What's Happening - May 30, 2013

Hello!

 

Well, it is now unofficially summer with all the area graduations happening tonight for middle schools and on Sunday for the high schools.  This is a good time to reflect not only on where the time has gone, (we haven't grown older, they have!) but also where the students are headed as they enter adulthood.  May God bless them on their life journeys.   

 

Here's What's Happening around Good Shepherd. . . . .

 

Friday, 5/31-The Friday Study will meet at Laura Voruz' home beginning at 7pm.  This group is planning to take a summer break and meet only once a month for food and fellowship.  When they decide which Friday they will be meeting, it will be publicized in What's Happening and, as always, all are welcome to attend!

 

Saturday, 6/1-"Take a kid fishing" Day!  Come join the fun at Hidden Lakes for fishing and lunch beginning at 10am.  See Chris Soja for details.

 

Sunday, 6/2-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with the Connection Café between services

 

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

 

Thursday, 6/6-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's home

 

Thursday, 6/6-VBS Planning Meeting at 7pm for all those interested in helping.  (See below for more information.)

 

Friday, 6/7-Crafter's Night at the church begins at 6pm.  Bring your project and join in the fun!

 

Saturday, 6/8-act-usa Planning Meeting at 9am (see information below)

 

Saturday, 6/8-Shepherd's Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

 

Saturday, 6/8-How to… Event Planning Meeting will meet at 1pm

 

Sunday, 6/9- Worship at 8 and/or 10am with the Connection Café between services

 

Sunday, 6/9- Sunday Book Study will meet at 4pm

 

Tuesday, 6/11- Ministry Night at 7pm at church.  All are welcome to come be updated on the activities of our various ministry teams and to join in the planning as well.  This will be the last Ministry Night until August.  Join us!

 

Wednesday, 6/12- 8:30am and 6:30pm The All Church Book Study will take place.  We are studying "Amish Grace" together.  Each session begins with a light meal and time to get to know each other better.  Come, join us!  Please note:  If these times/days do not work for our schedule, Pastor Suzanne is more than willing to find another time/day to meet.  Please get in touch with her so this can be arranged.  It is the hope of the Church Council, and Pastor Suzanne, that everyone will participate in this important journey together.

 

Thursday, 6/13- FLY Lady meets at the home of Lydia Faber beginning at 7pm

 

Friday, 6/14 and Saturday, 6/15 – Northern Illinois Synod Assembly meets in Rock Island, IL

 

Sunday, 6/16- One Worship Service will be held at 10am and followed by an all-church  Father's Day Cookout!

 

act-usa Planning Meeting - Our next meeting is on Saturday, June 8 at 9am (please note the time change).  We will meet in the church office.  Anyone interested in helping with this event is invited to attend.  We will be raising money for those in need in the NY metro area as a result of last fall's Hurricane Sandy and will be discussing the possible sharing of funds raised for those affected by the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

 

LOOKING AHEAD…

- On Father's Day (June 16) we will have one worship service at 10am which will be followed by a family cook-out to honor all the fathers and grandfathers.  Mark your calendar!

 

- On June 30, we will have one worship service at 9a, followed by a Special Congregational Meeting.  The purpose of the meeting will be to give an update on our current financial picture, as well as any available updates on the legal case pending for the church.  The Church Council hopes to provide some financial information to you prior to the meeting so you can look it over and be prepared for the meeting.

 

Vacation Bible School - We're excited to be offering another Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer.  The program will take place from Sunday, 6/23-Thursday, 6/27.  We'll start the week with a special "welcome to the camp" supper at 5:00pm on Sunday and end the week on Friday, 6/28 with a special "backyard" campout to go with our VBS theme of "God's Backyard Bible Camp - Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!"  We're excited about the possibilities this program will offer, not just for the kids and families, but also for our church family; just another way for us to connect with each other and a fun way to move us beyond ourselves.  This year, we'll work to get our VBS parents involved too, instead of just dropping off their kids.   Join us Thursday, 5/30 at 7pm if you want to help serve at the event, or contact our coordinator, Carrie Worthington.  All ages are welcome!

