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Worship
Every Sunday, 11 am - Sung Holy Eucharist - Rite II
(Third Sunday of every month - Laying on of Hands and Annointing )
All are Welcome!
Office Hours
(Subject to change)
Monday: 12:30 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 8:00 am – 2:30 pm
Wednesday: 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
My dear Friends,
Unexpected circumstances of recent months have brought me back in touch with the Church of the Good Shepherd. I first came to know about the Church of the Good Shepherd through the Rev. Vincent Ioppolo, who was the rector at that time, and a good friend. Afterwards, I was asked to be an Associate Priest during the time of the Rev. Canon John Backus, a classmate of mine from seminary and also a good friend. At this time, Chris Den Blaker decided to move his parish membership from St. Luke in the Fields to the Church of the Good Shepherd to support his good friend Canon Backus.
This is a brief summary of what I have done since accepting the position of Interim Pastor on May 1, 2008.
- Maintain schedule of services of worship for the parish, coordinating with ordained and lay leadership to carry on various responsibilities.
- Learn more about the life of the parish by meeting and speaking with a number of parishioners.
- Meet with church staff to learn about responsibilities and issues related to their work.
- Begin to reorganize office and administrative functions and to identify and provide tools for more effective work on behalf of the parish.
- Identify some immediate specific projects to maintain and improve the physical property of the parish.
Some near term projects to be addressed in the next few months include:
- Identify and recommend new organist and choirmaster to be hired.
- Identify and recommend missioner for Young Adult Ministries to be hired.
- Meet with committees of the parish to identify their purpose, accomplishments and future goals to enhance and support worship, fellowship, evangelism, pastoral care, outreach, communications, finances and maintenance of the physical property of the parish.
I look forward to working with you in the days ahead.
Winston W. Ching+
DIOCESAN EXPECTATIONS OF INTERIM PERIOD
The interim period, a time between clergy leadership, is a prime time for renewal of parish life and mission. During the interim period, there is a need for leadership, for maintenance of a healthy congregational life, and for the development of short-range goals. In addition, a congregation must take the time to prepare itself for calling and working with a new Rector. To this end, an Interim Pastor will help the congregation deal with specific tasks that may need to be addressed in order for the congregation to be in a position to call a new Rector. These tasks are as follows:
Coming to terms with the congregation's history and its relationship with previous clergy.
Discovering the congregation's special identity, what it dreams of being and doing apart from the personality and priorities of previous clergy leadership.
Dealing with shifts in lay leadership that naturally evolve in times of transition.
Renewing and reworking relationships with the diocese, so that each may be a more effective resource and support to one another.
Building a commitment to the future and a relationship with the new Rector that will lead the congregation and the Rector to a genuine sense of call to mission and to cooperative work to fulfill that mission. – Diocese of New York Interim Pastor Letter of Agreement
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE INTERIM PASTOR
The Interim Pastor shall lead the Church of the Good Shepherd as pastor, priest and teacher, sharing in the councils of this congregation and of the whole church, in communion with our Bishop. The Interim Pastor represents and extends the ministry which is the Bishop's pastoral and canonical responsibility for congregations in leadership transition. The Interim Pastor shall:
Work with the Vestry and other lay leaders to maintain the regular schedule of worship services and preaching, pastoral calling on the sick and shut-ins, pastoral offices (weddings, funerals, baptisms) and visiting newcomers.
Assist with the ongoing administration duties, including the supervision of all parish staff.
Support the Vestry in its role and responsibilities.
Work not only in this congregation, but also on behalf of the Diocese, the Church at large, and the community.
Working closely with the Wardens, Vestry and other parish leaders, with the Bishop and his staff, the major goal of the Interim Pastor's ministry is to prepare the congregation for the coming of the new Rector. To this end, the Interim Pastor shall:
Help the congregation deal with its grief and any other unresolved issues arising from the Rector's departure.
Deal with internal conflicts and help heal any divisions within the congregation, working with a Diocesan consultant as appropriate.
