Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church

4000 Clayton Road

Concord, CA 94521

925-682-8410

gsconcord.com

Regular Worship Schedule:

Sundays 8:30 & 11:00 A.M.

Volume 10 • Issue 5 A monthly newsletter of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church May 2014

May

Points of Interest

3 Council President Message

4 Council Meeting Notes

6 Mt. Cross Ministries

7 Interim Ministry Update

8 May Happenings

June Newsletter Articles

due May 21

A Message from Interim Pastor Lori Eickmann

May 2014 Alleluia! Christ is risen!

Now what?!

It’s been pointed out that the disciples cowering behind closed

doors the evening of Christ’s resurrection were afraid that the authorities might come for them next – but they also might have been afraid that Jesus

actually was alive.

What would that mean for those who had found it too dangerous

to follow Jesus to the cross? For those who stayed with Jesus and saw the

outcome? For all those in all times and places who understand that the

resurrection isn’t just about God’s awesome power but about God’s

awesome truth?

As someone put it: “Easter shows you can put truth in a grave, but

it won’t stay there.”

What is God’s unstoppable truth?

In these Sundays after Easter, the appointed texts from John’s

gospel account (and one from Luke) reveal the risen Christ in the breaking

of bread, as the Good Shepherd, as the one who sends the Holy Spirit to

accompany believers, and especially as the way, the truth and the life. God’s

truth is the peace that Jesus brings in forgiving those who crucified him and

those who hide in fear. God’s truth is the new life – resurrection! – that

Christ brings to humankind now and forever. God’s truth is that in baptism

and in the Eucharist we are sent to continue Jesus’ mission of revealing

God’s forgiveness, peace and love to the world.

We are never alone in this; we have the gift of the Holy Spirit, sent

to the church on the day of Pentecost, to inspire and guide us. Pentecost

will be celebrated June 8 – the day our three confirmation students –

Erika Berg, Sam Buchholz and Doug Olson – will make their

Affirmation of Baptism (Confirmation). Please save that date to support and

celebrate that these young people, with all of us, say “yes” to the baptismal

call to embody the good news of God’s love in Christ.

Christ is risen!

Now we shall arise!

Walking the way, Christ in the center telling the story to open our eyes;

breaking our bread, giving us glory;

Jesus our blessing our constant surprise.

Jesus is risen and we shall arise. Give God the glory! Alleluia!

(“Alleluia! Jesus is Risen!” ELW 377 and WOV 674)

Page 2

GOOD SHEPHERD INCOME STATEMENT

ACTUAL BUDGET Difference

INCOME:

Pledges $33,682 $34,638 $956

Unpledged 6,154 7,229 1,075

Other (Tower, Rent, etc.) 27,524 29,932 2,408

TOTAL INCOME 67,360 71,799 4,439

LESS TOTAL EXPENSES (64,564) (72,549) (7,985)

NET INCOME $ 2,796 $ (750) $ (3,546)

AS OF MARCH 31, 2014

Thank you for your financial support.

Leisure Lunch

You are cordially invited to enjoy a spring

Leisure Lunch on Tuesday, May 20th!

Be prepared to share some of your favorite spring cleaning tips.

Lunch is from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. Invite a friend!

Any questions? Need a ride? Just want to say hello?

Call Susan or Bob Ripley: 925-827-9717.

RUTH CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY

In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women

All are welcome!

We meet Thursday, May 8 in Fellowship Hall at 10:00 a.m.

Rahab, a prostitute and/or innkeeper, protects two Israelite spies by hiding them on her roof. They, in

turn promise safety for her whole family in the battle of Jericho. She and her family

become part of the people of Israel AND THE LINEAGE OF JESUS. We will also

study a woman taken in adultery who was in danger of being stoned until Jesus

intervened. The group will share stories of brave women who lived in our time.

Join us to learn more and enjoy coffee, tea and a treat.

Good Shepherd Book Club for May!

Don’t miss our discussion of this outstanding book of faith! Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout

Muslim Encounters Christianity by Nabeel Qureshi, is the choice for our May meeting.