 

BATTER UP!   Good Shepherd Preschool is sponsoring a night with the Joliet Slammers on Friday, July 12, at 7:05 pm.  This will be a Memories of Motown and Fireworks Night.  See Art or Chris Arellano between services for tickets which cost $10 each ($5 of the cost will go to the preschool).  Call Art at 815-886-4457 with any questions.  Hope to see you for what promises to be a fun night!

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, we focused on Paul's words in Romans 5 about rejoicing in times of trial; enduring through these trials and strengthening our character and expectation of salvation.  We also recognized Holy Trinity Sunday and Pastor Suzanne shared a book about apples that helped to explain the concept of the trinity.  Weren't able to join us?  Grab a cd next time you are in church or ask to borrow the book.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, we'll talk about faith and healing through Jesus, as we read from Luke 7; we'll also talk about pleasing people vs. pleasing God…do these have to be mutually exclusive?  Come, join us for the conversation and dialogue about God's Word!  All are welcome!

 

Hopefully you got your June calendar of events at church last week (Please note a correction – there is NO Church Study on June 5).  If not, please call the office and we'll make sure you get one.  We ask that you please use the weekly "What's Happening" report, along with our Facebook page to stay in the know, and always feel free to call the office for anything you may need information on.

 

I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always.  Have a wonderful weekend and congratulations to all the graduates!

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

 

Well, the Preschool school year has drawn to a close.  Unfortunately, their picnics got rained upon, but I am pleased to report that smiles were not missing from the excited children's faces, and at least they didn't have to contend with ants or mosquitoes! 

 

Here's What's Happening around Good Shepherd. . . . .

 

TONIGHT- Thursday, 5/23 – The Church Council will be meeting at 6:30pm

 

Saturday, 5/25 - 9:30am - Food Pantry open at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

Sunday, 5/26 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services

 

Wednesday, 5/29-8:30am - All Church Book Study – This group will meet in the morning for breakfast, followed by a showing of the movie, "Amish Grace" at 9am.

Wednesday, 5/29-The evening All Church Book Study begins at 6:30pm for a light supper and the book study at 7pm.

 

Friday, 5/31-The Friday Study will meet at Laura Voruz' home beginning at 7pm.  This group is planning to take a summer break and meet only once a month for food and fellowship.  When they decide which Friday they will be meeting, it will be publicized in What's Happening and, as always, all are welcome to attend!

 

Saturday, 6/1-"Take a kid fishing" Day!  Come join the fun at Hidden Lakes for fishing and lunch beginning at 10am.  See Chris Soja for details.

 

Sunday, 6/2-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with the Connection Café between services

 

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

 

Wednesday, 6/5- 8:30am - All Church Book Study – morning group will meet at 8:30am for a light breakfast then study from 9 to 11am.  The evening group begins at 6:30pm for a light dinner and their study will be conducted from 7 to 9pm.

 

Thursday, 6/6-G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Bible Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's home

Thursday, 6/6-VBS Planning Meeting at 7pm for all those interested in helping.  (See below for more information.)

 

Friday, 6/7-Crafter's Night at the church begins at 6pm.  Bring your project and join in the fun!

 

Saturday, 6/8-act-usa Planning Meeting at 9am (see information below)

Saturday, 6/8-Shepherd's Pantry will be open from 9:30 to 11:30am at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt.53)

Saturday, 6/8-How to… Event Planning Meeting will meet at 1pm

 

Sunday, 6/9- Worship at 8 and/or 10am with the Connection Café between services

 

All-church Book Study - Our study began last night with the showing of the movie, "Amish Grace."  We'll be showing it again next Wednesday morning at our group - 8:30am for breakfast, followed by the movie at 9am.  We hope everyone in the church makes every effort to be a part of this study.  We encourage you to buy the book, "Amish Grace," which we will be studying together.  If you are not able to attend our Wednesday sessions, Pastor Suzanne is willing to try to set up a third group to work with others' schedules.  While the focus of this study will be helping us through the process of healing as it relates to the embezzlement, it will also offer a safe, open place to discuss other matters that may arise or may be on our hearts and minds.  If you would like to participate in the group and would like the church to purchase the book for you (you will pay for it, however), please contact Renea or Pastor in the church office at 815-886-4354 and they will get one for you.  Please indicate if you prefer a new or used book.  Questions about the group?  Please talk to Pastor Suzanne.

act-usa Planning Meeting - Our next meeting is on Saturday, June 8 at 9am (please note the time change).  We will meet in the church office.  Anyone interested in helping with this event is invited to attend.  We will be raising money for those in need in the NY metro area as a result of last fall's Hurricane Sandy and will be discussing the possible sharing of funds raised for those affected by the recent Oklahoma tornadoes.

