January Newsletter

G O O D S H E P H E R D L U T H E R A N C H U R C H & S C H O O L

J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 2

A M E S S A G E F R O M

O U R P A S T O R

17171717So if anyone So if anyone So if anyone So if anyone

is in Christ, is in Christ, is in Christ, is in Christ,

there is a new there is a new there is a new there is a new

creation: every-creation: every-creation: every-creation: every-

thing old has thing old has thing old has thing old has

passed away; passed away; passed away; passed away;

see, everything see, everything see, everything see, everything

has become has become has become has become

new!new!new!new! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

A week or so ago nationally ac-claimed film critic Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun- Times wrote a scathing review of the recent movie New Year's Eve. He writes, “New Year’s Eve is a dreary plod through the sands of time until finally the last grain has trickled through the hourglass of cinematic sludge. How is it possible to assemble more than two dozen stars in a movie and find nothing interesting for any of them to do?” As we celebrate 2012 and we plot out our calendar for the year, are we making the most of our time and our star power? Our days have been filled with endless chores and so many must-do mundane tasks that we may have felt like we were on a dreary plod through the sludge of life. But that was then and this is now. This year can be different. This year will be different! We can order our days and change our ways and God wants to give us the support and guidance we need! Just as those early Magi were guided by the bril-liant star to Christ, so we too are called and drawn to our Lord for transformation and liberation. We don’t need to be an extra in a B- movie but can be a star in God’s block-busting, action-packed love for the world story! No auditions are necessary. God has been watch-ing you and knows you are exactly

the right person to play yourself. God will star as the creator, redeemer, and sanctifier and will use every method and means to overwhelm you with the most genuine and unconditional love in all of creation! This year come to Good Shepherd weekly for worship and to our Sunday Christian education offerings. Join us Thursdays for Lectio Divina Bible Study and for Meditation and Center-ing Prayer. Join a ministry team and come monthly to our All-Committee/Ministry Team Night and to the many other fellowship and worship opportu-nities that happen throughout the year. Choosing to fill your calendar with God’s nourishing opportunities here at Good Shepherd will change your life for the better and forever! Now is the right time to stop reading this letter and to get out your smartphone or day planner and get serious about your accepting God’s gracious casting call. God wants to rescue you from a dull role and make you a star! God wants to pour His love into you so you will shine for Him in all that you do! Like that first Epiphany Star God knows you have a brilliant future and that future starts now! Shining brightly in God’s service together,

Pastor Eric Olaf OIsen

Dear Faithful People of Good Shepherd:

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL 99 Central Park Road, Plainview, NY 11803

Phone: 516-349-1966 Fax: 516-349-8438 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.ourshepherdlives.org

Ministers: The Members of Good Shepherd Reverend Eric O. Olsen, Pastor

Judy R. Hinsch, A.I.M., School Director Teresa Ratkowski, Director of Choir and Organist

Maureen Cooke, Church Secretary/Newsletter Editor Lindsay Kuefner, School Secretary

Ed Indellicati, Accountant/Bookkeeper John E. Menig, Jr., Sexton

Bobby Lang, Sexton

Our property Team is on a constant quest to keep our church, school and parsonage in the best shape possible. Here are some projects in the works:

✛ The new windows for the church by the choir and be-hind the have been installed and look great! This will help reduce the heating costs of the church.

✛ The new AC/Heating units have been installed in Church. Now we will be toasty in the cold winter and nice and cool in the summer. This should increase our summer attendance.

✛ The electrical panels in the church boiler room were long overdue to be replaced, but now we have new boxes. A new set of outlets have also been installed in the east end of the Narthex so we can now perk our coffee without worrying about blowing a fuse!

✛ New energy –efficient LED flood lights have been re-ceived and installed to brighten the front of the church, so how bright we are! The use of LED lighting helps use reduce our electrical consumption.

✛ Our new snow blower is ready for operation—as are our sextons— so bring on the snow!

✛ The men’s and ladies’ bathrooms in the church have been repainted a nice neutral color, and baby changing stations have been added to both bathrooms. The la-dies’ room will also be getting a new tile floor and plans for new sinks are in order.

✛ The new energy-efficient lights have been installed in the gym and what a difference! The gym has never looked so bright!

✛ The parsonage has been under much work, with many thanks to Pastor Olsen’s father for his tireless crafts-manship. Four new windows are currently on order, and we are tackling one project after another. The oil burner is in desperate need of replacement as well as both front and back doors. Both projects are in motion. Thanks to Pastor and Lisa for their continued patience. It’s an old beautiful house, and it needs work.

