1. May we, the
people of Good
Shepherd contin-
ue to bring God’s
message of love
and peace to our
brothers and
sisters in
Plainview and
beyond by
following Jesus,
our shepherd,
into streets,
parks and
everywhere God’s
children gather.
J U N E 2 0 1 4
CELEBRATING 63 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICE
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
Dear Faithful People of Good Shepherd,
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School sits on top of a hill on a beautiful piece of property in
Plainview. Like our ancient ancestors in the faith who trekked up God’s Holy Mountains in search
of inspiration and healing, we too make our weekly Sabbath journey to experience God’s closeness.
There are times, however, that God calls us as a people to take to the streets and to claim space in
public places and to announce to the world that we are a community that cares, not only about our
own, but also about the world and our neighbors. This past Memorial Day we had such an oppor-
tunity. Over seventy strong, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School Families gathered at the
Plainview Library with decorated wagons, holding banners and carrying balloons. As we walked
along waving at those gathered along the parade route we were greeted with cheers and applause.
As we approached the last leg of our journey into the park on Washington Avenue, Mellissa Sau-
eracker, a teacher of both our day and Sunday school, began spontaneously leading us in “Be My
Shepherd”, a song well known by both our children and families. This song served as an audible re-
minder that it is our shepherd, Jesus, who leads us to live our lives for the sake of others.
While the mood was festive, upon arriving at the park the somber nature of the day began to un-
fold as veterans, political leaders, and community clergy gathered on the dais. A disabled veteran
from Iraq and Afghanistan that maneuvered deftly with his prosthetic limbs sat to my right and later
spoke of his fallen brothers that would have loved to have spent one more beautiful day barbequing
with their families… While Chris tried to keep his message “upbeat”, his presence and the way he
quickly exited revealed the deep pain upon which Memorial Day celebrations stand. War is not
glamorous. As one member at The Preacher’s Pub commented recently, “War is Hell.” Yet, God
gives us the power to confront this Hell with the power of Jesus’ love.
The following is the benediction that I shared at the conclusion of our community Memorial Day
remembrance at Plainview Park.
“On Memorial Day we pause to remember our brothers and sisters whose lives were cut short by the evils of war, and
those who continue to die each day on our behalf. These people we grieve were not just names on a seemly endless list-
they were real people with husbands, wives, children, parents and siblings. They were members of churches, syna-
gogues, mosques and temples. They were bankers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, police officers, firefighters, carpen-
ters, electrician, plumbers, and nurses. They were just like us, but they are different than us too. Because not only
did they answer the call to serve, a high calling, indeed, that many have answered and are answering for the sake of
our nation, but we honor today those who were called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice- that of themselves.
Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, than to give one’s life for one’s friends.” It is this great
love that we marvel at today while we mourn over the beautiful children of God that embodied that love. We
pause today therefore not only to remember and never forget, but to also pray and commit ourselves to peacemak-
ing so that their sacrifice will not be in vain because they died so others, namely you and I could live.
We also pause today to remember all of our returning veterans who are still suffering and dying due to
the effects of the horrors of war. War related illness and post-traumatic stress disorder continue to take the lives
of our brave men and women and we as citizens need to ensure that those who are returning know that they are
appreciated and that support services are available.
(Continued on page 2)

