Serving this Sunday

8 a.m.

Altar Guild  Lalor Smith and Jeanette Belfield;

Celebrant The Rev. Becky Zartman Carpenter; 

Eucharistic Minister Lalor Smith;

Flower Guild  Emily Bondy and Jenny Williams; 

Reader  Sharan Eikelberger

10:30 a.m.

Acolytes Sadie Meadows and Chydan Mullen;

Altar Guild  Betty Norman;

Audiovideo Engineer  Ron Sowers; 

Eucharistic Minister  Bob Larimer;

Flower Guild  Emily Bondy and Jenny Williams;

Greeters  Al and Barbara Hicks; 

Intercessor  Susan Folta;

Musicians  The Good Shepherd Choir; Lawrence Goering, organist;

Presider  The Rev. Becky Zartman Carpenter;

Readers  Corey Folta and Paula Stiles;

Vestry Counters  Corey Folta and Kenneth Burnette

Hello Good Shepherd friends!

In recent weeks, we have been reminded that we are a historic downtown parish by the presence of a neighbor at our 10:30 service. This is a wonderful thing! A church that welcomes people from all walks of life is a sign of spiritual health and growth.

We live in a world where people experience homelessness for many different reasons, most of them beyond the control of the individual. I think that this is what makes homelessness so uncomfortable to coexist with – because we know that if we didn’t have the family, friends and stability that we have, it could happen to us. But that uncomfortable feeling you’re feeling is not actually a bad thing. The question is what you do with it. 

This is a moment for us to reflect on how we can be both welcoming and wise. Here are some things to keep in mind as we share our church with our neighbors, including those experiencing homelessness.

Interacting with Our Neighbors

• Engage with them! It's okay to say hello, ask questions, and get to know them just as you would any other newcomer. The most transformative relationships are ones of mutuality.
• It's okay to say "no." If you are asked for money, it is preferable to say no. We have other, more impactful ways to help, which are outlined below. It is also always okay to excuse yourself or ask for more space if you feel your personal space is being violated.
• It's okay to say "yes." If you get to know someone and feel comfortable, it is perfectly fine to offer a ride or another kind of help, according to your gifts and comfort level. You get to choose how you interact with your neighbors.

A Note on Building Safety

During the week, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., our first priority is the safety of the day school children in our care. Only parents and people actively on school or church business should be in the building during the week from 7:30am to 5:30pm.

This is different from how we welcome people during our worship services and parish events, which are open to everyone who is not a danger or causing an undue disturbance. If a difficult situation arises, please know that I can and will handle it. 

I spent five years in downtown Houston with a church-operated day shelter across the street, and have spent a lot of time with homelessness ministries in Episcopal churches during my time in D.C. None of these problems are unfamiliar to me; but that means that I’m also aware of the gifts that true relationships can bring.

How We Can Help Together

The best way to help our unsheltered neighbors is to work together. One of the most tangible ways to make a difference right now is by supporting our food cupboard. While the Outreach Commission restocks it regularly, the items go very quickly.

We can keep the cupboard well-supplied with these much-needed items:

• Toiletries (feminine hygiene products, laundry detergent, dish soap, etc.)
• New socks & underwear
• Pantry items (canned goods with pop-tops, like tuna, beans, and meat)
• Diapers (all sizes)
• Snack foods & fruit (especially portable items like apples, oranges, and granola bars)

If you are interested in getting more involved with this or other ministries like Meals on Wheels, please reach out to Gayle Edwards on the Outreach Commission.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the state of the world, I remind myself to tend my own garden. Good Shepherd's garden is Rocky Mount. Doing what we can, when we can, is a long-term commitment that requires patience, but the work is always worth doing. I love doing that work with you.

If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to set up a time to talk. I would also be happy to speak with young people in your home who have questions about this topic. It’s always better to navigate these conversations with a buddy.

You know where to find me!

Love,

Becky+

This Week at Good Shepherd

Class Sunday! Join us in the Parlor at 9 a.m. for a discussion of "The Seven Last Words" by Father James Martin. Led by Albert Ervin, we will experience the meditations together. (No homework, but if you want, read Luke 23:44-49) This week we will explore the 7th Chapter, "Jesus Understands Self-Offering" Do join us!

Please join us for Coffee Hour after the 10:30 service. Coffee, donuts, and good fellowship in the Parish Hall Foyer. And you know who is welcome? You are!!

Would you like to gift our Day School with some needed supplies? Click here to make a donation! Thanks so much for your generosity and love for the children and staff who liven up our sacred space.

Mark Your Calendars!

Good Things Coming Soon!

NEXT SUNDAY!!! Rally Day Sunday Sept. 7 at 10:00 (One Service Sunday Sept. 7!) We will share a common service and roll into a great big party. We’ll take a great big Good Shepherd family picture and have a picnic, with games for all ages. We’re on the lookout for folks who can help us identify some unlabeled

pictures we’ve found in the archives, so please be sure to invite anyone and everyone from Good Shepherd’s past to help us fill in our history and look to our future! This is a great day to invite your kids and grandkids, and folks who have moved away. Vibe

is “It’s SO GREAT to see everyone!” We'll be providing fried chicken & BBQ, plates, plasticwear, and drinks. What can you bring? If your last name begins with:

A-F bring a salad

G-M bring a side dish or casserole

N-S bring a dessert

T-Z Bring fruit and/or veggies.

Choir Rehearsals Begin on September 3rd-- Come sing with us!

Wednesday choir rehearsals will resume on September 3rd.

The Cherub and Alleluia Choirs will rehearse Wednesdays with Cherub Choir starting at 5:00 p.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m. Alleluia Choir rehearsals will begin at 5:15 p.m. and end at 6:15 p.m. The two choirs will rehearse together from 5:15-5:30 p.m.

The Cherub Choir (for children ages three through first grade) learns fundamentals of music and liturgy and sings at the 10:30 a.m. service several times throughout the year, including at the St. Francis Day service, and on Christmas Eve.

The Alleluia Choir (for children in second through eighth grades and first graders with excellent reading ability) learns about music and liturgy and sings at the 10:30 a.m. service several times from September through May, at the St. Francis Day service, at Lessons & Carols, and on Christmas Eve.

The Good Shepherd Choir rehearses on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. and is open to all adults and high school students. The choir sings at the 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday (with a pre-service rehearsal at 9:45 a.m.), at a few evening services throughout the year, and on Christmas Eve.

Please contact Lawrence Goering at 252-442-1134, ext 5 or lgoering@goodshepherdrmt.org for more information about any of our choirs.

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Hallelujah! - Psalm 150:6

Mid-week Eucharist will resume September 3rd at noon. All are invited to attend this service, held in the Sanctuary

October 5th- St. Francis’ Day Celebration! Bring your pet to church for a blessing!

It's time to join our friends from St. Andrews for Episcopal Mah Jong. They will play at Bin and Barrel at 5:00 on Wednesday, September 10th. See you there!

Greeters needed, will you help out?

The first impression people get of our church is when people are greeted as they enter. It is an important ministry provided by a small group of volunteers and we need your help.

We encourage singles, couples, and families to get involved --and children with a parent’s supervision are welcome. On September 14, 2025 after the 10:30 Service, we are going to have a training session with Rev. Becky. If you aren't sure if this ministry is for you,

why don't you attend this session? Please feel free to contact Mary Palmer via email should you have any questions: piperremy444@gmail.com

Meals on Wheels Needs You!

Meals on Wheels needs a volunteer to deliver meals. This will only be once a month and is so rewarding!

We deliver meals to home-bound seniors providing both good nutrition and a friendly smile! Please call or text Katie Rose to volunteer at 252-450-5503

Outreach Committee Opportunities

The Good Shepherd Outreach Committee is in need of volunteers to help coordinate our programs and to generate new ideas so that Good Shepherd continues to serve our Rocky Mount community. We coordinate the Thanksgiving Boxes and the Christmas Stars Program and are looking to do more. Would you be interested in helping? If so, contact Corey Folta at 732-513-3025 or coreyfolta@gmail.com.

August 28

Andrew Mitchell

Charlotte Mitchell

August 29

William Barringer

Becky Bryan

Betsy Adams

William Daughtry

August 30

Eliza Bowen

August 31

Belinda Landis

September 1

Becky Michelfelder

September 2

Quintin Mangano, Jr.

September 3

Mary Craig

Walker Farish



Did we miss your birthday? Please email us at eshepherd@goodshepherdrmt.org



Parish Prayer List

For those in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity: especially George Vargha, Helen Sharpe, Jim Poole, George Townsend, John and Irene Groobey, Megan Bull, Jim Facile, Christine Godwin, Brenna M. Bennett, Roger Harris, Shannon Sutton, Florine McClain, Scott Sumrall, Joyce Cuthrell, Whitney Herbert, Dinah Fowlkes, Amy McCotter, Chris Poole, Gregory Strickland, and Willie Skinner.

For continued health and healing: Dawn McGlohon, Brent Wilson, Jeanette Benfield, Notie Vay Meadows, Bill Harris, Aileen Harris, Bill Hudgins, Mary W. Dawson, Becky Bryan, Albert Ervin, Frances Gaither, Dwight Johnson and Boo White.

For the blessings of this life: the birth of Darby Lane Hicks, daughter of Sidney and Westray Hicks.



For those expecting the birth of a child: Marckileine Lagros and Jake Facile, Kathryn (Hicks) and Jackson Bowen.



For those who have died: Elizabeth "Sister" Speight Cherry, and Skip Carney.



To add or remove people on the Prayer List please contact Cheryl Coppedge at coppedgecheryl@gmail.com. Please ask their permission before submitting. Please include an address in your email to Cheryl so that the Encouragement Committee may send a card.

A note about pastoral care emergencies: If you are experiencing a pastoral emergency (e.g. someone you love or you yourself are in the hospital, or you’re experiencing some distressing news) please call my cell phone (570-259-0671) and leave a message if I don’t pick up right away. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. If in doubt, please call – I can’t support you if I don’t know you need support!

BZC+