The property is a constant work in motion. If you see some-thing on the grounds that needs attention, feel free drop me an email at [email protected] God Bless!

Mr. Wayne Ludewig The team met with KDA Architects to explore ideas for ex-pansion and improvements needed on our campus. KDA is a plan-ning and design firm founded in 1969, whose most recent project was the expansion design for The Wartburg Adult Care Facility in Mount Vernon, NY. The project will address the plausibility of the following items:

• Assess existing building/campus needs including a review of the existing HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems and equipment.

• Recommend general building repairs and upgrades and code compliance.

• Explore potential new building to link both Church and School buildings to include a welcome center, fellowship space, administrative offices, meeting room, rest rooms and kitchenette.

• New permanent classroom in existing School Administration space to replace temporary classroom in Gym.

• New Youth room adjacent to Gym

• New Adult Day Care space

• Create main entry covered drop off in conjunction with addi-tion.

The goal of this exercise is to explore planning options and test ideas about improving the campus.

Mrs. Mary Wiegert

In a sure and certain hope of the resurrection to eter-nal life in Christ Jesus, we commend Dennis Hickey and Fred Sauter, beloved children of God, to God’s almighty keeping. Dennis Hickey was John & Bonnie McGowan’s 28 year old nephew, and Fred Sauter, Lori Mason’s 72 year old brother. A Wisconsin resi-dent, Fred grew up and was confirmed here at Good Shepherd. He served in the US Navy, worked as a systems analyst and was an avid reader. Please keep Bonnie & John and the Hickey family & friends in your prayers as well as Lori & Jim and the Sauter family & friends.

DATEDATEDATEDATE SERVICESERVICESERVICESERVICE ASSISTING MINISTERASSISTING MINISTERASSISTING MINISTERASSISTING MINISTER LECTORLECTORLECTORLECTOR ACOLYTE(S)ACOLYTE(S)ACOLYTE(S)ACOLYTE(S)

December 31 & January 1

First Sunday of Christmas

5:30 p.m. 10:00 a.m.

Ellen Sangesland John Hinsch

Ellen Sangesland Marilyn Benner

January 7 & 8

Epiphany of our Lord

5:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Lori Mason

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Judy Hinsch

TBA TBA Zachary Vollono

January 14 & 15

Second Sunday after Epiphany

5:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed John Schwaninger

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Danielle Vollono

TBA TBA Danielle Vollono

January 21 & 22

Third Sunday after Epiphany

5:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Marilyn Benner

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Lori Mason

TBA TBA Michaela Pietrofere

January 28 & 29

Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

5:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Anne Rickmeyer

Volunteer Needed Volunteer Needed Anne Rickmeyer

TBA TBA Robbie Pietrofere

TBA TBA

FLOWERSFLOWERSFLOWERSFLOWERS

none

Kitty Hall

Kitty Hall

Gunhild Schabel & Nancy Stingelin

Gunhild Schabel & Nancy Stingelin

Altar Care during the month of January: Anne RickmeyerAltar Care during the month of January: Anne RickmeyerAltar Care during the month of January: Anne RickmeyerAltar Care during the month of January: Anne Rickmeyer

Thanks to our congregation’s faithfulness, generosity and dedication, “Our Faith in Action” 2012 Campaign is off to a great start!! Your prayerful decision to share your treasure for God’s mission here at Good Shepherd is proof of your Faith in Action!

Thanks be to God, we are happy to report at this time we’ve received 75 pledge units for 2012! If you did not get an opportunity to submit your pledge card, it’s not too late. Feel free to bring it on Sunday or mail it to the Church office by the end of January.

According to II Corinthians 8:7,13–14, “But just as you excel in everything, - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

We give thanks to all of you for your faithful commitment to serve Christ in our ministry at Good Shepherd. We give special thanks to Anne Rickmeyer, Mary Wiegert, and Wayne Ludewig for their wonderful and unique temple talks that helped launch our 2012 Stewardship Campaign. We also appreciate Dr. Jonathan Linman’s spiritual stewardship discussion at the adult forum and sermon on Reformation Sunday. God bless you all and have a happy and healthy new year!!!

