This document contains a multi-paragraph sermon from a pastor addressing their congregation. The pastor discusses the importance of using time wisely to continue Jesus' mission of spreading love, and encourages the congregation to regroup and strategize ways to effectively carry out their loving mission. Recent events like the accidental drowning of three children are mentioned as a reminder of the brevity of life. The congregation is thanked for their accomplishments over the past year and goals for the coming year are outlined.

1. Then JesusThen JesusThen JesusThen Jesus
said untosaid untosaid untosaid unto
them, thethem, thethem, thethem, the
decisivedecisivedecisivedecisive
time for metime for metime for metime for me
has not yethas not yethas not yethas not yet
arrived, butarrived, butarrived, butarrived, but
the decisivethe decisivethe decisivethe decisive
time for youtime for youtime for youtime for you
is at hand.is at hand.is at hand.is at hand.
(John 7:6, my translation)
On this past July 4th
, as most of us enjoyed
the fireworks display from a place of comfort
and safety, a boat filled with friends capsized in
the waters of Cold Spring Harbor. Three chil-
dren, 11-year-old Harlie Treanor, 7-year-old Vic-
toria Gaines, and Victoria's 12-year-old cousin,
David Aureliano, all died in the accident. Often
we read the names of “victims” and after a few
days, along with the media, we seem to forget
their names and their family’s on going strug-
gles. I was at the funeral home Sunday night
leading a worship service for another family, and
one of the directors informed me that Victoria’s
wake was in the adjacent room. I entered the
room and spoke with Victoria’s parents and
young brother and embraced them. I told them
that the people of Good Shepherd prayed for
their family at our worship gathering earlier that
day and will continue to do so. I asked if I could
lead some prayers of comfort, and they allowed
me that privilege. I reminded them that little
Victoria was a lamb of God and that Jesus
would always be her shepherd. After the
prayers, I knelt before Victoria and wept.
While most of us are quite aware of the
probability and frequency of accidents, acts of
violence, and acute terminal illnesses which are
indiscriminant of age, our awareness is often
buried deep and shackled in one of those Pan-
dora type boxes residing somewhere on the edge
of consciousness. Those boxes do, however,
make an anxious rattle and rudely awaken us
from our slumber of denial when we are thrust
into situations that cause us to question the
injustice of premature death. Maybe it is be-
cause of the spiritual wrestling I have done since
9/11 and the ministry of consolation that I have
been entrusted with since, but I have found it
hard to turn over and rejoin that slumber of de-
nial. Time is of the essence. The time we have
left on this terrestrial ball is a time that seems too
short (to quote a familiar prayer from our funeral
liturgy). As Jesus said, when addressing his
brothers, “…the decisive time for you is at hand.”
Jesus lived only till his early thirties and
was engaged full time in active ministry for only
a few years. During that seemingly short time,
however, he was wide-awake and did not hesitate
to use each moment of engagement to rouse oth-
ers to the reality that the time for ignorance and
denial was over. Jesus knew his time was to be
sacrificial. The climax of Jesus’ ministry would
be the cross, the ultimate wake up call for all
who believe. In John’s gospel when he ad-
dresses his brothers prior to the feast of taber-
nacles, they are tired of Jesus’ wake up calls
and they want to snooze. They are trying to
get Jesus to go to Judea- away from Galilee,
but Jesus knows that he is a marked man and
that he has some loose ends to tie up before
that great moment of salvation. He calculates
his moves and sneaks into position at the festi-
val in the most effective location at the temple
and teaches with precision. You get the feeling
that the plan is executed carefully with no
wasted movements. (Take a moment and read
again John chapter 7)
You and I were awakened by Jesus and
have been given a special assignment in the
divine mission. Time is of the essence! Like
the brothers of Jesus and the disciples in Geth-
semane, we often prefer to bury our head un-
der the pillow, but Jesus keeps calling us,
splashing baptismal water on us, ringing bells
to call us to worship, tugging at our ears
through the reading of his word, sending us
messengers of love in our time of need. God
calculated his moves and empowered his chil-
dren 60 years ago to create The Church of The
Good Shepherd- Lutheran in Plainview, New
York to wake up our community to the sound
of the good news of eternal life through faith in
Jesus. God has not wasted a moment of his
time on you or me. We were singled out to
continue Christ’s divine mission. We stand
brave together even when confronted with the
gross injustice of premature death because we
know that there is a resurrection that Jesus
won for all those who love him. We know
that God’s final word for us is life and we need
to help and get the word out!
So let us start to regroup and strategize on
how to effectively carry on the mission of love.
Let us come to worship and wipe the sleet
from our eyes and clear our throats with a
hymn. Time is of the essence, let us stretch,
train, plan and execute our loving mission TO-
DAY.
Awake in Christ,
Reverend Eric Olaf Olsen
Pastor
Dear Faithful People of Good Shepherd:
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 U L Y / A U G U S T 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

2. As we come to the close of our fis-
cal and active year, it is good for us
to look back at this past year and
what we have accomplished.
There is much that we have ac-
complished, and we should be
proud of what has been done and
thank God for His blessing and
guidance in this work.
✛ There has been growth in membership.
✛ There has been growth in the giving of
time, talents, and treasures of our mem-
bers.
✛ We have upgraded the appearance of our
Church home by completing the renova-
tion of the front landscape and hiring a
new landscaping company to cut the grass
and maintain the beds.
✛ We have made some badly needed repairs
to the property.
There is still more to be done to bring the prop-
erty up to where it needs to be. We have enhanced
some old programs and added new ones.
