What's Happening - June 27, 2013

Hello!

 CONSTRUCTION ALERT--They are in the process of closing Alexander Circle, so you may have to come to church off of Townhall Dr. or Dalhart Ave. on Sunday.  Give yourself extra time…plan ahead.

 We will be passing out a calendar of activities on Sunday, but in the meantime, here's What's Happening around Good Shepherd. . . . .

Friday 6/28 God's Backyard Bible Camp VBS CELEBRATION!!!  ALL are invited to join the kids and volunteers who have learned about serving this week. *See below for more info.

Saturday, 6/29- We  will have a planning meeting at 1pm to discuss details of the mobile food truck event being held at Irene King School on July 13. 

Sunday, 6/30- We will have one Worship Service today at 9:00am, which will be immediately followed by a Special Congregational Meeting

Thursday, 7/4-Independence Day Holiday – No activities planned and the office will be closed.

Saturday,  7/6 – "Bands and Bags for Breezy" planning meeting – 9:30a at the Village Hall in Romeoville.  Interested in serving at this event on 9/27/13, come on out and join us!

Sunday, 7/7- Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sunday, 7/7 – Sunday Book Study – 4p at the home of the Texleys

Monday, 7/8 through Friday, 7/12 we will once again be offering Summer Camp for children ages 3 to 5 from 8:45 to 11:45am at a cost of $55 per week.  Call the office to register your child or to get more information.

Wednesday, 7/10-All Church Book Study will meet at 6:30 p.m.  Please read through Section 2 of the book, "Amish Grace."  Don't have a book?  Contact Pastor Suzanne.

Thursday, 7/11 – Church Council meeting – 6:30p-Reports are due from ministry teams to Renea by Monday, 7/8.  Please email them to her and copy the Church Council members.

Friday, 7/12 – Slammers baseball!!! *See below for more information.

Saturday, 7/13 – Mobile Food Truck-10a-noon – help is needed from 9a-2p.  *See below for more.

Vacation Bible School Week is drawing to a close! – "God's Backyard Bible Camp - Where Kids Have a Blast Serving Jesus!"  has been very exciting and fun for everyone--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.  The "crew" of volunteers/servants have really been inspired and inspiring to all who attend. They'll be sharing songs they've learned, showing you crafts and snacks they've made, playing some fun outdoor games, and a special treat is planned for 8:00 p.m. too.  This celebration is open to EVERYONE, not just those who have attended the program.  Good Shepherd family members, this is a great opportunity for fellowship and fun!  Join us!  Come and drop in tonight and/or Friday and check out their backyard!  All ages are welcome! 

Special Congregational Meeting – This Sunday – immediately following our 9a service.  The Church Council has called a Special Congregational Meeting for this Sunday.  The purpose of the meeting will be to update the congregation on our current finances, give a legal update, and discuss our food pantry ministry.  Please note that reports that there would be a vote at this meeting are NOT accurate.  Should a vote on anything discussed be necessary, another special meeting will need to be called.  The meeting on Sunday is for information-sharing and discussion purposes only.  If you are not able to attend the meeting but would like to know what was discussed, please contact a church council member and they will share the information with you.  A copy of the presentation that will be shared regarding the finances was passed out last Sunday.  If you did not receive one, please contact Pastor Suzanne and she will make arrangements to get you one before Sunday, if possible.  Otherwise, we will have additional copies available at the meeting.

BATTER UP!   Good Shepherd Preschool is almost sold out on their 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 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 you'll be there for the fun!

Recap of last Sunday:  Last Sunday, we heard the story of the healing of the demon-possessed man, as the demons went into pigs and jumped off a cliff (it's a great story…if you missed it, you can read all about it Luke 8:26-39).  We also read Paul's words to the church in Galatia, reminding them, and us, that we are all one in Christ – there is "no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female."  What an important reminder to all of us, especially as we live in a world that often seeks to divide us.  Let us always remember, despite our "differences," we who are believers, and followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, are one in Him.

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll hear challenging words from Jesus about the cost of following Him.  We'll think about what it means to give up everything in order to follow and serve Him.  We'll also continue our discussion on the book of Galatians, hearing Paul's words about faith and about the fruits of the Spirit.  Come, join us and be a part of the conversation.

Next week I will be on vacation, so please leave a message on the answering machine and someone will get back to you.  If you have a question about the calendar or events happening, please contact a Council member or Pastor Suzanne.  Have a wonderful holiday!  I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy, and health always.

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church