Our Church   |   Services  |   News / Events   |   Calendar   |   Pastor's Corner  |  Programs   |  Members   |  Home
UNITED CHURCH
   O F   C H R I S T
Join us for Sunday Service at 8:30 or 10:30 a.m.
News / Events
News      (news archives)
Events    (events archives)

News
Link to the United Church of Christ Main Church
for news on a national level.

The monthly newsletter, The Staff, is stored in PDF format and requires Adobe Acrobat for viewing.
Click here to download your free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader.
The Staff Kirk's Log

September 2008 September 14, 2008

September 07, 2008
August 2008 August 31, 2008

August 24, 2008

August 17, 2008

August 10, 2008

August 03, 2008
July 2008 July 27, 2008

July 20, 2008

July 13, 2008

July 06, 2008
June 2008 June 29, 2008

June 22, 2008

June 15, 2008

June 08, 2008

June 01, 2008
May 2008 May 25, 2008

May 18, 2008

May 11, 2008

May 04, 2008
April 2008 April 27, 2008

April 20, 2008

April 13, 2008

April 06, 2008
March 2008 March 30, 2008

March 23, 2008

March 16, 2008

March 09, 2008

March 02, 2008
February 2008 February 24, 2008

February 17, 2008

February 10, 2008

February 03, 2008
January 2008 January 27, 2008

January 20, 2008

January 13, 2008

January 06, 2008
return to top

Events
Church of the Good Shepherd is a fun and friendly congregation with lots of activies for everyone.
You can view photos of past activities here. Please contact us if you have any great photos of church activites
that you want to share.

List of Topics
Adult Ed class - August 31, 2008
Project Share - August 31, 2008
Interim Pastors preach - August 17, 2008
Isotopes game - July 2008
Tomato & Spaghetti Tornado - July 2008
COGS Worship Team - summer 2008
Are you my UCC cousin? - summer 2008 - intergenerational vacation Bible school
      1) June 20 at First Congregational UCC
      2) July 19 at St. Paul's UCC
      3) August 17 at Church of the Good Shepherd UCC
Farewell to Pastor Sue - June 29, 2008
SW Conference Minister visits - June 22, 2008
Memorial Day Sunday May 25, 2008
Ordination of Marilyn Levine - May 18, 2008


return to events       return to top

adulted_aug08

Adult Ed Class - August 31, 2008

Adult Education classes meet at 9:15 am on Sunday mornings.
return to events       return to top

projectshare_aug08_1

Project Share - August 31, 2008

Preparations under way Sunday morning.
Cooking

Frying hamburger for the spaghetti sauce.
projectshare_aug08_2

return to events       return to top

interims08_1

New Interim Pastors preach first sermon - August 17, 2008

Meet our new interim pastors - Rev. Carla and Rev. Bruce Cunningham. Normally just one of them will give the sermon but this first sunday, they preached together!
Introductions

During the first service, former Moderator, Lois Tulga (middle) introduced our new interim pastors.
interims08_2

interims08_3

Rev. Carla speaks to us -

about some of their background - they both had their own churches before they met at a seminar on becoming interim pastors. They've been married 18 years. Their blended family includes 8 children, umpteen grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
Greeting each other

interims08_4

interims08_5

More greetings during the first service

return to events       return to top

isotopes08_1

COGS attends the Isotopes baseball game - July 2008

Enjoying the game

isotopes08_2

isotopes08_3

More Isotope fans from COGS!

Intent on the game

isotopes08_4

isotopes08_5

The Isotopes on the field - GO TEAM!

There really is a game going on!
Enjoying each other as well as the game

isotopes08_6

isotopes08_7

Nice smiles - is their team winning?

More happy COGS Isotopes fans.

isotopes08_8

return to events       return to top

tomato08_1

Tomato & Spaghetti Tornado July 2008

The tomato tornado returned to COGS during July 2008 and included pasta. Sunday July 27 was the final day for collecting the cans and pasta.
Tomato - Pasta Reminders

Left reminder -
Can we do it?
Yes, we can.


tomato08_2

isotopes08_3 A thundering success!

Thanks to a whirlwind of contributions, we collected 3185 cans of tomatoes and 622 packages of pasta!

Way to go, COGS!
Tallying up the goods

All these cans were loaded onto the Storehouse truck after the services.

tomato08_4

return to events       return to top

Worship Team - summer 2008

Welcome to Rev. Francis Rath, our pulpit minister at COGS for July and part of August until our co-interim pastors, Rev.s Carla and Bruce Cunningham arrive. This July 6 was Rev. Rath's first Sunday preaching at COGS. Worship assistant, Cindy Hutchinson accompanied him as they entered the Sanctuary for the first service.

What are those red things on Cindy's elegant hat? Tomatoes, of course! - to remind us that the Tomato Tornado is coming during July. This year, in addition to cans of tomato products, The Storehouse has asked for pasta, so it is Spaghetti Time!
pulpit08

return to events       return to top

UCCcousins08_1 Are you my Cousin? - summer 2008

Finding Friends and Family in the UCC
Session 1, Friday evening June 20, 2008
First Congregational UCC.

