For members of the Green Team at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Hayesville, going green isn't just something to talk about in idealistic terms. It's something to practice every day in concrete ways that range from small efforts such as recycling Sunday bulletins to ambitious plans for the use of solar power.
Many churches pay respect to their most senior members, but Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Hayesville also tries to keep them involved in church life. On July 17, more than 25 members ages 75 and up were honored at a luncheon in the Parish Hall, asked to express their feelings about their church, and invited to tell their life stories for a memory book. Three of the honored guests were original members of Good Shepherd: Ben Holt, Becky Van Gorder, and Danny Wilson.
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church Hayesville is well known for giving generously to organizations in both Clay County, North Carolina and Towns County, Georgia. So far this year, Good Shepherd has given $9,000 to deserving organizations, including the Communities and Schools/Hands of Hope, Haven, Reach of Clay County, Towns County Family Connection, and both the Clay County and Towns County food pantries.
On March 13, the church sponsored a Silent Auction and Parade of Tables; tables were decorated by creative parishioners and auction items were also donated by parishioners. Ninety-six tickets were sold and several thousand dollars raised, all donated to community outreach. The accompanying photographs show the enthusiasm exhibited by the members of Good Shepherd on that occasion.
Under the leadership of new Rector Father Bill Breedlove, Good Shepherd parishioners look forward to even more passionate involvement in community outreach, beginning with Stuff-a-Bus in July. Several churches will participate to provide school children with what they need to get off to a good start in the new school year.
