What's Happening...

Hello! 

It was really nice to see so many of you Sunday at the Annual Meeting.  I want to tell you how blessed I feel to be your Pastoral Assistant.  I so enjoy what I do and the people I do it with and/or for.  Together, in so many different ways, you truly are "Loving God and loving others with the heart of Jesus." 

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

 1.       Fri. Feb 1-Friday Study will be meeting at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 2.       Sat. Feb 2- noon - Planning Meeting for Summer Music Event – meet at church.  Come help us plan this year's event!

 3.       Sun. Feb 3-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services.  (Announcements begin at 9:50am for those attending the 10am worship service.)

              Souper Bowl Sunday!  Bring your donations for the hungry to church today in an empty soup can!

 4.       Sun. Feb 3-Sunday School for children age 4 to 5^th grade at 9:15am in the church office

 5.       Sun. Feb 3-Deadline for turning in your February Manna Order forms.  Check out the list of the various gift cards that are available.  It is continually changing and offers an excellent gift option as well as an opportunity for Good Shepherd to benefit from your order.

 6.       Sun. Feb 3-Book Study will meet from 4-6pm

 7.       Mon. Feb 4-Monday Study at Suchomel's at 7pm

 8.       Tue. Feb 5-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 6:30-8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 9.       Tue. Feb 5-M&M's (Martha and Mary) Women's Bible Study meets at 7pm at Jan Sanchez' home

 10.   Wed. Feb 6-A light supper will be served at 6pm followed by the Wednesday Study at 6:30pm

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

 12.   Fri. Feb 8-Preschool Annual Sweetheart Dance will be from 6:30-8pm at the Preschool

 13.   Fri. Feb 8-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

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

 15.   Sat. Feb 9-Vendor Fair at church from 10am to 4pm.  Free admission, drawings and prizes.

 16.   Sun. Feb 10-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services.  (Announcements begin at 9:50am for those attending the 10am worship service.)

Summer Music Event Planning Meeting - Our first planning meeting for our Summer Music Event will be this "Saturday, February 2 at noon at the church.  If you are interested in helping with this event, please plan on joining us.  As we saw last year, all kinds of help is needed - performers, speakers, pray-ers, listeners, greeters, etc.  Questions?  Please contact Pastor Suzanne.

"Souper Bowl" Sunday - Don't forget, this Sunday is "Souper Bowl Sunday!"  Bring your soup cans, emptied of soup but filled with coins, bills, and/or checks.  Monies received will be split evening between our own Shepherd's Food Pantry, Guardian Angel Community Services, ELCA World Hunger, and ELCA Disaster Relief.  Feel free to bring more than one filled can!  In fact, the more the better!  The following Sunday we'll display all the cans in a special way.  Help us spread the word on this event by inviting your friends and neighbors to eat and donate too.  Thanks, in advance, for your generosity!

 

Manna card February order forms are due by February 3 for delivery on February 10^th.  Check out the list.  There are some new vendors with large percentages being rebated to us at no additional cost to you!

 

Sunday Book Study-The Sunday Book Study will meet again this Sunday, February 3 from 4-6 p.m.  Pastor Suzanne will once again be hosting the group as they continue to read "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Clairborne and soon will be deciding on the next book we'll be studying.  Feel free to join us at any time or get in touch with Pastor Suzanne to be alerted to when our next study begins.

 

The Preschool Annual Sweetheart Dance will be on February 8 from 6:30 to 8pm.  Come enjoy an evening of music, dancing, refreshments and a personal souvenir to take home.  Tickets are $2.50 each, free for children under 2 years of age.  Space is limited, so be sure to get your tickets soon.

 

A Winter Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd on February 9, 2013!  We have quite a few vendors who have signed up for this event (16 at last count!), so mark your calendars and plan to attend the Fair which will include drawings, prizes and specials.  Free admission too!

 

Lenten Supper, Study, and Worship are planned for the Wednesdays of Lent and will begin at 6pm with a light supper, followed by a book study at 6:30pm and worship at 8:00pm.  The book we will be studying/ discussing is, "Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces."  If you would like to join the book study and didn't sign up, please let Pastor Suzanne know as soon as possible so we order enough books.  Unfortunately, this book does not yet come in an eBook format, but the cost of the book is pretty low--$6/per book.

