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Announcements and photos to share with our parish family are always welcome!
Please email your contributions to David Baggett.
The deadline for newsletter submissions is Wednesday at 2 PM. Thank you!
Announcements may be edited for content and space.
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Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Fridays by appointment
Pastoral Care Emergencies
Please call the Pastoral Care Support Line 919.831.2008.
Prayer Requests
Please CLICK HERE to submit a prayer request.
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A Message from the Rector
Dearly beloved,
I am pleased to share that we are currently receiving applications for a full-time Director of Music & Organist at Good Shepherd. The job description is available HERE. Please feel free to share it and help us spread the word. A search committee is currently being formed, and more news will be coming soon as we move forward.
The Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens joined us in the spring as Pastoral Associate (Time Certain). Since her arrival, Rev. Hershey has generously shared her gifts with us including preaching, providing pastoral care, celebrating the sacraments, and connecting our children to God and to one another in Sunday School and Godly Play. Rev. Hershey’s three-quarter time role will conclude on December 31, 2024. I am, however, thrilled to share that Rev. Hershey will be staying on in the role of Priest-in-Residence (a role also held by our beloved Rev. Nancy Allison). Rev. Hershey will preach periodically and lead retreats and will also step in to provide more pastoral coverage while I am out on sabbatical.
Building on Rev. Hershey’s wonderful work, it’s my pleasure to share that Sthephanie Sierra will be transitioning into the role of Sunday School Lead in January 2025. Sthephanie knows and has been caring for many of our children as a Nursery Staff Member, and she is excited to return to a role she has loved at other churches. I will lead our children’s Sunday School offerings on January 5th and 12th, and Ms. Sthephanie will begin in her new role on January 19th, 2025.
Please join me in thanking God for blessing our community with such faithful and loving partners, and in praying for smooth and happy transitions and ever brighter horizons ahead.
In Christ’s love as ever,
Imogen+
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Friendly Reminders
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If you would like pledge envelopes for 2025, please order them by CLICKING HERE. The deadline for ordering pledge envelopes is Monday, November 25th. Thank you! If you have questions, please contact David Baggett (919.831.2018).
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Are you able to contribute a pie for fellowship after Tuesday evening's Thanksgiving service? Please email Esther Hall and let her know what kind of treat you will be bringing. Pies may be dropped off just prior to the worship service, which begins at 6 PM.
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November Events You Don't Want to Miss! | |
Saturday, November 23rd
EYC's Hot Cocoa Sale
- When: Saturday, November 23rd during the Raleigh Christmas Parade
- Where: In front of The Church of the Good Shepherd (Hillsborough St)
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Contact: Karen Boyne
Our EYC program will be carrying on their longstanding tradition of selling homemade cocoa (from the secret Bias family recipe!), coffee, Krispy Kreme donuts, and Bojangles biscuits in front of the church during the Raleigh Christmas Parade.
Sales begin around 7 AM and run through the duration of the parade. Please come support our youth while also enjoying the parade as it marches right in front of CGS! It's a wonderful tradition to watch the parade with our church community while also supporting our youth.
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Tuesday, November 26th
Thanksgiving Eucharist & Pie
- When: Tuesday, November 26th at 6 PM
You and your loved ones are most warmly invited to our Thanksgiving Eucharist on Tuesday, November 26th at 6 PM. Before you head out of town or do battle with the baster, join us for a brief service of gratitude and Holy Eucharist followed by pie!
Pie bakers and pie lovers will gather in the Ennis Suite immediately following the Thanksgiving Eucharist. Please email Esther Hall and let her know what kind of treat you will be bringing. Pies may be dropped off just prior to the worship service, which begins at 6 PM.
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Stewardship Update
Thank you to everyone who has already pledged your financial commitment for 2025! If you haven’t yet pledged, it’s not too late. You’re invited to support the parish and our ministries by submitting your pledge just as soon as possible so that your financial support can be considered as the vestry budgets for 2025. Thank you!
To date:
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Pledged: $725,665 (97% of our $750,000 pledge goal)
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Number of pledges received: 155 (83% of 2024 pledges)
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The deadline for submitting 2025 pledges is December 1st. All pledges received by December 1st will be counted toward the 2025 budget, which the vestry will approve by December 16th.
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To submit your pledge:
- Pop your pledge card in the mail to the Parish Office OR
- Bring it with you to church on Sunday and place it in the alms basin OR
- Take advantage of one of the quick & easy online options below:
| If you have any questions about submitting your pledge, please contact Parish Administrator David Baggett (919.831.2018). | |
Do You Need Pledge Envelopes?
