Shepherd's Staff Online -- 12/13/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Finance Committee Meeting
Committee Chair Meeting
Vestry Meeting
Godly Play
Lessons and Carols
Luminaria Concert
Christmas Services

Finance Committee Meeting – Thursday, December 13
The Finance Committee holds its monthly meeting this Thursday at 5:30 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Keith Sands, Chair of the Finance Committee at 737-3753 or finance@goodshepherd23.org.

Committee Chair Meeting – Thursday, December 13
A meeting of the committee chairs with Fr. Doug is held monthly prior to the Vestry meeting. The Committee Chair meeting for December will be held this Thursday, December 13 at 6:30 PM, in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Vestry Meeting – Monday December 17
The Vestry holds its monthly meeting every third Monday at 6:00 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Stan Bullock, Sr. Warden at 608-6500 or Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org .

Godly Play
You may have noticed something different...our Godly Play children are joining the service for communion at the 10:00 service!! The Godly Play leaders and children process into communion right after the choir. Families are invited to join their children as the procession moves down the center aisle. Please note that Lessons and Carols is scheduled for Sunday, December 16. Since there will not be communion at this service, the children will stay in their Godly Play rooms for a full program and meet their families at coffee hour. Fro more information, contact Felicia Bullock at 317-9345 or fabb@comcast.net.

Lessons and Carols Service – Sunday December 16
A traditional service of Lessons and Carols will be held Sunday, December 16, at 10:00 AM with the St. Nicholas Choir, St. Cecilia Choir, and the Chancel Choir. We will not celebrate Holy Eucharist at the 10:00 service that Sunday.
For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Luminaria Concert – Sunday December 16
David Bowen and the Renaissance Singers will hold a concert at 5:00 PM at the church in conjunction with the Riverside Luminaria celebration. The Renaissance Singers is a group of 10 singers from in and around our community who enjoy performing 16th and 17th century choral music for unaccompanied voices. Their music will delight you as you listen to their perfect blend and soaring voices in a Cathedral-like setting. Grey Hodsdon will be at the mighty E.M.Skinner Pipe Organ to lead you in singing some of the most beloved and well known Christmas Carols. For more information contact David Bowen at 387-5691 or dbowen@goodshepherd23.org.

Christmas Eve Services – Monday, December 14
5:00 PM Children’s Service with the St. Nicholas Choir, St. Cecilia Choir, and the Chancel Choir.

10:30 PM The Chancel Choir and the Chamber Music Society will present Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria as a prelude to the 11:00 PM service.

11:00 PM Holy Eucharist celebrated with incense and festive music from the Chancel Choir and Chamber Music Society.

For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 12/06/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Advent and Christmas Music Schedule
Children’s December Schedule
Date Change Shepherd’s Tree Outreach

Advent and Christmas Music Ministry
December 9th Renaissance instruments will be accompanied by the Cornel Zimmer Continuo Organ which is on loan to Good Shepherd for this Sunday. John Parkyn, organist and member of the choir, has made it possible for the Zimmer Continuo Organ to be at Good Shepherd for this Sunday. Cornel Zimmer is a leading organ builder in this country. The Continuo Organ has been on hire from as far away as Canada and is making its way down the eastern coast. It is making a brief two day stop in Jacksonville. We thank Mr. Zimmer and Mr. Parkyn for making this fine instrument available to us today.

December 16th Lessons and Carols Service 10:00am
St. Nicholas Choir, St. Cecelia Choir and Good Shepherd Choir

December 16th Luminaria Concert 5:00–5:45pm.
The Renaissance Singers of Good Shepherd perform traditional carols for the Riverside/Avondale community at Good Shepherd. The mighty E.M. Skinner organ will lead the congregation in singing Christmas Carols.

Christmas Eve Services
5:00pm Christmas Pageant and Holy Eucharist with the St. Nicholas Choir, St. Cecilia Choir and Chancel Choir

10:30pm Good Shepherd Choir and Chamber Music Society.
Gloria, by Antonio Vivaldi, sung by the Good Shepherd Choir and accompanied by the Chamber Music Society of Good Shepherd.

