WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

Are you getting ready for the last official summer holiday weekend?   We've been busy preparing the newsletter for you to get in church on Sunday.  Be sure to get yours.

 

Here is your report of What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

 

1.      TONIGHT- Thur. Aug 30-Preschool Open House from 6:30 to 8pm.  All are invited to come and help us welcome our incoming preschoolers for the 2012-2013 school year.

 

2.      Sun. Sept 2- Worship at 8:15 or 10am with Connection Café between services (Remember that announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)

 

3.      Sun. Sept 2-New Member Information Class will be held following Worship (approx. 11:45am).  All are welcome to attend.

 

4.      Mon. Sept 3-Labor Day Holiday.  The church office and preschool will be closed.

 

5.      Tues. Sept 4-First Day of Preschool for 3 year olds

 

6.      Tues. Sept 4 Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr (at Rt. 53).  Help is always welcomed!

 

7.      Tues. Sept 4-M&M's (Mary's & Martha's) Women's Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez.

 

8.      Wed. Sept 5-First Day of Preschool for 4 year olds

 

9.      Wed. Sept 5-Wednesday Bible Study meets at 6:30pm at the church

 

10.  Thur. Sept 6-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

11.  Fri. Sept 7-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

 

12.  Sat. Sept 8-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

Are you missing a Bible?  There is one in our office that's in a black zippered case.  It was left in church several weeks ago and as yet is unclaimed.  HINT—There's a bookmark in it and a small piece of paper with a certain young lady's name printed on it.  Please call the office if you think it might be yours. 

 

Pastor is Out of Town - Pastor Suzanne is out of town until Friday evening, taking her son, Justin, back to college in New York.  Please pray for safe travel for them.  If you have an urgent need during this time, please call her cell phone and she will get in touch with someone to help you.  Non-urgent messages can be left in the church office.  Pastor will be checking her email and will respond as she is able.

 

Help Darlene - If you expressed interest in helping Pastor Suzanne and Jan Sanchez organize and pack Darlene's home, please note that it looks like we will be doing it this Labor Day holiday weekend.  We are finalizing and clarifying information from her children and then should be ready to go.  We'll need an "all hands on deck" approach to this, as there appears to be a lot to do.  If you have a hour or more to give on Sunday, 9/2 or Monday, 9/3, please contact Pastor Suzanne or Jan Sanchez and they'll keep you updated on when we're going.  Thanks so much for helping them help one of our own.

 

September 11 Ministry Night - Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for this special Ministry Night.  We'll begin at 6:30pm with a light supper and invite/encourage those coming to wear your walking shoes.  Join us and invite someone to come with you!

 

NEW MEMBER CLASS OFFERED - Are you, or do you know of anyone, interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Church and becoming a member?  Pastor Suzanne is holding another new member "class" this Sunday, Sept. 2 following our 10am Worship Service --probably around 11:45am.  Those interested in joining the Good Shepherd family need to come to only one class.  We will be receiving new members on Sunday, Sept. 9th. If you have any questions or need further information, please call the church office at 815-886-4354.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn all about Good Shepherd and all are welcome to attend!

 

New Book Study to begin soon...Our Sunday book study will be continuing with a new "read."  We'll be reading, "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne.  If you'd like to join us for this study, please contact Judy Jordan for a book.  We will begin the new study on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 4pm at Carolyn Worthington's home.  All are welcome!

 

Special Congregational Meeting - Please mark your calendars for Sunday, 9/9.  We'll have one service at 9:30am, followed by a Special Congregational Meeting.  This will be a follow-up to last Sunday's meeting.  We'll be discussing and possibly voting on the proposal Pastor Suzanne presented, as well as discussing concrete ideas for growing our church - numerically, spiritually, and financially.  Hope you will make it a priority to join us for this meeting.

 

Bags Tournament - Looking for a fun activity and a place to informally get to know other church members?  Then join us on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the home of Laura Voruz for a family bags tournament.  See Laura or the Info Table at church for more info on time, location, etc.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme last week was "Be Strong.  Stand Firm."  We put on our "armor of God" as we again looked to Paul's letter to the Ephesians and thought about how we can be strong in the Lord and stand firm in our faith, especially in these days when the world tries to make us weak and powerless.  How's your armor holding up?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week our theme will be let the "James" begin, as we'll be starting to look at the book of James and his many words of caution as we live our Christian lives.  We will also be looking at Jesus' words that teach us it is not what goes in to our body that makes us unclean, but rather what comes out—what we say and do.  Join us and bring a friend!