If you would like pledge envelopes for 2025, please order them by CLICKING HERE. The deadline for ordering pledge envelopes is November 25th. Thank you! If you have questions, please contact David Baggett (919.831.2018)
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Sunday, December 1st
Advent Wreath Making and Lunch
Immediately following the 10:15 worship service next Sunday, we’ll gather outside the Parish Life Center for our monthly Beyond Our Doors Community Lunch and enjoy making advent wreaths for our homes. Everyone is invited! Wreath supplies will be provided! Come enjoy lunch and fellowship and prepare your heart and home for the Advent season! Contacts:
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Sunday, December 15th
Confirmations, Receptions, & Reaffirmations
When Bishop Sam visits on December 15th, we will have the opportunity to celebrate confirmations, receptions, and reaffirmations during the 10:15 worship service. Anyone who desires to be confirmed or received[1] or to reaffirm[2] their baptismal vows should contact
Rev. Imogen or Parish Administrator David Baggett (919.831.2018).
[1] Reception refers to the rite by which a baptized Christian, confirmed by a bishop in another faith tradition, is welcomed into the Episcopal Church.
[2] The rite of reaffirmation is celebrated when a confirmed Episcopalians wish to reaffirm their baptismal vows.
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Sunday, December 22nd
All-Ages Christmas Pageant
It’s nearly advent, and it will soon be time for our annual Christmas Pageant! As we did last year, the pageant will be an all-ages affair, taking place during the 10:15 service on December 22nd.
With scripts in hand, we’ll tell the story of the first Christmas, as well as a few corny Good Shepherd jokes. We want this to be a simple and joyous experience that involves the whole Good Shepherd Family. We invite folks of all ages to sign up, especially the youngest among us, but there are roles and fun for anyone, in this celebration of our community.
There’s a signup form on the bulletin board outside the nursery for anyone of any age who wants to be a sarcastic census taker, a wicked monarch, or a humble visitor to the stable where our Lord was born. For more details, contact Ian Finley (919.931.2196).
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Diocesan Annual Convention
The Diocese of North Carolina's 209th Annual Convention is taking place this weekend (Friday, November 22nd and Saturday, November 23rd) in Winston-Salem. In addition to our clergy delegates (Rev. Imogen and Rev. Justin) our parish is being represented by lay delegates: James Deal, Jacob Ferguson, Richard Netherby, and Jeff Whittaker.
Almighty and everlasting Father, you have given the Holy
Spirit to abide with us for ever: Bless, we pray, with his grace
and presence, the bishops and other clergy and the laity
soon to be assembled in your Name, that your Church,
being preserved in true faith and godly discipline, may fulfill
all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it,
your Son Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
--Collect for a Church Convention (BCP, p. 255)
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Coming Soon!
St. Nicholas Tree
In just a few days our beloved St Nicolas tree will return! The St. Nicholas tree will benefit families served by Episcopal Farmworker Ministry. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jennifer Tlusty (919.414.2950). Thank you participating in this CGS tradition!
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A Weekday Parking Option
The City of Raleigh has announced a new pilot program that will offer two-hour free parking in several city-owned decks throughout downtown, including the Municipal Building Deck (201 W. Morgan Street.) The Municipal Building Parking Deck is located catty-corner from the back of the church (across McDowell Street). This parking option is especially helpful for those wishing to attend Good Shepherd weekday events (such as funerals and our Wednesday Eucharist service).
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News You Can Use from the Green Team
What Happens to the Oyster Shells from the Oyster Roast?
50 gallons of shells were delivered Sunday morning to the Wake County Convenience Center
on Deponie Drive for recycling. Oyster shells are banned from disposal in North Carolina landfills and cannot be used for other purposes such as groundcover by landscape contractors. Recycled oyster shells are valuable resources in the state used by coastal organizations and the NC Division of Marine Fisheries to build new oyster reefs.
Why Recycle Oyster Shells?
- Oyster reefs are needed in our sounds.
- Shells are used to build or restore oyster reefs.
- Baby oysters attach to reefs and grow more oysters.
New and Restored Oyster Reefs:
- Provide important habitat for fish, crabs, shrimp, and other seafood.
- Reduce sound side erosion.
- Clean our estuaries as more oysters filter the water.
