SEPTEMBER 2020 VOLUME 28/NUMBER 9

OUTDOOR WORSHIP In our Parking Lot

September 13

10:00 am

The Service includes:

Communion

The Rite of Confirmation for Brian Martinez and Logan Johnson

Kick Off of a New Year of Learning

Status Update of Prayer Walk

Stay in your car or sit on a lawn chair

Masks and social distancing required

FUTURE SERVICES PLANNED September 27

October 18

November 1 (All Saints)

November 22 (Semi-Annual Meeting)

December 6 (St. Nicholas Day)

PET BLESSING October 4

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from PASTOR RUSSELL Dear Friends in Christ,

September Blessings to you! This month we turn a corner and enter into fall activities. Of course, this year much of that is happening differently—for all of us, but most especially students, teachers, as well as school administrators and staff. I pray for the safety and resilience of all.

This newsletter is full of relevant information as to how we are turning the corner and entering into fall as a congregation, albeit it differently this time around. Although as a congregation we are definitely open and active, our building remains closed. With the continuing presence of COVID-19, our priority is the health and well-being of those who are part of this worship-ping community, as well as those in the broader community. We realize that some churches are choosing to hold in-person services in their buildings at this point. Given the size and vulnerability of our congregation, we are choosing to keep our ministry largely online. That includes offering recorded worship services each weekend, as well as planning for educational and small group ministries to be online as well.

A word about worship. Understanding that our online Services of the Word may not work for everyone, feed-back has been overwhelmingly positive, and our weekly worship attendance is actually higher than the in-person worship services before the virus, with a number of new people having joined us for worship! We plan to continue offering these services even when we are able to resume limited in-person worship in our building, knowing that not everyone will be able or willing to join us. If you do not have access to participate in worship (and other things we are offering) in this way, and are interested in gaining such access, please let us know. We have technical people as well as financial resources to help you do that.

In addition to these online services, we will also hold brief outdoor worship services in our parking lot every few weeks in the fall, for those who are comfortable participating. Dates are listed on the cover of this Good News; services are at 10:00 am on those Sunday mornings. These services include Holy Communion, with a communion wafer (in a zip lock bag), along with a bulletin, handed to you through the passenger’s side car window. Enter the parking lot using the designated entrance and follow the directions given. Participants are encouraged to remain in their cars for worship, hear-

in this issue . . . Bible Stories Project ........................... 8 Blessing of Animals .......................... 12 Council Highlights ........................... 11 Creation Worship Service ................ 11 CROP Hunger Walk ........................ 18 Daily Prayers on Facebook ................. 5 Engage with Us On-line ..................... 4 Evening Prayer—Want to Help?........ 10 Family, Faith & Fun............................ 9 Fine Arts .................................. 16 & 17 Food Hub ........................................ 15 From Pastor Russell ...................... 2 & 3 From Pastor Wilson ........................... 4 From the Cantor ................................. 5 Internet Access Support ...................... 7 Just for Kids ..................................... 19 LAMPa Welcomes Pr. Wilson ........... 13 Living as a Follower of Jesus ............ 12 Obtain Clearances ........................... 14 Opps&Invites ................................... 14 Parish Notes .................................... 10 Prayer Walk ..................................... 3 Senior Shepherds ............................. 18 Small Groups ............................... 6 & 7 StewarDiscipleship .......................... 15 Sunday School ................................... 9 Youth News ....................................... 9

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ing it through their FM radios. You may also choose to sit in a lawn chair in a designated area, keeping social distance by household. Please minimize risk by wearing a mask (including in your vehicle whenever a window is down, like to receive a bulletin), maintaining social distance at all times, and not congregating once the service is over. On the Sundays when an outdoor service (or the October 4 Pet Blessing) is not scheduled, adult education meets via Zoom, also at 10:00 am. In combination, there will be opportunity each Sunday at 10 for us to engage one another—in worship, learning, and Christian community. Of course, the online service will be offered every weekend, including when an outdoor service is scheduled.

By now many of you have read Good Shepherd’s COVID-19 Action Plan, posted and continu-ally updated on our website. Some of you have asked about the language in the plan that encourages those under age 3, over 65, or with underlying health conditions, to stay at home whenever we are able to hold limited in-person worship services in our building. While it is understood that each person makes that determination for themselves, we want you to know it is OK to stay home—and may be the best thing to do. More than anything we want you to stay safe. Knowing that many of you will stay home, we will continue providing online worship services each week.

