But on the first

day of the

week, at early

dawn, they

went to the

tombtombtombtomb, taking

the spices

which they had

prepared. And

they found the

stone rolled

away from the

tombtombtombtomb, but when

they went in

they did not

find the body.

(Luke 24:1-3)

A P R I L 2 0 1 3A P R I L 2 0 1 3A P R I L 2 0 1 3A P R I L 2 0 1 3

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOLGOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOLGOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOLGOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICECELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICECELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICECELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICE

Dear Easter People of Good Shepherd, Struck by the awkwardness of writing an Easter letter in the midst of lent, I am acutely aware of the tension between Law and Gospel, death and life, despair and hope, Good Friday and Easter Sun-day. How hard it must have been for those first followers of Jesus who ….

• Entered Jerusalem triumphantly, basking in Jesus’ fame and popularity to imagine the twisted future awaiting them.

• Endured Jesus’ crazy talk about his eminent death and departure when all external evidence cele-brated his power with and among the people.

• Witnessed Jesus, the Lord of their lives whom they chose above all else to follow, being arrested and treated like an animal, tried like a criminal and convicted like a murderer.

• Feared for their lives to the point that they abandoned their Lord in his time of need, at his time of death.

How hard is it for us, followers of Jesus in 2013, who…

• Must fight to clear our schedules so that we can remember our Lord in Worship and grow in faith through prayer, study, and service.

• Live in a world that equates loving one’s neighbor and one’s enemy to foolishness and mocks any-one who would turn the other cheek and forgive.

• Need to wade through the swamps of today’s mainstream tabloid media, searching for a glimpse of truth in order to understand how God’s children are suffering throughout the world.

• Desire to continue Jesus’ ministry of compassion and outreach while feeling depleted, over-whelmed and frustrated.

For the early disciples, the empty tomb was full of hope. The resurrection meant that all of their fears were put to death. Even the horror of the crucifixion itself was transformed into a sacred sym-bol of hope for the most helpless of sinners. The early disciples rejoiced that Jesus’ unrestrained and unconditional love won them a place in the kingdom of God. Even the guilt of their act of abandon-ment was no match for the forgiveness extended through the wounded hands of the crucified and risen Son of God. What does the empty tomb mean to us today? Are we able to reorder our schedules to celebrate the hope of the resurrection? Can we be inspired by God’s forgiveness of our sin to forgive others, no matter what the public commentary may be? Might we make it our business to uncover, understand, and work toward the eradication of the sufferings of others—even those who differ most from us? Are we ready to understand ourselves as “Easter People”, people infused with the power of the resur-rection to love beyond all measure?

This Easter let us embrace the joy of resurrection hope by taking someone to breakfast! Yes, you heard me right! Invite some-one who does not usually attend Good Shepherd to a sit down at the resurrection breakfast in our gymnasium/dining hall begin-ning at 8:30 a.m. After they have their fill of bacon and eggs and Lutheran coffee, bring them to our Easter Worship Celebration at 10:00 a.m. so they can fill their hearts with love, forgiveness and hope! What does the empty tomb mean to us at Good Shepherd? It means we are Easter People! It means that we have hope in this life and the next. It means that we, as our ancestors before us, provide for the sharing of the Good News of Easter for future gen-erations! It means that we care about all of God’s children. It means that we will look for opportunities to gather and celebrate the forgiveness and love of God! It means that we will continue to follow in the footsteps of The Good Shepherd by being Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School- to the glory of God!

Alleluia, Christ is Risen!

The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

Pastor Eric Olaf Olsen

We had over 110 people at our successful 60th anniversary For Future Genera-tions campaign luncheon. At that luncheon, you heard a continuing theme that you will hear throughout the campaign. We are celebrating the past, the vision of the founding members of the congregation with their purchase

of ten areas of property and starting a congre-gation with the vision for future generations. We are celebrating the present— the founder’s future generation—here and now. We also are celebrating the future— our vision for future generations—in the same way our founding members had, by updating all our building to be more energy efficient, heating, cooling, and lighting. We will also be doing other things to bring our facility into good repair so that it will serve both us and future generations for many more years.