 

LOOKING AHEAD- On Father's Day (June 16) we will have one worship service at 10am which will be followed by a family cook-out to honor all the fathers and grandfathers.  Mark your calendar!

 

Vacation Bible School - We're excited to be offering another Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer.  The program will take place from Sunday, 6/23-Thursday, 6/27.  We'll start the week with a special "welcome to the camp" supper at 5:00pm on Sunday and end the week on Friday, 6/28 with a special "backyard" campout to go with our VBS theme of "God's Backyard Bible Camp - Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!"  We're excited about the possibilities this program will offer, not just for the kids and families, but also for our church family; just another way for us to connect with each other and a fun way to move us beyond ourselves.  This year, we'll work to get our VBS parents involved too, instead of just dropping off their kids.   Join us Thursday, 5/30 at 7pm if you want to help serve at the event, or contact our coordinator, Carrie Worthington.  All ages are welcome!

 

Recap from last Sunday: Last Sunday we heard the story of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, on the early believers.  We talked about the importance of knowing the "language" of the people we are trying to connect with, as the early disciples spoke in the language of those listening.  We talked about the importance of sharing God's Word with others, as our world desperately needs the "Good News."  We talked about how the Church is a church of Easter and Pentecost - meaning the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit.  Pastor said that sometimes we remember the Resurrection part but we forget the Spirit part; sometimes the Spirit part scares us because the Spirit calls us to do things we don't necessarily want to do or to go places we don't necessarily want to go.  Pastor challenged us to be the Church of both and to carry the Good News to the world through the power of the Spirit.  How's that challenge going for you?

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, we'll be taking our theme from Paul's words in the book of Romans, about enduring through problems and trials.  We know that bad things will happen in our lives but we'll talk about how we deal with these things, in light of our faith.  It's sure to be another great conversation.  Join us!

 

We plan to have a calendar for June ready for you to receive on Sunday.  Please use the weekly "What's Happening" report, along with our Facebook page to stay in the know, and always feel free to call the office for anything you may need information on.

 

I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always.  Have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Greetings!

 

We had a great, productive Ministry Night on Tuesday.  There were a lot of ideas shared and programs planned and reported on.  As with our church theme, all are welcome to attend Ministry Night and share their thoughts and help plan our programs.

 

Here's What's Happening around Good Shepherd. . . . .

 

TONIGHT- Thursday, 5/16 - G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

Friday, 5/17 - Craft Night at church begins at 6pm

Friday, 5/17 – Friday Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

 

Saturday, 5/18 - 1pm - Clever Containers party at church - raises money for the church - contact Lynne Hurdle (hostess for the event) or Pat Hurdle for more info

 

Sunday, 5/19 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services;

Sunday, 5/19 - 2pm – Preschool Stepping Up Ceremony at the Romeoville Recreation Center

Sunday, 5/19 – Sunday Study will be meeting at 4:30pm at the home of Carrie Worthington

 

Monday, 5/20 - Third Monday Study will meet at the Sanchez' home at 7pm

Monday, 5/20 – Reports are due in the office for the Church Council meeting

 

Tuesday, 5/21 – VBS Planning meeting at 7pm

 

Wed. 5/22 & Thurs. 5/23 - Last days for Preschool/Preschool Picnics

Wed. 5/22-All-Church Book Study at 6:30pm.  (See below for more information.)

 

Thursday, 5/23 - Church Council meeting at 6:30pm

 

Saturday, 5/25 - 9:30am - Food Pantry open at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

Sunday, 5/26 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services

 

Sunday Study - Meets this Sunday at 4:30pm at the home of Carrie Worthington.  Contact Carrie or Pastor Suzanne for more info.  NOTE:  At Ministry Night it was decided the Sunday Study would not meet on May 26^th due to it being the Memorial Day Weekend.

