WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

 

Good Morning!

 

Are you all bracing for a major snowstorm??  I guess because my husband and I just made final plans for an "escape weekend" to Indianapolis, the gas prices rose and then the snow was forecasted just this morning!  We both need the time off, so are going anyway.

 

Here is "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the following weeks. . . .

 

1.      TODAY-Thur. Feb. 23-Deadline for ministry teams to submit articles for the March edition of the Rod and Staff newsletter

 

2.      Fri. Feb. 24-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home.  Parents are welcome to bring their children

 

3.      Sat. Feb. 25-Church Council will be meeting at 8:30am

 

4.      Sat. Feb. 25-Shepherd's Food Pantry, located at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am.

 

5.      Sat. Feb. 25-A Baby Shower to welcome newborn Devin Ray Kirkland will begin at 2pm at the church.  Allen and Bob Kirkland would like to invite all to attend and share in their joy!  (They are registered at Target if you need a hint of what they can use.)

 

6.      Sun. Feb. 26-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin at 8:05 and 9:50am) with Connection Café between services.  Praise Band rehearsal follows.

 

7.      Sun. Feb. 26-Radical Book Study meets beginning at 4pm.  Russell has offered his home for today's meeting.

 

8.      Mon. Feb. 27-Monday Study at Suchomel's home begins at 7pm

 

9.      Wed. Feb. 29-Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

 

10.  Wed. Feb. 29-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church

 

11.  Thur. Mar. 1-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

12.  Fri. Mar. 2-Friday Bible Study meeting at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

 

13.  Sat. Mar. 3-Road Crew Meeting at 4pm at church for all Road Crew members as well as anyone interested in finding out more about or joining this extremely important group.

 

14.  Sun. Mar. 4- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin at 8:05 and 9:50am) with Connection Café between services.  (Rod and Staff newsletters will be ready for you to get today.)

 

15.  Sun. Mar. 4-Sunday School for children ages 3 to 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am

 

16.  Mon. Mar. 5-Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the Suchomel home

 

17.  Tue. Mar. 6-Shepherd's Food Pantry at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) will be open from 6:30 to 8pm.  Please contact Kim Hanahan if you can help out.

 

18.  Tue. Mar. 6-M&M's Women's Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez

 

19.  Wed. Mar. 7- Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

 

20.  Wed. Mar. 7-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church

 

21.   Thur. Mar. 8-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady Group meets at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home

 

22.  Fri. Mar. 9-Praise Band Rehearsal at 6:30pm at church

 

23.  Fri. Mar. 9-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home.  Children are welcome.

 

24.  Sat. Mar. 10-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am

 

Lenten Book Study - IMPORTANT DEADLINE!!!

If you are going to join us in the Lenten book study, "Practice Makes Perfect: A Lenten Renewal of the Lifelong Journey," you need to let Pastor Suzanne know by TONIGHT, Thursday, 2/23, via email (revhurdle@sbcglobal.net) or on Facebook, as she needs to place an order for the books on Friday (tomorrow).  The cost of the books is $10 but, just a reminder, if money is an issue, please be assured that we can assist you.

 

Road Crew Meeting

A reminder that Audrey McDaniel, Worship Chair and Steve Hurdle, Road Crew Team Leader, will be hosting a meeting for ALL current Road Crew members and those who are interested in finding out more about this very important ministry.  The meeting will be on Saturday, March 3 at 4:00pm at the church.  They'll be going over set-up, take-down, space issues, schedules, etc.  Please make it a priority to be at this meeting.  Thanks!

 

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF (LWR)   This Sunday, Feb. 26, is our last gathering day of supplies for the Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits.  A few things are still needed.  If you can help out with an item or a whole kit, please be sure to talk to Lydia Faber or Pat Hurdle.  Thanks.

 

Recap of last Sunday:  Our theme was, "We Preach Christ," and Pastor Suzanne talked to us about the importance of preaching Christ in all that we say and do.  Using 2 Corinthians 4:1-7 as the basis for our discussion, we talked about making sure people know that what we do when we serve is because of Christ...it's not about us.  We talked about how God uses "treasures in perishable containers" to spread His Word.  In other word, God uses us - perishable, broken containers - to hold His treasures of love, grace, etc.  How are you preaching Christ in your life?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  As we begin the season of Lent, we'll be hearing different stories about Jesus' life, stories that connect to the great story of God's love for all his people.  We hope you'll join us each Sunday as we hear these stories and think about what they mean to our own journeys with Jesus.

