WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

 

Good Morning!

 

I'm getting "What's Happening" out to you this morning so I can finish preparing and printing the October edition of the Rod and Staff newsletter for you to receive on Sunday at church.  Sunday is going to be a day full of blessings as we begin our new worship series, "Cultivating Fruitfulness", share an early lunch, then, as part of 50^th anniversary commemoration, will be blessing a tree being planted at the location of our former church on the northwest corner of Normantown and Naperville Roads, (across from the library).  Pastor will be walking from church and you are welcome to join her.  However, if you are unable to walk or prefer not to, you can park across the street in Bible Baptist's parking lot.  We hope you'll come out for this event, and bring a friend or two as well!

 

Here is this week's "What's Happening". . . . . .

 

1.      Fri. Sept. 30-Friday Night Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri's home

 

2.      Sun. Oct. 2-Sunday School for children age 3 to 5^th grade will meet from 8:45 to 9:25am

 

3.      Sun. Oct. 2-50^th Anniversary Celebration Worship.  Announcements begin at 9:15am with Worship beginning at 9:30am, followed by a brunch, then the planting of a tree at our former church location on the corner of Normantown and Dalhart.

 

4.      Tues. Oct. 4-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 6 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

5.      Wed. Oct 5-Wednesday Bible Study meets at 6:30pm

 

6.      Thur. Oct. 6-G-2-R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at the Stoughton's at 7pm

 

7.      Fri. Oct. 7-Friday Night Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri's home

 

8.      Sat. Oct. 8-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

9.      Sat. Oct. 8-Annual CROP Walk kicks off from the Rec Center at 10am

 

10.  Sun. Oct. 9-Announcements begin at 9:15am with Worship beginning at 9:30am.  Praise Band rehearsal to follow Worship

 

Reminders about October worship:

Beginning this Sunday, October 2, we will be offering one service at 9:30am.  Announcements will begin at 9:15am each week.  We are embarking on a special journey together and it's the hope that everyone will do their best to be present with us each Sunday in October.  Bring your Bibles and a pen...you'll need them.  Also remember that recordings of our worship services are available to anyone who wants to keep up with the journey.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Pastor Suzanne, in her video sermon, presented us with several challenges: "live your life for Christ," "to let your light shine brightly for Christ," to go where Jesus sends when He sends us".  She prayed that our church would join in "one heart and purpose" for Christ as we serve together.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  As we begin our journey of "Cultivating Fruitfulness," we'll talk about what it means to be radically hospitable.  Please bring your books that we are reading together (if you didn't get a book, please contact Pastor Suzanne ASAP and she'll get one to you before Sunday, if possible).  We'll be sharing our thoughts on the daily challenges and other items discussed in the book.  We hope you'll join us as we embark on this experience together.

 

We are now able to publish the Rod and Staff newsletter on our website!  Be thinking about whether you'd rather continue to receive the paper copy or want to download Rod and Staff off the internet.  We'll be asking you to indicate your preference in the next few weeks.  It is our wish to keep everyone "in the know" and are here to do that however you prefer.  On the same note, if you would rather not receive the weekly "What's Happening" or prefer to have it sent to a different email address, please email me back (revassistant@gmail.com) with that information.

 

Remember that Pastor Suzanne will be walking to the tree blessing location on Sunday.  If you prefer not to walk, parking is available across the street at Bible Baptist on Normantown Road.

 

Here's wishing everyone the blessings of peace, hope, faith, joy, health and love!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

GOOD SHEPHERD'S CULTIVATING FRUITFULNESS PROGRAM

Lynne Soja has asked that I pass on this information to you. 

Greetings all.

This past Sunday all members/attendees received the book Cultivating Fruitfulness: Five Weeks of Prayer and Practice for Congregations. For the next five weeks, you  were invited to join in brief daily readings consisting of a Scripture verse, a short devotion and one or two questions for reflection. Each day also includes a prayer and a "challenge".   Pastor's message each Sunday will be focused on the past week's chapter. (Radical Hospitality being the first).   I really like the idea that all of my "family" will be reading and praying the same thing as me each day. It is my hope that all of us will do our best not to miss a single Sunday in October as we gather in God's presence to talk, share, laugh and maybe even cry together.  I pray that this experience will help all of us to grow spiritually deeper as individuals and wider as a congregation.  