Finally, I miss you. I especially miss worshipping with you in the ways we are accustomed. But I am grateful for the ways we are able to still worship, and the connections we continue to maintain. Please be in touch to share joys and concerns.

God’s peace be upon you. PASTOR RUSSELL

PRAYER WALK Coming soon! We invite you to join us on the church grounds for a physically distant but beautiful community building work day. We will gather on Saturday, August 29th (rain date, September 5th), beginning at 8:00 am to begin laying our prayer walk and creating our out-door worship space. Please bring your mask, gloves, and a water bottle. If you have them, please bring shovels, rakes, or wheel barrows.

If you are unable to attend the work day but would still like to support this ministry, below is a list of needs to make our gathering space a reality. Contact Pastor Russell or Prayer Walk Committee Chair, Rod Schoening, if you are able to sponsor a part of this project.

Prayer Station Stands $50 - $300 each Dog Waste Station $175 - $229 each Benches $200 - $600 each Wild Flower Meadow $300 - $350 Labyrinth Stencil $1200 - $1300 Altar Slab $2000 - $3000

See you on Saturday!

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from PASTOR WILSON Welcome to a new beginning!

Every blessing and God's peace be with you church family. As we prepare for one of the region's most beautiful seasons where God's handiwork is obvious in every sunset and changing leaf and crisp apple, new beginnings are happening in our lives at home and at church. From kindergarten to college, back-to-school certainly looks different than it has in previous years. Gearing up for a busy retail season or adjusted work schedule also is re-envisioned. Here at Good Shepherd we are praying and planning and listening and finding ways we can support and walk with all of you during this time of change.

On a practical level, Fall looks like more outdoor church services, now back on Sunday mornings, and the return of Adult Faith Formation on Zoom. Sunday School and Youth Group (now on Thursday evenings) will also return the week of September 13th. We have added a small group ministry (goodshepherdlancaster.org/smallgroups) and construction continues on our Prayer Walk outdoor meditation space for the community. Pastor Herbener and several members of the congregation will be joining the "Faith Talk" team as we share conversations about discipleship and faith in the real world Thursdays on Good Thursday's Facebook and YouTube. The emphasis is on relationship and faithful connection between each other AND with the world that needs a message of Jesus' peace and healing more than ever.

The world may not look the way we thought it would even a few months ago, but you are not alone in it. Your pastors and servant-leaders are here to support and care for and work along-side you. As a family, we are stronger. With God's care and inspiration, we can and WILL be part of new things, growth, and healing. Ever forward, together always, united in the Body of Christ.

Praying for you daily, PASTOR WILSON

ENGAGE WITH US ON-LINE Digital Church Portal with links to weekly worship videos, faith formation for all ages, and pastoral care resources: www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/adifferenttime

Digital Offering Plate using a secure server to protect your information and make sharing gifts and offerings simple: www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/donate

Digital Prayer Portal, where every prayer request is confidential and prayed over daily by your pastors and our prayer chain team: www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/prayers

Good Shepherd YouTube (use the Playlists tab to see weekend worship videos in an organized, easy-to-find format). Make sure to subscribe!: www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/youtube

Good Shepherd Facebook where daily prayers, all our worship videos, and multiple resources and the most up-to-date information is posted first: www.facebook.com/goodshepherdlancaster

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from the CANTOR Dear friends,

I enjoy discussing the relationship between God, religion, and fine art. Most of the time I focus on two key points that I don't think get enough attention. They are, 1.) All fine art, sacred in content or not, is a manifestation of God's creative nature in us and on Earth; and, 2.) Fine art that is sacred in content is critically important in the world, because, if all fine art was secular, God's great gift of creativity would only go toward secular purposes; i.e. none of it would be 'returned' to God by means of God's glorification. Both of these points apply equally to folk art and popular art, but it is fine art that gets criticized and scrutinized the most because of its very high cost. I bring up these points whenever I hear people questioning the merit of a large expense for a church like an artistic building project (stained glass restoration, steeple work, murals, gilding), pipe organ, statue, or commissioned work.

But there is a third point to consider, and it applies in a new way now that we are worshipping at home on a regular basis. 3.) Art is meaningful. We know this because art "speaks" to us on an individual basis, sometimes in very powerful ways. Religious art speaks to us about our relationship with God. When churches are built and decorated with artistic intention, the goal is to create inspiring settings that speak to a wide audience. When you create your at-home prayer space, your audience is you! You have the freedom to create a space, without compro-mise, that powerfully speaks to you individually.

