T H E S H E P H E R D ‘ S S T A F F

The Parish Paper of Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran Church

6020 Rattlesnake Hammock Road (Corner of Santa Barbara)

Naples Florida 34113

JANUARY, 2012JANUARY, 2012JANUARY, 2012JANUARY, 2012 Volume 5 Volume 5 Volume 5 Volume 5 –––– Issue Issue Issue Issue 1

Editor: Lynn Dickerman

FROM SHEPHERD

OF THE GLADES

LUTHERAN CHURCH

Page 2 of 12

PASTOR’S PAGE . . .

WOW! As I have the privilege to write the New Year’s newsletter for this wonderful parish, I’m filled with mixed emotions because in about 28 hours I have to kiss my fifteen month old granddaughter good bye, as she, her Mom and Dad, my son, fly back to beautiful Minnesota. One of the greatest joys of a child of that age is the beginning of language, the beginning of the formation of words. As you might remember, whatever comes out of that child’s mouth makes complete sense to Mom and Dad or Grandpa and Grandma or even the greats. The word, “Dadda” might have been first or “Momma”. One of Luciena’s first words sounds like “WOW”, especially when her Mom and Dad lit their candles and the sanctuary became mostly dark.

“WOW” is a great word for all that has taken place in the last few days. “WOW”, Mary said when Gabriel told her she would have a baby. “WOW”, Joseph said when he found out. “WOW”, the innkeeper said when he saw Mary great with child - “I’ll find a place.” “WOW”, Mary said when finally she could rest and give birth to Jesus. “WOW”, the shepherds said when the angels announced the birth of Jesus on the hillside. “WOW”, they said again when they saw the baby. “WOW”, the shepherds said when they made this good news know to others. “WOW”, the wise men will say when they get to the baby Jesus on Epiphany, January 6th. “WOW”, we said when we saw the luminaries as they guided us to church on Christmas

Eve. “WOW”, we said when we saw the tree and nativity scene, the poinsettias, and the

greenery. “WOW”, we felt as our candle was lit and we sang “Silent Night”. “WOW”, we said when God created Jesus’ TOUCHDOWN and the incarnation became a

reality for us all. “WOW”, Lynn and I said when your amazing monetary Christmas gift was opened and

many other gifts were given. “WOW” and thank you all so much for all you have done to make our third Christmas one to always remember.

WOW, it’s truly an honor and pleasure to serve you here at Shepherd of the Glades as your pastor, and I’m looking forward to many more “WOW”’s in the NEW YEAR 2012.

WOW, two services begin on January 8th - 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. WOW, Adult Forums begin on January 8th with a report on the many “WOW”’s of the “Let

the Good Shepherd Lead” campaign. Please read carefully the enclosed brochure which includes our Lenten program, Bible studies, all Forums, and our fellowship activities. Put it on your refrigerator and follow the “WOW”’s of the New Year.

WOW, another New Member Sunday is coming on January 29th, and approximately ten or so folks have indicated their desire to join then. You are also invited to join either as a full time or as an associate member, which means your full membership remains up north. Call me at 239-687-6580 if I can answer any questions.

WOW! A HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS. Thank you for your partnership in the WOW of the Gospel of Jesus.

Pastor Doug

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Megan Cianflone, Lynn Dickerman, and Debbie Schiltz just want to say, “WOW” in amazement of your generosity for their Christmas gifts this year. You are such an appreciative group of people and an absolute pleasure to work with. Blessings on you all

for your loving and generous hearts! Dear Friends in Christ,

Happy New Year!

I am humbled by the privilege to serve as your Council President for 2012. Going forward, I pray for continued growth and an enduring commitment to carry out The Great Commission. At our first Council meeting on December 13, the new Council adopted a Mission Statement for the coming year. It is to bring people into a relationship with Christ Jesus through prayer, evangelism, and community involvement, using congregational gifts, time, and talents.

There are so many ways that we can accomplish this mission as a Church body. As a Council, we ask for your individual and collective participation as evangelists.

Every Sunday, Pastor Doug publicly greets and acknowledges visitors. I’m sure we miss some folks that might be too shy to speak up. If you see a new face, please introduce yourself; offer a cup of coffee, or a Church tour. Ask the visitor about their spiritual needs. If they need prayer, stop what you’re doing and pray. It’s easy to say, “Ill put you on the prayer list.” It’s better to act. If they are interested in membership or they want visitation, introduce them to Pastor Doug or a Council member.

Many organizations use Hanson Hall for meetings. Going forward, we hope to have someone on hand to greet these folks and welcome them to worship at Shepherd of the Glades. We will also be compiling your time and talent commitments and will be actively looking to use them in many positive ways to grow our congregation.

The Fellowship Committee has many activities planned throughout the year, and the Forums are a wonderful way to introduce new friends, as well. Please invite a friend or neighbor to join you at an event.

As part of our mission, we are in the process of developing an Assimilation Committee that will be chaired by Carole Graesser. This committee will take charge of mentoring new members and getting them immediately involved in church activities and service.

We will continue to promote Shepherd of the Glades through the newspaper, brochures at local hotels and restaurants and new and existing communities. Broadening our relationships with organization that share our mission is just one more way we will introduce Shepherd of the Glades to our community.

Stewardship is implicit in our mission. Truly, there are truly only two ways to ensure our financial wellbeing. Existing members give more or carry out The Great Commission and bring hearts to Christ. My prayer is that as a congregation, we resolve to become fishers of men.

In Christ,

Leslie Ann Gjesdahl Congregational Council President

FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT . . .

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS . . .

Page 4 of 12

COUNCIL’S CORNER . . .

LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE . . .

The December 13, 2011 Council meeting opened with introduction of members: Don Bassett, Hank Beers, Jan Bishop, Margie Carr, Ken Drum, Robert Dyer, Leslie Gjesdahl, Carole Graesser, William Hill, Paul Keller, and Cindy Quehl. Absent was Bill MacDonald. Pastor Doug gave his report: Christmas is ready. There will be one service at 7:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and one service on Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m. with no Sunday School. New Member Sunday will be January 29, 2012, and presently there are seven people interested in joining. Bible study will start on Thursday, January 12 at both 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. Four children from the Drake family will play music on December 18. Motion was made and passed to have Debbie Schiltz continue to mow the church lawn. As we are a tithing church, we will have given $10% of the general funds received to the Synod and reached our goal of $25,000 for the year. Just about all expenses are under budget. Two new check signers are needed on the checking account. Leslie Gjesdahl and Don Bassett volunteered. Stewardship Committee reported that we have received 69 pledges with $169,000 pledged as of today. Hank Beers and Ken Drum volunteered to serve on the Stewardship Committee. Leslie Gjesdahl reported on the Craft and Bake Sale. Proceeds will go to Grace Place. Education Committee reported that there would not be Sunday School on Christmas or New Year’s. Sunday School children will serve cookies and will be wrapping Christmas gifts this Sunday. Margie Carr reviewed a letter she wishes to mail to the youth of the church to promote activity. Carole Graesser volunteered to chair the Worship and Music Committee. Evangelism/Publicity Committee reported that advertising for the winter “Forums” would be by individual “Forums”. Other forms of advertising will be checked out. Don Bassett reported that 84 pledges totaling $180,000 have been received for the Let the Good Shepherd Lead Capital Campaign with $60,000 spent or reserved for projects. Leslie Gjesdahl presented a new mission statement which was voted on and accepted. Committee reports for the Annual Meeting will be due to the office by January 9, 2012. Don Bassett is now updating E-devotions. Carole Graesser volunteered to develop a new Assimilation Committee. A new policy will be developed for the use of Hanson Hall. The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting closed with prayer by Pastor Doug. AWAY IN A MANGER I was sitting with my four-year old son one night, sometime around Christmas. We were reading a book on the nativity story . . . When we came to the part where Mary laid baby Jesus in the manger, I said, “And here’s the baby lyin’ in the manger.”

My son stopped for a moment and looked intently at the book. Then he turned to me with the most quizzical look on his face and said, “But Mommy, where’s the baby lion?” MY, HOW TIMES HAVE CHANGED! As a little girl climbed onto Santa’s lap, Santa asked the usual “And what would you like for Christmas?”

The child stared at him open mouthed and horrified for a minute, then gasped, “Didn’t you get my e-mail?” OOPS! Ninety-five year old Mary found that shopping for Christmas had become too difficult, so she decided to send checks to everyone instead. On each card she wrote, “Buy your own present,” and she mailed them early.

Only after Christmas did she get around to clearing off her cluttered desk. Under a stack of papers, she was horrified to find the gift checks, which she had forgotten to enclose.

EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVORS . . .

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ANNOUNCEMENT ALLEY . . .

Office hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sunday Services are at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. starting January 8, 2012 with children’s Sunday School and Adult Forums at 9:40 a.m..

A CALL FOR ACTION:

Every week, Shepherd of the Glades collects and donates canned and boxed food to help persons in need at St. Matthew’s House, Grace Place, and Immokalee Friendship House. Suggested items are canned food of all kinds, powdered milk, peanut butter, jellies/jams, cereals, soups, rice, pasta, etc. Items need to be within code date and unopened. Just bring your donations to the church and give to the ushers or place at the altar each and every Sunday morning. All items are delivered the end of each month. We extend our thanks to all who faithfully give food items for our local need organizations. The last donations were just delivered to St. Matthew’s House.

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

Come join the SOTG family for fun and fellowship on the following dates : Sunday, January 15, 2012 - “Welcome Back Luncheon” after the second worship service.

Please sign up either in the narthex or the courtyard, so that we know how many to expect.

Friday, February 17, 2012, Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, February 19, 2012, Strawberry Festival

Sunday, March 11, 2012, Silent Auction to benefit the youth’s trip to New Orleans

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

To the Congregation: Thank you for your generous support of $1,113 on Thankoffering Sunday and for helping Santa bring gifts to 30 children that come to Grace Place in Golden Gate. Your kindness is appreciated.

Faith Circle will meet Thursday, January 12th at 10:00 a.m. in Hanson Hall. We will continue the Bible Study - “To Follow and to Serve: The Gospel of Mark”, session 5 found in Gather. Bring a friend and a sandwich for lunch and join us for a morning of study and fellowship.

The Immokalee Friendship House and The Abused Women and Children of Naples continue to offer safe refuge for the most unfortunate, providing compassionate care and fostering self sufficiency. In order to accomplish this mission, they need to meet many needs. FAITH CIRCLE is collecting paper products, essential toiletries, liquid laundry soap, crib and twin size sheets, towels and washcloths, baby diapers (size 4 & 5), and baby wipes. If you can help, please place your contribution in the container in the narthex. Thank you.

SEW-SEW

The Sew-Sew group quilts every Tuesday morning from 8:30 - 11:00 a.m. in Hanson Hall. Quilts are distributed to The Shelter for Abused Women and Children, St. Matthew’s House, and Immokalee Friendship House, as needed. Willing hands and fellowship are always welcome.

Sunday school for children is at 9:30 a.m. Adult Forums start Sundays, beginning January 8, 2012 from 9:40-10:30 a.m. between worship services. (See brochure insert for additional information.)

Adult Bible Study begins on Thursdays, beginning January 12, 2012 at both 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. in the choir room on the book of Romans. The same study will be given at both times, so you may come to either study.

Page 6 of 12

Just before Christmas Eve, the office received a phone call inquiring as to the time of our Christmas Eve service. The caller indicated that there would be approximately 20 attending Christmas Eve service if they all arrived on their intended flights. What a delightful surprise to see these Minnesotans arriving en masse in traditional Christmas sweaters for the Christmas Eve service! The patriarch of the group informed us that he had shopped at every Goodwill and second hand store he could find in order to accommodate the Christmas Eve dress code for the large family. When asked how he was able to get the youngsters in the family to wear the sweaters, he replied, “That was easy. If you don’t wear a sweater, you don’t get a Christmas present!” They all wore the sweaters!

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM On December 18, 2011, our Sunday School presented their Christmas program. Remember a few months ago we helped the Chloe Drake family who were recovering from medical bills as a result of Chloe’s diagnosis with liver cancer? Not only does Chloe play the violin, but so do all her

sisters. They opened the Sunday School Christmas program with “Pachelbel Canon in D for Four Violins”

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES . . .

Misty, Cassie, Chloe and Mandy Drake playing on December 18.

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Some of you may remember that we sent school supplies and a $500 check to a pastor, Loren

Bliese, to give to a gentleman who was starting a Christian school in Ethiopia and needed

furniture for the school. Following is an email from Pastor Loren Bliese:

“I visited Ali Nurye and his school last month while in Ethiopia. He showed me some furniture

and blankets the school purchased with the $500 you sent. Other furniture was on order and

arrived after I left. I’ll attach photos.

Ali’s family is also boarding Madina, a deaf Afar girl that I’m supporting for schooling in Dessie,

so I’ll add a picture of the family with her on the right.

Yours in Christ,

Loren Bliese”

WORD FROM FAR AND WIDE . . .

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES . . .

We had angels and kings and a calf and an energetic star of Bethlehem! As Pastor Doug commented, “It’s not always easy to follow your star!” Thank you Sunday School and teachers for your Christmas story.

January 2 Katherine Cianflone

January 6 Elsie DeLane

January 7 Deniece Fellows

January 7 Carol Freitag

January 8 Shirley Watson

January 9 Carl Morken

January 10 Naoma “Billie” Adams

January 11 Carolyn Malinowski

January 12 Marjorie Casey

January 12 Carl Kelly

January 16 Bill Strenkert

January 17 Steve Bishop

January 17 Danielle Burtchin

January 18 Sherry Larson

January 20 Steven Snover, Jr.

January 22 David Hackethal

January 22 Leo Malinowski

January 26 Guy Cooper

January 28 Kayla Douglass

January 29 Mae Behrens

January 30 Irene Gutsche

January 30 Betty Harness

January 30 Dee Mann

January 31 Charles Felton

January 31 Joan Kelly

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If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please call the office so we can update our information and not miss you next time! YOU are special to us!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO . . .

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES . . .

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO:

Capsule Sermons Snowflakes are fragile things, but look what happens when they stick together.

Argue for your limitations and sure enough, they’re yours.

The best destination is not a place but a new way of looking at things.

People who sing their own praises are apt to be soloists.

Others will follow your footsteps more readily than your advice.

One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warnings. From “Fun & Philosophy”, The Furrow, December, 2011.

NEWS IN THE SHEEPFOLD. . .

THOUGHTS TO PONDER . . .

January 10 Gerald & Luana LaStella

January 16 Dave & Sylvia Hedges

January 18 Marvin & Carolyn Case

January 26 Bernie & Elaine Schmidt

January 26 Bill & Perkie Tietze

January 29 Carl & Joan Kelly

January 31 Bryan & Lorraine Cook

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Justin Adams Dorothy Eikoff Linda Martin Janet Sharpe

Linda Allen Jean Ellis Karl Mayer James Sima Family

Bob Ashford Cindy Erb Joan Maywood Barbara Smith

Nancy Amarin Austin Farnsworth Bill McDonald Ryan Smith

Lynn Arbeiter & Family Ruby Farrish Shelly Millen Terry Smith

Ken Baskin James Fellows Tino Miraglia Betty Sotto

Alice Bassett Sharon Ferst “Mike” Spiegel Family

Sidney Berger Linda Hack Nancy Moran Kathy Steele

Rev. David Birnbaum Eleanor Hacky Bill Myers Gail Sternard

Kendra Boyd Marilee Hammer Jacqui Neuwirth Ira & Annette Sussman

Jay Brandt Claudia & Gene Healing Vera Orr Theodore

Ann Bruning Hughes Family Patricia Peters Warren Thiem

Louis Buonpane Jackie Johnson Eric Piburn Jean Thurston

Jennifer Butler Linda Katz Tina Ragsdale Leslie Tibbals

Earl & Betty Carley Janie Korin Hal & Libbie Richter Terry Vallon

Kate Carpenter Earl Krider Cletus Roshak Clayton Waggoner

Chrissie & Joshua Michael Lee Connor Ruisz Sheryl Wallen

Dianne Connell Jenette Lindahl Jim & Melissa Rye Sally Ward

Kate & Steve Connell Ken Lowe Gene Sailer Dorothy Wendorf

Muriel Cording Alice Lyons Diane Scheider Jannie Ziehl

Roland Cumor Mary M. Debbie Schiltz

DeAnna Rose Maki Lynn Schneider

Tony & Theresa Chiorazzi Emma Larson Liam Roy Jill Wahrenberger

Wendy Demenge Max Schoolmaster

Steve Bleicher Jim Hader Bob & Mary Myers Students & Teachers

Uenna Duvall

Gary Beck Taylor Granitz Frank Mischota, Jr. Naomi Stamer

PRAYER LIST

Please keep the following people in your thoughts and prayers:

Please let us know when someone should be added or removed from the Prayer List.

Maj. Brian Ashford

Lt. Col. Paula Behrens

Staff Sergeant Adam Crown

Master Sergeant, Christopher Farnsworth

Col. Ken Madura

Airman Corey Malinowski

CARING CONNECTIONS . . .

REMEMBER THOSE IN SERVICE TO THEIR COUNTRY . . .

CALENDAR CLUES . . .

FOOD FOR THE SOUL . . .

Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 9:30 a.m. Embroiderers’ Guild of America

Sunday, January 8, 2012, Start of two worship services at 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. and Adult

Forums at 9:40 a.m.

Tuesday, January 10, 2012, 5:30 p.m. Council meeting

Thursday, January 12, 2012, 10:00 a.m. WELCA Faith Circle; 4:00 p.m. Endowment

Fund meeting; 2:00 & 7:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study starts

Sunday, January 15, 2012, 11:40 a.m. “Welcome Back” Luncheon

Monday, January 16, 2012, February Newsletter Deadline

Friday, January 27, 2012, 9:00 a.m. Newsletter Assembly

UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS (Mark your calendars): Sunday, February 5, 2012, Annual Meeting at 9:40 a.m. between services

Friday, February 17, 2012, Chili Cook-Off

Sunday, February 19, 2012, Strawberry Festival

Sunday, March 11, 2012, Silent Auction to benefit the youth’s trip to New Orleans

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at television commercials

and see if they could use them in 20 ways to communicate ideas about God. Following are

some of the results:

� God is like BAYER ASPIRIN. He works miracles.

� God is like A FORD. He’s got a better idea.

� God is like A COKE. He’s the real thing.

� God is like HALLMARK CARDS. He cares enough to send His very best.

� God is like TIDE. He gets the stains out others leave behind . . .

� God is like WALMART. He has everything.

� God is like ALKA-SELTZER. Try Him, you’ll like Him.

� God is like SCOTCH TAPE. You can’t see Him, but you know He’s there.

� God is like DELTA. He’s ready when you are.

� God is like ALLSTATE. You’re in good hands with Him.

� God is like VO-5 HAIR SPRAY. He holds through all kinds of weather.

� God is like DIAL SOAP. Aren’t you glad you have Him? Don’t you wish everybody did?

� God is like the U.S. POST OFFICE. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him

from His appointed destination. (To be continued)

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MONTH AT A GLANCE . . .

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 1st Sunday

of Christmas 2

3 8:30 WORK

CREW

8:30 SEW-SEW

4 9:30 A.M. E.G.A.

7:00 CHOIR

5 6 7

8 Baptism of

our Lord

8:30 & 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP

9:40 ADULT FORUMS & CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

9

10 8:30 WORK

CREW

8:30 SEW-SEW

5:30 COUNCIL

11

7:00 CHOIR

12

10:00 WELCA FAITH CIRCLE

2:00 & 7:00 P.M. PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY ON ROMANS 4:00 P.M. ENDOWMENT FUND MTG.

13

14

15 2nd

Sunday of Epiphany

8:30 & 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP 9:40 ADULT FORUMS & CHILDREN’S SUN-DAY SCHOOL 11:30 WELCOME BACK LUNCHEON

16 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY ISSUE

17

8:30 WORK CREW

8:30 SEW-SEW

18

7:00 CHOIR

19

2:00 & 7:00 P.M. PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY ON ROMANS

20

21

22 3rd

Sunday of Epiphany

8:30 & 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP

9:40 ADULT FORUMS & CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

23

24 8:30 WORK

CREW

8:30 SEW-SEW

25

7:00 CHOIR

26 2:00 & 7:00 P.M. PASTOR’S BIBLE STUDY ON ROMANS

27

28

29 4th Sunday of Epiphany

8:30 & 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP 9:40 ADULT FORUMS & CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL

30 31 8:30 WORK

CREW

8:30 SEW-SEW

January,2012January,2012

Current Resident or

Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran Church 6020 Rattlesnake Hammock Road Naples, FL 34113 Dated material mailed December 30, 2011 Please deliver between December 30, 2011 - January 3, 2012

NONNONNONNON----PROFIT ORG.PROFIT ORG.PROFIT ORG.PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGEU.S. POSTAGEU.S. POSTAGEU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPAIDPAIDPAID NAPLES, FLNAPLES, FLNAPLES, FLNAPLES, FL

PERMIT # 18PERMIT # 18PERMIT # 18PERMIT # 18

This Parish Paper is from:

Shepherd of the Glades Lutheran Church 6020 Rattlesnake Hammock Road (Corner of Santa Barbara Blvd.)

Naples, FL 34113 (239) 775.0696 FAX: (239) 793.2465

Web Page: http:www.sotgweb.org Email: sotg1@embarqmail.com

Sunday Worship Service: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Office Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Rev. Dr. Douglas Wahlberg, Senior Pastor [cell phone: (239) 687.6580] Megan Cianflone, Director of Music Leslie Gjesdahl, Council President Lynn Dickerman, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor