Church of the Good Shepherd

UNITED CHURCH
O F C H R I S T

Join us for Sunday Service at 8:30 or 10:30 a.m.


	Events 2009


	This page contains prior events and activities involving the congregation of the Church of The Good Shepherd.

	A Policy regarding photographs of children on the website was approved by the Church Council on August 9, 2009 Permission of a child's parent or guardian is required before a photograph of said child (under age 18) may be posted on the COGS website. Details of Policy Permission form (pdf file) or (doc file) Email or return the completed, signed form to the Church Secretary (info@goodshepherdunitedchurch.com)

	List of Topics

	Christmas eve - December 24, 2009

	Celebrate the Season potluck after the Cantata - December 20, 2009

	Celebrate the Season Christmas Cantata sung during Sunday Worship Service - December 20, 2009

	Believe Performance during Sunday Worship Service - December 13, 2009

	Forever Young Christmas party - Tuesday afternoon December 8, 2009

	COGS Thanksgiving Sunday - November 22, 2009

	Believe Christmas Play (Dec 13) - rehearsal - November 8, 2009

	New Orleans Fundraiser Dinner/Dance - October 24, 2009

	Fall cleanup day at COGS - October 17, 2009

	Forever Young visits the National Weather Service center - October 13, 2009

	Power Up Cogs - October 11 plus November 13, 2009

	COGS celebrates 50 years - September 27, 2009

	Forever Young goes to the Fair - September 21, 2009

	COGS has a new minister!! - Pastor Bill (Ingraham) - September 13, 2009

	COGS hole in wall --> hospitality room - September 7 - 12, 2009

	Rev. Marilyn Levine returns briefly to ABQ - August 24, 2009

	SW Conference Minister Rev. John Dorhauer preaches - August 23, 2009

	Choir potluck - August 21, 2009

	New Chairs arrive - August 18, 2009

	Book Club - August 17, 2009

	Nails and Tats Festival - August 16, 2009

	COGS substitute Preachers during - August through first half of November 2009

	A typical COGS Sunday morning in August 2009

	COGS Cleanup - August 15, 2009

	COGS members attend the benefit concert for the Burn Center - August 08, 2009

	Cunningham Farewell - worship service and potluck - August 02, 2009

	Biloxi mission - greetings from John and Emily - August 01, 2009

	Baby Shower for Gwen - July 19, 2009

	Isotopes Game - July 16, 2009

	Installation Ceremony for the Church Officers and Council - July 12, 2009

	Tomato Tornado Skit - July 12, 2009 and Loading cans - July 26, 2009

	Children's chalk art - July 12, 2009

	UCC General Synod in Grand Rapids, MI - June 26-30, 2009

	Dinners for Ten - June 27, 2009

	Tuesday Evening Prayer Open House - June 23, 2009

	Surprise Birthday celebrations - Rev. Bruce turns 80 - June 20, 2009

	Project Share - May 31, 2009

	Waffle Breakfast for Sunday School kids, teachers, parents - May 31, 2009

	Dinners for Ten group takes picnic to Zoo/concert - May 30, 2009

	Choir and Praise Band potluck at Dickel's home - May 28, 2009

	Children's musical - May 17, 2009

	Forever Young trip to Biopark Japanese Garden - May 12, 2009

	New COGS banners - May 04, 2009

	350 Kites for Climate Change - May 03, 2009

	SW Conference Annual Meeting - April 24-6, 2009

	Choir Festival at COGS - April 23, 2009

	Spring Fling at COGS - April 19 - May 2, 2009

	Guest Preachers at COGS - 2009

	Another Dinner for Ten - April 18, 2009

	Spring Cleanup - Saturday Workday at COGS - April 18, 2009

	Forever Young - trip to Santa Fe - April 14, 2009

	Easter Morning at COGS - April 12, 2009

	Maundy Thursday - Service of Tenebrae - April 09, 2009

	Palm Sunday - April 05, 2009

	New Orleans Work Week - March 30 - April 03, 2009

	Project Share - preparations - March 29, 2009

	Renovating the women's restroom, underway in March, 2009

	Choir members celebrate Director's birthday - March 19, 2009

	Sunday School - Astronomy for COGS - March, 2009

	Painting the men's restroom, last week of February, 2009

	Dinners for Ten resumes, February 19 & 22, 2009

	COGS recycles more materials, starting February 22, 2009

	Rev. John Dorhauer installed as Conference Minister of SW Conference, February 7, 2009

	Annual Meeting and pancake breakfast, January 25, 2009

	New Year - undecorating, January 04, 2009

	COGS Choir Party, January 02, 2009

2009

Christmas Eve Service
December 24, 2009

The luminaria were placed on the church walls with care,
in the hopes that the Christ Child would soon appear there.