For those of you who did not receive a book and prefer not to wait until Sunday to start reading, please contact me or the church office and we'll make arrangements to get a copy to you.

Their is no charge for the books but if you are interested in donating towards the cost, the books were $6.00. Also, child care will be made available.

Peace,
Lynne Soja

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

 

I visited Shepherd's Food Pantry on Tuesday, and what a wonderful facility it is.  God's hand was certainly present in bringing us together with United Presbyterian Church to provide an expanded location to serve the Romeoville community.  The team has done an outstanding job of clean-up, paint-up and fix-up.  They do still need your help in providing some of their staple items.  Why not get a bag from them with the list of needed items?  It won't cost much and you'll feel good to help by contributing needed food!  Here is this week's "What's Happening". . . . . .

 

1.      TODAY-Thur. Sept. 22-Deadline to submit articles for the October Rod and Staff Newsletter.  Newsletters will be distributed on Sunday, October 2.

 

2.      Fri. Sept. 23-Friday Night Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri's home

 

3.      Sat. Sept. 24-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

4.      Sun. Sept. 25-One worship service at 9:30am

 

5.      Mon. Sept. 26-Monday Bible Study meets at Suchomel's home at 7pm

 

6.      Wed. Sept. 28-Wednesday Bible Study meeting at 6:30pm

 

7.      Fri. Sept. 30-Friday Night Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri's home

 

8.      Sun. Oct. 2-Sunday School for children age 3 to 5^th grade will meet from 8:45 to 9:25am

 

9.      Sun. Oct. 2-50^th Anniversary Celebration Worship at 9:30am, followed by a brunch, then the planting of a tree at our former church location on the corner of Normantown and Dalhart.

 

10.  Tues. Oct. 4-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 6 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

11.  Wed. Oct 5-Wednesday Bible Study meets at 6:30pm

 

12.  Thur. Oct. 6-G-2-R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at the Stoughton's at 7pm

 

13.  Fri. Oct. 7-Friday Night Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri's home

 

14.  Sat. Oct. 8-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

15.  Sat. Oct. 8-Annual CROP Walk kicks off from the Rec Center at 10am

 

16.  Sun. Oct. 9-Worship at 9:30am with Praise Band rehearsal afterward

 

Reminders about October worship:

Beginning Sunday, October 2, we will be offering one service at 9:30a.  We'll be embarking on a special journey together and it's the hope the everyone will do their best to be present with us each Sunday in October.  Bring your Bibles and a pen...you'll need them.  More information will be presented to you on Sunday from Lynne Soja.

 

50th Anniversary Celebration Continues...

Join us on Sunday, October 2 for a special tree blessing at our former location - the NW corner of Normantown and Naperville Roads.  A tree will be planted there and we'll be adding a plaque and a blessing in honor of the 40 years of ministry at that location.  The blessing will take place after our brunch, which will happen after our one service at 9:30a.  Please help spread the word!

 

Good Shepherd Preschool's Fall Fundraiser featuring Cookie Dough, Popcorn, Lava Cakes, and Pound Cake is ending soon!!!  Orders and money must be turned in this Sunday, September 25th.  If you have any questions, please talk to one of team members:  Art and Chris Arellano, Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle or Dolores Logan.  What a flavorful, tasty way to support our Preschool!

