Weekly Parish News for Thursday, October 2

Announcements

  • Blessing of the Animals- Oct. 5
  • Pet supply drive through Oct. 12
  • New Adult Formation Classes in October
  • Music Dates to Note
  • Morning Prayer beginning Oct. 6
  • Men's Lunch - Oct. 9
  • Commitment Sunday- thank you!
  • ONE Wake update
  • Green Team Tour- Nov. 7
  • Safe Church Training - Nov. 9
  • David is on vacation

Worship With Us

Prayer List

Support Our Parish

Connect With Us


Don't miss this parish favorite! Bring your beloved pets (leashed or crated, please).

Learn more about the Blessing of the Animals at Good Shepherd in our latest blog article,
here.

Blessing of the Animals


  • When: Sunday, October 5th at 4 PM
  • Where: State Capitol Grounds (Morgan Street Lawn)
    


October 4 is the Feast Day of Francis of Assisi. Every year, since 1210 the "Blessing of the Animals" is celebrated to honor his connection to God's creatures.


This tradition is also observed in many other denominations. It's a reminder of St. Francis' life, love,  and compassion for animals, while acknowledging the joy, companionship and stress relief our animals bring to us. Please join us this Sunday at the Capitol grounds as we invoke God's blessing upon our fur-babies and all God's creatures!


Pax et Bonum,


Brother Paul Henry, OSF

Episcopal Order of St. Francis of Assisi



Caring for God's Creation

Supporting Second Chance Pet Adoptions


Through October 12th, we are collecting supplies to benefit animals lovingly cared for by Second Chance Pet Adoptions while they wait for their forever homes.


Second Chance Pet Adoptions has requested:

  • non-scented cat litter
  • pill pocket treats
  • super-chewer toys
  • large and extra-large Kong's
  • hand soap
  • bleach & paper towels


You will find a collection bin for your donations in the Parish Life Center Lobby. Donated items will be picked up by Second Chance on October 6th following our Blessing of the Animals. Thank you for your generosity! Contact: Katie Chimenti (832.651.7516)

New Opportunity for Adult Formation This October


Adult Formation: October with C.S. Lewis 

Good Shepherd, 9:00am, Sundays, October 5 - 26


Join Ian Finley and other instructors for four sessions this fall exploring the life and works of one of the great modern voices of Christianity: C.S. Lewis. The class will meet in the new Adult Formation room on the second floor of the Parish Life Center.


  • Session 1: C.S. Lewis & Mere Christianity - An introduction to Lewis and the series of WWII radio talks that became this approachable and moving introduction to Christianity. 


  • Session 2: Exploring Mere Christianity - A discussion of the opening section of Mere Christianity  and Lewis' compelling argument for the existence and grace of God.


  • Session 3:  The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe - Enjoy readings from Lewis' most famous work, and explore its significance as a Christian parable.


  • Session 4: Lewis' Legacy - Lewis left behind a wide selection of fiction and theological writings, from novels to essays. We'll explore his canon, and avenues to continue your reading.


Music Dates to Note for Fall and Advent - Mark Your Calendars!


  • October 5 - Good Shepherd Choir (grades K-2) sing for 10:15am Eucharist
  • November 9 - Chancel Choir joined by First Presbyterian Church Choir and Mark Woodcock, director, for 10:15am Eucharist
  • December 7 - Traditional Advent Lessons and Carols NEW time! 4:00pm with reception to follow


Morning Prayer Info & Training Session beginning October 6


Beginning the week of October 6th, we will re-introduce Morning Prayer on weekday mornings in the church. We will begin offering Morning Prayer from 9:00-9:30 Monday through Friday starting on October 6th. Coming together in this simple way can deepen our sense of companionship with God and each other, and also reorient us to God's sense of peace and purpose for our lives as the day begins.


Additionally, the church will be open beforehand on weekdays starting at 8:30 for those who desire a space for silent prayer (even if you want to step in for 5 minutes on your way to work) or for those who have scheduling conflicts at the 9 o'clock hour. To learn more, please contact Rev. Imogen

Monthly Men’s Fellowship Lunch – October 9


Men’s Fellowship Lunches take place on the SECOND THURSDAY of each month at 12 NOON at High Park Grill (625 E. Whitaker Mill Road). Come enjoy lively fellowship and a reasonably priced meal--no reservation is required and everyone is welcome! Contact: Jack Boyne (919.832.3641)

Commitment Sunday - thank you!


On Sunday, September 28, as the Stew to Go sale was beginning, the kind Security Officer (Joshua Freeman) came by the table to ask if the stew was for sale. He wanted to buy it for one of our porch guests who was struggling. We gave him a spoon and tried to return his money, but he refused. What a simple act of kindness.


Commitment Sunday was a big success with lots of folks enjoying our STEWardship luncheon with a special treat this year as we celebrated the pending nuptials of our own Frank Fee and Megan Gauss Hill. We warmly welcome Megan, George, and Mays to the Good Shepherd family. The stew was extra popular this year and we sold out our 48 to go containers. Great thanks to our STEW CREW and Lunch Team for a good event. See more photos here in our facebook photo album!

 Learn more about our Annual Giving Campaign and make your pledge online here. 
It's not too late!

Stewardship through ONE Wake

You are ONE Wake.


CGS is joined with the members of 48 other churches, mosques, synagogues, and non-profits to advocate for all voices. ONE Wake is a non-partisan, multi-ethnic, and focuses on multi- issues with a focus on affordable housing to equity, mental health and public transportation.


I attended the ONE Wake Strategic Retreat on 25 Sept and am enthusiastic about the progress

made and the plans to get help for Raleigh housing diversity. The top actions include:

a. Support a $200M housing bond with a simple message: “Vote Yes for homes”.

b. Expand influence with Wake corporations, other churches, and towns

surrounding Raleigh.

c. Get at least 100 acres of affordable land for 2000 housing units.

d. Establish subcommittees to focus on key areas needed to win affordable

housing.

i. Increase fund raising

ii. Raleigh Bond referendum

iii. Expanding Municipalities representation  I joined this.

iv. Land research

v. Broden clergy base


I volunteered for Municipalities because Church of the Good Shepherd is a downtown church

with members from the 12 surrounding towns. Connecting our members with their township

political representatives is a logical goal. ONE Wake must expand our reach


What can you do?

  • Join the CGS ONE Wake mailing list by sending me an email to learn about current actions.
  • If you know someone who needs housing and willing to speak, I will get their name to ONE Wake organization who cherishes testimony.
  • If you live in a surrounding town, please help ONE Wake grow there. I will be contacting you.
  • As you look at those on our street corners, those lined up at the Shepherds Table, our monthly lunches, or at the CGS Little Pantry or tent villages among the trees on the road ways, see these ONE Wake actions as a proven way to improve lives and increase hope.


Submitted by Jeff Whittaker or text 919-696-1612.

Take a tour with the Green Team!


Join the Green Team on Friday, November 7 at the Walnut Creek Wetland Educational Center and Nature Park.


Often environmental stories are sad and depressing, but we have a good news story that is the result of Episcopalians partnering with grassroots organizations to restore wetlands, resulting in the beautiful Walnut Creek Wetland Educational Center and Nature Park.


Learn more on our website:

Safe Church Training, Sunday November 9th


The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina requires many ministry positions and volunteers to complete Safe Church Training every three years. The training is designed to ensure that each church is providing a safe place for children and young people as well as adults who are vulnerable. Those required to attend are clergy, church staff, vestry members, anyone who works with children or youth, anyone who makes at-home visits or other visits on behalf of the church.


The Diocese of North Carolina is providing 3 training sessions in November. One of those is November 9 at 1 PM, and a group of us from Good Shepherd will experience this session together. Would you like to join us? Please do. A light lunch of sandwich and chips will be served. Please call the Parish Office (919.831.2000) to reserve your spot. Contact: Susan Lewellen

Worship With Us

Sunday, October 5


8 AM

  • Holy Eucharist, Rite I
  • DOK available for healing prayers


8:30 AM - 12 Noon

  • Nursery Care Available (infant-4 yo)


9 AM

  • Kid’s Sunday School
  • Bible Study led by Debbie Moyer in Room 303
  • C.S. Lewis Series led by Ian Finley, second floor Adult Formation room


10:15 AM


11:30 AM

  • Beyond Our Doors community lunch


4:00 PM



5:30-7:30 PM

  • EYC (Episcopal Youth Community)

The Church of the Good Shepherd Prayer List

  • Roy Wright
  • Catherine and Bob Williams
  • Janet Gilliam
  • Ralph Sanders
  • Pete Taylor
  • Martha Bailey
  • Peggy Hawks
  • Janie Ward-Newton
  • William Short
  • Paul Hoch
  • JoAnn Kistler Lattimore and Charles Lattimore
  • Brinley Harris
  • Don Caudill
  • Janet Watrous
  • Jerry Smith
  • Margaret Park
  • Lynda Terrell-Rea
  • Randy Roberts
  • The Rev. Sallie Simpson
  • Patricia Harris
  • Susie Rahal
  • Tamara Gregory
  • Larry Phearse and Family
  • Bob Kirchgessner
  • Diane and Gary Gabbard
  • David Lovelace
  • Leslie Myszka
  • Michael Koslow
  • Meg Dreifuss
  • Garrett Stewart
  • Glenna Musante
  • The Riddle-Roberts Family
  • The Bass Family
  • The Lingerfelt Family
  • The Williams Family
  • the people of Israel and Palestine
  • the people of Ukraine and Russia
  • victims of gun violence
  • those affected by drought, heat, floods, storms, and fires.


We give thanks for the birth of Ambrose Hale Jacquet-Freese, the son of McKenna and Jean-Paul.


We pray for Megan Gauss Hill and Frank Edward Fee, III who are to be married on Saturday.


In the Diocesan cycle of prayer, we pray for St. Mark’s, Wilson; St. Timothy’s, Wilson; and La Iglesia de la Guadalupana, Wilson.


In the Anglican cycle of prayer, we pray for The Anglican Church of Tanzania.

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.

Altar flowers from September 28, 2025. Photo courtesy Peter Jezierny.

Support Our Parish

Thank you for Supporting the Life and Ministries of Good Shepherd

Parish Finances


Thank you for your faithful financial support of our church and our ministries.


BUDGET UPDATE


January 1 - August 31, 2025

   Actual Income $665,287

Budgeted Income $684,212

 Actual Expenses $640,669

           Net  $24,618


August 2025

   Pledge Income $48,166

Budgeted Pledges $54,136

            Net - $5,970

If you are looking for meaningful ways to serve the parish, please consider the ministries listed below. The contacts listed can provide more information.



News from the Diocese

The vision of the Diocese of North Carolina is to be a community of disciples committed to following Jesus Christ into the dream of God for us and for all creation, in Becoming Beloved Community.


Be sure to check out news and information from the Diocese and The Episcopal Church on their websites.

Our Parish Partners

Connect with Us

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. 


Thank you for reading the Parish News. 
Announcements and photos to share with our parish family are always welcome! 


Please email your contributions to Dana Deaton at
cgsnews@cgs-raleigh.org The deadline for newsletter submissions is Wednesday at 2 PM. Thank you! Announcements may be edited for content and space.

A Friendly Reminder…

Have you moved? Changed your phone number or email address?
If so, please be sure to contact Parish Administrator David Baggett at david.baggett@cgs-raleigh.org or 919.831.2018). Thank you!

Facebook  YouTube  Web
711-current-website-logo-4.png

The Church of the Good Shepherd | 121 Hillsborough St | Raleigh, NC 27603 US