THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD www.goodshepherd-towson.org

LIGHT AND TRUTH

The Fold

Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling. (Psalm 43:3) Happy New Year! I hope your Christmas and New Year celebrations were full of joy and gratitude for what was given and what was received. It is a challenge to write Epiphany tidings during Advent when we are in the midst of a myriad of December events. For me, one of the Advent gifts that has and will continue to enrich my ability to see God’s light came through bible study and conversation with parishioners. Over six weeks about 10 of us gathered each Tuesday morning to dissect and discuss the Wisdom books within the Old Testament – The Book of Psalms, Ecclesiastes, and Job. We realized that those ancient teachers stress very current truths: that we will find wisdom in the practical, often mundane, day-to-day aspects of living, such as how we treat people, how we engage our work, how we manage our households, how we spend our free time. Wisdom examines the common areas of life with great seriousness to help us see that the right use and enjoyment of these daily realities is the real stuff of living. The focus of the scripture points one to a constant questioning - am I living a life compatible with God’s ways so that I can enjoy what God has given? Or as it says in Ecclesiastes, “It is God's gift that all should eat and drink and take pleasure in all their toil (3:13).” Eating and drinking might have consumed a good portion of our Advent and Christmas season, so perhaps Epiphany is a time when we can shine the light on our living and the wisdom we may find in our day-to-day. Where, each day, do we feel fulfilled? Who, each day, might be sharing the wise word we need to hear? When, each day, are we seeking God? The Epiphany star is shining so that we may follow it to God’s truth, God’s holy hill, God’s dwelling. The Wisdom writers affirm where the Epiphany star leads: to a dwelling place that is not just a manger, not just a church, but in us. Where the Word that was with God, is God, and dwelt among us is written on our hearts. And as the next line of Psalm 43 says, once you have discovered that light and truth then “will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy.” See you at church! Blessings and Peace, Arianne+

January 2013 HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE A THANK YOU FROM ACTC—P3 · BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES—P4 ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS AND SERVICES—P7

The Fold—January 2013—Page 2 *CLERGY* The Rev. Arianne R. Weeks Rector The Rev. Joshua Rodriguez Curate *STAFF* Natalie White, Parish Administrator Kim Chalmers Business Administrator Susan Andrews Day School Director Kevin King Choirmaster Michael Allman Parish Hall Musician Jane Miller Organist Carolyn Sandler & Bernard Smith Sextons Jackie Williams Nursery Care Provider *OFFICERS* Ellen Brinkley Senior Warden Beau Whitney Junior Warden Suzanne Dentry-Meny Registrar Robert Locke Treasurer

FROM THE SENIOR WARDEN As I write this, we are approaching the Fourth Sunday in Advent. December has been a busy month for the Church of the Good Shepherd! A delighted group of parishioners was treated to a tea and Christmas concert by the children of the Day School. St. Nick’s night was a huge hit with all the families who attended. Josh’s ordination was a beautiful celebration, and it was an honor for all of us to be there to support him on this very important occasion. The Giving Tree in the Foyer was a wonderful focal point that enabled all of us to experience the joy of helping others. Sunday school classes have been “rehearsaling” (a term coined by my daughter many Christmases ago) for the Christmas Eve pageant. An enthusiastic group of carolers

turned out for the caroling party in the courtyard, and happily the rain held off until the final strains of “Silent Night”. I could go on and on, but by now you get the picture. The church staff, our clergy and many volunteers have been working hard and working together to create many beautiful moments and ways to celebrate the Advent season. By the time you read this letter, the Christmas tree will be in the compost pile, the kids will be back in school, the house will be “decommissioned” of all its decorations, and out-of-town family members will have returned home. Cue the winter doldrums. For fun, I googled “Ways to Combat Winter (Continued on page 3)

THANK YOU TO HARRY ANDREWS

*VESTRY* Sally Craig Suzanne Dentry-Meny Steve Forthuber Ellen Hoitsma John Horine Joseph Morales Donna Reid Barry Rollins Rob Spiller Patti Steinberg Henry Thomas Sarah Woods ***** Guy Wolf, Diocesan Delegate Joe Morales, Alternate Diocesan Delegate The Rt. Rev. Eugene T. Sutton Bishop of Maryland The Rt. Rev. Joe Burnett Assistant Bishop

Many of you will have noticed the beautiful new manger used for our crèche this year. The manger was built by Harry Andrews out of reclaimed wood from a Habitat for Humanity House. Thank you, Harry, for this wonderful addition to our Christmas decorations!

THE FOLD is a publication of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 1401 Carrollton Avenue, Ruxton, MD 21204, and is published monthly online except once each quarter, when printed copies are available. We can be reached at 410-823-0122 or at our website www.goodshepherd-towson.org. Send address changes by mail to: The FOLD, Attention: Editor; or email: [email protected].

