Dear Good Shepherd,

Good Morning. Anne and Rowan are in St. Louis this week where Anne is taking classes toward a masters degree in Christian education. I am here with Aedan and Emma...having a very hard time getting work done. I certainly hope Anne doesn't expect to have a clean house when she comes home...

WEEKLY ARTICLE:

BLESSINGS AND TRENDS AT GOOD SHEPHERD

by the Rev. Matt Kennedy

Weekly Article

October 20th, 2006

As you know our attendance has shot through the roof this year. Last year (2005) our average Sunday attendance was 70 (which was way up from 57 just two years before). This year, last time I checked (in July), we had shot up to about 78 (a huge increase statistically speaking), but since we've maintained a high average, we'll probably hit 80 or over before the year's end.

Most experts on church growth cite average Sunday attendance as the most important statistic in determining the growth curve (or lack thereof) of a given parish. Most churches in our area are shrinking. The demographics in Binghamton are not at all conducive to growth. People are leaving this area much faster than they are moving in.

Nevertheless, despite a shrinking population, Good Shepherd continues to grow in members. That growth has resulted in a steep increase in attendance.

All this is wonderful. How to account for it?

In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul writes:

“What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” (1 Corinthians 3:5-7)

There is no sure gimmick or technique to church growth. God is the one who grows a church. He uses his servants, his people, to bring his purposes to fruition but ultimately, his is the power and his the glory.

God makes it happen.

That means that the growth we have experienced as a parish, the life we feel every Sunday, the joy we have in fellowship, comes directly from the Lord.

Why does God bless a parish with growth?

We can't always answer that question. And we need to be careful because numerical growth is not always a sure sign of God's blessing. Sometimes God takes his people through lean years to test their faith and strengthen them in character and perseverance. Likewise, sometimes a church can succeed for a brief period in time in the same way a passing fad succeeds, not so much because it has been blessed by God, but because it has successfully tapped into some cultural fancy or trend.

In general however, we can say that since God longs for lost people 1. to hear the gospel, 2. to repent, receive the gospel and be saved, and 3. to be re-made into disciple.

This means that God, generally speaking, will lead lost people to churches where the leaders teach and preach his Word clearly and consistently and where the believers study his Word with love, diligence and devotion.

In other words, God generally leads lost people to places where they can be found.

Good Shepherd has become just such a place because over the last four years we have become rooted in his word. It is, then, no accident, no accident at all, that we have enjoyed growth in numbers. What warms my heart most of all is that we have not grown by taking Episcopalians from other Episcopal parishes. Most of our growth has come through conversion. People have heard the gospel here for the first time. Thanks be to God.

But we must not let these blessings breed complacency.

Looking forward from here there are at least two encouraging trends and two worrying trends that I see. Let me start with the encouraging trends.

 

Encouraging trend #1: As I noted, Sunday attendance is up. I described the statistical aspects of this above. But increased worship attendance is, more importantly, a spiritual sign too. In John 4, Jesus says that he seeks people who will worship him not simply out of obligation (although there is a place for that) or duty or because they have been conditioned to do so, but Jesus seeks a people who will worship him in spirit and in truth.

In other words, he wants sincere praise, and true, heartfelt devotion from believing hearts.

Sagging attendance is a sign that true devotion is lacking; that people do not long to give praise and thanks to God or to share time with their fellow believers.

Increasing attendance points to circumcised hearts; hearts that (in other words) have been given over to the Lord. For people with circumcised hearts, worship is not a duty, it is a desire. It becomes an indispensable weekly outlet for expressing the love and thanksgiving that naturally wells up in believing hearts. Good Shepherd is becoming a place of true-hearted devotion; a place where people worship God in spirit and truth.

Encouraging Trend #2: people are pitching in. In some churches people sit around and wait for others to work. At Good Shepherd, it is the opposite. When a job needs to be done, it is done. Some grow impatient with the speed of decision making and implementation in a parish. But compared to other churches, things happen incredibly fast around Good Shepherd because people seem always to be looking for ways to help. This may be explained by our singular lack of committees. But, I think it is mostly due to the fact that so many of you are living lives transformed by Jesus Christ.

When that happens, you seek to serve.

And make no mistake. When you mop the floor or launder vestments or wash dishes, you are doing all of these things for Jesus Christ.

Good Shepherd is becoming a place where people serve the Lord and each other.

