WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon (almost made it for the morning)! 

Today is Pajama Party Day at the Preschool, and there are some pretty excited participants.  I saw them arriving this morning with their jammies, slippers, pillow pets, blankets and beaming faces.  One boy couldn't stop laughing!  What a fun way to greet the day.

 

Rod and Staff newsletters will be distributed in church on Sunday, so be sure to get yours.  Especially important is the Holy Week schedule for next week's activities, which vary somewhat from our normal events.   Here is the report on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next week. . . .

 

1.      TONIGHT-Thur. Mar 29-Long Range Planning Team Forum begins at 6:30pm at the church.  (See information below)  All are encouraged to attend!

 

2.      Fri. Mar. 30-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

3.      Fri. & Sat.-March 30-31-Pastor will be away on a Retreat

 

4.      Sun. Apr 1-Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.  April Rod and Staff newsletters will be available at church today.

 

5.      Sun. Apr 1-Sunday School for age 3 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am

 

6.      Tue. Apr 3-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 6:30 to 8pm this evening at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53).  Tuesday's have proven to be very busy evenings and any help you can lend would be greatly appreciated!

 

7.      Tue. Apr 4-M&M's Women's Bible Study meets at Jan Sanchez' home at 7pm

 

8.      Wed. Apr 5-"The Passion of the Christ" movie will be shown at church beginning at 6:30pm as part of our Holy Week events.  This is an adults only movie.

 

9.      Thur. Apr 6-Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30pm at church.

 

10.  Fri. Apr 6-Good Friday worship services will be held at 10am and 7:30pm at church

 

11.  Sat. Apr 7-Easter Vigil Service at 10:30pm at church

 

12.  EASTER SUNDAY Apr 8-Sunrise Service at 6:30am at Resurrection Cemetery.  Worship at 8:15 and/or10am at the church.

 

Long-Range Planning Team Forum

TONIGHT- Thursday, March 29, the Long-Range Planning Team will host a forum beginning at 6:30pm.  We'll talk about ways to grow our church, give an update on the renovation of our space, and talk about plans for our future.  The team has ordered a light supper (donations accepted).  Even if you hadn't signed up for the supper, we hope you'll make every effort to join us for the meeting.  This is your church and is an opportunity to ask questions, give suggestions and ideas, etc.  All are welcome!  Join us!

 

Pastor Out of Town

Pastor Suzanne will be on a Pre-Holy Week Retreat tomorrow and Saturday (March 30-31).  In her absence, if you have an urgent need, please contact Renea in the church office (Friday from 9am-noon), or Sue Hattimer, our Council President.  Pastor will return emails and phone messages sometime after she gets back.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Pastor Suzanne talked about what it means to be a disciple using John 12 as the basis for discussion.  What is your definition of what it means to be challenged by and following Jesus?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  Our Palm Sunday services will kick off the solemn Holy Week activities at Good Shepherd.   Come hear what Pastor Suzanne has to say following her Pre-Holy Week Retreat, and bring a friend.  All are welcome

 

Wishing you peace, hope, joy and love always!  Enjoy all of the springtime blooming that is going on right now.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

 

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning and Happy Spring! 

Hasn't this been unbelievable weather?  I am beginning to worry though about what we have in store for summertime.  Guess we should just enjoy it now and face summer when it comes.

Today is the day all our ministry teams need to submit their reports for the April Rod and Staff newsletter, which will be available on Palm Sunday, April 1^st.  While you get updates frequently via "What's Happening", having the more in depth newsletter articles serves as a reference and keeps all who read it aware of past and present programs and activities.  We understand you can't be everywhere and want you to know all that Good Shepherd is planning, has done, and the results of, our many ministry efforts. 

 

Here is the report on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.      TONIGHT-Thur. Mar 22-Quarterly Food Pantry Meeting will take place at the Pantry.  T-shirts will be distributed at the meeting.