11:00pm Festival of Holy Eucharist

Children’s’ Ministry
Calling all children – 3 years through 12th grade:
We are planning a Christmas Pageant for the family service on Christmas Eve!
Rehearsals will follow the 10:00 AM services on December 9, 16, and 23. We will finish with a “dress rehearsal” on Sunday December 23. There may be an additional time for individuals with speaking roles.

St. Nicholas and St. Cecelia Choirs will sing again December 16 during the 10:00 am service

Need more information about Children’s Ministry at Good Shepherd? Contact Deacon Linda at lrosengren@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd’s Tree Outreach
The delivery date has changed for Shepherd Tree Outreach. Please deliver your gifts and contributions to the Church office no later than Wednesday, December 12, 2007. Our outreach to those in our local community in need is an important part of what we do at Good Shepherd. Jesus calls each of us to care for our neighbors. As we approach Christmas and we prepare to thank God for our many blessings, let us remember those who, but for our Shepherd Tree, will receive little or nothing in the form of gifts during this joyous season. We have placed “ornaments” on the tree located in the narthex with the names and wish-list items of children we are reaching out to. Keep in mind that the items on the wish list are just that, “wishes”. All gifts will be welcomed, including cash contributions so that gifts can be purchased. If you have any questions please contact Paul Arrington at 386-3576.

Suggestions for gift items:
Children ages 0 – 5: Age appropriate games, books, stuffed animals, puppets, puzzles, blocks, toys that stimulate development.
Ages 5 – 10: Art and craft supplies, books, games, small soccer balls, dolls, sports equipment, puzzles, construction sets, cars/trucks.
Ages 10 – 19: Perfume, small purses, shower gel and powders, costume jewelry, calculators, watches, baseball cards, hair accessories, stationery/diaries, wallets, sports equipment, baseball caps, magazines, books, art supplies, board games, soccer balls, posters, walkman, clothing, tote bags and backpacks.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 11/29/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Riverside Fine Arts Concert
Children’s December Schedule
Shepherd’s Tree Outreach
Laity of the Diocese

Riverside Fine Arts
presents one of the world’s most beloved and accomplished jazz singers, Jane Monheit on Saturday, December 8 at 8pm. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students. For more information call 389-6222 or visit www.riversidefinearts.org.

Children’s’ Ministry

• Advent Wreaths – Sunday December 2
  Materials for making a wreath for your home will be available following the 10:00 AM service in Worsham Hall.
• St. Nicholas Night – Wednesday December 5
  A simple supper at 6:00 PM will be provided. Following supper we will hear the story of Nicholas of Myra and view a short movie. After the story we will go into the church for compline. Of course we will leave our shoes by the door.
• Calling all children – 3 years through 12th grade:
  We are planning a Christmas Pageant for the family service on Christmas Eve!
  Rehearsals will follow the 10:00 AM services on December 9, 16, and 23. We will finish with a “dress rehearsal” on Sunday December 23. There may be an additional time for individuals with speaking roles.
• Children’s Enrichment Workshop
  The Children’s Enrichment Workshop (CEW) has had a tremendous beginning with 6 returning students and 10 new students. The returning students are enjoying their individual lessons with “Miss Linda” (Linda Meinke). The new students are reaping the benefit of having two teachers on Tuesdays. Valerie Pate began teaching with Linda in September. Many thanks to our volunteers: Valerie Pate, Susan Merritt, Elaine Draper, Gar Rosengren, Faye Lee and Joy Miller.
• Godly Play
  A second Godly Play class was added in September offering a new class for children in first grade and older. The new class moved into the Children’s Chapel on the second floor of Worsham Hall. With a special gift we were able to provide all things needed to furnish the room for Godly Play. Many thanks to Felicia Bullock for her leadership and passion for Godly Play. Teachers for both classes include Fran Wulbern, Margo Easter, Tracy Hodsdon, Susan Morgan, Shawna Leu, David Lasch and Sheryl Pulley.
• St. Nicholas and St. Cecelia Choirs will sing twice in December – December 2 and December 16
  Need more information about Children’s Ministry at Good Shepherd? Contact Deacon Linda at lrosengren@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd’s Tree Outreach
Outreach to those in our local community in need is an important part of what we do at Good Shepherd. Christ calls each of us to care for our neighbors. As we approach Christmas and we prepare to thank God for our many blessings, let us remember those who, but for our Shepherd Tree, will receive little or nothing in the form of gifts during this joyous season.

