WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

 Hello!

Now that the Preschool has completed their 2012 school year, we are looking for summer camp registrants.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in having their child(ren) attend, have them call Miss Marilyn at the Preschool (815-886-4356) as soon as possible for details.

 

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

 

1.      Fri. June 1-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home.  Children are welcome!

 

2.      Sat. June 2-Praise Band rehearsal at 1pm.  They'll be working on music being performed at our Music for Malaria event and lots more.

 

3.      Sun. June 3- Worship services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service) and Connection Café between services

 

4.      Sun. June 3- Radical book study meets from 4pm to 6pm at the home of Carrie Worthington, 638 Kingston (4 or 5 doors from Normantown).  Dinner will be provided.  Call Pastor with any questions.

 

5.      Mon. June 4- Monday Bible Study at 7pm at Suchomel's home

 

6.      Tues. June 5- Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) Any helpers would be welcome!

 

7.      Wed. June 6- Wednesday Study at 6:30pm at the church

 

8.      Thur. June 7- G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study at Stoughton's beginning at 7pm

 

9.      Fri. June 8- Friday Study at the Valintis home begins at 7pm

 

10.  Sat. June 9- Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53).  Helpers are always welcomed!

 

11.  Sat. June 9-Music for Malaria final planning meeting at the Romeoville Municipal Center at 12:30pm

 

12.  Sun. June 10- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service).  Connection Café offered between services.

 

13.  Sun. June 10- Radical book study meets from 4pm to 6pm

 

 14.  Mon. June 11- Creativity Unleashed for youth in Grades 6 to 12 from 2-4pm at the church

 

15.  Mon. June 11-Monday Bible Study at Suchomel's beginning at 7pm

 

Music for Malaria Volunteer/Servant Meeting

On Saturday, June 9, we will have a volunteer/servant meeting at 12:30pm at the Village of Romeoville Municipal Center by the outdoor amphitheater.  We made the time after the food pantry is closed in case any food pantry volunteers want to join us in serving at this event too.  At this meeting, we'll be assigning people to their "area" of service for the 6/29 event, as well as sharing other pertinent information.  If you aren't able to make this meeting but you are interested in serving, please contact Chris Daniels, our Servant Coordinator for the event.

 

Play and Pray Summer Plans

Join us at church on Wednesday, June 13 at 6pm for Play & Pray.  Bring your own supper and sit with your brothers and sisters and friends from church and then stay as we worship together at 7pm.  All are welcome!  This is a great time to invite a friend or more to join us too!

 

Creativity Unleashed! - Our FREE summer arts experience for youth in grades 6-12 will kick off on Monday, June 11 at 2:00pm.  We're looking for adult volunteers to oversee these drop-in times at the church.  Dates are June 11, 13, and 15 from 2-4pm and June 18, 20, and 22 from 7-9pm.  We're inviting youth who like to paint, dance, sing, play an instrument, write poetry, etc. to join us.  We've chosen to make anti-bullying our theme for this experience and will showcase the artistic talents of our attendees at Romeofest on Sunday, August 5.  So, if you know of a youth in grades 6-12 who might be interested in attending this, have them join us on June 11.  All are welcome!  If you'd like to volunteer to oversee the youth or share your own creative talents, please see the info table at church to sign up.  We'll be having a brief volunteer/servant meeting on Sunday, June 10 between our worship services.  Any questions?  Please contact Pastor Suzanne, Rose Darguzis, Heather Murphy, or Roy Jamason.

 

Sermon Recap - Our theme last Sunday was, "Let the Spirit Come!"  We heard the story of Pentecost from Acts 2 and were reminded of the old church camp song, "Pass It On."  "It only takes a spark to get a fire going..." is how Pastor began our discussion on Pentecost and how the Spirit works today.  Her challenge to us was to think about the spark that has been placed in us - is it a slow burning ember at the base of the fireplace or is it a bold forest fire (contained, of course)?  How is God using your spark to get a fire going for Him in the world?

 

Sermon Preview- This Sunday, we move into one of the longest "seasons" in the church - the season of Pentecost.  It runs up to Reformation Sunday, in October...21 weeks.  As we begin this time in the church, we'll start with this challenging theme, "Could We Be an Acts 2 Church?"  Using more of Peter's speech in Acts 2, along with Jesus discussion with Nicodemus in John 3, we'll think about what kind of church we are and what kind of church God is calling us to be.  We hope you'll join us!