We would like 100% member participation in this campaign so that everybody has a role of important work in the life of our church, no matter how large your contribution may be. If you haven’t yet made a pledge, please consider doing so. Information and pledge cards are in the narthex. More things are being done around the property. The new lighting around all the buildings is moving along. You will see we have new lighting for the parking lot. When the weather gets warm enough, hopefully in the next month or so, the parsonage driveway will be paved. Remember May 19th is our annual congregational meeting after 10:00 a.m. worship. It is an important meeting! The new budget will be presented and adopted; there will be the election of new council members and election of members for the disbursement board. These will be in addi-tion to reports regarding our past year. Please mark the date and plan to attend. It is very important for you to be part of the planning of your church. Come to church and be a part of our exciting, expanding, vibrant programs!

LOVE, PEACE and JOY

John Schwaninger

If a well planned, major event implemented over a fast-moving three-week period of time has to be postponed, it had better be for a major reason. Twenty eight inches of snow during the weekend of February 10th seemed like a major enough reason to move the date of our For Future Generations Capital Campaign luncheon to March 3rd! Despite initial disappointment, many blessings came along with this change of date, however, a nice, sunny Sunday, among them. Nearly 120 people answered our open invitation to stop by for wine & cheese followed by a delicious lunch of penne alla vodka, chicken francese, filet of sole, roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables,

and baked macaroni and cheese, catered by The Inn Betweeen of Syosset. They enjoyed a visual montage of memories encompassing our 60-year history, put together by our School Secretary, Lindsay Kuefner, while Campaign Chair-man Paul Hinsch apprised everyone of our vision of growth for the next 60 years and beyond. We honored founding members Grace Berry and Ann Ocker, who were there 61 years ago when ground broke for this vision to become a reality. Each was presented with a crystal vase etched with the wording,

“In Thanksgiving for Sixty Years of Membership 1952 to 2012” The Church of the Good Shepherd - Lutheran, along with a tremendous bouquet of flowers, which they graciously ac-cepted to a long-earned standing ovation. The Lord certainly does work in mysterious ways as John Hinsch was able to share a letter from LuHi’s Head of School, Dr. David Hahn, announcing that Good Shepherd Lutheran Church was named LuHi’s “2013 Lutheran Crusader Fund Con-gregation of the Year,” something he would not have been able to do had the lunch-eon taken place on its original date! This honor includes an award of $10,000—what an auspicious way to launch this campaign! (Dr. Hahn’s letter appears at the

end of this piece.) Committee members who put so much time and effort and scurried about to put this all together amaz-ingly quick, attending to every last detail from linen table cloths, balloons, heart centerpieces created by our school children, coffee mug favors, creating a logo and creating the glossy color program—to name just a few—included Elaine Cassimatis, Tom Benson, Lori DeFilippis, Judy Hinsch, Paul Hinsch, Wayne Ludewig, Kevin Ocker, Pastor Olsen, Bob Rickmeyer John Schwaninger. And their labors of love have already reaped rewards. As of the first day of spring, we have received 26 pledges for a total of $192,340 for total available pledges and funds of over $300,000. In addition to the pledges and donations, the food for this luncheon was donated by The Inn Between owned by congregant Joe Berardino, Jr. Please be sure to stop by some time for dinner or drinks (or both!). The Inn Between (424 Jericho Turnpike, 516-921-8100) is located on the south side of Jericho Turnpike, slightly west of Route 135 and is open 365 days/year. It would certainly be a nice way to show appreciation for their very generous gift!

- Submitted by Maureen Cooke - Photos by Rodney Schabel

Following is the letter from Dr. David Hahn read by John Hinsch at our luncheon: Dear Friends at Good Shepherd:

So sorry that I am unable to be with you for your luncheon today because of a bout with the flu. You know that I've always enjoyed being with the wonderful people of Good Shepherd throughout my 26 (!) year ministry at LuHi. The Church needs winners and success stories, especially in our current environment with its depressing stats re the decline of religious institutions. Good Shepherd stands as one of those beacons of light for our Church. Anchored in a rich history, your con-gregation today is solid and headed upward in attendance, school enrollment, Bible study, interdenominational cooperation, senior programs, youth activities and a variety of Christian service projects, including impressive Sandy relief efforts. God is blessing your efforts, especially through the exceptional leadership of your lay leaders, staff, School Director Judy Hinsch and Pastor Eric Olsen. Believe me--I visit many churches and schools, so I assure you that the leadership you enjoy at Good Shepherd is a rare and precious gift! Bravo!