 

Wishing you all the blessings of peace, hope, joy and love always.  Stay safe and don't try to shovel the predicted snow! Forecasters are warning that if will be extremely heavy.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR "MISS JEAN"

As you are probably aware of by now, our sister Jean Lees, fondly called Miss Jean by many, passed away quietly yesterday around 5pm.

 

Visitation will be on Monday, February 20 from 3 to 9pm at Anderson Memorial Chapel, 606 Townhall Drive (at Alexander Circle) in Romeoville.

 

The funeral will take place on Tuesday, February 21 at 11am at Messiah Lutheran Church, 19901 Houbolt Road (at Jefferson) in Joliet.  The church is across the street from the cemetery.

 

Please feel free to call Pastor's cell phone (815-355-2397) if you need any further information.

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

 

Once again this week, there is a lot to report on the many opportunities to reach out and participate in the activities of Good Shepherd Church ministries.  This Saturday, beginning at 3pm at the church, we'll be playing board and card games for our Game Day which is open to everyone! We'll have snacks and soda to keep you playing until 6pm.  Contact Lea Anne Stoughton if you have any questions.

 

Here is more information on "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the following weeks. . . .

 

1.      TODAY-Thur. Feb 16-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at the Stoughton's begins at 7pm.

 

2.      Fri. Feb 17-Friday Bible Study at the Valintis home begins at 7pm.

 

3.      Sat. Feb. 18-Games Play Date at church begins at 3pm.  All are welcome to attend this family friendly fun game playing time.  Bring your favorite game to share if you would like.  Get away from the front of the TV, bring a friend or two and join us! 

 

4.      Sun. Feb. 19-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (Announcements begin 10 minutes prior to each Worship service)  Connection Café will be open between services.

 

5.      Sun. Feb 19-Sunday School for children age 3 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am

 

6.      Sun. Feb. 19-Youth (6^th grade through high school age) Bowling after the 10am worship service.  Check with Debbie Suchomel for details.

 

7.      Sun. Feb. 19-Radical Study will be at Lydia Faber's home starting at 4pm. (See details below.)

 

8.      Mon. Feb. 20-3^rd Monday Study at 7pm at the Sanchez home

 

9.      Mon. Feb. 20-Monday Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's home

 

10.  Tues. Feb. 21-Community Resource Provider's Fair at the Rec Center from 8:30am to 1pm.

 

11.  Tues. Feb. 21-Pastor Suzanne and Judy Jordan will host a Matthew team development meeting beginning at 7pm.  Come see if this isn't something you can help in planning.

 

12.  Wed. Feb 22-Ash Wednesday.  Worship services will be held at 7:30am and 7:30pm  NOTE:  There will not be a Wednesday Bible Study this week

 

13.  Thur. Feb. 23-Deadline for submitting articles for the March edition of the Rod and Staff

 

14.  Fri. Feb. 24-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home.  Parents are welcome to bring their children

 

15.  Sat. Feb. 25-Shepherd's Food Pantry, located at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am.

 

16.  Sat. Feb. 25-A Baby Shower to welcome newborn Devin Ray Kirkland will begin at 2pm at the church.  Allen and Bob Kirkland would like to invite all to attend and share in their joy!  (They are registered at Target if you need a hint of what they can use.)

 

17.  Sun. Feb. 26-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin at 8:05 and 9:50am) with Connection Café between services.  Praise Band rehearsal follows.

 

18.  Sun. Feb. 26-Radical Book Study meets beginning at 4pm.  Location to be determined.

 

Radical Book Study info - If you signed up for the book study group, just a reminder that we will hold our first group this Sunday, 2/19 at 4:00pm at the home of Lydia Faber (1025 Montego Bay Court in Romeoville).  Dinner will be provided.  If you did not receive the email information from Pastor Suzanne, please email her (revhurdle@sbcglobal.net) for more details.  You are asked to read the first chapter and be prepared to discuss it.  We will meet until 6:00pm.  Our schedule for future sessions are:  2/26, 3/11, 3/18, 4/15, 4/29, 5/6, and 5/20.

 

Matthew 25 Group - If you have a passion for compassion, if you enjoy helping the least among us, we'd like to invite you to attend a meeting for a new group that's starting at our church.  The Matthew 25 group will be based on the verses from Matthew 25:31-40 and will have as its purpose to find ways to serve and help the least among us in our communities.  We are looking for people of all ages, with bold ideas and new ways to serve.  Join us on Tuesday, February 21 at 7:00pm at the church.  Feel free to bring a friend or non-church member who might have a desire to serve in this kind of group as well.  All are welcome!