Yours in Christ,

The Stewardship Committee

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T H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N GT H O S E P R E P A R I N G

F O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T RF O R O R D A I N E D M I N I S T R YYYY

T H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E DT H O S E I N N E E D

O F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N GO F H E A L I N G

WE PRAY FOR...

Bodey Johnson (Carl & Carol Burfeindt’s relative), Susan Dowd (Maisch Family friend), Lucinda Rummel (Beverly Strack’s sister), Eleanor Davis, Diane Helmers, Justin Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew) and his parents, Christine & Tom Greenwood, Richard Mendelsohn (Nancy Stingelin’s in law), Kristin Muli (Nancy Stingelin’s daugh-ter in law), Jason Damiano (Anna’s grand-son), Ross Dux (Irma Carlson’s great-nephew), Sara Hill (Jim Mason’s sister), Chris Cucci and his family, Warren Wiegert, Bea McCabe, Ethel Batchelder, Mike Adams (Maureen Cooke’s brother-in-law), Robert Picciano, Joseph Portela (Lois Kazarian’s friend), Garrett Hall (Ronn Hall’s nephew), Carol Gross (Fred & Loretta Ruff’s friend), William Jakubowski, Dorothy Cronin, Mar-tin Boltizar (Louise Lamont’s cousin), Mi-chael Hoops, Joe Berardino, Meghan Ortega (Pastor Eric’s niece), Gary Lang (Peggy’s relative), Ed Simmons (Pastor Eric’s friends), Sonny Carfora (Ruth Strakele’s sis-ter), Ruth Odwazny, Ryan Faret & his fam-ily, Tyler LaGois, Genevieve Sounia, Dr. Stanley Bartkow, Joy Parisey & Jerry Can-nizzaro (GSL teacher Cindy Cannizzaro’s sister and father-in-law); Susan Boettcher (John McGowan’s sister), Paul Hinsch, John Binsfeld (Benner family friend), Maureen Araujo, Henry Kirschbaum (Lori Tollefsen’s uncle), Jay Boryea (Paul Hinsch’s friend), Ken Dixon (Pastor Eric’s friend), Deb Gebhart (Ruff Family Friend), Sven Faret (Gunhild Schabel’s son), Reverend Patricia Large (Lori Mason’s cousin), Diane Lisa (Cathy Vollono’s friend), Janice Ridings (Rickmeyer family friend), Francis Lee (Helen Kopf’s son), Lynne Carlson (Irma’s daughter-in-law), Mary Ellen Moyse (George’s wife), Don and Francine Unger (Katalina Paterakis’s grandparents), Joyce Tare, Jake (Maisch family friend) and his family, Ian Spadaro (Dottie’s grandson), James Fields (Vincent and Dorothy Cronin’s nephew), Mary Gessing (Dorothy and Vin-cent Cronin’s cousin), and Rita Cunningham (Cronin family friend).

T H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N GT H O S E S E R V I N G

I N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R YI N T H E M I L I T A R Y

USMC Lance Corporal Nicholas Ventrelli-O’Connell (Patty Larson’s family friend), David Jacobs (Joyce Tare’s nephew, Alec & Madison’s cousin), CPT. Paul Rickmeyer, Major Phillip Sounia, MSgt. Richard Miranda, Christopher Zito (Mary Knotek’s friend), Sgt. Vincent Mezick, Spe-cialist Sean Hassett (Lori Mason’s cousin).

Roger Griffith

The Mason/Sauter family, the Hickey/McGowan family, and the family & friends of Fred Sauter, Dennis Hickey, Armand Fama & Ed Tappen.

T H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V IT H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V I N GN GN GN G

Please e-mail all articles for inclusion in the February newsletter

no later than

Wednesday, January 18th, January 18th, January 18th, January 18th, to

[email protected]@[email protected]@ourshepherdlives.org

Carol & Karl Burfeindt Carol & Karl Burfeindt Carol & Karl Burfeindt Carol & Karl Burfeindt ———— 63 Years 63 Years 63 Years 63 Years

Andrew & Kristina Jordan Andrew & Kristina Jordan Andrew & Kristina Jordan Andrew & Kristina Jordan ———— 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year

Helga & William Mitze Helga & William Mitze Helga & William Mitze Helga & William Mitze ———— 63 Years 63 Years 63 Years 63 Years

Mary & Warren Wiegert Mary & Warren Wiegert Mary & Warren Wiegert Mary & Warren Wiegert ———— 31 Years 31 Years 31 Years 31 Years