We've been worshipping at home for half a year now. Keep in mind this started in Lent! If you haven't refreshed your home prayer space yet, now might be a good time. Consider how all three points apply to your home and prayer space. 1.) How can you bring God's creative nature into your home? 2.) How much of your art points you to God? 3.) How is your prayer space meaningful to you? It might be time to go art shopping! Find something that speaks to you in a powerful way and connects you with God, and include it in your prayer space in your own creative way. It can be a painting, sculpture, or poem; it can be new or antique; it can be large or small! The point is to find something that is just yours.

CHRISTOPHER PRESTIA, Cantor

DAILY PRAYERS ON FACEBOOK The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is on Facebook! We can be found at @GoodShepherdLancaster. Regular postings include inspirations, videos, announcements, and more. Each weekday morning, there is a daily prayer to provide encouragement, peace, and reminder of the Lord’s presence. Prayers may be individually written, found in your favorite devotional, or through the many ways that God speaks to us! If you have a daily prayer to share on the LCGS Facebook, please send to kellyoverlowery@gmail.com.

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SMALL GROUPS BEGIN THIS MONTH Small Groups begin this month! Missing more intimate community or seeking a new way to connect? Deepen your faith in real world ways by spending your Fall with a small group. Twice a month we will pray, learn, and act together. Creation Care (saving the planet!) begins in September. LGBTQIA+ and Allies Celebration and Support begins in October. Mid-day Breath Break; Mindfulness, Healing, and Self-Care also begins in October. To sign up visit goodshepherdlancaster.org/smallgroups.

RACIAL JUSTICE

Participants will begin their shared journey by taking part in a 7-Day Challenge entitled Introduction to Power, Privilege, and Leadership intended to jumpstart individuals' learning and provide a common starting point for the group's time together. Then, using the digital series The Color of Compromise based on the book by the same title, authored by Jemar Tisby, the group will spend time engaging the video and print material. As the material is completed, the group will begin to determine a direction for taking action with the intent of moving the needle on racial justice, racial understanding, and racial reconciliation in our church and our community.

To learn more about The Color of Compromise video series, watch the extended trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNmm9cvmxmY.

The Racial Justice small group will meet the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month from 7:00-8:30 pm, beginning on August 10, 2020, via Zoom. Dr. Kris Albert will serve as the facilitator for this group. The group size is limited to12 participants.

Sign up for the Racial Justice small group via the Good Shepherd website at https://www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/smallgroups.

CREATION CARE

Hopefully by now this is not the first you have heard the exciting news of Good Shepherd starting up our very own Creation Care Team to support the ELCA’s Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice social statement. The idea was initially introduced at the end of the “Water Works” video aired during the Block Party and again in the June and July newsletters.

The ELCA social statement and our Creation Care Team will be grounded in a biblical vision of God's intention for the healing and wholeness of creation. We will strive to fulfil our call and commitment to pursue wholeness and justice for creation through individual and community action, worship, learning, moral deliberation and advocacy.

You now have the opportunity to become directly engaged in this journey by signing up for the Creation Care small group. We will be meeting every other Monday beginning September 7th from 7:00-8:30 pm. Location details for the meetings will be determined after the small group has been formally established. Creation Care continues on the next page.

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The theme for the first five sessions will focus on the Season of Creation 2020; a world-wide annual celebration centered around renewing, repairing and restoring our commitments to God, to one another and to all of creation.

You can sign up by contacting Stephanie Lower directly at slower2nd@aol.com if you are interested. Your signup will be confirmed by receipt of an invitation to preview the new Creation Care Team of Good Shepherd Facebook page currently “under construction.”

LGBTQIA+ LUNCH BUNCH

Beginning Wednesday, October 7, 2020, we will host a 12:00 pm “LGBTQIA+ Lunch Bunch” from 12:00-1:00 pm every First and Third Wednesday of the month. This LGBTQIA+ oriented small group invites people who identify as LGBTQIA+ AND allies who would like to learn more about how to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the church and the world. We will explore the Bible, learn about modern vocabulary, explore services and resources, become familiar with the ELCA Lutheran organizations and social statements that support LGBTQIA+ people, and more. Special guests will include leadership from Lancaster Pride, the Lancaster LGBTQ Coalition, and numerous area Reconciling in Christ (open and affirming) congregations.

This group will be facilitated by Pastor Carla Christopher Wilson. Sign up today at https://www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/smallgroups.