 

Growth Team Meeting – Note that the Growth Team meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, 2/5, has been postponed.  More information will be shared on a new date as soon as we have it arranged.  Questions?  Please contact Pastor Suzanne.

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme was, "One Body, Many Members."  Using 1 Corinthians 12, we talked about spiritual gifts and the importance of everyone's role/part in the body of Christ, the Church.  Pastor challenged us to stop allowing fear, or apathy, or other excuses to get in the way of serving, of using our gifts.  She also encouraged everyone to complete a spiritual gifts inventory to help discern the gifts we have and find ways to connect them with the ministries at Good Shepherd.  As we use our gifts, we bring glory to God.  So, have you completed the survey?  Do you know what your gifts are and how you'll use them?? 

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, our theme will be, "Speaking of Love."  We'll again be looking at Paul's 1^st letter to the Corinthians – the "love" chapter (13).  However, instead of seeing these verses as we often do, in the context of a wedding, we'll be looking at them in the context of our relationships with one another in the family of God.  We'll also look at the Old Testament book of Jeremiah and think about how and where God is calling us to speak.  We're sure another lively discussion will be had…so, come, join the conversation!  All are welcome!

 

We welcome Chris Soja, Paul Suchomel and Carrie Worthington to the church council, and give thanks to Camille Garcia and Sue Hattimer for their service on the council.  Each is an important part of making our church whole.

 

I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always. 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

New Church Directory

Greetings, all!

As we continue to move through this new year, it has come to our attention that we need to put out a new church directory.

As a way of getting to put faces with names, we're going to try to do a picture directory.

So, below is what we need from all of you.  Please send it by Friday, February 8.  If we do not receive your information by then, we will assume the information we have on file is accurate and use it...and we'll choose your picture.

Info needed:

Family Last Name

Names of adults and children in family (preferably school-age, adult children can have their own entry if they'd like)

Mailing Address

Phone numbers - please indicate if you have a preference on which phone numbers are listed (i.e. cell, home, work, etc.)

Email addresses - again, please indicate if you have a preference on which ones are listed

Birth dates and anniversary dates, if applicable

A photo - family or individual is fine

We hope to have the directory done by the end of February.  Your help in getting this information to us quickly is appreciated.  Thanks.

Have a good day!

Pastor Suzanne

sermon challenge...

Challenge for the week - take a spiritual gifts inventory (http://www.churchgrowth.org/cgi-cg/gifts.cgi?intro=1); pray about the gifts God has given you and ask Him to direct you how to use them in our church, and beyond, for His glory.

CORRECTION!!!!! TOMORROW' SERVICE IS AT 9A!!!

Apologies for the error and confusion...

our service tomorrow is at 9a.

Pastor Suzanne

REMINDER ANNOUNCEMENT FOR SUNDAY, 1/27

Just a reminder that we have one service tomorrow, 1/27, at 8:00 a.m., followed by our Annual Congregational Meeting. 

We are aware that there is wintry weather forecast for early afternoon, so we are hoping to complete the meeting as soon as possible.  

We will be providing sandwiches for lunch and ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Please make it a priority to be with us as we work together for the business and ministry of the church.  Thanks!

The Good Shepherd Church Council

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

 This week I am sending our What's Happening report from home since the office is without internet service until at least Saturday.  What was supposed to be a simple conversion to U-Verse did not go as planned.  Luckily everything is ready for the Annual Meeting on Sunday.  Have you read through all the reports contained in your Annual Meeting folder?  There is certainly a lot of information on what your church family has done over the past year.

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

 1.       TODAY-Thur. Jan 24-Deadline for submitting February Rod and Staff newsletter information

 2.       Fri. Jan 25-The Crafter's are meeting at the church beginning at 6pm.  Bring your craft project and join them for an evening of crafty, fellowship fun!

 3.       Fri. Jan 25-Friday Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

 4.       Sat. Jan 26-Shepherd's Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53).  Help is always welcomed!

 5.       Sun. Jan 27-We will have one worship service at 9am that will be followed by the 2012 Annual Meeting.  Sandwiches will be served.  All confirmed members are encouraged to attend as we plan our budget and activities for 2013.