For the coming year we have committed the
money that is available (since we will finish the
year with our income exceeding our expense) for
ongoing repairs. We have not been the best of
stewards for our property in the past, and we now
need to invest to bring the property up to a quality
standard. More funds will be needed in order for us
to implement all of the necessary long-term projects.
We are creating a list of tasks that need to be com-
pleted over the next five years and beyond, determin-
ing an estimate cost for them, and then prioritizing
them in order to execute things in a proper manner.
We have committed to finding a youth worker to
launch a vibrant youth program in the fall.
Jim Mason leaves the council as of June 30. We
thank him for his faithful service over the past years.
Elaine Cassimatis, Virginia Schroeder and myself
were re-elected for a three-year term. Roy Steinhil-
ber was newly elect to the council. The new officers
of the church/church council for next year are John
Schwaninger, president, Sue Devine. vice president,
Paul Hinsch, treasurer; and Bob Rickmeyer, secre-
tary. The council will be installed on Sunday, July
22, at our 10:00 a.m. worship. Please plan to be there
to celebrate and offer congratulations and support to
these faithful people who do the work of the church
for and with you.
Love, Peace and Joy,
Forty seven youngsters ranging in
ages 3 - 12 attended our Vacation
Bible School during the week of
June 25 -29, enjoying our Stories by
the Sea theme. Our storyteller,
Pastor Olsen, brought the stories
to life each day for the children. Amy
Pietrofere led the music with assistance from Irma
Carlson on the piano. Lori Tollefsen directed the
crafts, which were Loretta Ruff planned. Outside
activities were supervised by Chrissy Cannino,
Gillian McGowan, and Robbie Pietrofere while
members of our Seniors’ Group--Martha Peterson,
Eleanor Pearson, Virginia Schroeder, Diane Maisch,
Janet Cox and Irma Carlson—administered the
snacks. We thank all who helped to make this
week a fun learning experience for all the children.
Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School re-
cently awarded Judy Hinsch with their “2012 Randy
Abbe Christian Service Award” and Paul Hinsch with
their “2012 Crusader Christian Service Award.”
The Randy Abbe Christian Service Award honors
Judy’s devotion and service to the lives of those she has
touched during her ministry at Good Shepherd. Judy
was recognized for her “tireless work in many capacities,par-
ticularly her effective leadership of Good Shepherd School,” and
cited as a “Christian who is deeply motivated by love for His
people, a motivation that comes from a deep faith and trust in Jesus
Christ.”
The Crusader Christian Service Award acknowl-
edges Paul’s “willingness to help minister the love of the Lord,”
through his “constant participation and enthusiasm in all that
he does,” and his “willingness to use his gifts and talents toserve.”
We extend our congratulations to these two “good
and faithful servants” of the Lord.

7. A lifelong Bethpage native, Bonnie
Beach-Gadigian attended Sunday School and was
confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. For
nine years, she also worked as their church secre-
tary until she accepted a position in 2010 at South
Woods Middle School in Syosset. Bonnie and her
husband, Joe have four children.
Richard Collins grew up in Levittown and graduated from LI
Lutheran in 1980. Maryellen grew up in Westbury, graduating
from East Meadow High school in 1981. While working as camp
counselors for GIFT at LuHi in 1979, Richard and Maryellen met
and were married seven years later at Trinity Lutheran Church in
Hicksville. Last September 6th, they celebrated their 25th wed-
ding anniversary. Newlyweds Richard and Maryellen settled in
Hicksville, and their children are the sixth generation of Hicks-
ville residents in Rich's family. Rich has worked for UPS for 24+
years and currently drives a tractor trailer 5,000 miles to Illinois
and Kentucky every week. Maryellen is a tax partner in a local
CPA firm in Bethpage. Their children—Marykate just graduated
from LuHi last week and will be attending Marist College in the
fall; Daniel will be a junior and Jenna a seventh grader at LuHi in
September.
Jeff & Mary Lynn Eisle and their children
Emma Lynn and Charlie, visited Good
Shepherd around Christmas time with
Mary Lynn’s mother, Alice Vorstadt.
They very much enjoyed our worship
service and felt so comfortable and wel-
comed by our congregation that their
children asked to attend our Sunday
school program! In addition to enjoying our Sunday school, six
year old Emma Lynn likes being with her friends and playing
softball while her ten year old brother, Charlie, swims and plays
travel baseball. Jeff manages Charlie’s Island Trees team. On July
19, Jeff and Mary Lynn will be celebrating 15 years of marriage.
Vincent has been worshipping with us at Good Shepherd
since Pastor Eric’s arrival in 2010. A resident of Floral Park, Vin-
cent is a retired New York City Police Sergeant and a former cap-
tain of active Hook & Ladder in New Hyde Park. He enjoys be-
ing a grandfather and is looking forward to becoming more active
here at Good Shepherd.
Most of us already know Tim, Valerie, Eric and
Danielle from their involvement with Good Shep-
herd over the
years, and it was
only fitting to
officially welcome
them into our
church family. Valerie has
been an elementary school
teacher in the Levittown
district for almost 15 years,
teaching primarily kindergarten. She loves gardening and
her dogs Callie and Caesar. A practicing CPA for over 20
years in public accounting with Big 4 firms in NYC and Jeri-
cho, Tim recently accepted a new position with BDO USA,
LLP. Tim enjoys coaching baseball and softball. Twelve
year old Eric has served as an acolyte and has played both
piano and trumpet on special occasions here at Good Shep-
herd. He was on his school’s swimming team and also plays
baseball. Danielle (7) loves to dance and takes gymnastics
class in addition to playing softball and competitive swim-
ming.