 

Empties4Cash is another ongoing fundraiser for the Preschool.  The recycling company is also accepting empty laser toners as well as the empty inkjet cartridges.  There is a collection box by the children's cubbies.  Thanks again for your support.  We sincerely appreciate it.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, our theme was, "What Kind of Worker Are You?"  Using the story of the vineyard workers from Matthew 20, we talked about how we look at others when it comes to our "work" - both secular and in the life of the church.  We had a very lively discussion at both services.  Pastor Suzanne challenged us to think about who we are in the vineyard story, which workers are we?  And, how our perspective in this effects how we see God and how we see God's grace for ourselves and for others.  And, she further challenged us to go out and find workers to come work in the vineyard with us.  We hope you are continuing to work on the previous week's challenge of offering forgiveness to someone who has hurt you.  We know that's a process that can take a long time but we must make the choice to begin the process.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll continue to look at both the vertical and horizontal relationships we have that are reflected in the cross; our relationship with God and each other.  We'll hear Jesus' words from Matthew 21, as well as from Paul in Philippians 2.  We'll think about what it means to be a people who encourage each other, love each other, and work together with one heart and purpose.

 

After all the work and anticipation of the Founder's Day Parade, last Sunday's rain caused it to be cancelled until next year. 

 

Yesterday marked the 2^nd anniversary of my service as Pastoral Assistant at Good Shepherd.  It has been a joy to be here, and become acquainted (and re-acquainted in some instances) with everyone.  Thank you to all of you for making me a part of the Good Shepherd family! 

 

Here's wishing everyone the blessings of peace, hope, faith, joy, health and love!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

What do you think about this cool weather all of a sudden?  Wouldn't the smell of baking cookies be a bonus on a day like today?  Our Preschool Cookie Dough Fundraiser is going on until Sept. 27, so be sure to order yours and be ready to easily provide the smell of baking cookie treats for yourself and your family!

Here is "What's Happening" in the next few weeks. . . . . .

1.      TODAY-Thur. Sept. 15- Ministry Team reports are due to Renea today for the Church Council meeting on Saturday.

2.      TONIGHT-Thur. Sept. 15-G-2-R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at Stoughton's at 7pm

3.      Fri. Sept. 16-Come join the new Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

4.      Sat. Sept. 17-Church Council meets at 8:30am.

5.      Sat. Sept. 17-Founder's Day Parade practice at church from 1 to 3pm.

6.      Sat. Sept. 17-End of Summer Party Fellowship Event at Sheri Valentis' home in Bolingbrook!  Sheri is providing chicken, so bring a dish to share and join the fun!  Everyone in your family, including children, is welcome to attend!

7.      Sun. Sept. 18-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

8.      Sun. Sept. 18-Sunday School for children age 3 through 5^th grade meets at 9:20am

9.      Sun. Sept. 18-Founder's Day Parade leaves from the Rec Center promptly at 2pm.

10.  Sun. Sept. 18-PFLAG Joliet Chapter meets at 2pm

11.  Mon. Sept. 19-3^rd Monday Bible Study meets at Sanchez' home at 7pm.

12.  Tues. Sept. 20-Grand Re-opening celebration of Shepherd's Pantry at their new, larger,  location 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) from 6 to 8pm.  All are welcome to come enjoy appetizers and beverages and tour the facility.

13.  Wed. Sept. 21-Wednesday Bible Study meets at 6:30pm

14.  Wed. Sept. 21-Wednesday Evening Worship at 8pm.  (More information is below)

15.  Thur. Sept. 22-Deadline to submit articles for the October Rod and Staff Newsletter

16.  Fri. Sept. 23-Friday Night Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri's home

17.  Sat. Sept. 24-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

18.  Sun. Sept. 25-One worship service at 9:30am

19.  Mon. Sept. 26-Monday Bible Study meets at Suchomel's home at 7pm

20.  Wed. Sept. 28-Wednesday Bible Study meeting at 6:30pm

Good Shepherd Preschool's Fall Fundraiser is going on now and features Cookie Dough, Popcorn, Lava Cakes, and Pound Cake!!!  Brochures are on the Information Table.  Orders and money must be turned in by Sunday, September 25th.  If you have any questions, please talk to one of team members:  Art and Chris Arellano, Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle or Dolores Logan.  What a tasteful way to support our Preschool!

Empties4Cash is another ongoing fundraiser for the Preschool.  We have just been informed that the recycling company is also accepting empty laser toners as well as the empty inkjet cartridges.  There is a collection box by the children's cubbies.  Thanks again for your support.  We sincerely appreciate it.