 6.       Sun. Jan 27-Sunday Book Study meets from 4 to 6pm at the home of Pastor Suzanne

 7.       Mon. Jan 28-Monday Study at 7pm at the Suchomel's home

 8.       Wed. Jan 30-Wednesday Study will have a light dinner at 6pm followed at 6:30pm by their weekly study.

 9.       Fri. Feb 1-Friday Study meeting at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 10.   Sat. Feb 2-Music for Malaria planning meeting at church at noon.  Come help us plan this year's event!

 11.   Sun. Feb 3-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services.  (Announcements begin at 9:50am for those attending the 10am worship service.)

              Souper Bowl Sunday!  Bring your donations for the hungry to church today in an empty soup can!

12.   Sun. Feb 3-Sunday School for children age 4 to 5^th grade at 9:15am in the church office

 A Winter Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd on February 9, 2013!  Anyone who is a direct selling vendor and interested in a table should contact Carrie Worthington via email carriejo.worthington@gmail.com for more information.  We have quite a few vendors who have signed up for this event, so mark your calendars and plan to attend the Fair which will include drawings, prizes and specials.  Free admission too!

 

Manna card February order forms are now available, either at church or attached to this email.  Orders need to be turned in by February 3 for delivery on February 10^th.  Check out the list.  There are some new vendors with large percentages being rebated to us at no additional cost to you!

 

Sunday Book Study-The Sunday Book Study will meet again this Sunday, January 27 from 4-6 p.m.  Pastor Suzanne will be hosting the group as they continue to read "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Clairborne and soon will be deciding on the next book we'll be studying.  Feel free to join us at any time or get in touch with Pastor Suzanne to be alerted to when our next study begins.

 

Music for Malaria Planning Meeting

We will once again be doing our Music for Malaria event.  Our first planning meeting will be on Saturday, February 2 at noon at the church.  If you are interested in helping with this event, please plan on joining us.  As we saw last year, all kinds of help is needed - performers, speakers, pray-ers, listeners, sellers, greeters, carry-ers, etc.  More information will be shared on the date and venue at the meeting.  Questions?  Please see Pastor Suzanne.

 

Lenten Supper, Study, and Worship are planned for the Wednesdays of Lent and will begin at 6pm with a light supper, followed by a book study at 6:30pm and worship at 8:00pm.  The book we will be studying/ discussing is, "Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces."  If you would like to join the book study, please sign up by Sunday, 1/27, so we order enough books.  Unfortunately, this book does not yet come in an eBook form, but the cost of the book is pretty low--$6/per book.

Souper Bowl - Don't forget...now is the time to eat some soup for a good cause.  This year for the Souper Bowl collection for those in need, we're asking you to bring your soup cans to church on Sunday February 3—clean and with your  monetary donation inside!   Yes, you most certainly can bring more than one filled can!  In fact, the more the better!  The following Sunday we'll display all the cans in a special way.  Help us spread the word on this event by inviting your friends and neighbors to eat and donate too.  Questions?  Please talk to Pastor Suzanne.

Growth Team - The Team had another meeting on 1/15 and came up with several ideas for 2013.  These will be presented under the Pastor's Report at the Annual Meeting on 1/27.  The date for the next meeting has not been set so, if you are interested in being a part of the team, come join us.  The team is for anyone interested in helping to grow the church - financially, numerically, and spiritually.  All are welcome!

Pastor is on her way back...Pastor Suzanne was in New York for a spiritual retreat and "scouting" trip.  She met with the new Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Metro New York Synod of the ELCA, in hopes of making connections for a possible summer mission trip to assist Hurricane Sandy victims.  She returned to Breezy Point, Queens, and took videos and pictures to be used soon for a fundraiser for the community.  Pastor has been driving by herself, so please offer up prayers for her safe return.  If you are in need of Pastor in her absence, please call Pastor Suzanne's cell phone and she will make arrangements to get someone to you.