 

The Preschool has been busy getting ready for their Open House this evening.  Everything looks so clean and welcoming.  There are still openings for the new school year.  Please invite your friends and family who might be interested to check out our Preschool that was voted the best in Romeoville in the Romeoville Patch!

 

Wishing you the blessings of peace, hope, joy, health, and love always.  Have a great weekend and be safe!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

Well, Valley View schools resumed yesterday and, with the coming of Labor Day, our Preschool and Bible study classes will be resuming as well, and summer will officially be over.  Hasn't the time flown by?  Now is a great time to plan to get involved in church classes and activities.  You'll see from this report that we have a lot to offer.  Always remember that all are welcome!

 

Here is this week's report of What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

 

1.      TODAY- Thur. Aug. 23-Newsletter Team reports deadline for September Rod and Staff.

 

2.      Fri. Aug 24-Friday Bible Study takes place at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

 

3.      Sat. Aug 25-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

4.      Sun. Aug 26-Worship at 8:15 or 10am with Connection Café between services (Remember that announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)

 

5.      Sun. Aug 26-New Member Information Class will be held following Worship (approx. 11:45am).  All are welcome to attend.

 

6.      Sun. Aug 26-Radical Book Study will meet at 4pm at the Texley's home.

 

7.      Thur. Aug 30-Preschool Open House from 6:30 to 8pm.  All are invited to come and help us welcome our incoming preschoolers for the 2012-2013 school year.

 

8.      Fri. Aug 31-Friday Bible Study at 7pm at the Valintis home??

 

9.      Sun. Sept 2- Worship at 8:15 or 10am with Connection Café between services (Remember that announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)

 

10.  Sun. Sept 2-New Member Information Class will be held following Worship (approx. 11:45am).  All are welcome to attend.

 

11.  Mon. Sept 3-Labor Day Holiday.  The church office and preschool will be closed.

 

12.  Tues. Sept 4-First Day of Preschool for 3 year olds

 

13.  Tues. Sept 4 Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr (at Rt. 53)  Help is always welcomed!

 

14.  Tues. Sept 4-M&M's (Mary's & Martha's) Women's Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez.

 

15.  Wed. Sept 5-First Day of Preschool for 4 year olds

 

16.  Wed. Sept 5-Wednesday Bible Study meets at 6:30pm at the church

 

17.  Thur. Sept 6-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

18.  Fri. Sept 7-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

 

19.  Sat. Sept 8-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

Are you missing a Bible?  We have one in our office that is in a black zippered case.  It was left in church several weeks ago and as yet is unclaimed.  Please call the office if you think it might be yours.

 

Pastor Out of Town - Pastor Suzanne will be out of town next Tuesday through Friday, taking her son, Justin, back to college in New York.  Please pray for safe travel for them.  If you have an urgent need during this time, please call her cell phone and she will get in touch with someone to help you.  Non-urgent messages can be left in the church office.  Pastor will be checking her email and will respond as she is able.

 

Help Darlene - If you expressed interest in helping Pastor Suzanne and Jan Sanchez organize and pack Darlene's home, please note that it looks like we will be doing this over the Labor Day holiday weekend.  We are finalizing and clarifying information from her children and then should be ready to go.  We'll need an "all hands on deck" approach to this, as there appears to be a lot to do.  If you have a hour or more to give on Sunday, 9/2 or Monday, 9/3, please contact Pastor Suzanne or Jan Sanchez and they'll keep you updated on when we're going.  Thanks so much for helping them help one of our own.

 

September 11 Ministry Night - Mark your calendars now and plan on joining us for this special Ministry Night.  We'll begin at 6:30pm with a light supper and invite/encourage those coming to wear your walking shoes.  Join us and invite someone to come with you!

 

NEW MEMBER CLASSES OFFERED - Are you, or do you know of anyone, interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Church and becoming a member?  Pastor Suzanne will be holding a new member "class" on Sunday, Aug. 26 or Sunday, Sept. 2 following our 10am Worship Service --probably around 11:45am.  Those interested in joining the Good Shepherd family need to come to only one class.  We will be receiving new members on Sunday, Sept. 9th. If you have any questions or need further information, please call the church office at 815-886-4354.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn all about Good Shepherd and all are welcome to attend!