 

Remember to get a CD recording of any worship services you might miss or get a recording to share.  Also, always feel free to call church if you have any questions regarding our activities or to arrange for CD's of worship services.  If I don't answer, leave a message and I'll return your call.

 

Enjoy the cool break in our hot weather!  Also, remember there is a sign-up sheet in the back of church for the Joliet Slammer's Preschool fundraising baseball game on August 17.  Why not get a group together and support our Preschool in a fun, sporty way! 

 

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

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

 Good Afternoon!

Our 3 year old Preschool class had their end of the year picnic today, and what a beautiful day they had.  The two 4 year old classes went yesterday.  Bet that everyone slept well last night, including Miss Marilyn and Miss Judith! The school year has certainly flown by.  Now we are looking for summer camp registrants.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in having their child(ren) attend, have them call Miss Marilyn at the Preschool (815-886-4356).  We need to make a decision soon regarding this day camp opportunity. 

 

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

 

1.      Fri. May 25-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home.  Children are welcome!

 

2.      Sat. May 26-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

3.      Sun. May 27- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service).  Connection Café offered between services.

 

Have a safe Memorial Day!  There will not be a Monday Bible Study this week.

 

4.      Wed. May 30-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at the church

 

5.      Fri. June 1-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

6.      Sat. June 2-Praise Band rehearsal at 1pm

 

7.      Sun. June 3- Worship services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service) and Connection Café between services

 

8.      Sun. June 3- Radical book study meets from 4pm to 6pm

 

9.      Mon. June 4- Monday Bible Study at 7pm at Suchomel's home

 

10.  Tues. June 5- Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53) Any helpers would be welcome!

 

11.  Wed. June 6- Wednesday Study at 6:30pm at the church

 

12.  Thur. June 7- G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study at Stoughton's beginning at 7pm

 

13.  Fri. June 8- Friday Study at the Valintis home begins at 7pm

 

14.  Sat. June 9- Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53).  Helpers are always welcomed!

 

15.  Sat. June 9-Music for Malaria final planning meeting at the Romeoville Municipal Center at 12:30pm

 

16.  Sun. June 10- Sun. May 27- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service).  Connection Café offered between services.

 

17.  Sun. June 10- Radical book study meets from 4pm to 6pm

 

BATTER UP!

Friday, August 17 at 7 p.m. is the Preschool's Slammers Baseball Fundraiser in Joliet!  Sign up at the Information Table on Sunday to reserve your pre-paid tickets.  Checks can be made out to Good Shepherd Preschool - $10.00 each (we will make $5.00 a ticket for our school!). We must sell 50 tickets to participate in this fundraiser program.  If you have any questions, talk to Art and Chris Arellano, Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle, or Dolores Logan.  Thanks for your support.

 

Music for Malaria Event

We had our planning meeting on Tuesday, and Pastor commented, "Last night's meeting was AWESOME!  I went away so inspired.  I'm so excited for this event and all that God will do through us."  Won't you consider joining in to make this a spectacular event for a very needy cause?  There will be a final planning meeting on Saturday, June 9 at 12:30pm at the Romeoville Municipal Center.

 

HELP NEEDED FOR LOCAL FAMILY

In case you didn't see our appeal for help, Pastor Suzanne has knowledge of a one parent family with 4 children and the parent is suffering with cancer.  Clothing is needed for the children in the following sizes:

Girl – age 3   size 3-4T                  Girl – age 6    size 7-8

Boy – age 8   size 8                        Boy – age 12  size 12

 If you have anything in these sizes, please drop them off here at church.  I will be here from 9am until 12pm tomorrow, or bring them to church on Sunday.  You can also call Pastor's cell phone (815-355-2397) and she will arrange to get your donations to the family.  Even if you don't have any of the needed clothing, please pray for this family in their time of need.

 

Play and Pray Summer Plans

Mark your calendars now for our three summer "Play and Pray" events.  They will take place on June 13, July 11, and August 15 at the church.  We'll start at 6:00pm with a bring-your-own-supper time and then worship together at 7:00pm.  There will be lots of time for conversations and getting to know each other better and maybe even some games.  We'd like to try to promote these events in the neighborhood surrounding the church prior to them.  If you have time to help us deliver flyers to homes, please let Pastor Suzanne know.  We would like to deliver them on the weekend before, so June 9/10; July 7/8; August 11/12.