 

Recap from last Sunday:  How are you doing with the challenge of writing down your blessings at the end of the day?  Have you become more aware of the many blessings in our daily living we often take for granted?  Share your findings with others.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  Our theme for Sunday's single 9am worship service is "One Body, Many Members."  Do you suppose the lesson might possibly tie in with our Annual Meeting that will follow worship?  Come hear what Pastor has to say and bring a friend to share the message as well.

 

Be sure to bring your Annual Meeting folder with you on Sunday.  We will have a few copies available for those who haven't received theirs yet.  We also have biography copies for Council nominees Paul Suchomel and Chris Soja.

 

I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always.  Hope to see everyone on Sunday!

 -- 

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

Weekly Sermon Challenge..

Per a request, here's your sermon challenge for the week:  Open your eyes, ears, and spirits and look for the miracles around you.  At the end of each day, jot down the miracles you observed.  And remember, You are God's miracle and you are called to use your life as a witness to Him and His glory.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

This week they've begun tearing down the old Jewel/Ace Hardware store
to make way for the planned Community Center. Check it out when you
come to church on Sunday.

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

1. TODAY-Thur. Jan 17-Church Council reports are due in the office
today for the Council meeting on Saturday. (Thanks to those who have
already submitted their reports—it is appreciated!)

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

3. Fri. Jan 18-Christian Unity Prayer Worship at 7pm at church (see
information below)

4. Fri. Jan 18-Friday Study meets at Laura Voruz' home at 7pm

5. Sat. Jan 19-Church Council meets at 8:30am

6. Sun. Jan 20-Worship at 8am (new time) or at 10am with Connection
Café between the services. Note that announcements for the 10am
service will begin at 9:50am.

7. Sun. Jan 20-Sunday School for youth age 4 through 5th grade will be
held in the church office beginning at 9:15am.

8. Mon. Jan 21-Monday Study at 7pm at the Suchomel home

9. Mon. Jan 21-3rd Monday Study will meet at 7pm at the Sanchez' home

10. Wed. Jan 23-A light dinner at 6pm followed by Wednesday Study at 6:30pm

11. Thur. Jan 24-Deadline for submitting February Rod and Staff
newsletter information

12. Fri. Jan 25-Friday Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

13. Sat. Jan 26-Shepherd's Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at
2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53). Help is always welcomed!

14. Sun. Jan 27-We will have one worship service at 9am that will be
followed by the 2012 Annual Meeting. A light breakfast is planned.
All confirmed members are encouraged to attend as we plan our budget
and activities for 2013.

15. Sun. Jan 27-Sunday Book Study meets from 4 to 6pm at the home of
Pastor Suzanne

A Winter Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd on February 9, 2013!
Anyone who is a direct selling vendor and interested in a table should
contact Carrie Worthington via email carriejo.worthington@gmail.com
for more information. We have quite a few vendors who have signed up
for this event. Be sure to mark your calendars and plan to attend the
Fair which will include drawings, prizes and specials. Free admission
too!

Manna cards have arrived and will be delivered this Sunday, January
20. Thanks to those who ordered cards. It's a nice way to support
our church and you get something you can use as you wish to without
any extra fees.

Sunday Book Study-The Sunday Book Study will meet again on January 27
from 4-6 p.m. Pastor Suzanne will be hosting the group as they
continue to read "The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Clairborne and
soon will be deciding on the next book we'll be studying. Feel free
to join us at any time or get in touch with Pastor Suzanne to be
alerted to when our next study begins.

Worship for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Pastor Suzanne is hosting a brief prayer service for the start of Week
of Prayer for Christian Unity. The service will be tomorrow, January
18 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. If you have a friend or family member
who attends church elsewhere, invite them and come worship together
that night. Help spread the word. All are welcome!

Music for Malaria Planning Meeting
We will once again be doing our Music for Malaria event. Our first
planning meeting will be on Saturday, February 2 at noon at the
church. If you are interested in helping with this event, please plan
on joining us. As we saw last year, all kinds of help is needed -
performers, speakers, pray-ers, listeners, sellers, greeters,
carry-ers, etc. More information will be shared on the date and venue
at the meeting. Questions? Please see Pastor Suzanne.