Please join us and bring a friend. We meet on May 6, at 7:30 pm in the Fireside Room.

Questions? Contact Donna Albrecht at donna-at-albrechts.com.

May 2014

This message is being written prior to my leaving the country! We are headed to Amsterdam, then to the

UK, London and Bath. We will return on May 15.

We have our three volunteers to review and to recommend changes to our Church Constitution. The three

members are Greg Buchholz, Donna Albrecht and Laura Mott. They will be meeting, as necessary, with the

plan to have their recommendations to the Council by September or October of this year. After review and

discussions with the Council it is planned to have Good Shepherd members vote on the changes at an annual

meeting in January 2015.

Our Easter celebration was terrific! Thanks to all who helped with the services during Holy Week. Thanks to

our choir and the special music for our Easter Service. Thanks to the 21 youth and adults who helped stuff

the plastic eggs for the Easter Egg hunt! And thank you to all who brought candy and plastic eggs for the

Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks also, to those who colored the five dozen eggs for Friends Feeding Friends. As I

understand it the colored eggs were a big hit at the shelter on Saturday, April 19. Thanks to Doug Olson and Sam Buchholz for managing the Easter Egg Hunt.

Thanks to Laura Mott and Lynne Davies for the Alleluia Banner we buried at the beginning of Lent and

opened the box to find the Alleluia had been “made new” on Easter Sunday.

The Easter Brunch, again, was second to none! Emilie Patton and her staff did an excellent job. Thanks to all

who set up and decorated Fellowship Hall. Also to the kitchen crew and to those who brought food for the

brunch. As to clean up, it went fast – many hands make light work!

Thanks to Vicki Smiglewski and Laura Mott for heading up the God’s Global Barnyard “Change for the

Good” project. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this great program. 58 Barn Banks were turned in

and $1326.30 was collected.

Did anyone notice the grass on the lower lot had been cut? Thanks to Jamie Rodemsky for mowing the lot

and weed whacking the hill. Thanks Jamie.

Our Call Committee has completed the first round of interviews. They are moving forward and as John Mott

told us on Easter, things are looking good.

By the time you read this note the kitchen will have new flooring. It was installed on Monday and Tuesday,

April 21 & 22. New carpet for the office was installed on April 28. Thanks Long Range Planning/Property for

managing this project.

I will miss you all. On Sunday May 11 we plan to worship at Westminster Abby!

Have to go now and pack by bags!

Herb

A Message from our Council President

Page 4

May

Birthdays

April 2014

Council Meeting Notes

The meeting was called to order by president Herb Yonge at 7:00 pm.

Those present were: Donna Albrecht, Nils Anderson, Greg Buchholz, Mark

Deniston, Leone McCullough, Emilie Patton, Vicki Smiglewski, Herb Yonge,

and Pastor Lori Eickmann.

Those absent were; Drew Cremisio and Jon Moss.

Devotions and opening prayer were given by Nils Anderson.

Nils moved to accept the minutes for the March meeting as presented. Msc

Herb thanked all who helped at Christy Harris’ Memorial Service.

Herb also thanked Susan Metzger and Joe Carlson for updating the Council

Member Photo Board in the Narthex.

The Council approved a request from the Contra Costa County Election

Board to use Fellowship Hall on June 3.

Pr. Lori discussed the need for more volunteers to take communion to the

shut-ins.

The Finance Committee will be moving some church funds to Schwab in

order to increase the earnings on the funds.

The Finance Committee conducted an audit of the Personnel Payroll and

records. No problems were found.

Nils thanked Joe Carlson, Carin Olson and Paul Rusch for their assistance.

Herb reported that he will be unable to attend the Council meeting in May and

that Leone will be chairing that meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Donna Albrecht

Council Secretary

Note: A complete copy of the Minutes of the April 2014 Council Meeting

can be found on the board in the Narthex for your review.

