WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

 

If you didn't get your Annual Meeting folder, you can pick it up in the office either today or tomorrow (Friday) between 9am and noon.  Our Annual Meeting will be this Sunday, immediately following our 9:30am worship service.  Please be sure to take time to go over all the information and be prepared to participate in the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 29^th.  I'm certain you'll agree that we ALL can be proud of our church family as we begin our 51^st year of ministry.

 

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

 

1.       TODAY-Thur. Jan. 26-Hosting East Conference Pastor's Meeting at Good Shepherd

 

2.       TOMORROW-Fri. Jan. 27-Ministry teams need to submit their February Rod and Staff Newsletter information to revassistant@gmail.com .  We will have the February issue ready to distribute at church on Sunday, Feb. 5^th, and it will include a recap of the Annual Meeting. 

 

3.       Fri. Jan. 27-Friday Bible Study at home of Sheri Valentis at 7pm.  Parents are welcome to bring their children.

 

4.       Sat. Jan. 28-Shepherd's Food Pantry open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.  Please contact Kim Hanahan if you can help out at the Pantry.

 

5.       Sat. Jan. 28-Movie Outing to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" followed by discussion

 

6.       Sun. Jan. 29-Worship at 9:30am followed by the 2011 Annual Congregational Meeting.  All confirmed members are expected to attend.

 

7.       Mon. Jan. 30-Monday Bible Study at Suchomel's beginning at 7pm

 

8.       Wed. Feb. 1-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

9.       Thur. Feb. 2-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at 7pm at the Stoughton home

 

10.   Fri. Feb. 3-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

 

11.   Sun. Feb. 5-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

12.   Sun. Feb. 5-Souper/Super Bowl Party at the Downers Grove Hurdle residence.  Party begins at 4:00; kick-off 5:30.  Bring an appetizer to share; drinks provided.  Also, please bring a can of soup or a box of Mac and Cheese to church that Sunday for the Shepherd's Pantry.  (The Northern Illinois Food Bank is out of Mac and Cheese until after our delivery and the pantry is running low on that "staple!")  Sign up at the Information now!

 

13.   Mon. Feb. 6-Monday Bible Study begins at 7pm at Suchomel home.

 

14.   Tue. Feb. 7-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr.

 

15.   Wed. Feb. 8-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

16.   Thur. Feb. 9- FLY Lady (Finally Loving Yourself) meets at the home of Lydia Faber at 7pm

 

17.   Fri. Feb. 10-Preschool Annual Sweetheart Dance 6:30 to 8pm.

 

18.   Sat. Feb. 11-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.

 

19.   Sun. Feb. 12-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services.  (REMINDER-Announcements begin 10 minutes before each Worship Service.)

 

Long-Range Planning Meeting Being Rescheduled

The Long-Range Planning Meeting scheduled for tonight, 1/26, will be rescheduled due to time conflicts for two members of the team.  Team members should be on the lookout for a new email from Pastor Suzanne.  Have ideas for the team?  Please email them to Pastor Suzanne and she'll be happy to pass them on.

 

Movie Outing this Saturday, January 28, 2012

We'll be going to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" at the Cinemark Theater in the Westfield Louis Joliet Mall (3340 W. Mall Loop Drive).  The Theater is on the southwest side of the complex.  Pastor was given two times for the show - 4:40pm and 4:20pm.  So, she is suggesting everyone get there around 4pm, just in case...or check their website: www.cinemark.com to verify the time.  We will be going to the home of Chris and Audrey after the movie for a discussion.  Their house is 3 miles from the theater - 15850 Spangler's Farm, just one block west of Route 59, off of Renwick Road.  Others are welcome to join us, even if you didn't sign up.  Tickets are $6.75 for adults and $6.50 for seniors.  Because several people have had to back out, Pastor Suzanne will NOT be buying tickets in advance.  You can buy your tickets at the box office when you arrive.  Please consider bringing a drink and/or snack to share for the discussion after - nothing fancy, just something to munch on.  Thanks, Chris and Audrey, for opening your home to us.

 

No Name Calling Week through Friday January 27

How has your "No Name Calling" week been going?  It is kind of hard to be aware of the many times we blurt out without realizing it.   For more information on this anti-bullying program, check out this link:  http://www.nonamecallingweek.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home.html.

 

Jan Sanchez has asked me to remind everyone that the M&M's Ladies Bible Study will not be meeting in February.  See you in March ladies!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme was, "Fishing for People."  Using Mark 1:14-20, Pastor talked about the calling of the first disciples - what they gave up, how they followed, etc.  We talked about the characteristics and tools of a fisherman and how we these things relate to or can be adapted to fishing for people.  So, have you caught any "fish" this week?