Judy Mazzara has been a resident of Old Bethpage for 38
years and has been working in the
town of Bethpage for 20 years. She
enjoys baking and planting in her
flower garden and loves summer.
She has two grown children—
Anthony and Doreen. Anthony and
his wife, Robin, will be celebrating
four years of marriage in November.
Judy says that Robin “is a very lovely
girl, and they are a very happy couple.” Robin and Judy are both
very happy to be a part of our Good Shepherd family.
Eleven month old
Hailey Grace Nacewicz was the first
member of her family to become part
of our Good Shepherd family at her
baptism on January 15. Her father,
Christian, became friendly with Pas-
tor Eric years ago at his grandfather’s
funeral. He and Kate were married
by Pastor Eric in June of 2008. A
NYC firefighter, Christian enjoys taking his toddler son,
Hunter, fishing; and Kate enjoys being a mom to her two
little children in their Garden City Park home.

8. Meagan Nanocchio hails from Plainview while her fiancée,
David Knapp lives in Ronkonkoma. When they got engaged
last year, they decided that the church would be an important
part of their lives together. Growing up, it had been part of
their lives, for Meagan, here at Good Shepherd, and for David,
the Roman Catholic Church. But at some point, the extracur-
ricular activities that are part of so many kids’ schedules left
them little to no time to be regulars at any church. As part of
their decision to return to the church, Meagan and David be-
gan to attend services at Good Shepherd. Just as she had dis-
covered at age eight when she had moved to Plainview and
came here with her mother, Meagan found our congregation to
be as warm, welcoming, and as friendly as she remembered.
David and Meagan enjoy coming to mass here as often as possi-
ble and each time leave feeling they have learned something
new. “Becoming members of Good Shepherd will really be a strong bond
that we need and should have in our relationship,” says Meagan. David,
who is currently studying nursing, and Meagan, who works in
the admitting department at NSUH Plainview, will walk down
the aisle and exchange vows here at their “new” church on the
morning of October 6.
Hillary and Thomas Passolo have been
married for almost eleven years. They
have two beautiful children named Austin
and Morgan. Austin is a student at Good
Shepherd Lutheran School. “We started
going to church at Good Shepherd when Austin
and Morgan started Sunday school,” Hillary
explained, “ We found the school and church to
be so welcoming and loving that Good Shepherd ultimately became a part
of our lives. We find comfort and peace here and we are so elated to have
officially become members of the Good Shepherd Family.”
Former New Hyde Park residents,
Bob and Jenn Picciano met in the
New Hyde Park Fire Department in
1996 and were married by Pastor Ol-
sen in 2006. Bob, a 50-year member
of the fire department is retired from
the sanitation department of New
York and also retired from North
Shore University Hospital in Manhas-
set. Now he enjoys peaceful after-
noons at home in Bayville with “his buddy” Emmie, their 10 year
old dog. Jenn currently works with Good Shepherd School's
after care program and is also an Emergency Medical Techni-
cian.
The Piccianos are very happy to join Good Shepherd's family
and look forward to forming new friendships and new fellow-
ships.
Elaine grew up in Plainview at her present
address on Knickerbocker Road, and lived
in Colorado Springs for 17 years where she
was a home healthcare provider and actively
involved in animal rescue. She recently re-
turned home to Plainview to care for her 84-
year old mother, Jeanne. Upon her return,
she was able to reconnect with a friend who was still at the
same address, whom she calls “her saving grace” citing that “God
doesn’t leave her without a friend.” Elaine also returned home to
Good Shepherd where she finds solace and the opportunity to
socialize. When she isn’t tending to her mom or providing
childcare services, she enjoys writing poetry and has penned
several after hearing Pastor Eric’s sermons. We look forward
to her sharing some of her work in upcoming newsletters.
Marta Scherer was born in Puerto Rico, raised in East Harlem,
NY, and moved to Bethpage in 1989. Married to Jerry, they
have two daughters, and two granddaughters. Marta was
raised Catholic and took classes with Pastor Berry at St. Paul’s
in Bethpage where she was confirmed Lutheran sometime in
1996. Marta is a registered nurse at LIJ in New Hyde Park.
The Schindelheim family moved to Old Bethpage in 1977 and
joined Good Shepherd in 1978. For the
past eight years, Kathy has worked for
Lufthansa German Airlines and often trav-
els home to Germany to visit/care for her
parents. Both of Kathy’s daughters, Anita
and Sabrina, attended Good Shepherd
nursery school, were confirmed, and at-
tended youth group here. Her daughters
have since married and moved away, Anita to New Jersey, and
Sabrina to East Islip. But they still consider it a homecoming
whenever they enter Good Shepherd Lutheran church. Just
this past April, Pastor Eric baptized Kathy’s first grandson
Deven (Rausch), Anita’s baby, here at Good Shepherd.
Kathy’s daughter Sabrina Scelza joined
her in Affirmation of Baptism here at
Good Shepherd on June 17, citing that as a
child, Good Shepherd was a big part of
her family's life, even considering it as a
saving grace. But over the years, as she
got older, and her daily life got busier, she
lost touch with us. Recently married, at age 34, Sabrina, is
thoroughly enjoying life with her husband Jerome and plans
on starting a family in the next year or so. Being away from
Good Shepherd, she says, intensified her faith, and as she be-
gins to ponder her family’s future, her thoughts returned to the
safety she once felt at Good Shepherd…so she returned, too.