Nina Ferrando 5/01

Isaac Mollwitz 5/01

Marilyn Sarchett 5/01

Lucas Castle 5/02

Frances Mecklenburg 5/03

Dan Pierson 5/07

Susan Ripley 5/07

Jay Neyenhouse 5/08

Alice Engel 5/09

Jo Carson 5/10

Jeannette Kaul 5/11

Joe Yarbrough 5/12

Connie Summers 5/16

Else Welsh 5/17

Doug Freeman 5/20

Deborah Castle 5/21

Dorothy Nelson 5/21

Brandon Berg-

LeDoux 5/25

Anitha Beamer 5/27

Lois Berg 5/27

Kathy Harless 5/27

Marilyn King 5/30

May 2014

May

Anniversaries

Fred and Teresa Wagner

May 5, 1974

Mike and Lisa Henry May 7, 1983

John and Holly Pereira

May 10, 1975

Kurt and Jan Harman

May 12, 1959

Larry and Sheila Huddleston

May 13, 1972

A picture of the indoor Labyrinth Walk, part of our Lent Vespers on April 2, 2014.

That’s Pat Brack on the

accordion, in Dublin

California on St. Patrick’s

Day, 2014.

◄

Page 6

Spring to Thanksgiving

A Fundraiser to Benefit Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving by Sue Hertless

Good Shepherd and First Lutheran have teamed together to have a large parking lot sale

on May 10 at First Lutheran Church, 4000 Concord Blvd. All money raised will go

toward food and supplies needed for our annual Giving Thanks at Thanksgiving event.

If you have items that you would like to sell, you can rent a stall in the parking lot for $25.00, and if you have

a lot to sell you can rent two stalls for $45.00. The lot will open at 6:00 a.m. for set-up and 8:00 a.m. for the

public. We will remain open until 3:00 p.m. On the other hand, if you would like to donate your items and

have Good Shepherd and First Lutheran sell your items, all you need to do is call 925-405-6670 to arrange a

date and time your items can be brought to First Lutheran.

We will need volunteers on May 10th for many tasks such as people to sell, people who can keep the items stocked to sell, directing traffic, keeping the area clean from garbage, and general clean-up at the end. Can

you donate some of your time and talent to help with what we hope will become an annual event between

churches here in the Concord area? If you would like to help please call 925-405-6670 and someone will

call you to arrange a way for you to be involved. Thank you for your interest! We hope to see you on

Saturday, May 10 between 8:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at First Lutheran on Concord Blvd. Bring a friend, too!

We Need Your Help!

Dear Mt. Cross Supporters,

Our fruit trees are in bloom, our summer brochure is online and work has started to

open the swimming pool! Looks like Mt. Cross will open for its 68th season!

While registrations are coming in, we have had over 60 requests for financial support.

Although we keep our fees as low as possible, many families need help sending their

children to camp.

As you recall, we try hard to never turn away a camper.

Last year we were able to help 70 children attend camp! With your support we can

meet the need in 2014! Our Campership Fund is a donation based program

that provides support to families needing a little assistance sending their child to camp.

Please consider donating to the Campership Fund. A gift of any amount will give

campers a life changing week at camp and an opportunity to experience God in the

beautiful redwoods!

If you would like to donate please designate funds on your offering envelope to:

“Mt. Cross Campership Fund”

Interim Ministry Update, May 2014

As the call committee begins their second round of interviews of pastoral candidates, I’d like to lift up

the breadth of the good work you have done during this time of interim ministry – a time that first was

focused on strengthening congregational systems and dynamics and now anticipates calling a new pastor. I

applaud and celebrate your efforts!

You have revisited your history. From the 60th Anniversary celebration, the historical timeline at

the first visioning event and ongoing conversations, a picture emerged of a people who love Christ and care

for one another through thick and thin. From founding members to newcomers, generations of Christians

have worshiped and served God from GSLC.

You have considered the present and future mission and vision of GSLC. With the four task forces and at the call committee’s visioning events, participants here took seriously that these are times

of struggle for mainline churches, including Good Shepherd. You decided that feeding the homeless will

continue to be a key focus, and that the next pastor should support various styles of worship and have skills

for interpersonal relationships.