The original photograph by Louis Erne graces the main hallway of COGS.

Inside ...

we await the Christ Child with scripture and song.

Families gather

to hear the Christmas message of hope, joy, peace, and Love.

Pastor Bill was as excited about Christmas
(whisper presents) as the children who gathered around him.

The service ended with concentric circles of worshipers holding candles around the sanctuary while singing Silent Night with the choir simultaneously singing Peace, Peace, Peace .

Now go forth into the world with hope, peace, joy and love!

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Celebrate the Season
Choir Potluck December 20, 2009

The choir is starved after singing the cantata - fortunately there's plenty of food!

Relaxing and enjoying the food

Conversation too

Spouses and even Pastor Bill's Dad were present and enjoyed the fellowship.

Is this really December?

Don't get too comfortable - a snow storm is on the way before Christmas.

The Line Up

It is lucky for them that there was no fire in the fireplace or it would be a hot seat.

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Celebrate the Season
a Christmas Cantata sung by the choir
during the 10:30 am worship service on Sunday December 20, 2009

This delightful Christmas Cantata by Joel Raney includes some familiar carols but often with a latin rhythm or gospel feel. Our new Pastor Bill (Ingraham) thought he was getting out of giving a sermon this Sunday but because he joined the choir, he ended up singing a solo!

Photos below include narrators, soloists, children's choir as well as the Chancel choir and occasionally orchestra members.

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Believe
a Christmas Musical performed
during the 10:30 am worship service on Sunday December 13, 2009

The musical was written by local author Faye Couch Reeves. The story, both poignant and humorous, features a 15-year old girl, Allie, for whom the joy and magic of Christmas has disappeared amidst the commercialism and greed that she sees in current society.

Photos of some of the scenes are shown below:

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Forever Young - Christmas Party
Tuesday afternoon December 8, 2009

We laid our gifts under the tree as we arrived.

Smiling faces greet us

Our hostess (in maroon) is hard at work.

The table is filling up with goodies

Let's get started

Please help yourself.

The line up

You find a seat where you can.

Some found a table in the kitchen

The person with number 1

opens the first gift.

which is a table-top Christmas tree.

But she did not get to keep it for long, because soon someone else chose to take it from her rather than open another present.

Hummmm .. a nice bottle of wine

Well, once again, he was not the final recipient.

and so it continues ...

Everyone had a fun time and eventually ended up with something to take home.

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COGS Power Up - Welcome Pastor Bill - Thanksgiving Sunday dinner
November 22, 2009

This is the Sunday we've been waiting for!!

Table Decorations for Thanksgiving dinner

A reminder was emailed in the Kirk's Twig to bring your own plates and cups - and a few people did. More of us need to get into this environmentally friendly habit.

Giving Thanks

COGS children made these book marks as a way for all of us to give thanks to the many who serve COGS - be it as Sunday School teachers, choir, cooking or cleanup, being on Church Council, etc.

and to members and friends giving abundantly to the Power up COGS 2009 Stewardship Campaign which official ends today - but we always graciously accept contributions at any time :-)

Behind the scenes - in the kitchen

Speaking of which - here are some of the helpers preparing food

AND ...

Slicing Turkey

Saute-ing onions for the stuffing

Whole families helped out ...

Pastor Bill chats with folks before the Worship Service begins

Announcements

The apron announces that the Thanksgiving dinner is being prepared as we worship - and that everyone is welcome to join us for the meal.

A Full House

Time to meet and greet

Some of the Choir

A Time for Giving Thanks (and eating)

The lineup of people and food

Are we having fun yet?

You betcha! - at right is our Moderator, alias cook and choir member.

Yummy Desserts

Some are traditional and some not so
(but still tasty)

The aftermath - Recycling

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Preview of Believe
a Christmas Play to be performed
during the 10:30 am worship service on Sunday December 13, 2009

Rehearsal on November 8, 2009

The play is written by local author Faye Couch Reeves. The story, both poignant and humorous, features a 15-year old girl, Allie, for whom the joy and magic of Christmas has disappeared amidst the commercialism and greed that she sees in current society. Come see how she comes to believe in the Christmas miracle.

Blocking out the action scenes

The play also features the children in a Christmas pageant scene, members of the Chancel Choir as carolers, and plenty of familiar music sung by cast members, choirs, and even the congregation.

