Please be aware that clergy and staff never send emails or texts requesting discreet assistance or soliciting gift cards or cash transactions. Also, please be aware of scam emails/texts in general. It is always a good idea to verify that the email address/number matches the information in your contacts. | | Weekly Update for October 1, 2026 | |
From the Annual Giving Campaign Committee
You are warmly invited to our yearly STEWardship luncheon to celebrate the conclusion of the Annual Giving Campaign on Commitment Sunday, October 18th. Immediately following the 10:15 service we will all enjoy Lunch downstairs at Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen. Take-out orders for the famous Brunswick Stew will be available, but come early as we sell out fast. Special thanks to the STEW CREW for what will be a delicious meal!
What is the Annual Giving Campaign?
The Church of the Good Shepherd's Annual Giving Campaign supports our church's operating budget. It occurs each fall, and financial commitments determine the budget for the coming year (2027).
What is the campaign goal?
The 2027 annual budget is $930,000. Budget line items include outreach, building maintenance, worship costs, diocesan giving, salaries and benefits, programming, insurance, and utilities. The budget is carefully planned and monitored by the Vestry and Finance Committee, based on the financial commitments we receive. The Annual Giving Campaign supports the day-to-day operating costs for our church. Your offerings are used in several different ways, including, but not limited to:
1) Salaries and benefits for CGS’s clergy and employees.
2) Worship services, including music
3) Ministries for children and youth
4) Christian education
5) Pastoral care
6) Outreach
7) Diocesan giving
8) Food and special events
9) Utilities
10) Building and landscape maintenance
11) Insurance
How much should I give?
The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God (Numbers 18:16). There is no required amount to give, and each gift is strictly confidential. Every contribution is appreciated and vital to the operating costs of our parish. Your gift is a symbol of your commitment to God’s work at the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Next Steps?
Pray. Pray. Pray. Pray for God’s guidance in your giving. When you encounter obstacles or resistance, don’t make yourself feel bad. Just add that to your prayers and let God’s grace help you through it. Again, it’s all about giving with joy and gratitude.
Be sure to also check out the Annual Giving Campaign web page. There you will find links to fill out an online pledge form or input the info to Realm, in addition to other information about this year's pledge drive.
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From the Rev. Polly Robb
Dear good folks of The Good Shepherd,
Thank you for such a gracious and warm welcome these past few weeks. It is a wonderful feeling to begin something new surrounded by so many friendly faces and helping hands.
My first impression of this parish is that we are a church that says, “what matters most is lifting up our hearts to God and following Christ.” In all our outreach efforts, in our sharing this space with others, in our teaching and learning, in our beautiful liturgy and music… I could go on… in all of these things, we glorify God.
If you are looking for a place to serve or space to learn, if you are wondering how God is calling you in your life, I invite you to come talk with me. My focus here as associate rector will be on family ministry and spiritual life, which is to say, I’m here for you, no matter how large or small your family and no matter if you’re a bit stuck spiritually.
I do want you to know that I have a few obligations I made prior to coming on board here that I need to fulfill, and so I’ll be gone a little bit this fall. I will be supplying at St. Paul’s in Louisburg two more Sundays this fall, preaching and celebrating. And in mid to late October I will be traveling back to my former parish in Scottsboro, Alabama for a racial healing pilgrimage that we began planning over two years ago.
I hope to get to know you all well, very soon.
Yours in the love of Christ, Polly+
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Young Adult Ministry: Movie Night
Join us tomorrow night at Moore Square for the First Friday Market and Movie Night!
Tomorrow's Movie: Ghostbusters
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Blessing of the Animals
When: Saturday, October 3rd from 3-5 PM
Where: Jaycee Park, 2405 Wade Ave, Raleigh, NC 27607
On the afternoon of Saturday, October 3rd, the Church of the Good Shepherd will be holding its annual Blessing of the Animals in honor of the Feast of St. Francis. This year, in order to make this a more robust and family-friendly event, we have moved it to Jaycee Park, which is located at the intersection of Oberlin and Wade Ave. This park features a newly renovated playground and a fenced dog park as well as gardens, walking trails, and ballfields.
We have reserved the large pavilion located next to the playground and the tennis courts. If you enter the lower parking lot via Wade Avenue, park in front of the community center and then walk up the steps toward the volleyball and tennis counts. The pavilion will be on your right, just beyond the playground.
We will gather in the pavilion at the 3:00pm for a brief liturgy and then the clergy will offer blessings to any pets or stuffed animals in attendee. Sadly, while a blessing might warm your heart and rekindle your affection, it will probably not improve your pet’s behavior, smell, or ability to use a litter box. When we have blessed all our furry friends, everyone is invited to stick around and enjoy all the facilities and the company.
See you at the park.
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Historic Church Walk
The 2026 Historic Church Walk is this Saturday, October 3rd, and Good Shepherd is one of the participants! Eight historic churches in downtown Raleigh, all founded in the 1800s, will open their doors to visitors from 9 -12 PM. Self-guided and guided tours will be on offer. Start at any church and visit churches in any order you like. Look for balloons at church entrances and signs. The event is sponsored by the Community of Historic Churches in Downtown Raleigh.