9. If you have been to any of Good Shepherd’s morning Lectio
Divina Bible studies, chances are, you’ve already met Alice
Vorstadt. She’s been worship-
ping among us and coming to
morning Bible study for a while
but was hesitant to become a
member here because she was
not ready to leave her long-time
church. Befriended by Irma
Carlson at a WELCA retreat in
2010, Alice was intrigued by all
the boastful things Irma had to
say about Good Shepherd. She
visited a number of times on Irma’s invitation and had even
attended a number of Pastor Eric’s new member gatherings
but never seemed quite ready. She walked into our Bible
study unknown to anyone and said that people just started
talking to her as if they had all grown up together! There was
no breaking the ice. There were no feelings of self-
conscience—she was just here, and she was just welcome. It
wasn’t until she attended a worship service here around
Christmas time with her daughter’s family—the Eiseles (who
also became members this past June) that she realized that
we offered everything she needed spiritually. Over dinner
that evening, our worship service was all they talked about!
Michele Wong is a community psychiatric social worker at
Creedmoor Psychiatric Center. Good Shepherd has been a part
of her life since childhood when she attended nursery school and
summer day camp here. She shared with us these pictures of her
now and at age 10, donning her Good Shepherd T-shirt. Michele
is excited to
be getting
married here
in the fall!
Good Shep-
herd is very
special to her
and has been
instrumental
in growing
my faith. She is happy to become a
member here and prays that our
church and it's community will
continue to be blessed.

10. HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!HAPPY JULY BIRTHDAY!!!
Lauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren Banzer
Michael BensonMichael BensonMichael BensonMichael Benson
Tom BensonTom BensonTom BensonTom Benson
Joe BerardinoJoe BerardinoJoe BerardinoJoe Berardino
Declan BroggyDeclan BroggyDeclan BroggyDeclan Broggy
Quinn BroggyQuinn BroggyQuinn BroggyQuinn Broggy
Stacey BroggyStacey BroggyStacey BroggyStacey Broggy
Gerard Coggins, Jr.Gerard Coggins, Jr.Gerard Coggins, Jr.Gerard Coggins, Jr.
Gianna DeVernaGianna DeVernaGianna DeVernaGianna DeVerna
Ryan DeVernaRyan DeVernaRyan DeVernaRyan DeVerna
Susan DeVernaSusan DeVernaSusan DeVernaSusan DeVerna
Al EhlAl EhlAl EhlAl Ehl
J.P. GemelliJ.P. GemelliJ.P. GemelliJ.P. Gemelli
Victoria GiacobbeVictoria GiacobbeVictoria GiacobbeVictoria Giacobbe
Christophcr LorchChristophcr LorchChristophcr LorchChristophcr Lorch
Corin LundCorin LundCorin LundCorin Lund
Hailey NacewiczHailey NacewiczHailey NacewiczHailey Nacewicz
Hunter NacewiczHunter NacewiczHunter NacewiczHunter Nacewicz
Pastor Eric OlsenPastor Eric OlsenPastor Eric OlsenPastor Eric Olsen
Eleanor PearsonEleanor PearsonEleanor PearsonEleanor Pearson
CPT Paul RickmeyerCPT Paul RickmeyerCPT Paul RickmeyerCPT Paul Rickmeyer
Alyssa TollefsenAlyssa TollefsenAlyssa TollefsenAlyssa Tollefsen
Arlene WittwerArlene WittwerArlene WittwerArlene Wittwer
DellDellDellDell----Ann BensonAnn BensonAnn BensonAnn Benson
Tom BerardinoTom BerardinoTom BerardinoTom Berardino
Giana CaporuscioGiana CaporuscioGiana CaporuscioGiana Caporuscio
Travis CaporuscioTravis CaporuscioTravis CaporuscioTravis Caporuscio
Elaine CassimatisElaine CassimatisElaine CassimatisElaine Cassimatis
Carl GscheidleCarl GscheidleCarl GscheidleCarl Gscheidle
Gail HauptGail HauptGail HauptGail Haupt
Jessica HinschJessica HinschJessica HinschJessica Hinsch
Andrew JordanAndrew JordanAndrew JordanAndrew Jordan
HAPPY AUGUSTHAPPY AUGUSTHAPPY AUGUSTHAPPY AUGUST
BIRTHDAY!!!BIRTHDAY!!!BIRTHDAY!!!BIRTHDAY!!!
Mary KnotekMary KnotekMary KnotekMary Knotek
Ryan LessmanRyan LessmanRyan LessmanRyan Lessman
Olivia MarlinOlivia MarlinOlivia MarlinOlivia Marlin
Mary OlivertoMary OlivertoMary OlivertoMary Oliverto
Bob RickmeyerBob RickmeyerBob RickmeyerBob Rickmeyer
CPT Genevieve SouniaCPT Genevieve SouniaCPT Genevieve SouniaCPT Genevieve Sounia
Zachara VollonoZachara VollonoZachara VollonoZachara Vollono
Margaret WengerMargaret WengerMargaret WengerMargaret Wenger
Warren WiegertWarren WiegertWarren WiegertWarren Wiegert
If you would like to submit anIf you would like to submit anIf you would like to submit anIf you would like to submit an
article for inclusion in ourarticle for inclusion in ourarticle for inclusion in ourarticle for inclusion in our
September 2012 Newsletter, please eSeptember 2012 Newsletter, please eSeptember 2012 Newsletter, please eSeptember 2012 Newsletter, please e----mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Tuesday, August 14,mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Tuesday, August 14,mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Tuesday, August 14,mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Tuesday, August 14,