 

Radical Book Study - We'll meet this Sunday, 8/26 at 4pm at the home of Bruce and Sharon   Texley.  Please contact Bruce or Sharon for their address and to let them know if you'll be coming.

 

New Book Study to begin soon...Our Sunday book study will be continuing with a new "read."  We'll be reading, "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Claiborne.  If you'd like to join us for this study, please let Pastor Suzanne know so she can order a book for you.  We hope to begin the study on Sunday, September 9 at 4pm.  All are welcome!

 

Special Congregational Meeting - Please mark your calendars for Sunday, 9/9.  We'll have one service at 9:30am, followed by a Special Congregational Meeting.  This will be a follow-up to last Sunday's meeting.  We'll be discussing and possibly voting on the proposal Pastor Suzanne presented, as well as discussing concrete ideas for growing our church - numerically, spiritually, and financially.  Hope you will make it a priority to join us for this meeting.

 

Bags Tournament - Looking for a fun activity and a place to informally get to know other church members?  Then join us on Saturday, September 15 at the home of Laura Voruz for a family bags tournament.  See Laura or the Info Table at church for more info on time, location, etc.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme last week was, "Living the 'Good Life.'"  Using Ephesians 5:3-20, we talked about what it means to live a "good life," how this is defined by the world vs. by our faith, and how we, as believers, need to be open to the opportunities that God places in our lives to do good.  Have you been on the lookout for opportunities this week?  Think about sharing your story with us on Sunday.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, our theme will be, "Be Strong.  Stand Firm."  We'll again be looking to Paul's letter to the Ephesians for our theme and thinking about how we can be strong in the Lord and stand firm in our faith, especially in these days when the world would try to make us weak and powerless.  Be prepared to put on your "armor of God" and join us.  All are welcome!

 

Today is the deadline for September Rod and Staff newsletter reports to be submitted.  This newsletter will be distributed in church on Sunday, September 2.  Watch for it!

 

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

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE

We wanted to let you know that two of our church families recently suffered losses.  They are:

 

Jim Hanahan's brother, Edward Hanahan, passed away on 8/20.  Below are funeral arrangements.  Please pray for Jim, Kim, and the whole Hanahan family.

            Wake - Thursday - 4-8pm - R.W. Patterson Funeral Home in Braidwood, IL

            Funeral - Friday - 10am - Immaculate Conception Church

 

Janet Sinitzki's father-in-law, Edward Sinitzki, passed away on 8/18.  Below are funeral arrangements.  Please keep Janet and her family in your prayers.

          Wake - tonight (Wednesday)  from 4-8pm - Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home; Manteno, IL

           Funeral - Thursday at 10:30am - funeral home

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

NOTES FROM 8/19 SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING & NOTICE OF NEXT MEETING ON 9/9

Greetings from Good Shepherd!

Thank you to everyone who attended our Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday.  We wanted to update you with what occurred at the meeting.  The meeting began, after prayer, with Sue Hattimer, Council President, recapping the letter that was recently sent out to congregation members.  Then, Pastor Suzanne introduced a proposal she was presenting to the congregation for consideration.  This proposal is attached to this email.

After the presentation, the floor was open for discussion.  Many members raised concerns about cutting Pastor's hours and/or salary.  Comments were made about the importance of increasing our income and growing our church numerically.  A variety of concerns were raised including commitment levels, accountability, and the responsibility of church members to be involved in growing the church financially, numerically, and spiritually. 

It was decided, based on comments made, that we will hold a follow-up Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, September 9.  We will again hold one service at 9:30a, followed by the meeting.  This is official notice for this meeting. 

We are aware that this is the day of the Bolingbrook Parade and perhaps other events; we regret that not everyone will be able to join us.  If you have interest and/or ideas to share and are not able to be at the meeting, please send your thoughts to the Church Council and we will be sure they are shared.  Part of the reason for the need to hold the meeting so soon is that we are dealing with financial issues - bills will soon need to be paid and, if offerings don't come in between now and then, we will be forced to make more tough decisions.

If you were not able to attend the meeting today and/or have questions about what occurred, please feel free to contact a Church Council member - their names and email addresses are listed below.