 

Ash Wednesday services - We hope you'll join us as we begin the season of Lent.  Pastor Suzanne will offer two services on Wednesday, February 22 at 7:30am or 7:30pm at the church.  This is a special opportunity to reconnect with the traditions of the church and our spiritual walk with Jesus.  If you've never experienced Ash Wednesday services, we invite you to try this year.  These services will be more somber and reflective than our usual services, so please bear that in mind.  We respectfully ask that you refrain from using cell phones or other technology devices during these services.  Thank you.

 

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF (LWR)   Sunday, February 26, will be our last gathering day of supplies for the Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits.  A few things are still needed.  If you can help out with an item or a whole kit, please pick up information at the table.  If you have any questions, talk to Lydia Faber or Pat Hurdle.  Thanks.

 

Lenten Suppers, Book Study, and Worship - Starting Wednesday, February 29 and going through March 28, we will be offering midweek opportunities to connect during the season of Lent.  Our theme for 2012 Lent is "Journey with Jesus...to the cross."  Sign-ups for the suppers will be available on the Info Table at church.  It is important to sign up for the suppers, as volunteers will be providing the meals and need to know how many to cook for.  The book that we will be studying is "Practice Makes Perfect: A Lenten Renewal of a Lifelong Journey."  If you are interested in joining us for the study, please sign up by next Wednesday, 2/22 or contact Pastor Suzanne, so she knows how many books to purchase.  Cost for the books are $9. (As always, if money is an issue and you'd like to participate, please let Pastor Suzanne know, as we have funds available to assist you.)  Suppers begin at 6:00pm, followed by the study at 6:30pm, and worship at 8pm.  We hope you'll make it a priority to join us for these special times of fellowship, learning, and worship.

 

LOOKING AHEAD:

Road Crew Meeting on Saturday, March 3; at 4:00pm

Steve Hurdle, Road Crew leader and Audrey McDaniel, Worship Chair, will be hosting a meeting for all current road crew members and those interested in learning more about the road crew on Saturday, March 3 at 4pm.  They will be talking about the expectations of crew members, schedules for the next few months, set-up times/days, proper set-up and take-down methods and arrangements, etc.  If you are a current member of a road crew or are interested in serving in this vital ministry area, please plan on being at this meeting.  Thanks for your help!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Using the story of the healing of Naaman from 2 Kings 5 and the story of the healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45, Pastor talked about "Doing What You're Told."  She talked about the importance of doing what God tells us to do, even if we don't understand it, it doesn't make sense, etc.  She also reminded us that we need to be obedient in doing what we are told, not trying to cut corners or do things "our" way.  So, what are we told to do by God?  Keeping it simple, it's loving God and loving others (the Great Commandment) and going and making disciples (the Great Commission).  How are you doing this week on doing what you're told?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, our theme is "We Preach Christ."  Pastor Suzanne will be using the text from 2 Corinthians 4:1-7 to remind us of the important role that we all play in making Christ known.  She'll challenge us to think about how much of a priority that role has become in our lives and how we use our individual personalities to do this.  She'll also talk about how God can use our weaknesses to let His strength and glory be known.  We hope you'll join us and invite a friend to join us too!

 

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

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

 

There is a lot to report today since the weeks ahead are filled with opportunities to reach out and to participate in the many activities of Good Shepherd Church ministries.  Check these out here in "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd. . . .

 

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

 

2.      Fri. Feb. 10-Preschool Annual Sweetheart Dance 6:30 to 8pm.  (More information below.)

 

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

 

4.      Sat. Feb. 11-Long Range Planning Committee Meeting at noon

 

5.      Sat. Feb. 11-Praise Band rehearsal  at 4:30pm

 

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

 

7.      Mon. Feb. 13-Monday Bible Study at Suchomel's at 7pm

 

8.      Tues. Feb. 14-Ministry Night at 7pm at church.  (See information below)

 

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

 

10.  Thur. Feb 16-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at the Stoughton's begins at 7pm.

 

11.  Fri. Feb 17-Friday Bible Study at the Valentis home begins at 7pm.

 

12.  Sat. Feb. 18-Games Play Date at church begins at 3pm.  All are welcome to attend this family friendly fun game playing time.  Bring your favorite game to share if you would like.  Get away from the front of the TV, bring a friend or two and join us!  All are welcome.

 

13.  Sun. Feb. 19-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (Announcements begin 10 minutes prior to the Worship service)  Connection Café will be open between services.

 

14.  Sun. Feb 19-Sunday School for children age 3 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am

 

15.  Sun. Feb. 19-Youth (6^th grade through high school age) Bowling after the 10am worship service.  Check with Debbie Suchomel for details.