 

2.      Thur. Mar 22-Deadline to submit Rod and Staff newsletter information for the April edition

 

3.      Fri. Mar 23-Friday Bible Study group is attending the play, Into the Woods at RHS.

 

4.      Sat. Mar 24-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

5.      Sun. Mar 25- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.

 

6.      Mon. Mar 26-Monday Study meets at 7pm at the Suchomel home

 

7.      Wed. Mar 28- Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

 

8.      Wed. Mar 28-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church (this is our last Wed. Lenten Worship)

 

9.      Thur. Mar 29-Long Range Planning Team Forum begins at 6:30pm at the church.  (See information below)  All are encouraged to attend!

 

10.  Fri. Mar. 30-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

11.  Fri. & Sat.-March 30-31-Pastor will be away on a Retreat

 

12.  Sun. Apr 1-Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.  April Rod and Staff newsletters will be available at church today.

 

13.  Sun. Apr 1-Sunday School for age 3 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am

 

14.  Tue. Apr 3-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 6:30 to 8pm this evening at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53).  Tuesday's have proven to be very busy evenings and any help you can lend would be greatly appreciated!

 

15.  Tue. Apr 4-M&M's Women's Bible Study meets at Jan Sanchez' home at 7pm

 

16.  Wed. Apr 5-"The Passion of the Christ" movie will be shown at church beginning at 6:30pm as part of our Holy Week events.  This is an adults only movie.

 

17.  Thur. Apr 6-Maundy Thursday Worship at 7:30pm at church.

 

18.  Fri. Apr 6-Good Friday worship services will be held at 10am and 7:30pm at church

 

19.  Sat. Apr 7-Easter Vigil Service at 10:30pm at church

 

20.  EASTER SUNDAY Apr 8-Sunrise Service at 6:30am at Resurrection Cemetery.  Worship at 8:15 and/or10am at the church.

 

Long-Range Planning Team Forum

Next Thursday, March 29, the Long-Range Planning Team will host a forum beginning at 6:30pm.  We'll talk about ways to grow our church, give an update on the renovation of our space, and talk about plans for our future.  The team will provide a light supper (donations accepted).  We hope you'll make every effort to join us for the meeting.  This is your opportunity to ask questions, give suggestions and ideas, etc.  All are welcome!  Join us!  If you're not able to make it but would like to share something, please contact Pastor Suzanne and she'll pass it on to the team.

 

Pastor Out of Town

Pastor Suzanne will be on a Pre-Holy Week Retreat next Friday and Saturday (March 30-31).  In her absence, if you have an urgent need, please contact Renea in the church office (Friday from 9am-noon), or Sue Hattimer, our Council President.  Pastor will return emails and phone messages sometime after she gets back.

 

Thank You from Pastor and family

Pastor Suzanne and her family would like to thank everyone for their compassion and prayers in the loss of their dog, Lucky.  Thank you, especially, to all who attended our worship services on 3/18 - for your flexibility and understanding.  Lucky passed away on Monday afternoon, just minutes before Justin got to him.  This is a tough loss for Pastor and her family, as it was very unexpected.  Those of you who are pet owners know how hard it can be to lose a 4-legged member of the family.  Special thanks to Audrey McDaniel, who led a prayer over Lucky on Sunday before the vet took him to his home.  As Laura and others have said, "God spelled backward is dog."  They really do teach us about unconditional love.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme last Sunday was, "A Master Plan for a Masterpiece."  Using both Ephesians 2:10 and John 3:1-21, Pastor shared God's plan to reconcile His people to Himself.  We talked about how we are all God's masterpieces and how important it is to see ourselves, and each other, in the light of that.  We discussed how important it is for us to reach out, beyond ourselves, to those who live in darkness so that they too, can experience the light of God's love and grace.  Pastor challenged us to ask God to give us the words to speak to someone in our lives who is in darkness so that they can move, through God's Spirit, to the light.  How's your challenge going?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  Pastor Suzanne will talk about what it means to be a disciple.  Our theme, "Do You Want to Be a Disciple," will use John 12 as a foundation for our discussion.  We'll think about and discuss what it means to follow Jesus and we'll find ourselves challenged by Him, through God's Word.

