eVOICE for May 8, 2025



GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL CHURCH



Fourth Sunday of Easter

May 11, 2025


We will be celebrating with Transfiguration Church via Zoom at 9:00 am, and in-person at Good Shepherd Church 10:30 am.

Good Shepherd Mission Statement

We are a people who hear the Good Shepherd's voice.

We know by faith that we belong to God.

We are called to seek and love our neighbors as God loves us!

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

Good Shepherd's annual Plant Sale last weekend brought in over $800! The weather cooperated beautifully and a fun time was had by all. Many thanks to everyone who purchased plants and particularly to Joe Burckle (for his home-grown basil and zinnia plants) and to Liz Cocke and Diane Janesko (for all their help with set-up and staffing). Happy gardening, everyone! - Shaun and Allen

Wednesday Bible Study - 11:30 am in-person with Deacon Linda Mahler 


Telephone prayer meeting every Thursday at 9:15 am. The number to call to join the prayer meeting is 518-318-5354. If you have any questions contact Lynette Clark at 301-357-1726. 


Lunch Bunch- Come for May's "Memorial Day Lunch Bunch" potluck on Wednesday, May 14th at 12:30 in the Education wing. Bring a favorite dish to enjoy and share.


Visit to Mid-County United Ministries (MUM) - Allen, Shaun, and Lynn delivered our food contributions and gift cards to MUM headquarters on May 6. One of their HUGE shopping carts, which we loaded and wheeled up to the 7th floor, was filled past the brim with your donations from the Maundy Thursday supper (kudos again to Florence) and the first Saturday drive-by contributions (11-12 in the parking lot). Dayna Brown, the hardworking Executive Director, took the time to tour us through the facilities and introduce us to some of the Tuesday volunteers who organize the multiple and various forms of contributions for clients' Wednesday and Friday "shopping." Look for a future message about specific items they would love to receive. As followers of Jesus, we understand that when we help to provide food for those who are hungry, we are responding to the call of Jesus that begins in Matthew 25: 34-35: "Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me food."  


Good Shepherd Globe - One of the recipients of our weekly Globe contributions is AsylumWorks. The needs of the asylum seekers who come to our area are multiple. Some come from backgrounds where their very lives are precarious or endangered. PRISM, which is a part of AsylumWorks, focuses specifically on LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. Those who work to support the asylum seekers who make their way to this place of refuge are helped and supported by tireless workers who see the face of God in each and every person. Social Ministries encourages you to click here to learn more. Distributions to AsylumWorks and two other local groups, Shepherd's Table and MUM (Mid-County United Ministries) take place twice a year. Contributions may be made in cash (no coins, please) or by check (written to Good Shepherd, with GLOBE on the memo line.) Thank you. It makes the heart and soul feel good to respond to a need. 

Senior Warden’s Message


This prayer is offered for the Easter season:



Dear Creator of All, in this vast and diverse world, we come before you with hearts yearning for unity. We recognize that we are all interconnected, woven together in the fabric of humanity. Yet, we often allow our differences to divide us—differences in culture, belief, and perspective. We ask for your guidance to help us see beyond these divides and to embrace the beauty in our diversity.


Help us to cultivate a spirit of understanding and compassion. May we listen deeply to one another, seeking to understand rather than judge. Let us celebrate our unique stories and experiences, recognizing that each person has something valuable to contribute to the tapestry of life. Teach us to approach one another with open hearts and minds, fostering dialogue that bridges gaps and builds connections. May our commitment to unity inspire us to create spaces where everyone belongs, fostering a sense of community that transcends barriers. In your infinite wisdom, guide us on this journey toward unity. May we be a reflection of your love, shining brightly in a world that so desperately needs it. Together, may we build a future filled with hope, harmony, and understanding. In Jesus' loving name, Amen.


Plans and Progress for the Construction of the new

Evergreen Montessori School


Plans: The Vestry has established Team leads (vestry members) to handle all different aspects regarding the construction which begins after Labor Day for the new Evergreen Montessori School in the old building! The Team leads will be reaching out to find volunteers to help. Team leads are: Music (files, robes, chimes, etc. in Ed wing): Liz (George will be consulted/or on committee); Office consolidation: Debbie; Computers and retiring server(s): Vanvisa and Eric; Boy Scouts, Panda Camp and other congregations: Debbie; Team for the basement: Diane. 


Progress: 

The purple cabinet in the Ed wing has been dismantled and Diane Janesko is advertising for someone to take it!! Thanks to Mike for dismantling it!!

SOCIAL OUTREACH

The Reverend William Barber will be leading demonstrations on "Moral Mondays" (first Monday of the month) and anyone who wishes to join the demonstration in front of the Supreme Court (Rev Linda was there!!) at 11:00 am would be welcome and bring in the words of John Lewis "good trouble"!! episcopalnewsservice.org/the-rev-william-barber-arrested-in-capitol-rotunda-after-praying-against-republican-led-budget/

St. James' New Support Group for Federal Workers, and Updated Resources

The St. James' family invites our members and their friends who are impacted by the executive actions resulting in firings of federal employees to join a St. James' community support group. We are stronger together when we hold each other up in hope. If interested, please sign up through the office, office@stjamespotomac.org. Logistics regarding meeting times and format will come soon.


Resources: Below are some resources for federal workers and other impacted communities. If you need pastoral or emergency services, please contact the clergy through the office, office@stjamespotomac.org.


