Rev. Eleanor A. Terry, Rector

2024-12-08 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor A. Terry, Rector

The Maile Moore Fund

In honor of their daughter, Maile Moore, Ed and Delia Moore have made a generous donation from her estate to the Mission Outreach Refuge Family Support fund. Maile, who died suddenly in the fall of 2023, was proficient in Arabic, having studied the language and lived in Cairo Egypt. During her years in Boston, she used her language skills volunteering with immigrants and refugees, helping them acclimate to and navigate through life in Boston. 

These are some stories of how this fund has been used thus far to further the efforts of our immigrant friends and neighbors in becoming more fully integrated and successful in American life.

Members of the Interfaith Partnership for Refugee Resettlement came to know of a family in need shortly after their arrival from Afghanistan in the fall of 2021. We did not yet have a sponsor family. The Afghan family was living in Maynard and the International Institute of New England (IINE) asked if we could help them with transportation to their Lowell office and various appointments. As we got to know this wonderful family, members of IPRR helped one daughter find employment at Acton Medical, obtained a car for them, and continued to stay in touch.

Last spring members of the Afghan family reached out to Reverend Ellie to inquire about using the kitchen to start a business. Their brand-new business could not afford the rental rate for the kitchen so Maile’s Fund is supplementing the difference between what the family can pay and the rental rate. The Fund has also covered the expense of essential kitchen items and a course, both required by the Board of Health. As their business improves, they will pay a greater share of the rent. As all who attended the November dinner that they catered can attest, they are wonderful cooks and their business, Afghan Food, has a bright future. To see for yourself, visit Afghan Food’s Facebook page to place an order.

The Fund was also used to buy 40 small value gift cards to Dunkin Donuts and Market Basket that (IINE) is giving to their English Language Students as rewards for perfect attendance. Students attend 6-9 hours of classes a week depending on the class level. It is an important commitment. There is the option of either in-person or online classes. Learning English is the single most effective route to improving employment opportunities. In October, ten students received prizes for 100% attendance!

We expect to tap Maile’s Fund in the near future to pay a portion of the cost of a driver’s education course for the eldest son in our Rohingya family. 

We hope Maile is watching with approval all of the ways that her generosity is helping our refugees to improve their lives.

Maile Moore

John Erickson

2024-12-01 Welcome & Engagement at Good Shepherd, John Erickson

Lorraine Summerfelt, Stewardship Team

The Rev. Eleanor Terry, Rector

Dave Hazen, Stewardship Team

2024-11-17, Discussion of Stewardship, Dave Hazen

Rev. Ken Schmidt

2024-11-17 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Ken Schmidt, Deacon (Ret.)

Good Shepherd is hiring: Parish Administrator

The Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) in Acton, MA, is a caring and inclusive community of faith, immersed in compelling worship, engaged in mission and outreach and caring for God’s creation. We are looking for a part-time parish administrator to manage our church office and direct our communications with the goal of connecting with our current members, and inviting the broader community to learn more about the church. This position requires 20 hours/week, Tuesday to Friday.

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinate communication of the Parish Office by answering phones, emails and written correspondence; welcoming visitors, renters and vendors during normal business hours.

  • Assemble and distribute the weekly email to the Parish (the E-blast).

  • Amplify communication through the Church’s social media channels (Facebook,

    Instagram, etc.).

• Format and print all worship bulletins for weekly Sunday services, Holy Days and special services such as funerals and weddings.

• Maintain and regularly update the Church website, as the hub for all news and information related to the Church.

  • Manage cyclical content updates related to the liturgical calendar (e.g., Holy day celebrations)

  • Coordinate and post timely summaries of the Church’s ministries adding new content whenever possible.

  • Make updates to the website as needed to reflect the Church’s current programming (e.g., Church school, adult formation).

• Maintain all parish records and membership roles using Breeze Church Management software.

• Develop annual calendar and participate in development of long-term schedule of events.

• Aid the Rector in overall management of the parish and its buildings. Oversee annual

  inspections (fire; Board of Health etc). Coordinate and schedule renters.

• Help to prepare bills and payroll.

• Perform other Office related tasks as needed.

PARISH ADMINISTRATOR CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Support a culture of welcome and connection in the life of the parish. Generate a sense of hospitality, warmth and openness.

• Ability to work closely with Rector and other church leaders to make a positive contribution to the life and ministry of the parish. Dedication to upholding the values and mission of the church. Commitment and ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Adept at writing short, easy-to-read articles for web postings and email. Skilled with word processing and simple publishing. Familiar with Apple computers a plus.

• Familiar with website content management systems. Knowledge of Squarespace is a plus.

• Familiar with email marketing platforms. Knowledge of Constant Contact is a plus.

• Familiar with Google Workspace apps (Gmail, Drive, Docs, etc.).

• Proficient in database management. Familiar with Breeze Church Management software a plus.

• Able to manage Facebook and Instagram social media postings.

If you are interested in making a positive contribution to our church, and you are a self-motivated, person with strong administrative, personal, and digital communication skills, please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information with the subject line “Parish Administrator Position” to our Rector, the Rev. Eleanor Terry at revelliecgs@gmail.com.

Stewardship Reflections

Three reflections on Outreach experiences at Church of the Good Shepherd

Rev. Eleanor A. Terry

2024-11-10 Gospel & Sermon, Rev. Eleanor A. Terry, Rector