On our Shepherd Tree, located in the narthex, we have placed “ornaments” with the names and wish-list items of children we are reaching out to. Keep in mind that the items on the wish list are just that, “wishes”. All gifts will be welcomed, including cash contributions so that gifts can be purchased.

Please deliver your gifts and contributions to the Church office no later than 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, December 16, 2007.

If you have any questions please contact Paul Arrington at (904) 386-3576.

Laity of the Diocese
You are invited to spend the afternoon of December 8th from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. with Bishop Howard at Camp Weed and the Cerveny Conference Center for Bible study and conversation. If you choose to come early for lunch at noon, please call Jeanie at (386) 364-5250.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 11/21/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Helping to Share the Blessing of Thanksgiving
Wednesday Evening Program
Thanksgiving Day Service
Office Closure
Wednesday Noon Eucharist
Vestry Meeting Synopsis

Helping to Share the Blessing of Thanksgiving
YOU can make a difference this Thanksgiving to many in our surrounding community who otherwise will not have Thanksgiving dinner. This year, we again will provide families and individuals with food baskets containing everything necessary for a Thanksgiving dinner. Several of those families will be the families of children attending local elementary schools.

Financial donations are appreciated and are a very important part of the success of this Outreach. If you are considering making a financial donation toward this cause, please do so at this time by calling the parish office at (904) 387-5691 or Paul Arrington at (904) 386-3576 so that purchases for the food baskets can be made.

Thank you for sharing and for your service to our Lord!

Wednesday Evening Program – Wednesday, November 21
Due to Thanksgiving on Thursday, the Wednesday Evening Program will not be held this week. The program will resume on Wednesday, November 28. For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Thanksgiving Day Service – Thursday November 22
Holy Eucharist will be celebrated on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, at 10:00 AM. For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Office Closed – Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23
The parish office will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 22 and 23, in observance of Thanksgiving. In an emergency, contact Fr. Doug on his cell phone at 412-4361.

Wednesday Noon Eucharist to be Discontinued
After a discussion at Monday’s vestry meeting, it was decided to discontinue having a service of Holy Eucharist at 12:10 pm on Wednesdays, except during the Lenten season when the weekly Eucharist will be held. The reason for this change is, quite simply, a lack of attendance. Therefore, the next Wednesday noon service will be on Ash Wednesday next year.

Vestry Meeting Synopsis
The Vestry convened at 6:00 pm on Monday evening, November 19, 2007. Following an opening prayer and acceptance of previous minutes, reports were received from the Finance Committee and the Treasurer. Fr. Doug then led a discussion on making newcomers feel welcome at Good Shepherd. The Sr. Warden presented efforts to update our accounting processes. A report on facilities projects was presented by the Jr. Warden. Fr. Doug presented the calendar of events for Advent. The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:45 pm. Complete minutes of the meeting will be available for review in the church office. The next meeting of the Vestry is scheduled for Monday, December 17, 2007.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

This e-mail has been sent by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to its parishioners and friends. If you do not want to be included on this mailing list, please reply to parish_email@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 11/15/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Helping to Share the Blessing of Thanksgiving
Wednesday Evening Programs
Committee Chair Meeting
Riverside Fine Arts Concert
Vestry Meeting

Helping to Share the Blessing of Thanksgiving
YOU can make a difference this Thanksgiving to many in our surrounding community who otherwise will not have Thanksgiving dinner. This year, we again will provide families and individuals with food baskets containing everything necessary for a Thanksgiving dinner. Several of those families will be the families of children attending local elementary schools.