2012. Thank you very much!2012. Thank you very much!2012. Thank you very much!2012. Thank you very much!
ANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARYANNIVERSARY
BLESSINGSBLESSINGSBLESSINGSBLESSINGS
John & Judy HinschJohn & Judy HinschJohn & Judy HinschJohn & Judy Hinsch
35 years on July 30th35 years on July 30th35 years on July 30th35 years on July 30th
Tom & Martha BerardinoTom & Martha BerardinoTom & Martha BerardinoTom & Martha Berardino————August 5thAugust 5thAugust 5thAugust 5th
Margaret & Paul WengerMargaret & Paul WengerMargaret & Paul WengerMargaret & Paul Wenger————August 13thAugust 13thAugust 13thAugust 13th
George & Inara HirnGeorge & Inara HirnGeorge & Inara HirnGeorge & Inara Hirn————August 14thAugust 14thAugust 14thAugust 14th
CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATESCONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES
Lindsay HallLindsay HallLindsay HallLindsay Hall
MBA in Healthcare ManagementMBA in Healthcare ManagementMBA in Healthcare ManagementMBA in Healthcare Management
Hofstra UniversityHofstra UniversityHofstra UniversityHofstra University
Lauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren BanzerLauren Banzer
Bethpage HS, will attend MaristBethpage HS, will attend MaristBethpage HS, will attend MaristBethpage HS, will attend Marist
Miranda BensonMiranda BensonMiranda BensonMiranda Benson
LuHi, will attend Seattle UniversityLuHi, will attend Seattle UniversityLuHi, will attend Seattle UniversityLuHi, will attend Seattle University
Marykate CollinsMarykate CollinsMarykate CollinsMarykate Collins
LuHi, will attend MaristLuHi, will attend MaristLuHi, will attend MaristLuHi, will attend Marist
Gregory MaischGregory MaischGregory MaischGregory Maisch
Mineola HS, will attend HartfordMineola HS, will attend HartfordMineola HS, will attend HartfordMineola HS, will attend Hartford
Andrew WeberAndrew WeberAndrew WeberAndrew Weber
Southside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend GettysburgSouthside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend GettysburgSouthside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend GettysburgSouthside HS (Rockville Centre), will attend Gettysburg
Jeff & Mary Ellen EisleJeff & Mary Ellen EisleJeff & Mary Ellen EisleJeff & Mary Ellen Eisle
15 years on July 19th15 years on July 19th15 years on July 19th15 years on July 19th

11. Page 11
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
Roger Griffith
Sue Devine & the family and friends of her
friend, George Meyers, Reverend Martin
Nale & the friends and family of his father,
Reverend Robert E. Nale, Barbara Young &
the friends & family of Jamie Perkins
(Arlene Wittwer’s friend), The Olsen family
& the friends and family of Lisa’s Grandfa-
ther, Alfred Hansen, Bonnie Beach Gadigian
& the friends and family of her father-in-
law, Jerry Gadigian, the friends and family
of former member Alice Skawinski (5/27).
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
WE PRAY FOR...
Mary Ann Buffalino (Amy Pietrofere’s
aunt), Claudia Churchill (Amy Pietrofere’s
mother), Lorraine Cu & Leida Munoz
(Marta Scherer’s friends) Fred Ruff, Kyle
Gornell (John Schwaninger’s grandson),
Kenneth Vorstadt (Alice’s son), Seymour
Spergel (Suzanna Allan’s father), Toni
Anne LaGois, Carol Bowles (Alice Vor-
stadt’s friend), Rashid Ghani (Lori Mason’s
friend), Carlos & his mother (Karin
Kienle’s friends), Ian Spadaro, Judy Weiss-
man and Roy Hoffman (Sue Devine’s
friends), Marion Tucker (Nancy’s mother),
Maureen Wilers, John Pietrofere, Martin
Boltizar (Louise Lamont’s cousin), Leon
Thompson (Lisa Olsen’s father), Glenn
Schabel, Max Ludewig, Lori & Meghan Or-
tega (Lisa Olsen’s sister & niece), Ann
Araco (Lori Tollefsen’s mother), Susan
Dowd (Maisch family friend), Bea McCabe,
Peggy Taylor (Amy Pietrofere’s friend), El-
eanor Davis, Warren Wiegert, Justin
Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew) and Chris-
tine & Tom Greenwood, his parents, Jason
Damiano (Anna’s grandson), Chris Cucci
and his family, Ed Simmons (Pastor Eric’s
friend), Ruth Odwazny, Ryan Faret & his
family, Genevieve Sounia, Susan Boettcher
(John McGowan’s sister), Dr. Stanley Bart-
kow, Joy Parisey (GSL teacher Cindy Can-
nizzaro’s sister), John Binsfeld (Benner
family friend), Maureen Araujo, Ken Dixon
(Pastor Eric’s friend), Sven Faret (Gunhild
Schabel’s son), 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, James Fields
(Vincent and Dorothy Cronin’s nephew),
Mary Gessing (Dorothy and Vincent Cro-
nin’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
CPT. Paul Rickmeyer, USMC Lance Corporal
Nicholas Ventrelli-O’Connell (Patty Larson’s
family friend), David Jacobs (Joyce Tare’s
nephew, Alec & Madison’s cousin), LTC.
Phillip Sounia, Christopher Zito (Mary
Knotek’s friend), Sgt. Vincent Mezick, Spe-
cialist Sean Hassett (Lori Mason’s cousin).
T H O S E W H O J O I NT H O S E W H O J O I NT H O S E W H O J O I NT H O S E W H O J O I N
U S I N S P I R I TU S I N S P I R I TU S I N S P I R I TU S I N S P I R I T
Anna Damiano, and Dorothea Spadaro,
Elizabeth Adolphus, and Pauline Poma,
who are unable to join us in body but are
with us in spirit

13. POB/JFK
High School Choir
Mid-Summer Concert
Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.Friday, August 10 @ 8:00 p.m.