Lenten Supper, Study, and Worship are planned for the Wednesdays of
Lent and will begin at 6pm with a light supper, followed by a book
study at 6:30p.m. and then worship at 8:00p.m. The book we will be
studying/ discussing is, "Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces." If
you would like to join us for the book study, please sign up by next
Sunday, 1/27, so we order enough books. Unfortunately, this book does
not yet come in an eBook form, but the cost of the book is pretty
low--$6/per book.

Souper Bowl - Don't forget...now is the time to eat some soup for a
good cause. This year, for the Souper Bowl collection for those in
need, we're asking you to bring your soup cans to church. But,
instead of keeping the soup in the can, please eat it, then clean out
the can, put your monetary donation inside, and bring it to church on
Sunday, February 3. Yes, you most certainly can bring more than 1
filled can! In fact, the more the better! Please help us spread the
word on this event by inviting your friends and neighbors to eat and
donate too. Questions? Please talk to Pastor Suzanne.

Growth Team - The Team had another meeting on 1/15 and came up with
several ideas for 2013. These will be presented under the Pastor's
Report at the Annual Meeting on 1/27. The date for the next meeting
has not been set so, if you are interested in being a part of the
team, come join us. The team is for anyone interested in helping to
grow the church - financially, numerically, and spiritually. All are
welcome!

Pastor Gone...Pastor Suzanne will be traveling to New York for a
spiritual retreat and "scouting" trip. She'll be meeting with the new
Disaster Relief Coordinator for the Metro New York Synod of the ELCA,
in hopes of making connections for a possible summer mission trip to
assist Hurricane Sandy victims. She will also be returning to Breezy
Point, Queens, and taking videos and pictures to be used soon for a
fundraiser for the community. Pastor will be driving by herself
to/from New York, so please offer up prayers for her safe travel. If
you are in need of Pastor in her absence, please call Pastor Suzanne's
cell phone and she will make arrangements to get someone to you.

Recap from last Sunday: Last week, our theme was, "You are mine."
Using the story of Jesus' baptism, song with words from Isaiah, Pastor
talked about how God claims us as His own. Her challenge to us was to
daily remind ourselves that we are God's children and that He has
claimed us as His own and marked us with the cross of Christ. He is
well pleased with us and we should remind ourselves of this often. We
had a great, lively discussion about this, especially at the 10am
service.

Preview of this Sunday: Our theme this Sunday is, "Miracles." We'll
read about Jesus' first miracle and think about the various miracles
we see in our lives on a daily basis. We'll also hear from the
Apostle Paul, and listen as he teaches us about our spiritual gifts.
Join us for another lively message time.

If you didn't get your Annual Meeting folder last Sunday, be sure to
get it this Sunday, or you can stop in the office to get your copy.
Call before coming though to make sure I am here.

Wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, health and warmth.

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

SPECIAL FLU PRESENTATION - THIS SUNDAY!!! 9:30A

Please join us this Sunday, between services, at 9:30a for a special presentation on the flu.  Chris Daniels, one of our members, will be presenting a brief powerpoint updating people on the flu, including precautions we can take to stay healthy.

If you attend our 8a service, plan on sticking around a little later and, if you normally attend at 10a, please come early to hear this important information.

Thanks!

Pastor Suzanne

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

We are about ready to put the 2012 Annual Meeting folders together for
you to receive on Sunday. This will give you a chance to review all
of the information, including the proposed budget, before the Annual
Meeting on January 27th. We hope you will all attend the Annual
Meeting and help guide your church into 2013.

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

1. TONIGHT-Thur. Jan 10-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meets at
7pm at Lydia Faber's. Start 2013 out right by getting organized and
learning to love yourself as well.

2. Fri. Jan 11-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

3. Fri. Jan 11-Crafters Night from 6pm at church. Bring your craft
projects and join us!

4. Sat. Jan 12-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am
at 2 Belmont Dr. at Rt. 53. Helpers are always welcomed!

