GOOD SHEPHERD YOUTH PILGRIMAGE
A SACRAMENTAL JOURNEY

This past Monday morning, we bid bon voyage (kalo’ taxidi in Greek) to six of our Good Shepherd pilgrims and their three chaperones. Porter+, Bunny+ and I sent them off with a special Eucharist.

 In the little homily I gave I shared with them that my prayer for the past year and the coming days ahead was that their pilgrimage would be a sacramental journey they would never forget.

I wanted to make sure that they understood what the word sacrament implied. A sacrament is simply when something holy happens. A sacrament is what happens when, for a moment of grace, we catch a glimpse of how precious and mysterious life is. A sacramental experience reconnects us with God, who made us for himself.

As an example of one of the official sacraments in the church, I used the Eucharist, which we experience just about every time we come together in worship. As we receive the tangible bread and wine, we experience the sacrifice of Jesus’ body and blood willingly given to his people. Through that sacrifice, we receive forgiveness and our union with Christ is strengthened. 

Needless to say, the church isn’t the only place where the holy happens. Sacramental moments can occur at any time, in any place, and to anybody. Every day in Greece, our pilgrims are going to experience many beautiful and holy places. They are going to learn all about the struggles that the new churches that Paul planted experienced. They will learn how those churches prevailed against significant odds against them.

My prayer is that their sacramental journey will lead them to realize that life itself is sacramental.

Peace,
Joe+

REEL FAITH
God in the Movies continues Wednesday, July 23rd with the film Les Misérables (1998).  Join us as we explore faith and life lessons through this inspiring film. We’ll gather for a potluck dinner at 5:30 PM, followed by discussion at 6:00 PM. Nursery care is provided. Watch the movie in advance and come ready to share—everyone is welcome!

KERYGMA: RENEWING THE PULPIT
We are thrilled to host the Second Annual Kerygma Conference, a dynamic, ecumenical preaching event where preachers and listeners alike gather to explore the power and art of proclamation.

This year’s conference features four inspiring preacher-presenters, each delivering a sermon that speaks deeply to the soul. Following each sermon, they will offer an engaging presentation that unpacks their message, sharing the homiletical decisions, theological depth, and practical insights that shaped their approach.

We’ll conclude the day with a lively roundtable Q&A, giving participants a chance to ask questions and dive deeper into the craft of preaching in today’s world.Kerygma is designed for those who preach and those who listen—a journey of discipleship, renewal, and empowerment as we seek to proclaim the unchanging gospel in an ever-changing world. Click here to register.

A NOTE FROM THE RECTOR
The exciting series that Lauren is putting together is exactly what we envisioned when she joined our team as Parish Nurse. The intersection of faith and health (physical and mental) is so important, and yet, we sadly don’t talk enough about the very things that keep us up at night. I hope that you will be able to join us for this important event. Please invite your friends, neighbors, and family to attend as well. This initiative is unique among Episcopal churches, and I am grateful to Lauren for helping Good Shepherd lead the way!

Peace,
Porter+

MEN'S NIGHT
Join the men of Good Shepherd on, Tuesday, August 5th at 6:00pm in the Small Parish Hall. Bring a friend and enjoy a delicious meal featuring grilled pork chops, rice with mushroom gravy, salad, and banana pudding.

SAVE THE DATE: MINISTRY MEET & MATCH
On August 17th, we will be having one combined service at 10am for the Blessing of the Backpacks with the Parish Picnic immediately following the service. We will also have our first ever Ministry Meet & Match! The Ministry Meet & Match is a great opportunity to learn about the ministries that we have here at Good Shepherd and get involved. Please also remember to bring new school supplies for our School Supply Drive to benefit Monte Sano Elementary School.

SAVE THE DATE: CHILDREN'S CHOIR OLYMPICS (K - 8)
Saturday, August 9th, all K-8th graders are invited to the Choir Olympics! This event is a day of learning, athletic competition, and singing for all children, regardless of past choir participation. Please sign up here.

Drop-off is at 9:30am and pickup is at 3:30pm. Lunch and snack will be provided. Attire is athletic.

WE ARE UPDATING OUR PARISH DIRECTORY!
Mark your calendars to have your photo taken for the Parish Directory!
Jerry Woods will be at the church on Sunday, September 7th, 14th, and 21st from 8am until 11am, taking photos for the 8:30 and 11am services, and will also be here on Sunday, September 14th at 5:30pm, taking photos for the 6pm service.

