WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Evening!

 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday giving thanks for all that God has provided to us.  This issue of What's Happening is coming to you from my home because I've been stricken with the flu.  It will be short since the Rod and Staff newsletter will be ready for you to get at church on Sunday.

 

Here's What's Happening over the next week. . .

 

1.      Fri. Nov 30-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 2.       Sat. Dec 1-*"Coffee with the Bishop" gathering at Shepherd of the Hill, Lockport, from 10:00 – Noon. 

3.      Sat. Dec 1-Family Scavenger Hunt begins at church at 6pm. All are welcome to come join the fun and fellowship!

 

4.      Sun. Dec 2-One Worship Service will be held at 9:30am at  the church

 

5.      Mon. Dec 3-Monday Study will be held at the Suchomel home beginning at 7pm

 

6.      Tues. Dec 4-Shepherd's Pantry will be open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

7.      Tues. Dec 4-M&M's Women's Bible Study will be at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez

 

8.      Wed. Dec 5-Advent Lite Dinner will be served at 6pm-be sure to sign up so we have enough food for everyone.  This will be followed by

 

9.      Wed. Dec 5-Advent Book Study begins at 6:30pm and will be followed by

 

10.  Wed. Dec 5-Advent Worship beginning at 8pm

 

11.  Thur. Dec 6-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study at the Stoughton's home begins at 7pm

 

12.  Fri. Dec 7-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

13.  Sat. Dec 8-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.

 

14.  Sat. Dec 8-Praise Band Rehearsal at church begins at 1:30pm

 

15.  Sun. Dec 9-Worship at 8:15 and/or 10am with announcements beginning 10 minutes before each service and Connection Café between services.

 

16.  Sun. Dec 9-Radical Book Study will meet at 4pm at Pastor Suzanne's home beginning at 4pm

 

Midweek Advent Events

Join us on Wednesday evenings at 6:00pm for a light supper, at 6:30pm for our Advent Book Study, "Christmas Gifts That Don't Break," and at 8:00pm for Advent worship. We hope you'll find these events a good opportunity for fellowship and conversation with your brothers and sisters from church, as well as a chance to focus on Jesus and his coming birth in the midst of a very busy season. PLEASE sign up for the supper so we make sure we order enough food - we'll be having soup, salad, and breadsticks from the Olive Garden. You are welcome to give a donation to help offset the costs. Books for the study are $4...not bad at all.

 

Sunday "Radical" Book Study

Next Sunday's (Dec. 9) session will be held at the home of Pastor Suzanne. Please call her if you need her address. This will be our last session before the holidays.

 

Need a little Christmas gift?  Want to give your spirit a lift?  Then be sure to visit the World Finds table at church.  All profits from the sale of the items will go to the Matthew 25 Fund.  Please put your payment in the envelopes provided and know that you will be helping someone in need.  If you have any questions, please talk to Chris Daniels, Jan Sanchez, Carol Erickson, or Pat Hurdle. Thank you for your support.

 

Do you shop online?  Do you purchase store gift certificates?  If so, be sure to check out the information at church about two new programs that will not cost you anything extra, but will earn funds for Good Shepherd Church.  We will have further details in December's Rod and Staff newsletter.

 

Recap from last Sunday: Our theme was, "Alpha and Omega." Using the text from Revelation 1, Pastor Suzanne shared a message about our God "who is, who always was, and who is still to come." Some of us can't let go of our past and so, it makes it difficult to see hope in the future. Or, we are stuck in the present, stagnant, and not doing what we need to do to move forward in our lives, particularly spiritually. Pastor Suzanne shared these powerful words, and an important reminder from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., "Let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform our dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows." God is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last; the God who is, who always was, and who is still to come. God will be with us always - past, present, and future.

 

Preview of this Sunday: As we begin another season of Advent, we will light our Advent candles, the first one being the "Candle of Prophecy." And, as such, we will hear from one of the "major" prophets, Isaiah. We'll also hear a prophecy from the angel to Zechariah. And, we'll be reminded by the apostle, Paul, of his hope that our love will grow and overflow to each other. Be with us as we think about what God might be saying to us today through the "prophets" of our day. All are welcome! And don't forget, ONE service at 9:30am! Spread the word, please!