 

Well, this list takes us through Holy Week and all the traditions of the Easter season.  Be sure to join us on the journey to the cross, and bring others as well.  All are welcome!

 

Wishing you peace, hope, joy and love always! 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

 I am sending this to you again because the copy I received was not complete.  Sorry for the confusion!

 

 

 

--

Good Morning!

WOW!  Hasn't the weather done a great job of helping us adjust to the time change??  At least it has made it easier to get to the various functions taking place in and around our church, so come on out and help spread the good word.  Be an example of what a caring, sharing, place Good Shepherd is.

 

Here is our report on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.      TODAY-Thur. Mar 15-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at 7pm at Stoughton's

 

2.      Fri. Mar 16-Romeoville Rec Center Open House from 6 to 9pm

 

3.      Fri. Mar 16-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

4.      Sat. Mar 17-Church Council Meeting at 8:30am

 

5.      Sat. Mar 17-Preschool Book Fair Open House from 10am to 2pm

 

6.      Sun. Mar 18- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.  We will be giving our completed LWR Kits a prayerful send-off today! 

 

7.      Sun. Mar 18-Sunday School at 9:15am for children age 3 to 5^th grade

 

8.      Sun. Mar 18-Radical Book Study meets at 4pm at the Suchomel's.  For directions call Debbie at 815-886-0082.

 

9.      Mon. Mar 19-3^rd Monday Study will be held at 7pm at the Sanchez home.  (NOTE:  Only  the 3^rd Monday Study will be meeting tonight)

 

10.  Tue. Mar 20-Summer Arts Planning Meeting will be held at 7pm at the church.

 

11.  Wed. Mar 21-Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

 

12.  Wed. Mar 21-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church

 

13.  Thur. Mar 22-Quarterly Food Pantry Meeting will take place at the Pantry.  T-shirts will be distributed at the meeting.

 

14.  Thur. Mar 22-Deadline to submit Rod and Staff newsletter information for the April edition

 

15.  Fri. Mar 23-Friday Bible Study Meeting at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

 

16.  Sat. Mar 24-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

17.  Sun. Mar 25- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.

 

18.  Mon. Mar 26-Monday Study meets at 7pm at the Suchomel home

 

19.  Wed. Mar 28- Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

 

20.  Wed. Mar 28-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church (this is our last Wed. Lenten Worship)

 

21.  Thur. Mar 29-Long Range Planning Team Forum begins at 6:30pm at the church.  (See information below)  All are encouraged to attend!

 

22.  Fri. Mar. 30-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

Midweek Lenten Study - Join us on Wednesday evenings through March 28 for our midweek Lenten Study, "Radical Renovation: Living a Cross-Shaped Life."  If you didn't sign up for the study, you're welcome to join us anyway.  Please, though, call Renea in the church office to let us know you'll be joining us.  We want to make sure we have enough materials for everyone.

 

Book Study - On Sunday, March 18 we'll meet at Suchomel's for our "Radical" Book Study.  We meet from 4-6pm, with a meal to begin our time together.  Don't have the book yet?  Contact Renea in the church office or Pastor Suzanne...we have 3 "extra" copies waiting to be read.

 

Recreation Center Open House TOMORROW! - Pastor Suzanne, Jackie Esquivel, and Pat Hurdle are working together to plan for tomorrows Recreation Center Open House.  If you'd like to help "man" our booth during the open house - 6:00-9:00pm - please talk to one of them.  We are providing small crafts for the kids along with information about our church's ministries.  This is a great opportunity to spread the Word!

 

Preschool Book Fair & Open House Saturday, March 17^th, from 10am to 2pm.  Come see Clifford, the Big Red Dog (no, we aren't going to dye him green for St. Patrick's Day!) and his friend, Geronimo!  There will be books for everyone and a chance to tour the preschool.  We're taking enrollment for the next school year as well.  Come one, come all, and bring your friends and cameras as well.  All are welcome!

 

Summer Arts Experience - Pastor Suzanne is coordinating a summer arts experience for youth in grades 6-12.  She is looking for adults who would be interested in providing resource support, mentoring, and general oversight of the youth in this program.  She is also looking for adults who have gifts/talents in the arts - theater, music, painting, sculpting, etc. - who would be interested in sharing these talents with the youth.  If this sounds like something that interests you, please come to the planning meeting on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00pm.  All are welcome!