You have navigated shifts in leadership. While some talented leaders have stepped back for a

much-deserved break, others have stepped forward to serve in so many ways – altar guild, choir, assistant

minister, lector, council, call committee and homebound communion ministry – using their God-given gifts.

You have made changes. Forget the old “we talk about it and nothing happens”: The task forces

and surveys for worship, education and the call process all led to concrete changes (contemporary worship

in Fellowship Hall, new adult classes, attention to how the call committee was formed and is operating, etc.).

Trust-building has been positively impacted by the follow-through in such areas.

You have thought about how human groups function.

Learning that everyone in a group plays a role in how well the group operates has been important

because understanding and owning your role is the opposite of scapegoating – the idea that one person or

group is the cause of problems and that expelling the scapegoat(s) will fix all the problems.

This understanding is key for a balanced view of how GSLC participants, lay leaders, pastors and

synod leaders move forward together in mission.

Finally, your leadership has partnered with the synod in the interview and call process, and you

are now preparing to commit to new directions with a new pastor.

All of this is what you have accomplished during this time of transition! Thank you for your

willingness to do this important work, and for trusting me to walk with you through it. May God continue to

bless the people and ministries of GSLC, and especially the call committee and pastoral candidates in their

discernment.

– Interim Pastor Lori Eickmann

May 2014

May Friendship Day - Church Women United

Celebrating God’s Gift of Friendship on Friday, May 9

Guest Speaker: Victoria Bommarito, Habitat for Humanity

Music provided by the Singing Messengers

The theme this year is: We are in God’s Hands and We are God’s Hands.

Join us at the Congregational Church of Christ, 1225 Court Street, Martinez.

Coffee Fellowship begins at 10:30 a.m.

The program begins at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Pot Luck Salad Luncheon at Noon.

All are welcome!

If you would like more information or would like to reserve child care, please call Lori at 788-3599.

Page 8

May 2

01

4

S

un

day

Mo

nd

ay

T

uesd

ay

W

ed

nesd

ay

Th

urs

day

F

rid

ay

S

atu

rday

8:3

0 a

.m. W

ors

hip

(C

H)

9:3

0 a

.m. R

efr

esh

ment

9:5

0 a

.m. C

hoir

Pra

ctic

e

11:0

0 a

.m. W

ors

hip

(FH

)

6:0

0 p

.m. W

om

en N

A (F

H)

1

9:0

0 a

.m. Se

nio

r Foo

d

Pro

gram

(F

H)

6:0

0p.m

. V

BS

Mtg

. (O

ffic

e)

6:3

0 p

.m. B

oy

Scouts

#1994

(FH

)

7:0

0 p

.m. Pro

pert

y/L. R

ange

2

3

4

See S

chedule

Above

N

oon C

onfirm

atio

n (

FR

)

5

6

7:3

0 p

.m. G

SLC

Book

Clu

b (

FR

)

7

3:0

0 p

.m. W

ors

hip

& M

usi

c

Com

mitte

e (F

H)

7:0

0 p

.m. N

A (

FH

)

1:0

0 p

.m. Q

uilt

ing

Min

istr

y G

roup

8

10:0

0 a

.m. R

uth

Cir

cle (

FR

)

Noon D

VLC

(FH

)

2:0

0 p

.m. Fin

ance

(FH

)

6:3

0 p

.m. B

oy

Scouts

(FH

)

9

10

8:0

0 a

.m. G

iant

Par

kin

g Lot

Sale

(Fir

st L

uth

era

n)

11

Se

e S

chedule

Above

Happ

y M

other

’s Da

y!