Long Island Lutheran is proud to have Good Shepherd as a member of our Association and a partner in ministry. I am happy to announce today that Good Shepherd has been chosen as our 2013 LUTHERAN CRUSADER FUND "CONGREGATION OF THE YEAR." This award is given annually to the one congregation in New York State that best embodies three key characteristics: 1) spreading the Gospel in effective ways, 2) assisting people in times of significant need, and 3) providing innovative, inspirational models for other congregations. Good Shepherd is a clear winner in all of these ways and more! In addition to a nice award plaque and press releases, the "CONGREGATION OF THE YEAR AWARD" includes a monetary prize of $10,000. We trust that these dollars are a nice boost as you kick-off your ambitious campaign toward an even brighter future for Good Shepherd Church and School. I look forward to visiting you in the near future to present the award and check. Congratulations and may God continue to bless our very special partnership between LuHi and Good Shepherd!

Your friend in Christ,

DR. DAVID HAHN, HEAD OF SCHOOL

Dear Pastor Olsen & Members of Good Shepherd:Dear Pastor Olsen & Members of Good Shepherd:Dear Pastor Olsen & Members of Good Shepherd:Dear Pastor Olsen & Members of Good Shepherd: Thank you so very much for remembering me on Thank you so very much for remembering me on Thank you so very much for remembering me on Thank you so very much for remembering me on Good Shepherd’s 61Good Shepherd’s 61Good Shepherd’s 61Good Shepherd’s 61stststst Anniversary at Anniversary at Anniversary at Anniversary at the Future the Future the Future the Future Generations CampaignGenerations CampaignGenerations CampaignGenerations Campaign celebration. celebration. celebration. celebration. I have been blessed to be part of Good Shepherd’s I have been blessed to be part of Good Shepherd’s I have been blessed to be part of Good Shepherd’s I have been blessed to be part of Good Shepherd’s 60606060----year history and with it, all the growth and year history and with it, all the growth and year history and with it, all the growth and year history and with it, all the growth and wonderful accomplishments at 99 Central Park wonderful accomplishments at 99 Central Park wonderful accomplishments at 99 Central Park wonderful accomplishments at 99 Central Park Road. Certainly, the Lord has been kind to us at Road. Certainly, the Lord has been kind to us at Road. Certainly, the Lord has been kind to us at Road. Certainly, the Lord has been kind to us at Good Shepherd.Good Shepherd.Good Shepherd.Good Shepherd. I will enjoy the lovely vase, the beautiful flowers, I will enjoy the lovely vase, the beautiful flowers, I will enjoy the lovely vase, the beautiful flowers, I will enjoy the lovely vase, the beautiful flowers, but most of all, the thoughtful people who gave but most of all, the thoughtful people who gave but most of all, the thoughtful people who gave but most of all, the thoughtful people who gave them to me.them to me.them to me.them to me.

In Christ,In Christ,In Christ,In Christ,

Grace BerryGrace BerryGrace BerryGrace Berry

Dear Pastor Olsen &

All My Good Shepherd Friends I would like to thank everyone for your friend-ship and kindness for having me “tag along in the senior group.” It’s amazing that we have such friendships in this church and while I might be alone, I have so many memories and friends and am happy to still be here!

- Ann Ocker

His GraceHis GraceHis GraceHis Grace By Claudia De MauroBy Claudia De MauroBy Claudia De MauroBy Claudia De Mauro

Here I am, O Lord, seeking strength to rise once more,Here I am, O Lord, seeking strength to rise once more,Here I am, O Lord, seeking strength to rise once more,Here I am, O Lord, seeking strength to rise once more,

It appears I’ve lost my way somehow and hope has closed its door.It appears I’ve lost my way somehow and hope has closed its door.It appears I’ve lost my way somehow and hope has closed its door.It appears I’ve lost my way somehow and hope has closed its door.