5. Sun. Jan 13-Worship at 8am* and/or 10am with Connection Café
between services (*new time)

6. Sun. Jan 13-Sunday School meets in the office at 9:15am for youth
age 4 to 5th grade

7. Sun. Jan 13-Deadline for submitting January Manna order forms

8. Sun. Jan 13-Radical Book Study meets from 4 to 6pm at Lydia Faber's home

9. Mon. Jan 14-Monday Bible Study meets at Suchomel's at 7pm

10. Tue. Jan 15-Open House at Romeoville Recreation Center from 5:30
to 8pm with a Growth Team meeting there at 7pm. (see information
below)

11. Wed. Jan 16-We will serve a light supper beginning at 6pm then
will begin the Wednesday Study at 6:30pm. Please let us know ahead of
time if you will be there so we have enough food. All are welcome!

12. Thur. Jan 17-Church Council reports are due in the office today
for the Council meeting on Saturday.

13. Thur. Jan 17-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at
Stoughton's at 7pm

14. Fri. Jan 18-Christian Unity Prayer Worship at 7pm at church (see
information below)

15. Fri. Jan 18-Friday Study meets at Laura Voruz' home at 7pm

16. Sat. Jan 19-Church Council meets at 8:30am

A Winter Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd on February 9, 2013!
Anyone who is a direct selling vendor and interested in a table should
contact Carrie Worthington via email carriejo.worthington@gmail.com
for more information
Manna cards order forms need to be turned in by this Sunday, January
13, with delivery Sunday, January 20. Consider using these cards for
routine purchases and also to have on hand at home for "extra" gift
occasions that may come up.

Sunday Book Study-The Sunday Book Study will meet January 13 and 27
from 4-6 p.m. Lydia Faber will be hosting the group on this Sunday
and Pastor Suzanne will host on 1/27. We're continuing to read "The
Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Clairborne and soon will be deciding
on the next book we'll be studying. Feel free to join us at any time
or get in touch with Pastor Suzanne to be alerted as to when our next
study begins.

Recreation Center Open House-The Romeoville Recreation Center will be
hosting it's annual Open House on Tuesday, January 15 from 5:30-8:00
p.m. We will again have a table there to advertise our various
ministries. We're looking for 3-5 people willing to serve as hosts at
our table, along with people to help set up and take down the table.
Because this is also the date for our Growth Team meeting, we will
need people to serve who are not on this team. If you'd like to help
out, please be in touch with Pastor Suzanne, Council Liaison to the
Evangelism Team.

Growth Team Meeting-Our next meeting is scheduled from Tuesday,
January 15. Please note that we will hold the meeting at the
Romeoville Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m., as the church is hosting a
table at their Annual Open House. People interested in serving on
this team or being a part of it in any way should meet at the church's
table a little before 7p.m. and we will try to find a place to meet.
This "team" is fluid and welcomes all members and attendees interested
in growing our church - financially, numerically, and spiritually.
Questions? Please contact Pastor Suzanne, our Council Liaison to the
team.

January Ministry Night - We had a great ministry night with several
new ideas on the horizon. You'll be hearing more about them soon.
Missed us? Had other plans? Please talk to a Council member - Sue
Hattimer, Cami Garcia, Judy Jordan, or Ronn Young-Black to find out
what you missed. It looks to be another great year of ministry for
all of us and the larger community! Thanks to everyone who attended.

Worship for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Pastor Suzanne will host a brief prayer service for the start of Week
of Prayer for Christian Unity. The service will be on Friday,
January 18 at 7:00 p.m. at the church. If you have a friend or
family member who attends church elsewhere, invite them to join you
and come worship together that night. Help spread the word. All
are welcome!

Music for Malaria Planning Meeting
We will once again be doing our Music for Malaria event. Our first
planning meeting will be on Saturday, February 2 at noon at the
church. If you are interested in helping with this event, please plan
on joining us. As we saw last year, all kinds of help is needed -
performers, speakers, pray-ers, listeners, sellers, greeters,
carry-ers, etc. More information will be shared on the date and venue
at the meeting. Questions? Please see Pastor Suzanne.

A Lenten Book Study and Worship is planned for the Wednesdays of Lent
and will begin at 6pm with a light supper, followed by the study
(about minor Prophets) at 6:30pm and Lenten Worship at 8pm. Please
sign up so we know how many are interested as we will be ordering
books soon. Please see Pastor Suzanne if you have any questions.

