Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has been a vital part of the community of Somerville, NJ for over 50 years. Our faith in Christ is demonstrated through our worship, our learning, our passing on our faith to our children, our involvement in the community through the Food Bank, Interfaith Hospitality Network, our Christian Day Care, and other ministries. Come join us as we grow in faith and service!

News and Notes:

Calendar of Events:

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INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK

May 13-20

We’ll host IHN guests the week of May 13-20. Check the kiosk for opportunities to help. We need overnight hosts, morning hosts, etc. IHN provides shelter, meals, & support services to families without homes through a cost-efficient and effective community response to family homelessness.

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NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

Next Sunday, May 13

Articles for the next issue are due next Sunday, May 13. This issue will cover June 3-July 7.

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BOOK DISCUSSION

Saturdays beginning May 12 & 19 at 9:30 AM

Christianity After Religion by Diana Butler Bass. A fresh interpretation of the ‘spiritual but not religious’ trend. Bass offers direction and hope to individuals and churches to approach faith with a new found freedom that is life-giving and service driven. Join us for stimulating conversations.

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60 PLUSSERS - "GO CRUISIN'"

May 9 ~ 1:00 PM

Off we go again! This time to Germany with Linda Walker as our escort - cruising the Rhine River Valley past castles and vineyards. Sorry, no wine and cheese - but plenty of Fred's Germanic coffee and the best baked goods from Frau's kitchens. (Note: You don't have to be 60 to go cruisin'.) Ed Kunkel, Coordinator.

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BINGO AT LYONS VA HOSPITAL

Saturday May 12 ~ 2:00 PM

Lyons VA and Thrivent Bingo Partnership - Everybody wins when Thrivent sponsors. This is a guarantee that you can bet on - even if you don't believe in betting. No better way to spend a May afternoon. Arrive at 1:45 (or sooner) and leave at 3:00 (or later). Time flies when you're having fun at Lyons. Sign up on kiosk or give Ed Kunkel a call.

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PENTECOST FLOWERS & MEMORIALS

Red geraniums will decorate the church and later be planted to beautify the church grounds all summer. For plants to decorate the church, please use the white “Flowers and Plants” envelopes available in the pew racks and Welcome Center to designate how you would like your gift used. Cost: $8. For monetary gifts to the Memorial Fund, please use the green “Memorial Gifts” envelopes. Deadline for ordering is Sunday, May 13.

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HUNGER TAKES NO VACATION

FOOD BANK DONATIONS & STAFFING

Through these difficult economic times, more and more people find their pantries empty. We are reminded of our responsibility as we read: “I was hungry and you fed me.” Matthew 25:35. The Somerset County Food Bank’s supplies run low this time of the year, but the need is as great. When you shop, please remember to buy extra and drop off donations in the Narthex collection box. We need your help to staff the Food Bank’s Somerville distribution site at the United Reformed Church on Saturday mornings during June and July. It only takes a few hours – please sign up on the kiosk.

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NEWSLETTER

For Good Shepherd members and friends who don’t have an email address, your copy of the May issue of The Shepherd’s Voice newsletter is available in the narthex today. Please be sure to take YOUR copy -- the newsletters are addressed individually. Thank you.

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MINISTRY REPORTS DUE TODAY!

Ministry reports are due TODAY from ALL Council members, Staff, Committee Chairs and Group Leaders. Please email them to susan@gslutheranchurch.org.

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SUMMER FUN FOR CHILDREN - SPLASH IN GOD’S WORD

Sundays, 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM

July 8, 15, 22, 29, and August 5

Join us for scripture based, faith-filled stories, games, science activities, crafts, music, snacks, and more!

Invite your friends and family.

Stories Themes

Noah’s Ark Promise

Jonah and the Big Fish Tell

Walking on Water Trust

Woman at the Well Ask

Lydia Welcome

Splash in God’s Word is a Ministry for Children and their parent/s or significant adult/s. For children Age 3 (by August 31, 2011) thru Grade 4 (completed June of 2012).

To Register: complete and return the registration form to Lynda Pullis by Sunday, May 20. Forms are available on the Kiosk and Sunday Church School Office. Registration Fee - $10 per family. Attendance at every session is not required.

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SUMMER FUN EXPERIENCE

for Youth in Grades 7 or 8

High School Youth are welcome, too!

GET WET as we Splash in God’s Word this summer. Be a small group guide for our for pre-school and elementary schoolchildren’s summer ministry. Qualifications – Love God, Love Kids, Love Fun. Completed Grade 7 or above by June 2012. To volunteer – complete and return a volunteer application/ commitment form to Lynda Pullis by May 20. You do not have to be available every Sunday to apply. Bonus for youth volunteers – earn a trip to Hurricane Harbor Water Park (Tentative date Tuesday, August 7, Thursday August 9, or a date that works best for our group).

"Jesus stands at the door and proclaims welcome to people from all walks of life. We are a community of people with diverse backgrounds and orientations who seek to worship God, grow spiritually, and live in fellowship with one another. In the loving and inclusive spirit of our Savior, we welcome you."

- Good Shepherd's Statement of Welcome