MIDDAY BREATH BREAK / CHRISTIAN MINDFULNESS, HEALING AND SELF-CARE

Beginning Wednesday, October 14, 2020, we will host “Mid-day Breath Break: Mindfulness, Healing, and Self-Care” from 12:00-1:00 pm every Second and Fourth Wednesday of the month. Each session will be a healing and inspiring respite from the world where we will explore self-care techniques that engage the mind, body, senses, and spirit. We hope this gathering is a mental and physical health-supporting, fresh approach to Christian faith practices that encourages you to pray and experience gratitude in a deep and restoring way.

This group will be facilitated by Pastor Carla Christopher Wilson. Sign up today at https://www.goodshepherdlancaster.org/smallgroups.

INTERNET ACCESS SUPPORT Having trouble getting on-line and taking part in all the wonderful internet-based community that Good Shepherd offers? We want to help! If you do not have access to a computer or do not have internet service and would like support in getting it, please call or email the church office. If you are still adapting to new technology and would like support using the internet, YouTube, Zoom, or Facebook and would like a church member to call and talk you through learning those platforms, we can help with that too! Just let the office know the type of support you need and an internet support volunteer will contact you. Your Good Shepherd family is committed to ensuring we can all continue to worship together!

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THE BIBLE STORIES PROJECT FOR SEPTEMBER The Bible Stories Project for September is about Daniel and the Lions. It can be found in Daniel 6:1-28, the Spark Bible on pages 184-189, and online at bit.ly/BSPDanielLions.

In the story about Daniel and the Lions, we see that God is always with us, even in hard times. Daniel followed the commandment, “There are no other gods.” He also prayed a lot.

How do you know that God is with you, even in hard times?

When are times throughout the day when you can pray?

Bible stories teach children and adults alike how to understand God's purpose for us. They show us how God wants us to live our lives. They connect us to the Bible as a whole, and hopefully

lead to deeper Bible study as we grow in faith. The purpose of the Bible Stories Project is to introduce 50 important Bible stories over the span of five years. Each year, monthly themes include Christmas and Easter plus 10 new stories from the Old and New Testaments.

This month marks the end of our first year of the Bible Stories Project. Check out all of the awesome stories we have explored in the past year!

Creation

Queen Esther

Angels Visit & Jesus Is Born

John the Baptist

A Storm

Four Friends: A Healing Story

Palm Sunday & Christ the King

Mustard Seed

Saul to Paul

Burning Bush & Free from Slavery

The Ten Commandments

Daniel and the Lions

You can learn more about the Bible Stories Project, see the current month’s story, and access all of the previous months’ resources by going online and by visiting Good Shepherd's website: goodshepherdlancaster.org/biblestoriesproject.

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FAMILY, FAITH, FUN UPDATE

Family, Faith, Fun activities will be postponed until we can meet again in person. We encour-age you to use the Bible Stories Project cards you receive at the beginning of each month and to participate in the virtual Sunday School program. To receive weekly lesson plans, please email Judy Lefever at jrlefever@gmail.com to sign up. We look forward to the time we can again safely enjoy a meal, some stories, and activities with the children. Until then, watch for periodic children’s activities on Good Shepherd's Facebook and YouTube.

SUNDAY SCHOOL IS COMING TO YOU! Coming soon to an (e)mailbox near you: at-home resources for families to learn even more about Bible stories and about themselves! Of course, we are unable to have Sunday Church School right now; instead, we will bring Sunday School to you. We purchased a new curricu-lum to provide excellent Bible stories, questions, videos, and life skills for your children. These ideas and lessons are appropriate for children from age 2 to grade 6. Perhaps you know other children who might enjoy these plans. Invite them to join us. Please sign up here to receive an email: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy_kDfM0x2kHe-C3qf0h9SRSDE53qVuMef_ dye4HbiZ0XmEA/viewform. Emails will be sent out weekly – just like a weekly Sunday Church School lesson, but you can complete them at a time that suits your child. Videos will be available on YouTube.com/goodshepherdlancaster on a Children's Faith Formation playlist but complete lesson plans must be emailed.

We are excited by the new curriculum and we are sure both children AND parents will learn a lot about Bible stories and how the stories apply to their lives. It is important that your children see that faith is important to you so be sure to provide your email address at the link above. Grandparents and guardians are also welcome to sign up! These materials will make learning about Jesus both interesting and easy. Look for the first email on or about September 12.

LCGS YOUTH LCGS Youth is gearing up for Fall! We are planning to virtually gather via Zoom on Thursday evenings, from 7 to 7:30 pm, beginning on September 17th. We hope the time together will allow for fellowship and learning with God and one another!