Despite this pain I suffer, I know you are the way,Despite this pain I suffer, I know you are the way,Despite this pain I suffer, I know you are the way,Despite this pain I suffer, I know you are the way, For the gift of your sweet grace in me brings forth a brand new day.For the gift of your sweet grace in me brings forth a brand new day.For the gift of your sweet grace in me brings forth a brand new day.For the gift of your sweet grace in me brings forth a brand new day.

But I know that soon my breath will be found and a glimmer of light will shine,But I know that soon my breath will be found and a glimmer of light will shine,But I know that soon my breath will be found and a glimmer of light will shine,But I know that soon my breath will be found and a glimmer of light will shine,

My spirit will come to life again as your hand reaches out to mine. My spirit will come to life again as your hand reaches out to mine. My spirit will come to life again as your hand reaches out to mine. My spirit will come to life again as your hand reaches out to mine.

If I can just hold on to this one thought and believe it to be true,If I can just hold on to this one thought and believe it to be true,If I can just hold on to this one thought and believe it to be true,If I can just hold on to this one thought and believe it to be true, Then all I need is that first step, and the rest I will trust to you.Then all I need is that first step, and the rest I will trust to you.Then all I need is that first step, and the rest I will trust to you.Then all I need is that first step, and the rest I will trust to you.

I know you hear my cries, O Lord, and see me on my knees,I know you hear my cries, O Lord, and see me on my knees,I know you hear my cries, O Lord, and see me on my knees,I know you hear my cries, O Lord, and see me on my knees,

But your grace is why I rise once more and continue to ride these seas.But your grace is why I rise once more and continue to ride these seas.But your grace is why I rise once more and continue to ride these seas.But your grace is why I rise once more and continue to ride these seas.

Your love is my shield and my chance for my soul’s restoration,Your love is my shield and my chance for my soul’s restoration,Your love is my shield and my chance for my soul’s restoration,Your love is my shield and my chance for my soul’s restoration, For when I lose my way again, I will remember that your grace is my salvationFor when I lose my way again, I will remember that your grace is my salvationFor when I lose my way again, I will remember that your grace is my salvationFor when I lose my way again, I will remember that your grace is my salvation....

© Until I Rest In Him; Claudia De Mauro © Until I Rest In Him; Claudia De Mauro © Until I Rest In Him; Claudia De Mauro © Until I Rest In Him; Claudia De Mauro –––– All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved All Rights Reserved

Page 8

T H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N G

F O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T R YYYY

T H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E D

O F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N G

WE PRAY FOR...

Maureen Kelly Araujo, Alex & Derek Bart-kow, Sandy Benson (Tom’s mother), John Binsfeld (Benner family friend), Martin Boltizar (Louise Lamont’s cousin), Larry Brokaw (Amy Pietrofere’s stepfather), Ava Cataldo & her family (GSL student), Lynne Carlson (Irma’s daughter-in-law), Edna Car-rera (Martha Peterson’s friend), Claudia Churchill (Amy Pietrofere’s mother), Ken Dixon (Pastor Eric’s friend), Sara D’Iorio (Eisele family friend), Susan Dowd (Maisch family friend), Anna Duda (Denise Bartkow’s mother), Ryan Faret & his family, Rashid Ghani (Mason family friend), Erika Green, Kevin Griffin, Norma Hinsch, Beth Howland (Mason Family Friend), Bodey Johnson (Karl & Carol Burfeindt’s great grandson), Erika Jurik, Jake (Maisch family friend) and his family, Karen (Bonnie Beach-Gadagian’s friend), Jeff Kassan, Connor Kyranikas (Eisele family friend), Dillon Kwarta, Toni Anne LaGois, Helen Lanza, Diane Lisa (Cathy Vollono’s friend), Craig Martin, Bea McCabe, Pastor Fred McElderry (St. An-drew’s in West Hempstead), John Meyer (Lori Defilippis’ father), Charlie & Judi Miranda (Dell-Ann’s parents), Leida Munoz (Marta Scherer’s friend), Ruth Odwazny, Luke Olsen, Joan Peterson (Eleanor Pear-son’s sister in law), Martha Peterson, Kyle Piraneo, Nick Portugal (Liam Broggy’s friend), Justin Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew), Fred Ruff, Julia Saprenza, The Saueracker Family, Glenn Schabel, Margaret Schulze (Judy Hinsch’s friend), Arlene Schroeder (Virginia’s sister in law), Adam Sink (Judy Hinsch’s nephew), James Sokol, Genevieve Sounia, Ian Spadaro, Maria Sper-gel (Suzanna Allan’s mother), Joyce Tare, Peggy Taylor (Amy Pietrofere’s friend), and Leon Thompson (Lisa Olsen’s father).