Lots of rehearsals

Intergenerational

We all have to learn our parts.

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New Orleans Fundraiser -
Dinner Dance - October 24, 2009

The cooks prepare the spaghetti dinner for the dinner dance. The two at the left have been on at least one work week in New Orleans in the past.

Preparations

Getting the food on the plates that will be served to the guests.

A card game break from cooking.

Some of the decorations

The Northern Lights

band played/sang during the dinner and later for those on the dance floor.

The crowd enjoys the evening

Where the clump of people standing is, is where others danced later in the evening. Some of the young girls from the far right table in the back, also had fun dancing.

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COGS Fall Cleanup day
October 17, 2009

Planning session?

Tidying up the library

Other jobs included winterizing the swamp coolers and doing yard work.

Boy Scouts help out

Looks like the hard work wore out one scout.

Music while we work!

The Northern Lights rehearse for Saturday October 24th New Orleans Fund Raiser - dinner dance.

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Forever Young group visits the
National Weather Service center
October 13, 2009

Some of the group who went..

Our Tour Guide

explains some of the operations of the National Weather Service center here in Albuquerque.

We hope those clouds do not build to rain.

Lunch at Applebee's

Enjoying Food and Fellowship

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Fall 2009 Stewardship Campaign
October 11, 2009

Power Up Cogs with your time, talent, and treasure!

The Stewardship campaign began Sunday October 4, and culminates on Sunday November 22 with a Thanksgiving dinner after the second worship service. You may turn in your financial pledges on any Sunday during this period - just put them in the collection box at the front of the Sanctuary (near the choir).

Sunday October 11

The congregation awaits the beginning of the worship service - notice the hats on some of the people in the front row.

Announcements

The Moderator of the church sporting the red (choir) colors and white (stewardship) hat claps as the amount of money that the children collected for UNICEF is announced.

Children's sermon

Guest Speaker and COGS member, Kirby Lewis talks with the children.

[Request to parents/guardians - if your child regularly attends COGS events and you have not yet filled out a permission form indicating whether or not you and your child are willing to have his/her photo posted on the church website, would you please turn in a completed form to the church office - Thank you.]

The Power Up Cogs T-shirts

The children receive free T-shirts - here one of them is modeling it for us. Once a COGS member or friend turns in a pledge card, the next week that member receives a pin to attach to his or her name tag.

The Stewardship Hat

Members of the Stewardship Team wear special hats. Does anyone know who this person is?

Congratulations on an excellent sermon!

The Stewardship Pin

November 13, 2009 update - when you turn in your pledge card on one Sunday, you receive your pin on the following Sunday to attach to your name-tag lanyard.

The name-tag rack

is sprouting red Power Up Cogs pins. Have you gotten yours yet? - you know what you have to do - get those pledges in!

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COGS celebrates 50 years
September 27, 2009

Rev. Paul Mohr who was Pastor of COGS from 1958 to 1963 was present for the 50th celebration.

The Celtic Coyotes performed

during the service. Not only did they play music, but the two at the left - Douglas Cowen and Rev. Stephen Miller also dialogued the Sermon - on The Celtic Thread of Spirituality.

Rev. Stephen Miller performs

Plenty of delicious food - as usual!

Enjoying Food and Fellowship

Now there's a familiar face!

Pat Rosenak, (left) last year's Moderator of COGS, talks with Rev. Sue Gallagher, former Pastor of COGS from 2003 - 2008.

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Forever Young goes to the NM Fair
September 21, 2009

Here they are at the Arts & Crafts show.

Viewing the photographs

Two members of the Forever Young group had prize winning entries in the Fair! See below.

John Palmer's photograph wins 2nd place ribbon

(at upper left) at the Art Show.

LeRoy Perea,

a very skilled local photographer, explains the technique used in the photograph.

John Palmer's explains that this photo

was taken at the Old Santa Fe Prison which is really a sinister place. In 1980 there was a major riot in which 33 prisoners were killed. I believe it was the largest death toll in any prison riot in this country. In any case the prison itself now closed has not been really cleaned up very much. Dirty, dark, threatening. I was trying to capture that mood.

A prize-winning vest

by Pat Rosenak took 2nd place and her knitted lace shawl 3rd place in the crafts show.

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COGS has a new minister!! -
Pastor William Ingraham
September 13, 2009

We welcome Pastor Bill to COGS

Bill begins his ministry with us on Monday, November 16, in time for the big Thanksgiving dinner/stewardship celebration at COGS on Sunday November 22, 2009.

