Good Shepherd United Methodist Church is a fellowship of believers in Christ called to be servants, who worship God, love others, and reach out to the community and the world.

From the Study By Bob Machovec, Pastor Have you ever heard the saying: “Be careful what

you ask for . . . you just might get it!”

Luke tells the story of a man along the roadside

begging for help. The story is of a man who was

blind and when he heard Jesus was passing

through the

area, he

cried out

for help.

His life was

spent

begging

along the roadside, hoping that someone,

somehow, would help. The louder he cried out,

the more those around him told him to be quiet.

Naturally, that only made him get louder. Can

you imagine how quickly the scene went from

bad to worse? As Jesus came by, he heard the

man and called for him. Upon seeing the man he

asked him – “What do you want me to do for

you?”

On one level the question seems simple enough.

Jesus heard the man crying out above the crowds

and simply asks how he can help. On another

level, it’s a challenging question. Perhaps Jesus

asked the man if he really wanted to be healed;

because Jesus knew it would mean that life

would never be the same again. Then again,

that’s true for anyone. Once coming to meet

Christ, life never is the same.

Perhaps Jesus’ question is for us all.

February 18th marks the beginning of Lent.

Traditionally it is a time to reflect on our faith.

Throughout the season, each of us is invited in

some fashion or

another to

reflect on the

question Jesus

asked the blind

man. Do we

really want life to be different?

For the blind man in Luke’s story, once he came

to be healed, his only response was to follow in

such a way that his life was a living witness for all

to see. It was more than physical sight that was

healed!

“Lord, let me see.”

“Be careful what you ask for . . . .” Your life may

never again be the same!

Join us for worship as we encounter the One who

transforms life!

G O O D S H E P H E R D U N I T E D M E T H O D I S T C H U R C H

F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 5

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked.

“Lord, let me see,” the man replied.

Remember Who You Are 32-Week Bible Study examining the prophets of the Bible and the letters of Paul

Worship Services

EVERY SUNDAY Traditional Service 9:15 AM Praise Service 11:25 AM Sunday School for all ages 10:30 AM

Bible Studies Attend one of our weekly Bible Studies! Mondays For Men Every Monday (Excluding Holidays) 6:30—8:00 pm Location: Stage Room Pastor’s Bible Study Every Thursday 10:00 AM Location: Library *Not meeting on January 1, 2015.

Special Worship Services

Ash Wednesday February 18, 2015 7:30 pm

A new Disciple Bible Study is beginning in February. The study

is called, “Remember Who You Are.” It examines the prophets

of the Bible and the letters of Paul. The study will meet weekly

on Tuesday evenings from 6:30—8:00 pm in the church library.

This is a 32-week study that will take breaks during the holidays

and in the summer. Group members will use a study manual

that outlines each week’s lesson and will assign readings from

the Bible.

All are welcome to be a part of this study. There are no

prerequisites. Study manuals will be available at the first study

on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 for $40.00. Bibles will also be

available at the first study.

The study will be led by church member, Tom Schultz. He may

be contacted for more information regarding the Bible study at

(440) 237-0317.

GSUMC’s Latest News

2014 Financial Report By: Bob Weppler, Finance Chairperson I believe the congregation should be made aware how the church did financially in 2014. Over the course of the year, we received $231,278 for the Unified Fund, almost all from contributions. We spent $235,935 ($152,535 of which was salaries), which reduced our savings by $4657. However, after five years of paying Conference and District Shared Ministries in full, last year we were able to pay only 44.8% of our $37,648 total. In order to fully pay our 2014 Shared Ministries and not spend our savings, we would have needed a total of $25,454 in additional income. I believe we will need to work hard in 2015 to meet our budget and get back to paying our apportionments in full.

The Date for the 24th GSUMC Chili Challenge Has Been Set! Good Shepherd UMC is proud to announce that it has scheduled its 24th Chili Challenge for Saturday, February 21, 2015! Each year the Church School classes and groups of Good Shepherd come together to perfect their chili recipes in order to be named the best chili at Good Shepherd. Attendees are the judges and get to try each class’s chili and are asked to vote on the best one. At the end, the winner will be announced and rewarded a trophy! Be sure to save the date for this fun event! More information can be found under “February Events.”

NEW 32 Week Disciple Bible Study Beginning on February 3, 2015 Starting on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, a new Bible study will begin that will examine the prophets in the Bible and the letters of Paul. Studies will be held weekly on Tuesdays evenings from 6:30—8:00 pm, and will be led by Tom Schultz. Read more under “Know and Grow In Christ” for more details about the study and how to join.