The Evangelism team invites YOU to participate in the Founder's Day Parade on September 17^th with us.  This year's theme is Recreation Rocks..and from our point of view...our Recreation involves God...so we are focusing on Jesus Rocks...and Jesus being our Rock...and plain old Rocking for Jesus...so we will be walking with T-shirts that state that..and periodically doing our Flash Mob...rocking to the music...I Refuse...!!!!  We're hoping lots of people come out to join the fun with us...we will again be practicing on Saturday at the church from 1-3..join us.  Call Chris 815-212-0574 with questions....  Peace out!

Special Worship Opportunity begins on Wednesday:

Starting in September, the Worship Team is excited to be offering a once-a-month special worship opportunity.  On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 8:00p, we'll offer a special time of worship and will be done by 9:00p.  Pastor Suzanne will offer a variety of styles of worship for these special services so come, check it out.  If you are looking for a little lift in your week, join us for our first service on September 21.  These services will be held at church, unless otherwise noted, and all are welcome to attend.

50th Anniversary News

On Sunday, October 2, we'll be honoring Good Shepherd's 50th anniversary by planting a tree at our former location - 700 Luther (now Dalhart) Drive.  It's the NW corner of Normantown and Dalhart, just up the street from where we are now.  We'll be having one service at 9:30am that day and will hopefully have a time of fellowship then be off to plant our tree.  Come join us for this special event; a great example of "Building Our Future on the Foundation of our Past."

Recap from last Sunday:  Last week Pastor Suzanne talked about forgiveness.  Using Matthew 18:21-35, she talked about how forgiveness needs to become a choice and a way of living.  She reminded us that, where we have unforgiveness in our heart, we need to seek God's help in healing that, so our whole hearts can be for God.  She challenged us to begin the process of forgiving someone who has wronged us.  How is your challenge going?

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, using Jesus' words from Matthew 20, we'll talk about what kind of worker we are.  We'll hear the parable of the vineyard workers and decide if we are first or last.  Join us, and invite a friend, too.

Our website is now up and running!  Check it out at www.welcome432.org  and let us know what you think!

Hope that you will join us for the Founder's Day Parade on Sunday!  All are welcome to come and help represent Good Shepherd Church in the community. 

Here's wishing everyone the blessings of peace, hope, faith, joy, health and love (and the smell of baking cookies)!

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

Fwd: WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Renea Horn Johnson <revassistant@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, Sep 8, 2011 at 11:11 AM
Subject: WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH
To: Renea Horn Johnson <revassistant@gmail.com>

 

Good Morning!

 

WOW!  It is September already and our Preschool is back in session.  Yesterday there was one little lady with separation anxiety (that was gone as soon as her dad left) and this morning a younger sibling was pulled screaming from the Preschool because he wanted to stay!  Bring back memories?

 

This Sunday our Preschool kicks off their Cookie Dough Fundraiser with a sampling of the various flavors of the cookies and popcorn being served at the Connection Café!  More information is below.

 

Here is "What's Happening" in the next few weeks. . . . . .

 

1.      TONIGHT-Thur. Sept. 8 FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady will meet at 7pm at Lydia Faber's house.  They welcome any lady who wants to become more organized and enjoy life more—and they have fun!  Come join them and bring a friend as well!

 

2.      Sat. Sept. 10-Shepherd's Pantry open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

3.      Sat. Sept. 10-Founder's Day Parade practice at church from 1 to 3pm.

 

4.      Sun. Sept. 11-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

5.      Mon. Sept. 12-Monday Bible Study meets at Suchomel's at 7pm.

 

6.      Tues. Sept. 13-Ministry Night at church at 7pm.  Come see what our Ministry teams are all about.  Everyone is welcome!