Financial donations are appreciated and are a very important part of the success of this Outreach. If you are considering making a financial donation toward this cause, please do so at this time by calling the parish office at (904) 387-5691 or Paul Arrington at (904) 386-3576 so that purchases for the food baskets can be made.

Thank you for sharing and for your service to our Lord.

Wednesday Evening Programs
After some debate, we have decided to begin the Wednesday evening series having attendees bring their own supper until we have a better idea of how many people will be attending on a regular basis. Then we will reevaluate having suppers prepared / provided accordingly.

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, we will not have a 5:30 pm worship service or supper/program on Nov. 21st; the regular schedule will resume on Nov. 28th.
For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Committee Chair Meeting – Thursday November 15
A meeting of the committee chairs will be held on Thursday, November 15, at 6:00 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Riverside Fine Arts Concert – Friday November 16
The Riverside Fine Arts Association will hold a concert on Friday evening, November 16, 2007, at 8:00 PM in the church.

This month’s guest artist is the Eroica Trio. The most sought-after trio in the world, the Eroica Trio thrills audiences with flawless technical virtuosity, irresistible enthusiasm and sensual elegance. Whether playing the great standards of the piano trio repertoire or daring contemporary works, the three young women who make up this celebrated ensemble electrify the concert stage with their performances of depth and precision.

For tickets and more information, contact the Riverside Fine Arts Association at 904-389-6222 or www.RiversideFineArts.org .


Vestry Meeting – Monday November 19
The Vestry holds its monthly meeting every third Monday at 6:00 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Stan Bullock, Sr. Warden at 608-6500 or Fr. Doug Hodsdon, Rector, at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org .

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

This e-mail has been sent by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to its parishioners and friends. If you do not want to be included on this mailing list, please reply to parish_email@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 11/07/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Baptisms
Retirement Celebration for Jennifer Keen
Wednesday Evening Program Schedule
Golf Outing
Pot Luck Luncheon

Baptisms
Congratulations to Audrey Anne Mills, daughter of Brian and Jennifer Mills, and James Dante Caldwell, son of Jeff and Kathryn Caldwell, who were baptized into the faith of Christ’s church last Sunday. Let us welcome and celebrate these new members in our church family.

Retirement Celebration for Jennifer Keen – Wednesday, November 7
After more than 22 years of loyal service and self-less dedication, Jennifer Keen will be retiring as parish secretary. While retirement marks the end of one season, so it begins a new one. As a parish family, let us come together to celebrate this change of seasons.

A special celebration of Holy Eucharist will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at 5:30 PM in honor and thanksgiving for Jennifer’s ministry at the Church of the Good Shepherd. The collection taken that evening will be presented to Jennifer as one token of our appreciation. Following the service, a dinner honoring Jennifer will be served in Craig Hall.

In addition, anyone who wishes to make a contribution toward Jennifer’s purse but unable to attend the retirement celebration may do so by sending a check to the church, payable to “The Church of the Good Shepherd”, with “Jennifer’s gift” indicated on your check.

Please mark your calendars today for this special evening of thanksgiving for the dedicated ministry of Jennifer Keen and congratulate her as she embarks on new adventures. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 7th at 5:30 PM. For more information, contact Stan Bullock, Sr. Warden at 608-6500 or srwarden@goodshepherd23.org.

Wednesday Evening Program Schedule
During the month of November, the normal Wednesday evening program will only be held on November 14th and Wednesday, November 28th.
5:30 pm — Holy Eucharist
6:15 pm — Supper (provided) with a program following. For more information, contact Fr. Doug at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Charity Golf Outing – Friday November 9
Good Shepherd will be hosting a charity golf tournament to benefit “The Bridge”.
The tournament will be held on Friday, November 7, 2007, at the North Hampton Golf Club in Fernandina Beach, FL. Donations for “The Bridge” are still being accepted.

Contact Mike Shurer at 387-4405 or Brian Mills at 860-5845 for more information.