The photos that follow - show the sequence of events from the call to be our new pastor to the official signing of the papers after the affirmative vote of the congregation. It was a weekend full of exciting and fun events.

Cocktail Party -
Friday evening September 11, 2009

This was a chance for the Search Committee to introduce candidate Pastor Bill to members of the Church Council. Naturally enough, it all starts in the kitchen of the host couple.

Cocktail Party - continued

Getting to know you ....

Cocktail Party - continued

It is not a COGS event unless there is good food involved!

Cocktail Party - continued

Members of the Search Committee are relieved, happy, and hopeful ...

Cocktail Party - continued

The Church Secretary and Candidate Bill have a good laugh together.

Icecream Social -
Saturday afternoon September 12, 2009

The icecream social provided a good chance for members of COGS to informally meet and greet candidate Pastor Bill.

Icecream Social - continued

Are we having fun yet?
You'd better believe it!

Icecream Social - continued

Getting to know you ....

Icecream Social - continued

I think we are in the new hospitality room!

Icecream Social - continued

Deep theological discussion?

Icecream Social - continued

Children's Breakfast Club -
Sunday morning September 13, 2009

COGS children start off Sunday morning by having breakfast together.

The Breakfast Club is popular

with the children; the numbers keep increasing.

Worship Service
Sunday morning September 13, 2009

Waiting in the wings - for his debut performance.

Worship Service - continued

The Combined Choirs - Senior choir and Children's choir - perform to a

Worship Service - continued

full house - it is good to see some many people turn up for this very important day in the life of the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Worship Service - continued

Pastor Bill takes the mike after being introduced by the Moderator.

Worship Service - continued

Pastor Bill gives his maiden sermon.

Making the call official

After the service, the congregation voted to officially call Rev. William Ingraham to be our new Pastor at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

The first to sign the contract was the Moderator of the church.

Signing the Contract - continued

Next, the Acting Clerk signed the contract.

Signing the Contract - continued

Then the Financial Treasurer signed the document.

Signing the Contract - completed

Finally candidate Bill signs the contract - thereby completing the official signing and becoming COGS new Pastor - beginning November 16, 2009.

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COGS hole in wall --> hospitality room
September 7 - 12, 2009

View to left

With people crowding the hallways during the hospitality time between and after the worship services, we felt a need for more space - hence the creation of a wide access to classroom 1 from the main hallway. Here we present 3 views of the hole in the wall which will shortly become the hospitality room.

Central View

In the back of the room is a divider which separates the hospitality room from classroom 1 during the children's Sunday School time. The divider may be opened after the classes are finished to allow more space for the hospitality gathering.

View to right

The hospitality room conveniently located off the main hallway with its wide entrance should ease the congestion in the hallway during Sunday mornings.

Hospitality room completed - View from inside

looking out into the hallway and showing the 2 doors.

View from outside

looking into the hospitality room - the dividers have been pulled back so you can see beyond into Classroom 1 - thus making more space available during the coffee time.

The hospitality room was completed in time for the icecream social on September 12.

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Rev. Marilyn Levine returns briefly to Albuquerque
August 24, 2009

When word got out that Marilyn was returning to Albuquerque to close on her father's house, a brunch was hastily arranged for Monday morning August 24 for whomever could make it.

Life on the Indian Reservation

This past winter was one of the worst winters on the Indian Reservation in the northwest corner of North Dakota. Her parishioners were surprised that she survived the winter and is still with them.

Although the culture is completely different - so she feels she has entered a totally new world, she is happy with her decision to minister to the parishioners in New Town and her other smaller parish.

Reconnecting

Marilyn seemed just like her old self - as if she hadn't been gone a day whereas it has been just about one year since she left for ND. We not only enjoyed reconnecting with her but also with other members of COGS who haven't been able to attend the Sunday church services recently because of work schedules and other commitments.

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SW Conference Minister
John Dorhauer preaches
August 23, 2009

Rev. Dorhauer talks with a member (off screen) before the second Service.

Rev. John Dorhauer gets ready for the worship service.

John's sermon was titled That they may all be one.

Rev. Dorhauer has the children eating out of his hand

but first, they have to have patience while he talks to them about patience - after which they received their promised toootsie pops.

[Parents - remember to sign your permission sheet so that we can include the rest of the children in this photo.]

Rev. Dorhauer councils the COGS Church Council

but first, in good COGS tradition, it is time to eat!