 

All-church Book Study - Pastor Suzanne has been finding resources for us to use for our All-church Book Study, which is set to begin in the coming week.  She has decided to offer both a daytime and an evening option to try to accommodate as many people as possible.  It is the hope of the Council, along with Pastor, that you will make this group a priority, as we go through the healing process together.  (Please note that the Monday and Wednesday Studies will not be meeting for the time being.)  We will begin the evening study this Wednesday, 5/22.  The daytime group will begin meeting on 5/29.  We would like to encourage everyone to attend this Wednesday's evening "program," as we'll share a meal together, get to know each other, and then share in Communion together.   Questions about the group?  Please contact Pastor Suzanne.  Pastor Suzanne will be sending a follow-up email in the next day or so with information on the book we will be studying – how/where to order it, cost, etc.

 

 

Bible Studies/Groups on Hold - The weekly Monday Study and Wednesday Study groups will be on hold during the summer months.  Instead, we are encouraging regular group members to attend the all-church book study.  See above for more info.

 

Vacation Bible School - We're excited to be offering another Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer.  The program will take place from Sunday, 6/23-Thursday, 6/27.  We'll start the week with a special "welcome to the camp" supper at 5:00pm on Sunday and end the week on Friday, 6/28 with a special "backyard" campout to go with our VBS theme of "God's Backyard Bible Camp - Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!"  We're excited about the possibilities this program will offer, not just for the kids and families, but also for our church family; just another way for us to connect with each other and a fun way to move us beyond ourselves.  This year, we'll work to get our VBS parents involved too, instead of just dropping off their kids.  Want to help serve at the event?  Join us for one, or both, of our upcoming meetings - Tuesday, 5/21 and Thursday, 5/30 - both at 7pm.  Please contact our coordinator, Carrie Worthington.  All ages are welcome!

 

Making Disciples - Due to unforeseen circumstances, this program has been put on hold.  As announced at Ministry Night, the Learning Team and Pastor Suzanne hope to be able to begin the program in the fall.

 

Grace Was on the "Moove...!" Be sure to ask Jackie Esquivel about the special field trip that Grace, our "Holy Cow," recently took to one of our local middle schools.  Needless to say, she made a big, eggscellent, moooving impression.  The Pantry has sent a call out for anyone with a rototiller who would be willing to till the garden at the Pantry. Please contact Teresa Linaweaver if you can help.

 

Newsletter - Be on the lookout for our next newsletter to arrive in the mail next week, filled with some early "summer" activities and events.  As always, if you are online, stay connected through the church's Facebook page, along with our website.

 

Financial Update - As was shared at our update/check-in meeting last Wednesday evening, our finances continue to be an issue for us.  And, because of some of new issues that have come up for us, the finances will continue to be a source of discussion at monthly Council meetings, etc.  So, if you feel moved to give above and beyond on your pledge, please do so.  Likewise, if you are not currently pledging, why not start now?

 

Recap of last Sunday:  Last Sunday, Pastor Suzanne talked about the "God-quake" which happened while Paul and Silas were in prison (Act 16).  It was a great story that reminds us of the importance of witnessing despite our circumstances or maybe even witnessing through them.  Pastor challenged us to think about the kind of attitude we have when things happen to us.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, we'll begin the season of Pentecost by hearing the story of how the first believers received the Holy Spirit; about how God grew their church; we'll ask God's Spirit to be with us as we move forward and work to make Jesus name known in our community and throughout ll he communities in which we live.  Join us!

 

Our Preschool "Step Up" Program is on Sunday afternoon at 2pm at the Rec Center.  We want to say thank you to those who contributed toward cookies for their special program, and extend an invitation to everyone to come see our 4 year old class cross over the bridge to kindergarten.

 

Watch for your Rod and Staff newsletter in the mail next week.  There is a lot we'll be reporting on! 

The office will be closed tomorrow (Friday).  Here's wishing you all the blessings of peace, faith, hope, love, and good health always.  Enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Greetings!

 

We had a great, productive Ministry Night on Tuesday.  There were a lot of ideas shared and programs planned and reported on.  As with our church theme, all are welcome to attend Ministry Night and share their thoughts and help plan our programs.

 

Here's What's Happening around Good Shepherd. . . . .