LCGS Youth primarily uses texting to send notifications. If not already, we encourage our Youth and their Families to text @lcgsy to 81010 to begin receiving texts, such as our Zoom link, from LCGS Youth.

Have questions or ideas? Need any help or support with anything? Please reach out to Pastor Wilson at assocpastor@goodshepherdlancaster.org, Meghan at mlb403@gmail.com or 814-934-5636, or Kelly at kellyoverlowery@gmail.com or 814-327-5444.

Peace and blessings to all. We are EXCITED for our time together this fall!

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PARISH NOTES THANK YOU

to all who helped bring us safely together to Worship on Saturday, July 18. I was over whelmed with joy and excitement to be in the midst of my Church family. Your efforts certainly lifted my spirit and hope during this unprecedented time. I can't thank you enough. All of you are totally awesome.

. . . Annie Hasse

to Barry Sangrey and his mother Darlene Welsh, for their work painting the curbing around the building

CONGRATULATIONS

to Carolyn and Pete Haines who celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary. They were married on July 25, 1970.

PRAYER CHAIN Good Shepherd has an active prayer chain made up of concerned people who commit themselves to praying for various people and concerns each week. If you have someone to include in our prayers, or would like to be a part of this ministry, please contact the church office, 717-393-3958 or email cos@goodshepherdlancaster.org. Our prayer chain coordinator is Joan Walton. Concerns are kept confidential. ENDOWMENT FUND Good Shepherd has an endowment fund to enable gifts that continue to support ministries over time — gifts that keep on giving. Pick up an Endowment brochure in the church's narthex and call Bob Walton, chair, for more information (717-689-3666). Any size gift is welcome and important.

EVENING PRAYER – WANT TO HELP? Evening Prayer will continue each Wednesday in the fall, with a change to the format as compared to the summer. Beginning in September, each Wednesday’s Evening Prayer will be pre-recorded and then posted at 7:00 pm. The service can be viewed on Facebook. A slightly simpler format will be used for the prayer service itself. Doing this as a pre-recorded video might open up the possibility of a number of new people serving as prayer leaders, as the recording can be done at a time and place of their choosing—including at home.

Interested in taking a turn to lead evening prayer in this way? Have questions about this? If so, please contact Pastor Russell by September 15, so that he can engage you in conversation and include you in the next schedule.

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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

At its July 22 meeting, the Congregation Council took the following actions:

Approved an Action Plan from the LCGS COVID-19 Task Force that is relevant for now, when our building is closed, as well as when we are able to hold limited in-person gather-ings. The task force will continue to monitor the situation and the plan will be edited as needed. It is available in its present form for all to view on our website. For now, we plan to operate as we have been, with recorded services online, supplemented by occasional outdoor services of communion in our parking lot.

Heard plans for the launching of four small groups beginning the end of summer: Racial Justice, Creation Care, LGBTQIA+, and Christian Mindfulness.

Received an update as to progress toward establishing a Prayer Walk on our property.

Learned that, due to an error on the part of the ELCA’s Mission Investment fund, we have overpaid on our mortgage the last seven years; almost $12,000 has now been credited to us and will be applied to our principal balance.

Initiated the formation of a task force to help interested members gain online access, so they might participate in worship and other things.

Approved 2021 disbursements from the endowment fund, as per the committee’s recommendation and in keeping with the policy.

Re-appointed Bob Walton and Scott Faller to serve terms on the Endowment Committee.

Appointed Dr. Shirley Hunter to serve as chair of the Child Protection Committee.

CREATION WORSHIP SERVICE Lutherans Restoring Creation will share a special worship service, “Season of Creation,” on Sunday, September 20, based on the day’s lectionary text.

Taking part will be ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton; composer and musician Marty Haugen, with his hymn “Sing Out Earth and Skies;” the Rev. Barbara Rossing, LSTC New Testament professor, preaching; also the Rev. Lenny Duncan, Rebekah Bruesehoff and more.

We will be sharing the service as part of our regular weekend worship. It will be available on our YouTube channel and on Facebook. Stay tuned for more information or check out the LutheransRestoringCreation.org page to learn more about this joyful season celebrating God's earth.

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BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

10:00 AM

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2020

In honor of St. Francis, a great lover of animals, we will bless animals in the parking lot Sunday morning, October 4.

We know what a special place a pet can occupy in a household; bring your pets to receive a blessing at 10:00 am that day.

