GOOD SHEPHERD NEWS
Church of the Good Shepherd
Anglican Parish of Lancaster
668 Manawagonish Road
Saint John, NB E2M 3W5
Sunday Services: 10:30 AM
Fr. Keith Joyce, Interim Priest
Parish office hours are Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Phone: 506-635-8145 Email: goodshep@nb.sympatico.ca
Vestry Highlights-May 13 meeting
Financials:
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We are $2332 in the black YTD which is better than both budget and last year.
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This does not include our natural gas bill which has not been received for March/April.
Other:
You may notice a slight change to the altar in the coming weeks. We will be removing the top platform on which the altar sits to provide more (and safer!) space around it.
Roofing never ends – our building committee is researching several options and quotes to replace more of our roof surfaces including the very steep and large one over the nave.
The Church of the Good Shepherd is hosting a Vendor’s Market & Café on June 24th as part of the West Side Days celebrations happening June 18th- 25th. We also want to display pictures, artifacts and other memorabilia to folks visiting our church that day. If you have any pictures etc. of events that occurred at St. Jude’s, St. George’s or the Good Shepherd, we would love to display them and promise to return them promptly after the event! Don't forget to check out this POSTER to learn all about what is going on that day.
Our summer student, Ellie, will be with us for twelve weeks. She is taking care of the cemetery and church grounds and will be cleaning the church while Larry is off for the summer. We are grateful to the SEED program for making it possible to hire her.
COMMUNICATION ALERT: We want to make sure we are reaching parishioners. Any parishioners who have an email address and haven't yet provided your email to the church office, please email (goodshep@nb.sympatico.ca) or call (635-8145) to let the office know you would like to be added to the email distribution list. We are now on a schedule of one 10:30 am Sunday Service.
RECTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND:
The Rector's Discretionary Fund can always use a boost. This fund is used to help people who have an emergency monetary need. If you wish to contribute to this fund please put it in an envelope marked "Rector's Discretionary Fund" or contact Lori in the Office. Thank-you
THE SHEPHERD'S CUPBOARD:
Is a ministry to people who are in need of some basic food items and is ongoing, esp. at this time of year. Please bring non-perishable food items to church with you. Gift cards and financial donations are also accepted to help with this valuable ministry.
FOOD BANK MINISTRY:
Please remember the West Side Food Bank with a toonie or a loonie in the can in the Narthex, or a donation in a special envelope marked with your name or number. We aim to support the Food Bank by at least $200/month, since they can purchase more groceries with our dollars than we can purchase at the retail stores!
Caring Cards: LIFT (Ladies in Fellowship Together) continues to create beautiful greeting cards to brighten the days of parishioners and others who need a note of encouragement or fellowship. Call the church office if you know someone who could benefit from hearing from us.
Need a place to hold an event or meeting?
Contact our church office Tue-Fri 9am-12pm (635-8145) for availability and shared cost of using our large hall/gym, small hall or the Sunshine meeting room. Individuals and companies are welcome to inquire. See facility pics here:
Caring Closet at Lancaster Baptist:
We continue to support the Caring Closet at Lancaster Baptist. Please remember them as you transition to warmer weather clothes. There are many families and individuals who could use your gently worn items that you no longer need.
On Saturday, Nov 5th, 2022 the Diocesan Synod was held (Fredericton, N.B.). Click on this link to see related documents, including Archbishop David's charge:
138th Session of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton
Monthly Book/Puzzle Exchange - We launched a book/puzzle exchange Fall of 2022 and invite you to join us! The exchange will function differently than typical books clubs. There is no pressure or deadline to read a specific book. Rather, we will discuss what book or books we have read and recommend to others. A fellowship based on the love of books over a cup of coffee or tea. To encourage the exchange, a bookcase has been placed in the hallway where you can drop off your recently read (gently used) books and/or pick up another. For those who like the challenge of jigsaws, a puzzle exchange will also be available. The exchange will meet the fourth Thursday of every month, in the Small Hall, at 6:30. All are welcome!
Crafting for a Cause – we are looking to see if anyone is interested in a Pop-Up Craft Class? The cost for the class would include supplies to make your own take home craft. Profits from the classes would go to a designated outreach program. Class size and cost would be determined by the craft. The classes would be open to anyone in our community (children must be accompanied by an adult). Please email the church if you are interested: goodshep@nb.sympatico.ca or speak with Janet Brown or Terry Ricketts.
PRAYER SHAWLS - When an inquiry about the availability of a prayer shawl was received last Fall, a small group of Good Shepherd parishioners thought it would be a good idea to have some on hand. It is our hope that they might bring comfort and peace for those who receive them. They will be offered freely as a gift of love and care. We would be delighted to welcome anyone who would like to participate in these efforts.