12

13

7:0

0 p

.m. C

ounci

l (F

H)

14

7:0

0 p

.m. N

A (

FH

)

15

9:0

0 a

.m. Se

nio

r Foo

d (

FH

)

6:3

0 p

.m. B

oy

Scouts

(FH

)

16

17

9:3

0 a

.m. Fri

ends

Feedin

g Fri

ends

(Kitch

en)

(FH

)

18

S

ee S

chedule

Above

19

20

Noon L

eis

ure

Lunch

(FH

)

21

7:0

0 p

.m. N

A (

FH

)

1:0

0 p

.m. Q

uilt

ing

Min

istr

y G

roup

22

6:3

0 p

.m. B

oy

Scouts

(FH

)

23

24

CH

= C

hurc

h F

H =

Fello

wsh

ip H

all

FR

= F

iresi

de R

oo

m

26

27

25

See S

chedule

Above

7:0

0 p

.m. N

A (

FH

)

28

29

6:3

0 p

.m. B

oy

Scouts

(FH

)

Mem

ori

al

Day -

Off

ice

Clo

sed

Si

err

a Pac

ific

Syn

od A

ssem

bly

thro

ugh

June 1

30

31

Friends Feeding Friends

An outreach ministry that serves needy in our county

Sarah Jean’s

Dream at age 4 —

“So people who are

really hungry

have food.”

Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church

4000 Clayton Road

Concord, CA 94521

682-8410

Located east of the

Salvation Army

church between

West Street and

Mendocino Avenue

Concord, CA

Loaves & Fishes

catering kitchen: 510 Garcia, Suite H

Pittsburg, CA

Know of someone

who needs help?

Call the Homeless

Hotlines at

800-799-6599 or

800-808-6444.

Call the Bay Area

Rescue Mission at

510-215-4868, or

the Contra Costa

Crisis Center

call 211.

The North

Concord

Shelter:

2047 Arnold

Industrial Way,

Concord, CA

Parallel to

Highway 4

For we are

God’s

workmanship

created in

Christ Jesus

to do good

works, which

God prepared

in advance for

us to do.

Ephesians

2:10

Page 10

436 Grocery bags distributed

164 Hot Meals provided

12 People helped with household furnishings

13 Churches that helped FFF

12 Shelters/Agencies that referred clients to FFF

Thank you to all our supporters who helped with donations and

volunteer opportunities. We are so grateful!! Special thanks go

out to the Guild of Quilters of Contra Costa who donated beau-

tiful quilts and placemats, and to all who donated stuffed critters.

We have a special request from the County shelter. If you know

someone who is renting a room or small cottage, they have a soft

spoken, quiet woman who is looking to rent a place. If possible,

she would like her own bathroom, and she can pay up to $500/

month. Contact Dana for more info.

Next FFF Lunch: May 17, 2014. 9:30 at Good Shepherd

to prep, 12:00 noon at the shelter (2047 Arnold Industrial

Way, Concord) to serve. All are welcome!!

Items needed this month:

Potholders or Oven Mitts

Small dining tables and chairs

Dressers

Light bulbs

Toasters

New bed pillows

Grooming supplies

Have questions, want to help or know of someone needing help?

Contact Dana Deniston (925)768-9087 or Linda Rodemsky (925)

864-9266 or email us at friendsfeedingfriends@yahoo.com

Worship Assistants — May 4 to June 1, 2014 D

ate

T

ime

Ass

isti

ng

Min

iste

r

Co

mm

un

ion

Ass

ista

nt

Lecto

r A

co

lyte

,

To

rch

beare

r C

rucif

er

Alt

ar

Gu

ild

Gre

ete

rs

Ush

ers

S

ou

nd

Min

istr

y

Co

mm

un

ion

to S

hu

t-In

s

Co

ffee

Min

istr

y

Co

un

ters

C

.O.D

.

