Sunday, April 28

Pastor Suzanne and the Church Council will be sharing a very important church announcement on Sunday, April 28 at 9:30a, between services.

Please make every effort to be there.

In addition, we respectfully ask that you hold off on questions to Pastor or Council members between now and then.  We will share as much as we can with you on Sunday.

We know that the vagueness of this message may elicit feelings of fear or worry and that it may cause you to want to talk to others and speculate on what the announcement is.  We ask that you try to hold off on speculation and that you trust in the apostle Paul's words from Philippians 4 about fear and worry:

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you."

Thank you.

Good Shepherd Church Council and Pastor Suzanne

What's Happening - week of April 25, 2013

Hello!

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

1.      Fri. April 26-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

2.      Sat. April 27-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

3.      act-usa planning event meeting has been CANCELLED for this Saturday

 

4.      "How to" event planning meeting has been CANCELLED for this Saturday

 

5.      Sun. April 28-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with the Connection Café between services

 

6.      Growth Team meeting has been CANCELLED for Tuesday, April 30

 

7.      There will be NO Wednesday Study on May 1

 

8.      There will be NO Friday Study on May 3

 

9.      Sun. May 5- Worship at 8 and/or 10am with the Connection Café between services

 

10.   Tue. May 7-Shepherd's Food Pantry will be open from 6:30-8pm at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

11.   Wed. May 8-Wednesday Study will meet at 6:30pm; a light supper will precede the study at 6:00pm

 

12.   Thur. May 9-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady will meet at 7pm at the home of Lydia Faber

 

13.   Fri. May 10-Friday Study at the home of Laura Voruz beginning at 7pm

 

14.   Sat. May 11-Diakonia Graduation Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 2pm at St. John Lutheran Church, 2650 Plainfield Road in Joliet.  Please join us in celebrating the graduations of Lydia Faber and George Sanchez.

 

Manna Gift Card order forms for May will be available soon.  Watch for them and think of what occasions you can commemorate with a gift card from your choice of restaurants, department and home improvement stores, hotels, and specialty shops.  Manna gifts are perfect with no shopping (or returning) required!

 

Recap of last Sunday:  Last Sunday, we read together some of the most recognizable verses in the Bible, from Psalm 23.  We heard Jesus' words as He reminded us that He is our "good shepherd," that His sheep recognize His voice and they follow Him.  We discussed His words about how He came to give us life in all its fullness…abundant life.  Pastor Suzanne challenged us to think about the places in our lives where we sense that abundance and the places where we feel a lacking.  She challenged us to pray about why we feel this lacking and to ask God to lead us to abundance.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll hear more of Jesus' words from the Gospel of John, particularly the "new commandment" that He gives His disciples…and us.  We'll also heard words from the book of Revelation about how God is making all things new and wiping away our tears.  We know that someone needs to hear the message God will bring to us through Pastor Suzanne, so we hope you'll join us and invite a friend.

NO WEDNESDAY STUDY TONIGHT!

Due to an unforeseen emergency, Wednesday Night study is cancelled for tonight.

I hope that we will be able to meet next Wednesday and begin our study on Revelation.

I will send another email next week and announce in church on Sunday if we will be meeting, as well as providing supper.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Peace.

Pastor Suzanne

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

Due to the extreme weather, we are not in the office today, so I am sending this report to you from home.  Tonight's G2R meeting has been cancelled due to the weather.  As of right now, the Friday Bible Study will be meeting.  We will keep you updated via email and also on Facebook of any changes.

 

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

1.    Fri. April 19-Friday Study at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

2.    Sun. April 21-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

3.    Sun. April 21-Sunday School for children age 4 through 5^th grade meets at 9:15am in the church office

 

4.    Sun. April 21-Book Study will meet at the Texley's beginning at 4pm

 

5.    Mon. April 22 Church Council reports are due in the office today

 

6.    Mon. April 22-Harvest Saturday Fundraiser all day today at Culver's

 

7.    Mon. April 22-Monday Study meets at the Suchomel's beginning at 7pm

 

8.    Wed. April 24-Wednesday Study will meet at 6:30pm at the church (a light supper will be provided at 6:15pm)

 

9.    Thur. April 25-Church Council meeting begins at 6:30pm

 

10. Fri. April 26-Friday Study meets at 7pm at Laura Voruz home

 

11. Sat. April 27-Shepherd's Food Pantry is open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Drive (at Rt. 53)

 

12. Sat. April 27-Act USA Event Planning meeting at 10am in the church office

 

13. Sat. April 27-"How to" Planning meeting at 12:30pm at the church

 

14. Sun. April 28-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

15. Mon. April 29-Monday Study will meet at 7pm at the Suchomel's

 

16. Tue. April 30-Growth Team meeting at 7pm

Harvest Saturday is having a fundraiser at Culver's in Romeoville from 11am to 8pm on Monday, April 22.  If you don't get your coupons in church on Sunday, be sure to mention Harvest Saturday when you pay for your order.

