1. Dear Faithful people of Good Shepherd:
What would a
world infused with that
love look like?
What would our
community, family and
friends look like?
What would we
look like?
much injustice, hate and vio-
lence in the world today how
can we individually and collec-
tively live a life committed to
sharing God’s true love? What
would a world infused with
that love look like? What
would our community, family
and friends look like? What
would we look like? We may
wish to ask ourselves these
questions as we journey to-
wards Lent (which begins on
Ash Wednesday, March 9th)
and the cross of Christ, the
ultimate symbol of bold and
selfless love.
Come to Good Shepherd every
Saturday Evening or Sunday
Morning for Worship this
Epiphany and fill up on God’s
brilliant love. Be caring
enough to ask a friend or fam-
ily member to join you in wor-
ship. God can transform the
world, and we can help-one
heart at a time!
May God grant each of us the
desire and power to stand for
and share the truest love
which is Jesus the Christ!
Agape,
Pastor Eric Olaf Olsen
Our starlight epiphany
stroll continues throughout
February this year. Casper,
Melchior, and King
Balthazar are heading home
bedazzled by their encoun-
ter with the “Light of the
World.” We also have
been radiated by God’s
brilliant love and are poised
to reflect that love to the
world in a new way. It just
seems right that we pause
midmonth to celebrate the
“day of love”, Saint Valen-
tines Day.
According to legend a
priest named Valentine
lived in Rome during the
third century at the time of
the reign of Emperor
Claudius. Claudius had a
passion for war. He be-
came enraged because
many men who had fami-
lies were reluctant to join
the army. In response the
Emperor issued a decree
declaring a ban on all mar-
riage ceremonies. Needless
to say Pastor Valentine dis-
obeyed Claudius’ decree
and continued to marry
couples in secret until he
was caught, arrested and
condemned to death.
During his imprisonment
many young people came to
visit Valentine, bringing
him flowers and notes to
make him feel loved. It is
believed that the daughter
of a prison guard risked her
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
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 1
A M E S S A G E F R O M
P A S T O R E R I C
own life to visit with him
often during those last
days even though she vio-
lated the law to do so. Her
love and devotion inspired
and comforted Valentine.
On February 14, 270 AD,
Valentine left a note to the
jailer’s daughter thanking
her for the bold and self-
less love that she shared
with him during his last
days. He signed the note,
“Love from your Valen-
tine.” He was then exe-
cuted by being beaten to
death and beheaded ac-
cording to the sentence he
had received earlier be-
cause of his steadfast belief
that nothing should be
allowed to stand in the
way of true love.
How bold are we in our
loving and in defending the
right to love others? Can
we, reflect God’s love as
perfectly as the legendary
Saint Valentine? With so
2. OUR SOCIAL MINISTRY
is collecting underwear and
socks for boys and girls (up
to size 16) during the
month of February.
Please remember that the need
for food is not only monthly,
but ongoing. Your contribu-
tion, no matter how big or
small, makes a pantry shelf
less sparse.
As always,
thank you
for your support
of our mission!
Many excitingMany excitingMany excitingMany exciting
things arethings arethings arethings are
happening!happening!happening!happening!
Some you canSome you canSome you canSome you can
see, hear, and feel.see, hear, and feel.see, hear, and feel.see, hear, and feel.
Some might not beSome might not beSome might not beSome might not be
as apparent.as apparent.as apparent.as apparent.
Meaningful Progress;Meaningful Progress;Meaningful Progress;Meaningful Progress;
Important Work.Important Work.Important Work.Important Work.
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, MR. PAUL HINSCH. . .A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, MR. PAUL HINSCH. . .A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, MR. PAUL HINSCH. . .A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT, MR. PAUL HINSCH. . .
If you want to get an idea of what
the various Ministry Teams at Good
Shepherd Lutheran School plan to
accomplish this year, make sure you
look at our 2010/2011 Vision for Mis-
sion document.
This comprehensive plan was pre-
sented to the congregation at the
May 2010 voters meeting. It covers
the congregation’s fiscal year (July
through June) and spells out each
team’s accomplishments in
2009/2010 as well as goals for
2010/2011 and 2011/2012.
