WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

 

It is really hard to imagine this will be your last "What's Happening" report for the year of 2011, and that we are drawing our 50^th Anniversary year to a close as well.  This has been quite an eventful year for us as a church family.  Praise God for the many ways He has blessed us on our journeys!

 

We will have the Rod and Staff newsletter ready for you after the Budget Forum on January 8, so that we can include a report for you on the Forum.  In the meantime, here's a report of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.       Fri. Dec. 30-Youth Lock-In begins at 7pm.  Contact Debbie Suchomel for details

 

2.       Fri. Dec. 30-Friday Night Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

 

3.       Sat. Dec. 31-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53).  Contact Kim Hanahan if you can lend a hand.

 

4.       Sun. Jan. 1, 2012-New Year's Day Worship at 10:30am

 

5.       Mon. Jan. 2-Monday Study at the Suchomel home beginning at 7pm (see note below)

 

6.       Tues. Jan. 3-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

7.       Wed. Jan. 4-Wednesday Study meets at 6:30pm (see note below)

 

8.       Thur. Jan. 5-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at Stoughton's beginning at 7pm

 

9.       Fri. Jan. 6-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at Sheri Valentis' home

 

10.   Sun. Jan. 8-Worship at 9:30am followed by a Budget Forum Meeting.  The Praise Band will practice following the Budget Forum.

 

11.   Mon. Jan. 9-Monday Study at Suchomel's begins at 7pm

 

12.    Tues. Jan. 10-Ministry Teams Meeting Night at 7pm at the church

 

13.   Wed. Jan. 11-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

14.   Thur. Jan. 12-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meets at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home

 

15.   Fri. Jan. 13-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

 

16.   Sat. Jan. 14-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53).  Please contact Kim Hanahan if you can help out.

 

17.   Sun. Jan. 15-The 50^th Anniversary "Final Fling" worship will be held at 9:30am at the Rec Center, with a catered luncheon following worship.  Sign up now so we know how many to plan for!

 

Monday and Wednesday Studies:

The groups will finish the study of the book, "The Uncluttered Heart" on Monday, January 2 at 7pm at the Suchomel's home, and/or on Wednesday, January 4 at 6:30pm at the church. 

 

The 50th Anniversary Team has sent invitations to the January 15^th "Final Fling" to wrap up our 50^th anniversary year celebration.  All are welcome to attend the worship service in the Drdak Room at the Rec Center at 9:30am and followed by a free-will donation catered luncheon.  Rev. Roy Moore, the founding pastor of Good Shepherd, will be our special guest.  Mark your calendars now, sign-up and be there as we celebrate this milestone event for our church!

 

The 50^th Anniversary Team continues to look for photos from any of our events to be placed on a display board for the January 15^th "Final Fling".  If you have any pictures that you are willing to share, please let one of the team members know.  Also, if you would like your pics returned after the event, the team will be glad to do so. 

 

"Radical" Book Study Group

Pastor Suzanne will be hosting a book study group based on the book, Radical, by David Platt.  Times/dates/meeting place for the group will be determined once our group is established.  Pastor is also hoping to offer an online group discussion of the book and possibly adding Skype so those who are not able to be with us in person can also join the group.  If you are interested in joining Pastor Suzanne for this group, please sign up at the Information Table and she will be in touch with you.  It is our hope to begin the study by the beginning of February.  Cost for the book will be $10.

 

Budget Meeting

The Council will be hosting a Budget meeting next Sunday, January 8, immediately following our 9:30a service (the only service for the day).  The purpose of the meeting is to answer questions, gather ideas and suggestions, and go over the proposed 2012 budget.  It is our hope that by doing this we can focus our January 29 Annual Congregational Meeting on the ministries of the church.  Hopefully you have already received a mailing regarding this meeting.  If not, please contact one of our Council members:  Sue Hattimer, Camille Garcia, Debbie Suchomel, or Judy Jordan.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, on Christmas morning, we had the opportunity to come together, singing Christmas carols, hearing God's Word and gathering around the table for Holy Communion.  We also had the chance to make Miss Jean's day by singing one of her favorite Christmas carols via phone, as she wasn't able to make it in person.  It was a day of great celebration and joy as we remembered Jesus' birth!