Saturday, April 27^th we will have planning meetings for both of our summer events. The location for Act USA has been confirmed to be at Deer Crossing by City Hall, and the How to Event at Irene King School has arranged to have a NIFB Food Truck!  We'll need a lot of help for both of these events, so come and volunteer and bring your friends as well!  All are needed and welcome!

Recap of last Sunday:  With thanks to Lydia and George for presenting our sermon message, the lessons were on Paul's conversion (from the book of Acts) and Jesus' command to Peter to "feed my sheep."  Thanks to Lynne Hurdle, our liturgist, and Bob Hurdle, our musician.  Great job everyone!

Preview of this Sunday:  this week we'll hear Jesus' words from the Gospel of John about him being our "Good Shepherd."  We'll read one of the most well-known Psalms and we'll be reminded of how Jesus calls us to become shepherds to His flock.  Join us as we think about what it means to be His sheep who follow Him and hear His voice.

Prayers are going out to all the victims in Boston, West Texas, and those who are now experiencing weather related tragedies.  The entire lower level of our house had 2" of water and we will be sleeping in our camper tonight, but that is minor compared to what many others have suffered.  I'm wishing you all peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always.  Be safe!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

TONIGHT'S WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY CANCELLED

Due to the intense weather we are currently experiencing and the predicted severe weather shown on radar for later this evening, we have decided to cancel tonight's Bible Study.  Please stay home and be safe!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

It has been pretty quiet around here this week with the Preschool and Pastor Suzanne gone for Spring Break.  Which reminds me that there will not be a Friday Bible Study tomorrow night!  

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

1. TONIGHT-Thur. April 11-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meeting at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home

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

3. Sun. April 14-One Worship Service will be held at 9 am today.  Be sure to come see who our minister assistants will be!

4. Sun. April 14-Irresistible Revolution Book Study will meet at 4pm

5. Mon. April 15-Monday Study at the Suchomel's at 7pm

6. Mon. April 15-3rd Monday Study at 7pm at the Sanchez' home

7. Tue. April 16-Ministry Night at 7pm at the church.  

8. Wed. April 17-Wednesday Bible Study meets at 6:30pm at church

9. Thur. April 18-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton home

10. Thur. April 18—Ministry Team reports are due in the office today

11. Fri. April 19-Friday Bible Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

12. Sat. April 20-"How to. . ." Planning Meeting will be held in the church office at 10am

13. Sat. April 20-Praise Team will meet at 1:30pm at the church

14. Sun. April 21-Worship at 8 and/or 10am (announcements start at 9:50am) with the Connection Café between services

15. Sun. April 21-Sunday School for ages 4 to 5th grade will meet in the church office beginning at 9:15am

16. Sun. April 21- Irresistible Revolution Book Study will meet at 4pm

Manna Gift Cards orders that were placed last week will be available in church on Sunday.  

On Ministry Night Tuesday, April 16th at 7pm, we will be meeting to review our various ministry team plans and progress.  All are welcome to come hear these progress reports, plans, find out who the 2013 Council liaisons are, and to provide your input and guidance as well!  NOTE:  Ministry team leaders are asked to submit updated reports to the office by Thursday morning.

The next "How to . . . ." Planning Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 20th in the church office at 10am.  We're excited to have recently received confirmation of having the NIFB truck for this community outreach event planned for July 13th!  All are welcome to hear the updates and share in planning the event.  Lots of volunteers are needed in various small and large areas to make this a successful event!

Pastor Suzanne will be returning Sunday afternoon.  For any spiritual emergency, you can leave a message or text on Pastor's cell phone (815-355-2397) and she will return your call as quickly as possible, or you can call a Church Council member for immediate assistance.  Any non-emergency calls can be made to the church office (815-886-4354) and I will be happy to direct your call to the appropriate person.

Please remember that Shepherd's Food Pantry desperately needs egg cartons.  You can call or text Teresa at 815-342-7090 to arrange to get any egg cartons to her for Saturday's pantry.

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

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

SHEPHERD'S PANTRY NEEDS EGG CARTONS--CAN YOU HELP?

Good Morning!