Getting down to business

John had some good advice for the Council - including that we should figure out in collaboration with our new pastor, what the primary mission of COGS is - capsulized in 7 words or less. Then current and future projects can be evaluated as to whether or not they further the primary mission.

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The choir kicks off the new season with a potluck
August 21, 2009

COGS choir members and spouses, friends, etc. gather for fun, food, and fellowship.

The game of bacci

It is a bit like lawn bowling. We had teams of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses - The sopranos won this one.

The game of corn hole

It is a popular game in the Midwest - a cross between horse shoes and bean bag toss.

Let her go!

You get to throw 4 times.

Scoring in corn holes

3 points if the bean bag goes into the hole and 1 point if it lands on the rack.

Enjoying the beautiful day

Congenial Conversations

Time to eat

We agree - the choir is off to a good start!

The full choir resumes rehearsals on Thursday evenings begining August 27th.

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The New Chairs have arrived
August 18, 2009

The band practices in front of all the new chairs on Thursday August 20. Note - there is a rack in the chair in front of you to place the hymnal.

A big thank you to everyone who helped move the old chairs out, unload the new chairs, and put them into place.

Close up of the new chairs.

Each chair has one armrest.

There are a few chairs for which COGS would still gratefully receive donations to help pay for them.

Trying out the new chairs

The new chairs were in place in the Sanctuary in time for the Worship Service on Sunday August 23 when Rev. John Dorhauer (our SW Conference Minister) was our guest preacher. (John is in the man in the foreground with the green shirt.

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The Book Club
August 17, 2009

The Book Club meets regularly, usually in a member's home. Here we are gathering in the kitchen.

Oh does that look yummy!.

Getting down to business

of reading and discussing.

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Nails and Tats Festival
August 16, 2009

The children moved from table to table for different activities.

Painting nails

[We have many more photos - including some neat face painting ones, but we need parents to turn in their signed permission forms - hint, hint.]

Taking a break

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Some of the COGS
substitute Preachers
August thru mid November 2009

Rev. Cindy Hutchinson returns to the COGS Pulpit - August 9.

COGS member Matt Smith -
August 16

This is Matt's second time presenting a message to COGS - this time on Wisdom.

One service down - one to go!

New Comers are greeted by Matt

It looks like you got mugged during the first service - we hope you come back and worship with us again.

SW Conference Minister John Dorhauer - August 23, 2009

meets, greets, preaches, and councils the COGS church council.

Candidate Rev. William Ingraham (Bill)
- September 13, 2009

Pastor Bill takes the mike after being introduced by the Moderator.

Bill preaching

after which there is a congregational meeting at which candidate Bill become Pastor elect of COGS to start his duties on November 16, 2009!

The Celtic Coyotes perform - September 27, 2009

during the service. Not only did they play music, but the two at the left - Douglas Cowen and Rev. Stephen Miller also dialogued the Sermon - on The Celtic Thread of Spirituality. This was the Sunday that we celebrated the 50th year of COGS.

Pastor_sub_Kirby_Lewis_children_09oct11_1

COGS member Rev. Kirby Lewis -
October 11

Kirby gives the children's sermon as well as the one for the adults in the congregation. He asks the children if the (words) Holy Ghost scares them; perhaps Holy Spirit is a less frightening.

An appreciative parishioner

thanks Kirby after the worship service.

David Zeuch, layperson from COGS -
October 18

David spoke to us on Diversity - a source of strength and a source of conflict. He made comparisons with events in Acts and happenings at COGS today.

COGS member Lanie Dickel -
October 25

This is Lanie's second time presenting a How to ... message to COGS - last time on Blessings; this time on Faith. She gave a brief overview of the first half of a book titled How GOD changes your brain. "God is great -- for your mental, physical, and spiritual health" is the finding of this controversial book.

Rev. Julie Taylor - an ordained minister and a musician.
November 1

Rev. Taylor as a Cantor sang the Call to Worship and then preached on Does God exist?

Here facing us is Julie with her husband of one week, Scott Swezy, chatting with some COGS members after the second worship service.

COGS member Rev. Ed Church -
November 8

prepares to give an interactive sermon - A workshop in a worship.

The children gather around

to listen to Ed's children's sermon.

COGS member Rev. Floyd Coppage -
November 15

prepares to give his sermon - Seriously, But Not literally.

Floyd was the last of the Substitute Preachers - our new Pastor Bill (Ingraham) gives the sermon on November 22 and thereafter.

COGS_sub_pastor_Rev_Coppage_kids_09nov15_2

A young worshiper

wearing a red Power Up COGS stewardship shirt.

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A typical COGS Sunday morning
August 2009

COGS musicians perform during the early service.

The Band plays

Announcements

Hospitality Hour

is held outside on the patio between worship services.

Some of the goodies

Enjoying the beautiful day

and the food and company.

Congenial Conversations

Backpacks for San Jose Elementary

School starts at San Jose Elementary on August 20. Donations of school supplies for the children runs through August and however long you want to give. If you are buying backpacks, please purchase the smaller ones. The Kindergarten-3rd grade children especially like the ones on wheels. Thank you for your generosity. You make a huge difference in the lives of the children.

Summer music during 2nd service

August 16th, the mostly Men's Ensemble sings a gospel song. August 23rd, the women's ensemble will sing.

The full choir resumes rehearsels on Thursday evenings begining August 27th.

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COGS cleanup day
Saturday August 15, 2009

Cleaning up the children's classrooms to get ready for the Fall Christian Education classes.

Getting there

Preparing the downstairs hallway for painting

At COGS, everyone helps.

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COGS Members attend benefit concert for Burn Center
August 08, 2009

Waiting in line for the gates to open.

Life is good!

Another happy couple

The benefit organizers did a good job setting up sufficient tables of food (dinner) so there was never a wait in a line.

Several dance groups performed

Here is one such dance troupe.

COGS members watch intently

The Burn Center benefit concert was very well done with a variety of performances - musical and dance.

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Farewell to our interim pastors -
Rev. Bruce and Rev. Carla Cunningham - August 02, 2009

Their last Worship Service at COGS.

Rev. Bruce and Rev. Carla sit with the congregation before the Worship Service begins - symbolic of their stepping down as our pastors after a year serving us.

Read their farewell message to COGS at the Pastor's Corner.

Announcement

about Project Share on the fifth Sunday in August -
Please sign up on this board re what food you will bring and/or whether you can help cook or serve at the Homeless Shelter.

Another Announcement

this time about a benefit concert -
Celebration of Life through Music & Dance
an awareness event for the UNMH Burn Center.

Passing of the Peace

Time to get up, move around, and greet one another.

A humorous joint sermon

The first sermon they preached when they arrived, was a joint sermon. Thereafter, they alternated who would give the sermon. Today, being their last sermon - it was another joint one.

The sermon got the congregation laughing

in part, because Carla and Bruce wondered out loud whether their marriage would survive the rest of the packing and long drive back home to Michigan.

Serving Communion

Receiving the bread

Singing the response after the benediction

completes the year of service to COGS by the Cunninghams.

It is now time to party!

The Farewell Potluck

About 100 friends gathered to wish Rev.s Bruce and Carla goodbye. Both the Secretary and Custodian of COGS attended to wish them well.

Overview of the party scene

Opening gifts

The Cuninghams received many farewell gifts - some of them humorous.

Rev. Bruce takes the mike to say Thank you

A special gift

A photograph of the snow-covered Sandias by which to remember their friends at COGS.

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Biloxi Mission - summer 09
Greetings and photos from John and Emily

One of the volunteer groups, from Connecticut, with the Back Bay Mission sign.

One of our projects

on Howard Avenue in Biloxi - we hope to finish this house before we leave.

Emily's office

I love working in the office on Wednesdays; I meet the homeless and low-income people and get to help them first hand.

A familiar scene - John working!

It's not all work!
John on the boat to Horn Island

Emily on the same boat

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Baby Shower (potluck) for Gwen Lewis
July 19, 2009

Friends gather at various tables in Fellowship Hall to eat lunch during the baby shower.

Gwen, the honoree (at right)

Friends enjoying themselves

Some COGS friends

Note the laundry lines hung with clothes for the new baby when it arrives.

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COGS outing to the Isotopes Game
July 16, 2009

Each summer we go to an Isotopes game - This year our team won!

The picnic before the game

COGS folks arrive in the stands

During the game

COGS Isotopes fans fill up a big section of the stands.

View of the Game from the stands

What dude is this?

Someone is ready to catch the ball.

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Installation Ceremony for the new Church Council
July 12, 2009

Individual photos of the Council members are posted on our Olan-Mills Photo Directory - which is reached via the Members page.

Pastor Bruce Cunningham reads the charge.

Laying on of Hands

Outgoing Council members lay their hands on the Incoming members as Pastor Carla Cunningham gives a prayer.

The New Council is now installed

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The Tomato Tornado Skit
July 12, 2009

The final cheer as a third young member did a cartwheel down the aisle! This was an action shot - to see an in-focus photo of all three cheer leaders - check out the bulletin board in the COGS hallway.

This is to remind you to bring your boxes of canned tomatoes and pasta to the church Service all during July. At the end of July, the goods will be put in a truck and brought to The Store House which gives out food to the hungry in the Albuquerque area all year long.

Moving stacks of tomatoes

We started loading up the tomato cans/boxes
Sunday July 26, 2009

Loading up the Store House truck

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COGS Children's Chalk Art
July 12, 2009

During the summer, the COGS children are playing outdoors - part of their activities on this Sunday included chalk art as seen here. The chalk on one young girl's hands matched her pale green dress!

Drawing of the church? on the far parking lot

The NO is to ask that you please not walk or drive across the art work.

Photos of the children are posted on the bulletin board in the COGS hallway.

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News from UCC General Synod
June 26 - 30, 2009

Pat Rosenak, Moderator of COGS, emails from the General Synod that they are having a wonderful, exhausting, spirit-filled experience. She sent these photos.

Grand Rapids, Michigan has rolled out the red carpet for us, including billboards welcoming the attendees. Of course, it helps that the mayor of Grand Rapids is a member of the UCC and told us last night that this is the largest convention (almost 4,000 attendees) the city has every hosted!

Downtown Grand Rapids

Architecture as Art - reflections

Attendees

Alissa Marquis, Southwest Conference Moderator; Pat and Bob Rosenak representing COGS, and John Dorhauer, SWC Minister

More Attendees from the Southwest Conference

Ernie and Pat Dunn from St. Paul's UCC, Rio Rancho, NM.

Theme - Immerse Yourself

The stage was decorated with a water theme including a working fountain and waterfall to enhance the theme Immerse Yourself.

Water imagery on stage

Another view of the stage

On Friday night, the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss and the choir and dance team from Trinity UCC in Chicago led the rousing, spirit-filled worship service..

Praise Song Advisory Team

Pat with hymn writer Jim Martin and his partner Jessica Dawson. Jim has 6 hymns in the new UCC Sing! Prayer and Praise hymnal.

The Praise Song Advisory Team was introduced on Sat morning and they related the story of the writing of this book. Then we sang some of the songs!!

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Meeting of one of the Dinners for Ten
groups includes a croquet match
Saturday evening June 27, 2009

The rains held off - the game gets underway against a beautiful mountain backdrop.

Appetizers

and the Winner is ...

[It was a close game! - see that yellow ball at left edge?]

Help yourselves

Sunset Colors

Dessert by the fire pit

closes out a wonderful evening of frivolity, food, and friendship.

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Tuesday evening Prayer Open House
June 23, 2009

The Tuesday evening prayer group held an Open House on June 23. Here are some of the participants at the end of the centering prayer, before the socializing.

Prayer group

The prayer group meets weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7 pm for about an hour or so in the COGS lounge. Although it is most beneficial when you come on a regular basis, drop-ins are welcome. Generally, first we do the evening prayer liturgy from the front of the hymnal followed by healing prayers for those who are lifted up by the people present or for individuals who have put in a request beforehand to either Kirby Lewis, our leader, or one of the interim pastors. We close the evening gathering with 20 minutes of centering prayer.

Participants have commented on the strong sense of spirituality felt within the group.

Let the socializing begin ...

Among the goodies was the left-over birthday cake (peeking out lower left) from Sunday's party celebrating Interim pastor Bruce's 80th birthday.

Nourishment for the body as well as the spirit.

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Surprise birthday celebrations
June 20-21, 2009
Rev. Bruce Cunningham turned 80
on June 20, 2009

When you turn 80, you follow the Chicago admonition - celebrate early and often!
- on the actual day and at church the following (Sun)day.

Birthday Congratulations to Rev. Bruce

It's no longer a surprise birthday party.

Cooking brats

[Are we referring to the cooks or the food?]

Eating

The cooks did a good job.

Now what?

How do we cut the cake?

Help arrives

A Perfect Saturday afternoon

for relaxing by the pool - isn't that Rev. Bruce on the right?

The Partying continues on Sunday

in Fellowship Hall after the second service. This time Bruce really was surprised!
A pristine, fresh chocolate cake awaits us.

It is not that easy to serve

Hold on! - there's a bit more frosting to give you.

Guess who turned 80

Congratulations!! [is it really that bad?]

Festivities, Fellowship, and Food

What more could you ask for on your 80th birthday?

