Last night a crowd of youth came out and began working on an awesome flaming Pentecost fire hanging for Sunday. The crew got so excited they decided going to do a repeat tonight!

Any Jr. or Sr. High youth that want to join in tonight-COME ON! Folks will be here anytime from 5:30-8:00. It will be a wild time. (oh yeah- and plenty of pizza) call, txt, or Facebook Ben if you have questions.

Bring us the stuff! The Mission of the Holy Spirit will be having a yard sale May 9th and will be happy to take all of your “treasures” for the yard sale.  Please drop off items at Good Shepherd and the Mission will take it from there! Thank you for continued support, prayers, and love for the youth at the Mission of the Holy Spirit.  Can’t drop it off? Call Ben in the church office to arrange a pick up!

In the last year the Vestry has spent a lot of time discussing what the Vestry and the Church do. we have spent most of our efforts on mission development, long range plans, strategic thinking and committee organization for implementation of objectives. This year at their Annual Retreat January 30^th and 31 they will ponder who we are as the Church. What does it mean to be a Christian, an Episcopalian and Christians together? Our facilitator will be Elsa Bakkum, a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, an organist, an a facilitator in a variety of small group sessions including training for EfM Mentors. Certainly there are decisions to be made, positions assigned and responsibilities to be assumed. But all these things are best done within a community of faith and trust as we incorporate our own life stories into the larger story of Love.
At their December meeting the Vestry celebrated the service of five outgoing members: Jim Izard, Rexanne Metzger, Jean Bryan, Elliott Webb and Eddie Wolcott. They welcomed new members Bob Starck, Diana Smelt, Frank Thomas and Woody Duffy. They thanked Sandy Bond, registrar and Steve Cyrus for their generous service, and they gave a toast to the impending celebration of our Lord’s Nativity with a treat provided by Lizzy Allen Davenport.

The Christmas Pageant at Good Shepherd is such a wonderful tradition for all ages.  Children from four through youth are encouraged to take part. Leadership from the youth is essential to a great experience for all.  Sign up on the sheet in the hallway, or contact Tricia McKee, patricia@goodshepherdnorfolk.org. Church school classes (9:15 Sundays) will prepare your child to take part and know the story. Dress rehearsal (notice the root of ‘hearing’ in rehearsal, essential for the pageant) is Saturday Dec. 20 from 9-11.  Parents willing to nurture and support the children are welcome. Refreshments for rehearsal  could be shared by anyone just contact Tricia to let us know what you would enjoy bringing for the cast.