Recap from last Sunday: Our theme was, "Epiphany" and we talked about
"light bulb moments." At the 10am service, Chris D had a revelation
moment that she shared with all of us, as we asked the question, "Why
does God talk to people in their dreams in the Bible...and does He
still?" Chris said that we all need sleep to restore our bodies and
we especially need REM sleep, which stands for "rapid eye movement."
This is the deepest time of our sleep and, interestingly, according to
some, dreams most vividly recalled by sleep study subjects happen
during this REM sleep. This makes Chris' revelation even more
interesting...she said REM stands for Revealing Epiphany Moments (or
something like that). Pretty cool! Chris, please correct us if we
got this wrong. Pastor challenged us to think about the "lightbulb
moments"/epiphanies we have in our lives and how they can help us
along our spiritual journeys. Great discussions and learning last
week!

Preview of this Sunday: Our theme will be, "You Are Mine." We'll
hear the story of Jesus' baptism and think about God's words, spoken
through the prophet, Isaiah, "I have called you by name. You are
mine." At times we struggle to find our identity in life. Perhaps it
is easier than we think? Join us for what will likely be another
lively discussion/message/sermon on the subject of Whose we are.
Invite a friend to join us too.

If you didn't get your Rod and Staff newsletter last Sunday, be sure
to get it with the Annual Meeting folder this Sunday.

Wishing you peace, faith, hope, love and health.

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Happy New Year!

We have hit the ground running in 2013. Right now we're putting
together a short newsletter as well as preparing for the Budget Forum
on Sunday, which will follow our one 9:00a.m. Worship service.
Everyone is encouraged to attend the Budget Forum and give us your
input on the church budget for 2013. Perhaps you remember that last
year, in an effort to shorten the timeframe of our Annual Meeting, the
budget was established beforehand, included in the Annual Meeting
folder, and voted on at the time of the Annual Meeting. If you cannot
attend the Budget Forum, please contact any of our Council members
with whatever you feel needs to be addressed in the 2013 budget.

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

1. TONIGHT-Thur. Jan 3-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study at Stoughton's at 7pm

2. Fri. Jan 4-ALL ANNUAL REPORTS FOR INCLUSION IN THE ANNUAL MEETING
FOLDERS ARE DUE IN THE OFFICE TODAY

3. Fri. Jan 4-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

4. Sun. Jan 6-One Worship Service at 9:00am followed by a Budget
Forum. All are encouraged to attend and help plan our 2013 budget.

5. Mon. Jan 7-Monday Study at the Suchomel's meets at 7pm

6. Tue. Jan 8-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 6:30-8pm at 2
Belmont Dr. at Rt. 53

7. Tue. Jan 8-Ministry Night at church at 7pm. All are welcome to
hear reports and help plan our various ministry activities.

8. Wed. Jan 9-First Wednesday Study of 2013 will meet at 6:30pm at
church. All are welcome!

9. Thur. Jan 10-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meets at 7pm at
Lydia Faber's. Start 2013 out right by getting organized and learning
to love yourself as well.

10. Fri. Jan 11-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

11. Fri. Jan 11-Crafters Night from 6pm at church. Bring your craft
projects and join us!

12. Sat. Jan 12-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30-11:30am
at 2 Belmont Dr. at Rt. 53. Helpers are always welcomed!

13. Sun. Jan 13-Worship at 8am* and/or 10am with Connection Café
between services (*new time)

14. Sun. Jan 13-Sunday School meets in the office at 9:15am for youth
age 4 to 5th grade

15. Sun. Jan 13-Deadline for submitting January Manna order forms

16. Sun. Jan 13-Radical Book Study meets from 4 to 6pm at Pastor Suzanne's home

A Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd on February 9, 2013. Anyone
who is a direct selling vendor and interested in a table should
contact Carrie Worthington via email carriejo.worthington@gmail.com
for more information.

Manna cards next order form will once again be in church this Sunday
as well as being attached to this email. Orders will need to be
turned in by January 13, with delivery the following Sunday. Use
these cards for routine purchases and also to have on hand at home for
"extra" gift occasions that may come up.