Pot Luck Luncheon – Sunday November 11
Our Pot Luck Luncheon for November will be held in Worsham Hall this Sunday, November 11, immediately following the10:00 AM service. Please remember to bring your favorite covered dish, either hot or cold, or a salad or dessert, to the kitchen on your way into the service. The Fellowship Committee will be hosting the luncheon and will see that your covered dish is brought out to the serving tables. Be sure to join us for this wonderful time of fellowship. For more information, contact the Fellowship Committee at fellowship@goodshepherd23.org.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

This e-mail has been sent by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to its parishioners and friends. If you do not want to be included on this mailing list, please reply to parish_email@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 10/31/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Retirement Celebration for Jennifer Keen
Wednesday Evening Program Schedule
Building and Grounds Committee Meeting
Charity Golf Outing

Retirement Celebration for Jennifer Keen – Wednesday, November 7
After more than 22 years of loyal service and self-less dedication, Jennifer Keen will be retiring as parish secretary. While retirement marks the end of one season, so it begins a new one. As a parish family, let us come together to celebrate this change of seasons.

A special celebration of Holy Eucharist will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2007, at 5:30 PM in honor and thanksgiving for Jennifer’s ministry at the Church of the Good Shepherd. The collection taken that evening will be presented to Jennifer as one token of our appreciation. Following the service, a dinner honoring Jennifer will be served in Craig Hall.

In addition, anyone who wishes to make a contribution toward Jennifer’s purse before the 7th may do so by sending a check to the church, payable to “The Church of the Good Shepherd”, with “Jennifer’s gift” indicated on your check.

Please mark your calendars today for this special evening of thanksgiving for the dedicated ministry of Jennifer Keen and congratulate her as she embarks on new adventures. I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday, November 7th at 5:30 PM. For more information, contact Stan Bullock, Sr. Warden at 608-6500 or srwarden@goodshepherd23.org.

Wednesday Evening Program Schedule
During the month of November, the normal Wednesday evening program will only be held on November 14th and November 28th.
5:30 pm — Holy Eucharist
6:15 pm — Supper (provided) with a program following.
The programs in November will focus on stewardship. For more information, contact Fr. Doug at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting – Monday November 5
The Buildings and Grounds Committee holds its monthly meeting every first Monday at 6:00 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Keith Sands, Chair of the Finance Committee at 737-3753 or Nick Humphress at 374-9505 or nhumphress@comcast.net.

Charity Golf Outing – Friday November 9
Good Shepherd will be hosting a charity golf tournament to benefit “The Bridge”. The cost is $95.00 per person or $350.00 per foursome.

The tournament will be held on Friday, November 7, 2007, at the North Hampton Golf Club in Fernandina Beach, FL. The tournament will follow a shotgun format with an 8:30 A.M. tee time. The cost includes greens fees, cart, buffet lunch, golf shirt, prizes and mulligans (3 for $10). Come get away from work and Jacksonville for a day and have fun with us.

Contact Gar Rosengren at 910-9385 (cell) or 384-2442 (home) for more information.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

This e-mail has been sent by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to its parishioners and friends. If you do not want to be included on this mailing list, please reply to parish_email@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 10/11/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Wednesday Evening Program
Riverside Fine Arts Concert
Family Outing – Corn Field Maze
Pot Luck Luncheon
Vestry Meeting
Fr Doug’s New Cell Phone Number

Wednesday Evening Program – Wednesday, October 10
5:30 pm — Holy Eucharist
6:15 pm — Supper (provided) with a program following.
The program will include a discussion of the future direction and frequency of these Wednesday evening events. For more information, contact Fr. Doug at 387-5691 or dhodsdon@goodshepherd23.org.

Riverside Fine Arts Concert – Friday, October 12
The Chamber Music Society of Good Shepherd will hold a concert on Friday evening, October 12, 2007, at 8:00 PM in Craig Hall.

This month’s guest artist is the Los Angeles Guitar Quartet. The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet is recognized as one of the world’s premier instrumental ensembles. Popularly known as the LAGQ, these four virtuosi bring a new energy to the concert stage with their eclectic programs and dynamic musical interplay. Their inventive, critically-acclaimed transcriptions of concert masterworks provide a fresh look at the music of the past, while their interpretations of works from the contemporary and world-music realms continually break new ground.