Members and families of the 4 UCC Churches in the area met at the First Congregation Church. As an ice breaker/mixer, each of us wrote our name on the piece of paper and one thing about ourselves. Then we made paper airplanes and flew them toward adjoining tables. We picked up an airplane and then tried to find the person and struck up a conversation.

Food and conversation

After the get-acquainted mixer, we picked up plates of grilled burgers and salads. Note that they used real plates and silverware (an environmentally sound practice).


Yes, that's one of the aerodynamic airplanes!
UCCcousins08_2

UCCcousins08_3

Folks from St. Pauls UCC

After dinner, we divided up into 3 groups - those who wanted to learn about geneology, those who wanted to learn sign language, and a program for the children.



July Program
St. Paul's UCC


view Flyer (pdf file)

UCCcousins2_08_1

Are you my Cousin? - summer 2008

Finding Friends and Family in the UCC
Session 2
Saturday morning July 19, 2008
St. Paul's UCC.



Fellowship



UCCcousins2_08_2

UCCcousins2_08_3

Theological Reflections offering

Several programs were offered before and after lunch. Here Ernie Dunn is talking about the song the Rose during the Theological Reflections workshop.

Singing and Bells offering

Some of our COGS participants joined in the bells workshop.
UCCcousins2_08_4



August Program
Church of the Good Shepherd UCC


view Flyer (pdf file)

UCCcousins3_08_1

Are you my Cousin? - summer 2008

Session 3     ROCK ON!
Sunday afternoon August 17, 2008
Church of the Good Shepherd UCC.

We started the program with musian, Jim Ahrend (left), leading us in a sing along which included some rock songs. Then we split into groups for suiseki (viewing stones), to create pet rocks, learn karate, geo-caching, or be introduced to the Invisible Universe.



Geo-caching was led by Pat and Bob Rosenak.

This looks pretty intense - carefully studying the handouts. Did they find what they were looking for or are there some treasures still buried on church property?

UCCcousins3_08_2

UCCcousins3_08_3

The Invisible Universe

Participants gathered in the choir room for the second presentation.

The Invisible Universe

was presented by astronomer team, Lanie and John Dickel. Most of the slides showed emission observed from astronomical objects as seen in x-rays, visible light, infrared, and/or radio waves. The picture on the right shows some of the telescopes that are used to detect radio emission.

UCCcousins3_08_4

UCCcousins3_08_5

Lively discussion

There was just a little time for questions after the second Invisible Universe presentation before we needed to dash off to supper.

Karate was taught by Yasuaki

This was a big hit with the children as well as with adults.

UCCcousins3_08_6

UCCcousins3_08_7

Pet rocks

Lois Tulga showed us how to create pet rocks. This was also very popular with the children [but church policy prohibits showing photos of children on the website.]

Fellowship time

During supper we had a chance to meet and renew friendships with participants from other UCC churches.
UCCcousins3_08_8

return to events       return to top

PastorSue_farewell08_1 Farewell to Pastor Sue - June 2008

Part 1 - Packing up the office!

Did the Tomato Tornado come through Pastor Sue's office?

Boxes and more boxes

Only a week to go before her last sermon and farewell party - will she make it?

PastorSue_farewell08_2

PastorSue_farewell08_3

The Big Give-away

The sheep, kermit, etc. are up for grabs! We've saved out two sheep for COGS - they are at either end of the altar.

Attention! If you took some good shots of the farewell party, please pass them along to the web administrator to include here.
PastorSue_farewell08_4 Farewell to Pastor Sue - June 2008

Part 2 - June 29th Worship Service!

This was Pastor Sue's big day!!

It started with the worship services which included special music for the occasion.
Pastor Sue's gift to COGS

The gorgeous quilt on the altar was made by Pastor Sue and is her parting gift to COGS.

PastorSue_farewell08_5

PastorSue_farewell08_6 Launching the tomato tornado

Later during the service, the start of the tomato tornado project for July was unveiled.
Installation of new church officers

Some of the new church officers who were installed during the worship service.

PastorSue_farewell08_7

PastorSue_farewell08_8 New church officers (#2)



The other half of the line of new oficers.

Ceremony of Release of Vows

Moderator and Pastor Sue read their parts in the Ceremony which released Pastor Sue from her vows to serve COGS.

PastorSue_farewell08_9

PastorSue_farewell08_10 Special song for Pastor Sue!

Check out the lyrics - is this a talented congregation or what?

Farewell to Pastor Sue June 2008

Part 3 - Luncheon Reception

The theme for the party was motorcycling.

PastorSue_farewell08_11

PastorSue_farewell08_12 Decorated cakes

Two similarly decorated cakes - one was chocolate and the other vanilla.

All a to-do about motorcycles

Pastor Sue's retirement dream includes a motorcycle.

PastorSue_farewell08_13

PastorSue_farewell08_14 Motorcycle Candy

Where did they find this?

Motorcycle helmet vase?

To remind Sue to take time out to smell the roses during her retirement years.

PastorSue_farewell08_15

PastorSue_farewell08_16 Pastor Sue's reaction when

- see next photo

The motorcycles roared in!