 

Recap of last Sunday - Our theme was "Practice makes ???"  Pastor Suzanne challenged us to think about what it means to sin vs. practicing sinning.  Practice may not make perfect, but it might make permanent (thanks, John P.).  We need to repent of our sins and seek God's forgiveness continually so we don't make a practice of sinning.

 

Preview of this Sunday- Wear red in honor of Pentecost.  We'll read the story of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and talk about how the Spirit moves today.

 

Now that summer is upon us, remember to request a CD recording for any worship services you might miss.  Feel free to call church if you have any questions regarding any of our activities or to arrange for CD's of worship services.  If I don't answer, leave a message and I'll return your call.

 

Wishing you the blessings of peace, hope, joy and love always!  Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

APPEAL FOR HELP FROM GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Pastor Suzanne is working with a local school that has a family in desperate need of assistance and we are appealing to you for help.  This is a single parent of four children, and the parent has cancer.  Clothing for the children is needed in the following sizes:

Girl – age 3   size 3-4T                  Girl – age 6    size 7-8

Boy – age 8   size 8                        Boy – age 12  size 12

 

If you have anything in these sizes, please drop them off here at church.  I will be here tomorrow from 11:30am until 2:30pm, and Pastor will be here both this evening and tomorrow evening.  My hours on Thursday and Friday are from 9am until 12pm.  You can also call Pastor's cell phone (815-355-2397) and she will arrange to get your donations to the family.

 

Even if you don't have any of the needed clothing, please pray for this family in their time of need.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

I've been peddling furiously to try to get back into the groove since vacation.  There is so much coming up in the near future, I'll get right to giving you this week's report on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next few weeks. . . .

 

1.      TONIGHT-Thur. May 17-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

2.      Fri May 18-Friday Bible Study meets at the Valintis home at 7pm.  Children are welcome!

 

3.      Sat. May 19-Church Council meets at 8:30am at the church

 

4.      Sun. May 20- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)  NOTE:  Today is ELCA Mission Sunday

 

5.      Sun. May 20-Sunday School at 9:15am for 3 year olds to Grade 5

 

6.      Sun. May 20-Preschool Step-Up Ceremony at 2pm at the Rec Center

 

7.      Sun. May 20-Radical Book Study begins at 4pm at Russ's  home on Dalhart

 

8.      Mon. May 21-Monday Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's

 

9.      Mon. May 21-3^rd Monday Study at 7pm at the Sanchez' home.  This is the last meeting until September

 

10.  Tues. May 22-Music for Malaria Concert planning meeting at  7pm at the church

 

11.  Wed. May 23-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

12.  Fri. May 25-Friday Bible Study meeting at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

13.  Sat. May 26-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

14.  Sun. May 27- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)

 

15.  Wed. May 30-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at the church

 

Long-Range Planning Forum

Join us this Saturday, May 19 from 4:30-6:30pm for our next forum.  The team will continue a discussion from our last forum about ways to grow our church—financially, numerically, spiritually, etc.  We'll also have an update from the team as to plans for our space, what we're doing, etc.  A light supper will be provided.

 

NOTES FOR YOU FROM OUR PRESCHOOL

-Sunday is Stepping-Up for our Good Shepherd Preschool students.  You are all invited to attend at 2:00 p.m. at the Rec Center.  If you would like to donate 2 dozen cookies (or so) please bring them to worship – reminder, no nuts.  Thanks!

-Save the date!  Friday, August 17, 7 p.m.!  Slammers Baseball in Joliet!  Sign up at the Information Table on Sunday to reserve your pre-paid tickets.  Checks can be made out to Good Shepherd Preschool - $10.00 each (we will make $5.00 a ticket for our school!). We have to sell 50 tickets to participate in this fundraiser program.  If you have any questions, talk to Art and Chris Arellano, Lydia Faber, Pat Hurdle, or Dolores Logan.  Thanks for your support.

 

Music for Malaria Event

We'll be having a planning meeting this Tuesday, May 22 at 7pm for this upcoming summer event.  We're looking for all kinds of volunteers for this event and all sorts of ideas.  The meeting will end by 8:30pm.  Come, join us, as we work and serve locally, reaching globally.