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Doldrums” and stumbled across the Danish term “hygge” (pronounced, roughly, “hYOOga”.) Danish winters are notoriously long, cold and dark, and I can only surmise that hygge is an attempt to create an alternative reality. There are no real synonyms in our language, but whenever you have friends gathered in lively conversation around a fire, with good food and drink, you have hygge.

joys being together – no matter the season! Wishing you and yours many opportunities for hygge this winter! Ellen Brinkley Senior Warden

It occurred to me that Church of the Good Shepherd does hygge pretty well. The days ahead may be cold and dark, but Good Shepherd is always an oasis of warmth and fellowship. You will find hygge at coffee hour between services on Sunday, at the men’s breakfast group, or even at a Vestry meeting. We are a community that sincerely en-

FROM THE CURATE Looking back on December, all I have to say is “Thank you!” The holiday season is always a busy time, but it seemed especially busy this year at Good Shepherd. We had so many wonderful events, and there is no way that any of them could have happened without parishioners stepping out of the woodwork to volunteer. In light of this, it only seems appropriate for me to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. First, on December 5, Mickey Wheeler and the Pastoral Care Committee organized a Christmas Tea for our senior parishioners. This was a wonderful time of fellowship, and the parish hall was decorated beautifully. Thank you all for the time that you put into organizing this important event! Second, on December 7, we celebrated our first St. Nick’s Night here at Good Shepherd. The evening was a wonderful success, filled with food, fun, and fellowship. I’d like to extend a special thank you to the members of the Families Committee, who planned and executed this great event: Ellen Hoitsma, Sandi Cassard, and Jen Dunnick. I’d also like to thank Bob Tomlinson and Jane Lynch for their help with food for the evening. And, of course, the evening would not have been a success without our jolly St. Nicholas: Clai Carr. Thank you all! Third, on December 13, I was ordained to the priesthood in a beautiful service, which could not have happened without help from so many people. Julie Minch and the altar guild decorated the church beautifully. Ellen Brinkley and the Events Committee organized a superb reception. Kevin King, Jane Miller, and our excellent choir provided amazing musical leadership. And Arianne+, Ellen Brinkley, Ginny Barnhart, Gretchen Hampt, Guy Wolf, Renee

DeLisle, Ellen Hoitsma, Ed MacVaugh, Craig Millin, Puttie Loane, John Horine, and Bill Mangels all participated in the worship service. Beyond that, the church was filled with so many of you, and you generously gave $1000 to establish my discretionary fund! A priest’s discretionary fund is used to supplement the ministry provided for by our regular budget, and is most commonly used to help those individuals who come to our church looking for financial help. I would like to thank each and every one of you for helping to make the evening so wonderful for me. Fourth, on December 16, Doug and Ellen Brinkley organized a wonderful evening of caroling in the courtyard. Thank you to Doug and Ellen for putting everything together, to everyone who brought goodies, and to Kevin King for providing musical leadership! Finally, on Christmas Eve, we had a wonderful Christmas Pageant at our 2:30 PM service. This could not have been possible without the stars of the pageant, the children of this parish, but I’d also like to highlight some people whose contributions were made behind the scenes. Beverly MacVaugh and Anne Broadus served as our seamstresses, making new costumes and repairing and altering old ones. Parents gladly volunteered to help children learn lines and songs and to shepherd them into the proper places. And, as director, Ginny Morgan-Arey was a constant source of inspiration, energy, and good humor. Thank you all for making the pageant such as success! It is such a pleasure to serve among such a caring and loving community. As St. Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians, “I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you.” Peace, Josh+

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OFFERINGS FROM WELL FOR THE JOURNEY Holy Living, Living Wholly III: Exploring the Rule of St. Benedict for the 21st Century Benedictine spirituality offers a way of life that speaks to contemporary life. Participants will explore the ways this ancient wisdom can speak words of hope to today’s culture. Six Tuesday mornings, 9:30 AM–Noon │ Jan. 8, Feb. 5, March 5, April 9, May 7, June 4, 2013 │ Emmanuel Monastery, 2229 West Joppa Rd., Lutherville, MD $140 for all six classes—registration is required. Checks payable to Emmanuel Monastery (Co-Sponsored by The Well and the Benedictine Sisters of Baltimore. New and returning participants are welcome) Listening to your Dreams Could God be speaking to you through your dreams? The dream group will utilize a supportive group process to give participants insight into their dreams. Participants should be prepared to journal about their dreams and share at least one dream with the group over the course of the series.

