Vestry

The Vestry consists of twelve elected church members. The Rector presides at the Vestry and he nominates the Senior Warden. The junior warden is elected annually by the congregation from the elected members. The treasurer and recording secretary are appointed by the Vestry on an annual basis. The Vestry meets on the third Monday of every month. The Vestry with the Rector is responsible for the government of the parish. Its members chair most of the committees; help implement policies and work hard to attain the goals set out by the group as a whole. The Annual General Meeting takes place in November when elections for Vestry members are held. Vestry members are elected for a two year term and may be re-elected for a second term.

Church School and Nursery

The Church School is held from September through June during the 10:00 a.m. service, with the children joining their families for the Peace. "Living the Good News" curriculum is used for the Preschool-Kindergarten, Primary and Intermediate classes. The curriculum is centered on the person of Jesus and Holy Scripture. We have recently reintroduced our children's music ministry. The children sing a song or two in addition to praying the Lord's Prayer at the Children's Altar before their class.

Nursery care is provided all year round at the 10:00 a.m. service.

The church schoolteachers and children also organize and participate in the Christmas Pageant.

The Good Shepherd Trinity Angel Youth Group

The Youth Group of Good Shepherd & St. John meets on the first and third Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with lesson plans held during the traditional Sunday school hour and other activities held either on the weekend or as part of a specifically scheduled event. We hold bible study and discuss the seasons of the Church year. We currently have 10 regular members of the group.

If you would like more information regarding the Trinity Angel program please leave a message at the Church office.

Bible Study/Advent & Lent

Please refer to the Church Calendar for dates and times.

Greeting Committee

The Greeting Committee welcomes newcomers and visitors and hands out a newcomer packet including the parish history and mission statement. The committee follows up with the newcomer via letter and/or telephone call. The committee is also responsible for special newcomer coffee hours, which are held every two months. Please e-mail Linda Troise if you would like to participate in this vital meeting.

Coffee Hour

The coffee hour follows our 10:00 a.m. Sunday service. It is hosted by parishioners on a volunteer basis and provides a valuable time of fellowship.

Adopt-A-Vestry-Member

The Adopt-A-Vestry-Member program allows parishioners to assist a Vestry member with his/her Vestry duties.

Shine! Jesus, Shine!

This committee is composed of members dedicated to the cleanliness of the church and parish. For more information contact Al & Bonnie Albinson.

Parish Magazine: "The Cobblestone"

A monthly magazine is mailed to each parish household and friends of the parish detailing significant news of the prior month, reports on Vestry meetings and financial status, and upcoming events. Contributions are accepted from all parishioners, preferably the first of the preceding month.

Check out the latest issues: Nov. 2007 ~ Dec. 2007 ~ Feb. 2008 ~ May 2008 ~ June 2008

Communications

The communications committee is charged with marketing special events utilizing periodicals and online resources. To have your event published you can contact Bertrand Delanney.

Folk Music Ministry

The Folk Music ministry team is composed of five musicians and a choir. The team performs at services that are held on the third Sunday of every month at the 10:00 a.m. Rehearsals are held on Thursdays evenings at 7:30 p.m.

The Bluegrass Band: "The Ashokan Farewell"

Altar Guild

Our Altar Guild maintains a closet of vestments and vessels. They provide fresh flowers for the altar in memory of loved ones. They are responsible for care of the altar and paraments, providing for the Lord's Supper, and decorating the church for festival Sundays. The Altar Guild also prepares the church for baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Maintenance

This committee is responsible for the physical plant of the church.

Acolytes

Our youth are trained to assist at the 10:00 a.m. service and special events.

The Daughters of the King

Good Shepherd's Chapter of the Daughters of the King is composed of twelve women who are devoted to prayer, service to the parish, and evangelism. Our Chapter was begun on October 12, 2003 with nine members. As a Chapter, our members have participated in local, diocesan, and provincial events. We belong to the Bethelehem Chapter. The Daughters are a national order of Episcopal women who promise to pray daily, evangelize the healing power of Jesus and provide serivce to their church and priest.

Our Chapter meets once per month on the third Friday night at 7:30 PM. Our meetings consist of prayer, Bible Study, fellowship and work on service projects. An important aspect of our service to the parish is our quilt ministry, which provides an outward sign of concern for those who are ill. We also support parish life by providing luncheons after funerals, welcoming prospective parishioners, participating in healing masses, praying for the concerns of the parish and other very fulfilling efforts. Our members are involved in all other aspects of parish life, including the prison ministry, Sunday school, altar guild, vestry, pastoral care and Shine Jesus Shine. We look forward to providing service to our parish in the future - For His Sake. If you are interested in becoming a member or would like further information, please ask any Daughter or contact Fran Hlavacek.

Lectors, Intercessors, Chalice Bearers and Ushers

Lay participation is strong at both Sunday services. The Lectors, Intercessors, Chalice Bearers and Ushers are scheduled on a rotating basic. Chalice Bearers is licensed by the Diocese. By tradition, one of the Chalice Bearers is a youth over the age of 16. See monthly schedule here.

Pastoral Care Committee

The Pastoral Care Committee is a team of parishioners trained to care for sick or homebound parishioners and to handle emergency situations. It was formed in 1998 upon recommendation of the rector.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Our Lay Eucharistic Ministers are trained and licensed by the Diocese. They are ready to be of service to the parishioners who are homebound or otherwise unable to attend services. See monthly schedule here.