Weekly Announcements

April 11, 2024

Cottage Meetings with Fr. Groff - Meet our new Rector...AND be heard

Cottage meetings are held in people's homes and offer an opportunity to meet Fr. Groff in a small group setting to talk about your passions relating to Good Shepherd Church and School. Dates for March and April are now available. Sign up at the link below or call the church office at 561-746-4674 for assistance with scheduling.

CLICK HERE FOR AVAILABLE DATES

Once you submit your sign-up you will receive a confirmation and an email with directions and instructions.

Church on the Green

April 14 at 5:00 PM

Spring Sowing Theme: Planting Seeds

Join us for Church on the Green on Sunday, April 14 as we celebrate the planting of seeds. On Plough Sunday we prayed and reflected on the preparation of land and blessed workers of the earth and their tools. At this service we discuss the planting of seeds after the land has been prepared. With our hearts ploughed and ready, what seeds is God planting in our lives? We will say a blessing over packets of sunflower seeds which will be given out to attendees!

Music Notes

The first Communion song this week is #206 in the hymnal, “O sons and daughters”, attributed to Jean Tisserand (d. 1494). He was French, a Franciscan and founder of an order for penitent women. He wrote many songs in Latin. Its nine verses were paired with the French melody, which was probably composed around the same time as the lyrics were written. Both were published in 1623.



The hymn was translated by John Mason Neale (1818-1866), an Englishman and prize winning poet at Cambridge. He was ordained in the Church of England in 1842 and known for his contribution to hymnody. He also founded the Sisterhood of St. Margaret, an order that trained women for nursing. 

Our hymnal also lists it as hymn #203, with added harmony. We appreciate that it is written as "sons and daughters" with hymn #203 focusing on Easter morning and the women, and #206 on Easter evening events and St. Thomas.

Warfield School Hygiene Kit Drive

April 7th-28th

Our annual Hygiene Kit Drive for the students of Warfield School is still going on! Pick up a Ziplock bag in the Narthex and fill it with items such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and tissues to be used as teaching tools for the students. (Lists included in bags.) Return the items by Sunday, April 28 for delivery to the school. Thank you so much for your kind donations that help neighboring families.

It's not too late to pledge for 2024. Your generosity is a reflection of your gratitude for God's gifts. We are all invited.

Time and time again in Scripture God’s work in the world is compared to a banquet—a feast—a celebration! And each one of us is invited. Good Shepherd has a table there, and we want you to join us! In these next few weeks we invite you to discern what your financial pledge will be to support our communal work in 2024. Exciting things are ahead and we welcome your participation!

You can pledge online at the link below, pick up a card at church or request a card be mailed to you. Give us a call! 561-746-4674.

Pennies For Heaven is open Saturdays 10am-2pm

Donations are accepted whenever the shop is open.

Hours: Tuesday - Friday 11-4, Saturday 10-2

Pennies For Heaven is the Thrift Shop of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Each year, the shop provides income through the sale of donated items. Last year, over $160,000 of shop proceeds helped to sustain mission and ministry in our parish and the greater community. We are incredibly grateful for our volunteers, our donors, and our shoppers!

Food Pantry Needs

Going to the grocery store this week? Want to help people? Click on the button below for a list of food categories we would like to replenish.

Please pick up a few extra items at the grocery store for our Food Pantry! We especially need:

• Cereal, chicken, rice, beans, tuna, spaghetti sauce, mac & cheese

Tuesday, the Food Pantry served 56 families or 205 people. See the list at the link below.

Please remember the Food Pantry all year long by making a donation on our secure giving page. Select 'Food Pantry' from the drop-down menu.

Generosity is our response to God’s unconditional love and an expression of our gratitude.

The Shepherd's Flock: A reading ministry

It's ba-a-a-a-a-ck!