Here is a link to a map with locations of participating churches:
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Good Shepherd Choir
The Good Shepherd Choir (grades K-2) is singing this Sunday October 4! They have been hard at work learning about working together as a choir, listening to each other, and learning their first offering "Let Us Build A House". We hope you will join us in supporting our young musicians!
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"You Can Vote" at October BOD Lunch
This Sunday, a representative from You Can Vote will be present at our First Sunday BOD Community Lunch. You Can Vote is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit that educates and mobilizes North Carolinians to take civic action, know their rights, and successfully cast a ballot in each election. Please click here for more information about the organization or contact Shirley Sullivan.
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Card Shower for David Baggett
There is a card making station in the Ennis Suite for anyone who would like to leave a memory or message of gratitude for David upon his retirement. The station and cardmaking materials will be available through next Thursday, October 8th. Please leave your card in the wooden box on the table. If you would like to bring in your own card, please also leave them in the box by the 8th.
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Adult Formation: What We Carry
Remembering, making meaning, and carrying it forward.
Life asks us to carry many things: people we love, memories, grief, change, disappointment, hope, and experiences that have shaped who we are. What We Carry is a three-session space to slow down, attend to what we are carrying, and explore how we might carry it forward.
Through poetry, story, Christian practices of lament, and simple everyday rituals, we will move through three questions together:
What do I carry? — October 11th
We will make space for remembrance and reflection, noticing the people, experiences, losses, and hopes that we carry with us.
How do I tell its story? — October 18th
Through poetry, story, and lament, we will explore the meaning we make of our experiences and find language for what can be difficult to express.
How do I carry it forward? — October 25th
We will explore simple, everyday rituals and practices that can help us honor what matters, care for ourselves, and continue living with intention.
This is perfect for you if...
- you are grieving someone or something you have lost.
- you are carrying a loss that has changed the way you see yourself or your life.
- you are moving through a season of transition or uncertainty.
- you have memories, feelings, or questions that you haven't quite found words for.
- you find yourself drawn to poetry, stories, or creative reflection.
- you want to explore lament as a faithful Christian practice.
- you are looking for gentle, meaningful ways to care for yourself spiritually.
- you want to discover practices for honoring what matters while continuing to move forward.
No experience with poetry or creative writing is necessary, and you will never be required to share anything you would rather keep private. Come as you are, and bring whatever you are carrying.
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Caring for God's Creation:
Supporting Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Through Sunday, October 11th, we are collecting supplies to benefit animals lovingly cared for by Second Chance Pet Adoptions while they wait for their forever homes. Find out what items are requested and, if you choose, shop through their Wish Lists and have the items shipped directly to Second Chance. If you prefer to drop items off at church, a collection bin for your donations can be located in the Parish Life Center lobby. These items will be dropped off at Second Chance the week of October 11th. Thank you in advance for your generosity! Please contact Shirley Sullivan with any questions.
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Immigration Interfaith Vigil
If you are concerned about the way our nation is treating our immigrant neighbors, come to downtown Raleigh for A Stand for Dignity on Sunday, October 11 from 2–4 PM. People of many faiths will gather on the South Lawn of the North Carolina State Capitol to proclaim the vision of dignity, decency, and due process that we know is possible. Sponsored by Wake Interfaith Immigration Network, the program will include prayer, song, and shared witness and will provide you with ways to bring about the changes we seek. Free and open to all. Sign up here to receive updates.
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Piano Update
Thank you so much for coming to my recital at First Presbyterian Church last Friday! If you missed it, you will have another opportunity to hear the recital on Friday, October 23 at 7 PM at First Presbyterian Church in Burlington. I have been so thankful for all of your support during my time here as your Director of Music and Organist the last 17 months, and most recently, for the overwhelming support for investing in a new piano for the church. Imogen and I are pleased to share that we have received pledged gifts for the piano amounting to $44,000. If you would still like to contribute towards this, please let one of us know.
Peace,
Kirsten
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Correction
The funeral service for Martha Bailey will be at Oakwood Cemetery on Monday, October 26th at 11 AM.
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Two Reminders from the Green Team
Our next meeting is tomorrow at 4 PM on Zoom. Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 221 197 3019
Passcode: 387432
When batteries are tossed into regular recycling or trash, they pose a significant risk. During the recent Green Team tour of the local recycling center, we learned that workers face weekly fires caused by batteries improperly thrown away. This is a serious hazard for those handling our waste. By safely disposing of batteries, we protect workers and divert toxic materials from the landfill. How to Get Involved: Simply drop your used batteries in the designated plastic bucket located near the Green Team bulletin board, to the right of the entry to the Parish Life Center lobby. Batteries are then collected weekly and taken to the Wake Convenience Disposal Site on Deponie Drive for proper sorting and recycling.
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The Friar's Corner: St. Francis of Assisi
October 4, 2026 marks the Feastday of St. Francis of Assisi and the 800th Anniversary of his Transitus (Passing.) Franciscans like myself, around the globe will celebrate & honor this "Poverello" (little poor man) whose example of love, joy and peace has continued to inspire and serve our world, centuries after his death.