Help Vestry and lay leaders bring about such change as may be needed to align parish life and administration with generally accepted standards in the diocese.
The Interim Pastor shall communicate regularly with the Deployment Officer and the Interim Consultant, but will not work with the Search Committee as they develop the parish profile, position description, solicit and screen candidates. The Interim Pastor is not and will not be a candidate for Rector. – Diocese of New York Interim Pastor Letter of Agreement
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF VESTRY
The Vestry has the responsibility for the church in the absence of a Rector during the interim period. Specific responsibilities include the following:
Encourage the laity to support and cooperate with the Vestry and the Interim Pastor in pursuit of the tasks and goals of the interim period.
Responsible for hiring and firing of parish staff during the interim period. While the Vestry should be in consultation with the Interim Pastor regarding any and all personnel matters, the Vestry is ultimately responsible for all staff decisions.
The Vestry is the legal agent for the congregation in all matters concerning its corporate property and in its relationship with the Interim Pastor. – Diocese of New York Interim Pastor Letter of Agreement
VESTRY NOTES IN BRIEF
At its June meeting, the Vestry received reports from the Treasurer and a number of its Standing Committees, most notably from “Buildings and Grounds.” The group submitted a list of needs and concerns as prepared by John Amerise, our Sexton. Although all items will be addressed eventually, several more urgent items were singled out for immediate attention. To cite a few: (1) the urgent need to arrange for the cleaning of drains and gutters to obviate backups and water damage; (2) clearing clutter from the passageway behind the altar to avoid a citation from the Fire Department (and finding storage for items used only seasonal); (3) for our basic security, to arrange for repair of the “combination lock” glass door as well as the locking mechanism on the ancient wooden doors.
Because the majority of people sit in the rear of the church, it was strongly urged that we obtain lapel microphones so that everyone can hear.
We received with thanks Fr. Ching’s report on work accomplished since his becoming Interim Pastor on May 1st—and his plans for the immediate future. We are all grateful for his hard work bringing the parish into the 21st Century, technologically at least.
Finally, we agreed to urge everyone to keep their pledges current during the summer, a notoriously “lean” season.
This, and much more. - Adair Russell, Sr. Warden
VESTRY will meet at 6:45 PM on July 23 and, if necessary, on August 20.
SEARCH COMMITTEE UPDATE
The Search Committee has had 21 responses to our Next Rector Survey. Several items many of you rated as a 1 were:
- Understanding a diverse congregation and a sense of inclusiveness
- A vision and experience in growing a parish
- Strong leadership skills, a shepherd
- Good interpersonal relationships
- Compatible with the parish
- Skill in conflict management
Among the least important items was “Open to new liturgies”
A few additional comments at our open session on June 22nd were:
- How to attract families
- Raise visibility in the community
- Getting parishioners to endorse events
- We are talking about the priest, but what about us?
- What we ask of the priest, we should ask of ourselves!
That pretty much sums it up. Now the committee must complete the Parish Profile and the Deployment Profile at which point we will begin to receive resumes.
THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE met on June 6 in Fr. Ching’s office to review the repairs and improvements of the properties as identified by Sexton John Amerise. A timetable was established to prioritize the order of work to be done. The Committee’s recommendations are being forwarded to the Vestry for approval. Thanks to John and the Committee for their concern and good work.
BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS UPDATE: Estimates for the repointing of the exterior brick wall behind the altar are being sought. This needs to be done prior to the painting of the interior walls to prevent further damage from moisture.
THE HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE MET on June 29 to plan coffee hour through the summer and into the fall. Volunteers are needed in order to continue to extend Good Shepherd’s renowned tradition of generous and warm hospitality. Please contact Eva Forson if you are interested.
USHERS – YOU ARE NEEDED! We are seeking additional volunteers to help with usher duties on Sundays. Please speak to Demi Silides or call the office to volunteer.