Michael Magi will be Performing at the All Church Birthday Party! Mark your calendars for April 18, 2015 for the All Church Birthday Party. The church will be turning 89 years old and we want to celebrate with you! In past years we have celebrated with lunch and a talent show, but last year we tried something new, a magic show put on by the magician Michael Magi. This year he will perform for us again! Michael is a very enthusiastic, comical, talented magician who keeps an audience of all ages entertained. Look for more information regarding the party in the March Shepherd or on the church website.

Youth News

By Jennifer Sefl, Youth Director youthdirector@gsumparma.com | 216.741.8876

Youth Group is open to all 7th – 12th graders. Sunday School starts in the Youth Room at 10:30 am.

Save the Date! February 20

Chili Prep! 6:30 PM

Sunday School Room Assignments

Grades 7—8

Junior High Room

Grades 9—12 Youth Room

All grades initially meet

in the Youth Room.

A Great End to 2014

Thank you to all of the volunteers and teens who make the youth program here at Good Shepherd great! Looking forward to a tremendous 2015! 2015 Retreat

The youth have started 2015 off with a great retreat! This year’s theme was “Hitting Solid Rock – Jesus Christ” and was held at Camp Wanake on January 23 - 25, 2015.

We had a great time rock climbing, playing games and focusing on our ROCK, Jesus Christ.

Look for more details in the GSUMC Youth Newsletter or the March Shepherd. Valentine’s Dinner

The Valentine’s dinner is on February 7,2015. It ii a great fundraiser for summer camp scholarships! Those planning on attending camp this summer are asked to volunteer at the dinner. Please contact Jennifer for information on how to get involved.

For more information about the Valentine’s Dinner read under “February Events.”

Chili Challenge

Last year the youth were the Chili Challenge winners! This year we will make our award winning chili once again!

The youth will make Chili on Friday, February 20, 2015 at 6:30 pm in the church kitchen.

The youth are also asked to help with serving at the Chili Challenge, if you are available, please let Jennifer know.

The Nehemiah Mission Project

June 7-13, 2015

This coming summer we invite you to join us on a unique local mission experience. The

Nehemiah Mission is a mission of the North Coast District of the United Methodist Church located

at 6515 Bridge Avenue in Cleveland. Crew members will stay in their barracks for the week, and will

provide help and support to needy people in the heart of Cleveland. Mission experiences may

include construction, yard work, painting, cleaning, and working in food pantries, soup kitchens, and

vacation Bible camps.

This experience is open to youth and adults. You must be at least 15 years old to attend. The

cost for the week is $302.50 and includes air-conditioned sleeping quarters, all meals, building

supplies, and a t-shirt. There will be a $100.00 discount for the first 10 crew members who register

with a deposit of $50.00 and turn-in all completed medical and release forms. Checks should be

made payable to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

Please go to www.nehemiahmission.org for more details.

Contact Bev Schultz or Carly Neczypor with your questions or for registration information.

Beverly Schultz Carly Neczypor

beverlyschultz@gmail.com cneczypor@live.com

“Send me to the city, so that I may rebuild it.”

Nehemiah 2:5

Missions & Outreach

Saturday, February 21, 2015 24th Annual Chili Challenge 6:00 PM Location: Fellowship Hall Admission:

$5 – Adult $2.50 - Children ages 6-12 Children ages 0-5 are free. ($20 maximum per household)

Church school classes and groups of GSUMC will be making their favorite chili recipes for a chance to be declared the best chili at Good Shepherd! Attendees are asked to try each chili and vote on the best! The chili samples will be a part of a dinner that is served with a salad bar, hot dogs, dessert, and beverages. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased on Sunday’ in between services or during normal office hours from the church office.

Free Local Events

Friday, February 14, 2015 Valentine’s Day “Pink the Rink” 3:00—9:00 PM Wade Oval, University Circle Skate Rentals: $3

Bring your sweetheart for a romantic skate on the pink ice! Students from Montessori High School at University Curcle will be decorating The Rink with festive holiday hearts.

February 16, 2015 Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s Presidents’ FREE Day 11:00 AM—5:00 PM 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, OH 44122

Celebrate Presidents’ Day at the Maltz Museum. Tour exhibits such as The American Story and The Power of Nazi Propaganda! Enjoy participating in hands-on crafts and other activities that are open and free!

Sunday, February 8, 2015 Second Sunday for Seniors 12:30 PM

Topic: Understanding Your Financial Options

The next session will be held on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 12:30 pm in the Stage Room covering the topic of “Understanding Your Financial Options.” Each month through April there will be a new presenter who will bring a wealth of experience and expertise in their area. The goal of this program is to help seniors gather information and form their own care team.

Reservations are not required, but suggested. For more information or to make a reservation, please call the church office at (440) 884-9090.

