Weekly Update for October 22, 2026

Top of Mind...

Invitation to Consider Vestry Service for 2027-2030

The secular business of the parish is handled by the Vestry, whose members are elected by confirmed adult communicants in good standing at the annual parish meeting in January. The Vestry oversees the fiduciary responsibility of our parish and makes decisions about our buildings and grounds. In addition to those duties, the Vestry also serves as a liaison to the ministries and committees that serve and work at CGS.

They serve staggered, three-year terms with four members elected annually. The Vestry meets once a month on the evening of the fourth Monday from 6-8 PM. The Rector presides over the meeting.

There are many gifts with which we can serve God and Good Shepherd. Just as Altar Guild serves with reverence for the Eucharistic meal and musicians offer their talents, vestry members have gifts for seeing the big picture, balancing competing interests, protecting the assets of our parish, etc. Why serve on vestry? Because you have these gifts and you want to share them.

Feel free to ask vestry members what it is like to serve in that role. That might be part of your discernment process along with prayer and sitting in silence. Self-nominations are encouraged, as well as suggesting this ministry to someone you think would be a good candidate.

Specific skills needed: Financial Acumen

For details about the nomination process, contact one of the Nominating Committee members: John Boyne, James Deal, Leslie Gilbert, Esther Hall, Dan Harris, and Gerard McNeal.

If you are interested in nominating yourself or others, please do so using this form. Thank you!

EYC Winter Warmth Drive

The Episcopal Youth Community is now accepting donations for their annual Winter Warmth Drive. Your donations of winter hats, gloves, scarves, socks, ChapStick, and small packages of tissues will be distributed to Shepherd’s Table guests on Veteran’s Day. Collection bins are currently located in the Parish Life Center lobby through Sunday, November 10th. You can also order online by visiting out Amazon shopping list HERE. Our youth thank you for your support! 

Jim Propst Memorial Oyster Roast

Saturday, November 7th 5-7:30 PM in Shepherd's Hall

You're invited to the annual Jim Propst Oyster Roast! Don’t love oysters? Don’t fret…shrimp, hot dogs, and kid friendly food will be available, too, along with yummy sweets. And kids will enjoy activities just for them. This is a fun food and fellowship event, and everyone is welcome! Come hungry and BYOB.

Registration is appreciated so we know how many oysters and shrimp to order. Please Register by Thursday, November 5th. There is no charge for this event, but a suggested donation of $15 per adult to offset costs will be gratefully accepted at the door.

Volunteers are also needed to help with the Oyster Roast; if you are interested in helping, please check that box in the registration form. Thank you!

*We apologize for the misspelling of Jim's name in the first email communication about the Oyster Roast.

Good Shepherd Young Adults

The Good Shepherd Young Adults will meet for dinner and drinks at Raleigh Brewing (3709 Neil Street) tomorrow Friday, October 23 from 6-9 PM. That night, the brewery will be hosting the After Dark Artisan Market which features local makers, craft drinks, and an outdoor night-market. Whether you’ve been a member since birth or are new to Good Shepherd, this is the perfect opportunity to help you get better acquainted with our young adults in our congregation. Invite a friend and meet us there.

Newcomers Classes and Reception

It has been wonderful to see all the new faces in the congregation over the past weeks and months. In order to help all our visitors and newcomers become better acquainted with the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Episcopal tradition, we are offering a series of classes and events throughout the fall and winter.

This Sunday, October 25th, longtime member and unofficial parish historian, Duke Fentress will offer his popular tour of our stained-glass windows. Whether you are new to Good Shepherd or a seasoned member who has never seized the opportunity, this tour will reward you with the history and the highlights of the remarkable collection that is one of the treasures of the Capital City.

The series will conclude on Sunday, November 1st with a Meet and Greet with parish staff, lay leaders, and ministry captains. This is a great way to learn how to get more involved in outreach, fellowship, or any of Good Shepherd’s other amazing ministries and programs.

Newcomers are also invited to attend a casual reception at the downtown home of Will and Christie Barbee at 4 PM on Saturday, November 14th. This will be a great opportunity to get better acquainted with both longtime members and other newcomers.

Then, in December, we will begin another series of classes on Anglican history and theology called, Episcopal 101. This class will meet on Sunday, December 6th and 13th and then take a break for the holidays before returning again in January.

If you have any questions or would like to get together for coffee, feel free to contact the Rev. Justin Gabbard at justin.gabbard@cgs-raleigh.org. We are so glad that you have chosen to make Good Shepherd your spiritual home. As the Book of Common Prayer says, I hope it will be to you a help in need, a counselor in perplexity, a comfort in sorrow, and a companion in joy.

Adult Formation: What We Carry - Led by Rev. Devin McGinnis, Deacon

Remembering, making meaning, and carrying it forward.

Grief is something we all encounter at some point in our lives. Sometimes it comes through the death of someone we love; sometimes through illness, change, disappointment, or a transition in our lives. These experiences can leave their mark on us, shaping not only how we remember the past but how we inhabit our bodies, our relationships, and our everyday lives. Often, we carry grief and the wounds of these experiences with us without even realizing it.

Together, we will:

• Name what we carry — learning to recognize grief and trauma and notice the ways they live in our bodies and our everyday experiences.
• Give voice to what we carry — exploring the practice of lament through stories, poetry, and creative reflection.
• Learn to Live with what we carry — considering how we can honor our grief and what we have lost while continuing to live, love, and move forward.

This series is 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; or
• you want to discover practices for honoring what matters while continuing to move forward.

Please join me on October 25 for Adult Formation.

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.