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, on New Year's Day, we'll again gather to celebrate and sing praise to God.  We'll hear God's Word and gather at the table for Holy Communion.  We'll think about what we are expecting in the coming year and how God is ever-present in our lives.  Join us!

 

Thank you to those who have sent in their newsletter information for the January edition.  To those of you who haven't submitted their report yet, we'd appreciate getting it early next week. 

 

I'm wishing you all of the Advent blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love always.  Happy New Year!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good morning!

 

There's a kind of hush around church today, but with an undercurrent of excitement as we prepare to celebrate the miracle of Jesus birth.  All of our Advent candles have been lit and we've talked about peace, joy, hope and love in our hearts and sharing these virtues with others in our lives as God planned.  Also the three wise men are on the move and making their way back toward Good Shepherd for the birth of Jesus.  They started their journeys from Glendale Heights, Downers Grove and Yorkville and are approaching Romeoville.  Be on the lookout for them or check our Facebook page for their progress.

 

Here's a report of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.       Fri. Dec. 23-Friday Night Bible Study at 7pm at Sheri Valentis' home

 

2.       Sat. Dec. 24-Christmas Eve Worship Services will take place a 4pm for families and a candlelight service at 11pm

 

3.       Sun. Dec. 25-Christmas Worship will take place at 10:30am.

 

4.       Thur. Dec. 29-Deadline for January Rod & Staff newsletter articles from our ministry teams

 

5.       Fri. Dec. 30-Youth Lock-In begins at 7pm.  See Debbie Suchomel for details

 

6.       Fri. Dec. 30-Friday Night Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

 

7.       Sat. Dec. 31-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53).  Contact Kim Hanahan if you can lend a hand.

 

8.       Sun. Jan. 1, 2012-New Year's Day Worship at 10:30am

 

9.       Mon. Jan. 2-Monday Study at the Suchomel home beginning at 7pm

 

10.   Tues. Jan. 3-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

11.   Sun. Jan. 8-Worship at 9:30am followed by a Budget Forum Meeting.  The Praise Band will practice following the Budget Forum. 

 

PERSONAL CARE KITS FOR LWR collection date has been extended to the end of February.  This will give everyone interested in providing the basic personal care supplies a chance to gather them.  The list was in December's Rod and Staff newsletter, and is also available on the back table at church.  You would be surprised by how appreciated these basic items are to those served by Lutheran World Relief.  If you have any questions on how you can help, please contact Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle, or call the church office. 

 

The 50th Anniversary Team has sent out invitations to the January 15^th "Final Fling" to wrap up our 50^th anniversary year celebration, which will be held in the Drdak Room at the Rec Center at 9:30am and followed by a free-will donation catered luncheon.  Rev. Roy Moore, the founding pastor of Good Shepherd, will be our special guest.  Mark your calendars now, sign-up and be there as we celebrate this milestone event for our church!

 

The 50^th Anniversary Team is still looking for photos from any of our events to be placed on a display board for the January 15^th "Final Fling".  If you have any pictures that you are willing to share, please let one of the team members know.  Also, if you would like your pics returned after the event, the team will be glad to do so. 

 

"Learning" Opportunity - Be "Radical"

Pastor Suzanne is going to host a small group that will be studying the book, "Radical Together."  Here's a brief description of the book, "In Radical, David Platt's plea for Christians to take back their faith from the American Dream resonated with readers everywhere, and the book quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Now in Radical Together, the author broadens his call, challenging us to unite around a gospel-centered vision.  How, he asks, might such a vision reshape our priorities as the body of Christ? How might well-intentioned Christians actually prevent God's people from accomplishing God's purpose? And, how can we best unleash the people of God in the church to carry out the purpose of God in the world?  Writing to everyone who desires to make an impact for God's glory—whether you are an involved member, a leader, or a pastor—Dr. Platt shares six foundational ideas that fuel radical obedience among Christians in the church. With compelling Bible teaching and inspiring stories from around the world, he will help you apply the revolutionary claims and commands of Christ to your community of faith in fresh, practical ways."

