Ash Wednesday Worship… with the imposition of ashes

February 18 at 7:30 pm (Ashes will be available in the morning as well, from 8 – 10) Join us as we begin the season of Lent…remembering

who we are…and to whom we will return.

On the Christian Calendar,

Shrove Tuesday is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which

marks the beginning of the season of Lent. In many

countries in Europe and in the

western hemisphere, this is the last day of Carnival. In some

historically French speaking places, it is Mardi Gras, which is

French for “Fat Tuesday,” the

most famous celebration of which is in New Orleans each year.

The origin of “shrove” lies in the archaic English verb “to shrive,” which means to absolve people of their sins. To prepare

people for Lent in the Middle Ages, it was common for “shriveners”

(priests) to hear people’s confessions at this time. The practice of eating pancakes and pastry began when

Christians in the Middle Ages had to abstain from all animal products during the 40 days of Lent, which necessitated the using

up of all eggs, milk, and fat no later than Shrove Tuesday.

Each year, the United Methodist Men of Good Shepherd sponsor a Pancake Supper to support Heart Havens—a unique and

important United Methodist ministry to persons with handicapping conditions. This year, our Supper will be held on February 17, with

pancake races starting at 6:00. Dinner is at 6:45. As in past years,

we plan to have representatives from Heart Havens join us and provide an update on their programs. Also, as is our tradition, we

will ask for your contributions to support this vital ministry of the church. Come eat, drink, laugh, chat, give, and have lots of fun as

God’s people as we prepare for the season of Lent.

What’s the Word?

Sermon Themes for February

Feb. 1 Take You, for Example (I Corinthians 8:1-13); Pastor Levi (Holy Communion)

Feb. 8 Relating to All Persons (I Corinthians 9:16-23); Pastor Keiko

Feb. 15 Legacy (II Kings 2:1-12); Pastor Levi

Feb. 18 Perceptions (II Corinthians 5:20-6:10); Pastor Levi (Ash Wednesday Worship at 7:30 pm with the traditional imposition of ashes)

Feb. 22 God of Second Chances (Genesis 9:8-17); Pastor Keiko (Black History

Sunday)

The Season of Lent

14999 Birchdale Avenue Dale City, VA 22193

(703) 670-6127

Pastors: R. Levi Stroud, Jr. & Keiko T. Foster www.gsumc.net

February 2015

Mardi Gras Tuesday Feb. 17

@ 6:00 pm

Lent: Six lean weeks crossed by six Sabbaths,

beginning with death and ending in eternal life.

--Rev. Bernard Via

From the

Pastors’ Desks

Keiko no Heya

(Keiko’s room)

Dear Members and Friends of Good Shepherd Church,

February is the month in whch the season of Lent begins. Lent is a time of self-reflection, self-denial, and preparing for the miracle of the Resurrection! Join us on February 17 for our annual Mardi Gras celebration on Shrove Tuesday (with our usual fun and festive pancake dinner to benefit Heart Havens ministry), followed by a

sobering time of worship on Ash Wednesday, reminding us of our place in God’s creation, our humanity, our call, and our hope in God’s mercy and grace. At this service (Feb. 18 at 7:30 p.m.), we will have the traditional imposition of ashes as a sign of humble repentance. Again, this year (as requested by members of our fellowship), I will be available at church on Ash Wednesday morning from 8:00 – 10:00, to impose the ashes on any who wish to receive this mark of faith early, to be a witness to others throughout the day. We kicked off a fun event in January—our new Senior Luncheon, which we will hold on the fourth Thursday of each month at 12:00 Noon. We invite all to join us for this delicious potluck event,

where we share around the table a warm time of food and fellowship. We will have a “show and tell” activity, where all are welcome to bring an item of special significance to share with the group. Bring a friend and come enjoy this fun and meaningful time! Our new church sign will be installed early February. We are grateful to all who have already contributed toward it’s purchase. This beautiful sign will help our church be visible to our community. Finally, it is my joy to announce the birth of another grandchild—Auden Jeremiah Tompkins, born Monday, January 26. Here he is seen in the protective arms of big brother RJ. Proud parents are Rob and Heather (Stroud) Tompkins. Grace and peace,

Our Ski Retreat went great! This year’s theme was “Power of the

Youth,” based on the DVD series by Dr. Rodger Nishioka. Thanks to all students, young adult leaders and parent chaperones! I had a wonderful time

Another big Youth event this month: World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine. Our students are challenging themselves to learn and to grow. I ask your generous donations and support for the event! You can learn more about the famine at 30hourfamine.org. Mark your calendar now – Adult Mission Team is heading down to Richmond again on Saturday, March 7, to join Ginter Park UMC’s spring workday. Details are to follow. On a personal note… thanks for all your prayers as I had the interview on January 26. I have been recommended by the Board of Ordained Ministry to become an elder in full connection at the Annual Conference in June. Thanks for your support in my journey.