This past Sunday, January 23rd
,
many of the Ministry Team Chairs
and Liaisons met to discuss where
they stood with respect to their indi-
vidual plans and goals. Many excit-
ing things are happening! Some you
can see, hear and feel. Some that
might not be as apparent.
I have mentioned it in previous
articles but look at the website
(www.ourshepherdlives.org) for
yourself; you will see the printed
word, hear the spoken word, and on
occasion, hear the word in song. That
same team, Communication & Tech-
nology, has been working through a
process that will lead to a recommen-
dation for a new phone system. (The
replacement of our current system is
long overdue.)
Defining a plan of action to make
full use of a Church database is next
on the agenda. This effort will require
assistance from many, but it will po-
sition us to be much more successful
in all that we do. Meaningful pro-
gress, important work.
The Education team reported that
this summer we will once again hold
Vacation Bible School. This is impor-
tant outreach within our congregation,
school and community. Is there a role
for you to play? Can you offer to help?
Meaningful progress, important
work.
The Stewardship team reported
the results of their campaign and
talked about the next phase. The first
phase was very successful. A good in-
crease in the number of members
pledging was more than matched by
the dollar amount pledged. The results
are very encouraging! The next phase
of the campaign involves ‘time and tal-
ents’. Please help us make this just as
successful. Meaningful progress, im-
portant work.
Worship & Music, as you can
imagine, has an impact on what you
see when you come to Church. Work-
ing closely with Pastor Olsen and
Theresa Ratkowski, the team has been
involved in a number of important
happenings, Saturday evening wor-
ship, reclaiming the Chapel for Bible
Study, the acquisition and dedication
of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship
Hymnals in our pews. Meaningful
progress, important work.
There is more, much more. We
need your support, we need your in-
volvement.
Please play a role in helping us
realize our Vision!
Do you know Good Shepherd’s Vision for Mission?Do you know Good Shepherd’s Vision for Mission?Do you know Good Shepherd’s Vision for Mission?Do you know Good Shepherd’s Vision for Mission?
Page 2
3. Page 3
Lars is in Good Shepherd’s toddler
separation program. Lisa is a devoted
speech pathologist currently working
in the New York City school system.
The Olsen family was afraid that they
would miss the Buffalo snow so they
decided it was best to bring it with
them to Plainview!
Lori & Eric Tollefsen have had a
long-standing relationship with Good
Shepherd Church. Both their daugh-
ters, Alyssa and Nicole, were baptized
here and have been in our Sunday
school since kindergarten. It only
seemed a natural progression that Lori
and Eric would become official mem-
bers when the time was right. And it
now seems that the time was right.
Nancy Tucker is a life- long Lutheran,
avid fisher-person, firefighter, emer-
gency medical technician, and proud
mommy to her puppy dog, Tim-
ber. Nancy lives with her parents in
New Hyde Park and is excited about
being part of the Good Shepherd Fam-
ily. A CPR instructor, Nancy recently
gave of her time and talents by re-
certifying our school staff! A close
friend to pastor and his family, Luke
and Lars affectionately know her as
aunt Nancy .
Roy Steinhilber & Deborah Stein,
both former residents of New Hyde
Park, have come full circle with Pastor
Eric. Roy is the father of two teenag-
ers, Alex and Jessica, while Deb has
two adult daughters, Kelly, who re-
cently married in August, and Kristin,
who is engaged to be married in May.
During a difficult period in their lives,
Roy and Deborah met at a support
group that Pastor Eric ran at Gloria
Dei Church. They became friends and
On Sunday, January 9, we cele-
brated the Baptism of our Lord by
welcoming 12 new members into our
Good Shepherd family as they reaf-
firmed their own baptism
Chrissy Canino, along with her
children Izabella and Anthony, have
been part of our school family since
2007 and loves that experience so
much that she mused about consid-
ering more kids just to be able to
continue to be involved with our
school. Chrissy credits her children
with their decision to become
church members as “this is their
home, and the place where they feel
most comfortable.” They had been
attending service here sporadically
over the past three years and have
celebrated with Pastor Phil, Pastor
Jurik, Pastor Dianne, and now Pas-
tor Eric. They have attended other
churches, but have always found
themselves returning to Good Shep-
herd. Chrissy, who was raised Bap-
tist and married a Catholic, finds
the Lutheran faith to be a good me-
dium between the two.