 

Preview for this Sunday:  Our theme will be "Prophets  Among Us...Speaking for God."  Using Deuteronomy 18 and Mark 1, Pastor will talk about how we recognize the prophets among us, how we discern true and false prophets, and how we speak with authority for God.  Join us!

 

Wishing you all the blessings of peace, hope, joy and love always!  See you at the Annual Meeting on Sunday.

 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

 

WORSHIP REMINDER

Good Morning!

 

We just wanted to remind you that, beginning this Sunday, announcements will be made 10 minutes before worship begins.  Therefore, for those of you who attend the early service, announcements will begin at 8:05am.  Announcements for the second worship service begin at 9:50am.  Please keep this in mind when planning your arrival time.

 

See you Sunday!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

 

WOW!  We have really been busy getting the 2011 Annual Congregational Meeting folders ready for you to get in church on Sunday.  I have to tell you that it is really exciting to see all of the accomplishments Good Shepherd made in 2011!!  Please take time to go over all the information and be prepared to participate in the Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 29^th.  I'm sure you'll agree that we ALL can be proud of our church family as we begin our 51^st year of ministry.

 

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

 

1.       TONIGHT-Thur. Jan. 19- G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at Stoughton's beginning at 7pm

 

2.       Fri. Jan. 20-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Valentis' home.  Children are welcome.

 

3.       Sat. Jan. 21-Church Council Meeting at 8:30am at the church.

 

4.       Sun. Jan. 22-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am at church.

 

5.       Mon. Jan. 23-Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's.

 

6.       Wed. Jan. 25-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

7.       Thur. Jan. 26-Hosting East Conference Pastor's Meeting at Good Shepherd

 

8.       Fri. Jan. 27-Friday Bible Study at home of Sheri Valentis

 

9.       Sat. Jan. 28-Shepherd's Food Pantry open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.  Please contact Kim Hanahan if you can help out at the Pantry.

 

10.   Sat. Jan. 28-Movie Outing to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" followed by discussion

 

11.   Sun. Jan. 29-Worship at 9:30am followed by the 2011 Annual Congregational Meeting.  All confirmed members are expected to attend.

 

12.   Mon. Jan. 30-Monday Bible Study at Suchomel's beginning at 7pm

 

13.   Wed. Feb. 1-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

14.   Thur. Feb. 2-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at 7pm at the Stoughton home

 

15.   Fri. Feb. 3-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valentis

 

16.   Sun. Feb. 5-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

17.   Sun. Feb. 5-Souper/Super Bowl Party at the Downers Grove Hurdle residence.  Party begins at 4:00; kick-off 5:30.  Bring an appetizer to share; drinks provided.  Also, please bring a can of soup or a box of Mac and Cheese to church that Sunday for the Shepherd's Pantry.  (The Northern Illinois Food Bank is out of Mac and Cheese until after our delivery and the pantry is running low on that "staple!")  Sign up at the Information now!

 

Radical Book Study

Sunday will be your LAST day to sign up for the Radical book study.  Pastor Suzanne will be leading this study which she is hoping to begin in February.  She plans on holding at least 2 in-person discussion groups in February and March, but dates and times will be determined based on who is participating.  You can check out this link for more about the book:  http://www.radicalthebook.com/home.html. 

 

Movie Outing - January 28, 2012

Pastor Suzanne invites you to join her on Saturday, January 28 for a trip to the movies.  We'll be going to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."  Following the movie, we'll have a discussion.  Please sign up at church if you are interested in attending so Pastor can give you info on the time, place and cost.  Maybe we can carpool?!

 

No Name Calling Week is coming January 23-27, 2012

Our church will be participating in, and promoting, "No Name Calling Week" from January 23-27.  The Valley View School District #365U, which serves the towns Romeoville, Bolingbrook and Plainfield, is also participating in this program, as an introduction to an Anti-Bullying Campaign they will be rolling out next fall.  Pastor Suzanne sits on the Anti-Bullying Committee and will continue to keep us updated as to how we can be involved to support these efforts in and around our communities.  For now, we ask you to join us for worship on January 22 as she introduces the idea of "No Name Calling."  For more information, check out this link:  http://www.nonamecallingweek.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home.html.

 

FOOD NEEDED!

Pastor Suzanne will be hosting the east Conference Pastors' Meeting next Thursday.  She is looking for help in providing breakfast food for those coming, along with coffee, juice, etc.  If you can help, please contact Pastor Suzanne.  Thanks!

 

Jan Sanchez has asked me to pass along the message that the M&M's Ladies Bible Study will not be meeting in February.  See you in March ladies!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday we had the pleasure of hearing the message from Rev. Roy Moore, founding pastor of Good Shepherd.  Using the story of the calling of Samuel from 1 Samuel 3, his theme, "Who Is Calling and Why" reminded us to think about listening to God's voice calling us and then to determine why he is calling us, or what he is calling us to do.  Like Samuel, sometimes we aren't sure it's God's voice when we first hear it so we need to listen carefully...and then act.  We also need to have the same courage that Samuel had in sharing the message God gives us, even if it's not a message people might want to hear.