Of course, all attendees are required to wear masks, maintain social distance,

and leave once the blessing has concluded.

LIVING AS A FOLLOWER OF JESUS IN THIS CRAZY WORLD Join us on Zoom for our Fall Adult Faith Formation series beginning on September 20, 2020. "Growing As Disciples; A Lifelong Journey" will support adults in looking at what it means to be a disciple and a follower of Jesus in the real world, even and especially during uncertain times. We will learn to see and respond to Jesus's call on our lives in our hearts, with our families, and among our community.

Beginning "God's Work, Our Hands Sunday" we will have EITHER live parking lot worship OR Adult Faith Formation via Zoom every Sunday at 10:00 am so there will be a chance for real time interaction each week. Virtual worship will continue to be available each week as well via YouTube and Facebook. Adult Faith Formation information is below, as well as Zoom information to call in by phone or connect through a computer. As always, if you would like any assistance in connecting through the computer please contact the church office and we will assist you.

September 20, 2020 - "Growing as Disciples in the Time of Covid"

October 11, 2020 - "A Growing Person"

October 25, 2020 - "Knowing God"

November 8, 2020 - "Being Known by God"

November 15, 2020 - "What's Defining You Nowadays"

November 29, 2020 - "Life Together"

December 13, 2020 - "Uncovering Something More"

December 20, 2020 - "An Apprenticed Life"

Zoom Information for phone or computer: If Calling Via Phone: (301) 715-8592 Meeting ID: 816 0302 4355 Passcode: 944429

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LAMPA WELCOMES PR. WILSON TO POLICY COUNCIL The Rev. Carla Christopher Wilson, Associate Pastor of Outreach and Faith Formation at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Lancaster, will join the LAMPa Policy Council in September as a representative of the Lower Susquehanna Synod (LSS). She also co-chairs the Toward Racial Justice Task Force of the LSS and is a congregational coach and member of LSS’s Transformation Ministries Team.

“Carla is a gifted leader and is a strong advocate for people who are disenfranchised in our society,” said Bishop James S. Dunlop on appointing Wilson. “Her experience as community leader in York has enabled her to develop a clear public voice for advocacy. I am delighted that she agreed to serve in this capacity on behalf of the synod.”

Carla blogs regularly for Disrupt Worship, Reconciling Works, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, various Christian legislative advocacy websites, Lower Susquehanna Synod and others. She also co-facilitates a peer-support group for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

“I believe strongly in the call to public witness that is a part of the ordination vows I took. As the one gathering place that works intimately with Pennsylvanians across age, race, gender, economic status, and more, I believe the church is uniquely equipped to be a partner in shaping policy that helps and heals the commonwealth,” said Pastor Wilson. “The commit-ment inspired by my faith to both love and serve my neighbor is at the core of justice seeking that is what love looks like played out in the public sphere.”

Pastor Wilson is a former professional community-based activist and was also the Poet Laureate of York, Pennsylvania (2011 – 2013). Carla studied psychology, education, and creative writing at Columbia University in the City of New York and spent years as an educator and case manager in domestic violence shelters, state prison systems, and school districts before connecting her belief in the power of the written and spoken word with her passion for activism, and now faith-based activism.

I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Pastor Wilson during her time as vicar at Union Lutheran in York, and as a leader in the synod’s Toward Racial Justice Task Force,” said LAMPa Director Tracey DePasquale. “I’m excited about the tremendous passion and experience she brings to LAMPa’s mission.”

Carla has twice received the key to the city for her community empowerment and education initiatives, which include co-founding Equality Fest, a multi-thousand attendee festival in cele-bration of LGBTQIA+ Marriage Equality, in 2014, and the Rainbow Rose LGBTQIA+ Resource Center in 2019. She has been the force behind regional campaigns and activism training curriculum for groups like Food and Water Watch, Put People First – PA, the Y.W.C.A. of York County and several political campaigns. She has designed diversity programming for multiple school districts, businesses, and libraries, and has been a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for dozens of organizations, nonprofits, and educational institutions around the globe, from Rutgers, Penn State, and Northern Arizona University to organizations in Kosovo, Albania, Flint, Chicago, Baltimore, Phoenix and Philadelphia in the last few years alone.

from News of LSS, August 6, 2020

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INVITATION TO ALL TO OBTAIN CLEARANCES You are invited to explore the problem of child abuse. What data supports the implementation of Pennsylvania’s laws regarding clearances for working with children? If you are aware of a potentially abused child, what should you do? What does “mandated reporter” mean anyway? You have surely heard that volunteers who work with children must obtain clearances. How does one do that? We invite you to join many in our congregation who are reviewing these things this fall – and you can do it all from the comfort of your home! You can learn about this issue from any ONE of the following training sessions:

$30 on-demand self-paced training that can be completed at any time: https://www.pa-fsa.org/Mandated-Reporters/Mandated-Reporters-Training/On-Demand-Online-Training

https://www.d2l.org/education/stewards-of-children/ (no charge)

https://www.carecourses.com/Ecommerce/CourseDetail.aspx?ItemID=362 (no charge)

You may decide that you would like to obtain YOUR clearances as well. This will allow you to supervise children ANYWHERE in the community, and there is no cost to you as a volunteer. Security clearances can be obtained online at

PA Child Abuse History Clearance: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/clearances/pachildhistory/index.htm

PA State Police Criminal Record Check: http://keepkidssafe.pa.gov/resources/clearances/pspcrimck/index.htm

A large cohort of LCGS members will be completing these items this fall. Won’t you join us?

Please contact Pastor Wilson if you would like more information. She may be reached by calling 717-393-3958 or by email assocpastor@goodshepherdlancaster.org.

OPPS & INVITES EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITES AT THE SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER — Is a member of your congregation a licensed psychologist or mental health professional? The Samaritan Counseling Center is currently hiring counselors who have experience working with all age groups!

A master's or doctoral degree and a PA license are required. Up to full-time hours are available. Evening or Saturday hours are expected.

If a member of your faith community would like to join with Samaritan in our mission to foster hope and healing, a resume and cover letter can be submitted by email to hr@scclanc.org or by mail to Samaritan Counseling Center, Attention: Executive Director, 1803 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.

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Brighten the Corner Where You Are by Ina Duley Ogdon

1. Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do, Do not wait to shed your light afar; To the many duties ever near you now be true, Brighten the corner where you are.

Refrain: Brighten the corner where you are! Brighten the corner where you are! Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar; Brighten the corner where you are!

2. Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear, Let not narrow self your way debar; Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer, Brighten the corner where you are.

3. Here for all your talent you may surely find a need, Here reflect the bright and Morning Star; Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed, Brighten the corner where you are.

Sometimes the message for stewardship is as simple as a hymn!

THE LANCASTER FOOD HUB NEEDS YOUR HELP Volunteers are needed in the Food Hub, Clothing Bank, Wheels to Work, Winter Shelter and Intake. We are not open evenings or weekends. Food Hub volunteers are needed Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays any time slot between 8:30 am to 4:00 pm to help with food distribution while the food hub is open for walk-in service. Other Food Hub duties include sorting donated food, stocking shelves for bagging, packing bags, cleaning and bagging produce, packing frozen food bags, wheeling out food orders to recipients’ vehicles, taking out trash, and general warehouse maintenance. Clothing Bank volunteers are needed every day any time slot between 9:00 am to 4:00 pm to sort clothing, fill display racks, accept donations and assist recipients of services during distribution. Intake/Front Desk volunteers (with people skills) are needed Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9 am to noon to greet recipients, answer the phone, work one-on-one with confidential information and entering information into database. Women’s Winter Shelter volunteers are generally needed 7 days per week in the evenings and overnight from December through March. All volunteers are required to have up to date clearances and complete the training links located on the website https://lancasterfoodhub.org/volunteer/. Contact Executive Director, Gail Rittenhouse by call-ing 717-291-2261. The Food Hub is located at 812 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA 17603.

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FINE ARTS At the start of each concert season, Good Shepherd plays host to one of the church’s most successful outreach efforts, our Fine Arts Series, attracting performers and concert goers from throughout the region. This year, it is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Michael Felcone, a new Good Shepherd member and former music theory professor at the Manhattan School of Music; the ever popular Quintessentially Brass; and The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd’s own, Cantor Christopher Prestia. Please join us virtually for several evenings of artistic excellence and liturgical reflection.

Sunday, October 18, 2020 at 4:00 PM MICHAEL FELCONE, CONCERT PIANIST

QUINTESSENTIALLY BRASS

DR. MICHAEL FELCONE

will be featured as a concert pianist for the first part of the evening’s performance. A newcomer to Lancaster, Michael has worked as a Physician Assistant in various health care settings. Seeking areas in which to work that juxtapose medicine and music, Michael holds degrees from Hahnemann University as well as the Peabody Conservatory of Music. QUINTESSENTIALLY BRASS,

founded in 2009, will perform on the same program representing brass repertoire guaranteed to surprise and delight its listeners. Spanning five generations, the ensemble of five brass musicians has always been a favorite of audiences of all ages. This captivat-ing group is known for its charming stage presence, flawless technique and entertaining presentation.