 

Play and Pray

Mark your calendars now for our three summer "Play and Pray" events.  They will take place on June 13, July 11, and August 15 at the church.  We'll start at 6:00pm with a bring-your-own-supper time and then worship together at 7:00pm.  There will be lots of time for conversations and getting to know each other better and maybe even some games.  We'd like to try to promote these events in the neighborhood surrounding the church prior to them.  If you have time to help us deliver flyers to homes, please let Pastor Suzanne know.  We would like to deliver them on the weekend before, so June 9/10; July 7/8; August 11/12.

 

Recap of last Sunday - Our theme last Sunday was "Love and Obey."  Using the text from John 15:9-17 and 1 John 5:1-8, Pastor Suzanne talked about the importance of obedience in our lives when it comes to our faith journeys.  We talked about the consequences of disobedience and she challenged us to see the "Love others" part of the Great Commandment in a new way - Jesus never said we had to like everyone, just that we have to love them.  How's that challenge going for you?  Has it made it any easier to love others as you try to see them through Jesus' eyes and not your own, realizing you don't have to like them to love them like Jesus?

 

Preview of this Sunday-This week, our theme will be, "Practice Makes ???"  We'll continue to hear from Jesus in the Gospel of John, as well as John's own words in 1 John 5:9-21.  We'll talk about how what we practice becomes what we do, like sinning - WHAT?  We'll hear Jesus' pray for us and for all his believers.  We hope you'll join in the discussion and bring a friend to join us too!

 

Remember you can always call church if you have any questions regarding any of our activities.  If I don't answer, leave a message and I'll return your call.

 

Wishing you peace, hope, joy and love always! 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

P.S.  I still need a few ministry team reports for the Church Council meeting on Saturday!

 

REMINDERS FROM GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello Everyone!

 

I just got back from a week of vacation and wanted to send you the following reminders since there wasn't a "What's Happening" report sent out last week:

There is NO Wednesday Study tonight.  It was noted on the Rod and Staff newsletter calendar, but you may have forgotten.

 

The next Church Council Meeting will be held Saturday morning.  I need to get reports from the ministry teams tomorrow so I can copy them for the meeting please!

 

The Long Range Forum meeting is on Saturday afternoon beginning at 4:30pm.

 

The Preschool Step-Up Ceremony will take place this Sunday, May 20th at the Rec Center beginning at 2pm.  All are welcome to attend.  We are hoping for cookie donations for the fellowship time following the ceremony.  If you would like to donate a few dozen cookies (without nuts please), you can bring them to church on Sunday.

I will be sending out our usual Thursday "What's Happening" tomorrow.  Talk with you then!

--

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

ADDENDUM TO WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

 

Maybe I should have put the subject line as WHERE IT'S HAPPENING since I got two notices after What's Happening was sent out yesterday of location changes.  They are:

Tonight's (May 4) Friday Study location is at Chirs and Audrey's home, 15850 Spangler's Farm Drive.  They are studying the Book of Matthew and all are welcome to attend

 

The May 10th FLY Lady meeting will be held at the home of Lea Ann Stoughton.  You can call Lydia on her cell phone, 815-260-5995, for directions or information.

Please let anyone you know who attends these meetings of the location changes. 

 

One final note from Pastor is that there will not be a Wednesday Night Study on May 16th.  This is noted on the Rod and Staff newsletter calendar, but we wanted to make sure our What's Happening friends knew it as well!

 

Have a great week!

--

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon and Happy National Day of Prayer to you all! 

What a beautiful day we've had so far today.  I will be on vacation next week and hope we get a few days of this kind of weather then!  Be sure to get your Rod and Staff newsletter for May and June at church on Sunday.  It is packed with news, the May and June calendars, as well as information about ELCA Mission Sunday on May 20^th.

 

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

 

1.       TONIGHT-Thur. May 3-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

2.       Fri May 4-Friday Bible Study meets at the Valintis home at 7pm.  Children are welcome!

 

3.       Sun. May 6- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)

 

4.       Sun. May 6-Sunday School at 9:15am for 3 year olds to Grade 5

 

5.       Sun. May 6-Radical Book Study begins at 4pm at the Texley's home

 

6.       Mon. May 7-Monday Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's.  They will be starting a new study on the Book of Matthew.  All are welcome to join them!

