It has been a busy week at Good Shepherd with a lot going on. Please register in advance to attend our "Mass on the Grass." We continue to livestream our worship so that those who cannot safely join us may engage in worship from home.
After a months-long endeavor that began at the beginning of 2020, our Organist Search Committee has completed its work. We interviewed many talented musicians and had three excellent finalists. Suzanne McAlister, who has served as our Interim Organist, was recognized to have all of the talent and background that we desired, and she has agreed to transition to the role of Organist/ Choirmaster effective immediately.
We will be sending out a Regathering Survey in the coming days in order to understand how best to address our parish's need for worship and Christian Education in the coming months. While we plan to offer both online and in-person opportunities, we need to hear from you in order to understand how best to engage parishioners during the rest of 2020.
You can access our livestream on YouTube and www.goodshepherdnewton.org. On Sunday, YouTube's service disconnected many churches during the middle of the service, but please know that we are working hard to maintain the ability to engage worship remotely. In the case of technical difficulties, try streaming from another source, such as closing youtube.com and opening our parish website. Alternatively, disconnect for a few minutes and reconnect. In the case of Sunday, the service resumed for those who disconnected and started again, and for some who allowed their server to continue.
Work continues at a brisk pace on our handicapped accessibility project, and signs of progress are emerging. See new pictures below, including the raising of the roof and the framing of the elevator shaft. If you have not already, please consider prayerfully your support of Angels Ascending and Descending.
Please see information below about the baptism of Jack McKenzie on Sunday, August 30 and the death notice for Susan Marsh and her funeral on Saturday, September 5.
Thank you for continuing your support of Good Shepherd. Pray for your parish, its leadership, and our common future.
See you Sunday!
thanks, peace, Jay+
General information regarding our outdoor Eucharist: Your Vestry and Regathering Committee have created a worship environment true to Good Shepherd's traditions while following the best guidance available. We have moved our Sunday worship outside. Register in advance (click here or use the link above) if you plan to attend.*
Attendance is limited to 25% of the seating capacity, both on the Good Shepherd Green and in the church.
Arrive and depart through the Beacon Street entry to the Good Shepherd Green. Do not come through the building or down the back driveway unless you need to avoid using stairs.
Individual bulletins are printed including music, readings, and text from the prayer book. These are only used once and are recycled.
Tents/ canopies are provided for shade and protection from the elements, though they are only for your convenience. Spread out as you are able and never ignore guidance on physical separation.
Each individual/ family must sit at least six feet apart. Please bring your own lawn chair or blanket.
Wear a mask upon arrival and departure, and continue to wear your mask as much as possible throughout the service.
Communion is distributed individually, using separate vessels. Please bring your own or use one of the paten/ chalice pairs at the church. Wine is only available when received in individual vessels.
To access the restrooms, walk via the playground up the rear driveway, not through the entrance to the Common Room.
Follow all signage and be cautious in respecting the space around others.
In the case of inclement weather, worship will move into the church. Inside, other guidance and limits are in place.
*Advance registration helps us to plan for your safety and to cap attendance at a safe level. We will endeavor to accommodate those who have not registered in advance, though this will only be done if space is available and physical distancing is possible.
Angels Ascending and Descending:
Handicapped Accessibility at Good Shepherd
Left-- the roof is raised to accommodate the elevator going all the way up to the church
Right- the elevator shaft has been framed, and the elevator itself will anchor four feet below the Common Room floor, with even-level access to all of the downstairs
Click here to view Angels Ascending and Descending, a plan to achieve 100% accessibility at Good Shepherd. At a total cost of $500,000 and with a beautiful, compassionate proposal secured, your Vestry asks you to consider prayerfully your support of this plan.
On Sunday, June 10th, the parish gathered on Zoom to approve funding for Angels Ascending and Descending. You should receive information in the mail about the plan, including ways that you can contribute to the effort.
Rest in Peace Susan Marsh
Susan, who called GS home during the last decade of life, died peacefully at her daughter's home last week, ending a remarkable life.
Her funeral at Good Shepherd is Sat., September 5th, with limited family and parish friends invited to attend, but with the hope that some will gather.
Sunday, August 16th -- 10:00am-- Choral Holy Eucharist
Sunday, August 23rd-- 10:00am-- Choral Morning Prayer
Sunday, August 30th-- 10:00 am-- Holy Baptism and Choral Eucharist
The Organist Search Committee and Vestry is happy to announce Suzanne McAllister has been named our permanent Organist/ Choirmaster. Suzanne's musicianship, ability, and kindness have made her a welcome addition at Good Shepherd, and we are glad she will be with us on a permanent basis.
Kristina Jackson, who has served as our Acting Choirmaster will retire from her duties in this role and return to her service as a chorister and soloist. She has agreed to remain as an Assistant for Choral Music, recruiting singers and scheduling musicians in the uncertainty of the coming months.
Please continue to make your financial contributions to Good Shepherd. In these unprecedented times, remember that we rely completely on the generosity of our parishioners. Kindly continue your giving and mail your support to the church office:
Parish of the Good Shepherd 1671 Beacon St., Waban, MA 02468
Additionally, we have set up an online giving portal. If you are unable to give through traditional means, please consider this new option to support Good Shepherd. Click on the Donate button on our website www.goodshepherdnewton.org.
Morning has broken
Like the first morning, Blackbird has spoken Like the first bird. Praise for the singing! Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing fresh from the Word.