Have a safe February (Brrr…I am READY for spring!)

Birthdays in February 1st Nicholas Hart 3rd Brad McMullen Kevin Battle Mark Summa 4th Sam Pitts Vickie Hart Phoenix Rash 6th Brandon Parker Grace Bomar 7th Diane Auburn Damone Coffie Matthew Macon 8th Ruth Herndon Taylor Cady 9th Michael McDonald Laura Johnson 10th Audra Weber Jordyn Matos 11th Sheikh Kanneh Pam Gitlin Grayson Evatt 12th Chris Evatt Andrew Simmons Noah Johnston 13th David Harris Rachel Chwirut 14th Carol Morgan Clarence Fowler Katie Truslow

February Anniversaries

4th Randy & Ann Talley 6th John Enyimah & Jane Dimo 11th Walter & Dawn Jones 13th Tim & JoAnna McTaggart 14th Wayne & Joelle Jakubowski Cliff & Sylvia Colley 15th Adjei & Vida Seraboo 16th Jim & Alice Thorstad 20th Dwain & Juli McMullen 21st Ben & Thelma Green Nii Kwantreng & Jennifer Ribeiro 23rd Dennis & Lydia Schnack

Birthdays in March 1st Philip Freeman Carmel Yanez Jonathan Perez 2nd Fran Hobson Evans Oduro Ashby Hurlocker 3rd Olga Martin Lara Meehan 4th Fred Panzo 5th Kathleen McFarland Marcus Edwards Jasmine Beck Hannah Glander 7th Carey Meares David Lord Deborah Bomar Annika Bennett 8th Juli McMullen Becky Volz Joanne Trainor Alex Talley Lexi Brown 9th Tom Lillie Ed Lauer, Jr. Dan Johnson Tammy Watson Alex Styles 10th Tom Bruno Irene Varva Mohamed Kanneh Trevor Christensen 11th Sandy Pierpoint Olivia Kulman Allie Hope 12th Joan Dove Donna McMullen Sarah Jackson 13th Cindy Williams Dale Sarver Travis Loftis 14th Rick Beebout Jesse Bedford 15th Gary Nelson

March Anniversaries

1st Gordon & Jean Charlton Ray & Cheryl Combs 3rd Kathy & Jose Yanez Kevin & Amber Christensen Phillip & Dorcas Asante 8th Fred & Lerita Milbert 27th Shep & Christine Shepard 30th Dan & Michaela Johnson

14th Valerie Fein Ashleigh Stacy 15th Ann Santolla Jan Harris Alex Campbell Joshua Farber 16th Misty Harper Jasmine Calhoun 17th Shirley Simons 18th Dave McFarland Ross McFarland 19th Jill Smialek Alberta Alston 20th Jane Bruno Ann Talley Song Chong

David Neal Kristina Kotlus 21st Sherri Moyer 22nd Walter Jones Bryan Anderson 23rd Bethany Olejer 24th Judy Taylor 26th Randy Holst 27th Andee Hayes 28th Ray Walker Nick Parker Lei Boster Conner Elms

15th Francisca Osam-Pinanko Matthew Elpers 16th Liz Stephens Vicky Coffie 17th Emily Smialek 19th Jordan Milbert Zach Moyer Talayya Byrd 20th Thelma Green Keiko Foster Matthew Kingrey

Eden Avera Max Scott Harry Gitlin 21st Venus Ardiente Ryan Devins Scott Devins Jesse Beebout Conor McFarland 22nd Matt Junkins 23rd Sammy Smith Evie Taliaferro 24th Latecia Jackson 25th Mary Engola 26th Rob Moyer Jaquan Battle 27th Buddy Bruce Justin Wilhelm Chris Finegan Kaiden Rash 28th Megan Davis Zachery Cameron-Lewis 30th Amy Evanego Shante Atkins Adam Lauer Jim Stacy Kolleen Byrd Jennifer Duff Leon Hughes Benjamin Shepard McKenzie Walker

JOIN US for our NEW Senior Luncheon

Thursday, Feb. 26 at Noon Bring a covered dish, a “show & tell,” and a friend!