Rev. Bruce - in the next years we wish you good health and happiness along with fond memories of your past interim year here with us at COGS.

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Project Share
Sunday, May 31, 2009

It is the fifth Sunday of the month so it is COGS turn to cook up the meal to serve at the Homeless shelter.

More food preparation

Organizers? keeping a watchful eye ...

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Waffle Breakfast for Sunday School kids, teachers, parents -
Sunday morning May 31, 2009

Here we are getting set up. Photos of the children setting up, getting served and eating at the tables will be posted at the church.

A stack of waffles is ready

Serving some waffles to a hungry recipient.

So many waffles were contributed that people attending the first Worship Service were encouraged to come down and eat some after the Service.

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One Dinners for Ten group has a picnic at the Zoo/Concert
Saturday, May 30, 2009

Here we are getting our picnic area set up.

Getting organized

Checking out some of the Zoo animals

Big Cats section of Zoo

The Zoo is pretty cool - we'll have to return sometime.

Serving up the food

A big spread of food

and was it ever yummy!

Eating

Concert Shell & Crowd

A wonderful evening of Gershwin - performed by the NMSO, its symphony chorus and guest pianist for the Rhapsody in Blue. The acoustics were remarkably good. ... and we did not get wet though the clouds were threatening and it was raining in spots in Albuquerque.

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Choir and Praise Band Potluck at Dickel's home
May 28, 2009

Last choir rehearsal before the summer break was a potluck. Two spouses relax on the back patio.

Picnic table group

They seem to be having a good time!

Better view of the group at the picnic table

The fellow at this end of the table seems a bit concerned that all the appetizers have been eaten. Didn't he see the chocolate cake?

A happy pair help clean up

Transitioning between the potluck and the choir practice

Most of the food was eaten up, including some delicious desserts. A choir member bones up on the music before choir practice begins.

Congestion in the doorway.

Waiting for the choir practice to begin.

Choir practice

Not the best acoustics but our neighbors enjoyed the singing anyway!

Everytime I feel the spirit, moving in my heart, I will pray.

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Are we there yet?
Children's Musical - during the Worship Service - May 17, 2009

The cover of the Sunday Bulletin.

Program for Children's Musical

The children were the Hebrews and their parents (et al.) were the Egyptians. Congratulations to the Cast, Music Director, Musicians, and Stage Hands for an incredible performance.

You will only see the Egyptians on the website - even though the kids stole the show! Come to the Church of the Good Shepherd to see photos of the children posted on the bulletin board.

A full Sanctuary

The congregation alias audience waits for the Sunday Service to begin. They await the musical with great anticipation.

Pharoah

The Hewbrews sing - Let my people go
Pharoah replies with an emphatic NO!

The Egyptians

The Egyptians (mostly parents) were quite the slave drivers over the Hebrews (their children)! ... but you wait - the Hebrews will be victorious.

The Parting of the Red Sea

As the Hebrews approach the Red Sea, the blue waters magically part and allow them to cross.

The Egyptians are not far behind

in hot pursuit of the Hebrews.

[Are those shields or has it been raining?]

The Red Sea closes up

and swallows the Egyptians.

The Ten Commandments

Moses climbs the mountain (left) and receives the stone tablets which he brings down to the Hebrews - under the watchful guidance of the Musical Director (right).

The golden calf

Alas, the Hebrews want a concrete idol to worship so they melt down their gold jewlery and make a golden calf.

Linda Gilmour leads the cast in a bow.

What an incredible, musical, action packed, and fun performance. We were enthralled for 40 minutes.

COGS has a great group of budding thespians. They are unlikely to forget the story of Moses and the Exodus as they have lived it - ... and neither will the congregation.

When is the next show?

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Forever Young trip to the Biopark Japanese Garden
May 12, 2009

Forever Young at the Biopark listening to the docent tell about European gardens.

Bob contemplates the gorgeous iris blossoms.

Japanese Garden

Our docent explains about the process involved in training pine trees in the Japanese garden.

There goes the train!

On the bridge overlooking the pond in the Japanese Garden.

The Forever Young group keeps young by enjoying their trips together!

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	New Preschool Banner joins the COGS one - May 4, 2009 Riding high in the cherry-picker to get the job done.

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	300 Kites for Climate Change - May 3, 2009 Several COGS families participated in the kite flying at the Mariposa Basin Park on Sunday afternoon - the event was sponsored by the First Unitarian Church, Albuquerque along with the NM Interfaith Power & Light, a group of faith communities (which includes COGS) that is working to reverse global climate change.