Randi Filagrossi and her husband
John celebrated the baptism of their
baby, Aiden John, here at Good
Shepherd on Sunday, November 7th.
A long-time family friend, of Pastor
Olsen, Randi is originally from
Glens Falls, NY, and now resides in
Seaford, NY.
Lisa, Luke, & Lars Olsen are very
familiar faces around our church
and school, and we are delighted to
have our Pastor’s family join our
family. Seven year old Luke is a sec-
ond grader at Trinity Lutheran
School in Hicksville while brother
WWWWe warmly welcomee warmly welcomee warmly welcomee warmly welcome
12 new members into our Good12 new members into our Good12 new members into our Good12 new members into our Good
Shepherd family:Shepherd family:Shepherd family:Shepherd family:
Chrissy, Izabella &Chrissy, Izabella &Chrissy, Izabella &Chrissy, Izabella &
Anthony CaninoAnthony CaninoAnthony CaninoAnthony Canino
Randi FilagrossiRandi FilagrossiRandi FilagrossiRandi Filagrossi
Lisa, Luke & Lars OlsenLisa, Luke & Lars OlsenLisa, Luke & Lars OlsenLisa, Luke & Lars Olsen
Roy Steinhilber &Roy Steinhilber &Roy Steinhilber &Roy Steinhilber &
Deborah SteinDeborah SteinDeborah SteinDeborah Stein
Lori & Eric TollefsonLori & Eric TollefsonLori & Eric TollefsonLori & Eric Tollefson
Nancy TuckerNancy TuckerNancy TuckerNancy Tucker
~~~
“The decision was an easy one.
We found a home at
Good Shepherd.”
—Deborah Stein
MEET OUR NEW MEMBERS
moved to Greenlawn to-
gether a year ago. “We were
in search of a new church
when our former Pastor and
good friend, Pastor Olsen,
told us that there was a pos-
sibility that he may be mov-
ing back to Long Island,”
Deborah said. “Roy and I
attended numerous services
at Good Shepherd and
found the congregation to
be very warm and welcom-
ing. The decision was an
easy one. We found a home
at Good Shepherd.”
4. If
you provided your e-
mail address, you will
no longer be receiving
this newsletter through the
US Postal Service.
FROM OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRY TEAM...
FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR COMMUNICATIONS & TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY TEAM...
Our newsletter will be available through e-mail in order to ensure earlier
delivery as well as savings on postage.
If you did not get an opportunity to provide us with your e-mail address
in church over the past few weeks, no problem! You may send it to Mary
Wiegert at marywiegert@optonline.net. If you do not have an e-mail ad-
dress you will still receive your copy in the mail.
NEWS ABOUT OUR NEWSLETTER!NEWS ABOUT OUR NEWSLETTER!NEWS ABOUT OUR NEWSLETTER!NEWS ABOUT OUR NEWSLETTER!
Page 4
IIIIt is our hopet is our hopet is our hopet is our hope
that the Cradlethat the Cradlethat the Cradlethat the Cradle
Roll will encourage parentsRoll will encourage parentsRoll will encourage parentsRoll will encourage parents
to speak easily to their chil-to speak easily to their chil-to speak easily to their chil-to speak easily to their chil-
dren about God.dren about God.dren about God.dren about God.
Cradle Roll is part of the outreach of the Education Committee. A Baptism
book is sent out prior to the Baptism explaining the meaning and importance of
this special occasion. Materials are sent out six times during the first year and
continue to be sent until the child is three, and then the child receives an invi-
tation to come to Sunday School.
A calendar marking the events of the child's first year with stickers, birthday
cards, and cards marking the baptismal birthday, a book for preschoolers, and a
music CD are among the items sent during the three-year period.
It is our hope this will encourage and help parents to speak easily about God in
the life of their new child.
Thank you for being
such faithful stew-
ards! We have re-
ceived 72 pledges for
2011 as of January
11th.
We encourage any-
one who hasn’t yet made a pledge to
please do so. Send it or bring it to the
church office. We need everyone’s
financial support to help carry on our
ministry here at Good Shepherd.
