March Shepherd's Staff FINAL

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Volume 41 Issue 26 March 2016

Upcoming Events

• Mar. 5 – Church Cleanup

• Mar. 18 – Quiet Day

• Mar. 19 – St. Pat’s Dinner

• Mar. 20 – Palm Sunday

• Mar. 24 ─ Maundy Thurs.

• Mar. 25 ─ Good Friday

• Mar. 27 ─ Easter Day

She pherd’ s Sta f f T he

Mission Statement

Our mission is to be a

beacon of faith

known for engaging

all persons in the

love and truth

of Jesus Christ

Shepherd o f the Hi l l s Epis copal Church (352) 527-0052 Fax (352) 746-6336

e-mai l : o f f i ce . sothec@tampabay .rr . com

From the Rector

‘Give Praise and Thanks to

Our Lord and Savior JesusChrist. From This All

Things Flow’ By The Rev. George Conger,SOTH Rector

Shepherd of the Hills is an extraordinary place. From thefirst Sunday we came, Susan and I knew this church wasdifferent from the others we had served over the past 20years. We’ve asked ourselves what makes this placedifferent. I’ve suggested that it may be because this is thehighest church we’ve ever served ─ 130 feet above sea

level. Susan believes it to be the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. I think she is right.

Last month I attended a clergy education program led by a man namedEd Stetzer. He offered some hard truths to us, challenging Episcopal clergyto break free from the maintenance mindset. As I listened to Stetzer, Ilooked at our church and asked myself if we were meeting the goals heoutlined. Were we merely lucky? Or are we doing things right?

Citing researcher Thom Rainer, Stetzer reported that nine out of tenchurches in North America are declining, or they are growing slower thanthe community in which they are located. We are not speaking of EpiscopalChurches, but all churches. Those churches which are growing appear to bethose who combine an outward focus with an inward charism of faith.

Stetzer’s talk in Orlando was directed to an Episcopal audience ─ mostrectors are reporting flat attendance figures or slight declines. His talk was

about how to become a “healthy” church. “God didn’t design churches to behealthy by only looking to ourselves and meeting our own needs. If wearen’t preparing people to engage in God’s mission to the world, we are preparing them to fail in that mission,” Stetzer said.

The first step was to properly define success. “The goal of a healthychurch is seeing the power of Christ transform lives. That includes men andwomen who are without Christ, dead in their trespasses and sins, hearingthe good news of the gospel, and becoming followers of Christ by the graceof God,” he said.

Continued on Page 2

Inside this issue:

Poet’s Corner .……..…. 2

Ministry Notices ……… 5

Birthdays/Anniv. …….... 7

Monthly Calendar …… 9

Jan. Financials ..……. 10

Treasurer’s Report ….. 11


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VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26 SHEPHERD’S STAFF PAGE 2

Marching On

Brutal winter is nearly over

Lent is promising an early Easter

Our Lord’s three years of ministry

Climaxing in a single final supper

Then arrest and horrible crucifixion

Which ending becoming a new beginning.

Christ’s sacrifice purchased for us

Eternal life beyond earthly sojourns

A heavenly spring after personal winters Of illness, pain, loss and regrets

Reunion with loved ones gone before

And blooming joy, everlasting happiness.

─ Joan Bonnell Clark

Poet’s Corner

She pherd’ s Sta f f

T he

To submit an article, send an e-mail toKaren Kennedy-Hall, Editor, [email protected] are due the 25th of each month.

From the Rector: Give Praise and Thanks

The central command of the Great Commissionwas to make disciples, he said. The teaching and,therefore, the function, the mission of the church, must be disciple

-making, Stetzer argued, noting that too

many churches simply exist because they existed lastyear. Survival is not success. Sustaining a church forthe sake of the church was life support.

“If your church hasn’t had a single communityoutreach project in a year, you are in decline. If youdon’t have positive, gospel conversations with peoplein your community regularly, you are in decline. Ifyour people don’t view sports teams, civicorganizations, and public schools as places of ministryyou are in decline,” he said.

Stetzer zeroed in on his audience, sayingleadership was a vital function of church life. “Frommy experience as a pastor and working with many pastors, I've noted that most are unaware of theirleadership gifts, their strengths, and their weaknesses.So we remain unsure as to why things aren't happeningthe way they should.”

“You can say, ‘My church isn’t reaching people. Itisn’t evangelistic.’ But then I would ask you, ‘Are you personally evangelistic?’ If you aren't showing andsharing the love of Christ to your neighbor, then yourchurch will, most likely, not do that either. They’llresemble you. People will follow your lead. You

cannot lead what you do not live,” he told the clergy.

Stetzer’s talk then turned the focus onto thecongregation. “If your church disappeared from itscommunity, would the people in the community missit? … Your church should be essential to thecommunity. For this to happen your church must moveoutside the building; it must be outward focused,” hesaid, adding: “What you celebrate, you become.”

The message Stetzer left us with was: “Serviceopens doors for proclamation of the gospel. Jesus said we are a light in darkness, and we should letour light so shine among people that they see our good

works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven(Matthew 5:16). Our churches shouldn't have anoutward focus simply so we can do good works for people, but rather to glorify God.”

How is Shepherd of the Hills doing? Attendance isone snapshot of our health. From 2014 to 2015 ourattendance on Sundays grew by 12 per cent. This trendis continuing. During the four Sundays of February ouraverage adjusted Sundayattendance in 2015 was 163. In

Continued from Page 1

Continued on Page 1


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PAGE 3 SHEPHERD’S STAFF VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26

Support and Good Communication are Key toMoving Our Church Forward

By Michael Herman-SmithSOTH Senior Warden

Last Sunday, I was due to serveat the 8 a.m. service and, as I wasgetting dressed, Father Georgeappeared and gave me an envelopesaying, “this is for you,” and then hedisappeared. I opened the note and Iwas surprised and quite shocked todiscover that it contained aninvitation to become SeniorWarden. I was so knocked sideways

that I forgot to light the candles. Irealized quickly the size of the taskand the responsibility that is involved.I thought hard and prayed. I had not sought the position or even considered the possibility of it but, I felt it was a call.

After a long talk with Father George, Iaccepted his nomination very conscious of theconfidence and trust that he was placing in me. Iwas conscious also of the fact that I would befollowing in the footsteps of Bette Patz, theimmediate past Senior Warden, who has done such

a marvelous job over a long tenure during thecourse of which she had to deal with somedifficult problems. I am most grateful to her foroffering her advice and counsel whenever I mightneed it and that may be often.

Most importantly, I need your support. Goodcommunication is key and I ask you to share withme your likes and dislikes, your constructivecriticism and suggestions. To enable this, I intend

to be both visible and approachableand to get to know as many of youas possible. The English poet WilliamShakespeare wrote a play called 12th Night in which there is a charactercalled Malvolio. He is a pompousold fool who is very highly regarded, but by only one person . . . himself.Shakespeare has him say, “Some are born great, some achieve greatnessand some have greatness thrust upon

them.” I assure you with all my heart that

none of this applies to me; my intenseinterest is in the greatness of our

Church, the Shepherd of the Hills, now and in thefuture. Presently, it is a living, vibrant entityevolving and growing. It cannot standstill; it mustnot standstill, because by so doing, it will decline.I share the vision of Father George that is to seeour Church grow strongly in numbers, worship,stature and influence. For any living thing to growit needs to be fed the right nutrients. In the case of

our Church those nutrients must come in large partfrom you ─ by your Faith, fellowship,involvement in ministries and Church affairs and,of course, by your Prayers. Then, because of itsgood health, our Church will be favored by Godand its growth will be very good.

Our Mission statement refers to our Church as“a Beacon of Faith.” How wonderful it would be ifthe light from that Beacon were extended further

MICHAEL HERMAN-SMITHSOTH Senior Warden

Give Our Church

the Once-OverGet out your buckets, mops,

dusters and paint brushes,window cleaners and rakes ─our church needs a good springcleaning.

Please plan on helping us getthe inside and outside ofShepherd of the Hills spiffed up.

9 a.m.

Saturday

March 5


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SHEPHERD’S STAFF VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26

PAGE 4

Guest Preacher

Shepherd of the Hills willonce again have the pleasure ofwelcoming The Rev. SusanBlake, who will be the preacherand celebrant at our Good Fridayservice at noon on March 21.

Back in January, Rev. Blake

was the celebrant and preacher atall our weekend services whileFr. Conger was away.

She was ordained a priest byDiocese of Central Florida BishopGreg Brewer in October 2015. Agraduate of Nashotah Theological Seminary inWisconsin, she has served since 2010 as chaplainat Waterman Village in Mount Dora and has

assisted at St Edward’sEpiscopal Church.Born two months early, shedeveloped Retinopathy ofPrematurity resulting in the lossof 70 percent of her vision. “Nothing has stopped me! I havealways felt that God had a purpose for my life. So look and

see what the Lord has done!” shesaid. Rev. Blake is alwaysaccompanied by her guide dog,

Didi, who guides her to the altarand around the church, helping her

navigate steps, sidewalks and darkness. “She is a great companion,” said Rev Blake of

Didi. She said she is very much a church dog and isaffectionately known as “Deacon Didi.”

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday

Regular schedule of services

Holy Week

No services on Monday and Tuesday

Wednesday, March 23 Healing

Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. in the Chapel

Maundy Thursday, March 24

Holy Eucharist 6:30 p.m.

Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar

Good Friday, March 25

Holy Eucharist at

noon

Holy Saturday, March 26

9 a.m. in the Cha pel

aster

Easter Vigil, Saturday, March 26

Holy Eucharist 5 p.m. Saturday

Easter Sunday, March 27Easter Rite I 8 a.m.

Easter Rite II 10:30 a.m.

Easter Rite III 5 p.m. with animals

Wednesdays

4 to 5 p m

In the Chapel

L e d b y Th e R e v D e a c o n J o a n C l a r k

Thursdays

7 p m

In the Chapel

L e d b y E r i n D i e r i c x

The Rev. Susan Blake


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SHEPHERD’S STAFF VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26 PAGE 5

Ministry of the Month

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Ministry Notices

By Your SOS Ministry

In January, we served 434families composed of 1,232members made up of 318 children,683, adults and 231 seniors. Theyreceived 24,710 pounds of food or

20 pounds per person. Things seem to be getting

better. Our numbers are down.Let’s pray that this trend continues.

We are still helping four people with theirdental needs. The county is still not running thedental bus. We hope that Nature Coast reopeningwill be a success. That will be determined inMarch.

We plan to give out hams for Easter along

with items for a complete meal. Yourcontributions for this outreach would be great. I think we will sign up over300 people for this meal.

Bless you for your prayers andsupport. .

SOS January Report: Less People in Need of Food

SOS MinistryContribution for

March Pasta, Pasta sauce,

Rice

By Lurayn HainesPrayer Shawl Ministry Leader

This Ministry’s story began inHartford, Conn., with two womenwho, after they graduated from theWomen’s Leadership Institute atthe Hartford Seminary, respondedto a classmate’s request for prayersfor her extremely-ill husband. Thiswoman was wearing a shawl,which others touched as they were praying and lat-er she told the others she felt that the shawl washolding their prayers and lending her their support.

When next they saw her, the shawl was the altarcloth at the husband’s funeral and they realizedwhat a source of solace it would always be to thisfamily.

As these women began to prayerfully knitshawls for family and friends, they began to realizethat it was becoming a spiritual process much dif-ferent from other “good works” they often per-formed. Encouraged by this awareness, and thegratitude they received from others, they saw the potential that giving and receiving a shawl has in

opening doors for communication,which reinforced relationships and

invited understanding and alsohealing. They spread the word toothers and these to others and theseto others resulting in workshopsand retreats and newspaper articlesand the publishing of many books. In 2008, our Ministry began atSOTH with eight women. Shawls

are made, blessed by our priest or deacon, and giv-en to those who are enduring or recovering from anillness or surgery, to those experiencing loss orduring the time of bereavement, to our many at-

home caregivers, and for unspecified, occasionalevents. If we are able, we give shawls to churchmembers’ relatives.

We have assisted in starting three additionalministries in Lecanto, Fla., Lee’s Summit, Mo.,and Gabriola, British Columbia. In 2015, we weretruly blessed with four new members. Our meetingdates are yet to be set for 2016. Stay tuned, whileyou consider becoming part of this wonderfulgroup.


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SHEPHERD’S STAFF PAGE 6 VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26


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SHEPHERD’S STAFF VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26

Birthdays 3 Leslie Palmer4 Shirley Hebestreit5 Paul Thomas

6 Juan Carvajal, Lurayn Haines, Rick McNeece8 Bert Hombergen, Agda Hart9 John Husowitz, Ron Sorensen, Derrick Blake

13 Sylvia Myer16 Kim Jones20 Glen Myer24 Edward Herbert26 Shirley Anderson30 Alice Zimmermann

Anniversaries

17 Paul & Virgilee Thomas23 Ronnie & Marilyn Stokes

PAGE 7

LectorsSaturday 5 p.m.Mar. 5: L. WilliamsMar. 12: CarvajalMar. 19: J. DeMerchantMar. 26: L. Graybiel

Sunday 8 a.m.

Mar. 6: D. GossMar. 13: C. LentMar. 20: J. FontaineMar. 27: N. Warrick

Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Mar. 6: N. Warrick/L. HopperMar. 13: C. Allen/M. LubeMar. 20: S. Heberstreit/P. JamesMar. 27: S. Pratt/S. Muntz

Holy WeekMar. 24: Maundy Thursday 6:30 p.m.

C. MobhairMar. 25: Good Friday Noon

J. FontaineMar. 26: Holy Saturday, 9 a.m. Chapel

L. Graybiel

ServersSaturday 5 p.m.

Mar. 5: K. JonesMar. 12: D. SpenceMar. 19: J. R. CorddryMar. 26: K. Jones

Sunday 8 a.m.

Mar. 6: J. FontaineMar. 13: G. TowellMar. 20: A. McFaydenMar. 27: M. Herman-Smith

Sunday 10:30 a.m.

Mar. 6: J. Hombergen/K. Kennedy-Hall

Mar. 13: B. Huntsberry/B. PatzMar. 20: K. Eddy/K. Kennedy-HallMar. 27: C. Allen/B. Patz

Holy WeekMar. 24 Maundy Thursday, 6:30 p.m.: G.TowellMar. 25 Good Friday, Noon: M. Herman-SmithMar. 26 Holy Saturday, 5 p.m. Chapel: D.SpenceMar. 27 Paws & Prayers, 5 p.m.: K. Jones

CruciferSunday 10:30 a.m.

Mar. 6: M. PayneMar. 13: H. HuntsberryMar. 20: M. PayneMar. 27: K. Eddy

GreetersSaturday 5 p.m.March 5: J. DeMerchant & Betty HarnigMarch 12: S. & J. CarvajalMarch 19: BA & J. Palladino

March 26: J & B Hombergen

Sunday 8 a.m.March 6: M. Harrison & L. MullenMarch 13: N. Warrick & R. WarnerMarch 20: D. & R. DunnMarch 27: MA Johnson/F. Panza

Sunday 10:30 a.m.March 6: A. & K. HartMarch 13: S. & J. AndersonMarch 20: K. & M. BlackMarch 27: R & A Harlow

Holy WeekMarch 24: Maundy Thursday: 6:30pm:

J. & B. HombergenMarch 25: Good Friday: Service at Noon:

B. & H. Huntsberry

NOTE: If you cannot come asscheduled, please, call for areplacement and notify the office at527-0052 to be sure the master listis corrected.

Directory Update

Myrna Uzmack1843 W Shanelle PathLecanto FL 34461(863) [email protected]

Allen HarlowCell (352)464-0953

Visit Our Web Sitesothec.org

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


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VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26 PAGE 8 SHEPHERD’S STAFF

Episcopal Church Women

Meditations Led byThe Rev. Deacon Joan Clark

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Friday, March 18

Bring a bagged lunch

By Bette Patz

Open Table Member

The Open Table Ministry is planning to start an-other Table in April and is looking for interested vol-unteers.

The Open Table organization is made up of vol-unteers from one or more congregations who form ateam along with an adult or family in poverty to es-tablish a plan to help them move from poverty to a productive life. The volunteers act as mentors offer-ing guidance and practical information toward that

goal.

According to the Web site, theopentable.org,“people in poverty, who have the will to improvetheir lives, are empowered through the intensive Ta- ble model that can help lift one family at a time tosustainability.”

A team, usually 10 to 12 volunteers, commits toone year and usually meet once a week for sixmonths and less often after that.

If interested in becoming a volunteer, please callJohn Bourdeaux at (352) 422-2429 or Bette Patz at(352) 270-3097

Volunteers Needed ToStart in April

By Paul JamesSOSA Ministry

A Special Donation Envelope, enclosed in the bulletin, will help us purchase the much-needed petfood. Please consider making a donation. Drop it inthe collection plate, bring it by the church office, or put it in next Sunday’s collection plate.

Our assistance every Thursday morning to theServing Our Savior Food Ministry, with volunteers

and donations, is very fulfilling. We are mindful ofthe fact that many of our needy clients have pets,which are also in need. If the clients are having trou- ble feeding themselves, they are also having troublefeeding their four -legged friends. We have made anarrangement with the Citrus County CommunityFood Bank to buy Pedigree pet food at a greatly re-duced price to distribute at SOS.

Your financial support of this endeavor is greatlyappreciated. God Bless You!

Special Donation will Help Feed SOS Clients’ Pets Too


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PAGE 9SHEPHERD’S STAFF VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26

SOTH ctivities Calendar

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

7PM CURSILLO

GROUPING

210:00 AM

HEALING EUCHARIST

2:00PM

TAI CHI -CHAPEL

3:00PM

CMUG BOD

4:00PM IN CHAPEL

BIBLE STUDY

THROUGH MARCH 16

38:30 AM – 11:00AM SOS

WORK CREW AT CHURCH

1PM-5PM

CMUG I DEVICE

WORKSHOP

7:00 PM

BIBLE STUDY - CHAPEL

4OFFICE CLOSED

5:30PM

STATIONS OF THE

CROSS

7:00 PM COMPUTER

CLUB

8AM CURSILLO 5

9 AM

SPRING CLEANUP

5:00 PM

HOLY EUCHARIST II

Lent IV 6 8:00 AM HE I

9:15AM BIBLE STUDY

10:30 AM HE II

9:15 AM 7 FEEDING OUR FLOCK

8:00 PM AA MEETING

8

1:00PM

CMUG MAC

7PM CURSILLO

GROUPING

9

1:30PM

QUILTING MINISTRY

2:00PM

TAI CHI-CHAPEL

4:00PM IN CHAPEL

BIBLE STUDY

THROUGH MARCH 16

10 8:30 AM – 11:00AM SOS

WORK CREW AT CHURCH

1:00PM

CURSILLO REUNION

1PM-5PM

CMUG I DEVICE

7:00 PM BIBLE STUDY - CHAPEL

7:00PM CHOIR

7:00 PM

FRIENDS IN SERVICE

11

OFFICE CLOSED

5:30PM

STATIONS OF THE

CROSS

8AM CURSILLO 12

9:00AM

FINANCE COMMITTEE

5:00 PM

HOLY EUCHARIST II

Lent V 138:00 AM HE I

9:15AM BIBLE STUDY

10:30 AM HE II

RECTOR’S

DISCRETIONARY SUN

9:15 AM 14FEEDING OUR FLOCK

4:00PM

ORDER OF ST. LUKE

6:00PM

LADIES GATHERING

6:30PM

WARDENS MEETING

8:00 PM

AA MEETING

15

1:00PM

CMUG WORKSHOP

7PM CURSILLO

GROUPING

10:00 AM 16 HEALING EUCHARIST

1:30 PM

PRAYER SHAWL

MINISTRY

2:00PM

TAI CHI-CHAPEL

4:00PM IN CHAPEL

BIBLE STUDY

LAST DAY

17 8:30 AM – 11:00AM SOS

WORK CREW AT CHURCH

1:00PM

CURSILLO REUNION

1:00PM

CMUG MAC LAB

7:00 PM

BIBLE STUDY - CHAPEL

LAST DAY

7:00PM CHOIR

18 OFFICE CLOSED

9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

QUIET DAY - CHURCH

5:30PM

STATIONS OF THE

CROSS

7:00 PM COMPUTER

CLUB

8AM CURSILLO 19 10:30

DAUGHTERS OF THE

KING

BLOOD PRESSURE

SCREENING

4:00 – 6:30PM

ST. PATTY’S DAY

DINNER

5:00 PM

HOLY EUCHARIST II

PALM SUNDAY 20 8:00 AM HE I

9:15AM BIBLE STUDY

10:30 AM HE II

NOON

INTERNAL PROCESSING

MEETING

BLOOD PRESSURE

SCREENING


5:30 OPEN TABLE

6:30PM VESTRY

RECTOR’S OFFICE

8:00 PM

AA MEETING

22 1:00PM

CMUG

2:00 PM

STEWARDSHIP

7PM CURSILLO

GROUPING

10:00 AM 23 HEALING EUCHARIST

2:00PM

TAI CHI-CHAPEL

248:30 AM – 11:00AM SOS

WORK CREW AT CHURCH

1:00PM

CMUG I DEVICE

1:00PM

CURSILLO REUNION

6:30PM

MAUNDY THURSDAY

7:30 PM - MIDNIGHT

VIGIL - CHAPEL

6:00PM - CMUG

7:00PM CHOIR

25 OFFICE CLOSED

NOON

GOOD FRIDAY

8AM CURSILLO 26

9:00AM

HOLY SATURDAY -CHAPEL

5:00PM

HE II

GREAT EASTER VIGIL

1:30PM

HEALTH & WELLNESS

5PM SERVICE

HOLY EUCHARIST II

EASTER DAY 27

8:00 AM HE I

9:15AM BIBLE STUDY

10:30 AM HE II

5:00PM

PAWS & PRAYERS


6:00PM

LADIES GATHERING

8:00 PM

AA MEETING

29

7PM CURSILLO

GROUPING

3010:00 AM

HEALING EUCHARIST

2:00PM

TAI CHI-CHAPEL

31 8:30 AM – 11:00AM SOS

WORK CREW AT CHURCH

1:00PM

CURSILLO REUNION

7:00PM CHOIR

APRIL 1

OFFICE CLOSED

8AM CURSILLO 2

5:00 PM

HOLY EUCHARIST II

March 2 16


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From the Vestry


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SHEPHERD’S STAFF PAGE 11VOLUME 41 ISSUE 26

Treasurer’s Report January 2016

By Lee Cable

SOTH Treasurer

RevenueDuring January, we received total revenue of

$34,676.00 which included $30,078.00 in pledges. Themonth’s pledge receipts are under budget by 1.6%($482.00). This revenue included prepaid pledges receivedin 2016 and two 2016 pledges paid in full. Non-Pledge plate income increased a significant $1,252.00 over budgetallowing our total revenue to be in excess of the budget by$855.00.

ExpenseOur expenses for the month were $28,114.00 against a

budget of $29,050.00. This is a January expensedifference of $935.00 less in spending than expected.

RecapThe cash flow statement reflects a general fund

balance of $9,510.00. We continued to receivecontributions to our Pay-Down-the-Debt campaign. Thismonth’s receipts for the campaign were $385.00 whichwhen added to our regular principal payment reduced ourmortgage to $146,548.00.

January was a good month.

Tai

Chi2 p.m.

Wednesdays

Starting March 2Shepherd of the Hills Chapel

Classes are $5 eachPresented by Nature Coast ─ Tai Chi for HealthLed By Certified Instructor: Bill Welch

Tai Chi offers low -impact, slow and gentle movements,suitable for people of all ages and levels of ability. It isbased on the essential principles that include mind andbody integration, fluidity of movement, control of breathinand mental concentration.

.By The. Rev. Mike Hall

Deacon

You may have noticed that anew St. Francis Statue has been placed under the tree overlookingthe hill on the Church Office side ofthe building. The statue of St.Francis is the first component in the plans for the PetMemorial Garden for that site.

The Memorial Garden subcommittee, a part of theSt. Francis Ministry, is planning a garden where petowners can memorialize their pets in a peacefullandscaped setting on our grounds. The plans includea Celtic Cross in the ground with landscaping, altarfor services outdoors, area to intern pet crematedremains and an area for memorial plaques. All will beoverlooked by the St. Francis statue.

The subcommittee met with the vestry last yearand received favorable feedback. Currently $1,700has been pledged for the cost of construction. This

representsabout halftheestimatedcost.

Look formoreinformationto come. Ifyou haveanyquestions, please talk with Deacon Mike, LindaSkoglund, Sue Hovis or Terrie Toney.

Statue Marks the Site for the Pet Memorial Garden

St FrancisPlaques

Ashes

Sign


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Health & Wellness: A Guide to Digestive Health

SHEPHERD’S STAFF PAGE 12 VOLUME 41 ISSU

By Marlene Harrison RN, Parish NurseCo-chair Health &Wellness Ministry

Your daily comfort ─ as well as

your overall well- being ─ may

depend on your digestive health.Here’s what you need to knowabout some gastrointestinal problems that may become morecommon with age.

Heartburn: Gastro-esophagealreflux occurs when stomachcontents back up into theesophagus. There, stomach acidcauses the discomfort we callheartburn. If you have reflux twice

or more, you might have gastro-esophageal reflux

disease, or GERD. Tell your doctor if you havesymptoms of GERD and have been usingantacids for more than two weeks. Long-termuntreated reflux can damage the esophageallining and lead to cancer.

Ulcers: Painful sores in the stomach or first part of the small intestine are called peptic ulcers.They occur when stomach acid eats through thelining of these organs. A dull stomachache two tothree hours after eating is the most commonsymptom. A Helicobacter pylori bacterium

(sometimes called H. pylori) causes most cases,which can be cured with antibiotics. Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, such asaspirin and ibuprofen, can cause ulcers too.Complications, such as severe bleeding, can beserious. If you have symptoms, see your doctor.

Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis occurs whenspots in the colon that have bulged out andformed pouches get inflamed. Some people haveno symptoms, but you may have cramping, bloating, constipation, or rectal bleeding. Seektreatment to relieve symptoms and prevent

infection, blockage, or tears. Doctors typically advise against eating nuts,

seeds, popcorn, and corn to preventcomplications, but one recent large study,reported in the Journal of the American Association, showed no connection.

Colon polyps: These clumps of tissue in thecolon are usually not cancerous, but they can become cancerous. These factors increase your

risk for polyps: Being older than age 50 ~ Eating lotsof fatty foods ~ Smoking ~ Drinking

alcohol ~Not exercising ~ Beingoverweight ~ Having a family memberwho had polyps or colon cancer ~ Having had polyps yourself.Many small polyps don’t causesymptoms. Talk with your doctor aboutwhether you should be tested for them.

GI health from the inside outProbiotics are turning up on more storeshelves these days. Probiotics are food products that contain live microorganism

shown to improve digestive health bymaking bowel movements more regular or combatingthe effects of harmful gut bacteria. Most are consideredsafe for people, but some interact with medicines. Also,more research is needed to determine which are trulyeffective. Talk with your doctor about probiotics beforetrying them. Here are some tried-and-true ways to promote digestive health.

• Eat more fiber: A high fiber diet helps preventconstipation and can help to relieve the symptoms ofdiverticular disease.

• Exercise regularly. Moving your body helps

move your bowels and may decrease the risk ofdiverticular and polyps. It also helps you reach a healthweight, which may reduce reflux.

• Stop smoking. Smoking can contribute to manyGI problems, including heartburn, ulcers and colon polyps.

Check with your doctor before changing your diet ostarting an exercise program, or if you need helpquitting smoking.

Fiber Buyer’s Guide Eat more whole grains, legumes, whole fruits and

vegetables to increase your fiber intake.

Tips• Check the nutrition facts label for food’s fiber

content. • Choose more foods with at least 5 grams of fiber

per serving. • Add fiber to your diet gradually. It might cause

gas and bloating until your body adjusts.


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Nature Coast Chapter

HEALING MISSIONFocus on Inner HealingSaturday, March 12

8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.Sessions on PTSD & Healing of Memories

Followed by a 2 p.m. Healing Eucharist

Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church2540 W. Norvell Bryant Hwy., Lecanto

Conference Fee: $20 includes Lunch

RSVP by March 5 toDavid Jackson (352) 344-1167 or [email protected]

Conference Leader

The Rev. Nigel MumfordRetired Episcopal Priest and

International speaker, author and founder of By His Wounds Inc..,Focusing on Christian HealingVisit the Website byhiswoundsministry.org

The Rev. Mumford will also preach and celebrate at the 5 p.m. Saturday and 10:30 a.m. Sunday services


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An Invitation to Join the SOTH Kitchen Ministry

By Karen Kennedy-HallShepherd’s Staff Editor

Take a look in thekitchen and you will seetwo beautiful, new, state-of -the-art stoves, thanks to agenerous parishioner.

Yes, the old monstrosityis gone ─ for good ─ tosome scrap yard in the sky.

Now the kitchen lookslike a real working spacewith more modern appliances. It’s amazing howdifferent it looks. Deacon Mike Hall and Bette Patzwere showing off the stoves after they were installed.

The kitchen will get more use as we haveimplemented three coffee hours after each service.

However that meansadded

responsibilities.Someone has tocoordinate who is bringing food, arrive before the service tomake the coffee, setup the coffee bar andafter each use, a teamhas to use thedishwasher to cleancups and other

dishes, put away extra food and wipe down all the

tables plus the pots, carafes and other utensils so it isready for the next coffee hour. Plus check onsupplies.

By now you’ve guessed ─ we are offering the

opportunity for all parishioners ─ guys too ─ to jointhis delightful and enjoyable Kitchen Ministry. Howoften do you have the occasion to meet and greeteveryone from your worship service. It’s a greatway for Fellowship.

Coffee Hour members of the Kitchen Ministryafter the 10:30 a.m. service are divided into four

teams plus an extra, or fill-

ins, for fifth Sundays.Each team is responsible for all of the above for oneSunday a month.

There will be a signup sheet at the back of ParishHall to become a member of this wonderfulministry.

MinistryLeaders Workshop

Deacon Linda Liebert-

Hall will hold aMinistry LeadersWorkshop for allleaders from 9 a.m. tonoon on Saturday,April 9 in the ParishHall. She was contractedwith the church toreview the current

administrative processes, improve upon themwhere possible, and develop a parish administrator

job description for future use.The workshop for ministry and church leaders

will focus on how the ministries can further worktogether to improve communications and shareresources, in addition to a new financial process forkeeping track of each ministry treasury.

She said as part of the workshop the leaderswill discuss and come up with some ideas on howto improve these things.

Special

EasterService

5 p.m.March 27


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Daughters of the King Diocese Board Meeting

In early February, the DOK Esther Chapter atShepherd of the Hills hosted the Diocese BoardMeeting. Nearly 80 Daughters dressed in blue and

white filled the parish hall and enjoyed breakfast and

lunch around a Valentine’s Day theme. Father Conger officiated at a Eucharist service.

The Board meeting followed with board member

announcements and then chapter activity reports.


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Continued from Page 2

2016, it was 197. (If you are wondering whatadjusted means, it means subtracting out extraservices so that we are comparing like events. Ourunadjusted average Sunday attendance in 2015 was171 and 233 in 2016 ─ unadjusted average is whatwe report to the diocese). We see this jump in AshWednesday attendance ─ 68 in 2015, 77 in 2016.

Why are we growing? Some of the causes areclear. Parishioners are bringing friends andneighbors to church ─ and some coming back asecond/third/fourth time and have now joined thechurch. We have the best music program in town.We have people moving into the community ─ butalso people moving away. People whom we reachin the SOS program, the St Francis Ministry and

our other outreach activities are joining us inworship. Others come because they see our signand the crowds and want to check us out. Otherstell me that they like the environment ─ it is afriendly place. Others tell me I preach like aBaptist, but they don’t hold that against me.

Given what Stetzer said, how are we doing? Isthere a danger that we are growing the church justto see it grow? Or is the church growing as aresponse to our love for the Lord, and his commandthat we love our neighbors?

I pray we never lose sight of why we worship atShepherd of the Hills ─ to give praise and thanks toour Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. From this allthings flow.

From the Rector: Give Praise and Thanks

The Sale of the YearThe annual Episcopal Church Women Rummage Sale brought in $2,400 this year. The best sellers

were jewelry, kitchen items and books. The rummage sale is the Episcopal Church Women’s primary fund raiser. Each year, it donates more than $1,400 to the SOS Food Pantry and smaller amounts to oth-er church ministries.

Photos

by

Susan

Conger

and

David

Gray


17/20


Restaurant Night About 35 SOTH Parishioners gathered together

at Rocco’s Café in Crystal River for fun, fellowship and great food.

Photos byMarco Velazquez


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Ash Wednesday

Photos by Susan Conger


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PO Box 1375

Lecanto, Florida, 34460-1375

SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS EPISCOPAL CHURCH(352) 527-0052 FAX (352) 746-6336E-MAIL: [email protected]

We are a Parish Church of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida

It is the mission of Shepherd of the Hills Church to be a beacon of faithknown for engaging all persons in the love and truth of Jesus Christ.

Our Ministers are the People of our CongregationThe Rev. George A. M. Conger, Rector

The Rev. Ladd Harris, RetiredThe Revs. Joan Clark, Mike Hall and Linda Liebert-Hall, Deacons(Phone 352-527-0052) E-mail: [email protected]

Vestry Committee

Michael Herman-Smith, Senior Warden

Dennis Hall, Junior Warden

Brenda Billingham, Karen Black, Karen Eddy,

John Materni, Leslie Palmer,

Kim Velazquez, Terrie Toney,

We’re on the Web!!

www.sothec.org

Documents

March Shepherd's Staff FINAL