T H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N G

I N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R Y

Keith & Kyle Calderone (Army), Specialist Sean Hassett (Lori Mason’s cousin), David Jacobs (Joyce Tare’s nephew, Alec & Madi-son’s cousin), CPT. Paul Rickmeyer, LTC. Phillip Sounia, USMC Lance Corporal Nicho-las Ventrelli-O’Connell (Patty Larson’s family friend), and Christopher Zito (Mary Knotek’s friend).

Roger Griffith & Nick Sollom

The family and friends of Helder “Chip” DaCosta, Frederick Schwartz, Robert Werner, and the people of Newtown, CT.

T H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V I N GN GN GN G

G I V I N G T H A N K SG I V I N G T H A N K SG I V I N G T H A N K SG I V I N G T H A N K S

The Mason family who celebrated Lillianna Shiowa’s baptism on March 17th. Our chil-dren who received their first holy commun-ion on Palm Sunday: Jamie Caporuscio, Calista DiSapio, Madison Gresser, Danielle Kovel & Jonathan Uzzo.

You may have noticed that we resumed mailing our monthly newsletter to your home. If you would prefer to receive it through e-mail only,

please e-mail us at church@ourshepherdlives.org. Please help us keep our records up to date. Thank you.

On Friday, February 22nd five of our Junior High con-gregants (Zach, Rob-bie, Erik, Chris, and Charlie) and three adults (Rich Collins, Jeff and Mary-Lynn Eisele) ventured out to Koinonia, a Lutheran Camp in Highland Lake, NY, for a fun-filled weekend. The theme for the weekend was Faith – Habakkuk 2:4 – “Behold the proud, his soul is not upright in him; but the just shall live by his faith.” (NKJ). The boys were divided into family groups, where they discussed this passage and their faith in general.

During our down time (which there wasn’t much of), we went tubing and had a huge snowball fight on the lake. (Yes the lake was frozen at the time!). Both young and old had a great time!!

- Submitted by Mary Lynn Eisele

If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in

our May 2013 Newsletter, please eour May 2013 Newsletter, please eour May 2013 Newsletter, please eour May 2013 Newsletter, please e----mail it to mail it to mail it to mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Thursday, church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Thursday, church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Thursday, church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Thursday,

April 18, 20123. Thank you very much!April 18, 20123. Thank you very much!April 18, 20123. Thank you very much!April 18, 20123. Thank you very much!

YYYY es, it’s time again for

our congregational

meeting! Please save

the date—Sunday, May 19, 2013 Imme-

diately following 10 a.m. worship!

Semi

The United Veterans’ Beacon House (301 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY) will be holding their third annual spring clothing drive during the month of April. Please bring your gently used cloth-

ing—men, women, children & infants—shoes & accessories, bed & bath items, draperies & cur-tains to our drop box or call 516-547-6853 to ar-range a pick-up. They are continually filling the needs of Hurricane Sandy victims, and their re-sources are at an all-time low. Please help them assist our veteran neighbors and their families in need on Long Island. Thank you!

OUR SOCIAL MINISTRY TEAM will be collecting all kinds of new socks for men, women, children, and babies during the month of March. As always, thank you for your generous response to our ap-peals!

