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Kindly submit your newsletter information to Amy Franz at afranz3549@gmail.com
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Servers Needed
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If you would like to serve during Sunday services as an usher, greeter, lector, alter committee member, or to help with coffee hour please contact the church office.
View the March Servers' Schedule |
| A Note from the Music Director | |
Once again the choir will be preparing to sing special anthems during Lent and for each of the Holy Week Services. Please come and join us for some or all of these services. Please speak to Scott Mingels or any choir member for more information. Men especially welcome!! |
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 Church of the Good Shepherd
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Lenten greetings to all. When we began our Lenten journey we were reminded of the significance of our "shriven-ness" before Ash Wednesday. We had a lovely parish meal of pancakes, Maple-syrup, bacon, sausage, and cake for desert on Shrove Tuesday. We sang songs where we incorporated "bringing in the shroves" to "burying the Alleluias" for Lent. I realized, however, that our appetites too, need to be shriven. It was all done in good spirit.
We are proud of our loved ones who constantly make the news with their achievements. Terminal illness awareness campaign, sport and professional recognition were made known in the Dedham Times. Well done to Maren Raposo for her role with the Coins for the Cure campaign, for Ellen Masalsky for her all round athletic skills in soccer, basketball, and she can even throw the javelin. Angela McConney Scheepers' recognition of exemplary work in the legal profession has earned her the honor of being elected Trustee of the Massachusetts Bar Foundation. Hard work, perseverance, and commitment can only be rewarded with good results.
One of my study courses I'm presently focusing on is Global Anglicanism. As a rooted Anglican I'm often intrigued by the struggles and challenges we faced by seeking an established and accepted religious denomination. In South Africa during the turbulent 70's and 80's we were inundated with the adage "The Church is the Site of Struggle." These words have presented themselves in the church through the centuries under various and diverse circumstances. Today we face Anglo- Catholicism, Evangelicalism, High, and Low Church, all practiced under the Episcopal umbrella of a common liturgy. No matter the diversity, they all come back to basics and scripture. We all seek the best things in life. During Lent we are reminded that we are in possession of treasures. We are also reminded that there are many who do not have, or are deprived of treasures. Yet Jesus reminds us, "Where your heart is, there lies your treasure."
All that we own are fleeting, they are temporal, they can fade away in a moment. No one can guarantee a happy life. Here at Good Shepherd we value the gift and treasure found in friendship with one another. Someone asked a prominent person, "What is the secret of your life?" And the answer came back, "I had a friend." Surely many people have reached the pinnacle of fame, fortune and happiness because they had a friend who helped them along the way. We can't have too many real friends. We can't afford to lose even one. I often think of the church as my good friend. Because it's ministry comes to me in the critical and needful hours of life. When you are down, it lifts you up. When you are weak, it lends you strength. When you are sad, it lends you comfort. When you are in darkness, it leads you to the light. We owe much to the church. We owe it our time, our money, our service, our prayers, our influence, and our energy. We must embrace the gift it gives us in Jesus Christ, who loves us even more than a friend.
Every Blessing
Fr. Noble
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| KIDS FEST 2013 |
Saturday, March 2nd 11am - 2pm
Arts and crafts, games, face painting, foos ball, ping pong, snack bar and more! We only ask that folks bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Dedham Food Pantry. Last year we had over 100 people attend this event! It's a great way to bring the community into the church. We need lots of volunteers. Set up begins at 10am and clean up usually wraps up around 3. Please talk to Patty Roberts if you can help out. |
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A Note from Your Warden | |
With the beginning of Lent we know that Easter and spring are right around the corner. What a great inspiration to us all, especially your Vestry, as we plan for 2013.
This year Vestry will shift our focus from the rectory with its successful upgrade, to the Church itself; especially the building and the grounds. We are preparing a list of projects with the most pressing needs and will work from top to bottom, as time and money dictates. Our stucco exterior is a major concern, and handicap ramp and bell ringer are at the very top of the list.
Several new committees have been formed, Stewardship, Confirmation, Lay Ministers, Bylaws, Historian and Youth. We are always looking for fresh faces on all committees. Don't be shy about signing on.
The Neponset River Deanery is a vibrant group of our local neighboring Episcopal churches. A new website has been created to help get the word out about activities of interest. Be sure to check on the web for NeponsetRiver.wordpress.com.
You are able to post to it as well. The next Neponset River Deanery meeting is Tuesday, March 19 from 7 to 9 PM at Grace Church in Norwood. All Deanery Reps are invited.
Speaking of communication, the Vestry is well aware that we need to improve communication in all aspects of our Church. Please be sure to drop a note or email to any Vestry member with your concerns, ideas or praise. We are here to serve you.
Yours in Christ,
Nancy Clemens |
| Good Shepherd Annual Meeting | |
The Annual Meeting of the Parish was held after service on Sunday January 27, 2013.
There was a good turnout of parish members for the meeting which began with welcome and opening prayer. The Warrant was read, which as provided by the By-laws, states articles which the meeting must act on. This contains elections of candidates for Parish Office, delegates to Diocesan Convention, Neponset River Deanery and to transact any other business.
The Rectors Message contained his thoughts on Ministry, Mission and Evangelism along with a thank-you to outgoing Vestry Members and Wardens and others who have gone above and beyond the "Call of Duty".
Reports from the Clerk of the Vestry, the Warden, the Treasurer's 2012 Report and 2013 Parish Budget and from other groups were read and accepted.
Other business included Election of Officers, Vestry and delegates to Convention and Deanery. There was then some discussion of new signage for the church, plans for work to the church building and of various new and already up and running committees. There were some volunteers from the floor for these committees. There was also a short discussion about possible revamping of the Fall Fair. It was decided that the co-chairs of the Fall Fair would call a meeting for more intense discussion.
The meeting concluded with adjournment and The Blessing.
Copies of the Annual Reports for 2012 are available from the church office.
Submitted by Kathy Bombara, Warden |
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Holy Week Services
Palm Sunday - March 24th
9:00 am Procession and Holy Communion
Seder Meal - March 26th
6:30 pm $5.00 donation
Maundy Thursday - March 28th
7:00 pm - Washing of feet and vigil at the Garden of Repose
Good Friday - March 29th
Noon service - Jesus' last words on the cross
7:00 pm - Veneration of the cross and Holy Communion
Easter Vigil - March 30th
7:00 pm - Service of Light and Holy Communion
Easter - March 31st
5:30 am - Ecumenical Service at Blue Hills
9:00 am - Festival Easter Service with Organ, Trumpet and choir
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