 

If you are interested in moving your faith forward and becoming more "radical" for God, join us for this special short-term small group study.  We will be offering opportunities to discuss the book online, as well as in person (times/dates to be determined).  If you are interested, please sign up at church so we know how many books to order.  They will cost $10 each.

 

Monday and Wednesday Studies:

The groups will finish the study of the book, "The Uncluttered Heart" on Monday, January 2 at 7pm at the Suchomel's home, and/or on Wednesday, January 4 at 6:30pm at the church.  Neither group will be meeting next week.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, as we lit our fourth candle on the Advent wreath, the candle that represents love, Pastor Suzanne reminded us that, like hope, peace, and joy, in order to experience love outside of ourselves, we need to experience it within us.  Then, instead of Pastor preaching to us, she invited us to "preach" to each other.  And, boy, did you all preach!  Thank you to everyone who shared their testimonies about what love is, how you've experienced God's love, and/or how important sharing God's love is.  If you missed last week's services, we hope you'll ask your brothers and sisters about what you missed.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll celebrate the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ with the singing of Christmas carols, readings and Holy Communion.  Join us for our one service at 10:30am as we focus on what the day is all about - Immanuel, God with us!

 

I'm wishing you all of the Advent blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love always.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good morning!

 

 Isn't it hard to believe that 2011 is almost gone?  We will be sending a letter out shortly regarding a meeting on January 8 following worship to discuss the 2012 budget. 

 

Here's a report of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.       TONIGHT-Thur. Dec. 15-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at the Stoughton's

 

2.       Fri. Dec. 16-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at Sheri Valintis' home.  Parents are welcome to bring their children.

 

3.       Sat. Dec. 17-Church Council will be meeting at 8:30am

 

4.       Sun. Dec. 18-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am.

 

5.       Sun. Dec. 18-Sunday School for age 3 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am.

 

6.       Mon. Dec. 19-Monday Advent Study at 7pm at the Suchomel home.

 

7.       Mon. Dec. 19-3^rd Monday Study meets at 7pm at the Sanchez' home.

 

8.       Wed. Dec. 21-Wednesday Advent Study at 6:30pm

 

9.       Wed. Dec. 21-Advent Worship at 8pm

 

10.   Fri. Dec. 23-Friday Night Bible Study at 7pm at Sheri Valentis' home

 

11.   Sat. Dec. 24-Christmas Eve Worship Services will take place a 4pm for families and a candlelight service at 11pm

 

12.   Sun. Dec. 25-Christmas Worship will take place at 10:30am.

 

13.   Mon. Dec. 26-Monday Study at the Suchomel's begins at 7pm

 

14.   Fri. Dec. 30-Youth Lock-In begins at 7pm.  See Debbie Suchomel for details

 

15.   Fri. Dec. 30-Friday Night Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

 

16.   Sat. Dec. 31-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53).  Contact Kim Hanahan if you can lend a hand.

 

17.   Sun. Jan. 1, 2012-New Year's Day Worship at 10:30am

 

PERSONAL CARE KITS FOR LWR collection date has been extended to the end of February.  This will give everyone interested in providing the basic personal care supplies a chance to gather them.  The list was in December's Rod and Staff newsletter, and is also available on the back table at church.  You would be surprised by how appreciated these basic items are to those served by Lutheran World Relief.  If you have any questions on how you can help, please contact Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle, or call the church office. 

 

Have you checked our display board with various holiday help pleas from several local organizations?  These will provide you with an opportunity to extend assistance in many ways, large and small, that are guaranteed to warm a lot of hearts (including your own).   Isn't that what the season is all about??

 

The 50th Anniversary Team will be passing out invitations to the January 15^th "Final Fling" at church this Sunday.  The team is also looking for photos from any of our events to be placed on a display board for the January 15^th "Final Fling".  If you have any pictures that you are willing to share, please let one of the team members know.  Also, if you would like your pics returned after the event, the team will be glad to do so.  Remember to get your invitation at church this Sunday and mark your calendar now for our "Final Fling" on Sunday, January 15^th at 9:30am at the Rec Center.  Thanks!

 

WISE MEN ON THE MOVE!  Find out how they can come and visit your home as they make their way back toward Good Shepherd for the birth of Jesus.  Chris Daniels can give you more information.

