November  2008

Order Scrip on November 16th this month and pick it up on November 23

Time changes this month—be sure to change your clock Nov. 1

• ALL MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES
• KATHRYN LAWLER AND DAVID WUNSCH -missionaries
• DAVID BARCLAY—nephew of Edwards’
• RUTH COBURN—friend of Dorothy Linke
• CAROL DEAN
• JON DEMBROSKI
• DEE GARRETT
• RUDY GEYLING– Infant son of Trish & Rolf, friends of Beth Cavey
• EVIE AND ROSS HAYNES – The Hearth at Windermere
• SUE ISENBERG

• CODY KING—grandson of friend of Ruth Edwards
• CINDY MEENACH—friend of Dorothy Linke
• MARY MULLEN
• KIT PYRITZ
• CARL ROSEBROCK – Ann Wilkerson’s father
• JANE SIMPSON—friend of Nancy Cook
• DAVID SKIRVIN—Diane Schaaf’s co-worker
• DAN WILKERSON – Chip’s brother
• JOAN YAZEL—Jill Speraw’s mother

Announcements

HEALTH MIINISTRY CORNER

Preventing Infection

Prevention is much easier than curing some infections:

Wash your hands frequently (especially before you eat, drink, touch your nose or eyes) for at least 10 seconds with warm water and soap.

Take advantage of available immunizations to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases
Use antibiotics wisely: We must all be aware of the increase in the nuimber of germs that are resistant to available antibiotics. Don’t demand antibiots when your health care professional has determined that they are not needed. If you are prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as prescribed—no skipped doses, stopping early. Do not save any for later. Do not take any that are prescribed for someone else.

Eat safely: remember the importance of selecting, washing, preparing and storing foods properly to avoid food related infections (“food poisoning”)

Safe, responsible personal practices including high risk sexual activities, sharing personal grooming items, balance your exercise and rest.

A clean environment can make “a world of difference” in preventing infections: pay special attention to items that are used my multiple people (sinks, bathroom doorknobs, drawer handles)

As we age, we need to take extra precautions, because our immune systems become weaker over time: the elderly are more susceptible to infections such as influenza, especially living in residences where many people share close quarters (e.g., in nursing homes or board and care facilities)

Kids—warm, messy, irrestibly cute...and covered with germs!!! Potty habits, shardd toys and foods, the spread of germs before symptoms of illness become apparent—all contribute to kids getting—and sharing!—a variety of enfections. Especially in a daycare setting where lots of kids (and lots of germs) come together each day, adults must accept responsibility for controlling the spread of infections by practicing —and teach the kids—good personal hygiene and environmentsl cleanliness. Kids are the greatest students—what they really need are good examples…

Excerpted from Health Notes by Marla Lichtsinn, RN, MPA, CIC, FCN, Parish nurse via Wheat Ridge Minsitries

-Louise Bellon

MUSICAL NOTES FROM THE BENCH

Bells for Christmas!

Several weeks ago Pastor Tom gave a sermon that talked about God’s economy. I have given that a lot of thought over these past weeks and think that I have a pretty firm handle on how it works. In this time of economic stress and personal thriftiness it really wouldn’t make sense for a church of 80 members to be purchasing a set of handbells for the music ministry. That is the logic of world economy. In the God’s economy the numbers might look like this. Good Shepherd Lutheran has a weekly attendance of about 50 which is 63% of its total membership. The choir has 15 members, the bell choir has 10 members for a total of 25 people involved in the music ministry of this church. This accounts for 30% of the membership and 50% of the total number of people attending on a weekly basis. One of the largest churches in Indianapolis with 4000 members and a 80 person choir, 12 person bell choir, and maybe 200 in the children’s choir program. This total accounts for only 7.5% of the congregation involved in the music ministry. Our church is rich in involvement and participation assets! Having said all this I think it is time to just get the bells. We need to continue to pray for guidance about finding a used set or purchasing a new set. I propose that we set the goal of having “Bells for Christmas” in time for our Christmas Music Sunday Celebration on December 14.

SPONSOR A BELL!!
We are looking for people to “sponsor a handbell” . You can have an inscription on the handle of the bell you choose. Why not honor someone by sponsoring a handbell and put their name on it. Or show your support for the handbell choir by buying a bell and putting your name on it.