Between now and the meeting on 9/9, please be praying about our church and the ministries that we do; please dream and think about ways that we might think out of the box to grow our congregation; please pray about how you can be more connected and committed to our church.  As was discussed at the meeting, please bring your concrete ideas for growing the church and our ministries...and our resources.  We don't want a meeting where we say, "Yes, we really need to do something" and then we try to figure out what that is.  Rather, we'd like to say, "What ideas do you have" and see how we can begin to implement those that fit.

Thank you for being a part of our church family.  We are blessed and, as Rodney reminded us, we should never devalue who we are, what we do, and how we affect the lives of people every day on behalf of Christ.

Council Members:
Sue Hattimer, President - peacewthn@msn.com
Camille Garcia, Vice-President - compudoccg@yahoo.com
Judy Jordan, Secretary - Jsqrd47@gmail.com
Ronn Young-Black, Council Member-at-large - ronn859@gmail.com
 
Peace.
Pastor Suzanne Anderson-Hurdle

office - 815-886-4354
cell - 815-355-2397
 

NEW MEMBER CLASSES OFFERED AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

 

Are you, or do you know of anyone, interested in learning more about Good Shepherd Church and becoming a member?  Pastor Suzanne will be holding a new member "class" on Sunday, Aug. 26 or Sunday, Sept. 2 following our 10am Worship Service--probably around 11:45am.  Those interested in joining the Good Shepherd family need to come to only one class.  We will be receiving new members on Sunday, Sept. 9th. 

 

If you have any questions or need further information, please call the church office at 815-886-4354.  This is an excellent opportunity to learn all about Good Shepherd and all are welcome to attend!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

I heard from Jackie Esquivel yesterday afternoon, and we have to amend the
clothing sizes needed for the girls.  The youngest granddaughter wears size
4T pants and 5T tops, and the oldest granddaughter wears size 7/8 in both
pants and tops.  All the other sizes were correct as shown in yesterday's
email.  The home is a total loss, but thankfully everyone got out
safely.  Their
insurance company is arranging for them to live in a house in Romeoville
while theirs is being rebuilt.  This has been quite a disaster for
everyone—especially the children.  Please keep them all in your prayers as
they struggle to adjust.



Here is this week's report of What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .



1.      TODAY- Thur. Aug 16-All Ministry Team Reports for Council are due
via email to Council Members and the office so they can be copied for
Saturday's meeting



2.       Fri. Aug 17-Slammer's Preschool Baseball Fundraiser Game starts at
7pm in Joliet.



3.       Sat. Aug 18-Church Council meeting will begin at 8:30am



4.      Sun. Aug 19-Worship at 9:30am followed by Special Congregational
Meeting



5.      Mon. Aug 20-Matthew 25 Group meets at 7pm at church.  All are
welcome.



6.      Thur. Aug. 23-Newsletter Team reports deadline for September Rod
and Staff.



7.      Fri. Aug 24-Friday Bible Study takes place at 7pm at the home of
Sheri Valintis



8.      Sat. Aug 25-Shepherd's Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2
Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)



9.      Sun. Aug 26-Worship at 8:15 or 10am with Connection Café between
services (Remember that announcements begin 10 minutes before each service)



10.  Sun. Aug 26-Radical Book Study will meet at 4pm.



11.  Thur. Aug 30-Preschool Open House from 6:30 to 8pm.  All are invited
to come and help us welcome our incoming preschoolers for the 2012-2013
school year.

*Matthew 25 Group - *We will meet on Monday, 8/20 at 7pm.  We'll be

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

ATTENTION SLAMMERS GAME ATTENDEES!

For those attending the Slammers game tonight...we are looking for some transportation for 3 moms and 5 kids from Guardian Angel home in Joliet. If you are able and willing to help provide transportation for them, please get in touch with Pastor Suzanne ASAP--before 4pm.  Pastor's cell phone number is 815-355-2397. Thanks

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

What's Happening - August 2

Good Afternoon!

Here it is August already!  Happy summertime to you all!  We are ready to go over to Romeofest to set up our booth for this year’s events.  Hope that you all make it out in support of our church.  As we’ve done in the past, we are not only having crafts for children, there will be another opportunity to support the Malaria Campaign.  Come for one or two or all four days and help spread the word of what Good Shepherd is all about! 