So, what is a prayer shawl? A handmade shawl is like a hug that can be worn. It is what you would like it to be! In its simplest form, it is keeping a possible recipient in one’s thoughts and prayers while its being made. It can be given to honour a celebration or can offer comfort in a time of struggle like a recent death or a disease diagnosis or for anyone in need of hope – man, woman or child.
The shawl, itself, can be of any material. It can be knitted, crocheted, sewn, quilted or can be fleece. It can be square, triangular or rectangular. It can be any colour or pattern. So long as the recipient can wrap it around his/ her shoulders and know that it was made and given with hope and love.
We ask that requests be limited to our own parish as our supply is limited at the present time. For information or to inquire, contact Ngaire Nelson (506-672-8666)
Let's all continue to pray for Ukraine. Here are some prayer suggestions to help you.
Tintinabula Hand Bell Choir meets Mondays 6:45 pm to 8:15 or 8:30 pm in the small hall! . Contact Lynn Adams at 635-8474.
Choir directed by David Mitchell (738-2798) meets Wednesdays at 7:00 pm in the small hall!
Saint John and District Senior's Shuffleboard League meets 10:00 am Wednesdays in the gym! Contact Ngaire Nelson at 672-8666.
MISSION ACTION PLAN & FINANCIAL ACTION PLAN:
We have embarked on a journey of prayerful discernment and research that will chart our course at the Church of the Good Shepherd for the next 5 years. We are asking everyone to pray regularly as we seek God’s direction for us to be faithful in our mission field here on the West side and seek to be good stewards of our finances, talents, and resources. A presentation by this committee was made at our Annual AGM on Feb 13th, 2022 by Terry Ricketts.
FINANCIAL FUTURE COMMITTEE:
We have formed a new committee to create a 5 year financial outlook. We looked at trends in offering and expenses. We are looking to address our financial shortfall and our future together. We had an hour meeting every few weeks for a number of months since Nov 11, 2021. A presentation by this committee was made at our Annual AGM on Feb 13th, 2022 by Susan Jack.
WEDNESDAY YOUTH GROUP (ages 8-12): Click here for more information. Youth group is temporarily on hold until we find a more permanent full time Priest.
PRAYER RESOURCES:
The Rev. Jonathan Springthorpe has created a video with a reading of the Book of Common Prayer Morning Prayer office for use by individuals or groups. All of the words are projected, with the exception of the Scripture passages and Collect, at which point the video can be paused to insert those of the day. Find this and other resources for praying at home on the diocesan website.
WORSHIP CDS AVAILABLE:
David has compiled 21 songs recorded over the past year and a half, which have been used in our worship services. These songs include solos, duets and small ensemble numbers. They are available at the back of the church for a donation of any amount. Proceeds will go to our Shepherd's Cupboard.
PASTORAL CARE - please contact our church office at 635-8145 if you are in need of pastoral care.
If someone is on your mind then reach out and call them. Look to God the author and finisher of our faith. He is able to uphold us and help us to stand even in the darkest hour. May God bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you now and forever more.
If you need any practical help for example a drive to the grocery store or pharmacy please contact the church office (635-8145) as there are people who are willing to help you in this difficult time. See top of this page for office hours.
Thank you to everyone who is able to still continue with your regular offerings - electronic or otherwise. Whether you are able to still give offerings or not is secondary to the trust that we have in God that our needs both as individuals and as a church family can be met.
If you are willing to consider E-Offering, there is a link to the application on the home page of this website (right side). Lori Maker (635-8145) is your contact if you have any questions or wish to begin with E-Offering. You can change your E-offering amount at any time this way if your financial circumstances change.
We are also set up to receive e-Transfer donations:
e-transfer: goodshep@nb.sympatico.ca (auto-deposit)
There is a comment field available in e-transfer where you can put your envelope # and, if applicable, a specific account to which you want your donation directed. Our "Rector's Discretionary" or 'Good Shepherd Pantry" funds could always use a boost. It is important that our Rector be able to help in cases of emergency need. It is important that we continue to support these valuable ministries! Of course, let's not forget our contributions to the "West Side Food Bank".
Thank you, and God bless! Together we can do this!
"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
2 Corinthians 9:7 NRSV
ONGOING MINISTRIES
OUR PARISH PRAYER TREE:
A team of volunteers is available upon request, to pray for you or your loved one daily, for two weeks. These prayers will be treated with the strictest confidence. Prayer-requests should be short and to the point, and will be passed on verbatim. The Lord knows what we need best! A follow-up of thanks or an update encourages our intercessors in their ministry. To initiate the prayer-tree ministry please call your request to our “Captain”, Ngaire Nelson 672-8666. Our prayer tree ministry continues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SAINT JOHN MISSION TO SEAFARER'S PRAYER CYCLE:
In January, We pray for all seafarers at the start of the New Year, that they may look forward to a satisfying job ahead and in our prayers we remember their loved ones left behind.