 

Preview for this Sunday:  Using both Mark 1 and 1 Corinthians 1, we'll talk about who God calls and uses as his messengers and how he can use us.  We'll also talk about what it means to leave things behind for the sake of the call.

 

Well, that wraps up "What's Happening" for this week.  Be sure to get your Annual Meeting folder on Sunday.  It is packed with reasons to rejoice!

 

Wishing you all the blessings of peace, hope, joy and love always!

 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

 

Here comes our snow!  Guess we shouldn't be too surprised since it is almost the middle of January.  By now you should have received you January edition of the Rod and Staff Newsletter.  After the Ministry Teams Meeting on Tuesday, we have added the annual Souper/Super Bowl Party on February 5^th at the Downers Grove Hurdle residence.  Party begins at 4:00; kick-off 5:30.  Bring an appetizer to share; drinks provided.  Also, please bring a can of soup or a box of Mac and Cheese to church that Sunday for the Shepherd's Pantry.  (The Northern Illinois Food Bank is out of Mac and Cheese until after our delivery and the pantry is running low on that "staple!")

 

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

 

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

 

2.       TONIGHT -Thur. Jan. 12-Church Council gathering

 

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

 

4.       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.

 

5.       Sat. Jan. 14-'Tweeners Gathering for adults 21 and older at the home of Chris and Audrey to wish Godspeed to our Canadian friend, Marg.  This potluck event begins at 6:30pm, so bring some food to share (appetizers, salads, side dishes, desserts, etc.) and your own drinks and join the fun!  Contact Chris, Audrey or the church office for directions.

 

6.       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.  All are welcome!

 

7.       Mon. Jan. 16-Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the Suchomel home.

 

8.       Mon. Jan. 16-3^rd Monday Study will meet at the Sanchez home at 7pm.

 

9.       Wed. Jan. 18-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church.

 

10.   Thur. Jan. 19- G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at Stoughton's beginning at 7pm

 

11.   Fri. Jan. 20-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Valentis' home.  Children are welcome.

 

12.   Sat. Jan. 21-Church Council Meeting at 8:30am at the church.

 

13.   Sun. Jan. 22-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am at church.

 

14.   Mon. Jan. 23-Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's.

 

15.   Wed. Jan. 25-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

16.   Thur. Jan. 26-Hosting East Conference Pastor's Meeting at Good Shepherd

 

17.   Fri. Jan. 27-Friday Bible Study at home of Sheri Valentis

 

18.   Sat. Jan. 28-Shepherd's Food Pantry open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.  Please contact Kim Hanahan if you can help out at the Pantry.

 

19.   Sun. Jan. 29-Worship at 9:30am followed by the 2011 Annual Congregational Meeting.  All confirmed members are expected to attend.

 

The 50th Anniversary Team has asked that those who purchased 50^th Anniversary shirts wear them to the "Final Fling" festivities on January 15^th.

 

'Tweeners Event this Saturday, January 14, 2012

Join us this Saturday at the home of Chris and Audrey for a gathering to say good-bye to our Canadian friend, Marg.  She's heading home to Canada soon and wanted the opportunity to share fellowship with her Good Shepherd friends.  The gathering will begin around 6:30pm.  Please bring some food to share and your own drinks.  Need directions or more information?  Please contact Chris, Audrey, or Pastor Suzanne.

 

Radical Book Study

Next Sunday, January 22, will be your last opportunity to sign up to be a part of this book study, as we want to try to begin the study in February.  If you are interested in finding out more about the book, check out this link:  http://www.radicalthebook.com/home.html.  If you'd like to sign up, please see the sign-up sheet on the Info Table at church.

 

Movie Outing - January 28, 2012

Pastor Suzanne invites you to join her on Saturday, January 28 for a trip to the movies.  We'll be going to see "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."  Check this link for more on the movie:  http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1810196550/info.  Pastor is hoping to get a movie time around 4 or 5p on that Saturday.  As soon as she has the time, place, and cost, she will share it via Facebook and on the What's Happening email.  Following the movie, we will meet somewhere for a discussion.  The movie is rated PG-13 so we encourage parents to make their own decisions about who should attend this event.

 

No Name Calling Week - January 23-27, 2012

Our church will be participating in, and promoting, "No Name Calling Week" from January 23-27.  The Valley View School District #365U, which serves the towns Romeoville, Bolingbrook and Plainfield, is also participating in this program, as an introduction to an Anti-Bullying Campaign they will be rolling out next fall.  Pastor Suzanne sits on the Anti-Bullying Committee and will continue to keep us updated as to how we can be involved to support these efforts in and around our communities.  For now, we ask you to join us for worship on January 22 as she introduces the idea of "No Name Calling."  For more information, check out this link:  http://www.nonamecallingweek.org/cgi-bin/iowa/home.html.