Fliers are available at the Forestwood entrance or by request from the church office.

March’s Topic: Emotional & Mental Health Issues

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 6:00—7:00 PM

The Family Ministry Board invites you to be a part of the Good Shepherd tradition of celebrating the beginning of the Lenten season with a pancake supper!

Menu: Pancakes, Sausage, Applesauce, Juice, and Beverages.

Reservations are not required. There is no cost for the meal, but donations will be appreciated.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015 Ash Wednesday Special Service 7:30 PM

Come join us at this special service as we begin the Lenten season.

February Events

February 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2

6:30 PM MFM, SR

3

12 PM UMW

General Mtg, SR

6:30 PM DDS, L

7 PM D14, SR

4

7 PM Choir

5

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7:30 PM TCM, L

6

7 PM PTP, S

7

6 PM Valentine’s

Dinner, LL

8

12:30 PM Senior

Sunday, SR

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

9

6:30 PM MFM, SR

7 PM PSCM, O

10

12 PM RC, SR

6:30 PM DDS, L

11

7 PM FCM, O

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

12

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7 PM ACM, SR

13

7 PM PTP, S

14

15

16

6:30 PM MFM, SR

17

6 PM Shrove

Tuesday Pancake

Supper, LL

6:30 PM DDS, L

7 PM D14, P

18 Ash Wednesday

7:30 PM Special

Service

19

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

20

7 PM PTP, S

21

6 PM Chili

Challenge, LL

22

The Children’s Choir

performs in both

services.

6:30 PM Bowling

League, YTL

23

6:30 PM MFM, SR

24

6:30 PM DDS, L

25

7 PM Choir

Practice, S

26

10 AM Pastor’s

Bible Study, L

7 PM SPRC, L

27

7 PM PTP, S

28

1 PM Caring

Dinner, LL

Titles

MFM—Mondays for Men

TCM—Trustees Committee Meeting

YTL—Yorktown Lanes

PSCM—Program Staff Committee Meeting

CCM—Care Committee Meeting

SPRC—Staff Parish Relations Committee Meeting

PTP—Praise Team Practice

FCM—Finance Committee Meeting

RC—Rachel Circle

D14—Disciple 14

ACM—Administrative Council Meeting

DBS—Disciple Bible Study

Locations

O—Church Office

SR—Stage Room S—Sanctuary P—Parlor YR—Youth Room YTL—York Town Lanes LL—Lower Level

This page was left blank intentionally so that you may

remove the February Calendar from your newsletter.

Messages, Sympathy, and Thanks

Pastor Bob and Church Family, Thank you for celebrating mom’s 100th birthday. We were grateful that many of you were there. Mom’s memory has faded a bit, but she stills loves the support of her church family. Thanks too for many cards and gifts to mom by many of you. Words can’t express the thanks we all feel.

Dear Friends in Christ, Thank you on behalf of Parma Hunger Center for your generous donations and large amounts of foot items in 2014. We appreciate your partnership in our ministry of outreach to the needy in the community. In 2014 we served 4, 558 families consisting of 15,163 individuals. Our sincere thanks to all who participated in these gifts for your generosity and caring. God bless you.

Congratulations to proud parents Nathan and Susan Rericha on the birth of Patrick Clay, who was born on January 12, 2015! We also congratulation the proud siblings: Taylor, Paige and Abigail. Such a blessing has come upon your family!

Good Shepherd UMC The Moody Family

Dear United Methodist Women, Thank you for your recent donation in honor of Pastor Bob Machovec. Because of your donation, our children and adults in the Care Center and Community Services program here at Flat Rock celebrated Christmas with joy and hope knowing that they are loved. The gifts that you provided to us will provide smiles and happiness to more than 100 children and adults served by our ministry.

Amanda Nicol Vice President of Advancement

Flat Rock Homes

Carol Hartel Parma Hunger Center

Our sympathy for the passing of church member, Gladys Holmberg, who passed away on January 12, 2015. Gladys was the wife of Harold Holmberg, a mother, grandmother, and at one time our church’s librarian.

Good Shepherd UMC

Contact Us

Good Shepherd UMC

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

(440) 884-9090

office@gsumparma.com

Visit us on the web at

www.gsumparma.com

Prayer Requests

Let us pray for you.

Submit prayer requests

through the website, by

phone, or by e-mail.

SAVE THE DATE!

Second Sunday for Seniors

February 8, 2015

12:30 - 1:30 pm

Topic:

Understanding Your Financial Options

Reserve your seat by calling (440) 884-9090

March’s Topic:

Emotional & Mental Health Issues

Good Shepherd

United Methodist Church

5930 State Road

Parma, OH 44134

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