1. Praise God,
from whom all
blessings flow;
Praise God,
all creatures
here below;
Praise God above,
ye heavenly host;
Praise Father,
Son, and
Holy Ghost.
Amen.
O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4
Dear Faithful People of Good Shepherd:
During my recent family vacation to Disney World, I found myself in need of something that
most of us do without on a daily basis. That something was cash! I needed it not to pay for hotel
rooms or theme park tickets, but in order to properly tip the many travel service industry profes-
sionals that I encountered along the way. There was the airport parking shuttle driver, the
curbside check in agent, the motor coach operator, the bellhop, and our table servers. All of these
wonderful people helped to make our experience pleasant and enjoyable.
Years ago I heard that the word “tip” was an acronym for “ to insure proper service” which nev-
er made too much sense to me since it is usually rendered after the service is offered not before.
After a little research I discovered that the word “tip” is not an acronym, but actually a word that
came into common usage in the early 1600s. Before its debut as a proper English word, it spent
several decades as a slang word used by professional thieves to mean to share. If a pickpocket in
London was successful he might tip his friends as a way to take care of his brothers. It was an early
form of wealth distribution and social security among those who lived outside the law and on the
margin of society, and yet “civil” society adopted this mechanism to share prosperity and learned a
bit of altruism from some unlikely teachers!
Sharing treasure did not come easy to the Pirates of the Caribbean (sorry for the Disney image-
ry!) and it doesn’t come easy to us civilized, law-abiding citizens either. “Finders Keepers; Losers
Weepers” is a phrase that nearly all children know by kindergarten. Many of us “civilized people”
also work quite hard each day; and, therefore, justify our treasure burying and guarding activities.
Our response usually is more like- “well if you want your own treasure, work ashardasmeandget yourown!”
Yet, when we share our treasures two amazing things happen. First of all we feel joy and secondly
we experience freedom.
Recently I received a wonderful letter in the mail indicating that Stanley and Marion Bergman
were giving a bounty of their treasure to our For Future Generations Campaign. Their $35,000 gift
will make a real difference in our campaign and hopefully inspire others to part with their treasure
as well! Stanley is the CEO of The Henry Schein, Inc. and Marion is a medical doctor and the direc-
tor of Health Care projects for MCW (Miracle Corners of the World). They are people of faith and
deep personal conviction. They are devout Jews from South Africa who know the horrors of the
holocaust and witnessed the injustice of apartheid first hand. While the Bergmans could insulate
themselves from the world’s problems, they choose instead to engage them. While they could bury
their treasure, they choose to instead share it. They have dedicated much of their time, talent and
treasure to help improve human rights around the globe. Their family was just recently awarded
the prestigious American Jewish Committee’s Global Interfaith Leadership Award for their sup-
port of interfaith dialogue as a means of cultivating lasting peace and fostering deeper understand-
ing between all of God’s children.
The Bergmans appreciate Good Shepherd’s long-standing promotion of interfaith dialogue and
our commitment to serving all of God’s children. (If you had the privilege of attending our Septem-
ber 11th
Interfaith worship service, you could clearly see and feel the community strengthening
power when God’s children come together to pray together for peace.) The Bergmans chose to
bless us because of their appreciation for how we as a faith community help to build peace and
promote mutual respect in Plainview/ Old- Bethpage.
All the treasures that we claim as our own are really just on loan from our gracious creator. The
one God of all humanity has given us our lives, creation and all of our possessions. It is this God
that continues to provide for us and who encourages us to care for others. I am thankful for all of
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
CELEBRATING 63 YEARS IN GOD’S SERVICE

2. Our Fourth Annual Fall Harvest Festival will be held on Saturday October 25th, and in or-
der to ensure another successful festival we are encouraging our members to help in several areas.
The Festival Committee has a need for themed gift baskets for the raffle and homemade crafts that
can be sold on a donation basis. In addition, other raffle prizes are needed from local businesses and
restaurants. So if you are inclined to do some soliciting please pick up a donation request letter in
the Narthex or the church office.