Join us for the next Green Team Meeting on Sunday, December 15th at 9 AM. Contact: James Joslin
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A Special Relationship between St Augustine's University, NC Episcopal Diocese and ONE Wake
ONE Wake Is Joining the Effort to Help Saint Augustine’s University
Submitted by Jeff Whittaker, 919.696.1612 (Textable)
Saint Agustine’s University and the local Episcopal histories are intertwined. The Diocese of North Carolina started SAU in 1867 to provide education for newly freed slaves. Since then, there are instances of financial help to SAU and employment of Black clergy in the Diocese that shows the constructive collaboration of our relationship. Most recently The Church of the Good Shepherd has been blessed by the Rev. Hershey Mallette Stephens who is both CGS’s Pastoral Associate for Formation and Chaplain at SAU. This is an example where CGS’s support of ONE Wake furthers the support of SAU.
SAU has a high-rate $7 million loan that is putting the University in jeopardy. Within the
last ten days, ONE Wake’s leaders have opened talks with Self-Help Credit Union to buy this loan and the local government to have Raleigh purchase or lease land from SAU for affordable housing development to help stabilize the situation. Last Thursday night, 42 ONE Wake clergy and core team leaders met to discuss the situation. The consensus from the discussion was that:
- supporting SAU is consistent with ONE Wakes ongoing work to prevent the displacement of longtime residents and the loss of Black land and wealth in Southeast Raleigh.
- partnering with Self-Help and the SAU Alumni Association opens the door to potential future win/win opportunities to build affordable housing on unused campus land.
What can you do? If you are not on the CGS ONE Wake email list, press here to keep up with ONE Wake.
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Responding to Hurricanes Helene and Milton
The Diocese of North Carolina is suggesting ways to consider helping with hurricane relief efforts. PLEASE CLICK HERE for more information.
And here's another opportunity to consider: North Carolina Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster is a central source for indicating volunteer and donation assistance interest.
God, we ask You to bless each and every person affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton and surround them with Your love, protection and angels. Let them know of our prayers for them and their loved ones. We give You all the praise and glory forever, Lord, and know that even in the darkest hours, You are always with us. For the love of your only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
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Keep Reading...Because There's More!
Be sure to see below for more news, including
- Info about kids and youth programs and activities
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Parish Life
- October Finance Update
- Vision Accomplished Updates
- Battery Disposal
- Opportunities to Serve
- Parish Prayer List
- News from the Diocese
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Please keep reading...more news follows! | |
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A Note to Parents, Grandparents, and Caregivers of
Our Youngest Beloved
Are you receiving emails and updates about childrens activities and events? If not, be sure to CLICK HERE so we're able to be in touch. Thank you!
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Let the children come together and grow in faith and friendship!
Sunday School for kids 4-12 years old happens each Sunday at 9 AM.
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Children’s Ministry Advent Activities |  | |
The Advent Wreath, as the name somewhat implies, is a circle having no beginning and no end. Just as God has no beginning and no end. It can also remind us of the unending love of God for us that brought Jesus to earth to save us from our sins so that we might in turn have eternal life in Heaven! This Adventide the Children of The Church of the Good Shepherd will embrace the advent themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love in our time together each Sunday at 9 AM.
Sunday, November 24 - Adventpalooza!
Parents and caregivers are invited to join us in the Sunday School classroom for advent crafts and games. We will make an Advent crunch and do other fun (and yummy!) activities.
Sunday, December 1 - Advent Wreath Making
After the 10:15 worship service we will gather with our friends from Raleigh Mennonite Church in the yard to design Advent wreaths for our homes. We have everything you need! Wreaths, candles and greenery. Come prepare your heart and home for the Advent season and make your very own Advent Wreath.
Sundays in December - Pageant Practice
We are working with the incomparable Ian Finley, Elizabeth Gant and others to put on this year's pageant. Friends of God, ages 0-99, are encouraged to join the CGS Christmas Players. There is a role for everyone who would like to participate. Please email Rev. Hershey for more details.
To join in the fun this season meet us upstairs in Room 329 at 9 AM each Sunday morning!
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Looking Ahead...
2024
- Nov 23 - Hot Cocoa Fundraiser during the Raleigh Christmas Parade
- Dec 1 - EYC Meeting (5:30-7:30 PM)
- Dec 8 - EYC Meeting (5:30-7:30 PM)
- Dec 15 - EYC Christmas Party (5:30-7:30 PM)
- Dec 22 - All-Ages Christmas Pageant (10:15 AM)
- Dec 29 - EYC Open House
2025
- Feb. 14-16 - EYC Retreat at the Trinity Center
For information about the Episcopal Youth Community at The Church of the Good Shepherd, EMAIL THE REV. JUSTIN GABBARD or give him a call at 859-630-2835.