When the Heart Waits Using Sue Monk Kidd’s autobiographical account of divine love, grace, and transformation in When the Heart Waits, we will explore how her story sheds light on the ongoing inner transformation in our own lives. Required Text: When the Heart Waits, by Sue Monk Kidd, available through amazon.com. Eight Thursday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 PM │Jan. 10 – Feb. 28 at The Well Center $80 for registration by Jan.3—$90 late registration Mystic: Experiencing Life with Contemporary Poet Mary Oliver Listen to life through the eyes and ears, mind and heart, of the modern mystic and poet Mary Oliver, as she invites you to experience all of creation with a new consciousness and sacredness. Two Thursday afternoons, 1:00 – 2:30 PM │ Jan. 17 and 24 at Emmanuel Monastery, 2229 West Joppa Rd., Lutherville, MD

Four Wednesdays, 1:00-3:00 PM │Jan. 9, Feb. 6, March 6, April 10| The Well Center, 7600 York, Rd., Towson.

$20 per class or $35 for series if registration received by Jan. 10

$80 for registration by Jan. 3.

Introduction to a Simpler Life Do you want to simplify your life but don't know where to start? Come learn what sages, religious leaders, environmentalists and practitioners have said about simplicity as a lifestyle choice and explore how we can live incorporate these principles into daily life.

Women at the Well Winter Sessions: The Wisdom of Women: Courage, Community, and Creativity We will be guided by the wisdom of Biblical, historical, and contemporary women. We will look for qualities in these women that inspire our daily lives. Eight Wednesday mornings, 9:30 – 11:00 AM │Jan. 9 – Feb. 27; Eight Thursday mornings, j9:30 – 11:00 AM │ Jan. 10 – Feb. 28 Eight Monday evenings, 7:00 – 8:30 PM │January 14 & 28, Feb. 11 & 25, Mar. 11 & 25, Apr. 8 & 22, May 6 & 20 Held at The Well Center $80 for registration by Jan.3—$90 late registration

Tuesday, Jan. 29th 1:00 – 3:00 PM OR Wednesday, Jan. 30th 7:00 – 9:00 PM at The Well Center $20 registration Inner Pilgrimage with St. Brigid. Do you want to journey to Ireland without leaving Baltimore? Brigid’s Well in Kildare, Ireland is a place of pilgrimage where people pray, reflect, and seek wellness. Gather on the eve of St. Brigid’s Feast Day as we as we recreate this sacred space and reflect upon how Brigid’s hospitality, peacemaking, healing, championship for the poor, and reverence for the earth inspire us in our contemporary lives. Facilitators: Mabeth Hudson, Becky Slater and Terri Smith Thursday, Jan 31, 2013| 6:30- 9:00 PM at Church of the Good Shepherd Light Celtic Refreshments | $25 if registered by Jan. 24, $30 late registration

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CHOIR ANTHEMS FOR EPIPHANY January 6th— “Here is the Little Door”—Herbert Howells January 13th— “Carol of the Baptism”—George Brandon January 20th— “I Sat Down Under His Shadow”—Edward Bairstow January 27th— “Ride the Chariot”—arr. W. Henry Smith February 3rd— “How Beautiful are the Feet” “Their Sound is Gone Out”—G. F. Handel February 10th— “And as they came down”—Alan Hovhaness

February 13th, Ash Wednesday— “Schaffe in mir, Gott”—Johaness Brahms

THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD 1401 Carrollton Avenue Baltimore, Maryland 21204-6518 410-823-0122 Fax: 410-823-4003

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The people of the Church of the Good Shepherd aspire to grow continually in spirit with Christ as our head and the Holy Spirit as our guide.* We are a parish of many blessings, and we pray that our spiritual growth will be witnessed through loving concern for, and service to, our parish family as well as the broader community, especially our neighbors in need. * We find strength for the journey in diverse worship experiences, rich Christian education for all ages, and active lay ministry. * We give joyful thanks for the many blessings of the Lord.

BULLETIN BOARD

ACOLYTE TRAINING The next training session for acolytes will be Saturday, January 5 at 1:00 PM. It should last one hour. Please contact Renee DeLisle at [email protected] if your child plans to attend.

EPIPHANY DIAPER DRIVE The Families Committee is collecting diapers for the baby Jesus on Sunday, 1/6, the Feast of the Epiphany. Size 3, 4, and 5 diapers will be donated to ACTC. A potluck brunch will be held between the 9 AM and 11 AM services.

CONFIRMATION CLASSES During Lent, Arianne+ and Josh+ will lead a series of confirmation classes for teens who have completed their J2A Pilgrimage. Classes will be held on the following Sundays: February 24, March 3, and March 10. Teens who participate in the classes and choose to be confirmed will be confirmed in a service at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on Sunday, April 14. Please contact Arianne+ or Josh+ for more information.

NEXT FOLD DEADLINE Tuesday, January 8 at 5:00 PM—This deadline is for material for the February 2013 issue.