At The Warfield School or at Good Shepherd School

The Warfield School in Indiantown needs volunteers to read aloud to children! Whether you are experienced or not, you can make a story come alive for a child. When reading to children you are entertaining them but also connecting the group to reading and to books as a way to learn, enjoy, and feel more confident about themselves. The students at Warfield range from kindergarten to fifth grade. You can go alone or as a group. After a simple background check, Warfield will be happy to set up a schedule to suite you and the time you have to donate.

Also, our Good Shepherd School could use some volunteers to read with children. So, if this outreach mission interests you, please contact Sandy English for more information at senglish@goodshepschool.com

The Episcopal Way

April 28 and May 5, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm

Are you new to the Episcopal Church or looking to refresh your knowledge of our Episcopal traditions? Or perhaps you’ve been attending Good Shepherd for years and are looking to refresh your faith? Dive into our engaging "Episcopal Way" Class, a dynamic two-part series designed for adults eager to deepen understanding and connect with our vibrant community.

Guided by Fathers Groff and Larson, you'll unravel the rich traditions and values of the Episcopal faith on April 28th and May 5th, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, in our library. Lunch will be provided. Join us for enlightening discussions, fellowship, and a nourishing meal. This is also the class to take if you are interested in Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation when the Bishop visits in the fall.

Sunday Forum

April 21, 9:00 am in the Parish Hall

Foundations of Evolving Faith: The Shape Of Liturgy,

The Shape Of Community

Rooted in centuries of tradition, our prayers and liturgies serve as timeless pillars of worship. Yet, inherent in our Anglican tradition is also the flexibility to adapt these sacred rites to the ever-evolving cultural and contextual landscapes we inhabit. From the nuances of when and where we kneel to the melodies that fill our sanctuary, each element of our liturgy reflects not only our historic heritage but also the vitality of our present existence. Join us as we explore the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation within the liturgical practices of Good Shepherd. Together, let us consider where we find freedom to adapt and where we are called to preserve, as we strive to harmonize our ancient faith traditions with the pressing needs of today's world. Grab a cup of coffee and join the conversation!

New Bible Study Series:

Embracing Divine Love: Exploring the Epistles of John

Wednesdays at 11:00 am in the Parish Hall

Embark on a seven-week spiritual exploration as we delve into the rich and transformative teachings found in the Epistles of John. These insightful letters guide us in understanding God's radiant light, redemption through Christ, and the depths of divine love and identity. We will examine how John's witness highlights our belovedness in God's eyes, illuminated by the resurrection. All are welcome; no prior experience is necessary.

Visit the Study page for specific study focus

Theological Book Study

Meets on Thursdays at 4:00 pm in the Library

Join us for our next book study beginning Thursday, April 4 at 4:00 in the library. We will discuss The Universal Christ: How a Forgotten Reality Can Change Everything We See, Hope For, and Believe by Richard Rohr. Drawing on scripture, history, and spiritual practice, Rohr articulates a transformative view of Jesus Christ as a portrait of God’s constant, unfolding work in the world. For our first meeting, please read the introduction and chapters 1 and 2. Contact Mary Lou Crifasi for more information. 

Instructed Eucharist

April 28, 2024, at both 8:00 and 10:00 am services

On Sunday, April 28th, during both services, we will participate in an “Instructed Eucharist.” This unique opportunity allows us to explore the meaning and significance behind our Episcopal liturgical practices. During the service, we will guide you with insights into each element and its importance. Whether you're a lifelong member or new to the Episcopal faith, this experience is designed to deepen your understanding and enrich our spiritual journey together.

Safe Church Part II 

Save these dates for the diocesan required component of training for ministry leaders, staff, vestry, and clergy that will be led by Fr. Groff.

• Sunday, April 14 at 11:30 a
• Tuesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm

Part I should be completed prior to attending Part II. Please contact our Safe Church Coordinator Lynn Evans for information and to register for a date. 561-746-4674 or account@goodsheponline.org

Home Communion

Home Communion is available for those unable to come to church. Please contact us so that we may arrange for a home visit.

Morning Prayer 

Morning Prayer is back on the regular weekly schedule. Join this intimate group for a morning dose of spiritual connection.