 

16.  Sun. Feb. 19-Radical Study will be at Lydia Faber's home starting at 4pm. (See details below.)

 

The Annual Preschool Sweetheart Dance is taking place tomorrow evening.  A few tickets, at a cost of $2.50 per person, are still available.  Children under 2 years of age are free.  Also, we are still looking for volunteers to provide cookies, either store bought or home baked, for this event.  If would like to help out, please drop your treats off at the Preschool this afternoon or tomorrow morning.  Thanks!

 

Long-Range Planning Team Meeting - We will be meeting this Saturday, February 11 at noon at the church.  Team members-- please bring your calendars so we can set up future meeting and event dates.  Thanks!

Ministry Night, Council Reports, and Newsletter Deadlines - Attention all team leaders and members...just a reminder that this month's Ministry Night is next Tuesday, February 14 at 7pm.  Yep, Valentine's Day!  Come and show love for your God and your church as we plan our future events together.  Not on a team but have ideas for church activities and events?  Then come out and join us!  Team leaders and/or Council Liaisons, please remember that reports for the Church Council are due to Renea, via email, by 9pm on February 16.  Please copy the Council members on the email so they can read the reports as well.  Likewise, information for the March newsletter is due to Renea, via email, by 9pm on February 23.  Anything received after that time will NOT be included.

Radical Book Study - Just a reminder that the Radical book study begins on February 19.  Our first gathering will be held at the home of Lydia Faber.  We'll be meeting from 4-6pm.  We'll share a meal together, talk about the book, and pray together.  If you are interested in participating in this study and you did NOT sign up, please email Pastor Suzanne ASAP so she can get you a book.  We're planning on reading all of chapter one and some of chapter two in preparation for our 2/19 group time.

Matthew 25 Group - Pastor Suzanne and Judy Jordan will be hosting a meeting on Tuesday, February 21 at 7pm for a new group, Matthew 25.  The purpose of this group is to find ways in which we can serve the greater community, using Matthew 25:31-40 as our foundation.  If you have a passion for compassion, please join us for this meeting.  All are welcome!

Ash Wednesday Services - Pastor Suzanne will host two services on Ash Wednesday at 7:30am and 7:30pm.  These services will kick off the season of Lent, a time for introspection and reflection on our faith and our journeys with Jesus.  Please plan on joining us. Both services will take place at the church.

Lenten Worship - Mark your calendars and plan on joining us for our 2012 Lenten Worship Series, "Journeys with Jesus...to the Cross."  Services will be held on Wednesday evenings at 8pm from February 29-March 28.  These midweek services offer an opportunity for quiet reflection and worship as we journey with Jesus to the cross.  Services will last no longer than an hour. 

Lenten Book Study and Supper - Pastor Suzanne is currently choosing a book that will be studied on Wednesdays during Lent.  The study will go from 6:30-7:45pm.  She is also looking for people interested in providing a light supper at 6:00pm during this season.  There will be more information to come on both of these activities at our Ministry Night meeting next week.

 

LOOKING AHEAD:

Road Crew Meeting on Saturday, March 3; at 4:00pm

Steve Hurdle, Road Crew leader and Audrey McDaniel, Worship Chair, will be hosting a meeting for all current road crew members and those interested in learning more about the road crew on Saturday, March 3 at 4pm.  They will be talking about the expectations of crew members, schedules for the next few months, set-up times/days, proper set-up and take-down methods and arrangements, etc.  If you are a current member of a road crew or are interested in serving in this vital ministry area, please plan on being at this meeting.  Thanks for your help!

 

Recap of last Sunday:  Using both 1 Corinthians 9:16-23 and Mark 1:29-39 our theme was "Meeting People Where They Are."  Pastor Suzanne talked about how important it is to find common ground when we are talking with people.  She encouraged us to think about when we first met Jesus and to remember how He met us right where we were.  We need to let people know that Jesus and God do not expect us to be perfect before we meet them.  In fact, as we allow them, they will transform us and change us into the people they want us to be.   We just need to be open to it.  We heard thoughts from various people about the challenges and benefits of sharing your faith stories and the importance of just being good listeners.  Great conversation, everyone!  If you missed services, feel free to pick up a CD of the 10am service.

Preview of this Sunday: This week our theme will be "Doing What You're Told."  We'll be looking at the story of the healing of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1-14 and the healing of the leper in Mark 1:40-45.  We'll also take a look at Paul's words to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.  Do you do what you're told when it comes to Jesus' words and commands?  Why or why not?  This will be the basis of our conversation.  Invite a friend to join us!