 

Long-Range Planning Team Forum

Don't forget to join the LRPT for their forum Thursday, March 29.  It will go from 6:30-8:30pm.  We'll provide a light meal and have conversation about how things are going with our space, where we're headed, and brainstorm ideas for growing our church.  All are welcome!  Join us!

 

Pastor Out of Town

Pastor Suzanne will be out of town on retreat on March 30-31.  She will be unavailable during this time.  If you have a pastoral emergency, please contact our Pastoral Assistant, Renea, during office hours (Friday - 9a-noon), or our Council President, Sue Hattimer.  Thank you.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme was, "Turning the Tables."  We heard the story of Jesus turning the tables and clearing the temple, from John 2.  We also heard from the apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians, as he discussed wisdom and foolishness.  Pastor Suzanne challenged us to find ways to "turn the tables" in our world - physically, spiritually, emotionally, etc.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, our theme will be, "A Master Plan for a Masterpiece."  We'll be looking at both Ephesians 2:1-10 and John 3:1-21.  We'll think about what it means to be "God's Masterpiece" and how we discern the plan God has for our lives.

 

Well, this list takes up to the end of March—already!  Palm Sunday on April 1^st will begin Holy Week and all the traditions of the Easter season.  Be sure to join us on this journey to the cross.

 

Peace, hope, joy and love always!  I'll be wearing green on Saturday, will you?

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

WOW! Hasn't the weather done a great job of helping us adjust to the
time change?? At least it has made it easier to get to the various
functions taking place in and around our church, so come on out and
help spread the good word. Be an example of what a caring, sharing,
place Good Shepherd is.

Here is our report on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over
the next few weeks. . . .

1. TODAY-Thur. Mar 15-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at 7pm
at Stoughton's

2. Fri. Mar 16-Romeoville Rec Center Open House from 6 to 9pm

3. Fri. Mar 16-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Valintis home

4. Sat. Mar 17-Church Council Meeting at 8:30am

5. Sat. Mar 17-Preschool Book Fair Open House from 10am to 2pm

6. Sun. Mar 18- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin
10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services. We
will be giving our completed LWR Kits a prayerful send-off today!

7. Sun. Mar 18-Sunday School at 9:15am for children age 3 to 5th grade

8. Sun. Mar 18-Radical Book Study meets at 4pm at the Suchomel's. For
directions call Debbie at 815-886-0082.

9. Mon. Mar 19-3rd Monday Study will be held at 7pm at the Sanchez
home. (NOTE: Only the 3rd Monday Study will be meeting tonight)

10. Tue. Mar 20-Summer Arts Planning Meeting will be held at 7pm at the church.

11. Wed. Mar 21-Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to
be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

12. Wed. Mar 21-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church

13. Thur. Mar 22-Quarterly Food Pantry Meeting will take place at the
Pantry. T-shirts will be distributed at the meeting.

14. Thur. Mar 22-Deadline to submit Rod and Staff newsletter
information for the April edition

15. Fri. Mar 23-Friday Bible Study Meeting at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

16. Sat. Mar 24-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am
at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

17. Sun. Mar 25- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin
10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.

18. Mon. Mar 26-Monday Study meets at 7pm at the Suchomel home

19. Wed. Mar 28- Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to
be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

20. Wed. Mar 28-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church (this is
our last Wed. Lenten Worship)

21. Thur. Mar 29-Long Range Planning Team Forum begins at 6:30pm at
the church. (See information below) All are encouraged to attend!

22. Fri. Mar. 30-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home

Midweek Lenten Study - Join us on Wednesday evenings through March 28
for our midweek Lenten Study, "Radical Renovation: Living a
Cross-Shaped Life." If you didn't sign up for the study, you're
welcome to join us anyway. Please, though, call Renea in the church
office to let us know you'll be joining us. We want to make sure we
have enough materials for everyone.