Annual Reports Reminder - Council members, Ministry teams, and
financial folks - please remember that your annual reports are due to
Renea tomorrow-- January 4. Please email the reports to Renea, and
copy Pastor Suzanne, in a word document format. This makes it easier
for editing purposes. Questions? Please contact a Council member or
Pastor Suzanne.

Wednesday Study-Our midweek Wednesday Study will start up again next
Wednesday, January 9 at 6:30 p.m. A light supper will be provided to
assist those coming straight from work. We'll be deciding what book
to study together and invite anyone interested in joining us to come
on out when we meet at church from 6:30-8:30 p.m. All are welcome!

Sunday Book Study-The Sunday Book Study will meet January 13 and 27
from 4-6 p.m. Pastor Suzanne will host the group on 1/13 and we'll
determine who will host on 1/27. We are continuing to read the book,
"The Irresistible Revolution" by Shane Clairborne and will soon be
deciding on the next book we'll be studying. Feel free to join us at
any time or get in touch with Pastor Suzanne to be alerted as to when
our next study begins.

Recreation Center Open House-The Romeoville Recreation Center will be
hosting it's annual Open House on Tuesday, January 15 from 5:30-8:00
p.m. We will again have a table there to advertise our various
ministries. We're looking for 3-5 people willing to serve as hosts at
our table, along with people to help set up and take down the table.
Because this is also the date for our Growth Team meeting, we will
need people to serve who are not on this team. If you'd like to help
out, please be in touch with Pastor Suzanne, Council Liaison to the
Evangelism Team.

Growth Team Meeting-Our next meeting is scheduled from Tuesday,
January 15. Please note that we will hold the meeting at the
Romeoville Recreation Center at 7:00 p.m., as the church is hosting a
table at their Annual Open House. People interested in serving on
this team or being a part of it in any way should meet at the church's
table a little before 7p.m. and we will try to find a place to meet.
This "team" is fluid and welcomes all members and attendees interested
in growing our church - financially, numerically, and spiritually.
Questions? Please contact Pastor Suzanne, our Council Liaison to the
team.

Pastor Suzanne to testify in Springfield-Pastor Suzanne has been asked
to testify again in Springfield for the marriage equality bill going
before the Illinois Senate and House. She would like to share her
testimony with church members who might want to hear it. So, she will
be available at 8:30 a.m. this Sunday, prior to our one service at
9:00 a.m., to read it. Feel free to come and listen. Please keep her
in your prayers as she prepares for this important event.

Recap from last Sunday: Last Sunday, our theme was, "New Year...New
Life." Pastor Suzanne encouraged us to think about how we are living
our lives and how we might choose to live them in the coming year.
Using the text from Colossians 3:1-17, she talked about the way in
which we are called to live now that we have new life in Christ. She
talked, too, about how hard it can be sometimes to live in this new
life and, when we feel ourselves slipping back into the "old sinful
ways" we must immerse ourselves in God's Word, prayer, worship, and
surround ourselves with fellow believers who can walk with us, support
us, and mentor us through. We also talked about the lesson from Luke,
chapter 2, when Jesus is presented and dedicated in the temple and how
Simeon was led to the temple on that very day. Pastor talked about
the importance of listening to leadings of the Holy Spirit so we don't
miss out on opportunities God is putting before us - perhaps
life-altering opportunities, as was the case with Simeon and Anna.
So, now that the New Year is officially upon us, how will you life
your "new life" and will you let the Holy Spirit lead you?

Preview of this Sunday: On Sunday we'll go back in time a little to
the appearance of the wise men in front of Jesus. In the season of
the church year, this Sunday is called Epiphany. So, why not talk
about the meaning of the word, epiphany, and think about some of those
moments we've had in our lives, particularly as they relate to our
faith journeys? We'll also think about how our faith journeys are
related to what the apostle Paul calls, "God's secret plan." Is it
really a secret? Come, and find out.

Watch for your first Rod and Staff newsletter of 2013 in church on
Sunday. Always feel free to call the office if you have any questions
or concerns and someone will be sure to get back to you.

Wishing you peace, faith, hope, love and a healthy and prosperous new year!

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church