For tickets and more information, contact the Riverside Fine Arts Association at 904-389-6222 or www.RiversideFineArts.org .

Family Outing – Corn Field Maze – Saturday, October 13
Have you ever wondered how big Noah's Ark was? This year, Conner's A-maize-ing Acres has cut out a life-sized Noah's Ark in a cornfield maze. According to Biblical reference and interpretation, the Noah's Ark is believed to been over 450 feet long, over 75 feet wide and over 45 feet high. This year's maze is the same length and height as the real ark. The design also incorporates animals as well as a rainbow...a sign of God's promise never to destroy the earth again by flood.

Please join us as we caravan to Conner's A-maize-ing Acres in Hilliard to have some fun finding our way through the cornfield maze. Admission is $8.00, but don’t worry if you are a little short on cash, come anyway. We will meet at the church at 9:30 am. The church van will be available for those who don’t want to drive. For more information about the maze, check out www.connerscornfieldmaze.com.

Please RSVP to Margo Easter at 389-1467.

Pot Luck Luncheon – Sunday October 14
Our Pot Luck Luncheon for October will be held in Worsham Hall this Sunday, October 14, immediately following the10:00 AM service. Please remember to bring your favorite covered dish, either hot or cold, or a salad or dessert, to the kitchen on your way into the service. The Hospitality Committee will be hosting the luncheon and will see that your covered dish is brought out to the serving tables. Be sure to join us for this wonderful time of fellowship. For more information, contact the Fellowship Committee at fellowship@goodshepherd23.org.

Vestry Meeting – Monday October 15
The Vestry holds its monthly meeting every third Monday at 6:00 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Stan Bullock, Sr. Warden at 608-6500 or srwarden@goodshepherd23.org.

Fr Doug’s New Cell Phone Number
Fr. Doug has a new cell phone number. If you need to contact Fr. Doug outside normal office hours, he can be reached at 904-412-4361.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

This e-mail has been sent by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to its parishioners and friends. If you do not want to be included on this mailing list, please reply to parish_email@goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 10/04/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Blessing of the Animals – Sunday October 7
Wednesday Evening Program—October 10
Adult Choir Rehearsal
Youth Choirs Rehearsal
Columbus Day
Outreach Committee
Fr Doug’s New Cell Phone Number

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday October 7
In recognition of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we will celebrate with the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 7, at 4:00 PM in the Courtyard. All parishioners are welcome to bring their pets to the church to be blessed. Depending on the type of pet, i.e., snakes, alligators and other reptiles, the Rector has indicated that he may bless them from a safe distance. If you have animals other than normal household pets, such as camels, orangutans or bears, please contact the Rector prior to bringing the pet to the church. Your cooperation is appreciated. We look forward to seeing you and your pet at the Blessing of the Animals. For more information, contact Fr. Doug at 387-5691.

Columbus Day – Monday October 8
The parish office will be closed Monday, October 8, in observance of Columbus Day. In case of emergency, contact Fr. Doug at 904-412-4361.

Outreach Committee – Monday October 8
The Outreach Committee holds its monthly meeting every second Monday at 6:00 PM in the Fant Library. For more information, contact Paul Arrington, at 388-3576 or outreach@goodshepherd23.org.

Wednesday Evening Program—October 10
5:30 pm — Holy Eucharist
6:15 pm — Supper (provided) with a program following.
The program will include a discussion of the future direction and frequency of these Wednesday evening events.

Adult Choir Rehearsal
The Chancel Choir has its regular rehearsals on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. If you have been thinking of joining the Choir, now is an excellent time because preparations are underway for the selection of music for the season of Advent/Christmas. If you have vocal talent, consider using it toward your personal ministry during the worship on Sunday morning. For more information, contact David Bowen, at 387-5691 or davidbowen@goodshepherd23.org.

Youth Choir Rehearsal
The St. Nicholas Choir (4 and 5 year olds) and the St. Cecilia Choir (6 years old and up) rehearse on Wednesdays from 5:15 pm until 6:00 pm. Mr. Bowen will meet the combined St. Nicholas and St. Cecilia choirs in the choir room at 5:15pm. After reciting the Chorister’s prayer and a warming up of their voices with a collection of familiar songs, the children will separate into the two choirs based on age. This year, Deacon Linda, Victor Minke-Huls, and Chris Zaleski will assist Mr. Bowen in this important ministry for the musical children of our congregation. For more information, contact David Bowen, at 387-5691 or davidbowen@goodshepherd23.org.

Fr Doug’s New Cell Phone Number
Fr. Doug has a new cell phone number. If you need to contact Fr. Doug outside normal office hours, he can be reached at 904-412-4361.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.

Shepherd's Staff Online -- 09/26/07

Welcome to the Shepherd’s Staff Online. This newsletter is sent weekly by the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd to keep parish members and friends informed of current activities at the church.

In this edition:
Sunday Breakfast
Choir Rehearsal
Blessing of the Animals
Fr Doug’s New Cell Phone Number
Abridged Vestry Meeting Minutes

Sunday Breakfast – Sunday September 30
The last Sunday of the month starting at 8:30am, Dr. Rupert Bliss and friends will be serving breakfast. Stay after the 8:00 AM service or come early for the 10:00 AM service for fellowship and a warm start to your Sunday morning. For more information, contact Dr. Bliss at rbjaxfl@bellsouth.net or 387-4827.

Choir Rehearsal – Wednesday September 26
The St. Nicholas Choir (4 and 5 year olds) and the St. Cecelia Choir (6 years old and up) will be rehearsing Wednesday, from 5:15 pm until 6:00 pm. Mr. Bowen will meet the combined St. Nicholas and St. Cecelia choirs in the choir room at 5:15pm. The Chancel Choir rehearses Wednesday evening from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. For more information, contact David Bowen, at 387-5691 or davidbowen@goodshepherd23.org.

Blessing of the Animals – Sunday October 7
In recognition of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we will celebrate with the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 7, at 4:00 PM in the Courtyard. All parishioners are welcome to bring their pets to the church to be blessed. Depending on the type of pet, i.e., snakes, alligators and other reptiles, the Rector has indicated that he may bless them from a safe distance. If you have animals other than normal household pets, such as camels, orangutans or bears, please contact the Rector prior to bringing the pet to the church. Your cooperation is appreciated. We look forward to seeing you and your pet at the Blessing of the Animals. For more information, contact Fr. Doug at 387-5691.

Wednesday Evening Program—October 10
5:30 pm — Holy Eucharist
6:15 pm — Supper (provided) with a program following.
The program will include a discussion of the future direction and frequency of these Wednesday evening events.

Fr Doug’s New Cell Phone Number
Fr. Doug has a new cell phone number. If you need to contact Fr. Doug outside normal office hours, he can be reached at 904-412-4361.

Abridged Vestry Meeting Minutes
The Vestry convened at 6:00 pm on Monday evening, September 24, 2007. Following an opening prayer and acceptance of previous minutes, Keith Sands and Jodie Coleman presented a current treasury/finance report. Following the finance report, Fr. Doug spoke to the Vestry regarding his plans for improving efficiencies in parish management. He indicated that he is very pleased with the liturgy and music in the church and does not want to change things that we are doing well. Following Fr. Doug’s comments, Nick Humphress, Jr. Warden, and Ross Krueger presented current topics discussed by the Buildings and Grounds Committee. Stan Bullock, Sr. Warden, introduced a motion to engage a roofing consultant to help oversee repairs and improvements to our roofs. The meeting was adjourned with a benediction by Fr. Doug at approximately 8:00 pm. Complete minutes of the meeting will be available for review in the church office after they are approved by the Vestry. The next meeting of the Vestry is scheduled for Monday, October 15, 2007.

A calendar of all events at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd can be seen by selecting the button at our website at www.goodshepherd23.org.