1895 - 2016 Church of the Good Shepherd Cashiers, North Carolina December 2016TIDINGS

WHAT’S INSIDE:Rector Column................... 1Birthdays............................ 2Anniversaries...................... 2What’s going on................. 2Christmas Services.............. 3Christmas Music................. 3Community Concert........... 3Angel Tree.......................... 3Bishop Visit........................ 4S.L.A.M.............................. 4Diocese Youth Calendar...... 5Vestry Notes........................ 5Kirkin O’ the Tartans........... 6 Planned Giving.................... 7Stewardship......................... 7Kanuga Convention.........8- 9Bible Study.......................... 9Cashiers Cares.................. .10Big Bro/Big Sis................. 10Outreach............................ 10 Fall Cleanup...................... 11Fishes & Loaves............... 11Coat Drive........................ 11Cursillo.............................. 11Meetings/Services............. 12

TIDINGSTIDINGSHappy New Year! Indeed, I’m not a month early with that headline greeting. The Church calendar is not the world’s calendar…in part, to remind us that our sense of time comes from God, not from the Ancient Roman calendar based on moon and sun cycles. We are on a SON cycle, which begins with Advent.

So, first Advent, which is a season of expectation and preparation for the coming Christ. Actually, you can look for expecting Christ in two ways: 1) remembering all the prophecies that led up to Jesus birth, many of which we will hear over the four Sundays in Advent; and 2), looking ahead to the second coming of Christ. These spiritual themes are both found in the Collect (prayer) for the First Sunday of Advent:

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Part of Advent, then, means waiting. Lighting the Advent Wreath candle by candle, watching the candles get shorter over time, are symbols of that waiting. Indeed, Israel waited a long time for the Messiah, and we Christians have been waiting awhile for the second coming.

Waiting also means waiting to sing Christmas carols and songs until Christmas. We are not trying to be Scrooge-like in waiting to sing these hymns. Instead, we are practicing patience, hope, and preparation in Advent, even as we know the joy of Christmas is coming. Yes, even though Walmart, Amazon, and radio stations get music and consumerism rumbling along, we wait.

Later in December comes Christmas. The date of December 25 is nowhere in the Bible, but the birth of Christ certainly is. “The Feast of the Incarnation” is the other formal name for Christmas, a name which takes us deeper into just how marvelous, how much joy to the world, that the ‘Word made Flesh’ brought to all creation. The Incarnation is God’s most blessed gift—and the gift behind all gift-giving of this season. The Incarnation is God’s way to say that flesh, that human life, is good, and that flesh is redeemable, reconcilable.

For these reasons, our faith is not focused on Crucifixion alone, nor Resurrection alone, for without Incarnation, neither crucifixion nor resurrection could have happened! All three mark the means of our salvation.

The bridge hymn for Advent and Christmas then becomes a beautiful favorite: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. ‘Emmanuel’ means, ‘God with us’—not just in Spirit, but in flesh. So these words become our prayer, our song, as we begin the church year again, from Advent waiting, until Christmas joy.

O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel,that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear.Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of nations, bind in one the hearts of all mankind;bid thou our sad divisions cease, and be thyself our King of Peace. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Too true. We have been a divided nation in this election cycle, and we in the world remain divided in many ways. Maybe our gift to God and to each other is working diligently and faithfully to mend divisions. For His sake. ~ Rob+

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Happy Birthdaysfor December

1 Barnes, Greg2 Stinson, Michael5 McClure, Liz5 Turnbull, Suzanne5 Noah, Winton6 O’Leary, Bobbie9 Waltzek, Sandra11 Conover, Mary12 Holmes, Baron12 Wood, JoAnn12 Bromberg, Lella14 Wardowski, Christie14 Wood, Robert14 Turner, Lauren15 Williams, Roger19 Burchfield, Sally20 Gray, Gordon21 Welling, Eleanor21 Hoffman, Wylie22 Keck, Gail22 Soldo, M.J.22 Connelly, Bob23 Rivers, Carroll29 Crawford, Shelia29 Williams, Sue30 Graves, Tayloe31 Loftin, Mary

Wedding Anniversariesfor December

Ed and Ellen Riley 12/16/1961Bob and Cheryl Starkey 12/16/1988Greg and Paige Barnes 12/22/1984Collins and Betty Vallee12/23/1982Tom and Karen Snyder12/24/1988

WHAT’S GOING ON AROUND HERE?

Tuesday’s: 9:00 — 9:30 a.m. Centering Prayer in old Library

Wednesday’s: 11:00 a.m. — Lectionary Class, Adult Ed. room

Thursday’s: 8:35 a.m. — Morning Prayer 12 Noon, Eucharist and Healing prayers, lunch, all welcome Sunday services: 8:00 a.m. Eucharist Rite I 9:15 am -- Sunday School for all ages 10:30 a.m. Eucharist Rite II (Nursery provided)

December special dates:

Saturday, December 10: Noon, Cashiers Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 18: Tree Trimming party, after 10:30 service

Saturday, December 24: 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm Christmas Eve Services with music, nursery provided

Sunday, December 25: 11:00 a.m. service with music

Office Closed: Dec. 23 & Dec. 26, Jan. 2

Sunday Coffee HourY’all come! The sign up sheet to help is on the bulletin board in Hines Hall. Our motto this year is “keep it simple!” Regardless, come join us after the 10:30 a.m. service each Sunday for fellowship.

Please remember to visit our website at www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com. There is lots of church information including sermons, weekly readings, Tidings, calendars, pictures, etc.

Altar Flowers for 2017The guidelines have changed for altar flower dedications. We will accept up to two offerings per Sunday, cost is $75. If you would like to have flowers on the altar, please call Wendy and she will work with you on a specific date.

Bazaar Chairpersons Needed: Bric a Brac, Heavenly Foods and Raffle. Anyone interested in helping Chair one of these departments for the 2017 Bazaar please call Paige Barnes at 305-302-9264 or email at paige@justmiamihomes.com.

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Community Choir ConcertCashiers Community Chorus holiday concert, “JOY!, A Gospel Christmas Celebration,” will be held on December 4, at the Cashiers United Methodist Church, 3:00 p.m.. Good Shepherd participants are: Merry Soellner, Doreen Hastings, Janis Cox, Judy Gray, Jacqueline Rhew and Jim Scanlon.

Angel Tree

The angel tree went up in Hines Hall on Sunday, November 14th, festooned with pink and blue angels waiting to be chosen by “Good Shepherd” guardian angels wanting to make Christmas special for local children and their families from the Hampton School & Early Learning Centers. The deadline is Monday, December 7 for the return of the presents. Please take time to go to Hines Hall and select one or more angels and bring the joy of Christmas to these families. Pictured at right, Gail Keck and Sharon Bissell hanging the angels!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to be joyful celebrations! Invite your family and friends!

This year on Christmas Eve, we have two different services. The service at 4 PM includes Lessons and Carols, with homily and Holy Eucharist. With so many good hymns to sing, this service will share the good news of Christ’s birth with favorites like “Of the Father’s Love Begotten,” “It Came upon a Midnight Clear,” “Lo, how a rose,” “Go tell it on the Mountain” -- and of course “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “Joy to the World.” The 6 pm service will be a traditional service much like our regular 10:30 Sunday service, with great music from our choir as well, a homily, and many familiar hymns, including “O Come all ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger,” and “Joy to the World.”

Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th 11 AM (the only service that Sunday).

The choir of the Church of the Good Shepherd will present the Christmas cantata, “Stars of Glory” by Tom Fettke on Christmas Sunday, December 25, at 11:00 a.m. The cantata includes favorite familiar carols in Celtic Folk style: What child is this?, Light is shining all around, Love came down at Christmas, Good Christians all, rejoice! Invite friends to join you to bring in the glorious Christmas Sunday with the joyful music of Christmas. Organ music will feature carols from many lands arranged by Dr. Jones and published by Hal Leaonard Publishing Company.

You are also invited to a Christmas Organ Concert presented by Dr. Jack Jones on Sunday, December 4, 3:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Highlands.

Christmas present idea: The piano and organ CD, “It is well with my soul” with Jack Jones and Sandra Bash. Copies are available in the church office.

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Bishop José made his first visit to Good Shepherd on Nov. 1

We welcomed Bishop José for a quick, weekday visit on November 1 for about 2 hours. He’s getting to know the diocese and its churches. He and Fr. Rob had a tour of the property, and Rob promised some good golf over his June 25 official visit this summer. Members of our outreach ministry shared stories of our efforts, including the Auction/Bazaar/Outreach Grants, the upcoming ELL classes, and other community activities like Meals on Wheels, and Fishes and Loaves. He was impressed and supportive, evening asking for a good write-up for the Highland Episcopalian sometime in 2017.

S.L.A.M.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, December 6, beginning at 5:30 p.m. S.L.A.M. (Serving God, Loving Others, And Making a Joyful Noise). The ABC’s of Advent is the theme for the night. You will not want to miss it — there is something for all ages. It will be a wonderful way to begin the holiday season. We have a fun filled event planned. Thanks to all who participated in our November S.L.A.M., “Prayer and Thanksgiving,” a huge success. Pictures of the event below!

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January 21—22 High School Retreat @ Lake Logan. This retreat will dive into our baptismal convenant and deepen our connection to God: limited to 20 high school youth.

February 12 Ski Day @ Cataloochee - All youth grades 6-12 are welcome.

March 3—5 Spring Conference @ Valle Crucis - Conference Center for 8th graders through 12th graders/Theme is Transition.

Facebook/@episcopalyouthofwnc — Instagram/@wncyouth — Google Calendar/@ Youth of WNC

For more information, to register, and calendar updates for Diocese of Western NC Youth Gatherings, visit www.diocesewnc.org.

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d i o c e s e o f w n c2017 youth calendar

january 21-22 high school retreat @ lake logan this retreat will dive into our baptismal covenant and deepen our connection to god: limited to 20 high school youth

february 12th ski day @ cataloochee all youth grades 6-12 are welcome

march 3-5 spring conference @ valle crucis conference for 8th graders through 12th graders | theme is transitions

june-july camp henry in session july 10-14 EYE17 @ diocese of oklahomanational gathering available for 24 high school youth

september 29-october 1 midBEGINNINGdle @ valle crucis Òbeginning in the middleÓ is a gathering for middle schoolers to build community and grow in faith

october 27-29 high school fall conference @ valle crucis

For more information about, to register, and calendar updates for Diocese of Western NC Youth Gatherings visit www.diocesewnc.org Missioner for Youth (828) 225-6656 | youth@diocesewnc.org

facebook | @episcopalyouthofwnc instagram | @wncyouth google calendar | @Youth of WNC

Vestry Notes

Highlights from the November 16 Vestry meeting:

We opened the meeting with a reading shared by Doreen Hastings from “Daily Guideposts 2016”: “Expect a Blessing.” Father Rob also distributed to each person a booklet: “Meditations for Vestry Members.”

We discussed and reviewed the By-laws and the committees that will need to be staffed in the coming year.Assignment of the Senior Warden and Junior Warden were discussed. Rob will pray over these assignments and share the names at the December meeting.Finance Review: We are a little behind budget, but expect to end the year on track. 2017 Budget process underway.Proposals are being received for the replacement of our walkway areas (mainly in the back of the church in the cemetery area).English Language Learners (ELL) was a success with 38 adult participants! This class is being held every Monday 6-9 p.m. if you are interested in volunteering – please see the bulletin board for a signup sheet!Kitchen update! If you have suggestions for improving our kitchen please talk to Doreen Hastings, Judy King Williams, Carroll Summerour or Kathy Guyton!Vestry Room – We want to reflect vestry ministry, church history, and Diocesan connections through pictures. Look for coming changes.John Bissell and Doreen Hastings attended the Diocese Annual Convention – November 11.The Vestry and other appropriate parties received training for “Safeguarding God’s Children”, November 2.

--JudyKingWilliams,Clerk

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2016 Kirkin of the Tartans was held on Sunday, November 20th. Devon Broome and Grey Garland played their bagpipes and drums as tartans were carried in procession and members of the congregation, donned in plaids, celebrated the Scottish heritage of our area and lived into the unity of all clans under one King and Shepherd.

A traditional scottish blessing ended the service:May the blessing of light be on you, light without and light within. May the blessed sunlight shine on you and warm your heart till it glows like a great peat fire, so that the stranger may come and warm himself at it, and also a friend.

May the light shine out of the two eyes of you, like a candle set in the windows of a house, bidding the wanderer to come in out of the storm.

May the road rise up to meet you. May you ever have a kindly greeting for them that pass along your way. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; may the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

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Stewardship 2017We Thank. We Serve. We Give.

It’s a few days before Thanksgiving. This article will appear in December’s edition of Tidings. The stewardship campaign for 2017 is almost over. Especially at this time of year I spend time reflecting and, literally, giving thanks for how blessed I am.

I’m blessed, foremost, by God and his never-ending, abundant grace. Without that grace I couldn’t be a child of God. I’m also blessed to be a part of the Church of the Good Shepherd. Here, God, through Father Rob, the staff and dedicated parishioners, is at work showing us ways to be good stewards of our blessings, to ourselves and to the community around us.

God has blessed us all, generously, in many ways. At this time of reflection and thanksgiving, thank you for your support of our parish and its ability to further God’s work here in Cashiers. --RalphGreene,StewardshipCommittee

Planned Giving Corner

I have often heard the saying, “Never fall in love with an inanimate object,” such as a house, a car, or any one of many things that are present in our lives. I make an exception to this rule when it comes to the building known as Church of the Good Shepherd. I simply love the building, the setting, the graceful architecture, its bell tower, its cemetery, and the Hines Hall annex.

I also love the church for what it has meant for our family for over three decades: one child married in the church (see photo), one granddaughter christened in the church, the ministries my wife Wendy and I have undertaken in the church for many years, and the comfort we feel when we think of spending eternity in the shadow of the church.

These personal reflections are provided simply as a way of reminding parishioners of the unique legacy of Church of the Good Shepherd, and a way to urge everyone to consider naming the church in their estate planning. The process of designating gifts to the various endowment funds of the church is spelled out clearly in the brochure “Society of 1878,” available in the church office. You may also access information on the church’s website, www.goodshepofcashiers.com.

I would also point out that any member of the Endowment Board would be happy to discuss gifting ideas with anyone thinking of naming Church of the Good Shepherd a recipient. Those members are: Bill Canby, Ginger

Dempsey, Ed Pearson, Toby Summerour, Dick Williams, Malinda Allen (chair), and yours truly.

In closing this column, I searched for a biblical verse that might capture the message the Endowment Board is trying to convey. To the congregation, I think I found one. It comes from: 1 Timothy 6:18-19: “Commend them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” --TomDowden,EndowmentBoardMember

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Reflections on the 2016 Diocesan ConventionAs a first time delegate to Convention, I had a few ideas of what to expect. Having attended many business meetings, conventions and annual meetings, I knew there would be registration, orientation sessions, business sessions, communal dining and social gatherings to begin with. And, yes, all of these were part of Convention.

What I hadn’t expected was the palpable presence of the Holy Spirit guiding us in each and every aspect of the weekend. I felt this in the attitude of the other delegates, in the leadership of Bishop José, in the prayers of inter-cession for those in danger from the forest fires, in the packaging of meals for overseas famine relief, and, yes, even the voting sessions.

I also never expected it to be such a powerful personal experience. The workshop I chose to attend was “Spiritual Practices for Congregations” (which obviously start in the individual) led by Fr. Rob Field. I have recently been in what I’ll call a “dry” period in my faith. This seminar gave me such inspiration and excitement about how to change this. Centering Prayer, Lectio Divina, and other practices are some ways to dig deeper and get closer to God. It was very clear to me that I was supposed to be at that workshop! I am excited about embarking on this opportunity to deepen my faith and I thank all of you for sending me as your delegate. --DoreenHastings

My first diocesan convention in Western North Carolina took me back to a familiar spot: Kanuga. Having been to Camp Kanuga in the late 70s, to the Conference Center in the mid 80s and 90s for youth retreats, and recently to the Conference Center for an Enneagram workshop, I enjoyed being there with my new diocesan and church family. As part of the hosting Western Deanery, I led evening prayer for all on Friday night’s opening session—at which point Bishop Jose welcomed me and other 2016 ‘newbies’ officially. On Sunday, I was honored to be part of the altar party serving communion as well.

Besides times of fellowship, workshops, and good food, I went to the breakout session on the Diocesan budget. During that time, the Stewardship concept called 10-10-10 came under discussion. Essentially, that concept is that people are asked to give 10% to congregation to help with God’s work there, and congregations are asked to give 10% toward our common diocesan mission. From the Diocese, 10% would go to the Wider Episcopal Church for our mission in the country and world. I went out on a limb as a newcomer and voiced a concern that in actuality, 14% is going to the wider Episcopal church from the Diocese, with 15% slated (and mandated) for 2018. With 2017 not being a mandated year, I made a motion to save $14,000 from that offering for use for those in need in WNC. Eventually, that motion was approved by the committee and then (after much discussion) by the convention at large. In 2018, the 15% assessment will go into effect, and though I am not in favor of a 10-10-15 plan, I agree that we should follow through on that commitment along with other dioceses, but work towards a 10-10-10 system of stewardship.

I echo Doreen and John’s enthusiasm for the Saturday night meal packing for the Stop Hunger Now efforts, to which Good Shepherd contributed $900! Thank you. Hopefully, we can do something similar at Good Shepherd sometime in 2017! --Fr.Rob

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Men and Women’s Bible Study Update

Men and Women’s Bible Study will take a break for December. Beginning January 12, they will combine for an overview of the Old Testament using Professor Amy Jill Levine’s DVD-based lectures from The Great Courses. This class will start on Thursday, January 12 at 9:00 a.m.

As Professor Amy-Jill Levine observes: “The Old Testament is endlessly fascinating because it offers everything to explore: myth, saga, and history; tragedy, comedy, and farce; economics and politics; literature and poetry of surpassing beauty; court intrigue and prophetic morality; heavenly miracles and sometimes heavenly silence; questions of theodicy; answers that satisfy and answers that may not; destruction and rebuilding; despair and hope.”

Professor Levine’s DVD-based lectures thoughtfully explore selected passages from the texts called the Old Testament, the Hebrew Bible, and the Tanakh. She provides clear examples of how various approaches to biblical research and interpretation can enrich your understanding of this inexhaustibly fruitful and powerful text. In the one-hours class on Thursdays at 9 am, we will watch the DVD and have some table discussions.

Joseph Hough, the Dean of Union Theological Seminary, says Professor Levine is “the best classroom teacher I have seen in my 35 years in theological education, bar none.” Customers concur: “Levine is dynamic, exciting to listen to, and her knowledge of her subject is well organized and conveyed.” “Wonderful course. Interestingly taught. Thought provoking, stimulating. Wow!”

Reflections on 2016 Diocesan Convention (continued)

I was privileged to attend the 95th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, November 11-13, as a delegate from Good Shepherd. Much could be said, but I offer a couple of brief observations.

The convention began late Friday afternoon with a light agenda of orientation, dinner, and a gathering, with a scheduled finish/departure of noon Sunday. Saturday offered morning Eucharist, breakfast, morning prayer and clergy brunch. Delegates and clergy each attended one 1 1/2 hour workshop chosen from ten topics offered. As Friday evening and breakfast had, lunch provided time for old and new friends and acquaintances to share ideas and experiences together in the furtherance of our shared mission to spread the word of God and the work of the Episcopal Church. Saturday afternoon was legislative hearings and readings of resolutions. The real highlight for me was Saturday evening, when with music and fellowship leading into the project, everyone joined in packing 10,000 meals to be delivered to people in need. It was generous, fun and inspirational.

Election of lay and clergy delegates to the 2018 General Convention was Sunday morning, followed by Eucharist and convention recess.

The overall experience was informative, thought-provoking and spirit-refreshing. I commend participation to all offered the opportunity. --JohnBissell

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Cashiers Cares

Please join us for a free lunch at the Cashiers Community Center immediately following the Cashiers Christmas parade on Saturday, December 10th. Cashiers Cares is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization which raises funds for ten agencies which provide services for the needs of residents primarily in Southern Jackson County. Each of these agencies will have a booth at the Community Center where you will an opportunity to learn more about who they are and what they do. You will also have an opportunity to make a financial contribution to these worthwhile charities—a perfect way to do your Christmas giving locally in Cashiers.

We are lucky to have the Rotary Club of Cashiers Valley prepare a free lunch for all those who attend. We can already smell the aroma of the hot dogs cooking on the grill and the delicious chili donated by Wendy’s! And to top it off, we will have a special visit from our favorite bearded friend, Santa Claus. Santa will be available for pictures and to hear what those special wishes are for Christmas.

--MalindaAllen,BeckyGreene,CarrollSummerour,ChristieWardowski,&JudyKingWilliams

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

You could be the one! You could be the one to make a difference in a young boy’s life. Big Brothers Big Sisters is in need of male mentors to partner with the young boys in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Big Brothers Big Sisters is a one-on-one mentorship program that carefully matches children with caring, adult role models. While some “Bigs” and “Littles” meet weekly during the day at Blue Ridge School or Summit Charter School, other “Bigs” and “Littles” meet after school or on weekends and participate in activities in the community. A recent fun activity was a hike through High Hampton with a group of llamas. If you are interested in being a mentor or have any questions, please call Kathe Canby at 743-1674 or Carroll Summerour at 828-877-5383.

On Sunday, December 4, Barry Caponi, a representative from Big Brothers/Big Sisters will do a presentation at both services and at Sunday School. He will also be available during coffee hour. His email address is bcaponi@caponipg.com.

Outreach Opportunity: Help with English Language Learners Classes at Good Shepherd

Our first ELL (English Language Learners) class on Monday, November 14th was a huge success! We had 38 students and provided child care for 26 children and teenagers. Teachers from Southwestern Community College began the teaching process by testing the students to determine their level of understanding of the English language. Judy Gray, Janis Cox and teachers from Blue Ridge provided child care, and volunteers from Good Shepherd and Cashiers United Methodist Church welcomed the students and children and worked in the kitchen. We provided pizza and dinners from El Manzanillo Restaurant. There was a buzz of activity in Hines Hall with almost every room being used. Classes will continue on Monday nights from 6:00 pm-9:00 pm and teams of volunteers will be set up similar to the way altar guild works. We anticipate that our numbers will grow as the word spreads. This is a wonderful new hands on ministry at Good Shepherd that gives us the opportunity to love and serve our neighbors. Sign-up sheets for volunteers are on the bulletin board. If you have any questions, please call Carroll Summerour at 877-5383 or Eleanor Welling at 743-5697. --CarrollSummerour

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Fishes and Loaves Update

During October we served 156 households a total of 220 boxes of food. Good Shepherd donated 302 lbs. of the 1451 pounds we received from local donations in October. We purchased 5754 pounds from Manna and purchased $2515.10 from Ingles. As you summer folks prepare to leave for winter, the food pantry would welcome any food you don’t want to leave this winter. You may donate it directly to the pantry on any Monday or Thursday from 4:30 to 6:30 PM. No open containers or out of date food PLEASE! We will be providing Family Holiday Dinners on Dec. 19 & 22 for Christmas. The cost of each box is $36.00 and a posted list of the contents will be outside the volunteer room . Thanks again for your continued support of this worthwhile effort to feed Jesus’ sheep. --GordonGray

Coat Drive

Rotary coat drive!

Donated coats are taken to Fishes and Loaves for distribution. Please

drop extra coats in the bin in Hines Hall.

Fall Grounds Clean - Thank-you!

We had a small but energetic group on a beautiful chilly Autumn day. We were able to complete the grounds cleanup before noon and enjoy a well deserved restful afternoon. Many thanks to the following:Rob Wood, Bill Canby, Peter Keck, Malinda Allen, Madge Ramey, Tom and Carol Treichel, Frank and Lawson Kelly, Mary Roberts, and Andrew and Troy Allison. A special thanks to Frank who made two trips to the dump with his pickup truck full of branches and other cuttings. And another thanks to the mystery woman who happened to drive by and pick up 8 or more bags of leaves for her mulch pile, thus saving me a trip to the dump. --GodBless,TomTreichel

Cursillo Christmas PartyWednesday, December 14

6:00 p.m.Church of the Good Shepherd

Hines Hall Mark your calendars!

Please bring an appetizer or a dessert.Any questions call

Carroll Summerour at 828-877-5383.

Address service requested

church of the Good shepherdPost Office Box 32cashiers, North carolina 28717

The Reverend Robert B. WoodRectorrwood.gs@gmail.comAdjunct Priest, The Rev. Steve Hinesstevehines_1949@msn.com

Vestry Officers:Bill Canby, Senior WardenDavid Jones, Junior WardenAlice Stanly, TreasurerJudy Williams, ClerkVestry:John Bissell Linda PridgenRalph Greene Madge RameyDoreen Hastings Sharon StrickerPeter Keck Carroll SummerourJohn Kirts Tom Treichel

Staff:Dr. Jack Jones, Organist-ChoirmasterWendy DeNoon, Parish Administratorgoodshepadmin@frontier.comCyndie Royce, BookkeeperPam Allison, HousekeeperAndrew Allison, Building and GroundsChurch Phone: 828-743-2359Website: www.goodshepherdofcashiers.com

MEETING TIMES TO REMEMBER:

Monday’s: AA, NoonTuesday’s: Centering Prayer, 9:00 a.m. AA, 7:00 p.m.Wednesday’s: Lectionary Class, 11:00 a.m.Thursday’s: Morning Prayer, 8:35 a.m. Cursillo Meeting, 11:00-11:45 a.m HE & Prayers for Healing, Noon, followed by lunch DOK, 3rd Thursday, 1:00 p.m. AA, 7:00 p.m.Friday’s: AA, 8:00 a.m.Saturday’s: AA, 9:00 a.m.Sunday’s: Adult Ed, 9:15 a.m. Sunday School, 9:15 a.m. Choir Practice, 9:30 a.m. HE Rite I, 8:00 a.m. HE Rite II, 10:30 a.m. AA, 5:00 p.m.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:

December 4, Advent 2 8:00 a.m. Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 a.m. Eucharist, Rite II Nursery, 10:30 a.m.

December 11, Advent 3 8:00 a.m. Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 a.m. Eucharist, Rite II Nursery, 10:30 a.m.

December 18, Advent 4 8:00 a.m. Eucharist, Rite I 10:30 a.m. Eucharist, Rite II Nursery, 10:30 a.m.

December 24, Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. with music

December 25, Christmas Day Cantata 11:00 a.m. Eucharist, Rite II, with music

January 1, New Year’s Day 10:30 a.m. Eucharist, Rite II