THE FLOWER COMMITTEE invites you to celebrate important occasions or to remember loved ones with donations of funds for flowers for our Altar. The suggested donation is $40 per vase. Forms are found outside the door of the Undercroft or you may call the office with your requests. Thank you for your gifts.
FUND RAISING
The Thrift Shop Clearance & Super Bake Sale grossed a total of $825, despite competition from another Second Avenue Street Fair.
Many thanks to the Fund Raising Committee who gave up their Friday and Saturday to make our Rummage and Ultimate Bake Sale a fabulous success and loads of fun. The Rummage Sale brought in $330. The Bake Sale brought in $488. The unsold clothes are being donated to the Salvation Army. The winter coats and jackets are being donated to New York Cares. All the food was sold. It was a hard-working but fun weekend. If you missed it, look forward to the next event. Again, many thanks to all who helped and to all who supported the Rummage and Ultimate Bake Sale.
Good Shepherd will sponsor the Third Avenue Street Fair on Sunday, August 24, from 9:00 AM—4:00 PM. To volunteer at our booth for an hour or so, speak with Carole de Braganza.
THE DEACON DEPARTS
Diocesan policy prescribes that when the rector of a parish leaves, the deacon must leave as well. My last Sunday with you will be July 20, and after a nice long church vacation, I will take up my new position after Labor Day at the Church of St. Ignatius of Antioch on the Upper West Side.
I started at Good Shepherd just a week after my ordination in May 2007, and my life as a minister amongst you has been full of surprises (most of them good!) I have been pushed to stretch myself, both on the altar and off. I have been lovingly mentored by the clergy and encouraged by the parishioners. What a blessing it has been for me to begin my ordained ministry in this parish!
Good Shepherd has so many assets: a fine building, beautiful liturgy, excellent music, always an abundance of good food, and most importantly, such warm and truly dedicated people. My prayers will be with you during your period of discernment and preparation for the next chapter in the life of the parish. I have great faith that Good Shepherd will flourish! And please keep me in your prayers as I head towards new adventures in ministry. – Paul S. Kahn
MICHELLE MEAD, a former parishioner (one of the original Quilters and a sometime member of the choir) was married on June 7th to John Armor, an attorney. The couple will live in Highlands, North Carolina. Congratulations Mich and John!
PARISHIONER PROFILES
We never know what the future holds. I first came to Sunday Mass at Good Shepherd to welcome David Carlson back to Manhattan. It was also his first Sunday at Good Shepherd. I had known David when he was a very promising curate at The Church of St. Mary the Virgin, but then he was called to become rector of St. Augustine’s in Croton-on-Hudson and we pretty much fell out of touch.
Fast-forward about ten years and a friend of mine in Jackson Heights with whom I shared officiating responsibilities at Morning Prayer tells me he is moving with his family to Croton-on-Hudson and I tell him about St. Augustine’s and David Carlson. No sooner does he show up at St. Augustine’s then David announces he has been called to Good Shepherd and I decide to go see him there.
I got the impression while David was the rector here that Good Shepherd was experiencing a revitalization the likes of which I had only read and heard about but never really observed first-hand anywhere else before. I moved my pledge to Good Shepherd and got involved, including the work I do on the parish newsletter. I still haven’t gotten over David’s departure and the confidence I had felt under his leadership has been shaken, but I trust that God’s will is being worked out despite my misgivings.
There is a law of physics that a gas expands to fill the size of its container. In my own life, clutter, sometimes even cherished clutter, has always expanded to fill the size of any office or home I’ve ever occupied, no matter how large the space may have been. However, I do believe in a forward-looking orientation that preserves what is truly precious from the past, but is willing, if not eager, to be rid of increasingly obsolete remnants of the past that soak up resources that might otherwise be used for potentially constructive new ideas.