 

Whew, didn't I tell you we had a lot to report!  Everything we do is much more successful with the help of many hands.  Won't you consider stepping forward and offering your God-given talents?  You'll be glad you did!

 

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

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

Fwd from Pastor Suzanne: COMCAST EMAIL ADDRESSES

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Suzanne Hurdle <revhurdle@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, Feb 3, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Subject: re: comcast email addresses
To: Renea Horn <revassistant@gmail.com>

Renea,
Please forward this to the church list:

ATTENTION THOSE WITH COMCAST EMAIL ADDRESSES:
I have been receiving bounce back emails from some of you with Comcast email addresses.  I worked with my internet provider today and we have determined that the issue is on the Comcast side of things, not on my side.  So, if you have Comcast, please contact them and tell them that their server is taking too long to respond to emails I send out, thus they are being sent back to me.  Honestly, I'm not entirely sure what all this means, except that some of you are missing some of my emails.  If you have questions about this, please talk to me on Sunday and/or email me back.

Thanks.

 

Peace.

Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle

office - 815-886-4354

cell - 815-355-2397

 

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

 

Well, Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow this morning, but Dairy Queen just opened, so can spring really be that far away??  We've had a pretty mild winter thus far, and you and I both know a shadow won't change God's plan for our weather.

 

On Sunday we will be passing out the February Rod and Staff newsletter in church and it will include a report on the Annual Congregational Meeting that was held last Sunday.  In the meantime, here is a report of "What's Happening" at Good Shepherd in the next few weeks. . . .

 

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

 

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

 

3.       Sun. Feb. 5-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services.  Remember announcements start 10 minutes before each worship service.

 

4.       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!

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

9.       Fri. Feb. 10-Preschool Annual Sweetheart Dance 6:30 to 8pm.  (More information below.)

 

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

 

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

 

Jan Sanchez has asked me to remind everyone that the M&M's Ladies Bible Study will not be meeting in February, since George is undergoing knee replacement surgery today.  We all prayed for George at the Annual Meeting on Sunday and hope that you will keep him in your prayers.   See you in March ladies!

 

Radical Book Study - Join us for our book study on "Radical" by David Platt.  Our group will meet on Sundays from 4-6pm.  Our first two sessions will be on February 19 and 26 and will include sharing a meal together.  Join us as we think about "taking our faith back from the American dream."  Platt will challenge all of us and force us to ask ourselves if we have unknowingly (?) distorted the Gospel to affirm our affluence and other "American" ways.  Books are $10 but, if you cannot afford one, please join us anyway.  Pastor Suzanne will make arrangements for you to participate.

 

Souper/Super Bowl Sunday is this coming Sunday at the Downers Grove Hurdle's.  Bring your donation of soup and/or macaroni and cheese to church on Sunday and you'll be eligible for entry to this annual celebration.  Thanks Bob and Pat for hosting this fun, two TV event!

 

Preschool Sweetheart Dance tickets will be available at church this Sunday for the event being held on Friday, February 10 from 6:30 to 8pm at the Preschool.  Tickets cost $2.50 per person, and are free for children 2 years old and under.  We are also looking for some volunteers to provide cookies, either store bought or home baked, for this event.  If would like to help out, please let one of the Preschool team know and drop your treats off at the Preschool either Thursday or Friday.  Thanks!

 

Matthew 25 Group - As was mentioned at our Annual Congregational Meeting last Sunday, Pastor Suzanne and Judy Jordan are putting together a group, under our Social Ministry Team, that will focus on the actions in Matthew 25:31-40.  We'll look at how our church can work in and around our community to clothe the naked, feed the hungry (beyond our pantry ministry), visit the sick and imprisoned, etc.  If you have a passion for compassion and helping those in need, please join us at 7pm on Tuesday, February 21^st at the church for this meeting.  We're hoping to set goals, brainstorm ideas and events, etc.  All are welcome!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Using Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and Mark 1:21-28, Pastor Suzanne talked about "Prophets Among Us...Speaking for God."  We talked about how we can distinguish between true and false prophets and the importance of knowing if people are really speaking for God.  She asked us to think about these questions:  Are there prophets among us today?  How do we identify them?  And, who is it that speaks for God?  If God used prophets to speak to our ancestors, might He still use them to speak to us today?

 

Preview from this Sunday:  Our theme will be, "Meeting People Where They Are."  Using both Mark 1:29-39 and 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, we'll talk about how we can find common ground with others in order to try to bring them to Christ.  We'll talk about the importance of grounding ourselves in prayer as we go about the work of ministry God has given us to do.  And we'll think about how God first met us right where we were.  Come, join us for the conversation.

 

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

 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church