Elise Bowman - Generous in
Many Ways

Elise Bowman is one of the most dependable, dedicated and faithful people I know. She maintains great balance and perspective despite living a very busy life. She is one of those people who seems to be able to “do it all” with grace, organization and tremendous kindness, and she shows great generosity in sharing her gifts with her church family at Good Shepherd.

Elise works full time as a chemist at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, is an avid runner, is a constant presence at her two daughters’ school and sports activities, and she still finds plenty of time to help with our ministry.

Elise and her husband Gary are natives of Bel Air, MD and moved to Montgomery County in 1986 after they were married. They joined Good Shepherd in 1996 after moving to Derwood, and with daughters Melissa and Dana they’ve been blessing our church family ever since. The Bowman family worships weekly at the early service. Gary, who is Church Council president, and the girls often share their instrumental music talents in ensembles for worship.

“Miss Elise” has been one of our Elementary Grade Sunday School teachers for many years. Elise serves on our Christian Education Committee and has opened her home for Youth fellowship. As one example of her “do it all” skills, Elise helps organize the Memorial Day service project for Preschool-age through Middle School youth at GSLC. The past several years has found her sewing colorful cloth school bags (and teaching teens to do so) for refugee children. She helps oversee our students in packing them with school supplies; then bags are sent overseas by Lutheran World Relief.

Elise has been a chaperone for countless Youth outings and trips including the ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This Sunday, June 19 she’ll take off with 19 of our High School youth for Virginia’s Eastern Shore as a chaperone and leader for the Summer Work Camp trip. I know that during that week she’ll be pitching in alongside the kids too!

In addition to Youth and Education projects, Elise was a key member of our Transition Team during the building project. Her efforts helped keep Good Shepherd fellowship, worship and other programs organized and functioning, while our church family saw the old wing demolished, lots of items stored, and the new facilities rise.

The list goes on and on of activities and projects she’s helped with. She’s been a great example for daughters Melissa and Dana too: They’re always willing to help with projects for their own age group or younger, participating in outreach and sharing their gifts. A recent Magruder High School graduate, Melissa will enter St. Mary’s College of Maryland in the Fall. Dana will be a sophomore at Magruder.

“God has blessed me and my family in so many ways; I really have a NEED to give back while I am able. Good Shepherd provides a variety of opportunities for service, either individually or as a family,” Elise explained.

“Good Shepherd is a dynamic, loving community and I consider GSLC as my extended family. I especially enjoy serving in ways that are different from what I do at my 'day job,' such as working with kids and being more creative,” she added.

The key thing I wish to say is that Elise is one of those people who leads in her own quiet way - helping Good Shepherd grow and move forward in ministry. Thanks Elise, for all you do! - Pastor Dave

Elise in Action at Good Shepherd

• Family with daughter Melissa at graduation
• Painting at a Habitat for Humanity project
• On vacation with husband Gary
• Youth Work Day
• With the Good Shepherd Running Group
• Pitching in at the Youth Car Wash
• Youth Event Chaperone