THE SHEPHERD'S CUPBOARD:
Is a ministry to people who are in need of some basic food items and is ongoing, esp. at this time of year. Please bring non-perishable food items to church with you. Gift cards and financial donations are also accepted to help with this valuable ministry.
FOOD BANK:
Please remember the West Side Food Bank with a toonie or a loonie in the can in the Narthex, or a donation in a special envelope marked with your name or number. We aim to support the Food Bank by at least $200/month, since they can purchase more groceries with our dollars than we can purchase at the retail stores!
ROMERO HOUSE COOKING TEAM:
As of August 2022, the Romero House cooking crew has completed their outreach project. After two and a half years the team decided it was time to hang up their aprons. We can’t’ thank the congregation enough for all the support provided over that time. The remaining funds in the account will be donated to Romero House.
We continue to support the Caring Closet at Lancaster Baptist. Please remember them as you transition to warmer weather clothes. There are many families and individuals who could use your gently worn items that you no longer need.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR SPECIAL VOLUNTEER “MISSIONAL” WORK
FOR BLESSING IN OUR COMMUNITY BY MEMBERS OF THIS PARISH:
Alcoholics Anonymous; Bibles for Missions Store; Big Brothers/Big Sisters; St. Rose Breakfast Program; Carleton Kirk Lodge; First Steps Housing; Gentle Path Counselling Services; George’s Café; Hospice Greater Saint John; Loch Lomond Villa; NB Foster Parents Association; Outflow Ministries; Pregnancy Resource Centre; READ Saint John; Rocmaura Home; Romero House; Safe Harbour Youth Shelter; Saint John Theatre Company; the Salvation Army; the Seafarers’ Mission; Volunteer Services at the Regional and Centracare Hospitals; the Westside Food Bank; and the Mothers' Union.
Choir has resumed Wednesdays at 7:00 pm! Director: David Mitchell
Tintinabula Hand Bell Choir has resumed Mondays 6:45 pm in the small hall. New members welcome! Contact: Lynn Adams at 635-8474
L.I.F.T. (Ladies in Fellowship Together) normally meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month in the Small Hall, except in July and August. All women in the parish are welcome at our meetings! Starting in January 2023, the group will continue to meet the 2nd Thursday of the month, but they voted to meet at 2:00 PM instead of 6:30 pm.
RECYCLING BOTTLES AND CANS! In March 2017 L.I.F.T purchased and placed 3 blue recycle bins around our church hall and gym areas for your convenience. They have also opened up a “Church of the Good Shepherd” account at the Golden Mile Redemption Center, 35 Linton Rd. To donate, all you need to do is take your bottles/cans to the Golden Mile Redemption Center on Linton Road (West SJ) and tell them you want the proceeds put on the "Church of the Good Shepherd" account. Proceeds of donations to this account for now will go to support our Youth, so any help you can provide with your recycling donations will be most appreciated. Thank you to all who donated their recycling proceeds to date, and who continue to do so going forward. Phone: 506-674-1206
Operating Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri 8:30am–4:00pm; Wed closed; Sat 8:30am-12:00 pm
COMMUNITY
Something for everyone this Summer at SUMMER SOUNDS 2023!
Check out the attached POSTER for all the details!
Catapult Training & Employment, part of Outflow Ministry Inc., is currently recruiting students for our upcoming cohort beginning July 4 and we have a few spots left. Click on the poster for details!
Beacon Cove (the youth shelter in Saint John) is in need of toiletries for both men and women, including hygiene products. Click on this link to their website:
The L.I.F.T (Ladies in Fellowship Together) group and our Vestry at the Church of the Good Shepherd approved the purchase of about $500 in toiletries to be purchased and donated to Beacon Cove (https://beaconcove.ca/who-we-are). Janet Brown and Terry Ricketts purchased and delivered these items to Beacon Cove April 20, 2023 and they were very appreciative. Thanks Terry for the photos.
"Counselling Services for West Saint John."
Gentle Path Counselling Services has partnered with the Marketplace Wellness Centre in the basement of the Carleton Community Centre, and the Community Grants program of the City of Saint John, to offer counselling to folks needing an empathetic professional counsellor to speak with and help sort out their challenges and needs. This may take place at the Carleton Centre, Gentle Path's office at 28 Richmond Street, or from home by internet or telephone. If you or someone you know can benefit from such therapy today, please contact Gentle Path at (506) 652-7284 or 1-888-394-4022. Subsidies are available for those who cannot afford this service.
Trinity Church Columbarium:
Click on this LINK
CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES:
Event Coordinator: Heather Cotter heather.cotter@blood.ca
The Saint John Blood Donation Center is open Thursdays 2-8 and Fridays 9-3.
405 University Avenue, Saint John. Go to blood.ca for more information and to book an appointment.
Donors are needed every day!
Thank you!