Here is this week’s report of What’s Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

1.      Thursday Aug. 2 to Sunday, Aug. 5- R O M E O F E S T   A C T I V I T I E S

2.      Sun. Aug 5-Traditional Worship at 8:15am at church (announcements begin 10 minutes before worship)

3.      Sun. Aug 5-Praise Worship Service at the Romeofest Pavilion at 10am, complete with our Praise Band!

4.      Mon. Aug 6 through Fri. Aug 10-Last session of Summer Day Camp will be held at the Preschool

5.      Tues. Aug 7-Shepherd’s Food Pantry is open 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

6.      Wed. Aug 8, Thur. Aug 9 and Fri. Aug 10 (if needed) the Matthew 25 group will be preparing for the back-to-school clothing giveaway on Saturday.  Check the sign-up sheet at church or call the church office if you would like to help out.

7.      Fri. Aug 10-Friday Study at 7pm at the home of Sheri Valintis

8.      Sat. Aug 11-Shepherd’s Food Pantry is open 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

9.      Sat. Aug 11-Back-to-school family clothing giveaway will be held at church from noon to 4pm.

10.  Sun. Aug 12-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with announcements beginning 10 minutes before each service.  Connection Café will be open between services

11.  Sun. Aug 12-Radical Book Study meets from 4 to 6pm.

12.  Tues. Aug 14-Ministry Night will be held at church beginning at 7pm.  Come hear what our teams are planning and join in.  All are always welcome!

13.  Wed. Aug 15-Play at 6:30pm then Pray beginning at 7pm at the church.  Bring your picnic dinner and a beverage and join us for this end of summer event.

14.  Thur. Aug 16-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study begins at 7pm at the Stoughton’s

15.  Thur. Aug 16-All Ministry Team Reports for Council are due via email to Council Members and the office so they can be copied for Saturday’s meeting

16.  Fri. Aug 17-Slammer’s Preschool Baseball Fundraiser Game starts at 7pm in Joliet.  Sunday is your last chance to buy tickets for the Slammer’s baseball game and fireworks on Friday, August 17.  Cost $10 with $5 going to our preschool.  Please talk to Art or Chris Arellano or Pat Hurdle if you’d like tickets.  Thanks!

17.   Sat. Aug 18-Church Council meeting will begin at 8:30am

Clothing Giveaway - Just a reminder that our clothing giveaway is fast approaching...it's a week from Saturday.  We'll be setting up on the following days/times:  Wed, 8/8 from 1-4pm; Thurs, 8/9 from 1-4pm & 6:30-8:30pm; Fri, 8/10 from 1-4pm & 6:30-8:30pm (if needed).  The day of the event - 8/11 - we'll need help from about noon-5pm.  If you'd like to help, please contact Rose Darguzis or Pastor Suzanne.  Join us as we serve our community through the gift of "new" clothes.

Radical Book Study - The Book study will meet August 12 and 26 at 4pm.  Locations are to be determined.  Group members, please be in touch with Pastor Suzanne if you'd like to host (or if we have hosts and she just forgot who they are).

Last chance for Summer Day Camp is the week of Aug. 6-10th.  Camp runs from 8:45 to 11:45am and costs $40 for a week of learning, sun and fun activities.  Contact the preschool (815-885-4356) or the church (815-886-4354) if you are interested in enrolling your child(ren).

Preschool Registration was increased to $75 on August 1st.  As was noted in the August Rod and Staff newsletter, the Church Council voted to increase the registration fee as well as monthly tuition fees, which increased $10 per month at each age level. 

Recap from last Sunday:  We were blessed to have Pastor Bergh with us, giving us a message about the Gospel.

Preview of this Sunday:  Our theme for this Sunday is, "We Are One."  Using Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we'll focus on how we find oneness in Christ and how we use that oneness to make His name known to the world.  We'll also hear from the Gospel of John and listen to Jesus' words as He talks about being the Bread of Life.  Come, join us!

Wishing you the blessings of peace, hope, joy, health, and love always.  Make sure to get your Rod and Staff newsletter if you haven’t already.  Have a great Romeofest weekend!

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church P.S.  As noted in the email sent yesterday, it has been to decided to cancel the Wednesday Bible Study until Wednesday, September 5th due to vacations, back to school and the continuing hot weather.  Please pass this information along to those who don't have email.  Thanks!