Did You Know?

There is a lot about Good Shepherd’s life and work that is unknown to many parishioners. This series will address those less apparent parts of Parish life to build up the shared understanding and shared committment that is so vital to faithfully answering God’s call to us in this place.

That Robert Fain is the only, full time, paid priest at Good Shepherd? 

Andy Menger is a three quarters time member of the clergy staff who also serves as the Priest in charge of St. Mary’s Parish downtown. Andy leads the Adult Formation ministry in the Parish as well as a community-wide grief ministry on behalf of Platt’s Funeral Home. He is also on the faculty of Georgia Military College where he teaches World Religions. Andy is compensated separately for all of these services and he is a good ambassador for Good Shepherd through his community involvement.

Lynn Prather serves half-time as the leader and coordinator of Pastoral Ministries at Good Shepherd. Like Andy, she is out in the community part of each day tending to our parishioners and others who appreciate a visit as clear evidence that the People of God at Good Shepherd care about others. Though she is compensated for only 20 hours of service each week, Lynn gives far more time for Good Shepherd and adds great impact to the ministry of the Clergy Team.

Lisa Barrowclough is Chaplain to the larger parish at Episcopal Day School where she pastors 356 students in 258 families and 80 faculty and staff members. The School Chaplain is a full time position paid by EDS. Lisa loves being involved in Parish life as well, where she teaches occasional classes in Adult Formation and takes a turn in the rota of Celebrant and Preacher for our Sunday services. We provide an honorarium to Lisa for the additional services. It is important for the School Chaplain to be engaged and visible in Parish life as a “bridge” between EDS and Good Shepherd and as a clear sign that Good Shepherd cares about Christian life and witness in the school.

Bunny Simon Williams, as a newly ordained priest, is assigned to the Diocese of Georgia and Bishop Benhase has generously allowed her to continue her formation by being involved at Good Shepherd until such time as he has a need for her to serve another place. In this capacity, Bunny provides support for other area clergy supplying, or filling in for them, when they have a need to be away from their congregation on a Sunday. In appreciation to the Diocese for the gifts Bunny shares with Good Shepherd, we pay her a very modest stipend for 20 hours service which more importantly, gives her access to the Episcopal Church’s medical coverage and enrolls her in the extraordinary pension plan of the Episcopal Church. Robert, Lisa, Andy, and Lynn receive these benefits as part of their call to serve Good Shepherd and EDS.

Joe Bowden has served as a “utility player” for the Diocese. Though only slightly past the mandatory retirement age for an Episcopal cleric, Bishop Benhase renews his “on deck” status each year. After many years of priestly service around the Diocese and in Augusta, we are blessed to have Joe “home” and to benefit from his considerable energy and enthusiasm for Jesus and Good Shepherd. Joe receives no compensation or benefit beyond that of joy for serving at Good Shepherd. Joe remains active in his calling as a surgeon and physician with the VA Hospital.

Last, but not least at all! In fact, at the top of the list is Curtis Johnson who is the Vicar of Christ Church in Augusta. Curtis was more active in the past at Good Shepherd on Sunday nights and occasionally on Wednesday mornings before dealing with a health issue. Fortunately Curtis is doing well, busy with Christ Church and is ready to make an occasional Epiphany at the Wednesday morning service.

Good Shepherd’s present budget provides compensation and benefits for 2.75 clergy, which as a large Episcopal congregation, would surprise many around our Diocese. Yet, the congregation enjoys the benefit of knowing, hearing, and being served by six different priests! A parishioner should be able to find at least one in that pile with whom to find affinity! The model of fewer full time clergy serving even large congregations is increasingly the reality for all Episcopal churches. The Rector and Vestry have chosen to provide clerical staff for the Parish using this model. This allows more parish resources to be devoted to outreach and misssion (clergy are expensive!) as well as draws out into Parish ministry the considerable giftedness of our parishioners.

I hope you will agree that Good Shepherd gets a lot of bang for its clergy bucks. The clergy all know however, it is a great joy and privilege to be at Good Shepherd. We heartily thank you for your support and encouragement