On a hot summer’s evening,
Cool off in the lovely air conditioning
Of Good Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran ChurchGood Shepherd Lutheran Church
99 Central Park Road, Plainview99 Central Park Road, Plainview99 Central Park Road, Plainview99 Central Park Road, Plainview
And listen to the melodic voices of
Our neighborhood students!
A free-will offering will be requested to
Fight Malaria in AfricaFight Malaria in AfricaFight Malaria in AfricaFight Malaria in Africa
Every minute a child dies from Malaria, The ELCA’s Malaria campaign
is uniquely positioned to provide mosquito nets, insecticides, medi-
cation, health care, education and more to help eliminate deaths
from this disease—for good.
100%100%100%100% of your donation will support this need.

15. You will recall that at the beginning of the year, we rallied our congregation
to attend a public meeting on Sunday, March 25, at our Lady of Hope Regional School in order to
solicit a public commitment from Supervisor John Kaiman and the taxi companies to partner with
LI-CAN (Long Island Congregations Associations and Neighborhoods), of which Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church is a founding member, as well as the Visiting Nurse Service’s Partners in Care,
to support our Home Health Care Initiative. Roughly 15 of us attended along with many other
congregations for a estimated attendance of 250.
On July 2, Pastor Eric attended a meeting that included LI-CAN’s Lead Organizer, Jeanne
Appelman and Steven Marx, the Town of Oyster Bay’s Attorney and Aide to Supervisor John
Venditto to explore ways in which we might be able to work together to help provide quality
home healthcare for seniors in our community. Pastor Eric left the meeting feeling encouraged
that they would support our efforts.
Not so long ago, Ms. Appleman also met with Hempstead Supervisor, Kate Murray, along
with her three top aides to explore the same in this neighboring town.
Following are two articles that detail our mission, an Op-Ed piece that appeared in NEWS-
DAY and another from THE LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC:
There is hardly a day when we don't have a conversation with
someone about an elderly relative who needs care. Who among
us on Long Island isn't touched by seniors in the family who can
no longer cook a meal or shower unaided, or who prematurely
move to a nursing home because they can't afford or find a
qualified home health aide?
The number of seniors on Long Island is quietly growing larger
by the year, and the challenges in providing quality home health
care and the workforce to deliver it are growing too.
Through several hundred individual conversations with congre-
gants of different faiths and backgrounds, those of us at LI-CAN
(Long Island Congregations Associations and Neighborhoods, a
multifaith, nonpartisan citizens' organization) have heard the
frustration of those unable to find qualified aides. Demand for
home health aides far exceeds the number available, even
though thousands of Long Islanders are unemployed.
Other congregants are immigrants, working as home health
aides, who are frustrated by how little dignity they are afforded
because they are "foreign." They are often taken advantage of
by employers, whether a family or an agency. Aides speak of
receiving inadequate supervision, and there is little or no ongo-
ing training to care for seniors with special conditions such
as Alzheimer'sand diabetes.
Some aides spend as much time traveling to a two-hour shift as
the shift itself. Many do not have cars, and public transportation
is insufficient and expensive. Government-regulated reimburse-
ments to home health agencies for home care are shrinking,
leaving those agencies that do provide quality care with fewer
dollars to deliver it.
Often aides are asked to perform intimate acts of care for our
beloved family members but are paid way below the minimum
wage -- indeed, some agencies take the bulk of the fees a family pays
for an aide, leaving the worker with less than a living wage.
A related problem is the lack of comprehensive, coordinated home
care involving the patient, family, doctor and home-health aide. Dur-
ing a fact-finding conversation, one doctor lamented that she was
unaware of her patient's skin infection because the aide didn't have
training to recognize danger signs. In another, an aide told us that her
repeated attempts to alert the family that her senior patient wasn't
eating and drinking enough fell on deaf ears.
LI-CAN has also met with industry professionals and has begun craft-
ing potential solutions with government and business partners. One
approach involves recruiting potential home health aides from our
members' congregations, along with other unemployed or underem-
ployed residents. They could be hired by an agency and matched with
seniors who live close by.
The Town of North Hempstead/Project Independence and two local
taxi companies have committed to helping to provide more affordable
taxi fares for aides who care for seniors.
We believe that a culture of respect for aides and an emphasis on
problem-solving and communication are keys to quality home care.
To that end, we are exploring the creation of a team-based, coordi-
nated approach to home care by a suitable agency partner, an ap-
proach that involves the aide, the senior and his or her family, the
doctor, nurse, and social worker.
Now is the moment for leaders in the home health industry and
elected officials to work with their customers and constituents, as
well as community groups like ours, to ensure quality care at the low-
est possible cost. It will take a coordinated effort to prevent a crisis of
home health care for seniors on Long Island. But our welfare, and the
welfare of our parents and grandparents, is at stake.
Opinion:Put focusonhome healthcare
Originally published: January 16, 2012 4:53 PM
Updated: January 17, 2012 10:08 AM
The Rev. Ralph Sommer is pastor of St. Brigid's Catholic Church in Westbury.
Eric Schulmiller is the cantor and social justice liaison of the Reconstructionist
Synagogue of the North Shore, in Manhasset.

16. Msgr. Ralph Sommer, pastor of St. Brigid’s, chats with
attendees before the March 25 meeting.
WESTBURY — With the aging population of Long Island
growing, local parishes and other Catholic groups are lead-
ing the way to make sure home health aides are trained
properly and have affordable transportation so that seniors
can “age with dignity” in their own homes.