Book Study - On Sunday, March 18 we'll meet at Suchomel's for our
"Radical" Book Study. We meet from 4-6pm, with a meal to begin our
time together. Don't have the book yet? Contact Renea in the church
office or Pastor Suzanne...we have 3 "extra" copies waiting to be
read.

Recreation Center Open House TOMORROW! - Pastor Suzanne, Jackie
Esquivel, and Pat Hurdle are working together to plan for tomorrows
Recreation Center Open House. If you'd like to help "man" our booth
during the open house - 6:00-9:00pm - please talk to one of them. We
are providing small crafts for the kids along with information about
our church's ministries. This is a great opportunity to spread the
Word!

Preschool Book Fair & Open House Saturday, March 17th, from 10am to
2pm. Come see Clifford, the Big Red Dog (no, we aren't going to dye
him green for St. Patrick's Day!) and his friend, Geronimo! There
will be books for everyone and a chance to tour the preschool. We're
taking enrollment for the next school year as well. Come one, come
all, and bring your friends and cameras as well. All are welcome!

Summer Arts Experience - Pastor Suzanne is coordinating a summer arts
experience for youth in grades 6-12. She is looking for adults who
would be interested in providing resource support, mentoring, and
general oversight of the youth in this program. She is also looking
for adults who have gifts/talents in the arts - theater, music,
painting, sculpting, etc. - who would be interested in sharing these
talents with the youth. If this sounds like something that interests
you, please come to the planning meeting on Tuesday, March 20 at
7:00pm. All are welcome!

Long-Range Planning Team Forum
Don't forget to join the LRPT for their forum Thursday, March 29. It
will go from 6:30-8:30pm. We'll provide a light meal and have
conversation about how things are going with our space, where we're
headed, and brainstorm ideas for growing our church. All are welcome!
Join us!

Pastor Out of Town
Pastor Suzanne will be out of town on retreat on March 30-31. She
will be unavailable during this time. If you have a pastoral
emergency, please contact our Pastoral Assistant, Renea, during office
hours (Friday - 9a-noon), or our Council President, Sue Hattimer.
Thank you.

Recap from last Sunday: Our theme was, "Turning the Tables." We
heard the story of Jesus turning the tables and clearing the temple,
from John 2. We also heard from the apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians,
as he discussed wisdom and foolishness. Pastor Suzanne challenged us
to find ways to "turn the tables" in our world - physically,
spiritually, emotionally, etc.

Preview of this Sunday: This week, our theme will be, "A Master Plan
for a Masterpiece." We'll be looking at both Ephesians 2:1-10 and
John 3:1-21. We'll think about what it means to be "God's
Masterpiece" and how we discern the plan God has for our lives.

Well, this list takes up to the end of March—already! Palm Sunday on
April 1st will begin Holy Week and all the traditions of the Easter
season. Be sure to join us on this journey to the cross.

Peace, hope, joy and love always! I'll be wearing green on Saturday, will you?

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

Surprise!  Sorry to be confusing you by sending this on Wednesday, but I have to go stay with my father-in-law in Indiana for a few days, so won't be in the office Thursday or Friday.  Here is What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next few weeks. . . .

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

5.      Fri. Mar. 9-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at Natalie Hoff's home, 21841 Helen Dr. in Plainfield.  Call Natalie (630-508-9033) or Sue Hattimer (815-592-6741) for directions. 

 

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

 

Remember to set your clocks ahead an hour at bedtime tonight!

7.      Sun. Mar. 11-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.

 

8.      Sun. Mar. 11-LWR Kit assembly beginning at 2pm at church.  Come help us assemble the kits which we'll give a prayerful send-off to next Sunday 

 

9.      Sun. Mar. 11-Radical Book Study will meet at 4pm at Texley's

 

10.  Mon. Mar 12-Monday Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's

 

11.  Tues. Mar 13-Ministry Night at 7pm at the church

 

12.  Wed. Mar 14- Wednesday Bible Study will meet at 6pm for a meal to be followed by their Lenten Study beginning at 6:30pm

 

13.  Wed. Mar 14-Lenten Worship begins at 8pm at the church

 

14.  Thur. Mar 15-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at 7pm at Stoughton's

 

15.  Fri. Mar 16-Romeoville Rec Center Open House from 6 to 9pm

 

16.  Fri. Mar 16-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

17.  Sat. Mar 17-Church Council Meeting at 8:30am

 

18.  Sat. Mar 17-Preschool Book Fair Open House from 10am to 2pm

 

19.  Sun. Mar 18- Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements will begin 10 minutes before worship) with Connection Café between services.  We will be giving our completed LWR Kits a prayerful send-off today! 

 

20.  Sun. Mar 18-Sunday School at 9:15am for children age 3 to 5^th grade

 

21.  Sun. Mar 18-Radical Book Study meets at 4pm

 

Midweek Lenten Study - Join us on Wednesday evenings through March 28 for our midweek Lenten Study, "Radical Renovation: Living a Cross-Shaped Life."  If you didn't sign up for the study, you're welcome to join us anyway.  Please, though, call Renea in the church office to let us know you'll be joining us.  We want to make sure we have enough materials for everyone.

 

Midweek Lenten Worship - Our midweek services continue this week at 8p.  Our theme for 2012 Lent is "Journey with Jesus...to the Cross."  We're taking time during these special services to reflect on the path that took Jesus to the cross.  Last week, we began the journey in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve.  Where will the path, the journey, take us this week?  Join us to find out.

 

Book Study - Join us on March 11 and 18 for our "Radical" Book Study.  We meet from 4-6pm, with a meal to begin our time together.  We meet in homes, so please contact Pastor Suzanne to find out where we'll be next.  Don't have the book yet?  Contact Renea in the church office or Pastor Suzanne...we have 3 "extra" copies waiting to be read.

 

First Communion - This Sunday, March 11, Pastor Suzanne will be meeting with parents interested in their children receiving their First Communion.  She will explain how our program works and set the date for the taking of their First Communion.  If you have a child in grades Kindergarten or older and are interested in this next step of the journey for your child, please join us for this brief meeting (no more than 30 minutes), following the 10am service.  Please note:  the readiness of each child will be determined by Pastor Suzanne.

 

Mark your calendars!

The Long-Range Planning Team is hosting a forum on Thursday, March 29 from 6:30-8:30pm at the church.  Supper will be provided.  Join the team as we discuss ways to grow our church, next steps in looking for land/a building for the future, updates on our current space, etc.  All are welcome!  Questions about the forum?  Please talk to one of our team members:  Bruce Beggs, Steve Hurdle, Teresa Linaweaver, Audrey McDaniel, Ron Nemetz, or Pastor Suzanne.

 

Praise Team Rehearsal - The next rehearsal for the band is Friday, March 9.  If you'd like to help provide dinner and/or snacks for the band members (they need energy), please let Audrey McDaniel or Pastor Suzanne know.  The rehearsal begins at 6:30pm so dinner should be at the church by 6:15pm.  Thanks, in advance!

 

Recreation Center Open House - Pastor Suzanne, Jackie Esquivel, and Pat Hurdle are working together to plan for the March 16 Recreation Center Open House.  If you'd like to help "man" our booth during the open house - 6:00-9:00pm - please talk to one of them.  We will be providing small crafts for the kids along with information about our church's ministries.  This is a great opportunity to spread the Word!

 

Summer Arts Experience - Pastor Suzanne is coordinating a summer arts experience for youth in grades 6-12.  She is looking for adults who would be interested in providing resource support, mentoring, and general oversight of the youth in this program.  She is also looking for adults who have gifts/talents in the arts - theater, music, painting, sculpting, etc. - who would be interested in sharing these talents with the youth.  If this sounds like something that interests you, please come to the planning meeting on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00pm.  All are welcome!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme was "Losing Your Life."  Using Jesus' words from the Gospel of Mark (8:31-38), we discussed what it means to lose our lives for the sake of Jesus and His Good News.  Pastor Suzanne "shouldered" a cross and suggested that few of us could carry the cross for a whole worship service, let alone for hours on end, as Jesus did.  She challenged us to think about what it would take for us to lose our lives for Jesus; what are we willing to let go of and give up in order to experience the "true life" that Jesus describes?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, our theme will be, "Turning the Tables."  We'll hear the story of Jesus clearing the Temple from John 2 and we'll talk about how powerful the message of the cross can really be, even to those who seem unwillingly to hear it.  Join us and invite a friend too!