 

TONIGHT- Thursday, 5/16 - G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

Friday, 5/17 - Craft Night at church begins at 6pm

Friday, 5/17 – Friday Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

 

Saturday, 5/18 - 1pm - Clever Containers party at church - raises money for the church - contact Lynne Hurdle (hostess for the event) or Pat Hurdle for more info

 

Sunday, 5/19 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services;

Sunday, 5/19 - 2pm – Preschool Stepping Up Ceremony at the Romeoville Recreation Center

Sunday, 5/19 – Sunday Study will be meeting at 4:30pm at the home of Carrie Worthington

 

Monday, 5/20 - Third Monday Study will meet at the Sanchez' home at 7pm

Monday, 5/20 – Reports are due in the office for the Church Council meeting

 

Tuesday, 5/21 – VBS Planning meeting at 7pm

 

Wed. 5/22 & Thurs. 5/23 - Last days for Preschool/Preschool Picnics

Wed. 5/22-All-Church Book Study at 6:30pm.  (See below for more information.)

 

Thursday, 5/23 - Church Council meeting at 6:30pm

 

Saturday, 5/25 - 9:30am - Food Pantry open at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

Sunday, 5/26 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services

 

Sunday Study - Meets this Sunday at 4:30pm at the home of Carrie Worthington.  Contact Carrie or Pastor Suzanne for more info.  NOTE:  At Ministry Night it was decided the Sunday Study would not meet on May 26^th due to it being the Memorial Day Weekend.

 

All-church Book Study - Pastor Suzanne has been finding resources for us to use for our All-church Book Study, which is set to begin in the coming week.  She has decided to offer both a daytime and an evening option to try to accommodate as many people as possible.  It is the hope of the Council, along with Pastor, that you will make this group a priority, as we go through the healing process together.  (Please note that the Monday and Wednesday Studies will not be meeting for the time being.)  We will begin the evening study this Wednesday, 5/22.  The daytime group will begin meeting on 5/29.  We would like to encourage everyone to attend this Wednesday's evening "program," as we'll share a meal together, get to know each other, and then share in Communion together.   Questions about the group?  Please contact Pastor Suzanne.  Pastor Suzanne will be sending a follow-up email in the next day or so with information on the book we will be studying – how/where to order it, cost, etc.

  

Bible Studies/Groups on Hold - The weekly Monday Study and Wednesday Study groups will be on hold during the summer months.  Instead, we are encouraging regular group members to attend the all-church book study.  See above for more info.

 

Vacation Bible School - We're excited to be offering another Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer.  The program will take place from Sunday, 6/23-Thursday, 6/27.  We'll start the week with a special "welcome to the camp" supper at 5:00pm on Sunday and end the week on Friday, 6/28 with a special "backyard" campout to go with our VBS theme of "God's Backyard Bible Camp - Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!"  We're excited about the possibilities this program will offer, not just for the kids and families, but also for our church family; just another way for us to connect with each other and a fun way to move us beyond ourselves.  This year, we'll work to get our VBS parents involved too, instead of just dropping off their kids.  Want to help serve at the event?  Join us for one, or both, of our upcoming meetings - Tuesday, 5/21 and Thursday, 5/30 - both at 7pm.  Please contact our coordinator, Carrie Worthington.  All ages are welcome!

 

Making Disciples - Due to unforeseen circumstances, this program has been put on hold.  As announced at Ministry Night, the Learning Team and Pastor Suzanne hope to be able to begin the program in the fall.

 

Grace Was on the "Moove...!" Be sure to ask Jackie Esquivel about the special field trip that Grace, our "Holy Cow," recently took to one of our local middle schools.  Needless to say, she made a big, eggscellent, moooving impression.  The Pantry has sent a call out for anyone with a rototiller who would be willing to till the garden at the Pantry. Please contact Teresa Linaweaver if you can help.

 

Newsletter - Be on the lookout for our next newsletter to arrive in the mail next week, filled with some early "summer" activities and events.  As always, if you are online, stay connected through the church's Facebook page, along with our website.

 

Financial Update - As was shared at our update/check-in meeting last Wednesday evening, our finances continue to be an issue for us.  And, because of some of new issues that have come up for us, the finances will continue to be a source of discussion at monthly Council meetings, etc.  So, if you feel moved to give above and beyond on your pledge, please do so.  Likewise, if you are not currently pledging, why not start now?