More than 250 people packed the gym at Our Lady of
Hope/St. Brigid School here March 25 for the unveiling of
the partnership between Long Island Congregations, Asso-
ciations and Neighborhoods (LI-CAN), the Town of North
Hempstead, Partners in Care, and Visiting Nurse Service of
New York to provide the training and transportation neces-
sary for home health aides to be able to care for seniors
who wish to remain in familiar surroundings in their later
years. LI-CAN is a multifaith community organization dedi-
cated to improving the common good, engaging average
citizens in their local governments and addressing local
issues. The Daughters of Wisdom, Sisters of St. Joseph of
Brentwood, Catholic Charities, St. Brigid’s Church here, St.
Boniface Church in Elmont, St. Martha’s Church in Union-
dale, and Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Wyandanch
are all LI-CAN members.
“We love our relatives, our friends,” said Msgr. Ralph
Sommer, pastor of St. Brigid’s, during his introduction. “We
love the people who live among us who are aging and are
now in need of something more than they can provide for
themselves. We all know that it’s a concern what happens
when we don’t have adequate, affordable health care so
that people can age in their own homes, the places they’ve
raised their families.”
Several people in attendance gave testimonies of their
experience as home health aides or as family members of
someone who required home care, including St. Brigid’s
parishioner Gia Montelbano. When her mom got sick, “the
promise of a home health aide to cover during my work
hours was a godsend,” she said. “Overall, (the aides) were
well-meaning, hard-working, good people, but it soon be-
came obvious that the home health aide component of the
care plan was plagued with hiccups,” such as aides arriving
late and having to leave early to coincide with public trans-
portation schedules and not being aware of the level of care
her mother required. “Something needs to be done and I
believe this is the perfect time to start.”
he two-year initiative will expand hiring and training of
home health aides by Partners in Care and Visiting Nurse
Service of New York, match seniors and aides living in the
same geographic cluster, and provide transportation subsi-
dies for home health aides within and between clusters.
“We realized that if aides and seniors lived in close prox-
imity, transportation concerns would be minimized,” said
Carol Blumenthal of the Reconstructionist Synagogue of the
North Shore, where the initiative first took shape. In addi-
tion to being a home care strategy, the initiative is also a job
creation strategy. “Elder care jobs are an untapped engine
for job creation and economic growth,” she noted.
Those who see this as an important issue for Long Is-
landers are not just older people, but the younger genera-
tion as well. “I think that it’s a great program,” noted Kelle
Tirrito, 19, who attended the meeting with five other teens
and young adults from the LI-CAN contingent from St. Mar-
tha’s. “Being that I have grown up with a lot of elderly peo-
ple in my household, I could understand how people would
need the proper help and support. I see it as being impor-
tant, and I think it would be great if St. Martha’s could do
something, considering they have a lot of elderly within the
parish.”
LONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLELONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLELONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLELONG ISLAND CATHOLIC ARTICLE
Group seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homesGroup seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homesGroup seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homesGroup seeks to provide training to aides to help elderly stay in homes
April 4, 2012 | Vol. 51, No. 1 • By MARY GORRY
MARY GORRY | TLIC
LICAN (LONG ISLAND CONGREGATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND NEIGHBORHOODS)
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VISITING NURSE SERVICE OF NEW YORK AND PARTNERS IN CARE
provides access to high quality home health care for seniors on Long Island and quality jobs for home health aides.
Are you looking for quality home health care for you or your loved one in the comfort of
your own home? You can secure a well-trained and supervised home health aide in your
area by calling 1-800-818-9348
Are you looking for a rewarding job as a home health aide on Long Island and access
to subsidized transportation? Call 212-609-7973 for a job interview on Long island
and more information. Partners in Care offers FREE training, and upgrade training.

17. GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN
CHURCH & SCHOOL
99 Central Park Road, Plainview, NY 11803
Phone: 516-349-1966
E-mail: church@ourshepherdlives.org
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
Welcome, summer! It’s time for our annual conference
picnic. Please join us at the Grove picnic section (on the
right, area 5), where we will set up our chairs in the cov-
ered area that shelters us from sun and rain. This year’s
Bible study is called Travels. Can you think of any Bible
stories that fit this theme? Come and find out how accu-
rate your guess was.
Bring a cold beverage if you want one. Coffee will be pro-
vided. Please also bring a chair and a food item to share
for lunch. You may want to just listen, or bring your Bible
to follow along when we read passages. This day is all
about fellowship as we enjoy a light study and then eat
together. Consider asking a friend to join you. No reserva-
tions needed!
Cedar Creek Park is located on the south side of Merrick
Road, ¼ mile east of Wantagh Parkway, or ¾ mile west
of Route 135 (Seaford Oyster Bay Expressway).
Questions?
Irma Carlson 516-336-5363
Karen Smith karenpancake@gmail.com
Joyce Anderson 516-496-8871
NNORC Knitting CircleNNORC Knitting CircleNNORC Knitting CircleNNORC Knitting Circle
Mid Island Y-JCC Boardroom
45 Manetto Hill Road
Plainview, NY
Beginners & Beyond—Learn to knit or Crochet
10:30 a.m.—Noon. on Tuesdays July & 14,
August 7 & September 4
CONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RNCONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RNCONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RNCONVERSATIONS WITH KELLY SOEL, RN
Shepherd Hill Community Center
115 Central Park Road
Plainview, NY
1:30 p.m.—2:30 p.m. on these Wednesdays:
July 18: Recreational Therapy—Memory Frames
Presented by Michele Wachter
August 15: Identity Theft—What to Look For
September 19: TBA
BOOK CLUBBOOK CLUBBOOK CLUBBOOK CLUB
POB Library
999 Old Country Road
Plainview, NY
10:30 a.m.— Noon
Thursday, September 20.