PastorSue_farewell08_17

PastorSue_farewell08_18 Can you believe it?

This is COGS - anything can and does happen here.

Is this the kind of church you've been looking for?
COGS Motorcycle Gang

Pastor Sue joins the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Gang

PastorSue_farewell08_19

PastorSue_farewell08_20 Moderator - skit

The Moderator interviews the Harley Davidson Motorcycle Twins regarding safety issues, appropriate gear, etc.

Darth Vader?

No - just modeling winter head gear - which is not appropriate for use when riding a motorcycle.

PastorSue_farewell08_21

PastorSue_farewell08_22 Pastor Sue - in her element

Pastor Sue thoroughly enjoyed her retirement party as did the rest of us.

The right Attitude is important.

The Parish Nurse applies a tatoo.

PastorSue_farewell08_23

PastorSue_farewell08_24 Pastor Sue waves good-bye

Whoops! - or she just giving us the fist?

Now she is just plain ol' Sue. Can you see the tattoo on her left hand? You can read her thank you note on the
Pastor's Corner page
[which will remain up until replaced by a note from our new pair of interim pastors once they arrive in August.]

return to events       return to top

SWConf08_1 SW Conference Minister's Maiden Voyage to COGS - June 22, 2008

The Rev. Dr. John C. Dorhauer memorizes? the names and faces on the COGS Membership Photo Board before going in to the Sanctuary to preach.
Informal First Service

The Rev. Dorhauer asks for help! You see - his trusty old Bible is missing the first part of Genesis which is the scripture lesson for today. Why he is missing those pages is a story for another visit!

SWConf08_2

SWConf08_3 Sacred Conversations about racism

Pastor Sue introduces Rev. Dorhauer to the Adult Sunday School class. He has written a paper on Black Liberation Theology but the topic for today is a discussion of white privilege - what it is, how we are often unaware of it, and the resulting consequences for us and others.

Rev. Dorhauer begins the conversation

A large group has gathered to hear our new Minister of the SW Conference speak with us about white privilege and its ramifications.

As Pastor Sue said - This is important stuff. The sacred conversations will continue in the autumn.
SWConf08_4

SWConf08_5 Thoughtful Listeners

We listen quietly before entering into the conversation with our experiences and questions.

Great turnout - standing room only

We are packed in - the large circle is two-rows deep in places.

SWConf08_6

SWConf08_7 Conversations continue over coffee

Rev. Dorhauer talks with individuals during the coffee time outside.

Second Worship Service

The second worship service begins with a special treat - music by the guitar trio from our sister church, Iglesia UCC.

SWConf08_8

return to events       return to top

vets08_1 Memorial Day Sunday - May 25, 2008

Each year at this time we collect clothing and other items for homeless veterans.

Quilts for the Veterans

Members of COGS made four quilts for the veterans.

vets08_2

vets08_3 Blessing the quilts

After the worship service, members of the congregation came up and laid their hands on the quilts to bless them.

Quilt - tags

Each quilt has a tag on the back.

vets08_4

vets08_5 Baskets of Clothes

Baskets of toiletries and clothes are collected for the vets as well as the quilts.

Coffee outdoors

This time of year we move the coffee hour outdoors.

vets08_6

vets08_7 Conversations

The coffee hour is a good time to meet others and enjoy their company.

return to events       return to top

                The Ordination of Marilyn Levine May 18, 2008

      [We are looking for some more good photos to substitute for some of the dark ones here -
      if you have some and are willing to share them, please contact the web administrator.]


ordination08_1 The Ordination of Marilyn Levine

Marilyn Levine was ordained at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Sunday May 18, 2008.

The Congregation

Marilyn is sitting near the right end of the front row as viewed from the choir loft.

ordination08_2

ordination08_3 Visiting Clergy

Marilyn gives loud and clear, affirmative answers the questions during her ordination service.

Laying on of hands

The COGS leaders and visiting clergy lay their hands on Marilyn and the rest of us lay our hands on the person in front of us.

ordination08_4
ordination08_5 Marilyn acknowledges the choir

Marilyn turns to the choir that she has directed since coming to COGS.

African stole

People from the town where Marilyn was born in Africa made a colorful stole for her ordination.

ordination08_6
ordination08_7 The receiving line

It was with a mixture of tears of joy and sadness that friends congratulated Marilyn and wished her well as she moves to North Dakota to pastor two small churches on the Ft. Berhold Indian Reservation..

The Reception

Everyone enjoys the wonderful assortment of goodies.

ordination08_8
ordination08_9 The Cake

Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate! - and it was good too :-)

The Reverend Marilyn Levine serves the cake.

Marilyn serves the cake as the Vice Moderator and the Christian Ed. leader look on.

ordination08_10
ordination08_11 Happiness is ...

Marilyn - - we are going to miss you but God speed.

return to events       return to top

return to top
Our Church  Services  News  Calendar  Pastor's Corner  Programs  Members  Home
Copyright © 2005   Church of the Good Shepherd. All Rights Reserved.
7834 Tennyson NE Albuquerque, NM 87122        Phone: 505.856.1004
Contact  Website Administrator