 

East Conference Meeting - January 26, 2012

Pastor Suzanne will be hosting the pastors from the East Conference on Thursday, January 26.  She is looking for people who would be willing to provide a light breakfast for the pastors that day - coffee, juice, coffeecakes, bagels, etc.  If you are interested in helping, please contact Pastor Suzanne.  We're excited to have the opportunity to show them our space and share some of what we do here at Good Shepherd Church.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Last week, as we looked at the baptism of Jesus from the Gospel of Mark, we talked about what baptism means and how, like Jesus, our baptisms hold meaning in our spiritual lives and journeys with Jesus.  God spoke in Jesus' baptism, "This is my beloved Son.  With Him I am well pleased."  And, in the same way, God names and claims us in our baptisms, giving us the Holy Spirit and empowering us to do ministry in His name.  "Child of God, you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever."   Where are you on your journey with Jesus?  How connected are you to where the journey began and where God is leading you now?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  We'll have the blessing of having Rev. Roy C. Moore, the founding pastor of Good Shepherd Church with us.  He'll be giving the message, "Who Is Calling and Why."  Using 1 Samuel 3 and John 1, Pastor Moore will talk about being called.  As we begin this new year in our personal and church lives, we hope you'll come and hear what God has to say through Pastor Moore.  Invite a friend or former member as well.  All are welcome!

 

Remember you can call church any time you want more information about our programs or activities.  Wishing you all the blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love always!  Keep warm!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Happy New Year!

 

In just over a week we will be winding up our 50^th year of ministry with the "Final Fling" on Sunday, January 15^th at the Rec Center.  Festivities will begin with worship at 9:30am with Rev. Roy Moore, the first Good Shepherd Pastor, attending as our honored guest.  Worship will be followed by a catered, free will donation, luncheon.  Sign up and come be part of this joyous occasion for our church, and bring a friends and/or relatives as well.  All are welcome!

 

The Rod and Staff newsletter will be sent to you next week , following the Budget Forum this Sunday,  January 8, so that we can include a report for you on the Forum.  Here is a report of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

8.       Thur. Jan. 12-Church Council gathering

 

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

 

10.   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.

 

11.   Sat. Jan. 14-'Tweeners Gathering for adults 21 and older, will be meeting at the home of Chris and Audrey to wish Godspeed to our Canadian friend, Marg.  This potluck event begins at 6:30pm, so bring some food to share (appetizers , salads, side dishes, desserts, etc) and your own drinks and join the fun!  Contact Chris, Audrey or the church office for directions.

 

12.   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!

 

13.   Mon. Jan. 16-Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the Suchomel home.

 

14.   Mon. Jan. 16-3^rd Monday Study will meet at the Sanchez home at 7pm.

 

15.   Wed. Jan. 18-Wednesday bible Study at 6:30pm at church.

 

16.   Thur. Jan. 19- G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at Stoughton's beginning at 7pm

 

17.   Fri. Jan. 20-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Valentis' home.  Children are welcome.

 

18.   Sat. Jan. 21-Church Council Meeting at 8:30am at the church.

 

19.   Sun. Jan. 22-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am at church.

 

The 50th Anniversary Team has asked that those who purchased 50^th Anniversary shirts wear them to the "Final Fling" festivities on January 15^th.

 

"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 this Sunday, January 8, immediately following our 9:30am 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. 

 

Wednesday Study Update

The Wednesday Study Group would like to invite you to join them for a 6-week study of the book of James.  We will begin next week, January 11.  We gather at the church at 6:30pm for conversation and prayer requests and then study the Bible from 7-8:30pm.  Our time together concludes with Holy Communion.  All are welcome to join us. 

 

Recap from last Sunday:  We gathered together on New Year's morning to celebrate the year that was in 2011 and to look forward to the year that will be in 2012.  We talked about how, just as in the season of Advent, we often have a time of waiting when it comes to our spiritual journeys, just like Simeon and Anna in the story from Luke 2.  We talked about walking into the new year with hope and anticipating all the God will do with, for, and through us.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  As we celebrate Baptism of our Lord Sunday, we'll think about the importance of our own spiritual journeys, which begin in baptism and look at where we are now and where we might be headed as we walk with Jesus.  Come, join us as we walk together.

 

Remember you can call church any time you want more information about our programs or activities.  If we don't have the answers, we'll get them for you!  I'm wishing you all the blessings of hope, peace, joy, and love always, and pray that 2012 is your best year ever!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church