The Good Shepherd 2012 Confirmation began this past Sunday evening. One thing we decided is that after each time we gather one of the youth will submit an article for the weekly e-mail. This week’s article is written by Lex Selig. I hope you will be energized by the spirit of this group’s stories as they travel together on the path towards confirmation.

Can you guess who is in the confirmation group this year?

Submitted by Lex Selig

This week’s youth group was very interesting. We made structures out of marshmallows and toothpicks, and Lawson Driskill, Noah Simpson, and Lex Selig made the highest tower. We also had fun playing a new game, Guess Who This Is, where all of the parents had sent in baby photos and you had to guess who was who.

After playing a few games and activities we all sat down to discuss what we thought was important and what needed to be stated for us to really understand what we were doing in confirmation. We came up with a list of things for the question, “Why are you here?”, asked by Ben Blanchard. Some of the things on the list were, to learn about the church, to learn about Jesus, to learn what goes on in the church, and also to connect with others/to bond.

Towards the end of our evening we discussed what we needed to do to be able to focus and learn about God. We talked about this with the parents, Ben, and us. We agreed on a basket designated for all cell phones, and a clock in every room.

The next youth confirmation group meeting is on February 12th at COGS (Church of the Good Shepherd).

It’s difficult to decide who to thank first. Whether it be the kids who kept up the spirit of the trip, Ben being the organizer, or the adults who took time out of their schedules in order to ensure all of our events were conducted timely, efficiently, and safely. With that being said, I would like to thank everyone for a wonderful and memorable weekend. Before this weekend I couldn’t ski. After this weekend, well, I still can’t ski but I’m confident enough to give it another go. Everyone was very supportive and helpful to everyone else’s needs. Each person brought their own experiences, talents, and personalities to this trip making it a realization to most everyone. After speaking to all of the children, adults, and everyone at the Grace Church near wintergreen I would like to remain involved and strengthen the ties I had made over the weekend and contribute my own experiences, talents, and personality. Not to be over repetitive but just one more thank you to everyone from Mission, St. Andrews, and Good Shepard. May more good times be had by all.

Ramone Escalante

*Ramone is in the U.S. Navy and is new to Norfolk and Good Shepherd. He grew up in Chicago. Please say hello and give him a big Good Shepherd welcome!

Youth and adults from Good Shepherd, The Mission of the Holy Spirit, and St. Andrews Episcopal Church, traveled together for a weekend of skiing, community, and to visit some old friends from Grace Episcopal Church.

A special note of thanks to Ellen Selig, John Meek, Rick Martin, Carter Fur, Shari Parker, Rosanna Cotoure, Bob Howell, Greg Murphy, Ramone Escalante, and Josh Stephens who served as team leaders for the weekend.

The youth were asked reflective questions about the weekend. Here are their responses:

1. If you were to write a book about the weekend what would you title it? (Remember…it’s a bestseller.)

• How To Have Fun In The Cold
• Therapy For Those Afraid To Be Without Their Cell Phones
• Carving The Journey
• I Left My Wallet In Bob’s Car And Other Stories From The Lift
• How To Have Fun With No Sleep
• Weekend With Schuwan
• Ouch! My Bum Hurts
• How To: A Survival Guide To Ski Trips Without Beds, Showers, Towels, Or Cell Phones.

2. What in particular about our time at Grace Episcopal Church will you remember in 5 years?

• The stuff about fornication from the scripture. That stuff about how our bodies are God’s bodies, we don’t own them. So did I forget deodorant this morning or was that God?
• The last verse of the hymn when everyone sang really loud.
• Everyone singing Lift Every Voice And Sing.
• Communion with my best friends.
• The priest said my name when she gave me communion.
• The church was so small and relaxed. They greeted us like we were their favorite grandchildren coming to visit.
• (This is Ellie btw) The story about the Bishop who gave his shoes to the other guy. I lost mine yesterday and Ellen found me some more to wear. Now Carter has them.
• I didn’t know Ben played the organ.
• How the priest remember my name from last year and said it during communion.
• The lady telling us about when the man had a shotgun pointed at her and Robert Davenport because he thought they were breaking in the basement.
• Singing in the choir for the first time in my life.

Saturday October 22 7:00 PM–10:00 AM Sunday morning

Bring Your sleeping bag, pillow, and your imagination as we put our car together for Trunk or Treat!

Sunday 5:30

We will meet this Sunday night at 5:30. Don’t forget your homework! It is due Sunday night. ALSO! Remember the change the date for actual confirmation. Due to situations beyond our control Bishop Hollerith is unable to be with us on our scheduled date (November 20th). The actual confirmation date is now set for January 8th at the 10:00 am service.

Sunday, October 9th from 5:30-7:00 PM

Under the creative direction of the Parker family and the Marshall family, all Jr. High youth are invited to join in the fun. The night’s theme is:

Under the creative direction of the Parker family and the Marshall family, all Jr. High youth are invited to join in the fun. The night’s theme is:

CANDY!

We will be preparing for Trunk or Treat on Oct 30th. See you Sunday, October 9th from 5:30-7:00 PM!

Sunday, September 11th
5:30-7:00 PM
Home of Heather Mills Family
1014 Covington Lane, Norfolk VA 23508

I hope you had an awesome summer! I have missed you and I am excited for us to get together and catch up! Next Sunday evening at 5:30 we are going to make catch’n up happen! The Good Shepherd middle school youth (6th-8th grade) and parents are invited to a “Catch’n Up Cookout at the home of Heather Mills and family.

The Youth Committee has put together a top notch plan for teenagers this year and we are excited to share it with you! Part of the plan for Sunday is for the parents to go over plans/ideas and answer any questions that may arise. The cookout will not only be fun but helpful for parents especially for 6th grade parents who may be new to programs for teenagers. We have a printed calendar for the year ready for you. Even though Sunday night is just for middle school youth the calendar has all activities for 6-12th graders to aid in organization of busy lives at home!

While the parents are “detail’n” it the youth will be knee deep in team building games. They may be a bit messy so I wouldn’t recommend the youth wearing their new school shoes!

Back to the Cookout! Heather is providing the condiments and the dogs/burgers. The youth committee will provide the buns, the coolers and the ice. We would love your help in providing the sides and letting us know if you will be coming! Here’s how we will do it:

First Letter Of Your Last Name

• A–G: Canned Drinks (for cooler) (and a roll of duct tape)
• H–M: Chips or sides that involve potatoes (and a roll of duct tape)
• N–R: Fruit or Dessert (and a roll of duct tape)
• S–Z: Side Dish Of Your Choice (and a roll of duct tape)

Please email me and let us know how many are coming from your family. Also spread the word! I can’t wait to see and hear from each of you!

Peace,
Ben Blanchard

A few years ago at Good Shepherd children gathered each Wednesday evening for an hour of community with a focus on music and creativity! The group was called RUACH. What does RUACH mean? Ruach means wind, breath, mind and spirit in Hebrew.

During the long range plan listening sessions this summer people spoke up that they would love to have this program back. And guess what? RUACH IS BACK!

Each Thursday from 4:45 to 5:45 RUACH will be “happenin!” Children of all ages are invited to participate. We will sing, play instruments, move and groove! The group will sing, play instruments, or move and groove in church once a month so there is a commitment involved and attending each week is important. Parents plan to attend at our first gathering so we can get all the nitty gritty details out of the way.

Please register by calling the church office. Our first night will be Thursday, September 8th at 4:45! Ben and Elizabeth are excited and can’t wait to hear from you! (757-423-3230).

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

‘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