I don’t know what the future holds. In many ways, these are not comfortable times and I am trying hard not to retreat for solace into the false comforts of the familiar. I believe we are sometimes pulled away from our comfort zones to help us grow, not with the impersonal brutality of physics, but with the pastoral care our Good Shepherd has caressed us with so many times before. Tom Kamm
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After touring the world as a modern dancer, I came to Good Shepherd in 1982 as sexton and continued in that position until 2006. Then I decided to fulfill a lifelong dream and become a psychotherapist. I entered Hunter College School of Social Work at age 58 and this May graduated with a Masters Degree. I now divide my work life between the Fifth Avenue Center for Counseling; Good Shepherd, where I serve as Parish Administrator; and HB Studio, where I teach movement for actors. I find that each setting complements the others. Also, as a playwright, I have had 11 of my plays produced, three of them Off-Broadway.
One play, Accord of Angels, is set in a small, Midtown, Episcopal parish. Now where did I get that idea? Fred Timm
THE 2008 PARISH DIRECTORY is available for parish members. Copies will be mailed to Friends upon request to the parish office. Corrections for the 2009 Parish Directory need to be submitted by October 30.
A NEW FLAG! Our thanks go to Bob Ochiltree and Marshall Bennett who have donated funds for our new Episcopal flag displayed in front of the church reminding passersby of our presence here on East 31st Street.
INTENSIVE JOURNAL WORKSHOP
Half a dozen Sheppies spent a rich, full day on Saturday, June 28, attending an Intensive Journal Workshop here at Good Shepherd. It was conducted by Joanne Hackett Ching, Fr. Ching’s sister-in-law, who for over 30 years has been teaching the process as developed by Ira Progroff, Ph.D. Everyone agreed that it was a profound and deeply spiritual experience. – Adair Russell
THE PORTRAIT OF THE REV. VINCENT IOPPOLO: Plans are underway to hang the portrait of our former rector in the vestibule of the church. Prior to hanging the portrait, the walls of the vestibule need to be repaired and painted. Donations are welcome to help complete the project. Checks can be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, designated for the Portrait Project.
MFM will not meet in June and July, but will resume 3rd Saturday of the month fellowship gatherings in August. The Rev. Noel Bordador will be the celebrant and preacher that day.
CRAFTERS will resume their meetings in September and THE THRIFT SHOP will be closed until fall.
BECAUSE YOU ASKED . . .
Due to acoustical “dead spots,” lack of a lapel mike and summer vacation schedules, many people missed out on recent farewell blessings and presentations. Yes, Matt Johnson and Hugh Grant, our seminarians, were given gifts. Fr. Ching commissioned Eva Forson to make visitation stoles for them fashioned after his own visitation stole given to him at his ordination—and equally beautiful.
Don Carolina was presented with a gift certificate for music, books, or whatever else he might wish to purchase (we had briefly considered a series of spectacular bow ties). Don gave us a wonderful “Sheppie” moment when—at Kathleen Butler’s request—he led the choir and the entire coffee hour assembly in a foot-stomping version of “Onward Christian Soldiers.” You had to have been there! We will miss Don—and his bow ties.
For our beloved Deacon Paul Kahn, there is a celebration being planned for his last Sunday on July 20 and Eva Forson is busily creating a beautiful gift from the parish. Do plan to join us at the 11 AM Eucharist and the extended coffee hour that Sunday. – Adair Russell
“KATHERINE HEPBURN’S” BROWNIES
2 ½ squares unsweetened chocolate ¼ C. flour
¼ lb. unsalted butter ¼ tsp. salt
¾ C. sugar 1 C. coarsely chopped walnuts
2 eggs 1 small pkg. Chocolate chips
1 tsp. Vanilla
Melt the chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in
The sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla and beat well so the eggs don’t get too hot. Stir in the flour, salt, walnuts and chocolate chips. Pour into a buttered 8X8” pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes, until they are just barely done. If you bake them too long, they will be quite ordinary.
EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT has received urgent appeals for assistance from several dioceses affected by the devastating flood in the Midwest. If you would like to help, please make checks payable to Episcopal Relief & Development/Midwest Flood Fund.