Remember, “Faithful Giving” is our
responsibility as God’s children, and
the assurance of “Abundant Living” is
God’s gracious gift to us.
Stewardship is the heart of the
church. It’s a year-round commit-
ment, not just the giving of your treas-
ures, but also sharing your talents and
time. We look forward to matching
your special gifts and talents with the
appropriate ministry team(s).
Thank you for your willingness to
share.
WWWWe neede neede neede need
every-every-every-every-
one’sone’sone’sone’s financial support tofinancial support tofinancial support tofinancial support to
help carry on our minis-help carry on our minis-help carry on our minis-help carry on our minis-
try here attry here attry here attry here at
FROM OUR STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY TEAM...FROM OUR STEWARDSHIP MINISTRY TEAM...
The Stewardship Team
5. T H O S E I N N E E D
O F H E A L I N G
T 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 R Y
Marc & Roger
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
99 Central Park Road, Plainview, NY 11803
Phone: 516-349-1966 Fax: 516-349-8438
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
John E. Menig, Jr., Sexton
Bobby Lang, Sexton
Page 5
Pastor Craig & his family, the family
and friends of George, and the family
and friends of Lempi.
WE PRAY FOR...
Paul (Lori’s friend), LuHi Stu-
dents Ryan, Christos & Ted-
Michael (Car Accident), Henry
(Lori’s friend), Sven (Gunhild’s
son), Paul, Mary, Reverend
Patricia (Lori’s cousin), Janet
Cox, Nick, Fran, John (Margo’s
son), Diane (Cathy’s friend),
Janice and Susan (Bob & Ann’s
family friends), Francis (Helen’s
son), Annie (Barbara’s aunt),
Meghan (Lisa’s relative), Lynne
(Irma’s daughter-in-law), Ed
(Lori’s relative), Gail, Virginia,
Mary (Virginia’s daughter), Sean
(Pastor Eric’s friend), Mary
Ellen (George’s wife), Don,
Francine, Fred, Joyce, Bill and
Jean, Jake, Ian, James, Richard,
Mary, Rita, and Chris.
T H O S E W H O A R E G R I E V I N G
T H O S E S E R V I N G I N T H E
M I L I T A R Y
CPT. Paul, Major Phillip, MSgt. Rich-
ard, Sgt. Vincent and Russ(civilian) in
Afghanistan (friend of Judy & John’s
families). Lt. David (nephew of Joyce,
cousin of Alec & Madison).
7. ASSISTING MINISTERS
Fifth “Sunday” after Epiphany 5 Ellen Sangesland
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 6 Judy Hinsch
Sixth “Sunday” after Epiphany 12 Ellen Sangesland
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 13 Dell-Ann Benson
Seventh “Sunday” after Epiphany 19 Ellen Sangesland
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany 20 John Hinsch
Eighth “Sunday” after Epiphany 26 Please sign up in the narthex
Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany 27 Terry Miccio
LECTORS
Fifth “Sunday” after Epiphany 5 Ellen Sangesland
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 6 Danielle Vollono
Sixth “Sunday” after Epiphany 12 Ellen Sangesland
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 13 Stephen Haupt
Seventh “Sunday” after Epiphany 19 Ellen Sangesland
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany 20 Gretel Saul
Eighth “Sunday” after Epiphany 26 Please sign up in the narthex
Eighth Sunday after the Epiphany 27 Terry Miccio
ACOLYTES
Fifth “Sunday” after Epiphany 5 Please sign up in the narthex
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany 6 Michaela Pietrofere & Zachary Vollono
Sixth “Sunday” after Epiphany 12 Please sign up in the narthex
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany 13 Danielle Vollono & Eric Kovel
Seventh “Sunday” after Epiphany 19 Please sign up in the narthex
Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany 20 Robby Pietrofere
Eighth “Sunday” after Epiphany 26 Please sign up in the narthex
Eighth “Sunday” after the Epiphany 27 Adriana Vollono
OUR SATURDAY EVENING MASS NEEDS YOU! If you have a desire
to serve at the Saturday evening mass, even if you have no experience, we
are willing to train. We love it when you are able to share your gifts!
Lectors, Assisting Ministers, Acolytes—all are needed!