 

There sure is a lot going on, isn't there?  Hope that you can join us, not only by representing the Good Shepherd Church family, but in learning and sharing together as well. 

 

Don't forget to set your clocks ahead an hour Saturday night (Spring forward) since daylight savings time begins at 2am Sunday morning.

   

Peace, hope, joy and love always!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

We've been so busy getting the March issue of the Rod and Staff newsletter ready for you to have on Sunday that I almost left without sending this to you today!  Here is What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next few weeks. . . .

 

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

 

2.      Fri. Mar. 2-Friday Bible Study meeting at 7pm at the home of Becky Curran 300 Hale Ave. in Romeoville (note location change)  Thanks Becky for offering your home!

 

3.      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.

 

4.      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.)

 

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

 

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

 

7.      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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

With sadness we report that former Good Shepherd Pastor Barbara Melaas-Swanson, fondly known as Pastor Barbara, passed away yesterday afternoon.  Visitation will take place tomorrow (Friday) at Messiah Church in Port Byron, IL from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm.  The Resurrection Party (funeral) is on Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo, IL at 10am.  May she rest in peace.

 

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 take place this 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!

 

Wednesday Study - Due to the book being out of stock until the end of March, the Wednesday study has changed what they are reading for the season of Lent.  They are studying the study, "Radical Renovation:  Living a Cross-shaped Life."  The study begins at 6:30pm.  All are welcome.  If you'll be joining us, please contact Renea in the church office so she can be sure to have a copy of the study for you.  Thanks!

 

Praise Team Rehearsal - The next rehearsal for the band is Friday, March 9.  If you'd like to help provide dinner and/or snacks for the band members (they need energy), please let Audrey McDaniel or Pastor Suzanne know.  The rehearsal begins at 6:30p so dinner should be at the church by 6:15p.  Thanks, in advance!

 

Recreation Center Open House - Pastor Suzanne, Jackie Esquivel, and Pat Hurdle are working together to plan for the March 16 Recreation Center Open House.  If you'd like to help "man" our booth during the open house - 6:00-9:00p - please talk to one of them.  We will be providing small crafts for the kids along with information about our church's ministries.  This is a great opportunity to spread the Word!

 

Summer Arts Experience - Pastor Suzanne is coordinating a summer arts experience for youth in grades 6-12.  She is looking for adults who would be interested in providing resource support, mentoring, and general oversight of the youth in this program.  She is also looking for adults who have gifts/talents in the arts - theater, music, painting, sculpting, etc. - who would be interested in sharing these talents with the youth.  If this sounds like something that interests you, please come to the planning meeting on Tuesday, March 20 at 7:00p.  All are welcome!

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme was, "Tempted and Tested."  Using the story of Abraham from Genesis 22, along with the text from James 1, Pastor Suzanne talked about the differences between being tempted and being tested.  We discussed how the Devil tempts us to keep us from God and God tests us to draw us closer to Him and to test or prove our faith, just as He did with Abraham.  Pastor Suzanne challenged us to face our tests with an attitude of learning vs. complaining and blaming.  How's your week going?  How have you been tested???  Or tempted???

 

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, our theme will be "Losing Your Life."  We'll be talking about what it means to lose your life for Jesus, how we get rid of our selfish ambitions, and shoulder our crosses to truly follow Jesus.  If you're ready to take your faith and your relationship to a deeper level, then don't miss this message.  Invite a friend to join you too.

 

That wraps up everything for now.  Remember to get this month's Rod and Staff in church on Sunday.  Also always remember that you can call church for the latest update on Good Shepherd happenings, or check our website!

 

Peace, hope, joy and love,

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church