1

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all

circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1 Thess. 5:16-18

Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you are grateful? In fact, it’s proven that you can’t be

angry and grateful at the same time. Studies have shown that people who are grateful possess a deeper level of happiness, are more satisfied, sleep better, and a number of other positive health benefits.

St. Paul urges us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” This doesn’t always seem so easy, especially during difficult situations. St. Paul understood this. He spend long periods of time in prison, yet he used that time to draw closer to God through prayer. He also wrote letters while in prison to the various churches encouraging them in faith and continuing the ministry of Christ. Other saints and spiritual leaders throughout history have continued to cultivate gratitude while persecuted for their faith or imprisoned fighting against injustice. We all face challenges, some more extreme than others, yet we can choose to cultivate gratitude and “rejoice always” no matter what the circumstance.

Gratitude is more than an emotion; it’s a spiritual practice that requires daily cultivation. And like any practice we can become better at it. Practicing gratitude and thanksgiving is not to be reserved for only once a year on a particular holiday. Every day we can pause and be aware of the many things to be thankful for. Every day we can give thanks to God for the most important gift of all – the gift of God’s grace, God’s unconditional love and mercy, in our lives.

On Tuesday, November 26th, we will hold our Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Vigil from 8 am – 8 pm. Please sign up for a 20 minute time slot of prayer in the sanctuary. Take time out of your busy schedules to devote to prayer. Experience the nearness of God. Feel God’s presence and let gratitude and thanksgiving flow to you and from you to others.

Blessings and Peace, Pastor Edwina

2

PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Betty Cadwallader - Schenectady Center for Rehab, Room 115a Birch, 526 Altamont Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12303 Siera Morales – 46A Swayze Drive, Latham, NY 12110.

Maria Mackey - 9 Consaul Road, Albany, NY 12205.

Stephanie Yost – Cards can be sent to her daughter, Leighann Yost, at 46a Swayze Drive, Latham, NY 12110.

Lillian Skarka - 2 Mercy Care Lane, Room 460D, Guilderland, NY 12084.

Don’t Forget Our Homebound Members Especially during the holiday season, please remember to send cards, make phone calls, and visit our homebound members.

Betty Cadwallader Maria Mackey

Lydia Carbonaro Barbara Murray

Dick Dunn Beverly Quinlan

Gwen Graham Lou Reiss

Bob & Ann Howland Lillian Skarka

Shirley Kroll Betty Sickler

Ron Lagerroos Mildred Vigars

Marilyn Loecher Joan VanApeldoorn

All Saints Sunday –

One of the traditions of the church on All Saint’s Sunday is to remember friends and family who have died over the past year. On November 3rd here at Good Shepherd, we offer prayers of thanksgiving and remembrance and light a candle for those who have passed. If you wish to have someone remembered during this service, please call the church office at 518.458.1562 by October 24th or email us at office@gslcl.org so they can be listed in the bulletin.

3

November Birthdays

1 – Jeannette Harting 14 – Marjorie Raymond

1 – Janet Crouse 17 – Iftikhar Dean

1 – Barbara Rasmussen 18 – Lauren Bradley

2 – Marie Wertman 18 – Ikupa Mwandambo

3 – Judy Ahl 20 – Carol Phelps

5 – Richard Kleinhenz 21 – Joyce Claypool

6 – Gwen Graham 21 – Patti Olsen

6 – Vicki LaFrank 22 – Michael Kromrey

7 – Bryce Durr 24 – Linda LaManna

12 – John McCarthy 25 – Cassandra Halpin

13 – Dennis Claypool 29 – Shahnaz Dean

13 – Michael Crouse 29 – Barbara Emptage

Confirmation Blessings Congratulations to Kayla Bradley and Emily Quinn on their Affirmation of Baptism on Sunday, October 27th. Their faith statements were a moving and inspiring witness to their faith. We appreciate the new ideas and excitement these young adults bring to our faith community.

New Members

We’d like to warmly welcome our new members who joined our congregation on October 13th: Antoinette & John Vinciquerra, Kathy Ingalls, and Kiran Dean. You are a blessing! Please take the time to get to know them. If you have been attending Good Shepherd and would like to join, please contact Pastor Edwina.

4

“Where words fail, music speaks.” ― Hans Christian Andersen

Choir rehearsal are Thursday’s evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 10:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. We will begin rehearsing new music for Advent and Christmas. Please let me know if you plan to join us for Advent and Christmas: seasonal choral participation is an option. Much appreciation to Atif Dean and Elizabeth Strohbeck for being our Cantors for the month of October.

We’ve incorporated children’s choir rehearsal as part of Sunday School. Children’s choir rehearses Sunday’s from 9:45 am-10:00 am. We are currently rehearsing “All Things Bright and Beautiful”. It is a hymn that focuses on appreciating God’s creations. The Children’s Choir will sing this at the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, November 24th- the Sunday before Thanksgiving. We will begin music for the Christmas pageant which is scheduled for the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday, December 22nd. We are planning to have the children’s choir sing more frequently.

Several of you have provided lists of your favorite hymns and we continue to incorporate them into the music schedule. Please forward lists of favorite hymns to the attention of the music director’s mail box at Good Shepherd Church.

If you are called to participate in our music ministry (vocal choir or instrumentalist), please speak to myself, Pastor Edwina or any of the choir members after service. You can also leave a message at the Church office.

Carl Rorie Alexandrov, Director of Music

The

Music

Corner

5

Church Council News

November is a month of thankfulness celebrations. We are thankful for the opportunity to exercise our right to vote, we give thanks to our veterans for their sacrifice to our country, and we celebrate Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday).

I am thankful for the many ministries that our congregation offers and supports. I am also very thankful to the many members who attended the Council Forum held on October 13th. Here are some of the forum notes:

● Recognition and appreciation for the efforts of the

Stewardship Team and the successful campaign in

September

● Efforts to improve our “curb appeal” with new signage,

flags representing our openness, and landscaping

● Discussion about the plans to investigate the installation of

air conditioning in the sanctuary

The response after this forum was similar to the response after the April forum. Members expressed appreciation for this opportunity to share their ideas, concerns, and questions about the workings of the church. I hope that these forums will continue to occur as a regular opportunity to bring people together.

Thanks and peace, Mark

Men’s Breakfast

The men of the church are invited to join together on the first and third Saturday of each month at 8:00am at the church. November dates are the 2nd and 16th. If you would like more information, please contact Mark Kaercher.

6

Confirmation

Our cluster confirmation classes are off to a great start. Pastor Edwina and Pastor Joyce Fiore, lead pastor of the MITT (Ministry in Transition Team) at Holy Spirit, meet twice a month here at Good Shepherd. There are six students in the class this year, three from each congregation, and the conversations are lively and creative, as we discuss Lutheran History and Catechism.

Update to Air Conditioning Survey

In the October newsletter, we mentioned that we would be taking a congregational survey in October as to members’ thoughts on installing air conditioning in the Sanctuary. At the Council Forum that was held on October 13th, it was requested that we provide additional information and considerations before taking the survey. With that feedback, we have decided to take few weeks to contemplate what was discussed and will be delaying the survey until November. We will continue to provide updates and feedback as this proceeds. Thank you to everyone who attended the Forum and was so forth coming with your suggestions! Sincerely, Marie Wertman

7

New Book Club Opportunity

Online Synod-wide Book Group Using Zoom Technology

Instead of our regular Book Club, Good

Shepherd would like to encourage participation

in a new online format accessible from the

comfort of your home. How would you like to

connect with readers all across the country?

Well, with this new and innovative book club

format you can! Winter weather is no obstacle!

Rev. Lori Kochanski, Assistant to the Bishop

for Faith Formation has come up with this

innovative new online book club, and

moderates the online conversation.

You just need to log on your computer using a monthly link, or

phone in to a particular number. A meeting ID is also required.

These links and numbers change every month and will be

announced in the bulletin and on Constant Contact as soon as

they are set up.

*November 20 - 1:00 and 7:00 “We Will Feast: Rethinking

Dinner, Worship, and the Community of God” by

Kendall Vanderslice

Upcoming Conversations:

*December 18 - 1:00 and 7:00 “The Universal Christ: How a

Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and

Believe” by Richard Rohr

*January 15 - 1:00 and 7:00 “Entering the Passion of Jesus: A

Beginner's Guide to Holy Week” by Amy-Jill Levine

*February 19 - 1:00 and 7:00 “One Coin Found: How God's Love

Stretches to the Margins” by Emmy Kegler

8

News from the Senior Shepherds

We are planning a craft sale at the Cookie Walk on December 14th . We will be making crafts and if anyone has anything they can contribute, we would appreciate it. In November and early December we will be collecting small stuffed animals which we donate to Parsons. Donations are always welcome. Our next meeting will be on November 22nd at 11:00. All are welcome.

Equinox

Once again Equinox is asking for donations of individual fruit cups or applesauce for their Thanksgiving dinner. Our goal is to donate 500 cups from Good Shepherd to help those less fortunate than us to have a delicious Thanksgiving dinner. A donation table is in the narthex. The deadline is Sunday, November 18th.

ELCA Good Gifts – Lutheran World Hunger Once again, we will be supporting Lutheran World Hunger during the month of November. Animal ornaments will be available to purchase (chickens, honeybees, piglets and goats). All proceeds will go to Lutheran World Hunger to help families throughout the world.

9

Women of the ELCA

In the coming weeks, we'll be getting ready for the Annual Cookie Walk, scheduled this year for Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 am –1 pm. Please sign up on the sheets in the Narthex. We need bakers, sellers, organizers, set-up and clean-up helpers, cashiers and hosts. Women of the ELCA Christmas Party - join us for a fun pot-luck meal and a gift grab-bag exchange. The party is scheduled tentatively for Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Please bring a covered dish to share and a grab-bag (new or gently used, $15 cost maximum).

Contact Pam Zepf at 518-785-1102 with any questions.

Thanksgiving Prayer Vigil A Thanksgiving Prayer Vigil will be held on Tuesday, November 26th from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex and devotional material will be available. Please join us to thank God for all our blessings and to pray for those in need.

Veteran’s Day

Did you know….. Veteran’s Day was originally known as Armistice Day, which marked the end of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. On Sunday, Nov. 10th, we will take a few moments at the end of our service to give thanks for the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. If you or someone you know is a veteran, please invite them to worship services that day so we can thank them.

10

27th Annual Kristallnacht Interfaith Commemoration Tuesday, November 12, 2019 - 7:00 pm Page Hall, SUNYA Downtown Campus 135 Western Avenue - Albany, NY “The Light of Hope” Based on the true story of Elisabeth Eidenbenz (1913-2011) and her female co-workers who saved the lives of almost 600 infants in World War II. One-Time Screening | Free and open to the public

Monday Game Nights

Monday Game Nights is off to a great start! We gather every Monday at 6:30 pm in the fellowship hall. This is open to everyone in the community and a great opportunity to get to know our neighbors and have a great time. You can use one or more of the many games we have or bring your own. Come out and have some fun!

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Come and join in on the Tuesday Morning Bible Study 11:00 am – 12:15 pm as we study Scripture and grow in God’s word. This fall we are studying the book of Revelation. If you have been afraid to dive into this book, now’s y our chance to discover it’s actually a powerful message of hope and promise. Each week we begin in prayer, reach out to others who may be ill or just need cheering up with a card and personal note, and enjoy some coffee, tea, and other snacks. If you have any questions or need a ride, please contact Carolyn Wolfe or Bertie Cole.

11

Men’s Shelter Meals

Again this year, the cluster churches will be preparing meals for the Overflow Shelter at First Lutheran that opens on November 1, 2019. The homemade meals are greatly appreciated by the men and staff at the shelter. The meals need to be prepared for about 25 people and consist of an entrée, vegetable or salad, and dessert. It has worked out well when three people prepare a meal so that no one is doing the whole meal.

These are Good Shepherd’s dates: For 2019 - November 26 and December 24. For 2020 - January 21, February 18, March 17, and April 14. If you would like to help with this special ministry, please speak with Danny Patrick.

New Road Sign

Good Shepherd has a beautiful new road sign pointing people to our congregation. If you haven’t seen it, it’s located on the corner of Albany Shaker Road and Osborn Road near Walgreens.

12

Stewardship Ministry Team

The Stewardship Ministry Team would like to thank everyone who attended the Stewardship Luncheon and made financial commitments for 2020. So far we have received 56 commitments which is essential for the many ministries this community of faith provides and the bills that go along with maintaining this sacred space. For those folks that still would like to make a financial commitment for 2020, it is not too late. If you need a financial commitment card please call the church office. You can either bring the commitment card on Sunday when you come to worship and put it in the offering plate, or mail it back to the church office.

We met recently and discussed this year's Stewardship Campaign and think you would agree that the Stewardship videos that were shown on the three Sundays before Commitment Sunday were very good. For those that attended the workshop, "Finding Money to Save" given by Thrivent Financial Associate, Paula Heighton in September, it was well received and a helpful presentation. In thinking about our next Stewardship Campaign, we discussed the possibility of doing a Stewardship breakfast/ brunch in between services to make it easier for the people that attend the early service so that no one misses out on this wonderful meal and fellowship. Certainly, if anyone else has any other ideas or comments about the Stewardship campaign, please speak to any member of the ministry team: Danny Patrick, Chair, Susan Perkins, Carol Phelps, William Mwandambo, Mark Kaercher, Marjorie Raymond, Colleen Kromrey, Joan Walker and Pastor Landry.

The team talked about being stewards of our faith and we addressed the issue of reaching out to folks that we have not seen in a while. This is something we all can do to let people know that we miss them. We also spent time talking about everyone in our congregation making a concerted effort to invite people that we know to our worship service and church activities. This might include family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers, people we know from civic groups that we are involved in, as well as anyone we have a conversation with that might be looking for a faith community home or just want to be connected with others. So let's all think about who we can invite and extend invitations to, with the hope that they strengthen their faith journey and become closer to God.

13

RSVP Volunteer Opportunities

Good Shepherd was one of 21 volunteer stations that participated in the RSVP Volunteer Fair at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady on October 10th. RSVP is a national volunteer agency designed to provide individuals age 55 years and older with the opportunity to share their abilities, interests, and experience with their communities. Several RSVP volunteer jobs are available at Good Shepherd including gardening/landscape assistant, food service worker, office worker/office support, and game night host. For information about the program or to sign up as an RSVP volunteer, please contact Marisa Geraghty at the Colonie Senior Services Program at 518-459-2857, Ext. 308 or our RSVP Volunteer Coordinator, Marjorie Raymond, at 518-435-0906.

(In picture: Marisa Geraghty & Diane Conroy LaCivita)

December Newsletter Deadline: Monday, Nov. 11 Call the Church Office at 458-1562 or e-mail office@gslcl.org

if you have item(s) for publication.

14

Building Use News

As you may or may not know we have a lot of community organizations that use our building during the week. Some of them are Toast Masters, Drama Kids, Core Four - Qi Gong classes, to name a few. Drama Kids who has been with us for about ten years uses the fellowship hall every Thursday night and has started to also use the blue room on Thursday nights as well to do some small group work with their students. In order to accommodate everyone and make sure that we have adequate space for everyone, including our members who have a need to use the fellowship hall or any of the rooms for meetings, please be sure to let Kathy Williams - Administrative Assistant know when and what time you need a specific space for the needs of your group so that this information can be put down in the master schedule. If there is a double booking for a room or the fellowship hall the Building Use Coordinator, Danny Patrick will intervene and come up with an alternate space for the community organization utilizing a particular space in the church. If you have any questions regarding this, please speak to Danny or give him a call at (518) 477-5355.

Turkey Dinner – West Albany Fire Co.

The West Albany Fire Co. & Ladies Auxiliary are hosting a Turkey Dinner at 113 Sand Creek Road on Saturday, November 9th from 3-7 pm. Traditional Thanksgiving fare will be served. There will also be a 50-50 raffle and Take-Out Dinners will also be available. $12 adults - $9 for seniors 60+, $6 for children ages 4-10, and free for children under 3.

15

Social Justice

ELCA Advocacy has posted this action alert for November : A bill with bipartisan support is being presented on Global Health Security. It is essential all countries work together to thwart the dangers of existing and emerging pandemics. It is crucial our country does not reduce funds to fight health emergencies. Please write or call your legislators to support this important bill. Another month has gone by and it's hard to know where to put our focus with so many issues before us. But all our individual actions - big and small - really do matter and make a difference. It is like a puzzle being put together. A lot of little pieces and efforts, but one missing piece and the picture is not complete. It takes all of us taking an active part in the process. The Number One action we can take is praying. The power of prayer is undeniable. The Second action is picking an issue and act by writing letters, calling legislators and spreading kindness around us - not hate. A recent study found that 76% of all birds are being hurt by the Climate Crisis! So just planting a tree becomes a spotlight into the darkness. Together, as children of God, we can make the world better for all.

16

“Leading with Wonder: Practicing Skills for Being in Times of Transition”

Pastor Lori Kochanski, Assistant to the Bishop for Faith Formation, will lead an exciting series of workshops here at Good Shepherd. Over the course of three, 1.5 hour meeting times we will explore elements of wonder as they relate to leadership in community. Each session will include learning, sharing and practical application of the focus material. Different spiritual practices will also be introduced at each session. An evening and a noontime session will be offered. The material covered in the noon session will be the same as the material covered at 7PM sessions.

Dates and Times:

TOPIC: Curiosity, Equanimity and Play Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 12 (being a lunch for yourself) and 7PM

TOPIC: Authority and Freedom Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 12 (bring a lunch for yourself) and 7PM

TOPIC: Vitality and Vulnerability Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 12 (bring a lunch for yourself) and 7PM

Order forms will be available in the church narthex throughout November for your holiday poinsettias. Each plant will be available for the cost of $13 each. The final deadline is December 8th and the order must be in to the florist by the end of that day. So don’t delay!

Don’t forget to

Order Your Holiday Poinsettias

17

Just Breathe: Contemplation at Good Shepherd

Time, Atonement, At-One-Ment “…and we would have a love so divine If I could turn

back the hands of time” Tyrone Davis

Yes, I’m writing about time again! Each autumn, thanks to Daylight Savings, we get the opportunity to turn back the hands on our clocks and, metaphorically at least, return to an earlier time. Hey, Tyrone, we CAN do it! Wouldn’t it be great if we could return our past year’s mistakes as well? Well, we can’t. And yet… …like our Jewish brothers and sisters on Yom Kippur, we can atone for them. Atonement signifies forgiveness or pardon of a “mistake”. Through repentance the mistake is exchanged for forgiveness. But are repentance and atonement the only ways to approach God and experience Divine Love?

For nearly two thousand years, followers of Jesus have sought connection to God through contemplation. Contemplation encourages approaching the Divine through awe and wonder rather than regret. We ask for nothing other than to rest in the presence of our Creator, who sustains us in all and through all. Good Shepherd’s Just Breathe offers a friendly place to release worry and just be. We sit without judgement, hear a few encouraging words, ding a bell and rest in silence. After a few minutes the bell sounds again and we share some thoughts. We depart renewed, remembering that we are loved, and that we are sent forth to do likewise. Just Breathe meets every Wednesday at GSLC for 45 minutes or so at 7PM. We invite you to join us for a quiet sit and some heart felt conversation. No dress code, no dues, and whether your alarm clock has rotating hands or illuminating digits, all are welcome. Thank you, and peace. Thank you, and peace. Mike Gerrish

18

Faith Matters – Food and Farming

My grandparents and great-grandparents worked small vegetable farms on Sand Creek Road. Many Good Shepherd members and friends, past and present, had connections to family farms in the Shaker Road and nearby area. Others have ties to farming communities in Vermont, Indiana, Nebraska, Dakotas, California, across the country. Farming is a strong thread in the heritage tapestry of the Good Shepherd family.

Farming also has a big impact on the climate crisis, contributing 25-30% of greenhouse gas emissions. And as climate changes (heat/cold, wind, rain) continue to challenge growing conditions, issues of food productivity, food security and food justice worsen.

During November Faith Matters discussions will look the relationship of Faith, Food, and Farming ... ways we care for the earth through farming methods, ways we care for our bodies through food choices, ways we care for God's family through farming policy.

We will meet in the Fellowship Hall during the November 3 Education Hour, and then continue the learning and discussion November 10, 17, 24 in the Blue Room.

Lots to explore -- join in! Carol Gerrish

Sunday School News

Participation in our intergenerational Sunday School program continues to increase with both children and adults growing in faith together while having fun at the same time. The first Sunday of every month our other Faith Formation classes join this group to discuss the Creation Care topic of the month. Pastor Edwina leads this discussion in the fellowship hall. During the month of November our thoughts turn to Thanksgiving, and so our Creation Care theme for November is Faith & Food. This intergenerational approach, as well as a emphasis on Creation Care has not only been informative, but a joy-filled faith adventure for all ages. We encourage everyone in the congregation to join in on the fun!

19

Box Tops for Education Please save Box Tops for Education to donate to our neighbors at Shaker Elementary School. They receive money for these special box tops to fund special projects at the school. A donation jar is on the table in the front

entrance. Thank you.

Garden News

The Garden finished off the season with some beautiful cucumbers from Pastor's plants. The kale and parsley are still producing as are plans for next year. We are looking into adding a raised bed that is wheelchair accessible and also soil amendments to the existing beds. The flowers in the pollinator garden are looking good and should help increase the amount of produce. We hope to set in a garden path leading to the garden with repurposed bricks and stones before winter.

We are always grateful for your help and ideas that aids this ministry. If you feel moved to share ideas, help or donate something, please call 518-221-8277. God's miracles are before us every day in the nature around us.

Fall Yard Clean-Up

It’s that time of year to rake the leaves, collect the pine cones, and clean up before winter. Everyone’s help is needed! Feel free to stop by any time you have an hour to spare!! Bring a rake and bags if you have them. Get together with a group of friends and get ready to have some fall clean-up fun! Thank you to Brian Rhodes for volunteering to be our new Property Team Lead.

20

Fair Trade – Gourmet Coffee

At the self-service Fair Trade cart in the Fellowship Hall you'll find a selection of Equal Exchange Organic Chocolate, Teas, Hot Cocoa Mix and Coffee for purchase.

For coffee gourmets, we've chosen to feature highly-rated ground coffee selections usually not found in grocery stores. Besides enjoying quality taste, your purchase ($10 for 1 pound bag) promotes sustainable farming, economic justice and environmental health.

Organic Mama Tierra - This medium roast coffee, with notes of sweet orange, brown sugar, and warm spices, is from the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico. Proceeds from this coffee also support the work of Catholic Relief Services to restore and protect coffee communities across southern Mexico and Central America with clean water, healthy soil and resilient farmers.

Organic Sisters' Blend - This full city roast honors women coffee farmers who are active in their cooperatives and women across faith-based denominations in the U.S. who advocate for small farmers.

Are you a coffee fanatic who enjoys an even darker, more flavorful roast? Talk with Michael Gerrish (518-366-2853) to reserve 2 pound bags ($20 each) of whole bean Organic French Roast.

Gourmet Tip: a square or two of dark chocolate is always a good accompaniment to a good cup of coffee.

21

Christmas at Sea Every year the Albany Maritime Ministry provides Christmas boxes to the seafarers who come to port here in Albany. For those who will not be home for Christmas these Christmas gift boxes mean so much to them. It shows them that people care. We would like to support this “Christmas at Sea” program this year. Please fill a shoebox with the following or similar items: tooth paste/brushes, men’s knit caps, gloves, pens, dental floss, shaving cream, razors, AA or AAA batteries, lip balm with sunscreen, deodorant, and post-it-notes. Most items can be purchased at the Dollar Store. Please return the wrapped shoe boxes to the table in the narthex by Dec.8th. If you have empty shoe boxers to donate, please bring them in and put them on the table.

Sacred Space Visit The Colonie Senior Service Centers (CSSC) highlights a different Sacred Space Visit every month. A group from the center visits each site for about an hour to learn about that particular site. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has been selected to be the Sacred Space Visit for the month of November. The visit will take place on Thursday, November 21st from 10 – 11 am. Pastor Edwina will provide a tour of the building and discuss the various ministries and activities at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

22

Hudson Mohawk Conference Fall Assembly

The Fall Assembly of the Hudson Mohawk Conference was held on October 20, 2019, at Prince of Peace in Clifton Park, with the Dean of the Conference, Rev. Jo Page, presiding. Pastor Edwina, President Mark Kaercher and Marjorie Raymond represented Good Shepherd at the Assembly. The Hudson Mohawk Conference is one of seven conferences in the Upstate New York Synod.

Pastor Page provided a report on the synod's review of congregational and conference deacons. The ELCA has been using the term "deacon" for the rostered Ministers of Word and Service. Since the conference and congregational deacons are not rostered ministers, the Upstate New York Synod is changing the name of the conference deacons to "Synodically Authorized Ministers". Additional work will be done in the next year to provide uniformity and training for these individuals. The Rev. Sandy Damhof provided information about the Protestant Campus Ministry at the University of Albany. This program is partially funded by the Hudson-Mohawk Conference.

The assembly adopted a memorial to encourage congregations in the conference to commit a minimum of 0.05% (1/2 of 1 percent) to support the conference. For the past few years, Good Shepherd has budgeted $250 per year to support the conference. The assembly adopted the budget for 2020 and also voted to distribute $2300+ for FESMOS grants. Each year earnings are distributed from a fund that was created when three congregations in the conference closed. Good Shepherd will receive a FESMOS grant of $600 for the Summer Lunch program.

Synod Vice President Tom Madden provided an overview of the election process for the Bishop of the Upstate New York Synod. A bishop will be elected to a six year term at the Synod Assembly in June 2020. Two delegates from Good Shepherd (preferably one male and one female) will be elected at the GSLC Annual Meeting on January 26, 2020.

Handouts from the meeting are posted on the bulletin board in the back hallway at the church. For additional information, please contact the church office at 518-458-1562.

23

The Gift of Clothing

Looking for that perfect gift for someone? What about the gift of clothing and shoes? American Clothing Recycling has a clothing bin in our parking lot just waiting for your clothing donations. If you or someone you know has clothes or shoes they no longer want or need, donate them here. The clothing is sold throughout the U.S. and to third world countries to be re-worn, where new clothing is unaffordable for many of its citizens. Locally, they are currently working with members of Schoharie County, helping with their rebuilding efforts. Donations have also been made to Glens Falls Hospital supporting Communities Against Cancer, Jezreel, and other local non-profit organizations. GSLC also receives 5 cents per pound for the donations, which we can then use for our various ministries.

Thrivent Grants

The many outreach projects of our congregation are made possible in large part by grants from Thrivent Financial. Every Thrivent member is eligible to apply for two $250.00 Action Team grants per year. These are easy to apply for, and if you need help please ask Carol Phelps, Danny Patrick, or Pastor Edwina. If you are not a Thrivent member, but would still like to help apply for a grant, you can become a Thrivent Associate Member. Associate membership is $19.95 and with that membership you are able to apply for a one $250.00 Thrivent grant for our congregation’s outreach projects. Contact Thrivent either by phone or at Thrivent.com for more info.

24

2020 Synod Assembly Delegates

Every six years, every Synod elects a bishop. At the 2020 Upstate NY Synod Assembly, which takes place June 7 -9, we will be electing a bishop for the Upstate NY Synod. At this time, our current bishop, Bishop Macholz, has not decided if he is willing to serve again, but in any case there will be a bishop election. The process of electing a bishop is a very detailed one, and we will keep the congregation updated on this process. Synod Assembly delegates will have the opportunity to participate in this process, and submit a name for bishop. As you can see this is a very important Synod Assembly, and we ask that you prayerfully consider being a delegate. One male and one female delegate, are needed to represent our congregation. These delegates will be voting in at our congregational meeting in January. Please contact Pastor Edwina as soon as possible if you are willing to be a delegate.

Qi Gong

Boost your metabolism, increase your bone density, improve your balance, and enhance your immune system! Join the Saturday Morning Qi Gong Club at GSLC on Saturday November 2, 16 or 23 starting at 9:30 am. Classes are $10.00 each. This is a wonderful spiritual practice, led by Maria Patrick, Certified Holistic Health Coach & Qi Gong Instructor

Have you ever been to a Synod Assembly? If not, you’re missing out on a great opportunity! The Upstate NY Synod Assembly is a time to learn about the work of the Synod, the work of the Church-wide office in Chicago, the many ministries of the ELCA, and the various ministries and activities in congregations around our synod, and around the globe. There are various educational workshops to attend, beautiful creative worship experiences, and many other activities.

25

Tithe.ly

Our online giving is up and running! More and more people are carrying around less cash, but that no longer means you can’t make a donation to our congregation. You can go to our website www.gslcl.org via your computer or phone and make an electronic donation. You can also download the app from the App Store on your phone – tithe.ly. It’s secure and easy. Try it out today. We now have the added availability of a QR code to make the opportunity to contribute more convenient. You will see the below message in your weekly bulletins and on our website.

Donate here to

support the

various ministries

of Good Shepherd

Lutheran Church

26

Hoffman Car Wash Helping Hands Fundraiser

Proceeds will now go to the Hillenbrandt Scholarship Fund. Tickets available from Chris Kleinhenz or online at http://www.hoffmanhelpinghands.com/fundraiser.cfm?id=375 Exterior $10 – Interior $25. They make great Christmas and birthday gifts!!

Support Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with Amazon Smile! Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the charitable organization of your choice. Sign in to smile.amazon.com on your desktop or mobile phone browser and choose “Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.”

Please help replenish the Building and Equipment Fund that is used for unbudgeted and unexpected needs as they come up for our building or mission station. Special envelopes are in your envelope boxes, in the seats in the sanctuary, and on the table in the narthex. Thank you!

27

Please let the office know if you have items you would like to add to the Wish List!

Electric teakettle for the blue room

Rain barrel for the garden

Canopy pop-up tent for our events

Small round table & chairs for children for fellowship hall

Regular size tables & chairs for fellowship hall

Composter

Air conditioning for sanctuary

High tables for narthex

Chairs cleaned or replaced

Carpeting or flooring

Seasonal Welcome Banners

Wishes do come true!

Thank you to the following individuals who donated items from the previous wish list:

Garden shovel from Gwen Graham

A special note from Elaine Sacco: Thank you to everyone for their ongoing prayers and positive thoughts for my grandson Matteo. I am pleased to let you know that he is showing improvement and was able to have the feeding tube removed. Thank you all for your love and support.

28

*Members and Friends at Good Shepherd – There are no words to convey the heartfelt thanks and appreciation the staff here at Shaker Place (formerly Albany County Nursing Home) have for you!! Your kindness did not go unnoticed. Thank you so much for thinking about us and taking the time to make our goodie bags. What a treat - they were so delicious! May God continue to bless you as you continue to be SUCH a blessing to others. Daronda Daniels, Activities Director *Dear Rev. Landry & Congregation – Please accept our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the tremendous gift of school supplies and backpacks. It goes without saying, but all the items will be put to good use by our students. The school community here at Shaker Road Elementary is so grateful to have such caring neighbors. Sincerely, Bill Dollard

*Ninth Annual Community Fun Day

The Outreach and Evangelism Committee would like to thank everyone who came to the Ninth Annual Community Fun Day. We would also like to thank all of you who donated food and money to defray some of our costs for this event. Everyone who came seemed to have a great time! Big hits were the Drama Kids activities, Otto the Auto and Mary Long's children's craft table. It would not have been so successful without the support of all of the volunteers who made this day possible - and they are: Kirsten Andersen, Vickie LaFrank and her grandson Aiden, Elaine Sacco, Carol Phelps, Carl Phelps, Barbara Rasmussen, Neil Olsen, Marilyn Graver, Bertie Cole, Susan Perkins, Betty Suarez, Mary Long, Mark Kaercher, Maryanne Sangiacomo, Steve Layne, Maureen Behrens and Danny Patrick. A special thanks to Pastor Landry for all of her support and help. A big thanks goes out to Kathy Williams - Administrative Assistant and Victor Riggins - Sexton for their help as well. Thanks again and we are looking forward to next year's Tenth Annual Community Fun Day.

Da

ylig

ht S

avin

gs T

ime

en

ds S

un

day

, No

v. 3

rd.

Do

nt fo

rge

t to tu

rn y

ou

r c

loc

ks b

ac

k o

ne

ho

ur o

n

Sa

turd

ay n

igh

t!