8.
9. DELL-ANN BENSON IS GOOD SHEPHERD’S LIAISON
IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT, BENEVOLENT VENTURE.
PLEASE SUPPORT THIS EFFORT TO FEED 500 CHILDREN!
THANK YOU!
10.
11. UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY 2011
WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN:
NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER
Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools
THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUST IN MARRIAGE*
By: Rev. Dr. Ron Lehenbauer, LCC Pastoral Counselor
It is obvious that trust be-
tween partners is very impor-
tant for a successful marriage
relationship. Some wise man
once said, “What counts in
making a happy marriage is
not so much how compatible
you are, but how you deal
with incompatibility.” Per-
haps the biggest challenge
for an intimate couple rela-
tionship is discovering how
you can “be there” for each
other, despite your differ-
ences and other inevitable
obstacles that arise when two
people share a life together.
Research is showing that
TRUST is what couples strug-
gle with most in the first five
years of marriage. “Can I
trust you ... to help me ... to
be there for me ... to be
loyal?” Sadly, sometimes low
levels of trust, deception and
betrayal can weaken and
even destroy the marriage
bond of trust.
Speaking of trust, there are
some important relationship
skills which are essential in
three interactional settings in
a marriage: 1) in everyday
interactions, 2) in dealing
with disagreements and con-
flict, and 3) in helping each
other heal from earlier emo-
tional wounds (often from
childhood). When these skills
are learned and practiced
with care and compassion,
over time and in many tiny
relationship moments and
interactions, trust is built be-
tween partners. If trust is
lost for some reason, it is re-
built in the same way.
Attunement is a vital key to
building trust in a marriage –
partners attuned to each other.
After work together as a couple,
the goals (seen in the following
acrostic) can be accomplished:
A = Awareness: Each partner
is aware and mindful of their
partner’s and their own feel-
ings, emotions, moods,
hurts and joys. You are
tuned into yourself and each
other.
T = Turning Toward: When
receiving an emotional bid
(perhaps a question, state-
ment, request, gesture or
facial expression) from your
partner, you do not turn
away or against them but
toward your partner in an
effort to meet the need be-
ing expressed.
T = Tolerance: Each partner is
able to tolerate their part-
ner’s expression of negative
feelings, hurt, frustration,
anger, etc., and respond
with care and compassion.
You frequently ask for, give
and receive forgiveness
from each other.
U= Understanding: Each part-
ner, in all conversations to-
gether, tries to clearly un-
derstand the other’s ideas,
feelings and perspective,
and accepts them as valid.
N= Non-defensive Respond-
ing: Each partner can con-
trol their own reactions in
the face of the other’s reac-
tion – you can listen to your
partner’s negativity with un-
derstanding, empathy and
compassion.
E= Empathy: Partners fre-
quently empathize with each
other and share their heart-
felt understanding of the
feelings and emotions their
dearest-one is experiencing.
Trust is built slowly over time as
couples practice this kind of at-
tunement with each other. Some-
times, in working on being more
attuned to each other, couples
find counseling helpful in learning
some new skills and getting some
new insights about themselves
and their relationship. That’s one
of the services of the Lutheran
Counseling Center. Feel free to
call us or refer couples to us if
you think we can be of help.
*Much of what I’m sharing here is
what I gleaned from a lecture I
recently attended presented by
Dr. John Gottman (a leading re-
searcher in couple relationships)
in Atlanta, GA, at an Imago Rela-
tionship Conference, October,
2010.
SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR COR-
PORATORS’ MEETING: THURS-
DAY, MARCH 10, 6:30 TO 9:00
P.M. FOR ALL ASSOCIATION
CONGREGATIONAL PASTORS
AND 2 DELEGATES FROM EACH
CHURCH. MORE TO FOLLOW.
You may reach the Lutheran
Counseling Center at 516-741-
0994 or 1-800-317-1173 or e-
mail us at Center@lccny.org.
LCC has seven counseling sites
in and around metropolitan
New York. Visit our website at
www.lccny.org.
12. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church & School
99 Central Park Road
Plainview, NY 11803
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Org.
U.S POSTAGE
PAID
Permit # 490
Hicksville, NY 11802
DATED MATERIAL