Toward the end of his life, while he was gravely ill, suffering, and partially blind, St. Francis was inspired to compose a poem-song of praise called, "The Canticle of the Creatures." For him, ALL of creation manifested the goodness of God. Francis saw the cosmos as one single, sacred family, referring to Brother Sun, Sister Moon, Mother Earth, Sister Fire. It is an expression of thanks for God’s many gifts. Also, a reminder of the interdependence between all humans & creation. We all are one family under God's loving care. It is recognized as a theological masterpiece but also as one of the very first great works of true Italian literature, having been written in Italian, not Latin.
I hope you find a quiet space & moment to enjoy it for yourself.
Peace to you, and happy St. Francis Day!
Brother Paul
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Greater Triangle Area Crop Hunger Walk
CGS will participate again this year in the Greater Triangle Area Crop Hunger Walk. The overall Goal is $60,000 with 25 percent going to local hunger relief in the Triangle and the remaining amount going to world wide food initiatives. How can you participate? Donate to the walk by visiting our team page.
The walk will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026 starting at First Baptist Church. Take a nice 1 mile or 3 mile walk around downtown, depending on your comfort level. Registration is at 2 PM with the walk beginning at 3 PM. Contact The Outreach Team for additional questions.
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Come Worship & Learn This Sunday
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
8 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite I
8:30 AM - 12 Noon
Nursery Care Available (infant-5 yo)
9 AM
- Children's Sunday School in PLC Rooms 325 and 329
- Sunday Morning Bible Study in PLC Room 303; Contact: Debbie Moyer
9:30 AM
Choir Warmup
10:15 AM
Holy Eucharist, Rite II
11:30 AM
BOD Community Lunch with You Can Vote Contact: Shirley Sullivan
12 PM
Senior Choristers Rehearsal; Contact: Kirsten Homdrom
1 PM
EYC High Ropes Teambuilding Workshop; Contact: Rev. Justin Gabbard
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Next Week (Monday-Saturday)
Monday, October 5
Tuesday, October 6
- 9 AM Morning Prayer
- 11 AM Bible Study in Ennis Suite; Contact: Rev. Polly Robb
- 4:30 PM Good Shepherd Choir Rehearsal; Contact: Kirsten Homdrom
- 5:30 PM Bible Study at Van and Gigi Giersch's Home(6433 Chapman Ct, Raleigh, NC 27612)
Wednesday, October 7
Thursday, October 8
- 8:30 AM Books & Bagels Book Group at Starbucks (3800 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607)
- 9 AM Morning Prayer
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12 PM Men's Fellowship Lunch at High Park Bar & Grill (625 E Whitaker Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608)
Friday, October 9
- 9 AM Morning Prayer
- 10 AM Exploring the Spiritual Journey in Ennis Suite
Saturday, October 10
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4 PM Griggs-Roberts Wedding
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Our Altar Flowers this past Sunday
Photo Courtesy of Peter Jezierny
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Parish Prayer List
Catherine and Bob Williams; JoAnn Kistler;
Roy Wright; Janet Gilliam; Ralph Sanders;
Pete Taylor; Janie Ward-Newton;
William Short; Brinley Harris; Don Caudill;
Margaret Park; The Rev. Sallie Simpson;
Patricia Harris; Larry Phearse and Family;
Mike Newton-Ward; Bill White;
NY Mike Smith; Tamara Gregory;
Lynda Terrell-Rea; Elise Abernathy;
Marsha Sample; Susan Doty; Lynn Wiss;
Kari Molvar Kim; Jemma Kim; Sue Johnson;
Nicholas Smith; Peter Smith; Lou Phillips;
Bob Williams; John Anthony Allen and Family;
The Pursley Family; The Cooke Family;
The Rahal and Anderson Families;
The Smith and Acton Families;
The Vitaglione Family; The Kershaw Family;
The Bailey Family;
the people of the Middle East;
the people of Ukraine and Russia;
victims of gun violence;
and those affected by drought,
heat, floods, storms, and fires.
And we pray for those who mourn,
including the family and friends of
Martha Bailey Rock Kershaw, Valerie Buckner,
Mary Best, A.B. Swindell, Peggy Hawks,
Charles Latimer, Nolan Simon, Karen Pursley,
Deborah Cooke, Susie Rahal, Jerry Smith,
Gerard Spagnoli, and Guy Vitaglione.
In the diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for
St. Timothy’s, Wilson and
La Iglesia de la Guadalupana, Wilson.
In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for
Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil.
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Prayer Requests
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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Ministry Opportunities
If you are looking for meaningful ways to serve, please consider the ministries listed below. The contacts listed can provide more information. More opportunities are listed on our webpages: Serve our Parish / Serve our Neighbors
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News from the Diocese & The Episcopal Church
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Parish Office Regular 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.
Thank you for reading the Parish News.
Announcements and photos to share with our parish family are always welcome!
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A Friendly Reminder…
Have you moved, changed your phone number or email address?
If so, please be sure to contact the Parish Office at 919-831-2000. Thank you!
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