Costa Rica Pilgrimage Presentation

Are you interested in joining the EYC Pilgrimage to Costa Rica next July as a youth participant or adult chaperone? Join us in the Youth Room for an information session on Sunday, November 1st at 11:45 AM and again at 7:30 PM after EYC. Contact Rev. Justin Gabbard with questions.

All Saints' Day

We hope you will join us on Sunday, November 1st as we celebrate the Feast of All Saints. In addition to remembering aloud those who have passed, the choir will be singing movements from Malcom Archer’s “Requiem”. If you would like to add the name of a recently deceased loved one to the All Saints’ prayer list please do so here by Wednesday, October 28th. Please be aware that this is also the date of the City of Oaks Marathon. Several downtown streets around the church may be closed until 8:30 AM.

Consecration of New Altar

Bishop Sam will be coming to bless the new altar on Tuesday November 3rd at 12:30 PM, and we would love for you to join him if you are available! We will have a larger, public celebration at Bishop Sam's Visitation on April 4, 2027. If you are in town, we would love for you to be able to share in this special liturgy, especially after all the hard work and support you have given to make this new altar - from conception to installation - possible.

Legacy Dinner Invitation

On Thursday, November 12, please join us for a catered dinner to learn how we can advance the mission of the Church of the Good Shepherd using Legacy Giving. Our church was built by those with a vision of creating a perpetual Community of Faith. Throughout our history, members frequently made legacy gifts that sustained this vision – and we want to make a renewed effort to continue this important act of faith. We invite you to come and see how we too can build lasting legacies with a new generation of parishioners.

RSVP here by Sunday, November 8th to join us in Shepherd's Hall for a social time at 5:30 PM, followed by dinner on Thursday, November 12.

Poinsettia Orders

Christmas is right around the corner, and it is time once again to get your Poinsettia orders in! You can help decorate our beautiful altar again this year by purchasing a poinsettia. Each 6” plant is $20; order forms are available at this link and on the table in the Parish Life Center. The deadline is Sunday, November 15th. 

Did You Know?

Are you missing serving Items from your kitchen??

Behind the reception desk are MANY trays, carrying containers, etc. from when you all have generously brought food for functions at CGS, and we know you would like to have them back! Please claim these items from the table in the PLC lobby by Sunday, November 8th. Any remaining items after this date will be lovingly rehomed or donated. Thank you!

Faithful Voter guide

The North Carolina Council of Churches has created the Faithful Voter Guide, a nonpartisan educational resource designed to help Christians engage public life through the lens of faith, reflection, and faithful civic participation, and our diocese sponsored its translation into Spanish: Guía del Votante Fiel.

Through seven spheres of influence, the guide invites readers to reflect on how public policy can either foster human flourishing or perpetuate injustice. Grounded in scripture and the call to love God and love our neighbors, this guide offers scriptural guidance, reflection and questions for discernment as you prepare to vote.

We encourage faithful engagement with the issues before us, believing that our faith calls us to seek justice, show compassion and work for the common good. May this guide inspire reflection, conversation and action that helps build a more just and flourishing North Carolina.

Take a deeper dive into the Faithful Voter Guide by using our Companion Toolkit that give congregations and small groups a framework for exploring the issues, asking faithful questions and discerning how our values call us to respond.

News from the Green Team

Remember to cast your vote for Wake Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor(s)!

When you go to vote on Nov. 3rd, remember that near the end of your ballot you will be voting for an often-overlooked office: Wake Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor(s). These elected officials play an important role in the protection and improvement of our natural resources, especially water and soil. Those who want to help protect our Creation and protect people from chemicals in water, etc. should do some research before they vote to see which candidates are most committed to environmental protection.

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.  

Come Worship & Learn This Sunday

The Twenty-Second 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
• Adult Formation: What We Carry

9:30 AM

Choir Warmup

10:15 AM

Holy Eucharist with Baptism, Rite II

• Service Livestream
• Service Bulletin

11:45 AM

Fellowship Time Hosted by the 27608 Zip Codes; Contact: Sarah Boney

12 PM

Senior Choristers Rehearsal

1 PM

EYC NC State Fair trip

Next Week (Monday-Saturday)

Monday, October 26

• 9 AM Morning Prayer
• 6 PM Vestry Meeting

Tuesday, October 27

• 9 AM Morning Prayer
• 10 AM Staff Meeting
• 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 28

• 9 AM
• Morning Prayer
• Kaffeeklatsch Fellowship Group (at The Flying Bisquit, 2016 Clark Ave, Raleigh 27605); Contact: Jean Knepley
• 12 PM Holy Eucharist
• 6 PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal; Contact: Kirsten Homdrom
• 7 PM Chancel Choir Rehearsal; Contact: Kirsten Homdrom

Thursday, October 29

• 8:30 AM Books & Bagels Book Group at Starbucks (3800 Lake Boone Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607)
• 9 AM Morning Prayer

Friday, October 23

• 9 AM Morning Prayer

Our Altar Flowers this past Sunday

Photo Courtesy of Peter Jezierny

Parish Prayer List

Catherine and Bob Williams; JoAnn Kistler;

Roy Wright; Janet Gilliam; Ralph Sanders;

Pete Taylor; William Short; Brinley Harris;

Don Caudill; Margaret Park;

The Rev. Sallie Simpson; Patricia Harris;

Larry Phearse and Family;

Mike Newton-Ward; Bill White;

Bob Williams; AnnaLissa Farrell;

Lynn Wiss; Jefferson Bulluck;

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 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

Janie Ward-Newton, Nancy Lou Phillips,

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

Thompson Child and Family Focus,

Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry, and Kanuga.

In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for

The Church of the Province of Central Africa. 

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.

Support Our Parish

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

Parish Partners

• Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen
• Raleigh Mennonite Church
• St. John's Metropolitan Community Church

Connect with Us

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!