One of the anthems the choir is going to learn this Advent season is a spiritual called, Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning
Keep your lamps trimmed and burning, Keep your lamps trimmed and burning
Keep you lamps trimmed and burning, the time is drawing nigh.
Children, don’t get weary. Children, don’t get weary.
Children don’t get weary ‘til your work is done.
Christians, journey soon be over. Christian, journey soon be over.
Christian, journey soon be over, the time is drawing nigh.

Carpe diem! Seize the day!

Blessings to all.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
October 26: Bell Choir plays the Anthem, Choir rehearsal @ 11:30-12:15

November 2: Choir rehearsal @ 11:30-12:15

November 9: Choir rehearsal @ 11:30-12:15

November 16: Choir rehearsal @ 11:30-12:15

November 23: Choir rehearsal @9 AM—sing Anthem, Student Recital @ 2PM in the Sanctuary

November 30: No choir rehearsal (Thanksgiving weekend)

December 7: Choir rehearsal @ 11:30-12:15

December 12: Choir rehearsal party @ the Spinks’, 7 PM

December14: Christmas Music Celebration

December 21: Choir rehearsal @ 11:30-12:15

December 24: Christmas Eve

-Jennifer Seaver Stokes

November 2—Rev. 7:9-17 —The Saints in Heaven, Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN

November 9—1Thessalonians 4:13-18—Always with the Lord, Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, IN

November 16—1 Thessalonians 5:9-10—Destined to Salvation, Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul, Decatur, IN

November 23—Psalm 118—O Give Thanks?, Rev. James Elsner, Prince of Peace, Hudson, IN

November 30—Mark 13—Waiting with Joy, Rev. Paul E. Shoemaker, Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Haven, IN

Sunday, November 2 will be Harvest Sunday. The Sharing Place needs the following items:

Cereal
Spaghetti sauce
Canned meat
Canned fruit--pineapple, pears, peaches
Toilet paper
Macaroni & Cheese
Pork & Beans
Rice
Please, no canned vegetables.

AN ARTICAL BY BILL NOVAK, DEAN OF THE INDIANAPOLIS CONFERENCE THAT RECENTLY APPEARED IN THE CONFERENCE NEWSLETTER.

The author of The Letter To The Hebrews defines faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1) Taking his cue for this New Testament definition of faith Craig Dykstra, senior vice president of religion at Lilly Endowment Inc., has recently written an article in which he sets forth three key concepts found in every successful strategy for transforming congregations. What is it that successful pastors, lay leaders, and entire congregations discover when they dare to evaluate their congregations and communities “through the eyes of faith?” Dykstra summarizes their discoveries with the use of three pivotal concepts: 1) grace; 2) pastoral imagination; 3) ecclesial imagination.

Grace, according to Dykstra, “does not primarily have to do with things that might or might not happen episodically to affect our particular lives. Grace instead is more like gravity – a constant, enduring presence – indeed, the constant, enduring presence of a loving and merciful Triune God.” Given this understanding of grace, Dykstra goes on to refer to the “buoyancy of God.” In his youth, Dykstra was a swimming instructor and that gave him the idea for the following metaphor.

Even then, as I taught those little children, it seemed to me
that the buoyancy of water and the possibility it creates
for us to be able to float and swim with confidence provided
an apt and lovely metaphor for the buoyancy of God, whose
everlasting and omnipresent grace enable us to live and have
life abundantly.

Thus, for Dykstra, “the eyes of faith” enable the Christian to see that she/he is literally afloat in God’s grace and it is this that gives us the power to live life in a positive manner. It gives us the knowledge that in struggle and in joy, in conflict and in peace – indeed in every possible circumstance and condition in life and in death – we are upheld by God’s “buoyancy.”

Once the “buoyancy of God” has been discovered, pastors are free to develop what Dykstra calls “pastoral imaginations.” This way of seeing and interpreting shapes what the pastor thinks and does and how she or he responds to people in gestures, words, and actions. It functions as a kind of internal gyroscope, guiding pastors in and through every crevice of pastoral life and work. The pastoral imagination emerges over time and through the influence of many forces. In spite of its great value, however, no one can go out in pursuit of it. Ultimately it comes, not as an achievement, but as a gift as the pastor applies herself or himself to the daily little tasks that comprise parish ministry. As a gift, the pastoral imagination comes to ministers in the midst of a life spent in service to God’s people.