 

7.       Tues. May 8-Ministry Night meeting at 7pm at the church

 

8.       Wed. May 9-Wednesday Bible Study at 6:30pm at church

 

9.       Thur. May 10- FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meets at 7pm

 

10.   Fri. May 11-Friday Bible Study meeting at 7pm at the Valintis home

 

11.   Sat. May 12-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

12.   Sat. May 12-The Youth Group is going to the Museum of Science & Industry.  Meet at church around 11am.  Cost is $15 for admission and youth should plan to bring some money for lunch.

 

13.   Sat. May 12-Praise Team Rehearsal at 1:30pm at the church.  If you'd like to provide snacks for the team, please get in touch with Pastor Suzanne or Audrey McDaniel.

 

14.   Sun. May 13- Worship Services at 8:15 and/or 10am (announcements begin 10 minutes before each service) with Fellowship coordinating a Mother's Day Tea celebration

 

15.   Sun. May 13-LWR Mother's Day In-Gathering of Child Care Kits

 

Congratulations to our Preschool!!!

Just in case you didn't hear about this last week, our preschool was named, "Best Preschool" in the Romeoville Patch.com "Readers' Choice" contest.  Several current and former parents of students wrote wonderful reviews about our Good Shepherd Preschool and our staff, Marilyn and Judith.  So, next time you see them, be sure to congratulate them and tell your friends and neighbors about our great "award-winning" program.

 

Radical Book Study

Our May sessions will be on May 6 and 20 at 4pm.  Thank you to the Texley's for hosting Sunday's study, which will begin at 4pm.  Please let them know by tomorrow if you are planning to attend, so they know how much food to prepare.  If you are interested in joining us for this study, also please contact Pastor Suzanne and she can get you a copy of the book.

 

Long-Range Planning Forum

Join us on Saturday, May 19 from 4:30-6:30pm for our next forum.  the team will continue a discussion from our last forum about ways to grow our church—financially, numerically, spiritually, etc.  We'll also have an update from the team as to plans for our space, what we're doing, etc.  A light supper will be provided.

 

REMINDER--Bullying Town Hall Meeting

The Valley View School District, which serves the Romeoville and Bolingbrook communities, will be hosting a town hall forum/local television show on the topic of bullying.  It will be held on Thursday, May 10 at the Bolingbrook Village Hall.  We would like to let you know about this event and encourage you to attend.  You're asked to arrive between 6:30 and 6:45pm and filming will begin at 7pm.  Please contact Pastor Suzanne for more information.  We believe our church can be a leader in bullying prevention and education in our communities and we'd like your help in doing this.  This event will be a great way to learn more on how we can all help.

 

Music for Malaria Event

We'll be having a planning meeting on Tuesday, May 22 at 7pm for this upcoming summer event.  We'll need lots of help and ideas.  Join us!

 

Recap of last Sunday - Using Luke 24:35+ for our focus, Pastor Suzanne talked about "Doubts and Faith...in Action."  She talked about Doubts - Don't understand; Open yourself up; Use your brain; Believe anyway; Trust anyway - and Faith - Finding Answers in the Heart.  She reminded us that, even though the disciples had doubts, Jesus still called them to action - to share the Good News with others!  And, Jesus is calling us, out of our doubts, in faith...to action.  Are you doubting?  What would it take for you to believe anyway?  To trust anyway?  As Pastor reminded us, sometimes we can come to a deeper trust and belief through our actions and service to Christ.

 

Preview of this Sunday-This Sunday we move into the Gospel of John and hear Jesus talking about the vine and the branches.  Our theme will be, "Fruit and Love."  We'll talk about how we can bear fruit for God, especially as we serve in love.  Join us and invite a friend to join us too!

 

One final note--the VBS Meeting that was scheduled for May 12 has been postponed until the beginning of June.  We are still looking for volunteers!  Please pray about lending a hand.

 

Because I will be on vacation next week, there will not be a "What's Happening" sent out until May 17.  Check us out on Facebook or call and leave a message at church if you have any questions regarding any of our activities. 

 

Wishing you peace, hope, joy and love always! 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church