 

Recap of last Sunday:  Last Sunday, Pastor Suzanne talked about the "God-quake" which happened while Paul and Silas were in prison (Act 16).  It was a great story that reminds us of the importance of witnessing despite our circumstances or maybe even witnessing through them.  Pastor challenged us to think about the kind of attitude we have when things happen to us.

 

Preview of this Sunday:  This week, we'll begin the season of Pentecost by hearing the story of how the first believers received the Holy Spirit; about how God grew their church; we'll ask God's Spirit to be with us as we move forward and work to make Jesus name known in our community and throughout ll he communities in which we live.  Join us!

 

Our Preschool "Step Up" Program is on Sunday afternoon at 2pm at the Rec Center.  We want to say thank you to those who contributed toward cookies for their special program, and extend an invitation to everyone to come see our 4 year old class cross over the bridge to kindergarten.

 

Watch for your Rod and Staff newsletter in the mail next week.  There is a lot we'll be reporting on! 

The office will be closed tomorrow (Friday).  Here's wishing you all the blessings of peace, faith, hope, love, and good health always.  Enjoy the sunshine and mild temperatures!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

A MESSAGE FROM LYNNE HURDLE AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Lynne Hurdle has asked me to pass along the following message and encourage you to attend the Clever Container Store Class/Demonstration on Saturday at church.  All proceeds will be going to Good Shepherd Church.

Hi Everyone!

For those of you who were not at church on Sunday, I found out that there will be FREE SHIPPING on the orders placed at the party or through me prior to the party!  That is a huge savings!!  If you order online, you will have to pay a shipping charge.

Catalogs are at church or you can look online to view the products they offer:  www.clevercontainerstore.com  Attached is a flyer.

If you can't make it to the party, call me 815-886-6078 or email me with what you'd like to order!

Thanks and hope to see you and a friend on Saturday at 1:00 at church!

Lynne Hurdle

Email   lhurdle@averycoonley.org 

Cell 630-204-6897 – I may not be able to answer if I am teaching…

WHAT'S NOT HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD TONIGHT

Good morning and happy Friday!

I've just received word that the Friday Study is not going to be meeting tonight. They are planning to meet next Friday at their usual 7pm time.  Sorry for the confusion.

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Greetings on this Thursday!

 

The Council would like to thank everyone who attended our "check-in/update" meeting last night.  If you were not able to attend, please talk to a Council member or Pastor Suzanne about what you missed.  After a discussion on upcoming events, small groups, etc., it was decided that we will keep many of our small groups going the way they normally do at this time of year; some of our activities will be curtailed or scaled back while others will continue; a new book study will be offered to assist us as we go through this process together.  As Pastor Suzanne reminded us, if we are to get through this difficult time, we need to be sure we are spiritually strong - as individual believers and as a church.  Being there to support each other will be very important and a wholehearted commitment to our church family and our ministries is one of the best ways we will come through this time in a healthy way.  With that in mind, below is the current schedule of upcoming events, group meetings, etc.  Please let us know if you have any questions.

 

TONIGHT- FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady - meets at 7pm at Lydia Faber's home

 

Friday, 5/10 - Friday study at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

 

Saturday, 5/11 - 9:30am - Food Pantry open at 2 Belmont Dr. & Rt. 53

Saturday, 5/11 - 10am - act-usa planning meeting - meeting at church - NOTE location change - a discussion will be had about moving the date of this event

Saturday, 5/11 - 2pm - Diakonia graduation - join us in celebrating with Lydia Faber and George Sanchez as they graduate from their Diakonia program - held at St. John's Lutheran Church in Joliet (SE corner of Hennepin Dr. and Route 30).

 

Sunday, 5/12 - 8am & 10am - worship - Mother's Day Tea & Cookies between services - honor your mom and all the "moms" of the church

Sunday, 5/12 – Manna orders are due today

 

Monday, 5/13, 5/20, 5/27 - NO MONDAY STUDY (this group will be temporarily replaced by our special book study - meeting on Wednesdays-see below)

 

Tuesday, 5/14 - 7pm - Ministry Night

 

Wednesday, 5/15 - NO WEDNESDAY STUDY (this group will be temporarily replaced by our special book study - will meet on Wednesdays-see below)

 

Thursday, 5/16 - G2R (Genesis to Revelation) Study meets at 7pm at the Stoughton's

 

Friday, 5/17 - Craft Night at church begins at 6pm

 