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Sunday, December 6, 2020 at 4:00 PM

YULETIDE CELEBRATION

A Yuletide Celebration ushering in the Advent season will be inspired by an evening of Lessons & Carols. This theatrical occasion will also showcase an engaging walk through history highlighting Yule traditions from across time and around the world. We invite you to join us for a festive production that will delightfully entertain families and feed at-home participants in ways that stir us to remember Christ as the reason for this joyful time of year.

Sunday, February, 7, 2021 at 4:00 PM

CHRISTOPHER PRESTIA, ORGANIST

THE MANY FACES OF BACH

CANTOR CHRISTOPHER PRESTIA

will present an organ and cello recital featuring "The Many Faces of Bach." Johann Sebastian Bach was not only the revered composer we celebrate today; he also was a teacher, court musician, performer, and church musician. The breadth of his surviving work tells us much about his world. In this program you'll be sure to learn something new as you become acquainted with the many faces of Bach.

For more information about any of these free Fine Arts events, please contact the church office at 717-393-3958 or visit our web site at www.GoodShepherdLancaster.org/FineArts. Updates and links to concert events will be posted closer to the scheduled concert dates.

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Lancaster Area CROP Hunger Walk moves to a virtual walk on Sunday, October 18,,2020.

Over the past 50 years, tens of thousands of walkers have raised more than $500 million through the annual CROP Hunger Walk. The Lancaster CROP HUNGER WALK is one of the oldest CROP Hunger Walks in the Nation and Lancaster County has raised over 5 Million Dollars to fight hunger locally and globally through CROP Hunger Walks. We are introducing our VIRTUAL Platform for Self/Micro CROP Hunger Walking: www.crophungerwalk.org/lancasterpa.

Walkers will be signing up online and walking in safe Micro Groups to show their solidarity with the millions of neighbors around the world who must walk to live. The Lancaster Food Hub receives support from the CROP Hunger Walk.

From providing clean water and hygiene training in Vietnam to combating droughts in Nicaragua to stocking shelves in hundreds of food pantries across the United States, CROP Hunger Walks are fighting hunger and building healthier communities. It’s easy to sign up and donate to our walk. Just Google Lancaster CROP Hunger Walk, then click “register” or “donate.”

Plan your walk today – together – We’ve got this! Material for the event is available online or in August at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 64 Hershey Ave., Lancaster, or the Food Hub, 812 N. Queen Street, Lancaster. For more information or to answer any questions please contact our Walk Chairperson:

The Rev. Dr. Chris Rankin, Pastor of Trinity UCC 2340 State St., East Petersburg, PA 17520 717-569-1632 chris@trinityeastpete.org

SENIOR SHEPHERDS Apparently I missed the last Good News article because I was in hibernation. I've gotten really good at napping and missing things. I sure wish we could move through this virus and get back together, sure you share my dream! I did manage to see Anne Haase and Dolores Lavenski at the grocery store, at least I thought that was them behind the masks. Sometimes you think you know the person behind the mask but you're afraid to say anything. Well, not me, but some people. I'm hoping to get the clearance to have a meeting, missing all of the Senior Shepherds and El's Comments on Life! Check out our Facebook page - Senior Shepherds from LCGS, we're posting pictures from past meetings. Be safe! — Pete Haines

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The Staff

The Reverend Mark L. Russell, Pastor, pastor@GoodShepherdLancaster.org The Reverend Carla Christopher Wilson, Assoc. Pastor, assocpastor@GoodShepherdLancaster.org Mr. Christopher Prestia, Cantor, cantor@GoodShepherdLancaster.org Mrs. Kathy Tropp, Secretary, cos@GoodShepherdLancaster.org Mrs. Meghan & Mr. Wayne Hooper, Youth Advisors, mlb403@gmail.com Mrs. Kelly Lowery, Youth Advisor, kellyoverlowery@gmail.com Ms. Kathy Saltzer, Parish Visitor, kls148saltzer@aol.com The Reverend Henry Herbener, Parish Visitor, pastorheh@gmail.com Mr. Bob Scott, Sexton

Vision Statement The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd is committed to living out the unconditional love and radical hospitality of Jesus in our Worship, in our Service to the World, and in our Shared Life.