2. Let us pray,
Heavenly Father, You have entrusted to us the entirety of your magnificent creation. You call each of
us to care for all that you have made, especially our fellow brothers and sisters. Thank you for the gift
of your love which enables us to give of ourselves in your life giving service. Today we especially thank
you for each man and woman who serves their fellow brothers and sisters by confronting horror, fear
and suffering in the name of peace so that we can live more freely. We thank you for those precious
souls who have laid down their lives for us and for those who will do so in the days to come. Give them
rest and eternal peace in your loving presence. We also pray for all those who remain missing in action.
May you shepherd them and us so we can honor those who have died appropriately and release those
who are held captive. Protect our service men and women who remain ready to sacrifice their breath
for ours. Give them courage and may your angels lead them on safe pathways for your name’s sake
In your Almighty name we pray. Amen.”
May we, the people of Good Shepherd continue to bring God’s message of love and peace to our brothers and sisters in Plainview
and beyond by following Jesus, our shepherd into streets, parks and everywhere God’s children gather. Don’t miss Bible by the
Beach and the Bay, our Captree fishing trips, and our family excursions planned for this summer.
Yours in Christ,
Our Semi-Annual meeting of the congregation held on May 4, 2014 included a full agenda and many hand
outs including our Vision for Mission Report for 2014-2015. I’m highlighting this report because a consider-
able amount of effort and thought from each Ministry Team, Committee and School Board goes into its for-
mation. If you were not able to attend the meeting on May 4th , we will provide copies of the report in the
narthex, and it is on the church website. Take the time to read about the accomplishments of the various
ministry teams and committees this past year as well as their goals through 2016. Of special importance and
listed as goals of both the Church Council and School Board is the necessity to directly assist in the market-
ing efforts of the school in order to maximize enrollment. We need to expand these efforts; may I suggest
that all of us join in telling of the great story of our school to our friends, family and beyond. As I mentioned
in my remarks at the congregation meeting, our school really is a manifestation of our overall mission, teach-
ing children that Jesus loves them and is always with them.
This month we will be finalizing plans for another great Summer Concert Series and Pot Luck dinners. These were well
received events last summer with good food and fellowship so look for the schedule and we hope you consider participating.
Finally, thank you to all who continue to give of their time and various talents for the betterment of our Faith Community.
In Christ,
Kevin Ocker
Alleluia Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, alleluia! Although we remain in the midst of the joyful
fifty days of Easter, we quickly approach the holy feast of Pentecost! It is on Pentecost that we
celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit that unites us, strengthens us, makes a dwelling within us,
and sends us out into the world to spread God’s love to all the world. It is also on Pentecost that
four of our Confirmation students will be confirmed. I have had the great joy and honor of getting
to know them this past year as they learn and grow as children of God.
At a recent Confirmation class, I asked the students to tell me why they are going to keep coming
to church after Confirmation. I had them answer one after the other around the room. Some of the
students weren’t completely sure, others thought that since their family comes anyway they would
just tag along. But then one student stopped us all in our tracks. “This is just the beginning,” he started. “Confirmation is just
the beginning of our adult lives in the church and we should absolutely come to church after Confirmation.”
In Christ,
Vicar Nicholas Sollom

5. The Worship and Music Ministry Team is looking to begin a Bread Ministry. The purpose of
the Bread Ministry is to make gluten free bread to use in the celebration of the Eucharist. It
doesn't matter if you are an experienced baker or a novice, the recipe is easy to follow, and in-
volves little time. You could bake the bread in your own home or join a group to bake it at the
church and make a social event out of it. Are you interested? Speak to Lilli Schulz or Marge
Wenger.
Eighty two people, including worshipers from St. Pius & St. Margaret’s, attended our first Taize Service on May 18th!
It was a beautiful candle-lit service.....imagine over 350 candles in an otherwise darkened church. The candles remind
us that even when the night is very dark, whether in our own lives or in the life of humanity, Christ's love is a fire that
never goes out. In the center of the chancel in front of the altar and surrounded by candles was a cross. People were
invited to approach it for prayers at the conclusion of the service while "Jesus Remember Me" was sung. Icons, also
illuminated by candles, were placed in the area between the pulpit and lectern. Although the icons are images, they
are not simply decorations. They are symbols of the incarnation, a presence which offers to the eyes the spiritual mes-
sage that the word addresses to the ears.
Singing is one of the most essential parts of Taize worship. The songs consist of just a few words and express a basic
reality of faith. Singing the words over and over becomes very meditative, and we find ourselves listening to God and
waiting on Him. Our music was beautiful!! How could it not be with pianist Teresa Ratkowski, flutist Kathy Prinz,
and cantor Lois Fassino! Good Shepherd is truly blessed through these wonderful musicians.
Our next Taize worship will be on September 21. Come join us!
The hills of Good Shepherd will surely be alive with the sound of music this
summer! In addition to a lineup of Thursday night barbecues and concerts yet to be
announced, on Penetcost at 4:00 p.m. the Ars LongaQuire will be performing their
spring concert. Cantor Caryn’s vocal students will be performing Broadway tunes
on July 19th. And on Friday, June 27th from 7:30 p.m.. - 9:00 p.m. we are happy to
announce a bass concert by August Berger. This concert is going to be an evening of
classical music featuring August along with special guests, including Teresa Rat-
kowski.
Most of us know him as a frequent guest musician during our holiday services,
but did you know that since starting the double bass at age 8, August has been fascinated
with all things musical? He began studying privately with Matthew Schneider at the age of 15 and had the honor of
being selected to the All State Symphony Orchestra in 2008 and the All State String Orchestra in 2009. He went on to
study the bass with Metropolitan Opera Principal Bassist, Timothy Cobb at Purchase College - SUNY.
While engaged in his study of the bass Mr. Berger also studied conducting with Ransom Wilson and had his
conducting debut at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College with the world premiere of composer Nick Vi-
zi’s piece for wind ensemble, “Langa”. August also had the opportunity to participate in master classes with world-
renowned bassists Thomas Martin and Enrico Fagone. In the summer of his junior year he traveled to Russia and
England as a Resident Assistant with the inaugural season of the National Youth Orchestra of the USA with Valery
Gergiev and Joshua Bell. In May 2014 he was awarded the President’s Award for Achievement in the Conservatory of
Music as well as graduating Summa Cum Laude with an impressive 3.99 GPA.
In the fall he will continue his studies with Timothy Cobb at Lynn University in Boca Raton, FL where he
will be pursuing his Master’s Degree in Music. In the future Mr. Berger intends on earning his teacher certification so
that he might pass on his knowledge to the next generation of musicians.
We look forward to hosting this concert. Please join us on this very special evening, Friday, June 27th
, from
7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