 

Be sure to get your Rod and Staff newsletter on Sunday.  It is packed with information about all of the special worship opportunities as well as in depth reports of what is happening, what has happened and what we plan to have happen.

 

Wishing you peace, hope, faith, love and health always!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

 Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, we are sending you this week's What's Happening (and two not happening) report today.  Here is What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church over the next week...

 1.      TONIGHT-Wed. Nov 21-Our annual Thanksgiving Eve Worship is at 7pm.  Afterward we'll enjoy pie and dessert fellowship.  Bring a friend, dessert to pass, and join us!

 2.      Fri. Nov 23-Rod and Staff December newsletter information needs to be submitted TODAY!  (NOTE:  The Friday Study will not be meeting tonight)

 3.      Sat. Nov 24-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.

 4.      Sun. Nov 25- Worship at 8:15 and/or10am with Connection Café between services.  Announcements begin 10 minutes before each service.

 5.      Sun. Nov 25-"The Irresistible Revolution" Book Study will meet between 4 and 6pm at the home of Lydia Faber

 6.      Mon. Nov 26-Monday Bible Study at the Suchomel home begins at 7pm

 7.      Wed. Nov 28-Advent Book Study, "Christmas Gifts That Won't Break" meets from 6:30 to 7:45pm at church

 8.      Wed. Nov 28-Advent Worship Service at 8pm at church

 9.      Fri. Nov 30-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 10.  Sat. Dec 1-"Coffee with the Bishop" gathering on Saturday, December 1, at Shepherd of the Hill, Lockport, from 10:00 – Noon. 

 11.  Sat. Dec 1-Family Scavenger Hunt begins at church at 6pm.  All are welcome to come join the fun and fellowship!  Be sure to sign up at the back of church.

 12.  Sun. Dec 2-One Worship Service will be held at 9:30am

 Thanksgiving Eve Worship:  Join us this evening at 7pm for a special worship service focused on giving thanks. Before you go to spend time with your families, come gather with your church family as we thank God for the many blessings He has given us.  And, be sure to stay after for our dessert fellowship.  Please bring a friend, a dessert to share, and join us!  All are welcome!  (NOTE: There will NOT be a Wednesday study tonight.)

Advent Book Study and midweek worship:   We invite you to join Pastor Suzanne and others from the Wednesday study for a 4-week Advent Book Study of the book entitled "Christmas Gifts That Won't Break."   It starts November 28 and goes through the Wednesday before Christmas.  The study will take place from 6:30-7:45pm, followed by Advent worship at 8pm. Books are $4 each. The book and these midweek worship services are a great opportunity to stay focused on what really matters in the midst of this busy holiday season.  Join us and invite a friend too.

 Have you seen the Mooved by Eggsample cow?  We hope you'll check out and support this special fundraiser for providing milk and eggs to our Shepherd's Food Pantry.

 Recap of last Sunday:  Last Sunday, Pastor Suzanne gave a personal testimony of the time she and her family spent at the Point Breeze Fire Department in Breezy Point, Queens, NY.  She talked about how, when the people had lost everything, the one thing they held onto was their faith.  Using Jesus' words from Mark 13, Pastor reminded us that the buildings around us - no matter how big and beautiful - will fall away; our material things will fall away.  What will remain is our faith.  We need to hang on to it in good times and bad.  Pastor also spoke about trust and commitment and, using Paul's words from 1 Timothy 6, reminded us that money in and of itself is not bad.  It is "the love of money that is at the root of all kinds of evil."  How we spend our money reflects what we value.  As we look to a new year and making new commitments to the church, Pastor Suzanne encouraged us to think about how we spend our time and our money and how these will reflect our trust, commitment, and faith in God.

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, our theme will be, "Alpha and Omega."  We'll look at several Scripture verses that remind us that God is, was, and is to come and how the never-changing, never-failing love of God can carry us through anything.  We invite you to join us in the post-Thanksgiving lull before the "hurry up and get ready for Christmas" journey begins.  All are welcome!