 

We just had a call from Teresa Linaweaver that Shepherd's Pantry has received cases of eggs from the Northern Illinois Food Bank and they desperately need egg cartons to put the eggs in for distribution on Saturday.  If you have any extra egg cartons or know anyone who can help with some, please contact Teresa at 815-342-7090 or email her at teresafayel@gmail.com to arrange to get the cartons to her.  Cartons can also be dropped off here at the church office daily from 9am to noon.

 

Fortunately Teresa is on Spring Break this week so she can gather cartons for this fantastic egg opportunity.  Thanks in advance for your consideration.

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

What's Happening

I hope this finds you enjoying our first signs of spring weather—just in time for Spring Break for Valley View School District and our Preschool as well.  If you didn't get the April calendar and Church Council member information last weekend, please be sure to get one this Sunday, or stop in the office for your copy.  We plan to publish a newsletter later this month that will cover April and May, but wanted you to have the calendar and council information now.

 

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

 

1.      Fri. April 5-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

2.      Sat. April 6-A C T (A Community Together) Planning Meeting at 12pm at church for the June 29 event.  Lots of help needed so come on out and see how you can use your gifts.

 

3.      'Tweeners "outing" – the movie we were going to see has been pushed back for its opening so, we're going to head to the home of Lynne Hurdle for pizza and games.  We'll meet around 4:00 p.m.  Call Lynne at 815-886-6078 if you need her address and/or directions.  Please bring your own drinks and some desserts to share.  'Tweeners is open to all adults "'tween" the ages of 21 and ????.  Join us!

 

4.      Sun. April 7-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

 

5.      Sun. April 7-Sunday School for children age 4 through 5^th grade will meet at 9:15am in the office

 

6.      Sun. April 7-Final orientation/informational meeting regarding the Making Disciples program will meet immediately following the 10am worship service

 

7.     Sun. April 7-Deadline for submitting Manna order forms and money

 

8.      Mon. April 8-Monday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Suchomel home

 

9.      NO WEDNESDAY STUDY – Our new study, on the book of Revelation, begins at 6:30pm on Wednesday, 4/17.  Come at 6pm for a light supper.

 

10.   Thur. April 11-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meeting at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home

 

11.   Fri. April 12-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at Laura Voruz' home

 

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

 

13.   Sun. April 14-One Worship Service will be held at 9 am today

 

14.   Sun. April 14-Irresistible Revolution Book Study will meet at 4pm

 

Making Disciples - A final informational meeting on this program will be held this Sunday, immediately following the 10am service.  The Making Disciples program is designed for anyone who is interested in strengthening their faith and connecting with fellow believers.  The program will kick off on May 19 and will run through the end of the year.  It is open to youth in grades 7 and up, along with adults.  Adults will be paired together and youth will be paired with an adult mentor.  Questions?  Can't make the meeting?  Please talk to Debbie Suchomel, Learning Chair, or Pastor Suzanne.

 

Preschool Registration for the 2013-2014 school year is now open.  Anyone interested should contact Marilyn Pierce at the Preschool (815-886-4356) for details or to arrange for a tour of the Preschool.

 

Manna Gift Card orders (printed on the sunshine yellow paper) should be turned in either at church or in the office by April 7.  These cards are useful for gifts as well as your everyday purchases, and pay a percentage of their face value to Good Shepherd Church as well.  Need more information?  Please ask Carrie Worthington or call the church office.

 

Recap of last Sunday:  As we gathered together to celebrate Easter, the Resurrection of our Lord, Pastor challenged us to think about the story of the Resurrection in a new way, imagining which character we most related to:  Mary, who makes the first announcement of the Resurrection, "He is risen;" Peter, who went into the tomb and then went home; John, the beloved disciple, who looked into the tomb but didn't go in.  How do you carry on the message of Easter and the spirit of the Resurrection, of new life?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll continue the Easter celebration, as we hear the story of Jesus' appearance to the disciples and the infamous Thomas, the doubter.  We'll think about the role that doubt plays in our faith journeys.  We'll also hear the story of how the disciples carried on the Easter story, telling others about Jesus, even when faced with physical harm.  And we'll hear important words from a Pharisee named, Gamaliel, who says some pretty important, and prophetic, words about those early disciples.  Join us!

 

Pastor Suzanne on vacation:  Pastor Suzanne and her kids will be leaving on vacation Sunday afternoon for a full week.  If you have a pastoral emergency, please call or text on Pastor's cell phone (815-355-2397) and she will return your call as quickly as possible, or you can call a Church Council member for immediate assistance.  Non-emergency calls can be made to the church office (815-886-4354) and I will be happy to direct your call to the appropriate person.

 

I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always as well as a blessed Easter.

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church