CASE HISTORY by Kate Atkinson
Moderators: Beth Spickler-Lerman & Gretchen Browne
COMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RNCOMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RNCOMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RNCOMMUNITY HEALTH CHATS WITH JANET GOLAN, RN
POB Library
999 Old Country Road
Plainview, NY
1:00 a.m.— 2:00 p.m. on these Thursdays:
July 12: Important Information You Need to Know About
Dental Healthcare, presented by Dr. Gary Sherman, DMD
August 9: Skin Care presented by Dermatologist,
Dr. Rebecca Chusid
KEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANSKEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANSKEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANSKEEPING HEALTHY & REMINISCING WITH VETERANS
Led by Kelly Sorel, RN.
Mid Island Y-JCC Boardroom
45 Manetto Hill Road
Plainview, NY
10:00 a.m.— Noon,
Bi-Monthly on Tuesdays
Call Kelly 516-822-3535 x 381
for summer schedule

18. POB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly VisitorsPOB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly VisitorsPOB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly VisitorsPOB CARES & PROJECT pace IS Seeking Volunteer Drivers & Friendly Visitors
✛ If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-If you have an hour to spare, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., would you consider driving a home-
bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?bound neighbor to a local doctor’s appointment?
✛ What about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive anyWhat about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive anyWhat about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive anyWhat about a quick trip to the supermarket to pick up a few essentials for a neighbor unable to drive any
longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?longer and who might otherwise go without fresh food?
✛ If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;If you have more time, you could become a friendly visitor to a homebound neighbor who yearns for company;
someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.someone to chat with, play cards, drink coffee, or discuss a book or news headline.
Please consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. CallPlease consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. CallPlease consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. CallPlease consider being a part of something important that affects real people in your community. Call
Robyn at 822Robyn at 822Robyn at 822Robyn at 822----3535, extension 385 or e3535, extension 385 or e3535, extension 385 or e3535, extension 385 or e----mail norc@mijycc.org for more information.mail norc@mijycc.org for more information.mail norc@mijycc.org for more information.mail norc@mijycc.org for more information.

21. UPDATE FOR JULY 2012
WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN:
NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER
Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools
Suicide rates are highest for those in the 65 years
old or older age group. Furthermore, four out of
five suicides in older adults are men. One reason
that older men are much more likely than older
women to commit suicide may be related to the
direct link that many men make between the suc-
cess of their professional careers and their personal
identities, often tied to their sense of self-worth.
Men in particular, but indeed all of us should de-
velop a well thought out plan to make retirement
enjoyable before the actual retirement begins.
The most important factor in having a happy and
purposeful life as an older adult is good health—
both physical and mental. Of course, financial se-
curity is also very important but it does not trump
the benefits of good health. What plans can we put
into action in order to increase the chances of
maintaining good health well into retirement? Here
are seven major steps that are shown to have a
large impact:
Develop a positive attitude. Recent research
shows the following advantages for optimists in-
clude:
✛ Increased immune function as participants’
optimism grew
✛ Less illnesses and less risk of heart disease
than those with a negative attitude
✛ Greater life-span by 7.5 years
✛ A greater appreciation of life and other
God-given gifts and blessings
Develop an exercise habit NOW. Regular exer-
cise not only helps keep one’s weight in check and
improves one’s physical health, but it also improves
one’s mental health. Although we are not sure how
this happens, research has shown that exercise has
positive effects on the brain and can improve brain
functioning in the elderly. Not only is the release
of endorphins during exercise associated with a
sense of well-being but a boost in the activity of
the brain’s frontal lobes and the hippocampus also
occur as a result of exercise. Stresses and anxie-
ties tend to be minimized when one exercises on a
regular basis.
Adopt a pet. Not only does the pet increase the
well-being of the older person who lives alone, but
research shows that dog owners have lower blood
pressure, healthier hearts, and lower cholesterol
than those without dogs. Cat owners appear to
have a 30% lower risk of heart attacks according to
a study by the Minnesota Stroke Institute. A loved
one, whether a family member or a pet, can make
a huge difference in one’s outlook on life.
Cultivate friendships. A Brigham Young Univer-
sity study reports that a circle of close family and
friends increases your odds of survival by 50%.
Retirees with many friends are reported to be hap-
pier than those without close friends.
Eat a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy weight,
eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and avoiding
saturated fats are all correlated with decreased risk
of stroke and heart disease. In addition, it is esti-
mated that 30% of cancers in developed countries
are affected by diet.
Retire earlier rather than later. Working longer
isn’t always better. It is important to be able to
handle retirement financially but waiting too long
can endanger the chances of enjoying good health.
Remain active in retirement. Even if you can’t
afford to take a lot of trips or have exotic vaca-
tions, plan activities that you enjoy on a regular
basis. This can include volunteering for your
church or a favorite organization, working part-
time or doing favorite activities such as hiking,
cooking, art, etc.
If you can’t “let go” and enjoy retirement, call us at
LCC. A professional therapist can help you work
through anxieties and any family relationship prob-
lems you may have so that you can come to a
sense of peace and get you ready to move forward
with a happy retirement.
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
Center@lccny.org. Visit our website at
www.LCCNY.org. We have eight sites over the NY
area.
Secrets to Increasing the Odds of a Happy Retirement
By: Molly W. Blancke, MPA, Executive Director