5/0

4

8:3

0

Sue H

ert

less

Duan

e

Pete

rson

Can

dac

e

Bra

dle

y

Doug

O

lson

Rya

n K

ich

Eri

ka

Berg

J

an H

arm

on

Pam

Die

tz

Will

ajean

Roge

lsta

d

Lin

da

Mah

loch

Jau

ire a

nd E

lse

Wels

h

Pau

l R

usc

h

and

Vic

ki

Sm

igle

wsk

i Ja

mie

Rodem

sky

Jon

and

Heid

i

Moss

Nils

Ander

son

and

Gre

g

Buch

holz

Mar

k

Denis

ton

11:0

0

Sherr

y

Chap

lin

Nan

cy K

nap

p

5/1

1

8:3

0

Can

dac

e

Bra

dle

y

Susa

n

Metz

ger

Kelly

Sch

aefe

r

Kelly

Sch

aefe

r

Sam

Buch

holz

D

oug

O

lson

Lau

ra C

arls

on

Vic

ki Sm

igle

wsk

i Eliz

abeth

Kic

h

Sue H

ert

less

Will

ajean

R

oge

lsta

d

Jim

and C

arin

O

lson

Jam

ie

Rodem

sky

K

athy

Pri

ce

Joe C

arls

on

and

Bett

y

Jaco

bse

n

Dre

w

Cre

mis

io

11:0

0

Lin

da

Rodem

sky

V

icto

r an

d

Aim

ee O

lmedo

5/1

8

9:3

0

Eri

ka

Berg

Lin

da

Rodem

sky

Sue H

ert

less

Connie

B

atch

eld

er

Lau

ren

War

dle

Jo

hnat

hon

Berg

Io

ne B

antly

Leone

McC

ullo

ugh

Kar

in B

ohlin

g

Ron a

nd M

ary

Fig

uero

a

Gar

y an

d L

inda

Mah

loch

Ja

mie

Rodem

sky

Duan

e

Pete

rson

Gar

y

and

Lin

da

Mah

loch

Joe C

arls

on

and

Bett

y Ja

cobse

n

Gre

g

Buch

holz

R

ose

mar

y Fas

sl

R

ose

mar

y Fa

ssl

5/2

5

8:3

0

Lau

ren

War

dle

S

usa

n M

etz

ger

Duan

e P

ete

rson

Leone

McC

ullo

ugh

Eri

n W

ardle

Eri

ka

Berg

D

ott

ie D

avis

Donna

Abeyt

a N

ancy

Knap

p

Lar

ry an

d

Mar

cia

San

der

Ron a

nd M

ary

Fig

uero

a

Jam

ie

Rodem

sky

Gre

g

and

Kri

sti

Buch

holz

Jan

Car

zino

and

B

ett

y

Jaco

bse

n

Leone

McC

ullo

ugh

11:0

0

Sherr

y C

hap

lin

Ald

en Johnso

n

6/0

1

8:3

0

Kelly

Sch

aefe

r

Sue H

ert

less

Susa

n M

etz

ger

Rose

mar

y

Fas

sl

Rya

n K

ich

Johnat

hon

Berg

K

athy

Pri

ce

Els

e W

els

h

Heid

i M

oss

Cin

dy

Roge

lsta

d

Kay

Bennett

and

Jean

nett

e K

aul

Pau

l R

usc

h

and

Vic

ki Sm

igle

wsk

i

Jam

ie

Rodem

sky

Doug

and

Reya

nne

Fre

em

an

Jan

Car

zino

and

Pau

l R

usc

h

Jon M

oss

11:0

0

Lin

da

Rodem

sky

Ja

y N

eye

nhouse

2014 Executive Committee: President: Herb Yonge, Vice President: Leone McCullough, Secretary: Donna Albrecht

Member-at-Large: Vicki Smiglewski 2014 Congregational Council

Donna Albrecht, Nils Anderson, Greg Buchholz, Drew Cremisio, Mark Deniston,

Leone McCullough, Jon Moss, Emilie Patton, Vicki Smiglewski and Herb Yonge

Ministry Staff:

Interim Pastor: Lori Eickmann - pastorlori@me.com

Office Administrator: Laura Mott - lauramott@gsconcord.com

Director of Instrumental Music: Open

Choir Director: Phoebe J. Rosquist - phoebe@netzero.net

Contemporary Music Leader: Tom Deans Flegel - tdeans08@gmail.com

Sound/Technology: Jamie Rodemsky - jamier1263@gmail.com

Treasurer: Lynne Davies - finance@gsconcord.com

Financial Secretary: Laura Mott

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Concord, CA

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 4000 Clayton Road

Concord, CA 94521

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. Postage Paid

Concord, CA

Permit #356

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED