Good Shepherd Happenings

Church News and Events

Congratulations to the Confirmands:  Kimberly Allan, Lauren Banzer, Miranda Benson, Matthew Marlin, and Matthew Wiegert.

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Good Shepherd School News and Events

This past week (March 24-28) in chapel the children's "Alleluias" which had been "buried" were revealed and raised in celebration of the Resurrection with much excitement and applause. See them on the center Banner in the church. “Alleluia” 

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"School of God" Youth News and Events

It was 4 p.m. on Friday, April 25 when 10 of our youth said farewell to their families and piled into the big van heading off to the Youth Quake in Parsippany, NJ for a weekend of worship, music, fast food and fun.  (Don’t those parents look a bit too happy?)

Rebecca Hinsch, Danielle Vollono, Christopher Lorch, Michael & Miranda Benson, Emily Miccio, Kimberly Allan, Matt Marlin, Sarah Wiesehahn, and Ryan Ratkowski had a fabulous time.  So did the adult chaperones, Dell-Ann Benson, Terry Miccio, and Mary Wiegert. 

The bus ride was a blast with the girls singing their hearts out while the boys mostly kept their earplugs in, except when the girls begged Ryan to sing for them.  And what could be better than three days of fast food!

The musicians, Peter Eide and Captive Free, were great; the speaker, Tiger McLuen was fantastic, and all the youth in attendance were terrific! 

We all got decked out for the “crazy dress night”.  Check out those crazy outfits!

And even had time to swim in the indoor pool.

On the ride home the youth were asked; what was your high, low, and God moment at the Quake.  Here are some of their responses.

• “My high was singing with Ryan and everyone and hanging out with my friends and meeting new people.”
• “High – Just being able to get away and spend time with everyone.”
• “My high moment was having fun with everyone learning about God and our theme for the Quake.  Another high moment was meeting new people and making friends.”
• “My high moment was dancing during crazy dress night with Danielle, Rebecca and Ryan.”
• “My high moment was when we played rock, paper, scissors because I was asking everyone to play and I won a lot.  Also when I painted Ryan’s nails.”
• “My high was Tiger’s speech this morning.”
• “High – Being there.”
• “My high moment was when the 3 adults dressed up for crazy dress night
• “My low moment was leaving my family to come to New Jersey.”

• “My low was waking up early.”
• “Low- Car singing.”
• “Low – Leaving”
• “God moment- at the campfire, the speaker’s words were very moving and I felt I drew closer to God.”
• “My God moment was listening to true stories of survival and healing, such as Tiger’s story of how he has survived for 13 years without a sudden death episode.”
• “My God moment was during campfire Saturday.”
• “My God moment was family time when Tiger came to our family night.”
• “God moment – 4 P’s with Tiger.”

Upcoming Events

In a joint effort between the Christian Education and the Youth teams, the youth will lead the worship service on June 8th at 10:00 a.m. as a culmination of the end of the Sunday School year.  All Sunday School children, as well as some of the older School of God members, will be participating.  This musically enlightening service is one you will not want to miss as you will witness the unbelievable talents of the young people in our congregation.

Did someone say, “Pool party?”  Indeed we did.  On June 13th, the youth will meet one last time before summer rolls around for a pool party at the Benson’s house.  Don’t worry that the weather may be a bit on the cool side, the pool’s heated.  Plus there’s plenty of yard for manhunt, kan jam and other fun and games.  We will supply the burgers and hot dogs and are requesting that each attendee bring something to contribute to the party.   To R.S.V.P. and find out what you shall bring, call Dell-Ann Benson at 631.421.4313.

“Take me out to the ball game,” and the whole family too!  We have reserved 30 tickets for a Long Island Ducks game on Friday, September 12.  Tickets are $10 each and must be purchased by July 20th.  If you are paying by check, please make it payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and write, “Ducks tix” on the memo line.  All cash or checks can be given to Dell-Ann Benson. 

Other News

Have you made you plans for the summer?  Are you 15 years of age and interested in developing leadership skills?  Then Pinecrest Lutheran Leadership School may be for you.  Check out the brochures with all the relevant information in the narthex.

The end is near!  No, we are not referring to the Book of Revelations.  We are talking about the youth collection of DVD’s, books, telephone cards, and magazines (new or gently used) for Paul Rickmeyer’s unit.  Even though Paul was home on leave, he will be returning to Iraq to a new assignment. We would like to send one more shipment to his former unit.  The last Sunday that we will collect items will be June 8th.  Please keep in mind that there are only men in this unit when you make your donations.  Thank you for supporting both our service men and our youth program.

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