Thirdly, something similar in character may emerge within whole communities of faith as well. When the people of a specific faith community start to learn and actually
practice their faith, a new and profoundly abundant way of living begins to emerge and eventually flourishes – a way of living that is strong enough to provide a sense of meaning, purpose, direction, value, courage, thanksgiving, and joy even in the midst of conflict, injustice, suffering, evil, and ultimately death. Clearly, such communities also have a way of seeing the world “through the eyes of faith,” a way of seeing that Dykstra calls “ecclesial imagination.”

Pastoral imagination and ecclesial imagination live, if they live at all, in a perpetual and dynamic process of mutual interdependence. They are symbiotic. They are caught up with each other in a virtuous cycle. What gives rise to a strong, rich flexible, attentive pastoral imagination? Pastoral work in congregations made up of faithful people who together share an ecclesial imagination built on the same foundation. And what gives rise to a strong, rich flexible, attentive ecclesial imagination? In no small part the presence of pastors who preach and teach the Christian faith and lead congregations imaginatively and intelligently in the light of an ever-deepening knowledge of the grace, mercy, and love of God.

All of the above, in the final analysis, come to those who simply have the eyes to see!
For more details about Dykstra’s analysis see further: FOR LIFE ABUNDANT (Dorothy C. Bass & Craig Dykstra, editors. William B. Eerdmans, Pub. Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan. 2008) ch. 2

LIFE AT GOOD SHEPHERD

Dear Family and Friends,

I was so GOOD! I really out-did myself. Dad even said I was good. That was, of course, at this year’s Pet Blessing last Sunday afternoon. Last year as I’m sure you all will remember I embar- rassed myself, my Dad and all present at the Pet Blessing by barking at all the other pets. This year there were dogs and ferrets and yes, cats too. As if any kind of blessing could help a cat in any way. Oh, I shouldn’t say that at all. We just had another death in the family this week. My sister Julie and brother Sandy’s oldest cat Penny is no longer with us. It is hard for me to have any remorse having never been allowed to even meet her. It’s my fault. Cats and I Dave Schaaf’s dog, Bob don’t mix. Never have. That’s the reason I never have been allowed on the second floor of our building in Mooresville. Six, now five, cats live up there. But I did feel for Sandy and Julie as they grieved. Anyway, back to the Pet Blessing: that nice Pastor Tom gave a little introduction, read scripture and had my good friend Sally say a few words. Then he went around to every one of us pets and evoked a blessing for each of us. Sally followed providing little treats for us all. Then I got part of Dad’s cookie too. Dottie sure puts on a good show. It was a nice afternoon. Perfect weather and the Colts won.

Let’s see. . . . the week before, Diane and Dad hosted the church group again this year at the farm for some “refreshment” before dinner at a Zionsville restaurant. It gave them all a chance to meet Sophie (the pig) and mingle with the horses, donkey and the rest of us. Due to an unfortunate incident, I however, spent most of the party in my crate. It was a misunderstanding on my sister Diane’s part. I did not snap at that little person. I was just trying to wipe her runny nose the only way I can: my tongue. It is so seldom that people are low enough for my help. This one was just old enough to be walking. I saw a need for my help and tried to be of service. As a result, my information on the party is limited.

I had a great experience last Wednesday: Dad was so late getting back to the store from an auction that he didn’t have time to take me home and still make Bible study so I got to go along to church and attend with Dad. We were late and sat in the back row. There
was a big crowd and I got to sit in my own chair. Pastor
Tom was talking about the three themes of the Bible: The
Exodus Story, the Exile Story and the Priestly Story. Of
course I have never studied the Bible much, but Dad has
read and discussed some of it with me and he has never
mentioned that every story in the Bible fits into one of
those three themes. I guess he knew that it was more than
I could handle. It was.

Dad said he made the mistake of complaining to his primary
Doctor last month and as a result has seen his cardiologist,
nephrologists, urologist, and orthopedic doctor. He has had Bernice
a stress test, blood tests and an overnight sleep study. He thinks the overall diagnosis is going to be acute hypochondria. It sure sounds bad to me.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving everybody!

Bob

(Picture 1: Dave Schaaf's dog, Bob. Picture 2: Bernice- Bob thinks she is his Dad's daughter, and therefore his sister!)

JUST A THOUGHT

“Criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a person’s growth without destroying their roots.” -Frank Clark

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?” Satchel Paige
“Our anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” - Charles H. Spurgeon

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy”

“Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.”

- Author unknown

WELCA

WELCA  will meet on November 18th at 1:00 P.M..  We are making a change -- everyone will bring their own lunch -- we are starting a brown-bagging it agenda!  Lorain will be study leader for the second session of Ruth.  Please pack your brown bag and come!

You can call 888-382-1222 from the phone that you want blocked from getting sales calls and you will be put on the list. This will work on both your home phone and your cell phone. You would need to make a call for each of them from the phone you want blocked.

-Denver Cain

STEWARDSHIP PITCH-IN

There will be a Pitch-in dinner following worship services and following the culmination of our stewardship campaign on November 23rd.

The Stewardship and Fellowship Committees will provide the meat and drinks. So plan to bring something to go with those items.

Please sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board so we know how many to plan on and what you will be bringing.

GOOD SEARCH

We have found another way to make some money for the church. Again it will cost you nothing but we will make money.

The first is a search engine. When you want to search for something on the internet, go to GoodSearch.com. It is a good search engine and they make a donation to Good Shepherd every time you use it.

You must put Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Indianapolis, IN in the place where it asks who you search for. There is a pick list also to find it.

The second is a shopping site. You go to GoodShop.com. There you can put in who you are shopping for (again Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, IN) and then click on a merchant. You will be transferred to the merchant’s site and the transaction will be just like it would be if you went there in the beginning. But the church will get a percentage of your purchase. You could even buy scrip and then use it to purchase on the site. We can double dip that way!

GoodSearch.com - The search engine with a unique social mission. It's powered by Yahoo!, so you get great search results, and each time you search, GoodSearch makes a donation to your cause!

GoodShop.com - The new online marketplace that donates a percentage of your purchase to the nonprofit or school of your choice. You can choose from hundreds of popular merchants and the experience of shopping through GoodShop is exactly the same as going to the retailer's websites directly.

Try them out!!! It really is easy!!

SOCIAL MINISTRY

Have you noticed the prayer list every week in the bulletin? Each week, our missionaries, Kathryn Lawler and David Wunsch, are listed. They serve on behalf of us, 14 other congregations, and the ELCA in Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Chiles and Peru. While we should have them both in our prayers, we should also include their children, Emily and Matthew.

The following are their prayer concerns:

Pray that our hearts and minds may be open to the many gifts of the Spirit that will be offered to us by the people of South America.

Pray that the message of Jesus Christ's saving grace may offer hope to and lift up the many people in South America who are living with economic insecurity, social injustice and lack of opportunity.

Pray that we can be a channel of God's peace, patience and love in the world and develop relationships of trust with our Lutheran brothers and sisters that will lead to Christian fellowship, spiritual growth, and service done to God's glory.

Pray that we may find schools, friends and a neighborhood for our children that will allow us to call this new land "home."

Pray that each of us may be watched over and kept safe as we undertake extensive travel to Lutheran churches in Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Bolivia and Peru.

Pray that our families and friends who will be missing us in the U.S. will feel connected to our work and our sense of call.

Mary Schull

WORDS FROM WORTHMORE

It is hard to believe we have to start thinking about Thanksgiving, but we do!!! We ended October with a fun trip to Stony Creek Farms with a hayride to the pumpkin patch and a not too scary walk through the haunted house. Fun was had by all!!! Christmas is just around the corner and you can hear Christmas bells ringing already. Be sure and mark your calendar for December 18th, 7:00 P.M., for Worthmore’s famous “Winter Concert”!! I guarantee an evening of fun and laughter!!

Just a reminder, flu shots are available on Tuesday, November 4th, 8:00-9:30 A.M. They will accept Medicaid and Medicare cards.

Have a wonderfully Blessed Thanksgiving. Please remember the staff and families of Worthmore are very thankful for the members of Good Shepherd!!!

-Brenda J. Jackson

LUTHERAN VESPERS

Lutheran Vespers (called GRACE MATTERS) may be found on the web at www.gracematters.org.