Sunday Forum

Third Sunday of each month

9:00 am in the Parish Hall

Join us for the Sunday Forum this spring as we offer an insightful examination of the evolving landscape of faith within our community. Throughout this series, we'll delve into essential topics such as the significance of children, youth, and family ministries, the theological principles underlying church architecture, the adaptability of Anglican liturgy to contemporary contexts, and the multifaceted role of our church campus in serving both our members and the broader community. Led by Good Shepherd's Rector, Sanford Groff, and Associate Rector, Derek Larson, these engaging discussions aim to reflect on how our faith traditions can remain relevant and impactful amidst the ever-changing dynamics of our world.

Session 1

Foundations of Evolving Faith: Youth, Children and Family Ministries

An exploration into the profound significance of children, youth, and family ministries within our community.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF SESSION ONE (Sunday, February 18)

Session 2

Fonts, Pulpits, and Theological Architecture

Discover the profound significance behind the seemingly mundane elements of church architecture. From fonts to light fixtures, every structural component holds a theological purpose, shaping our worship and prayer experience.

WATCH THE VIDEO OF SESSION TWO (Sunday, March 17)

NEXT** Session 3 The Shape of Liturgy, The Shape of Community

Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 9:00am

Rooted in centuries of tradition, our prayers and liturgies serve as timeless pillars of worship. Yet, inherent in our Anglican tradition is also the flexibility to adapt these sacred rites to the ever-evolving cultural and contextual landscapes we inhabit. From the nuances of when and where we kneel to the melodies that fill our sanctuary, each element of our liturgy reflects not only our historic heritage but also the vitality of our present existence. Join us as we explore the intricate interplay between tradition and innovation within the liturgical practices of Good Shepherd. Together, let us consider where we find freedom to adapt and where we are called to preserve, as we strive to harmonize our ancient faith traditions with the pressing needs of today's world.

Wednesday Holy Eucharist and Healing

Every week at 10:00 am

Holy Eucharist and Healing is back in the chapel on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 AM. Join us for this intimate prayer service that features the names of people for whom prayer has been personally requested. If you are in need of prayer yourself, this is a wonderful opportunity to experience spiritual presence in a personal way. You are welcome!

Altar Flowers

Altar Flowers may be given in memory of or in thanksgiving for friends and loved ones. Requests may be made through our online form at the link below. Arrangements adorn the altar on Sundays and are delivered to those who are homebound or in need of a reminder that they are loved.

Prayer Requests

There is now a Prayer Concern box in the Narthex on the sideboard. If you would like to make a prayer request, please fill in one of the cards beside the box and place it in the box. Your request will be added to our prayer list. Your requests will be offered at the altar during the Wednesday Holy Eucharist and Healing service and weekly during Morning Prayer. Unless otherwise requested, prayer requests will be removed from our prayer list after two months.

We have a podcast for Sunday homilies.

Just the homily. On demand. Wherever podcasts are found.

Good Shepherd Nursery 9:45 AM every Sunday.

Hey, Baby! Join me in the nursery on Sunday! There is a free, professionally-staffed nursery at Good Shepherd. If you're 0-2 yrs old, like me, you're invited for some nursery play while your parents enjoy an hour in church. Every Sunday at 9:45 AM. 

Treasure Coast Youth Symphony Concert Announcement

Monday, April 29, 2024

7:00 pm / doors open at 6:30

Tickets at the door - $10/adults $7/Students

Volunteer Opportunities

Visit our webpage for Volunteer opportunities that are available right now! We have a place for you!

The Server Schedule

Looking for the Sunday Server Schedule? You can get to it from the Home page of our website, on the Services page, or on the Volunteer page. April schedule is posted.

Join us in gratitude for God's abundance in this life.

"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Matthew 6:21

EMAIL: info@goodsheponline.org

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church and School

The Rev. Dr. Sanford H. Groff Jr., Rector

The Rev. Derek M. Larson TSSF, Associate Rector

561-746-4674