Our Faithfulness Giving to God—January

Worship Sunday Weekly

Attend. School Offering January 4 185 69 $14,979.72

January 11 137 68 $7,916.00

January 18 152 68 $13,033.78

January 25 152 64 $4,624.80

Totals for Jan. 626 269 $40,554.30

Weekly Avg. 157 67 $10,138.58 Other Giving: Building Repair—$525;

MCBF—$10; Pastor’s Discretionary Fund—

$150; Expansion Fund—$25; Human

Relations—$399.25; Sign—$3,126.25; Tina

Panzo Memorial—$50

Health News

Home from the Hospital Jerry Funkhouser Asta Benn Sheikh Kanneh Our Homebound: Sunny Johnson, Mary Miller, Virginia Moyer, Vivian Aubuchon, Ray Bethea, Irv Watkins, Doc Nelum Ongoing treatment and rehab: Nellie McLeod—Burke Healthcare Eleanor Palmer—Emeritis Ellen Davis—recovering at home Austin Owen—chemotherapy

Our Deepest Sympathy

…is extended to Light

Koulefianou and family at the

death of her aunt and

godmother Miranda Fiawoo on

January 14. A memorial service

will be held on Saturday,

February 7 at 11:00 AM at Good Shepherd.

…is extended to the family of

Phyllis Coleman, who died on

February 4 at Potomac Sentara

Hospital. Her funeral is Saturday,

February 14 at 3:00 pm at church;

visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

New Arrivals! Congratulations…

…to Mark and Lois Cohen on the birth of their

grandson Thursday January 22nd

in Charlotte, NC. …to Rob and Heather Tompkins on the birth of

their son Monday January 26th

in Lincolnton, NC.

Proud family includes brother RJ, grandparents

Levi and Tricia Stroud, uncle and aunt Graham and

Tamara Foster, and uncle Caleb Stroud.

Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center Our church will be serving the Hilda Barg Homeless

Prevention Center March 9 – 15. We are looking for

volunteers to lead small groups to provide dinner

service and a bagged lunch to approximately 25

people for each day. We are also looking for people to

donate staple food items to be used during the week.

There will be sign-up sheets for both group leaders

and staple items available in the narthex. If you have

any questions or concerns, contact Paige Cattler at

703-730-8190 or pcattler@verizon.net.

UNITED METHODIST WOMEN Reminders: The UMW Bake Sale is

Sunday, February 8. Members are asked

to bring baked goods to the church by

10:00 that morning. See you there! Ash Wednesday Quiet Day Service is

Wednesday, February 18, at 10:00 a.m. at

Silverbrook United Methodist Church. Alexandria

District UMW sponsors this. All are welcome. Free the Girls In February, the United Methodist

Women will be collecting new and used bras for a

program called “Free the Girls.” New and gently-

used bras will be sent to victims of human

trafficking in Mozambique, Uganda, and El

Salvador, who are able to sell the bras and make a

living wage. Old, worn bras are also being

collected for recycling. The old bras are torn apart

and re-stitched into carpeting that is sold. Victims

of human trafficking are often treated as outcasts by

their families and communities. Donations of bras

give them the opportunity to support themselves

and their children.

All women are welcome! Call President Pam

McInturff 703-670-3302 for more information

about United Methodist Women.

Stations of the Cross at Good Shepherd Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015

6:00 – 7:30 pm All are welcome.

Janae’s Confirmation 2015

Kicks off THIS

Sunday, February 8th

,

at 10:00 am with a student–parent information

gathering. This program is designed for 6th

-12th

graders, to help them explore their faith in God and

their connection with the United Methodist Church.

At the end, students have the opportunity to profess

their faith and join the church. If you have a student

that is interested, please drop me an email

christianed@gsumc.net today. The class goes

from February 8 – May

31, each Sunday

morning from 10:00 –

11:00 am. Join us!

JUMP (Junior United Methodist People) JUMP is a mission-focused, hands-on group for

students in grades K-5. We come together two times

each school year for a four- or five-week block. The

spring block will be held from 5:30-6:45 pm on

Sundays, March 1, 8, 15, 22 and concluding on the

March 29th with a special church-wide program at

6:30 pm. Everyone in these grades is welcome to

attend this group. You do not need to be a part of this

church to attend, so kids bring a friend! Attention 5th

graders! You have a

special role in the spring

block. I look forward to

seeing you all then. For

more info, email me at

christianed@gsumc.net

Stations of the Cross Palm Sunday, March 29, 6:00 – 7:30 pm

This very meaningful experience for all ages will be held on Palm Sunday, March 29th 6-7:30 pm. Your self-guided journey through the sanctuary will take you through Jesus’ final journey to the cross. You are welcome to attend alone or as a family. The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Dolorosa or the Way of Suffering, is a narration through art of the final hours in the life of Jesus Christ on earth that continues to provide spiritual conviction for every Christian. Everyone is welcome to have this experience; so invite your Mom’s group, Scout Troops, neighbors, friends, and family—everyone!

2015 Vacation Bible School August 3-7, 9:00 am – 12:00 noon

This year’s theme

Everest

Conquering Challenges with

God’s Mighty Power Please add to your

prayers how you feel God calling you to become a part of this community event. Volunteer meetings will begin in the spring. Contact Ms. Janae christianed@gsumc.net with

questions or with your commitment.

Covenant Small Group Study

In the Covenant Small Group Bible Study, participants experience a comprehensive in-depth study of the Bible in both old and new testaments, based on the covenant theme, underscoring the unique relationship that God chooses to have with God’s people. The relationship is grounded in faithfulness of God’s love and in our ongoing commitments to stay in love with God.

Visit www.covenanatbiblestudy.com for more details. A new group of 12 is forming and will be meeting at church on Wednesday or Sunday nights (need to hear from you what is best), with Tom Smith as facilitator. Mark the bulletin weekly connection sheet with interest or email christianed@gsumc.net.

Good Shepherd Preschool

Registration Information

Registration for the 2015 - 2016 school year will be open to church and preschool families beginning Tuesday, February 3. (Registration will open to the public beginning February 17.) For more information - Call Julianne McMullen or Michelle Endy at the preschool during office hours 703-670-4244 or drop an email to goodshepherdpreschool@gmail.com.

Helping Community Children

Would you like to read to elementary aged children? We are looking for volunteer readers to read to children in the Cloverdale community. Neabsco Elementary is asking for volunteers and available days and times for them to read with the children. Weekly help is ideal, but other less frequent times are helpful, as well. This wonderful opporunity would be for the remainder of the school year (mid-June). Please consider how you can let the love of Good Shepherd shine to these children, and contact Ms. Janae right away christianed@gsumc.net or fill in the bulletin Weekly Connector with your interest and availability.

Neabsco Elementary has a "backpack" program in which they send home with 14 needy students a bag filled with food to get the student through the weekend. We are going to commit to filling 7 backpacks each Friday for the rest of the school year. Here is how you can help: 1. Donate by Thursday every week any of these items in quantities of seven: Other healthy items a child can handle with little supervision are also good. Also needed are protein bars for teachers to stock in their desk for 2-hour delay days, when children miss the free school provided breakfast. 2. A volunteer or rotating team to organize the donations and transport the items to the school each Friday by 11:00 am until mid-June. 3. Weekly prayers for these 14 students in need. Ms. Janae is going to act as the kick-off coordinator but would like to have a volunteer in place to coordinate by March 1.

Update on UMW Stamp Collection The Virginia Conference United Methodist Women have been collecting stamps since 1982, and as of December 2013 have generated a total of $4,526 for doing something that costs nothing!! Our stamp man is a retired Air Force officer, Bill Kennedy, who lives near Yorktown. Leave at least a ¼ border around the stamp

when you cut it off the envelope. If there is a row of stamps, leave the row

intact and leave a ¼ inch border. For postcards, send the whole card intact. There is a brown envelope on the UMW

bulletin board for collecting the stamps.

Staff/Pastor Parish Relations News

The Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee welcomed two new members at its meeting in January. The new members are Barbara Chiles and Dwain McMullen. They join the other members of the committee pictured below. The committee wants to express its thanks and appreciation for the service of those members whose terms ended in December, namely: Pat Pearsall, Peg Beighlea, and Josephine McMillian.

