev. Joe Green as our preacher and celebrant at the 9 a.m. service.

Note, this begins in November on the 4th!

Come Join us for a transformation experience of worship and prayer.

Participants practice a form of Ashtanga Yoga that uses Christian scripture as the basis for meditation. After a warm up series of asanas (poses), an invigorating asana flow will prepare the class for the final portion of mediation and prayer. All physical levels are welcome. Please bring your own mat. Classes are the first and third Thursdays of the month from 9:15-10:30 am in the “Rug Room.” The class is free, but donations will be collected to advance education and outreach. The first class will be Thursday, November 4th. Contact: Carrie Short at 489-3032 or catshort@cox.net.