JANUARY

Liam Broggy

Virginia Brown — 85

Danielle DeFilippis — 15

Debbie Dexter

Mikayla DiMartini

Diana Fox

Allison Haupt

Gavin Jansky — 1

Grayson Kies

Keegan McGowan — 21

Trinity Parisey

Austen Passolo

Bailey Smith — 1

Nichole Tollefsen — 10

The Resume of Jesus ChristThe Resume of Jesus ChristThe Resume of Jesus ChristThe Resume of Jesus Christ

Address: Ephesians 1:20Address: Ephesians 1:20Address: Ephesians 1:20Address: Ephesians 1:20

Phone: Romans 10:13

Website: The Bible . Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus Keywords: Christ, Lord, Savior and Jesus

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Objective

My name is Jesus My name is Jesus My name is Jesus My name is Jesus ----The Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seekingThe Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seekingThe Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seekingThe Christ. Many call me Lord! I've sent you my resume because I'm seeking the top management the top management the top management the top management position position position position

in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.in your heart. Please consider my accomplishments as set forth in my resume.

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Qualifications

I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19)I founded the earth and established the heavens, (See Proverbs 3:19) I formed man from the dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7) dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7) dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7) dust of the ground, (See Genesis 2:7) I breathed into man the breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7) breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7) breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7) breath of life, (See Genesis 2:7) I redeemed man from the curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13) curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13) curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13) curse of the law, (See Galatians 3:13)

The blessings of the Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14) Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14) Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14) Abrahamic Covenant comes upon your life through me, (See Galatians 3:14)

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Occupational Background Background Background Background

I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ).I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ).I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ).I've only had one employer, (See Luke 2:49 ). I've never been tardy, absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful. absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful. absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful. absent, disobedient, slothful or disrespectful.

My employer has nothing but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 but rave reviews for me, (See Matthew 3:15 ----17)17)17)17)

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Skills Work Experiences Experiences Experiences Experiences

Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting Some of my skills and work experiences include: empowering the poor to be poor no more, healing the brokenhearted, setting the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18).the captives free, healing the sick, restoring sight to the blind and setting at liberty them that are bruised, (See Luke 4:18). I am a Wonderful Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Prov- Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Prov- Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Prov- Counselor, (See Isaiah 9:6). People who listen to me shall dwell safely and shall not fear evil, (See Prov-erbs 1:33 ).erbs 1:33 ).erbs 1:33 ).erbs 1:33 ).

Most importantly, I have the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7 the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7 the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7 the authority, ability and power to cleanse you of your sins, (See I John 1:7----9)9)9)9)

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Educational Background Background Background Background

I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6).I encompass the entire breadth and length of knowledge, wisdom and understanding, (See Proverbs 2:6). In me are hid all of the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3). treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3). treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3). treasures of wisdom and knowledge, (See Colossians 2:3). My Word is so powerful; it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms it has been described as being a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path, (See Psalms 119:105).119:105).119:105).119:105).

I can even tell you all of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21). of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21). of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21). of the secrets of your heart, (See Psalms 44:21).

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Major Accomplishments

I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ).I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ).I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ).I was an active participant in the greatest Summit Meeting of all times, (See Genesis 1:26 ). I laid down my life so that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ). that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ). that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ). that you may live, (See II Corinthians 5:15 ). I defeated the arch enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ). enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ). enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ). enemy of God and mankind and made a show of them openly, (See Colossians 2:15 ). I've miraculously fed the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead! the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead! the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead! the poor, healed the sick and raised the dead! There are many more major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is lo- major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is lo- major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is lo- major accomplishments, too many to mention here. You can read them on my website, which is lo-

cated at: www dot cated at: www dot cated at: www dot cated at: www dot ---- the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website. the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website. the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website. the BIBLE. You don't need an Internet connection or computer to access my website.

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References

Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatu-Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatu-Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatu-Believers and followers worldwide will testify to my divine healing, salvation, deliverance, miracles, restoration and supernatu-

ral guidance.ral guidance.ral guidance.ral guidance.

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In Summation

Now that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in yourNow that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in yourNow that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in yourNow that you've read my resume, I'm confident that I'm the only candidate uniquely qualified to fill this vital position in your heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5heart. In summation, I will properly direct your paths, (See Proverbs 3:5----6), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:476), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:476), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:476), and lead you into everlasting life, (See John 6:47 ). ). ). ).

When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).When can I start? Time is of the essence, (See Hebrews 3:15 ).