A PARODY ON ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING’S POEM IN PRAISE OF THE CHAPEL OF THE INCARNATION (NOW THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD)
“How do I love thee, let me count the ways.”
I love thee for sheltering us from the frigid winters of a cold-water flat.
I love thee for sending us to camp, saving us from the hot streets of summer.
I love thee for the free movies, hot cocoa & doughnuts on Tuesday nights.
I love thee for Christmas candlelight services,
For exposing us to what we could aspire to become,
For taking care of our medical, mental & dental needs,
For the bible, choir, dance, gym lessons.
I love thee for the hand-me-down clothes.
I love thee for the experience of commingling
Showing us how to become “Americans.”
I thank thee for helping to make me what I am today.
- Juliana van der Vloed Nash
A MEMORIAL PLAQUE, given in memory of Gertrude van der Vloed Conte by her family, was blessed on June 8, 2008.
INTERNET ACCESS
Starting on July 23, a guest computer station will be available for parishioners to access the Internet. The computer will be located in the parish office and Carole de Braganza has volunteered to provide instruction regarding email and Internet browsing.
DIOCESAN YOUTH MINISTRY COMMITTEE’S 2nd ANNUAL MEET & GREET BBQ
Saturday, September 20, 2008, 3-6 PM
St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Church (www.stpaulsonthehill.org)
40 Ganung Drive, Ossining, NY 10562
Metro North/Hudson Line: Ossining station
RSVP by September 12th with the number of youth and youth leaders who
Will attend from your parish to the Rev. Canon Patricia Mitchell (212) 316-7433 or pmitchell@dioceseny.org
LAMBETH CONFERENCE PRAYER: Pour down upon us, God, the gifts of your Holy Spirit, that those who prepare for the Lambeth Conference may be filled with wisdom and understanding. May they know at work within them that creative energy and vision which belong to our humanity, made in your image and redeemed by your love, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LAMBETH CONFERENCE
Every ten years an assembly of the Archbishops and Bishops of the worldwide 70,000,000 plus Anglican Communion meet in the United Kingdom. The Episcopal Church, USA is the US branch of the Anglican Communion. These conferences take their name from Lambeth Palace, for over 700 years the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The conferences are held under the presidency of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Church of England’s missionaries, by the early 1860s, had planted thriving regional churches throughout the British Empire, including Canada. At the same time, our Episcopal Church, USA had established thriving churches and missions in this country. Theological and doctrinal controversies in some of the Anglican regional churches caused great concern and, at the urging of the Church of Canada, the 92nd Archbishop of Canterbury, Charles Thomas Longley, convened the first conference at Lambeth Palace in 1867, attended by 76 bishops. In the upcoming conference to be held in July 16 to August 4, 2008, more than 500 bishops may attend. Subsequent to 1867, the conferences have stressed the faith, ministry and unity of the Anglican Communion (not without some controversies) and have passed some strong resolutions, though not binding, that are significant expressions of the opinion of the Anglican Episcopate. The upcoming conference will not be without tension (i.e., the relationship and interpretation of Holy Scripture and tradition concerning human sexuality.)
The conferences usually end with a great Solemn Eucharist celebrated in Canterbury Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury. - Ken Nourse
July/August 2008 Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
JULY 13
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
16
19
20
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
23 6:45 Vestry
24
25
26
27
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
28
29
30
AUGUST 1 2 3
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
10
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
17
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
24
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
31
11am Sung Holy Eucharist
MFM: Metropolitan Filipino Ministry
MJM: Metropolitan Japanese Ministry
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BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
July 5: Donna Jacobson
11: Anne Tyre
14: Hugh Grant
15: Carole de Braganza
28: Deacon Ian Betts
Aug. 8: Dave Rouge
16: Gwen Carlson
16: Don Carolina
26: Eleanor Vernon
**The deadline for submitting material for the next Shepherd’s Herald is August 18, 2008**