Please pick one of the days listed that works for you to come and have your photo taken! Please click here and fill it out with your updated information.

KANUGA WEEKEND - HAVE YOU SIGNED UP YET?
Join us for a beautiful fall weekend in the North Carolina mountains, September 26–28, 2025, at Kanuga! This fun-filled parish retreat includes activities for all ages—kids and youth programs, s’mores by the fire, a block party, lakefront campfire and drinks, movie and game night, hiking, and more.

You won’t want to miss it! Pick up a registration form in the lobby or sign up online at bit.ly/gskanuga. The registration deadline is August 26th.

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS
We’re open Monday–Thursday from 8am to 4pm. The office will close at noon on Fridays through the summer.

SPECIAL GIVING: TEXAS HILL COUNTRY FLOOD RELIEF
Parishes and dioceses across the Episcopal Church are responding to the devastating floods in the Diocese of West Texas with support and contributions. I will be contributing funds out of my discretionary to Bishop Read and the Diocese of West Texas and I encourage Good Shepherd parishioners to do the same. Contributions can be made directly to the Diocese and all donations are tax-deductible. To contribute electronically, please click here.

"The Bishops of West Texas are grateful for your prayers and financial support for the flood victims in the communities within the Diocese of West Texas. All funds will be used to help the impacted areas from the flooding which occurred July 4th. Thank you in advance for your big prayers, messages of support and generous contributions. It is at such a time as this that the relationships we share in West Texas are most valuable. Jesus tells us the world will know we are his followers if we have love one another.  Let us reach out in love for those who are hurting in the Hill Country today." Diocese of West Texas, Bishops the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., and the Rt. Rev. Angela Maria Cortiñas.

COGS
We are supporting two local organizations, The Byllesby Center and Cancer Support Services, with their needs through the summer.

• The Byllesby Center- You can help by donating hydrating drinks such as Gatorade, PowerAde, electrolyte packets, etc.—drop them off in the cooler at the Church Office.
• Cancer Support Services Lydia Lodge- Please consider donating the following: disinfectant wipes, Scrubbing Bubbles bathroom cleaner, small (4 gallon) trash bags, large (30 gallon) trash bags, coffee pods (for Keurig coffee maker), laundry pods, potato chips and other snacks in individual serving packages. Drop items off in the Church Office.

Thank you for serving our community through the support of these special organizations.

Head to the Shell Newsletter for details & to sign up for upcoming events.
For any questions, email mgwynn@goodshepherd-augusta.org.

Sunday, July 20th

8:30 am

Organist,  Elizabeth Gatter

Musicians, St. Gregory's Choir

LLM, David Lentz, Kelley Norris

Verger, Ed Enoch

Acolytes, Eliza McCutcheon, Caroline McCutcheon

Ushers,  Paul Trotter, Mike Sanders

11:00 am

Organist,  Elizabeth Gatter

Musicians, The Good Shepherd Choir

LLM, Lynn Smith, Yvonne Harrison

Verger, Choppy Woodward

Ushers, Woody Schuler, George Sancken

6:00 pm

Organist,  Elizabeth Gatter

LLM, Jim Price, Faith Moore

All Services

Altar Guild, Team VI

Vestry Person of the Day,  Coles Hull Doyle

CHILDREN’S FORMATION RESUMES AUGUST 25th 

•  Three Year Olds: Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Room 305

•  PK-K: Level I Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Room 306

•  1st-3rd Grades: Level II Catechesis  of the Good Shepherd, Room 304

•  4th and 5th Grades: Weaving God’s Promises, Room 302

STUDENT FORMATION: 

•  Rite-13: Lead by Jessica Perry and Taylor McCutcheon, Room 208

•  J2A: Lead by Katie Wynn and Brice Wright, Room 303

ADULT FORMATION: 

•  Sawmill Theology with Ken Hardy: Classes will meet in the conference room at 9:45am.

•  Rector's Forum this Sunday: Meet in the Parish Hall at 9:45am

Back to the Bible Groups (for more info, go to goodshepherd-augusta.org/b2b)

• Sundays, 10 am & 4:30 pm (Bride's Room)
  • 4 pm at the home of Nancy Sutherland
• Tuesdays, 4 pm (Bride's Room)
• Wednesdays, 11 am (Bride's Room)
• Thursdays, 5:30 pm