To receive text messages about upcoming EYC events, CLICK HERE to be added to the list.
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Our altar last Sunday
photo courtesy of Peter Jezierny
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News You Can Use from the Green Team
Battery Disposal - FILL THE BUCKET
Please remember--the Green Team has placed a Battery Disposal Bucket in the Parish Life Center lobby. Please be sure to tape lithium batteries before dropping them in the bucket. Tape is provided at the bucket. Thanks for your continued Creation Care efforts - important stewardship! Contacts: Carolyn Manley or James Joslin
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Needed! Sunday Fellowship Hosts for Fall
Can you provide snacks for Fellowship Time after the 10:15 worship service? Hosting is really easy and very much appreciated by everyone — and extra fun if you do it with a friend or family member! You may sign up for an open Sunday by CLICKING HERE. Please contact Grace Sved (919.247.6426) if you have questions or would like more information. Thank you!
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A Culture of Care, A Culture of Love
Occasionally, life throws us curve balls, no doubt about it! Whether it's COVID, a pulled back, a sprained ankle, or a stomach bug, there are occasions when we could use a little help--maybe a friendly ear, a prayer, or a gallon of milk--none of us should feel timid to ask for some assistance from our parish family. After all, that's what families are for!
If you ever find yourself in need, please don't hesitate to contact the Parish Office (919.831.2000), Monday-Thursday, 9-5. Of course, for pastoral emergencies, please call the Pastoral Care Support Line 919.831.2008 anytime. This phone number is monitored by the clergy.
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Ways to Serve
If you are looking for meaningful ways to serve the parish, please consider the ministries listed below. The contacts listed will be excited to provide more information.
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Update!
Parish Finances
PLEASE CLICK HERE for a budget report (through October 31st). Thank you for your faithful financial support of our church and our ministries.
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Vision Accomplished
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Pledges Made: $242,270.25 (increase from last week: $0)
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Pledge Payments and Gifts Received: $175,245.10 (increase from last week: $20)
Thank you for your generous support of the Vision Accomplished campaign!
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Learn More about Good Shepherd's Partners
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The Church of the Good Shepherd Prayer List
Roy Wright; Catherine and Bob Williams; Carolyn Owens; Janet Gilliam; Ralph Sanders;
Pete Taylor; Martha Bailey; Peggy Hawks; Ginny Byrd; Darrell Dennis; Janie Ward-Newton;
William Short; Paul Hoch; Brinley Harris; Don Caudill; Shirley Caudill; Larry Bledsoe;
Stephanie Rivers; Jane Mayhew; Janet Watrous; The students, faculty, and community of St. Augustine’s University; Amy Proseus; Betty Lynn Yersin; Rebecca Lamb; Stuart Wells; Alan L.;
Bob Kirchgessner; Josephine Placa; Teresa Burt; Kathy Acton; Patricia Harris;
Noah Cassion; The Lawrence Family; The Tyson Family; The Rivers Family;
the people of Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon; the people of Ukraine and Russia;
victims of gun violence; and those affected by drought, heat, floods, and storms,
especially those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.
In the diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for UNC-Chapel Hill Campus Ministry;
Wake Forest / Salem / Winston-Salem State / UNC School of the Arts Episcopal Campus Ministry.
In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Anglican Church of South America.
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The people of The Church of the Good Shepherd are eager to join you in lifting your prayers to God. Please tell us how we can pray with you by CLICKING HERE to submit a prayer request.
Prayer requests added to our public prayer list will be refreshed every month; please feel free to resubmit them if you would like them to remain on the prayer list.
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Thank you for Supporting the Life and Ministries of
Good Shepherd!
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Sunday, November 24, 2024
The Feast of Christ the King
8 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite I
8:30 AM - 12 Noon Nursery Care Available (infant to 4 yo)
9 AM Sunday School for Kids & Adult Formation
10:15 AM Holy Eucharist, Rite II, & Children's Chapel
In Person & Livestream Worship
Service Bulletin
11:30 AM Fellowship Time
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Parish Office Hours
Monday-Thursday, 9 AM - 5 PM; Fridays by appointment
Pastoral Care Emergencies
Please call the Pastoral Care Support Line 919.831.2008
Prayer Requests
Please CLICK HERE to submit a prayer request.
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