 

Our friends at United Presbyterian Church, who jointly sponsor Shepherd's Food Pantry, are holding a "Breakfast With Santa" this Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 to 11:30am.  Their all you can eat menu includes sausages, pancakes, fruit, juice, coffee, tea and toppings for the cost of $3.00 for children to age 11 and adults $5.00.  In addition, for $2.00 you can get a picture with Santa!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday we lit our 3^rd candle of Advent, the candle of Joy.  Pastor talked to us about the importance of having joy in our hearts and how true joy comes from knowing Jesus Christ.  She challenged us to be" joy-sharers", not "joy –suckers", by sharing the joy with others.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday we will light the 4^th and final candle of Advent, the candle of love.  Join us as we hear about Gods love for us and all people.

 

Have a warm, wonderful week and remember the real reason for the season!  I'm wishing you all of the Advent blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love always.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning (now turned Afternoon)!

 

I hope this finds you all warm, comfortable and looking forward to celebrating the excitement of Jesus birth.  Here's a report of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.       TONIGHT-Thur. Dec. 8-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Ladies will meet at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home.

 

2.       Fri. Dec. 9-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis.

 

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

 

4.       Sun. Dec. 11-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am.  (NOTE:  The Praise Band will not rehearse today.)

 

5.       Mon. Dec. 12-Monday Advent Study at Suchomel's beginning at 7pm.

 

6.       Tues. Dec. 13-Ministry Teams Meeting Night at 7pm.  We would like all ministry teams to be represented as we will be continuing the discussion we started last month.

 

7.       Wed. Dec. 14-Wednesday Advent Study at 6:30pm.

 

8.       Wed. Dec. 14-Advent Worship at 8pm

 

9.       Thur. Dec. 15-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at the Stoughton's

 

10.   Fri. Dec. 16-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at Sheri Valintis' home.  Parents are welcome to bring their children.

 

11.   Sat. Dec. 17-Church Council will be meeting at 8:30am

 

12.   Sun. Dec. 18-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am.

 

13.   Sun. Dec. 18-Sunday School for age 3 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am.

 

14.   Mon. Dec. 19-Monday Advent Study at 7pm at the Suchomel home.

 

15.   Mon. Dec. 19-3^rd Monday Study meets at 7pm at the Sanchez' home.

 

16.   Wed. Dec. 21-Wednesday Advent Study at 6:30pm

 

17.   Wed. Dec. 21-Advent Worship at 8pm

 

18.   Fri. Dec. 23-Friday Night Bible Study at 7pm at Sheri Valentis' home

 

19.   Sat. Dec. 24-Christmas Eve Worship Services will take place a 4pm for families and a candlelight service at 11pm

 

20.   Sun. Dec. 25-Christmas Worship will take place at 10:30am.

 

Be sure to check our display board with various holiday help pleas from several local organizations which will provide you with an opportunity to extend assistance in many ways, large and small, that are guaranteed to warm a lot of hearts (including your own).   Isn't that what the season is all about??

 

We still have a FREE HP printer/copier/scanner available to anyone who needs it.  Call the church office (815-886-4354) if you are interested.

 

The 50th Anniversary Team is looking for photos from any of our events to be placed on a display board for the January 15^th "Final Fling".  If you have any pictures that you are willing to share, please let one of the team members know.  Also, if you would like your pics returned after the event, the team will be glad to do so.  Also, remember to mark your calendar now for our anniversary "Final Fling" on Sunday, January 15^th at 9:30am at the Rec Center.  Thanks!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  As we continued our Advent journeys, we lit the second candle on our Advent "wreath," the candle of peace.  We talked about what it means to have peace in our lives - on an individual and a global level.  We talked about what the absence of peace looks like - chaos, turmoil, conflict, etc.  And, we listed what we think of when we think about peace - comfort, tranquility, calm, etc.  We talked about how moving from chaos to tranquility takes work.  And we talked about how peace really starts from within.  How peaceful is your life?  What are you doing to make it more so?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll continue our Advent journey by lighting the candle of Joy.  We'll think about how we can experience more joy in our lives and how we can carry that joy of this season into the lives of others around us, particularly those who find this season difficult.  Come join us as we joyfully gather in Jesus' name.