 

7.      Wed. Sept. 14-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

8.      Thur. Sept. 15- Ministry Team reports are due to Renea by noon today for the Church Council meeting on Saturday.

 

9.      Thur. Sept. 15-G-2-R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at Stoughton's at 7pm

 

10.  Sat. Sept. 17-Church Council meets at 8:30am.

 

11.  Sat. Sept. 17-Founder's Day Parade practice at church from 1 to 3pm.

 

12.  Sun. Sept. 18-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

13.  Sun. Sept. 18-Sunday School for children age 3 through 5^th grade meets at 9:20am

 

14.  Sun. Sept. 18-Founder's Day Parade kicks off at noon.

 

15.  Sun. Sept. 18-PFLAG Joliet Chapter meets at 2pm

 

16.  Mon. Sept. 19-3^rd Monday Bible Study meets at Sanchez' home at 7pm.

 

17.  Tues. Sept. 20-Grand Re-opening celebration of Shepherd's Pantry at their new, larger,  location 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) from 6 to 8pm.  All are welcome to come enjoy appetizers and beverages and tour the facility.

 

Good Shepherd Preschool's Fall Fundraiser begins this Sunday:  Cookie Dough, Popcorn, Lava Cakes, and Pound Cake!!!  A sampling of some flavors of the cookie dough and popcorn will be available at the Connection Café on Sunday, and brochures will be on the Information Table.  Orders and money must be turned in by Sunday, September 25th.  If you have any questions please talk to one of team members:  Art and Chris Arellano, Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle or Dolores Logan.  What a tasteful way to support our Preschool!

 

Empties4Cash is another ongoing fundraiser for the Preschool.  We have just been informed that the recycling company is also accepting empty laser toners as well as the empty inkjet cartridges.  There is a collection box by the children's cubbies.  Thanks again for your support.  We sincerely appreciate it.

 

The Evangelism team invites folks to participate in the Founder's Day Parade on September 17^th with us.  This year's theme is Recreation Rocks..and from our point of view...our Recreation involves God...so we are focusing on Jesus Rocks...and Jesus being our Rock...and plain old Rocking for Jesus...so we will be walking with T-shirts that state that..and periodically doing our Flash Mob...rocking to the music...I Refuse...!!!!  We're hoping lots of people come out to join the fun with us...we will be practicing the next 2 Saturdays at the church from 1-3..join us.  Call Chris 815-212-0574 with questions....  Peace out!

 

Special Worship Opportunity:

Starting in September, the Worship Team is excited to be offering a once-a-month special worship opportunity.  On the 3rd Wednesday of each month, at 8:00p, we'll offer a special time of worship.  We'll be done by 9:00p.  Pastor Suzanne will offer a variety of styles of worship for these special services so come, check it out.  If you are looking for a little lift in your week, join us for our first service on September 21.  These services will be held at church, unless otherwise noted, and all are welcome to attend.

 

50th Anniversary News

On Sunday, October 2, we'll be honoring Good Shepherd's 50th anniversary by planting a tree at our former location - 700 Luther Drive.  It's the NW corner of Normantown and Naperville Roads, just up the street from where we are now.  We'll be having one service at 9:30am that day and will hopefully have a time of fellowship then be off to plant our tree.  Come join us for this special event; a great example of "Building Our Future on the Foundation of our Past."

 

 Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, Pastor Suzanne, through video, gave a message focused on Romans 13:8-14.  She talked about how we are called to love each other and how the apostle Paul reminds us that we can never repay the debt of love.  She challenged us to learn to love ourselves because the only way we can truly love others as ourselves, as Jesus commands us to do, is to love ourselves.  We need to see ourselves as God sees us, not as the world sees us.  God sees His own image reflected in our spirits and we need to carry that with us every day.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll be talking about forgiveness.  Using the story of the unforgiving debtor, from Matthew 18, as well as more verses from Romans, we'll think about what it means to truly forgive others and how we will be held accountable for our actions, and our words, before God.  Do you struggle with forgiving someone?  Does forgiveness seem out of reach to you?  Come, hear this message and let God's Word move you to a new place of understanding.

 

If you didn't get your Rod and Staff newsletter last Sunday, be sure to pick it up this Sunday so you are in the know of all that is happening within our church family.  Also, our website is now up and running!  Check us out at www.welcome432.org and see how spiffy it looks.

 

Here's wishing everyone the blessings of peace, hope, faith, joy, health and love!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

(815)886-4354

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Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church