UPDATE FOR JANUARY 2012

WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN: NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER

Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools

How many times have you made a New Year’s

Resolution just to become frustrated at not being

able to continue the new habit within the first few

weeks and finally admit failure? Don’t give up yet!

This year, apply a couple of techniques that are

proven to work. Here are some mental health tips

that, once understood, can make all the difference:

✛ Begin by writing down in minute details the

reasons why you want to change a certain be-

havior such as losing 15 pounds, incorporating

exercise into your day, etc. Be sure that you

honestly write down all the problems that your

negative habit (such as overeating or being a

couch potato) creates in your life.

✛ Then, write down what your life would be like if

you made this change. If your goal is to lose

fifteen pounds, imagine that you have lost the

weight and write down all the wonderful conse-

quences of the achievement, such as dropping

two dress sizes, looking better in your clothes,

being admired by others, feeling better, de-

creasing your blood pressure and cholesterol,

etc. Let yourself fantasize about all the great

results this would bring in your life.

✛ Once you truly understand how important it is

for you to make this life change, make a con-

scious effort to stop any negative mental chat-

ter in your head. We all have mental chatter

but most of us are unaware that the state of

our mental chatter, whether negative or posi-

tive, determines what we do with our lives.

Negative or demeaning mental chatter often

puts unnecessary limits on what you can

achieve and keeps you from needed personal

growth. Don’t allow this to happen.

✛ In order to “re-train” your mental voice, con-

sciously stop the negative chatter as soon as it

occurs and change it into a positive statement

about your abilities. When you do this over

and over, it will become a habit and you will

believe in your ability to make the desired

change. Once the chatter is more positive

through this “re-training” process, it can actu-

ally be supportive of your efforts. The lesson

this teaches is that, incredibly, our perception

of our world matches our real world.

✛ Get rid of the “me-centered” universe. If you

interpret whatever happens to you in terms of

“What impact does it have on me?”, it will be

very difficult for you to see how any changes

can be made. The only way you will be aware

that you have options is to depersonalize

changes and look at your decisions based on

bringing the greater good to bear, regardless of

the momentary discomfort you may feel.

✛ Choose a detailed, specific plan of how to obtain

your goal, break it down into small steps, and

go SLOWLY. Give yourself plenty of time to get

used to practicing the first step before adding a

second step. For instance, if you want to incor-

porate exercise into your morning routine, prac-

tice getting up an hour earlier than usual for

two weeks before you actually begin the exer-

cise program. You will get used to the changes

gradually and be more likely to accept them.

✛ When you have accomplished your goal for the

first week, reward yourself. Keep a journal of

your progress and give yourself credit for your

small achievements along the way. Frequently

re-read the section describing what your life will

be like once your goal is accomplished and take

it one day at a time.

If you or someone you know is in need of counsel-ing support for this or any other mental health is-sue, please call the Lutheran Counseling Center at 516-741-0994 or 1-800-317-1173 or e-mail us at

[email protected]. LCC has seven counseling sites over the New York metropolitan and surrounding area.

MAKING SIGNIFICANT, LASTING CHANGES IN YOUR LIFE by Molly W. Blancke, MPA, Executive Director

“Change is hard because people overestimate the value of what they have and underestimate the value of what they may gain by giving that up”. from The Flight of the Buffalo by Belasco/Stayer

The bells that we heard ringing during the service on Christmas day were heavenly! Sadly, our Plainview community has not heard the church bells of Good Shepherd ring in over a year because of damage to our carillon. We are in the process of trying to raise money to restore that joyful noise and need $20,000 to once again fill the air with music of praise to our Lord. If you are so moved by the spirit to Christmas witness with the music of bells and would like to make a donation, please contact the church office at [email protected], 516-349-1966, or Pastor Eric at 716-352-0055.

Thank You!

If you have not had the pleasure of participating in our Meditation & Centering Prayer or our Lectio Divina Bible Study, please consider making a new year’s resolution to drop by on a Thursday morn-

ing at 10:00 a.m. for the Meditation & Centering Prayer and 10:30 a.m. for Lectio Divina Bible Study.

Mornings just won’t work for you? We do it again every Thursday

evening at 7:30 p.m. for Lectio Divina Bible Study followed by our Medita-tion & Centering Prayer at 8:30 p.m.

What a fine note to either begin or end your day on! What a f i n e

note to begin the new year on! You are certain to find this group personally rewarding and will be glad you came!