Worrying trend #1: First, and I am not sure if I would even call this a “trend.” It has only happened once. Out of the 86 people who attended the last Family and Friends Sunday, only 1 was a guest.

This may have been a fluke. We were just coming out of the summer and the others have gone very well. But, it is something to be concerned about.

The primary mission of the Church given to you and me by Jesus himself is to go out into the world and make disciples. That means sharing Jesus Christ with those who do not know him. Family and Friends Sunday is a great tool for evangelism because it only requires inviting a non-believer to church.

The next Family and Friends Sunday will probably be in December. That gives us time to think and pray about who to invite. Ask God to show you someone in your circle of family, friends, or coworkers who needs to hear the gospel of Christ nd then ask him to give you the courage to invite that person to church.

Worrying Trend #2: The second trend is a bit more worrisome. The bible studies are going well. Each of them has a dependable core group which means they will survive the normal ups and downs of yearly attendance fluctuation. And yet, I have noticed that for some, any interruption whatsoever is a reason not to make it to bible study. This leads to the question of priority.

God has blessed Good Shepherd because we have been devoted to his Word first and foremost. But if a soccer game or working overtime or a phone call provides you with sufficient reason not to come, you might want to rethink your priorities. Are you looking for a reason not to go to bible study? It's not uncommon. Satan loves nothing more than to find ways to obstruct and interrupt the study of God's Word. This is especially true of new believers.

I often feel very tired and stressed before a study. At those times, the temptation usually crosses my mind to cancel it. Sometimes I give in. Most times, I've learned to put forward the extra effort to make it. And, generally speaking, when that happens, when I lead a study even when I don't feel like it, I find that there was a reason God wanted me to be there and a reason Satan did not. Those are usually the most fruitful studies.

As I said, we have a good core group for each of our bible studies, so they are doing fine as a whole, but if you have committed to a study and find yourself putting everything else in your life first, then maybe God is calling you to re-commit yourself to his word.

At Good Shepherd we must be people of the book. We must eat, drink and breathe the Word of God. We must be rooted in the bible so that through his living Word, the Lord can nourish and guide us and so that we can pass the faith on to our children and to the lost.

Having said that, the two “worrying trends” noted above are relatively minor ones and nothing at all to be discouraged about.

Good Shepherd is doing incredibly well numerically, financially and above all, spiritually. I am so very encouraged by the growth and enthusiasm on Sunday morning and I have no doubt that our best days lie ahead.

God is doing wonderful things at Good Shepherd. I am so very blessed to be your pastor and look forward eagerly to many more years of ministry here with you.

end

Here's the news...

UPDATE CONTENT
"NEW" NEWS
HARVEST DINNER

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

READERS

USHERS/GREETERS/YOUTH GREETERS

EVANGELISM WALKABOUT

SOUTHSIDE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL THANKSGIVING SERVICE
THE WORLD THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL

NOT QUITE “NEW” NEWS

SHARING BIBLES

NEW BEGINNERS NEWS
STEWARDSHIP

"NEW" NEWS:

HARVEST DINNER: Thank you to everyone who gave their time and efforts to this year's Harvest Dinner. As I mentioned in an email a few hours after it was over, I am always amazed by the way you come together and work so cheerfully and diligently on this project. It warms my heart and it gives us a glimpse into the sort of fellowship God intends for his people and his Church. Thank you for giving me and all those who came to eat that brief glimpse into the Kingdom.

Money-wise, we did not do as well as we have in years past. But this, I think, also is something of a blessing. In the past we have depended on the Harvest Dinner to make ends meet. This year, the pledges and plate offerings and donations have been so high that the Harvest Dinner would have simply served to supplement or add to an already healthy budget. One day, perhaps, we might even be able to offer the Harvest Dinner to the community as an act of charity rather than a fundraiser. Think of the witness this might provide.

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA: If you haven't noticed we have a lot of kids this year. This means we can have a huge Christmas Pageant. Every year it get bigger, this year we are going to try to make it huge. We'd like to increase the number of parts to include King Herod, some Roman soldiers, more angels and more sheep. We'd also like to get more lines for our actors and actresses. Hopefully we could also beef up the family service liturgy a bit. Anne and I started talking over a few things this last week and passed a few through Rob Finch, the acolyte director. Whatever the final plans are, we will start Christmas pageant practice earlier this year, sometime in November in fact. This should be a Christmas family service that you will want to invite your friends and relatives to see. More information coming soon.