Please remember to get your Rod and Staff December newsletter information to me by Friday.  I will be here waiting for your reports!

Driving to work in the fog this morning, I was thinking about what I am thankful for, since I know we are invited to share that information at the Thanksgiving Eve worship.  I am personally thankful for the choices that have been and are given to me.  Have you thought about yours?  I look forward to sharing them with you tonight.

Here's wishing for you all the blessings of peace, hope, joy, health, thankfulness, and love always.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Renea Horn Johnson, Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

REMINDER FROM GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon,

We just wanted to send you a reminder that this Sunday, November 18th is Commitment Sunday, a day when we dedicate our Faith Promises to God's work at Good Shepherd for 2013.  By now you should have received your Stewardship packet which includes the 2013 Faith Promise form.  Please prayerfully consider your 2013 commitment to Good Shepherd and bring your form with you to worship on Sunday.  At both the 8:15 and 10am Worship Services everyone will have an opportunity to bring theirs forward for a blessing.  

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

 Pastor and her family made it back safely on Tuesday, and what an uplifting message she has to share about the New Yorkers who have been working together and supporting each other on the road toward recovery from devastating losses resulting from Hurricane Sandy.  It is like a miracle among the rubble.

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

 1.      TONIGHT-Thur. Nov 15-The Annual Preschool Thankful Dinner will be held from 6:30 to 8pm at the Preschool.  Bring a dish to pass and a non-perishable donation.  Please call the Preschool (815-886-4356) to let them know you're attending.

 2.      Fri. Nov 16-Reports for the Church Council need to be submitted to the office today

 3.      Fri. Nov 16-NEW!  Scrapbooking and Crafters will meet for the first time at the church beginning at 6pm and plan to go until midnight!  They have plans to meet at least twice a month.  See Carrie Worthington for further information.

4.      Fri. Nov 16-Praise Band rehearsal at church begins at 6:30pm

 5.      Fri. Nov 16-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the Voruz home.

 6.      Sat. Nov 17-Harvest Saturday!  Help is needed beginning at 10:30am (see info below)

 7.      Sun. Nov 18-Worship at 8:15 and/or10am with Connection Café between services.  Announcements begin 10 minutes before each service.

 8.      Sun. Nov 18-Sunday School for children 4 years old to 5^th Grade meets at 9:15am in the church office.

 9.      Sun. Nov 18-A New Member class will be conducted by Pastor Suzanne in the office following the 10am Worship service.  All are welcome to attend and learn about our church and the ELCA.

 10.  Mon. Nov 19-Monday Bible Study at the Suchomel's home at 7pm

 11.  Mon. Nov 19-3^rd Monday Study at the Sanchez home begins at 7pm

 12.  Tue. Nov 20-Church Council will meet at 7pm

 13.  Wed. Nov 21-Our annual Thanksgiving Eve Worship is at 7pm.  Afterward we'll enjoy pie and dessert fellowship.  Bring a friend, dessert to pass, and join us!

 14.  Thur. Nov 22-HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

 15.  Fri. Nov 23-Rod and Staff December newsletter information needs to be submitted TODAY!

 16.  Sat. Nov 24-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr.

 17.  Sun. Nov 25- Worship at 8:15 and/or10am with Connection Café between services.  Announcements begin 10 minutes before each service.

 18.  Sun. Nov 25-Advent Book Study between 4 and 6pm this afternoon.

 Scrapping Crafters, who plan to meet two Friday nights a month, will have their first meeting tomorrow night at the church beginning at 6pm!  If you'd like to learn about scrapbooking, Carrie has volunteered her services in getting started.  Paper crafters are also planning to work (and visit) as well.  And, even though they're planning to stay until midnight, you are welcome to drop in and spend as much time as you wish.  All are welcome to come join in the "crafty" fun and fellowship.

 Harvest Saturday:  Help is still needed on Saturday for Harvest Saturday from 10:30am (sign in) to 3pm, to collect and sort.  People are also needed to bring pickups at 2:30pm to St. Andrews and help take food to the Pantry.  Please contact Kim Hanahan if you plan to be there.  Thanks!