 

Our moveable wall panels arrived yesterday!   Come see what a difference they make to our worship area!  Have a warm, wonderful week and remember the real reason for the season!  I'm wishing you all of the Advent blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love always.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello and Happy December!

 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and counted the many blessings we tend to take for granted in our daily lives.  The Rod and Staff newsletter was mailed on Monday, so this will once again be an abbreviated version of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.       TONIGHT-Thur. Dec. 1-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at the Stoughton's begins at 7pm.

 

2.       Fri. Dec. 2-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm.  Parents are welcome to bring their children.

 

3.       Sat. Dec. 3-Baby Shower at 2pm

 

4.       Sun. Dec. 4-"Bread of the World" Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am

 

5.       Sun. Dec. 4-Sunday School at 9:15am for age 3 to 5^th grade.

 

6.       Sun. Dec. 4-Youth Laser Tag event will be held following the 10am worship.  Contact Debbie Suchomel for details.

 

7.       Mon. Dec. 5-Monday Advent Bible Study at 7pm at Suchomel's

 

8.       Tue. Dec. 6-Shepherd's Pantry, 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) will be open from 6:30 to 8pm

 

9.       Wed. Dec 7-Wednesday Advent Bible Study at 6:30pm

 

10.   Wed. Dec. 7-Advent Worship Service at 8pm

 

11.   Thur. Dec. 8-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Ladies will meet at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home.

 

12.   Fri. Dec. 9-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm.

 

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

 

14.   Sun. Dec. 11-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am.  Praise Band rehearsal will follow the last service.

 

Budget Forum:

The Council would like to thank those who attended the Budget Forum this past Tuesday.  We appreciate your input - your questions, ideas, etc.  We would like to ask everyone to put January 8 on your calendar and make it a priority to be at our next Budget Forum.  It will be immediately following our one service on that day.  This forum will be an opportunity to see the proposed 2012 budget, to ask questions, to give input, etc.  It is the goal of the Council to have all questions answered and discussed at this meeting so that our Annual Meeting on January 29 can be focused on lifting up our ministries and the mission of our church.  Please do your best to be at the meeting on January 8.  ALL are welcome!

 

"Journey with Jesus" - Midweek Advent Services

We hope you'll join us for our midweek Advent services.  They take place on Wednesdays at 8pm.  Our theme this year is "Journey with Jesus."  Last night, we heard from Jesus' mother, Mary.  Next week, we'll hear from his earthly father, Joseph.  Come, take time out of the busyness of this season to refresh your spirit and reconnect with the meaning of the season.  Join us as together we journey with Jesus.

 

Check out our display of holiday help pleas from various organizations which will provide you with an opportunity to extend assistance in many ways, large and small, that are guaranteed to warm a lot of hearts (including your own).   Isn't that what the season is all about??

 

Do you need a printer?  One of our members is giving away a HP printer/copier/scanner to anyone who needs it.  Call the church office (815-886-4354) if you are interested.

 

The 50th Anniversary Team is looking for photos from any of our events to be placed on a display board for the January 15^th "Final Fling".  If you have any pictures that you are willing to share, please let one of the  team members know.  Also, if you would like your pics returned after the event, the team will be glad to do so.  Thanks!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  We began the season of Advent with the lighting of our Advent wreath.  The candle of hope was the first candle lit.  Pastor Suzanne shared the beginning of Jesus' New Testament story through the reading of the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 1.  She also talked to us about the importance of hope, especially in our world today.  How are you connecting your faith story with having hope?

 

Preview for this Sunday:  As we continue our Advent journey, we'll light the second Advent candle - of peace.  Pastor Suzanne will share readings from Mark, 2 Peter, and Isaiah.  We'll see how the prophet of old and Jesus' disciple connect and still are relevant to us today.  We'll think about what it means to be a messenger preparing the way for Jesus' coming.

 

Please call church (815-886-4354) to let us know if you didn't get your Rod and Staff newsletter, or if we need to correct your address in our records.  Have a warm, wonderful week and remember the real reason for the season! 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church