6. WE PRAY FOR...
Maureen Kelly Araujo, Alex & Derek Bartkow, Maya Berger (Vicar Nick’s friend),
Eleanor Bierlmaier Dugan, John Binsfeld (Benner family friend), Edwina Bishop, John & Eddie Brusdeliens
(J. Hinsch family friend), Brad Carbone & family (R. Benson family friend), Lynne Carlson (Irma’s daughter
-in-law), Edna Carrera (Martha Peterson’s friend), Carol Cassis (Elaine Cassimatis’ mother), Ava Cataldo
(GSL student), Rita Cooper (Ruth Strakele’s friend), Gisela Conforti, Dorothy Cronin, Claudia DeMauro,
Kristin DeMayo (McGowan family friend), Ryan DeVerna, Denise (Lisa Olsen’s coworker), Ken Dixon
(Pastor Eric’s friend), Susan Dowd (Maisch family friend), Brooke Ducey, Sally Ducey, Anna Duda (Denise
Bartkow’s mother), Becky Ernst (Paul Wenger’s cousin), Ryan Faret &
family, Melody Fassino, Pat Froelich (Peggy Lang’s friend), Rashid
Ghani (Mason family friend), Mary Gessing (Vincent Cronin’s cousin),
Lilah & Jim Gillett (Kathy Prinz’s friends), Erika Green, Liz Haley, Hedy
(GLS Teacher Barbara Valenza’s mother), Renee Iannone (Irma
Carlson’s niece), Alexis Jacobsen (GSL teacher LeeAnn’s daughter), An-
na Jerome, Robert Kaiser, Robert Kamps (Lee family friend), Lois Kaza-
rian, Chris Kim (Hu Jin’s friend), Dillon Kwarta, Lois Lengenfelder, Toni
Anne LaGois, Christian Lakis, Kenneth Lane, Martha Langhahr, Claire
Larrie (Mary Wiegert’s sister), Angel Lorch, Joan Lombardo (Rickmeyer family friend), Kim Maca (Kathy
Prinz’s friend), Maryann Macy (Rosemary McNair’s mother), Bea McCabe, Pastor Fred McElderry (St. An-
drew’s in West Hempstead), Lori Mason, Claire Barbara Meeker (Martha Peterson’s friend), Claire
Mehrhoff (Alice Vorstadt’s friend), Linda O’Brien (McGowan family friend), Ruth Odwazny, Rose Oliver
(Ellen Benson’s friend), Meghan Ortega (Lisa Olsen’s niece), Shari Paterakis, Olga Petras, Nick Portugal
(Liam Broggy’s friend), Kathy Prinz, Dr. Mark Prowatzke (Danny Wenger’s father in law), Anthony Real-
muto (Olsen family friend), Cathy Reese (Alice Vorstadt’s friend), Justin Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew),
Glenn Schabel, Lilli Schulz, Audrey Schwartz, Adam Sink (Judy Hinsch’s nephew), Ian Spadaro, Nancy
Stingelin, Ruth Strakele, Anna Stutzbach, Joyce Tare, Susan Tonnesson (Terry Miccio’s friend), Emily
Trapp, Shannon Udell (Miccio family friend), Madison Von Bargen (Ruff’ family friend), Jeff Zenko (Karen
Faucera’s friend), and Brother George Zenle (Wenger family friend).
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 W H O A R E G R I E V 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
Keith & Kyle Calderone (Army), Specialist Sean
Hassett (Lori Mason’s cousin), CPT. Paul Rick-
meyer, Captain Robert Saueracker, LTC. Phillip
Sounia, USMC, Corporal Nicholas Ventrelli-
O’Connell (Patty Larson’s family friend).
Roger Griffith & Nick Sollom
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
Alice Vorstadt and the family & friends of
Maryanne Senia.

7. A little late, but ...
Birthday Blessings to:
Richard Benson — May 8
Judy Hinsch — May 18
Hope your day was great!
On Friday May 9th, Long Island Lutheran Mid-
dle & High School honored CPT Paul Rickmey-
er during their Alumni of the Year Chapel ser-
vice. A graduate of the class of 2001, CPT Rick-
meyer was the youngest of the four honorees by
17 years! He delivered an inspiring address to the
students about putting their LuHi education in-
to action by becoming a servant leader and was
commended as being the “perfect example of a
LuHi alumnus who has gone on to make a posi-
tive difference in the world.” All of us at Good
Shepherd extend our congratulations to Paul!
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
Reverend Nicholas Sollom, Vicar
Reverend Marc Herbst, Assistant to Bishop Robert Rimbo
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
We’re going fisHing!!!
Please save these dates for our family fishing trips off Captree and look
for more detailed announcements to come in our weekly church bulletin
& website:
Friday, June 20th — Evening Fishing for Blues
Tuesday, July 1st — Day Fishing for Fluke
Friday, August 15th — Evening Fishing for Blues

8. Michael & Nicole Steinert
On June 21, 2014
Andrea & Erik Hansen - 6/25
Gail & Stephen Haupt - 6/16
Diane & Ron Maisch - 6/5
Judi & Charlie Miranda - 6/1
Dean and Annmarie Brown's nephew,
Vincent Lawrence Festa graduated this
May from Bard University with a
Masters in Music, his undergraduate
degree is from Julliard. He will be sing-
ing as a Tenor in an Opera this June
at Avalon in Canada and in August
Etienne Bouchard - 6/29
Elizabeth Cammarata - 6/30
Daniel Collins - 6/8
Stephen Contos - 6/15
Matthew Fox - 6/5
Daniel Hayes - 6/25
Jonathan Hayes - 6/3
Maximillian Ludewig - 6/21
Grant Maffei - 6/8
Emily Miccio - 6/21
Melissa Milhim - 5/26
Logan Moran - 6/20
Luca Pecora - 6/14
George Saueracker - 6/20
Dorothea Spadaro - 6/4
Roy Steinhilber - 6/2
Samantha Strack - 6/25
Paul Wenger - 6/7
Kaitlyn Whitenack - 6/12
Hugh Whitenack, Jr. - 6/11/68
Billy Wiegert - 6/26
at the Tanglewood Music Festival in the Berkshires. In Sep-
tember he will continue his studies at the New England Con-
servatory in Boston. Dean & Annmarie are very proud of
his hard work and dedication to his singing career and wish him
much success. Please see the next page for more graduates of
whom we are very proud.

9. Jennifer Aldrich — Masters in Social Work from Fordham University
Kathryn Banzer — Summa Cum Laude from Syracuse University
August Berger -- Bachelor of Music from SUNY Purchase to
Lynn University for Masters
John’s Schwaninger’s daughter Jill Boyle —
Masters in Nursing from Denver University
Ryan Cacchioli — Sports Management BA from
Misericordia University where he will continue for Masters
Daniel Collins — from LuHi to Boston University
Fred & Loretta Ruff’s granddaughter Lauren Klose —
from the College of St. Rose in Albany
Danielle Kovel — from Old Bethpage ES to Mattlin MS
Caroline Nickels — from Herricks HS to Molloy College
Ryan Ratkowski — Communications BA from SUNY Geneseo
Interning at Disney World in August
CPT. Paul Rickmeyer — from Columbia University Teacher’s College,
MA in Organization & Leadership with Recognition from the
Eisenhower Leadership Program USMA at West Point
Fred & Loretta Ruff’s granddaughter
Justine Sweeney — from Trinity Lutheran ES to LuHi
Alyssa Tollefsen — from POB MS to LuHi

11. Please see the back of this
sheet for registration form.
Due June 2, 2014.

13. UPDATE FOR JUNE 2014
WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN:
NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER STATEN ISLAND & BROOKLYN
Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools
Parenting has been described as a "benevolent
dictatorship" with the purpose of guiding children
safely to adulthood. Most parents agree that their
job is to set the parameters for children. However,
modern technology has made this increasingly
more complicated. Many children know more about
the computer and social media than their parents
do. As a result, children find their way into poten-
tially dangerous and damaging online situations.
You can be a savvy parent by following these
guidelines:
1. If you are technologically limited, make an effort
to learn and continue learning. Most communi-
ties offer adult education courses. The Apple
Store offers free training when you purchase a
computer. If these options are not possible, ar-
range opportunities with others who can teach
you. Your child's safety might depend on this.
2. Place the computer in a central location where
you are able to observe your child. The comput-
er should not be in the child's bedroom. It is im-
portant to communicate the amount of screen
time allowed each day. Set a timer and establish
consequences for time violations. An excellent
consequence is to take away screen time for the
next day. If your child has a cell phone, set sim-
ilar restrictions on phone calls and texting; do
not allow them to use it at will.
3. After your child is finished online, check the
browser and view the recently visited web-
sites. If the viewing history is cleared, they
might be visiting sites that are inappropriate. If
your child shuts down the web page or the com-
puter when you walk by, chances are they are
hiding something. Be clear that you will be
checking in order to assure their safety.
4. Establish the rules for the internet. What web-
sites are they allowed to visit? What social me-
dia are they allowed to use? Check all the web-
sites that they visit. Post the rules, including
time limits near the computer. This way there
will be no confusion. The internet browser can
be set to block certain sites and help with p
arental monitoring
5. Educate your child regarding predators who are
online. They should not engage in conversation
with people they do not know. They should nev-
er give out their name, address, school, phone
number or anything that would enable an online
person to find them. Even pictures of landmarks
can identify their location. It is prudent to disa-
ble your webcam, so that children cannot en-
gage in video chat with strangers. If you sus-
pect a problem involving predatory behavior,
bring it to the attention of the police.
6. Each year many children fall victim to cyberbul-
lying. This type of bullying is dangerous for eve-
ryone involved and has been a factor in many
tragedies. Everyone is at risk, bullies as well as
the bullied. For the children who are being bul-
lied, there is no refuge; it continues even after
school when they return home to their fami-
lies. The child acting as bully needs as much
help as the victim. Be vigilant regarding this is-
sue, impose no tolerance and report it immedi-
ately.
7. Social media is constantly changing. Even if you
are behind the times, it is important to join and
follow your child's activity. Most social media
sites have age restrictions and it is important to
follow their guidelines. Parental monitoring is
necessary for safety. The landscape of technol-
ogy will continue to grow and change. The safe-
ty precautions in place today will soon be out-
dated, and are never a substitute for you. It is
critical for parents to stay informed, be vigilant,
set parameters and encourage ongoing discus-
sions regarding online behavior throughout mid-
dle childhood and beyond.
Mrs. Geiling counsels children, teens and families at
LCC’s Bronxville counseling site. Contact Luther-
an Counseling Center at 1-800-317-1173 or
516-741-0994 or e-mail us at Center@lccny.org
Helpful Hints for Internet Safety for Children, Ages 7 to 11
By: Mrs. Elizabeth Geiling, MSED, LMHC, LCC Psychotherapist

14. Tuesday, June 17th is the closing date for our July newsletter. If you have an article that you
would like to be included in this newsletter, please e-mail it to church@ourshepherdlives.org
no later than that date. Thank you very much.
DATE SERVICE ASSISTING MINISTER LECTOR GUEST USHERS
June 1
Seventh Sunday of Easter
10:00 a.m.
John Hinsch &
Lori Mason
Judy Hinsch Tollefsen Family
June 8
Day of Pentecost
10:00 a.m.
John Schwaninger &
Marge Wenger
George Milhim Uzzo Family
June 15
The Holy Trinity
10:00 a.m.
Judy Hinsch &
Terry Miccio
John Hinsch Broggy Family
June 22
Second Sunday of Pentecost
10:00 a.m.
Bonnie McGowan &
Christin Walsh
Richard Benson
Cathy Vollono
Jim & Wendy Jansky
June 29
Peter & Paul, Apostles
10:00 a.m.
Anne Rickmeyer &
Lori Mason
Lori Mason
Robert & Helen LaBarbera
Alice Vorstadt
Altar Care—Bonnie McGowan