Saturday, 5/18 - 10am - "How To" Meeting

Saturday, 5/18 - 1pm - Clever Containers party at church - raises money for the church - contact Lynne Hurdle (hostess for the event) or Pat Hurdle for more info

 

Sunday, 5/19 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services;

Sunday, 5/19 - 2pm – Preschool Stepping Up Ceremony at the Romeoville Recreation Center

Sunday, 5/19 - NO SUNDAY STUDY TODAY

 

Monday, 5/20 - Third Monday Study will meet at the Sanchez' home at 7pm

 

Wed. 5//22 & Thurs. 5/23 - Last day for Preschool/Preschool Picnics

 

Thursday, 5/23 - Church Council meeting

 

Saturday, 5/25 - 9:30am - Food Pantry open at 2 Belmont Dr. (at Rt. 53)

 

Sunday, 5/26 - 8am & 10am – Worship with Connection Café between services

Sunday, 5/26 - 4pm - Sunday Book Study

 

All-Church Book Study - Pastor Suzanne will be leading an "all-church" book study during the summer season.  The book study will begin on Wednesday, May 22 and will continue on the following dates:  5/29, 6/12, 6/19, 7/10, 7/31, 8/7, and 8/21.  The book to be studied will be determined in the next week.  A few being looked at include:  "Amish Grace," "Forgiveness: Finding Peace through Letting God," "Choosing to Forgive," and several others.  For those who are not able to attend on Wednesday evenings, an alternate time will be chosen, based on those interested in participating.  A sign-up sheet for the book study will be available on Sunday.  Please contact Pastor Suzanne if you have any questions.

 

Bible Studies/Groups on Hold - The weekly Monday Study and Wednesday Study groups will be on hold during the summer months.  Instead, we are encouraging regular group members to attend the all-church book study.  See above for more info.

 

Financial update - As was shared at the check-in/update meeting, our financial situation continues to be a difficult one.  The Church Council has taken the necessary steps to get our financial house in order but wanted to let the congregation know that "above and beyond" financial gifts to the church would be appreciated.  Due to the potential costs of hiring an attorney, auditor, additional hours for our pastoral assistant, etc., along with our decision to pass a "congregational challenge" budget in January, we are finding our expenses to exceed our current income.  Our monthly challenge is about $3,000 a month at this time.  Please pray about how you can help the church in this way and be on the lookout for more detailed information on this in the weeks to come.  You are also welcome to speak to a Church Council member.

 

Vacation Bible School - It was decided that we will offer VBS this summer.  Carrie Worthington has stepped up to coordinate it.  It will take place the last week of June - either 6/23-6/27 or 6/24-6/28.  It will take our "village" to put this together well for the kids in our church, preschool, and community.  So, if you enjoy being around kids, helping with crafts, making fun foods, etc., please talk to Carrie about helping out.  A planning meeting will be set up soon.

 

Sermon recap:  Last Sunday we heard from the Gospel of John, Jesus' own words about healing, as he healed the sick man by the pool.  Pastor Suzanne shared the "wellness wheel" with us (https://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Vocation/Rostered-Leadership/Leadership-Support/Health/Wholeness-Wheel.aspx) and encouraged us to think about the places we are not healthy within that wheel and ask God to help us move toward health.  We talked about how important it is to remember that all of our health pieces interconnect and when one piece is not doing well, the other pieces suffer.  How is your challenge going this week?  Have you found the places you need to find health?  What are you doing to achieve it?

 

Sermon preview:  This Sunday we'll hear the story of a "God-quake" from the book of Acts and think about how we can be witnesses to God and our faith in Jesus Christ, even in the midst of seemingly difficult circumstances.  We'll see how Paul and Silas were able to witness to others in spite of their circumstances and challenge ourselves to do the same.

 

One final reminder; the pink Manna order forms are due this Sunday, May 12, for delivery the following Sunday, May 19th.  Now is the time to purchase Manna Cards as gifts for graduations, weddings, birthdays, or even just for your use.  They're also a great alternative to traveler's checks without any fees required!

 

Be sure to call the office (815-886-4354) if we can ever be of any information or assistance.  Leave a message if no one answers and we'll get back to you! 

 

Spring has finally arrived—enjoy it, and have a wonderful week!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church