PUZZLERS

1. Who said: “The man who views the world at fifty the same as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life?
A. Henry Ford B. Muhammad Ali C. George Orwell

2 . A diamond is the hardest substance on earth. What is the second hardest?
A. Sapphire B. Tanzanite C. Citrine

3. What company invented coffee?
A. Kraft B. Nestle C. Maxwell House

4. What is the longest river in the world?
A. Amazon B. Nile C. Yangtze

5. What do the Danish call Danish pastries?
A. Danish pastries B. Viennese bread C. Alsatian cakes

6. What was once the national drink of Scotland?
A. Claret B. Amaretto c. Vodka

7. In what country was the Can-Can invented?
A. France B. UK C. Canada

Answers to Puzzlers
B. Muhammad Ali
2. A. Sapphire
3. B. Kraft
4. B. Nile
B. Viennese bread
A. Claret
B. UK

New "Wee Ones" Choir

New children's choir.....the "Wee Ones"!!  That's right, Brenda is going to take the children out after the children's sermon and/or anthem and teach the kids some songs which they will share during the service once a month or so.  Any child age 2yrs and up is welcome.  They will rehearse during the sermon and then come back in for communion.  Please come and bring your child and soon you will hear the sweet voices of little cherubs.  Rehearsals are each Sunday.

Editors note to parents—Let’s get our children to church and support this new program!!

-Brenda Jackson

I K SYNOD NEWS

A good web site to check regularly is www.iksynod.org. Lots of good information there.

THANK YOU

Thank you to everyone for all your kind thoughts and prayers for my mom. Her surgery went well and she is on the road to recovery.

-Jill Speraw

November 21—Pilgrim Fine Arts Series Hymn Festival featuring Dr. David Cherwien—Trinity Episcopal Church 33rd & N. Meridian Streets—8:00 P.M. –Suggested offering is $5.00

STEWARDSHIP

November is the time of year when God gets out His paintbrush and starts painting the trees beautiful colors for us to ooh and aah over. It’s also the time of year that we commit our time, talent, and money to this God with the paintbrush. Over the next few weeks you will be hearing talks at church and receiving letters about this, and I hope you will listen and read carefully about the commitment we will be making for the coming year. Commitment Sunday will be Nov. 23, with the traditional pitch-in following the service. There will be a sign-up sheet shortly so please put your name on it. This is always a big day so plan on being a part of it.

NEW ADDITION TO OUR FAMILY!

Beth and Jamie Green have a new baby. Konlon Andrew has joined Beth, Jamie and their daughter, Kiera. By, the way, Kiera turns 2 years old this month. We hope to see them at church soon.

SENIOR CITIZENS

HAVE YOU HEARD?

Audrey Speraw will be appearing in the Tech HS fall play “Donovan’s Daughters”. This non-musical comedy is based on the “Taming of the Shrew” and Audrey is the feisty oldest daughter who refuses to get married.

The Kopel family is going to Disney World!!! They flew to Florida on Friday, October 17th to visit Aaron’s Grandma and visit Mickey Mouse. Roman was so excited to ride on a big airplane just like his Mommy. They hope that the other passengers were as excited to see
them!!

Allison Eckstein is at Purdue now and has joined Helping Paws. They help animals in the West Lafayette and Lafayette area.

Stephen Eckstein is back at Purdue and is still rowing

Congratulations are in order for Justine Marter. She and Jason Stout are planning to be married in December. Jason is presently serving in the Armed Services. Our best to them and Evan.

Talk about hurt feelings, Dave Garrett learned recently that “no good deed goes unpunished.” When Dave and Dee were backing out of their drive way, Dave noticed a large object in the road and steered around it. Upon closer examination it turned out to be a huge turtle. Thinking of its safety, he got out of the car and scooted it off the cement toward some water. When it got to safety, it turned around and showed it appreciation by hissing at Dave.

EDITOR'S NOTE

Do you have something to put in the newsletter?

If so, put it in my mailbox or e-mail it to me at lbellon@bellonsales.com. We are always looking for information to include! Deadline for December newsletter is the 17th of November. Yes, earlier this month!!

SHOP WITH SCRIP

We are still selling Scrip to make money to buy Handbells.

The holidays are coming up and we will make it easy for you to shop with gift cards or just to give gift cards as a gift. We do the legwork and you pick them up at church and use them. We also have some Christmas boxes for the cards available. Now how easy is that!!!

So make your list, check it twice and get prepared to order those gift cards. We will be altering the schedule to hopefully make it more convenient for you. November it will be different. We will collect orders on November 16th and deliver them to you on November 23rd. (You can use them to take advantage of the after-Thanksgiving sales!) Then we will again collect orders on December 7th and deliver them on December 14th. That should make it easy for you to get the cards when you want and need them.

Remember—it is easy for you to let us do the work for you!! Thanks for supporting our Bells!!

FOOD FOR THE FUN OF IT