Due to a code compliance issue the windows in the school are now due to be replaced over the
Thanksgiving break. As part of the project we look forward to new entrance doors as well as consid-
erable energy savings with this major improvement to our campus. Other infrastructure projects
include the full assessment of the parsonage by de Bruin Engineering, boiler replacement, and im-
proved lighting in the church.
Looking ahead please know that the Parish Life and Evangelism Ministry Teams in con-
junction with the For Future Generations Committee have begun discussions on bringing back a great special event: “Surf &
Turf. If you are interested in participating in the planning for this event speak to Lori DeFilippis or myself. This will be a Janu-
ary event.
Finally, thank you to all who continue serve on ministry teams, committees, council and school board, your talents yield
wonderful results in this faith community.
In Christ,
Kevin Ocker
Council President
It is October and the hive of activity that is Good Shepherd has moved to its fall-to-spring minis-
try schedule following a busy summer. It is time to think about the stewardship of your time and tal-
ents and consider how you may more actively participate in the ministries of this place.
Good Shepherd has been blessed with recent growth and also saddened by the loss of long-time
active members. Every ministry team could benefit from your input and help. If you have an area of
interest but are not sure where it fits, speak to Pastor, and he will direct you to the proper contact
person.
Not sure you want to lead; then let your stewardship be your greater participation in Bible study,
helping in the office, adult education on Sunday mornings, singing with the choir, being a lector, flow-
ers and alter care, taking part in WELCA (an inter-congregational women’s group), the men’s 21+
group, worship to go ministry, social ministry and food delivery, Preacher’s Pub, helping with ushering, helping with youth, join-
ing with seniors, being a saintly sewer, or just coming out to congregational events.
There are many opportunities to participate, so make a commitment, even a short term commitment. You will be glad you
did!
- Submitted by Bob Rickmeyer
you who part with your treasure here at Good Shepherd. I know it brings you joy to know that you are helping to fuel God’s
work and I know it gives you freedom as you realize that your treasure is not the master of you, but rather you are the master
of your treasure! I especially want to also thank God for the Bergmans. Stanley and Marion are a great source of inspiration.
More than their monetary gift to Good Shepherd, I am thankful for the fact that they care deeply about all of God’s children
and that they are experiencing the joy and the freedom that comes with being good givers!
What if we all took the words of the doxology literally, believing that all of our treasure is indeed from God? Could we
understand our calling as God’s generous tippers- ensuring that all of God’s children everywhere received the blessing of abun-
dance? I know most pirate tales end in the pirate never enjoying the treasure because it is buried to ensure others will never be
able to find it or steal it away. We Christians believe that God sent Jesus, his most precious treasure, into the world and gave
him away to the world for our sake. In God’s lavish generosity we have been granted forgiveness, purpose and future. Let us
therefore live into the joy and freedom that God intends for us through giving even ourselves away for the sake of the world!
Don’t forget to tip!
Praise God from whom all blessing flow,
Together with Christ,
Pastor Eric Olaf Olsen

3. Dear Pastor Eric and Beloved People of Good Shepherd,
It has been a whole month since Rally Day, but I am still
completely overwhelmed by the love and generosity that you
showered me with that day. It was a bittersweet day for me: I officially ended my time with
you as vicar, but at the same time, I was there with you to officially start another program
year at Good Shepherd. In that way, I feel that I will be with you all year long—not always
physically—but always in spirit.
Coming to be with you on Rally Day would have been enough for me—just being in
your presence is a tremendous gift! It was an unexpected joy to receive all of the incredible
gifts that you so graciously presented me with: an engraved, silver pectoral cross of my
seminary from the Internship Committee; an engraved, gold pyx from the Bereavement
group; a stunning chasuble and stole from the entire congregation that I will wear on my
ordination day; handmade letters from the school children; a beautiful piece of artwork
from the school of the Good Shepherd surrounded by sheep (and holding the little black one—me!); an incredibly
generous check for $4000.00 from all of you that will help to pay my seminary loans; and many cards, baked goods,
sentimental gifts, laughs, hugs, and tears—you really overwhelmed me with such love, kindness, and generosity!
There were so many people involved planning this special day: Pastor Eric, Maureen, Kevin Ocker, Sue Devine,
Judy Hinsch, my Internship Committee, the teachers, the Confirmation class, the Bereavement group, and many more
including each and every one of you. I could not possibly thank each one of you individually so please accept this let-
ter as a sign of my deep love and my sincerest gratitude!
I think of you all each and every day, pray for you, and long for the day when I will see you again. Please continue
to pray for me that I may faithfully serve this year as a chaplain. I feel your love and prayers for me each day in the
hospital and I give thanks to God for that, and for all of you!
Until we meet again, God bless you all!
Love, Chaplain Nick
Dear Friends of Good Shepherd,
This thank you letter comes to you WAY overdue; something we should
have done last year. To say “thank you” for ALL you gave us and our entire family
just doesn’t seem to say enough. This note comes now almost one year later, the
one year anniversary of Mom’s passing.
Ethel Batchelder was a part of this place of faith, and we just want to say
how special this place, Good Shepherd, was and is. The many home visits, phone
calls, suppers, cards, prayers – each touched our hearts in a way that was very
special and appreciated. For anyone who has gone through something like this, it
is overwhelming! “Mom fell,” Carl said. From that moment on, nothing was the
same or easy. Life-changing decisions had to be made – what felt like ach day – there were changes to mom’s condi-
tion. The presence of Good Shepherd was never far away; friends – friends of faith – there each step of our hard walk.
Residing at Huntington Hills was a drastic but necessary decision. From short-term care to long-term –the com-
fort that came from you made this walk more doable. Mom’s request to start services there – Pastor made that hap-
pen. Regular visits by friends to fill in the gaps for Carl and me – such a gift. Making Mom feel she was NOT forgot-
ten was HUGE!
This past year brought much sadness but much joy also. From Heather getting engaged (which she and Etienne
were able to share with Ethel, who was so pleased with that news) to mom’s death, to selling her house, to Heather’s
wedding – this year was filled with busyness. But as I reiterate – friends of Good Shepherd walked with us and sup-
ported our hearts.
So in closing this long overdue thank you note, know we are forever grateful for holding our family up at mo-
ments which were scary and emotional. This is why we are proud and so glad that Good Shepherd is a part of our
lives.
May God bless each of you and know our hearts will forever be touched by the love you showed us.
God’s Peace,
Karin Kienle and Carl Batchelder

4. Planning for our Fall Harvest Festival is underway. It is because
of you that this event has grown into a major annual gathering in
our church and school, and we need your continued support to
continue that success.. Please help us accomplish these goals:
 Please consider donating a themed basket for a raffle
prize—Halloween, Christmas, Breakfast, Ethnic, Sewing, Knit-
ting, Bath & Body, at the Movies, Wine & Cheese, etc. If you
would like to donate/create a basket. Moreover, if you
have empty baskets at home at home that our basket
makers could use for their creations, please consider
dropping them off in the narthex. Each ministry team is
invited to make a theme basket for raffle as well.
 If you are interested in selling homemade crafts on a do-
nation-basis only, please leave a message for Roy Stein-
hilber at the church office,
 We need you to solicit local businesses, restaurants, and
merchants for donations for raffle prizes. Donation re-
quest letters are in the narthex. Please take two or three
and the next time you find yourself in your favorite res-
taurant, salon, or gym, kindly hand the manager a letter
and ask for a donation. If you need more letters, please
contact Maureen at church@ourshepherdlives.org, and
she will e-mail you one right away.
Thank you for your support.
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 4, 2014 @ 10:00 a.m.
The Blessing of the Animals is an outdoor worship ser-
vice held in many Christian con-
gregations on October 4th
in
recognition of the Feast Day of St.
Francis of Assisi. The service rec-
ognizes the ideals of St. Francis,
one of the most loved Christian
saints.
Good Shepherd invites all peo-
ple who love animals, along with
all pets and their human friends,
to this service, which focuses on
God’s gifts of animals, the natural
world, and our responsibilities as
stewards of God’s creation.
If you are interested in attend-
ing the service, you need only arrive at Good Shepherd
with your pet, on a leash if appropriate. All pets are wel-
come, but also consider the wisdom of bringing aggressive
animals. Large animals are also welcome, but must be led
(for example, horses must not be ridden). Or, you may
bring a photograph of your animal.
We will meet on the grassy area surrounding the
church building at 10:00 a.m..
Invite your friends and neighbors. This is a fun wor-
ship experience for young and old.
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 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
Adrienne Aldorisio, School Secretary
Ed Indellicati, Accountant/Bookkeeper
John E. Menig, Jr., Sexton
Bobby Lang, Sexton
SPEAK UP AND BE HEARD!
Our semi-annual congregation meeting will immediately follow our 10:15 a.m. worship
service on Sunday, October 26. Please try to attend to have your voice be heard.
The United Veterans’ Beacon House (301 Main
Street, Farmingdale, NY) is currently running
their annual clothing drive and is in desperate
need. As you begin to prepare your closets for
the colder weather, please bring your gently
used clothing—men, women, children & in-
fants—shoes & accessories, bed & bath items, draperies & cur-
tains to our drop box or call Jim Hoak at 516-547-6853 to ar-
range a pick-up. (Please note, the VA Hospital in Northport is
always in need of wheelchairs and other such equipment.) And
don’t forget, if you or someone you know might benefit from
their services, please call that same number for assistance.
Thank you for supporting our veterans!

6. If you would like to submit an article for inclusion in our November 2014 Newsletter, please e-mail it to
church@ourshepherdlives.org on or before Tuesday, October 21, 2014. Thank you very much!
This new column “Facts of Faith” is presented to you by your Education Minis-
try Team. Our faith journey together is an interesting and exciting one. Many of the
diverse topics we will discuss may be ones that you know about, some may be new.
Hopefully, all will encourage you to be more knowledgeable in your journey. And
hopefully, you will know more about your religion, your faith, your journey, and,
most importantly, your relationship with God. So let us begin. For this is the part
of our journey we can take together.
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1). Our beginning, our Lutheran
beginning, began on November 10, 1483, when Martin Luther was born in Eisleben, a small town at the
edge of the Thuringian Forest in Southwest Saxony. According to the custom of the time, he was named
after the saint commemorated on that day, St. Martin of Tours. For generations the Luther family had
owned a small farm near the village of Mohra in the western part of the Thuringian Forest. But Martin’s
father, Hans, and his young wife, Margaret, moved to nearby Eisleben, where Hans found work in the new-
ly opened copper mines and where Martin was born. When Martin was six months old, his family moved
from Eisleben to the nearby town of Mansfeld, which was the center of the copper industry.
In 1496, when Martin was 13, Luther’s parents sent him away to a boarding school at Magdeburg.
This school was conducted by the Brothers of the Common Life. It was here that Martin first gained
knowledge of the monastic life. Up until this time Martin’s father. Hans, wanted and encouraged Martin
to become a lawyer. As we will see, Martin had a different idea.
……… To be continued.
- Submitted by Jim Blewett
Each year Lutheran High School awards the Randy Abbé Christian Service Award
to members of the Lutheran community that support the school. This award is in
memory of a past student who died and is given to teachers, staff, pastors and lay-
persons.
This June Anne and Bob Rickmeyers received the Randy Abbé award to celebrate
all the good things they do for church and school. They have been faithful members
of Good Shepherd since the early 1990s, raising their three children, Paul, Genevieve
and Elizabeth. In the early years they served as youth group leaders and helped in
confirmation and Sunday school programs. Bob coached basketball; Anne organized cheerleaders, and they
served as delegates to the LuHi Association. Both Anne and Bob lend their talents to the choir and serve on
various ministry teams. At present Anne is a member of Worship and Music and the flower team, and Bob
serves on the School Board.
One of their most outstanding qualities is their love of family and the church family they belong to.
You will always see one or both of them at every event, whether it's greening the church at Christmas or
serving food at summer concerts. They live out their commitment to Christ through their daily actions and
represent the meaning of Christian service.
Congratulations to Bob and Anne on receiving this well deserved award!
- Submitted by Kitty Hall

10. DATE SERVICE
ASSISTING
MINISTERS
LECTOR
ETHEL’S
COFFEE HOUR
GUEST USHERS
October 5
Seventeenth Sunday
of Pentecost
10:150 a.m.
John Hinsch
Marilyn Benner
Lori Mason
Hosted by Worship & Music;
Sponsored by LuHi
The Broggy Family
October 12
Eighteenth Sunday
of Pentecost
10:15 a.m.
Marge Wenger
Kathy Ocker
Helen LaBarbera
Chandra Jorree, Mary Oliveto,
Jacqueline Wong &
Ellen Sangesland
Alice Vorstadt
Robert & Helen LaBarbera
October 19
Nineteenth Sunday
of Pentecost
10:15 a.m.
Lori Mason
Terry Miccio
Ellen Sangesland 21+ Men’s Group
Dean & Annmarie Brown
Sue Devine
October 26
Reformation Sunday
10:15 a.m.
Christin Walsh
John Schwaninger
Marilyn Benner Volunteers Needed
Jim & Wendy Jansky
John McGowan
October Altar Care: Lori Mason

11. Theodore Elliot Carlson
Born 7/20/14 in Belgium
We look forward to meeting him
In November!
Timothy Betz—10/1
Alexander Brienza—10/28
Lisa Cacchioli—10/20
Victoria Cipollino—10/23
Lilah Clark—10/22
Emma Cogliano—10/28
Mary Kate Collins—10/10
Dana Coupe—10/28
Caitlyn Greig—10/24
Emily Hall 10/26
Lindsay Hall—10/24
Andrea Hansen—10/3
Bobby Jin—110/16
Gregory Kies—10/23
Eric Kovel—10/1
Andras Krisztin—10/20
Katie Rae McGowan—10/17
Helen Meyer—10/12
George Milhim—10/04
William Mitze—10/19
Christopher Nickels—10/21
Jamie Olanick—10/29
Luke Olsen—10/21
Aidan Pech—10/18
Ryan Ratkowski—10/11
Teresa Ratkowski—10/18
Elizabeth Rizzo—10/’2
Rodney Schabel—10/11
Rishaan Sen—10/30
Our Good Shepherd family commended our beloved
sister, Janet Cox, to God’s eternal keeping. Eighty four
year old Janet returned to our Father in Heaven on
Holy Cross Sunday, September 14th, leaving us full of
sorrow. We will miss her terribly but will join with
her and all the saints each week in holy communion,
and we will especially remember her whenever we see
“Janet’s Garden” just outside the West Cottage where
she spent so much time making beautiful quilts with
her fellow “Saintly Sewers.”
Lori & Nick DeFilippis
24 years on 10/6
Meagan & David Knapp
2 years on 10/6
Roy & Deb Steinhilber
2 years on 10/6
Beverly & Bob Strack
29 years on 10/12
Matthew & Diana Fox
4 years on 10/28
Anniversary
Blessings

12. F O R T H O S E I N N E E D
O F H E A L I N G
F O R 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
Roger Griffith & Nick Sollom
Maureen Kelly Araujo, Alex & Derek Bartkow, Maya Berger (Vicar
Nick’s friend), Eleanor Bierlmaier Dugan, John Binsfeld (Benner fami-
ly friend), Edwina Bishop, Troy Braaten, Janet Brazel (Terry Miccio’s
relative), Aiden Brown (former members Audree & Bud Brown’s
grandson), John & Eddie Brusdeliens (J. Hinsch family friend), Jacie
Capuano (Beatrice Haas’s friend), Brad Carbone & family (R. Benson family friend), Lynne Carlson (Irma’s
daughter-in-law), Carol Cassis (Elaine Cassimatis’ mother), Ava Cataldo (GSL student), Rita Cooper (Ruth
Strakele’s friend), Gisela Conforti, Dorothy Cronin, Tori Crowl & Caitlin Gross (Claudia DeMauro, Ryan
DeVerna, Susan Dowd (Maisch family friend), Brooke Ducey, Sally Ducey, Anna Duda (Denise Bartkow’s
mother), baby Scarlett Duffy (Hickey/McGowan family friend), Becky Ernst (Paul Wenger’s cousin), Mary
Faccio (Helmers family friend), Ryan Faret & family, Jim Fassino, Irene Fields (Vincent Cronin's sister),
:James Fields (Vincent's nephew)Pat Froehlich (Peggy Lang’s friend), Mary Gessing (Vincent Cronin’s
cousin), Bob Giddings (Vorstadt family friend), Lilah & Jim Gillett (Kathy Prinz’s friends), Eileen Green-
fieldt (Griffin family friend), Tom Gucciardo (Olsen family friend), Liz Haley, Hedy (GLS Teacher Barbara
Valenza’s mother), Diane Helmers, Reverend Donald Hoger (Eleanor Ulich’s friend), Renee Iannone (Irma
Carlson’s niece), Alexis Jacobsen (GSL teacher LeeAnn’s daughter), Anna Jerome, Robert Kamps (Lee family
friend), Chris Kim (Hu Jin’s friend), Ingrid Kraft (Andrea Uzzo’s mother), Lisa Lamey (Lisa Olsen’s friend);
Lois Lengenfelder, Christian Lakis, Kenneth Lane, Martha Langhahr, Claire Larrie (Mary Wiegert’s sister),
Officer Steven Loftin, Angel Lorch, Kim Maca (Kathy Prinz’s friend), Dottie Melillo (Kathy Prinz’s friend),
Claire Mehrhoff (Alice Vorstadt’s friend), Fran Mouton (Alice Vorstadt’s friend), Henry Nacewicz, Bill
Oleschuk (GS Teacher Barbara Valenza’s father), Rose Oliver (Ellen Benson’s friend), Don O’Neil (Olsen
family friend), Meghan Ortega (Lisa Olsen’s niece), Bob Podewils (Boy Scout leader), Nick Portugal (Liam
Broggy’s friend), Dr. Mark Prowatzke (Danny Wenger’s father in law), Cathy Rees (Alice Vorstadt’s friend),
Nicole Richards (Karen Faucera’s friend), Justin Rogers (Karin Kienle’s nephew), Glenn Schabel, Adam Sink
(Judy Hinsch’s nephew), Ian Spadaro, Don Stevens (Patty Larson’s friend), Nancy Stingelin, Ruth Strakele,
Russell Striffler (Maisch family friend), Joyce Tare, Debbie Tassi (Denise Donitz’s sister), Nicholas Taylor
(Joyce Schwaninger Taylor’s relative), Susan Tonnesson (Terry Miccio’s friend), Genevieve Thompson (Lisa
Olsen’s grandmother), Shannon Udell (Miccio family friend), Kat Van Stry (Dot Cronin's cousin).Madison
Von Bargen (Ruff’ family friend), Jeff Zenko (Karen Faucera’s
friend), and Brother George Zenle (Wenger family friend).
F O R 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
Keith & Kyle Calderone (Army), Sgt Sean Has-
sett (Lori Mason’s cousin), Master Sgt. John Headle,
CPT. Paul Rickmeyer, Captain Robert Saueracker,
LTC. Phillip Sounia, USMC, Corporal Nicholas Ven-
trelli-O’Connell (Patty Larson’s family friend).
F O R T H O S E
W H O A R E G R I E V I N G
The family & friends of Janet Cox and Bob Krass, Anna
Peterson and the family & friends of her mother, Teresa
Lanzarone; the McGowan family & the family & friends
of Linda O’Brien; and the Lorch family & the family &
friends of Joan Fosdick & Terry Rochford.

18. UPDATE FOR SEPTEMBER 2014
WITH COUNSELING SITES LOCATED IN:
NASSAU SUFFOLK MANHATTAN QUEENS WESTCHESTER
Prepared especially for LCC Association Congregations & Schools
THERE IS HELP FOR THE DEPRESSED
Rev. Dr. David Elseroad, LFMT, LCC Pastoral Counselor
The man in our counseling suite described a
life that would be the envy of many: happily
married, with wonderful children and grand-
children, a beautiful home (mortgage paid!),
and an early retirement with a generous pen-
sion and plenty of time for his favorite pas-
times. Yet there he sat glum and downcast.
He’d had to drag himself to the session. He
didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning.
He had little interest in the activities he used
to enjoy, golf and fishing, even playing with
his grandkids. He was depressed, and had
been so for months.
Depression has been in the news a lot this
year. The tragic death of Robin Williams, and
those of other celebrities before him—Philip
Seymour Hoffman, Whitney Houston, Kurt Co-
bain—has stunned us and unmasked depres-
sion as a stealth killer. We can all feel “down
in the dumps” at times, down on life and down
on ourselves. Once a bad day or week is past,
our mood usually brightens. But depression
lingers and tightens its grip. Depressed per-
sons feel sad, anxious, dissatisfied, worthless
and often guilt-ridden. They are invaded by
pervasive feelings of helplessness and hope-
lessness. Inertia sets in. They are “stuck,”
unable to pull themselves out of this abyss.
A debilitating illness, clinical depression has
been linked to biochemical imbalances in the
brain and is often triggered by life events. It
is not uncommon. One in four women and one
in ten men will suffer depression at some
point in their lives. It is a serious condition,
yet often remains—as for my client above,
hidden, undetected and untreated over long
periods of time. Upwards of 15% of those
with untreated severe depression will eventu-
ally kill themselves. The impact on families,
friends—and fans—is understandably devas-
tating.
Depression has been called an interpersonal
minefield. We don’t know what to say to the
depressed person, or fear we’ll do more harm
than good. And the depressed person often
withdraws, fearing being judged or aban-
doned. But emotional support offered to
someone who is depressed is an essential ele-
ment in seeking diagnosis and healing. Octo-
ber is National Depression Screening Month.
Our LCC counselors are trained to administer
a short, simple questionnaire to identify signs
of depression. Treatment can then follow, in-
volving psychotherapy and in some cases,
medication as well. Ask family members or
friends—or you yourself—about seeking pro-
fessional help and encourage them to do so.
Offer to make the appointment for them and
drive them to it. This can be the entry to new
beginnings and enriched understanding. “All
suffering,” observed Martin Buber, “prepares
the soul for vision.”
Indeed, spiritual help can be decisive in
healing depression. Knowing the God who
loves us and cares for us—who gave Himself
for us in Jesus Christ—brings hope and cour-
age to pursue treatment and live life with re-
demptive promise. The Psalmist could
acknowledge his despair, yet also the source
of renewed hope and confidence: “Why so
downcast, o my soul? Why so disturbed within
me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him,
my salvation and my God” (Psalm 42:3). LCC
counselors stand ready to walk with, listen
and encourage depressed individuals in this
journey of hope and healing.
Dr. Elseroad counsels couples, teens, adults and
families at three LCC sites: Manhattan
(Interchurch Center), Bronxville and Mineola. He is
also pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Hawthorne,
NY.
Contact Lutheran Counseling Center at 1-800-317
-1173 or 516-741-0994 or e-mail us at Cen-
ter@lccny.org for more information or to set an
appointment.