 Thanksgiving Eve Worship:  Join us Wednesday evening at 7pm for a special worship service focused on giving thanks. Before you go to spend time with your families, come join with your church family as we thank God for the many blessings He has given us.  And, be sure to stay after for our dessert fellowship.  Please bring a friend, a dessert to share, and join us!  All are welcome!  (NOTE: There will NOT be a Wednesday study on this night.)

Advent Book Study and midweek worship:   We invite you to join Pastor Suzanne and others from the Wednesday study for a 4-week Advent Book Study of the book entitled "Christmas Gifts That Won't Break."   It starts November 28 and goes through the Wednesday before Christmas.  The study will take place from 6:30-7:45pm, followed by Advent worship at 8pm. Books are $4 each. The book and these midweek worship services are a great opportunity to stay focused on what really matters in the midst of this busy holiday season.  Join us and invite a friend too.

 An invitation from Bishop Wollersheim has been extended to attend the upcoming "Coffee with the Bishop" gathering on Saturday, December 1, at Shepherd of the Hill, Lockport, from 10:00 – Noon. 

In Bishop Gary Wollersheim's report to the Synod Assembly this past June he shared the following thoughts:  

"The year 2012 marks the 25^th anniversary of the founding of the Northern Illinois Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  The word "synod" literally means "walking together."  By God's grace, we have walked together faithfully realizing that we can do more together in terms of God's mission than we can do individually.  God's work.  Our hands."

 

Please note that these "Coffee with the Bishop" meetings are intended for all rostered leaders and all congregational members.  The meetings will provide the opportunity to view the 25^th Anniversary DVD, which was shown during the Bishop's report at the Synod Assembly this past June, as well as provide time for questions from those attending. 

 

Recap from last Sunday:  Pastor Bergh gave us a message last Sunday and we also heard more from our Stewardship Team.  With Scriptures that reminded us that God provides for our needs, we remember that we always have enough with God.

 Preview of this Sunday:   Using a variety of Scripture, we'll be looking at the concept of money and commitment, as we come together to lift up our financial Faith Promises to God.  What does the Bible say about money?  How does our spending reflect our priorities?  How does our commitment to our Jesus journey bear itself out in our daily lives?  Join us!

 

This is a lot of information to absorb, so if you have any questions or want further details, feel free to call the office for the latest update on activities!  Here's wishing you all peace, hope, joy, health, and love always. 

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

BOOK STUDIES HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Please excuse this second email, but I realized that the "Irresistible Revolution" wasn't included on the What's Happening I sent earlier today.  The study will take place this Sunday, Nov.11th at 4pm at the home of Lydia Faber.

 

Also, Pastor is asking that anyone interested in an Advent Book Study be sure they sign up on the sheet in the back of church.  This 4-week study will meet on Wednesdays from November 28 to December 19th at 6:30pm at the church with Advent worship services will taking place at 8pm following the study.  Cost per book will be between $7 or $10.  However, if you are unable to afford the book, we will cover the costs.

 

Carrie Worthington asked me to let you know that, if you are interested in learning scrapbooking, she will be happy to help when they meet on Nov. 16.  See Carrie for more information.

 

Have a great weekend!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

 

Have you recovered from the time change confusion?  Are you missing all of the political propaganda we were flooded with?  I'm missing the sunshine and hope to find my happy light bulb to chase the seasonal gloom away!

 

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

 

1.      TONIGHT-Thur. Nov 8-FLY Lady (Finally Loving Yourself) will meet at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home.  Come get organized and feel better about yourself.

 

2.      Fri. Nov 9-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

3.      Sat. Nov 10-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

4.      Sun Nov 11-One worship service will be held at 9:30am at the church

 

5.      Sun Nov 11-Book Study will meet at 4pm at Lydia Faber's home

 

6.      Mon. Nov 12-Monday Study will meet at 7pm at the Suchomel home

 

7.      Tues. Nov 13-Ministry Teams meeting at 7pm at the church

 

8.      Wed. Nov 14-There will not be Bible Study tonight.  All are encouraged to attend the Heroin Awareness Event at Romeoville High School (see information below)

 

9.      Thur. Nov 15-The Annual Preschool Thankful Dinner will be held from 6:30 to 8pm at the Preschool.  Bring a dish to pass and a non-perishable donation.  Please call the Preschool (815-886-4356) to let them know you're attending.

 

10.  Fri. Nov 16-Reports for the Church Council need to be submitted to the office today

 

11.  Fri. Nov 16-NEW!  Scrapbooking and Crafters will meet for the first time at the church beginning at 6pm and plan to go until midnight!  They are planning to meet at least twice a month.  See Carrie Worthington for further information.

 

12.  Fri. Nov 16-Praise Band rehearsal at church begins at 6:30pm

 

13.  Fri. Nov 16-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the Voruz home.

 

14.  Sun. Nov 18-Worship at 8:15 and/or10am with Connection Café between services.  Announcements begin 10 minutes before each service.

 

15.  Sun. Nov 18-Sunday School for children 4 years old to 5^th Grade meets at 9:15am in the church office.

 

 

Heroin Awareness Event - Please join the Romeoville Police Department and the Valley View School District this Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00p at Romeoville High School for a very important discussion on the prevalence of heroin in and around our community.  There will be a variety of speakers, including the mom of the young man who died on the day of one of our Special Congregational Meetings.  If you have kids, work with kids, or just care about the kids of our community, please make every effort to attend this meeting.  Thanks!

 

Pastor on vacation-- Pastor Suzanne is on vacation through Monday, November 12.  During this time, if you have a pastoral emergency, please call or text Pastor on her cell phone (815-355-2397) and she will make arrangements to get someone to you.  Non-emergency messages can be left with Renea in the church office (815-886-4354).  Church matters can be handled by one of our Council members - Sue Hattimer, Cami Garcia, Judy Jordan, or Ronn Young-Black.  Please pray for safe travel for Pastor and her family.

 

Joliet Job Corps Worship - We are hoping to worship with the lgbt students at Joliet Job Corps next Sunday, November 18 at 6pm.  Pastor Suzanne will be confirming this when she gets back.  If you are interested in going for worship, please email Pastor Suzanne so she can keep you updated.  Thanks!

 

LOOKING AHEAD:  Be sure to mark your calendar for Wednesday, November 21 at 7pm.  This is our annual Thanksgiving Eve Worship and Dessert Fellowship.  After our worship service, where we will give thanks to God for all our blessings, we will gather a time of fellowship...and dessert.  Please bring a dessert to share and join us!

 

Recap from last Sunday: Last week, our theme was, "It's All About Love."  Using several Scripture readings including Deuteronomy 6, Mark 12, and 1 John, Pastor Suzanne talked about the Great Commandment and how we are called to live that out in our lives.  The Great Commandment, "Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as yourself," is something Jesus calls us to do.  We discussed why it is sometimes hard to love our neighbors...and ourselves.  We talked about why the Deuteronomy text does not include loving God with all your mind, while the text from Mark (with Jesus' words) does.  As we've discussed before, our mindset often changes how we act.  So, if we are loving God with all our mind, let alone our heart, soul, and strength, perhaps it will become easier to love our neighbors...and ourselves.  Our challenge for the week was to think about how we can do better at loving God and loving others.

 Preview of this Sunday:   This week, our theme will be, "Always Enough."  We'll get to hear the story of Elijah and the widow from 1 Kings; we'll hear Paul's words about the generous farmer; and we'll hear Jesus' words and observations about the widow's offering.  We'll think about what it means to have enough...what does that really mean?  Be sure to join us!

 

One final note:  We want to express a big THANK YOU to all those who helped out with the Estate Sale for Darlene's benefit.  Whether you were here a lot or a little, all of us working together was really heartwarming and Darlene appreciates it more than words can express.

 

I'll be off tomorrow to take care of some personal business, but will back in the office on Monday.  Here's wishing you all peace, hope, joy, health, and love always.  

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

 

Fwd: ELCA responds to Hurricane Sandy

Pastor Suzanne and the Church Council have requested I forward this message from the ELCA to you.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, God's word of promise is given to all who are facing uncertainty, damage and disruption following Hurricane Sandy and its subsequent storms. That word of promise is Christ is with you always. With Paul we can say, "If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it." (1 Corinthians 12:26) As members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), we remain in prayer, responding generously and working tirelessly to rebuild lives, congregations and communities. We are not doing this work alone. Through ELCA Disaster Response, we are joining with our congregations, affiliates and other partners in our shared commitment to restore communities. As we have shown in past disasters, we stay until the work is done. That is the ELCA's commitment. Please continue to respond with prayers, generous gifts of time and money, and the commitment to a sustaining presence. Visit ELCA Disaster Response at www.ELCA.org/disaster for updates, downloadable bulletin inserts, worship resources and ways to make contributions online. Thank you for your prayers and generosity as we respond together and do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world. In God's grace, The Rev. Mark S. Hanson Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

This email was sent to members and friends of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. To update your email address or your communication preferences, please send a note to constituent.care@elca.org. To ensure that you continue to receive these emails, please add constituent.care@elca.org to your address book or safe list.

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HELP!!! TABLES NEEDED!

We are at church setting up for the sale and are in need of more tables!  If you can help, please bring them by or call Pastor Suzanne at 815-358-2397 before 7p.  Thanks!

We are also in need of a few more people to help out on Sunday between noon and 4p.

Thanks!

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello and Happy November!

 

It is hard to believe we have only two more months left of 2012.  Be sure to read over the Rod and Staff newsletter to keep informed about all the planned activities and watch our What's Happening reports for any additions or changes.  Of course, you can always call the office if you're uncertain and we'll be happy to update you.

 

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

 

1.      TONIGHT-Thur. Nov 1-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study at 7pm at the Stoughton's home (NOTE:  This is the only G2R Study that will be held this month)

 

2.      Fri. Nov 2-Estate Sale Set-Up begins at 4pm at the church

 

3.      Fri. Nov 2-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

4.      Sat. Nov 3-Estate Sale at church from 9am to 4pm

 

Remember to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed tonight!

5.      Sun. Nov 4-One Worship Service at 9:30am at Romeoville Fire Station #3, 698 N. Birch Lane (just off Normantown and east of Weber Road)

 

6.      Sun. Nov 4-Estate Sale from noon to 5pm at the church

 

7.      Mon. Nov 5-Last day of Estate Sale at church from 10am to 4pm  (Institute Day-No school attendance)

 

8.      Mon. Nov 5-Monday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the Suchomel home

 

9.      Tue. Nov 6-Clean-up from Estate Sale begins at 1pm (following Preschool class)  ELECTION DAY

 

10.  Tue. Nov 6-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 6:30 to 8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

11.  Wed. Nov 7-Wednesday Bible Study meets at church at 6:30pm

 

12.  Fri. Nov 9-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at Laura Voruz's home

 

13.  Sat. Nov 10-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

14.  Sun Nov 11-One worship service will be held at 9:30am at the church

 

15.  Sun Nov 11-Book Study will meet at 4pm at Lydia Faber's home

 

Message from Pastor Suzanne:  Pastor Suzanne would like to thank the congregation for their generous gift and the beautiful flowers given to her in honor of Pastor Appreciation month.  It was very unexpected and she is very grateful.  "Serving at Good Shepherd for 15 years has been a blessing, for me and for my family.  I am grateful for the support of my family in doing ministry and grateful to the people of Good Shepherd who have walked this journey with me.  I know it hasn't always been easy and I haven't always said or done the right thing, but I hope everyone knows where my heart lies - it is centered on 'loving God and loving others with the heart of Jesus.'"

 

Sunday Offering Tellers would like to remind folks that we cannot accept a large amount of coins because they do not fit in the night depository.  If you would please exchange any offering coins to currency or a check that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Estate Sale - We would welcome more volunteers/servants for our Estate Sale.  The set-up will begin at 4:00 on Friday, 11/2 (if you are able to help earlier in the afternoon to transport items from storage, please contact Steve Hurdle at 815-355-2549).  The sale will run on Saturday, 11/3 - from 9am-4pm; Sunday, 11/4 - from noon-5pm; Monday, 11/5 - from 10am-4pm.  We will then clean up from the sale on Tuesday, 11/6, beginning at 1pm.  We may be in need of assistance getting unsold items to places like Goodwill, etc.  If you are able to help with this, please contact Jan Sanchez or Pastor Suzanne, who are coordinating the sale.  Remember, all the money we raise for this sale goes to assist our sister in Christ, Darlene, with her medical bills and nursing home costs.

 

Worship Changes/Reminders - We will have ONE service at 9:30am for the next two Sundays.    This Sunday's service will be held at Romeoville Fire Department Station #3 on Birch Lane, just off of Normantown Road, to accommodate the Estate Sale we are having at church.  Remember that Daylight Savings time ends, so be sure to change your clocks back an hour Saturday night!  Sunday, Nov. 11^th the worship service will be held at church.  Please help spread the word so we don't miss anyone!

 

Operation Christmas - Pastor Suzanne and Pat Hurdle are once again coordinating the Village's Operation Christmas program, which provides gifts and a holiday meal to needy families.  They are in need of help registering families next week.  Days/times are: Monday, 11/5 from 5-7pm; Tuesday, 11/6 from 10am-noon and 5-7pm at the Romeoville Recreation Center.  All you need to do is help them take the registration forms and make sure all the required documents are provided.  If anyone is bilingual and can help, that would be GREAT!  Please contact Pastor Suzanne to help out!

 

Heroin Awareness Event - The Romeoville Police Department and Valley View School District are hosting an event on Wednesday, November 14 at 7:00pm at Romeoville High School.  This event is to raise awareness among our communities about the increase in the use of heroin especially among our youth.  Many of you may recall the phone call Pastor Suzanne received during one of our last Special Congregational Meetings, about a young man who died from an overdose of heroin.  His mother will be speaking at the event and is sure to need some support.  There will be other speakers including the Will County State's Attorney, police representatives, a judge, other family testimonies, etc.  The Council thinks this is an important event to support and hopes that you'll find the time to be there.  If we are going to make change in our communities, we have to know where the changes are needed and how we can help.  Please help spread the word about this important community event.  Questions?  Please contact Pastor Suzanne.

 

Pastor Suzanne on vacation--Pastor Suzanne will be out of town on vacation from Thursday, 11/8- through Monday, 11/12.  If you have an urgent church matter during this time, please contact our Council President, Sue Hattimer.  If you have an urgent, confidential pastoral matter, please call or text Pastor Suzanne on her cell phone and she will get someone to you to help you.  Non-urgent matters/messages can be left with our Pastoral Assistant, Renea, in the church office.  Please pray for safe travel for Pastor Suzanne and her family.

 

Recap from last Sunday: Last Sunday our theme was, "Faith and Reforming."  Pastor Suzanne would like to thank the Pastor's "wife," Steve, for his willingness to "preach" the sermon she wrote.  The message was about Martin Luther's influence on the church, as we celebrated Reformation Sunday.  It was also about how God can rescue, restore, and reform us, just as Jesus did to Bartimaeus, the blind man.  Pastor Suzanne challenged us to think about the places in our hearts and spirit where we need God to rescue, restore and reform us and then ask Him to do this.  She also warned us not to ask if we don't want God to really do it.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday our theme will be, "It's All About Love."  We'll be hearing about the Great Commandment and hearing the disciple, John, speak about love.  We'll also have the opportunity to hear from both our Stewardship Team and some fellow church folk on what giving means to them.  We hope you'll join us and invite a friend!

 

The Evangelism Team has asked me to let you know they've received a new shipment of crosses—just in time for sharing or holiday gifting! 

 

Here's wishing you all peace, hope, joy, health, and love always.  Remember to set your clocks back an hour when you go to bed Saturday night, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep Sunday morning!

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church