I ADMIT IT! I LIKE THIS PACKERS FAN

I like Mike (even though his Packers defeated my Steelers at Super Bowl XLV).

Mike Commarato is one of those people who always has a smile on his face, always seems to be in a good mood, and is always ready to serve. Because of that, he’s the type of person you want to be around. We are blessed to have him in our church family as he is one who helps our mission move forward here at Good Shepherd.

Mike is an avid reader. Over the years we’ve exchanged numerous books on history as well as baseball - a passion for both of us. He’s also a daily reader of our Frontline Devotion emails, and offers steady encouragement to the GSLC writers among its contributors.

Mike and his wife Janice have been members of Good Shepherd since 1978. They say their fondest early memory of Good Shepherd is the fellowship provided by the Shepherding Groups, especially for new members like them.

Mike has been a constant presence over many years in support of Social Ministry and outreach. He’s been one of the driving forces in helping beyond our walls and making outreach become part of our church’s DNA. Among the many causes and projects he’s led, supported and participated in are Crop Walk, Gaithersburg HELP, Housing Benefit Concerts, World Hunger Yard Sale, Fannie Mae Walk, the Lord’s Table Soup Kitchen, Souper Bowl of Caring, and Thrivent Builds/Habitat for Humanity as a hands-on crew member. He was an early helper in getting our Men’s Shelter Dinner ministry get off the ground, and serves often at the E. Gude Drive facility shepherded by Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless.

“Mike’s name pops up faithfully month after month as a person willing to serve meals at the Shelter on the 2nd Mondays and 4th Wednesday nights,” says Penny Risen of our staff, who coordinates the menus, chefs and helpers for this thriving outreach. “He’s so good at greeting and engaging the shelter guests, joking with the men and putting them at ease as he dishes out hot entrees.”

Last week when Mike served on the meal line, he wore his Green Bay Packers cap. When a guest stepped up wearing a black and gold Steelers shirt, “Humorous barbs and asides were exchanged, getting us all laughing and in a good mood,” Penny added. “He’s great to work with on this Shelter team.”

Besides his Social Ministry activities, Mike previously served on Church Council and currently serves as a worship assistant.

Mike recently retired from the federal government after working 10 years as a Pharmacologist at the Food and Drug Administration, and 23 years as a program director in the Research Training and Career Development Program at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH.

Mike and Janice have been happily married for 43 years. They have a daughter, Emily, and three granddaughters who live if Michigan.

“Over the years,” Mike commented, “our Good Shepherd family has always provided us with much support, friendship, fellowship and joy.”

Thanks Mike, for your partnership and for helping our mission thrive! - Pastor Dave

P.S. from Pr. Dave to Mike: Were you the one who switched my 1/30/11 kids sermon bag from black beans and corn to the dreaded bag of green beans and corn? Still trying to figure that out, but you’re a suspect!

Mike in Action at Good Shepherd

• Mike with the Crew at Men's Shelter Dinner
• Mike and Janice making Health Kits
• Mike at a Habitat for Humanity Project
• Mike Serving it up at the Men's Shelter