From left: Barbara Chiles, Todd May, Elizabeth Schrader, David Lord, Shailesh Gohel, Helen Battle,

Floyd Dixon, Charlie Glinka (Ch.), and Dwain McMullen The SPRC has as its central mission the

building of effective relationships between the staff and the congregation. To do so, the SPRC holds regular meetings (usually bimonthly) with the senior pastor to discuss and act on issues affecting the building of strong, productive, and nurturing relationships among the staff and between the staff and the congregation. To do so effectively requires input from the congregation. Hence, it is important for you to know who serves on the SPRC and to view these individuals as your representatives for

communicating your views and concerns.

instant oatmeal microwave mac/cheese peanut butter pop-top canned soups sturdy bread microwavable meals crackers microwavable rice cereals non-refrigerated milk fruit cups boxes pop-top canned fruit, fresh bananas,

oranges, apples

GSUMC Youth Fellowship News February 2015

Mark your Calendar NOW! Youth Fellowship in February

February 1 @7:30am: “Super Bowl Sub” Project Join this fun project! The profit will be donated to the 30 Hour Famine.

February 8: Youth Fellowship, 5:00-7:00 pm: “Stump the Chump” Program Bring your questions for the famous question box – snack supper will be provided.

February 15: Youth Fellowship, 5:00-7:00 pm We will have a fun game night. Details will be announced soon.

February 22: Tentative theme discussion “Generation Like” We will watch PBS Frontline program, “Generation Like” and have discussion time.

February 27-28: World Vision 30 Hour Famine This year’s fee is $15 per person (but the church will pay $5 – you bring $10),

which covers part of your Famine T-shirt, water bottle, and wrist band. Please contact Keiko ASAP (with your T-shirt size) if you are participating in this event.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW! Romero Center High School & College Trip: July 20-25, 2015

This summer, we will participate in Urban Challenge program, to serve people in Camden and Philadelphia. More info will be coming soon!

Youth &

Young Adult

Ski

Retreat Jan 23-25

Questions? Please email Keiko (associate@gsumc.net). Check us out in Facebook: Type in “Good Shepherd UMC Youth Fellowship”!

You can also obtain Youth Fellowship info at www.gsumc.net

Announcing a

Dinner Concert at Good Shepherd

(We bring the dinner—potluck, and our guests bring the concert!)

Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 5:30 pm

Featuring the

Lindsey Wilson College Singers From Columbia, Kentucky

Under the direction of Dr. Gerald Chafin

Lindsey Wilson College is one of our United Methodist colleges, located in south-central Kentucky. The Singers consists of 33 students who enjoy touring and sharing their talents with churches. We are delighted to have them share with us on this Sunday Night Live event.

We will be inviting our people to do the following, in support of this special evening:

Volunteer to house students in your home overnight (2 - 4) for one night (Sunday evening)

Bring extra food so that we may be gracious hosts (35 or so students and chaperons)

Come enjoy a terrific evening of food and fellowship, embracing these young people

Good Shepherd United Methodist Church

14999 Birchdale Avenue

Dale City, VA 22193-1398

February

Weekly Sunday Schedule 8:45 & 11:15 am Worship (with infant-2 nursery)

10:00 am Sunday School (all ages)

1:30 pm Abundant Life Church Worship

5:00 pm Gospel Choir Rehearsal

5:30 – 7:30 pm UMYF (6th – 12th grade youth—

dinner, fellowship, fun) Weekly Regular Meetings at Good Shepherd Preschool Weekdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm

Ruth Circle Disciple Study LEd Wed. @ 9:30 am

Boy Scout Troop 1400 Wed. @ 7:00 pm Weekday Bible Study LEd Wed. @ 10:00 am

Abundant Life Church Worship Wed. @ 7:00 pm

Kid Kare 1st Thurs. of month @ 7:00 pm

7th Day Adventist Bible Study Thur. @ 7:00 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous Friday @ 7:00 pm

7th Day Adventist Worship Saturday @ 8:30 am

7th Day Adventist Eve Worship Saturday @ 4:00 pm

Abundant Life Church Prayer Saturday @ 7:00 pm

Important Numbers to Remember

Church Telephone (703) 670-6127

Church FAX (571) 285-3500

Preschool Telephone (703) 670-4244

Center for Pastoral Counseling (888) 903-9696

Web Page www.gsumc.net

Our Church Staff Pastor Levi Stroud

pastor@gsumc.net

Associate Pastor Keiko Tani Foster

associate@gsumc.net

Administrative Assistant Claudia Newhart

adminassist@gsumc.net

Christian Educator Janae Tschudi-Evatt

christianed@gsumc.net

Music Coordinator Jimmy Reed

musiccoord@gsumc.net

Preschool Administrator Juli McMullen

goodshepherdpreschool@gmail.com

Treasurer Theresa Freeze

treasurer@gsumc.net