Learn More About Our New Partner MUM (Mid-County United Ministries) -Check out the website: https://mumhelp.org.


EPPN ACTION ALERT


Oppose Extreme Tax Cuts! Congress is attempting to extend tax cuts first enacted in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. These tax cuts benefited the wealthiest Americans, and current proposals would pay for tax breaks by cutting programs such as Medicaid and food assistance that protect the most vulnerable. As a church, our priority is to center those at the margins of society, including by supporting a tax code that reduces economic disparities. 

As the markup for the reconciliation package moves forward, we urge you to oppose an extension of costly tax cuts at the expense of programs that serve those who are vulnerable. Join us in calling for a fair tax system that gives relief to those who need it the most! Click here to take action.


Shepherd’s Table is asking Good Shepherd for volunteers. Please follow this link for opportunities to volunteer or reach out to Daniella Burgos dburgos@shepherdstable.org. Thank you!


Grocery Shopping for our Food Collection- All nutritious staples are happily received.

- Tuna, Salmon, or Chicken, in water

- Dry or canned beans (low sodium, if possible)

- Natural nut butters

- Brown rice (16 oz)

- Whole grain pasta

- Pasta sauce in plastic jars

- Canned vegetables (low sodium, if possible)

- Canned fruit (in juice)

- Fruit cups

- Shelf-stable milk in individual milk boxes

- Cooking oils and spices

LESSONS AND CALENDAR

Third Sunday of Easter

The First Lesson: Acts 9:36-43

Psalm: 23

Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17

Gospel: John 10:22-30


The Week of May 11, 2025

Sun 5/11 via Zoom 9:00 am, in-person at Good Shepherd 10:30

Mon 5/12 Iglesia de Dios 7 pm

Tues 5/13 SDA service 6 pm

Wed 5/14 Bible study, 11:30 am, Lunch Bunch 12:30

Thurs 5/15 Iglesia de Dios service 5 pm

Fri 5/16 SDA 6pm

Sat 5/17 SDA service 9 am & 6 pm

Sun 5/18 Zoom 9:00 am, in-person at Good Shepherd 10:30 am, Panda computer class, 1 pm, Iglesia de Dios 2 pm, BS Troop 97 3 pm

Zoom Readers (9 am):

May 11 Lillian Luksenburg

May 18 Elspeth Nunn

May 25 Laura Meissner-Denmark

June 1 Sue Womack


LEM & Lector

May 11 Debbie Beebe, Anna Gilcher

May 18 Linda Campo, Greg Wood

May 25 Donna Clemons-Sacks, Elspeth Nunn

June 1 Diane Russell, Lillian Luksenburg

Ushers

May 11 Miguel and Galo Correa

May 18 Sal Campo, Eric Reiffenstein

May 25 Diane Janesko, Shaun Hardy

June 1 Miguel and Galo Correa


Vestry on Duty

May 11 Debbie Beebe

May 18 Vanvisa Sivali

May 25 Diane Janesko

June 1 Lillian Luksenburg

Altar Guild

May 11 Debbie Beebe

May 18 Melissa Garcia

May 25 Millie Mautz

June 1 Diane Russell, Elisa Elliot

OFFER PRAYERS INTENTIONALLY TO GOD FOR ALL HIS PEOPLE:

Pat and Christina Ogg (GS members), Don and Joan Lewis (GS members), Ray Battistelli (GS member), Sue Womack (GS member), Frank Desmond (GS member), John Elliott (GS member), Joan DeMoss (GS member), Althea Peters (GS member), Bruce Campo (brother of Sal Campo), Joanne Cate (former GS member), Val Cole (friend of Eric Reiffenstein), Stacie Scarrow (friend of the Campos), Gabe Garcia (Melissa Garcia's uncle), Madison Smith (friend of Linda Campo), Robert Tschinkel (friend of Patricia Dorn), Jeanette Ottley (friend of Florence Walters), Trystan Walters (nephew of Florence Walters), Kyle Boggs, The Hamiltons (sister & family of Florence Walters), Cheryl Washington (friend of Florence Walters), Ken Douglas (friend of Florence Walters), and Brandon and Shanita Jones (friends of Florence Walters).


Names of Family and Friends will remain on the list for 4 weeks.


Clergy & Staff


Deborah Beebe

sr-warden@gsecmd.org


Deacon

The Rev. Linda Mahler

deacon@gsecmd.org



Organist & Choirmaster

George Drumwright

music@gsecmd.org


Megan Kennedy

Parish Administrator

assistant@gsecmd.org

Vestry & Delegates

Senior Warden

Deborah Beebe


Junior Warden

Eric Reiffenstein


Shaun Hardy

Ray Battistelli

Becky Parks

Liz Cocke

Vanvisa Sivali

Lillian Luksenburg

Diane Janesko


Delegates

Rosemary Addy

Alternate: Ana Janckson-Curtis

Counters & Recorders (All serve on a rotating schedule.)



Ray Battistelli

Elisa Elliot

Kirk Franklin 

Arlene Mahon

Florence Walters

Greg Wood

Jim Woodhams

Allen Wyrick

GOOD SHEPHERD EPISCOPAL CHURCH

818 UNIVERSITY BLVD. WEST, SILVER SPRING, MD 20901

Quick Links: GS website GS facebook Episcopal Diocese

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