DATE SERVICE ASSISTING MINISTER LECTOR

April 7

Second Sunday of Easter 10:00 a.m. John Hinsch Judy Hinsch

April 14

Third Sunday of Easter 10:00 a.m. John Schwaninger John Hinsch

April 21

Fourth Sunday of Easter 10:00 a.m. Lori Mason Marilyn Benner

April 28

Fifth Sunday of Easter 10:00 a.m. Marilyn Benner & Christin Walsh Lori Mason

What does your family do around 7:00 p.m. on Sunday eve-nings? When many of us were kids, we’d gather ’round the TV and watch the Wonderful World of Disney, but many of us aren’t kids anymore! If you’re 16 or older, why not come to Good Shepherd’s gym and play some volleyball? Starting April 7, our gym will be open for volleyball with Anthony Vollono helming the net. Why not stop by for some family fun & fitness? And Volley with Vollono??? It sure beats watching TV or playing X-box!

Office AngelsOffice AngelsOffice AngelsOffice Angels

You Answered Our Call!You Answered Our Call!You Answered Our Call!You Answered Our Call! I want to thank all of the people who replied to our call for help in getting out our monthly newsletter: Thank you, Virginia Brown, Eleanor Engel, Jan & Kelly Fama, Eleanor Pearson, and Ellen Sangesland. This will make it so much easier to get a team of four together each month. And

thank you to Ethel Batchelder and Janet Cox who have been the regu-lars in the past and to those who have answered to the call to come up and help us from time to time.

- Helen Gscheidle

Thank you Claudia DeMauro for sharing your pieces with us in our newsletters. Please visit Claudia’s inspirational website at www.untilirestinhim.com.

Albert Adolphus Albert Adolphus Albert Adolphus Albert Adolphus ———— 4/11 4/11 4/11 4/11

Anna Adolphus Anna Adolphus Anna Adolphus Anna Adolphus ———— 4/17 4/17 4/17 4/17

Kathryn Banzer Kathryn Banzer Kathryn Banzer Kathryn Banzer ———— 4/3 4/3 4/3 4/3

Marilyn Benner Marilyn Benner Marilyn Benner Marilyn Benner ———— 4/25 4/25 4/25 4/25

Joe Berardino Joe Berardino Joe Berardino Joe Berardino ———— 4/15 4/15 4/15 4/15

Irma CarlsonIrma CarlsonIrma CarlsonIrma Carlson————4/274/274/274/27

Austen DeVernaAusten DeVernaAusten DeVernaAusten DeVerna————4/44/44/44/4

Corinne HaneyCorinne HaneyCorinne HaneyCorinne Haney————4/144/144/144/14

Christopher HansenChristopher HansenChristopher HansenChristopher Hansen————4/174/174/174/17

Andrew HauptAndrew HauptAndrew HauptAndrew Haupt————4/74/74/74/7

Rebecca Hinsch 4/14Rebecca Hinsch 4/14Rebecca Hinsch 4/14Rebecca Hinsch 4/14

David KnappDavid KnappDavid KnappDavid Knapp————4/224/224/224/22

Margaret langMargaret langMargaret langMargaret lang————4/164/164/164/16

Helga MitzeHelga MitzeHelga MitzeHelga Mitze————4/144/144/144/14

Jessica OlanickJessica OlanickJessica OlanickJessica Olanick————4/144/144/144/14

Anne RickmeyerAnne RickmeyerAnne RickmeyerAnne Rickmeyer————4/304/304/304/30

Alexandra RizzoAlexandra RizzoAlexandra RizzoAlexandra Rizzo————4/224/224/224/22

Samantha StoddartSamantha StoddartSamantha StoddartSamantha Stoddart————4/94/94/94/9

Michael & Thomas TrejosMichael & Thomas TrejosMichael & Thomas TrejosMichael & Thomas Trejos----DonohueDonohueDonohueDonohue————4/174/174/174/17

Melina WilburMelina WilburMelina WilburMelina Wilbur————4/204/204/204/20

ToToToTo Carol & Joe BerardinoCarol & Joe BerardinoCarol & Joe BerardinoCarol & Joe Berardino

and toand toand toand to Helen & Carl GscheidleHelen & Carl GscheidleHelen & Carl GscheidleHelen & Carl Gscheidle

CONGRATULATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS & CONGRATULATIONS & BLESSINGS ON YOUR 59TH BLESSINGS ON YOUR 59TH BLESSINGS ON YOUR 59TH BLESSINGS ON YOUR 59TH

ANNIVERSARIES ONANNIVERSARIES ONANNIVERSARIES ONANNIVERSARIES ON APRIL 25THAPRIL 25THAPRIL 25THAPRIL 25TH

UPDATE FOR APRIL 2013

WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN: NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER

Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools

There are many things we naturally fear in life—

losing someone we love, being diagnosed with a

terminal illness, being hurt in an accident, disas-

ters, divorce, or even dying. To not be aware of the

reality of these possibilities is to live in denial.

These are healthy fears and can cause us to react

in ways to save our marriage, take care of our-

selves, protect our loved ones or property, or to

swerve our car in order to avoid an accident.

Healthy fears can literally save our lives.

More prevalent and damaging, however, is the

type of fear that holds us in bondage. Unhealthy

kinds of fears keep us from living a full and normal

life. Unhealthy fears include:

• fear of failure as shown in a refusal to try any-

thing new

• fear of the loss of a loved one, leading to at-

tempts to control that person’s every behavior,

demanding reactions and accountabilities in

which he/she is uncomfortable

• fear of not having all the comforts of life, caus-

ing us to hoard our money and possessions, not

giving to those in need or even to those we love

• fear of emotional pain, leading to alcohol or drug

abuse in an effort to ‘numb’ the hurt

• fear of people who are different than ourselves,

leading to prejudice and even hatred in an effort

to maintain feelings of superiority over them

• fear of numerous bad outcomes or disasters

that “might happen”, leading to non-ending ob-

sessions, inability to make daily decisions or

enjoy life in the present

With nothing but ‘doom and gloom’ news stories

blasting constantly from the media, it is easy to

understand how a normal, healthy fear can turn

into one that keeps us in constant bondage—the

kind of fear that results in a nagging anxiety that

doesn’t produce answers, only a controlling, para-

lyzing dread. In order to ‘not go there’, we must

ask ourselves what is at the HEART of all the con-

stant anxieties, the FEAR behind it all—whether it is

the fear of being alone, fear of losing control, or

even fear of not being loved. Because we tend to

react to fear subconsciously, taking the time to

honestly analyze our fear can be a first step to

breaking its power over our lives.

Next, if possible, do something about that fear.

Maybe it means facing it by taking action. It may

mean coming to grips with fears that keep us from

enjoying life by consciously changing negative

thoughts to positive ones. It may mean seeking

counseling to help us deal with unrealistic and con-

trolling anxieties that we can’t get rid of on our

own.

The word ‘fear’ is included over 900 times in the

Bible, more often in the command, “Fear not”. Ob-

viously, our generation is not the first to be con-

sumed with fears. Although there are endless

things we can be fearful about, none of these fears

seem as powerful when viewed in light of God’s

promise in Romans 8:38-39 that “nothing...in crea-

tion, present or future, can separate us from the

love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”. Trusting

God’s promise to never leave us and then living our

lives with this assurance in mind is the ultimate an-

swer to fear but difficult to practice. LCC is here to

help you put unhealthy fear in perspective and get

closer to this goal.

FREE disaster-related seminars are available to

churches and schools affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Also, disaster related individual and family counsel-

ing is available at little or no cost. These programs

are made possible, in part, by generous LCC do-

nors including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and

a grant from Lutheran Disaster Response of New

York (LDRNY). Contact LCC for more information.

Contact Lutheran Counseling Center at 1-800-

317-1173 or e-mail us at Center@lccny.org for

more information or to set an appointment at

any of our NINE counseling sites. Visit our

website at www.lccny.org.

“FEAR NOT”: ACHIEVING FREEDOM FROM BONDAGE By Molly W. Blancke, Executive Director