READERS: IF you are a reader or have signed up to be a reader, there will be a training session on Saturday October 28 th at 11:00am. That is NEXT SATURDAY

 

USHER'S/GREETERS/YOUTH GREETERS: There will be a training meeting after the 10:30am service on Sunday October 29th. THAT'S NEXT SUNDAY

EVANGELISM WALKABOUT: We are starting to plan for our next evangelism walkabout. For those who are new to Good Shepherd, here's how it works. First a team of volunteers makes bread in the church oven. Then another team places the bread in small paper bags along with some information about the church, a bible verse (“I am the bread of life”) and a brochure with the gospel message. Then all the volunteers split up into as many delivery teams as we can (at least two per team) and fan out through the neighborhood knocking on doors and handing out the bags. This makes it very easy to be an evangelist. All you have to do is smile and give away free homemade bread. Last time we delivered bread to about 400 homes. If you'd like to volunteer for this project, there will be a sign-up sheet downstairs. We are tentatively scheduling it for mid-November. Details will be on the sign-up sheet.

 

SOUTH-SIDE ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING SERVICE: The annual ecumenical Thanksgiving service will be held at Good Shepherd this year. It will be on Tuesday evening of Thanksgiving week. Mark your calendars now! More information will be coming soon.

ADULT EDUCATION SERIES: THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL: Facing Temptation in a Fallen World will continue this Sunday:

Last Sunday we continued our discussion of the war that rages between the old fallen self and the new self, the new you, created at the moment you gave your life to Jesus Christ. This time we took an in-depth look at the story of David and Bathsheba. We learned that David became complacent and that complacency led to strong temptation. God gave him many chances to escape the temptation, but David turned down every opportunity. Ultimately, he sinned greatly, committing both adultery and murder.

 

This Sunday we will read more about David. His story will give us great insight into both the consequences of sin and the depth of God's grace and forgiveness toward sinners

 

Be sure to bring your bibles!

NOT QUITE "NEW" NEWS

 

 SHARING BIBLES: I noticed a couple of weeks ago that some of our guests were unable to follow along in a bible during the sermon because all the bibles were taken. Unfortunately, we only have so many in the pews. It would be a great show of hospitality if members could bring their own bibles to church so that guests and new believers can use the ones in the pews.

NEW BEGINNERS NEWS: the Fall class of New Beginners will start on Thursday, November 2 nd . If you have wanted to join a bible study but have worried that you are not knowledgeable enough, this bible study is for you. We start at the ground level assuming that you have never opened your bible before and then build you up to the point where you can take almost any passage and apply it to your life. God speaks to you directly through the bible. This class will teach you how to hear his voice. All new members and all those who have never been in a bible study are encouraged to join.

Discussions will be held every Thursday from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

STEWARDSHIP : It's getting to be that time of the year again. If you are a member of the parish we'll be sending our pledge cards. At Good Shepherd, those in leadership do their best to use your pledges and gifts in a godly, faithful and generous way to support the poor, further the Gospel, and maintain the gifts God has given us. This is the work of the Body of Christ all believers are called to pitch in. I encourage everyone to commit to the ten percent tithe in your pledge this year. But don't take my word for it. Here's what the prophet Malachi says:

Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not cast their fruit," says the LORD Almighty. "Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land," says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 3:10-12)


HAVE YOU…. shared your faith with a friend? The vestry has challenged all of us to share our faith in Jesus Christ with at least one non-believer each month.

Good News for the Week
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love. Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:2-7)

Don't forget to....BRING A FRIEND TO CHURCH!

Daily Schedule for the week of Sunday October 22nd, 2006

Monday:
Pastor's day off

Tuesday
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
9:00 a.m. Tuesday Morning Bible Study
6:30 p.m. First Light Bible Study
8:00 p.m. Choir Practice

Wednesday
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer

Thursday
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
5:30 p.m. Shepherd's Bowl
6:30 p.m. New Beginners Bible Study STARTING NOVEMBER 2nd

Friday
6:30 a.m. Men's Breakfast/Bible Study
8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer
Pastor's sermon prep day

Saturday:
10:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study

Sunday October 29th, 2006: Praise and Worship the Lord!
8:00am Holy Communion II and Sermon
9:15-10:15 a.m. Christian Education for all Ages
10:30 am Holy Communion II, Music and Sermon

God bless you all

In Christ,