Friday, September 27, 2013

What's Happening - September 26, 2013

Hello!

The excitement is mounting—one more day to our "Bands and Bags for Breezy" Event!  We hope you will all come out and support this long-awaited event on Friday evening and bring family, friends and neighbors as well.  The weather forecast is certainly expected to provide us with a pleasant climate for listening to music under the stars, enjoying food, beverages, raffles, and the bags competition too.

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

Fri. Sept 27-"Bands and Bags for Breezy" Event which includes live music, beer, food, raffles and a  bags tournament, will be held from 6 to 10pm tonight at Deer Crossing Park near Village Hall.  Admission is $5 per person for ages 12 and over.  No charge for those under 12.  All event proceeds will help rebuild the NY metro area devastated by Superstorm Sandy. 

Sun. Sept. 29-Worship at 9am today with a Congregational Meeting immediately following our one Worship service. 

Tues. Oct. 1-M & M's (Mary & Martha's) Women's Bible Study meets at 7pm at Jan Sanchez's home 

Wed. Oct. 2- Wednesday Bible Study starts at 6:30pm with a light dinner, followed by study, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome. 

Fri. Oct. 4-Crafter's Night at church begins at 7pm.  Bring your projects and join the fun! 

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

Sun. Oct. 6- Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services 

Sun. Oct. 6-Manna orders are due today for delivery next Sunday 

Tues. Oct. 8-Ministry Night at 7pm at the church.  All are welcome to hear and help with Ministry planning. 

Wed. Oct. 9- Wednesday Bible Study starts at 6:30pm with a light dinner, followed by study, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome. 

Thur. Oct. 10-FLY Lady meets at the home of Lydia Faber at 7pm.  All ladies are welcome! 

Fri. Oct. 11-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz 

Sat. Oct. 12-2nd Saturday Study (formerly the 3rd Monday Study) meets at 6pm at the home of George and Janice Sanchez 

Sun. Oct. 13-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services 

The Special Congregational Meeting is this Sunday, immediately following our one worship service at 9am. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss our food pantry, our current financial status and vote on an insurance package for two of our staff members - Pastor Suzanne and Marilyn Pierce, our Preschool Director.  Due to impending changes to the ELCA's insurance plan, we must vote on a new package for both of them and submit the vote by the middle of October.   Questions about the meeting?  Please contact a Church Council member:  Judy Jordan, Ronn Young-Black or Carrie Worthington and plan to attend the meeting. 

Manna card order forms for October will be distributed in church on Sunday and will be due the following Sunday, October 6.  Look over the list and see if there isn't something you can purchase for gifting or spending for yourself.  Please ask Carrie Worthington if you would like further information regarding the Manna program, or call the church office.  We'd certainly appreciate your participation! 

Wednesday Bible Study - Join us every Wednesday, as we continue our 12-week study on the New Testament book of Romans.  Come at 6:30pm for supper, followed by our study at 7.  We conclude with communion around 8:30pm.  Bring your Bible, a side dish to share, and an open mind for learning and sharing.  All ages welcome!  Invite a friend, too.  This study takes place at the church. 

Bolingbrook/Romeoville CROP Walk News- Thanks to Art Arellano for continuing to provide us with updates and information on this year's CROP Walk to fight hunger.  The walk is quickly approaching - it takes place on Sunday, October 20 at 1pm.  Be on the lookout for more info and register now to walk and raise money for the cause! 

A Holiday Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd on Saturday, November 2nd.  Last year's fair was such fun, we've decided to do it again this year!  So far we have 3 vendors that are scheduled to participate.  Do you know of anyone who might be interested in selling?  Please get flyers from Carrie Worthington or the church office and make plans to start shopping for all your holiday gift needs!


Community events:

Relay for Life - walk to fight cancer - this Saturday, 9/28 - 3p at Deer Crossing Park, behind the Romeoville Village Hall

Romeoville Fire Department Open House - Saturday, 10/5 - 10a-2p - Fire Station 3 - located off Normantown Road

Equality March - Tuesday, 10/22 - Springfield, IL

 

Are you looking for a side job?  We had a call from a woman who needs someone to scrape and paint around the windows and eaves of her home in Naperville.  She has the paint, but ladders and tarps would be needed for the job.  If you or someone you know is interested, please call the church office (815-886-4354) and we'll get you in touch.  Along those same lines, Fed Ex Ground Services is looking for route drivers.  Call the office for further details if you think you're interested.

Sermon recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday our theme was, "The Power of Money."  We heard the challenging story of the "shrewd manager," and thought about what it means to be responsible with the resources God has given us - our money but also our time and our material possessions.  We talked about one of the most misquoted verses in Scripture, from 1 Timothy 6:10, "For the love of money is the root of all evil."  We talked about the use of money, as a tool to influence others - not for our own gain or glory but for the glory of God and His Kingdom.  The verses from Luke were difficult to hear but they make us think about our own lives and how we treat money...and people.  And, it made us think about who, or what, we are serving - God...or money?

Sermon preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll be looking at the idea of money again, along with several warnings about the future and how we live our lives.  Using Jesus' words in the Gospel of Luke, along with more verses from 1 Timothy, we'll hear the story of the Rich man and Lazarus, as well as a "warning to the rich."  Think you aren't "rich," and that these words don't apply to you...you might be surprised.  Come, listen and learn with us.  Invite a friend to join us too.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

Is this what we call Indian Summer?  It is really hard to know what to wear and also what outdoor activities we can plan for.  So far this week we haven't seen any construction activity on Alexander Circle, nor is it easy to navigate into our parking lot.  Please be careful when you come here.

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

TONIGHT- Thur. Sept. 19-Church Council meeting at 5:30pm

Fri. Sept 20-Crafter's Night at church begins at 7pm

Fri. Sept. 20-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at Laura Voruz' home

Sun. Sept. 22-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sun. Sept. 22-Cookie orders need to be turned in today for delivery on Wed. Oct. 23

Tues. Sept. 24-Pre-fundraising event at Fat Ricky's in Romeoville from 3pm to closing.

Tues. Sept. 24- The act.usa Team will have a meeting at 7pm at Fat Ricky's

Wed. Sept. 25-Wednesday Bible Study starts at 6:30pm with a light dinner, followed by study, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome.

Fri. Sept 27-"Bands and Bags for Breezy" Event which includes live music, beer, food, raffles and a bean bag tournament, will be held from 6 to 10pm tonight at Deer Crossing Park near Village Hall.  Admission is $5 per person for ages 12 and over.  No charge for those under 12.  All event proceeds will help rebuild the NY metro area devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

Sun. Sept. 29-Worship at 9am today with a Congregational Meeting immediately following our one Worship service.

Watch your mail for a letter that went out today regarding the Special Congregational Meeting - next Sunday, September 29 - This is official notice from the Church Council that we are having a Special Congregational Meeting on Sunday, 9/29, immediately following our one worship service at 9am. .  We will start the meeting quickly after the end of our service.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss our food pantry, our current financial status and vote on an insurance package for two of our staff members - Pastor Suzanne and Marilyn Pierce, our Preschool Director.  Due to impending changes to the ELCA's insurance plan, we must vote on a new package for both of them and submit the vote by the middle of October.   Questions about the meeting?  Please contact a Church Council member:  Judy Jordan, Ronn Young-Black or Carrie Worthington and plan to attend the meeting. 

"Bands and Bags for Breezy" Final Pre-fundraising event - Tuesday, 9/24 – at our neighbor, Fat Ricky's.  Help support a good cause as we continue to promote our 9/27 "Bands and Bags for Breezy" event and raise a little money too.  For more info on times for this event, please check out the website: www.acommunitytogether.com or the Facebook page.  Thanks to those of you who came to the pre-fundraising event at Cool Creations in Lockport on Tuesday.  We hope to see you this Tuesday at Fat Ricky's and at the "Bands and Bags for Breezy" big event on Friday.  

Our Preschool's delicious annual cookie dough fundraising event is ending.  Have you chosen from their many popular, delectable, flavorful varieties of Cookie Dough, Popcorn, Fudge Cakes and Bundt Cakes?  Orders and checks payable to Good Shepherd Preschool (no cash please) are due this Sunday, and delivery will be on Wednesday, October 23rd.  If you are unable to pick up your order that day, please tell Pat Hurdle.  If you have any questions, talk to Pat or Chris Arellano.

Wednesday Bible Study - Join us every Wednesday, as we continue our 12-week study on the New Testament book of Romans.  Come at 6:30pm for supper, followed by our study at 7.  We conclude with communion around 8:30pm.  Bring your Bible, a side dish to share, and an open mind for learning and sharing.  All ages welcome!  Invite a friend, too.  This study takes place at the church.

Bolingbrook/Romeoville CROP Walk News- Thanks to Art Arellano for continuing to provide us with updates and information on this year's CROP Walk to fight hunger.  The walk is quickly approaching - it takes place on Sunday, October 20 at 1pm.  Be on the lookout for more info and register now to walk and raise money for the cause!

Recap from last Sunday:  Our theme was, "Lost and Found."  We talked about who are the "lost" and who are the "found;" we talked about where we are on the journey and how God can use our "lostness" as a way or reaching out to others so they can find their way back to him.

Preview of this Sunday:  Our theme will be "The Power of Money," and using Jesus' words from Luke 16, we'll think about how money can gain power over us if we try to "serve" it versus "serving" God.  Jesus uses the story of the shrewd manager to teach us a valuable lesson about financial responsibility - for ourselves and others.  We'll also hear wise words from the book of 1 Timothy, including some very famous words that are some of the most misquoted from the Bible.  Come and see what it's all about and invite a friend to join us too.

Please call the office (815-886-4354) if you ever need further information about church activities and/or times.  Sometimes we might forget to give enough details and it can result in misunderstanding or confusion.  As always, I'm wishing you peace, love, faith, hope, health, and grace.  

-- 
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

Friday, September 13, 2013

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Belated greetings from the Alexander Circle dustland!

To add to the construction issues, we are having computer connection problems as well.  Hopefully you will get this information before any of it happens!!

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

TONIGHT- Fri. Sept. 13-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sat. Sept. 14-2nd Saturday Bible Study (formerly 3rd Monday Bible Study) will meet at 6pm at the home of George and Jan Sanchez.  

Sun. Sept. 15-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sun. Sept. 15-Founder's Day Parade kicks off from the Rec Center at 2pm and ends in the R.C. Hill School parking lot.  Our Preschool will have a float in the parade, so come cheer them on.  This year's theme is "Big Top".

Mon. Sept. 16-Team and financial reports are due in the office for the Council meeting on Thursday.

Wed. Sept. 18-Our Wednesday Study will gather for a meal at 6:30pm, followed by Bible Study, with Holy Communion at 8:30pm.

Thur. Sept. 19-Church Council meeting at 5:30pm

Fri. Sept 20-Crafter's Night at church begins at 7pm

Fri. Sept. 20-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at Laura Voruz' home

Sun. Sept. 22-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sun. Sept. 22-Cookie orders need to be turned in today for delivery on Wed. Oct. 23

Thanks to those of you who came to the Buona Beef pre-fundraising event on Tuesday!  Aren't their parmesan potatoes tasty?  It was great to have you come and support our cause.  Next Tuesday, September 17th there will be another pre-fundraising event at Cool Creations in Lockport.  We'll have more information for you on Facebook or in church on Sunday.  

"Bands and Bags for Breezy" Pre-fundraising event - Tuesday, 9/17 – at Cool Creations  in Lockport.  Help support a good cause as we continue to promote our 9/27 "Bands and Bags for Breezy" event and raise a little money too.  For more info on times for this event, please check out the website: www.acommunitytogether.com or the Facebook page.

Our Preschool's delicious annual cookie dough fundraising event has started, so get ready to choose from their many popular, delectable, flavorful varieties of Cookie Dough, Popcorn, Fudge Cakes and Bundt Cakes!!  Brochures are available on the Information Table.  Orders and checks payable to Good Shepherd Preschool (no cash please) are due back to church on Sunday, September 22nd; delivery is Wednesday, October 23rd.  If you are unable to pick up your order that day, please tell Pat Hurdle.  If you have any questions, talk to Pat or Chris Arellano.

Wednesday Bible Study - Join us on Wednesday, as we continue our 12-week study on the New Testament book of Romans.  Come at 6:30pm for supper, followed by our study at 7.  We conclude with communion around 8:30pm.  Bring your Bible, a side dish to share, and an open mind for learning and sharing.  All ages welcome!  Invite a friend, too.  This study takes place at the church.

Last Sunday we witnessed the baptism of Ethan James Stock and this Sunday Gianna Rose Ponzi will be baptized.  Many blessings are wished for these children as we welcome them into God's church family through the sacrament of baptism.

Watch for a new Good Shepherd Family Directory soon -- possibly this Sunday!

As always, I'm wishing you peace, love, faith, hope, health, and grace.  Have a wonderful weekend!

-- 
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

Friday, September 6, 2013

What's Happening - week of September 5, 2013

Greetings to you all!

 Preschool has started, and what a happy, excited group we have been blessed with this year!  My twin grandchildren are in the 3 year old class and I already have pictures done especially for Grandma's office!  They are so excited yet serious about their "school" and what they do, though Justin still had a twinge of separation anxiety today when his mom left.

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

 

Fri. Sept. 6-Crafter's Night at church beginning at 7pm  Bring your craft projects and join the fun and fellowship!

 Fri. Sept. 6-Friday Bible Study will meet – going to the Sandwich Fair – contact Laura for more info

 Sat. Sept. 7-"Bands and Bags for Breezy" Planning Meeting at 9am (please note change in time) held in the church office

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

 Sun. Sept. 8-Manna order forms and money are due today for delivery next Sunday

 Tue. Sept. 10-Buona Beef fundraiser at the Buona Beef in Bolingbrook from 3pm until they close.  Be sure to get a flyer that can be used for the drive-thru, carry-out, or eat-in orders. The flyer must be presented when ordering.

 Tue. Sept. 10-Ministry Night at 7pm at church.  Come hear Ministry Team reports and be part f planning future ministry events.

 Wed. Sept. 11- Bible Study on the New Testament book of Romans will start at 6:30pm with supper and the study from 7:00 to 8:30pm, followed by Holy Communion.  We will conclude no later than 9pm.  Bring your Bibles and join us—all are welcome!

 Thur. Sept. 12-FLY (Finally Loving Yourself) Lady meets at 6 pm for a cookout at Lydia Faber's home.  Ladies, bring a dish to pass and join us!

 Fri. Sept. 13-Friday Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 Sat. Sept. 14-2nd Saturday Bible Study (formerly 3rd Monday Bible Study) will meet at 6pm at the home of George and Jan Sanchez. 

 Sun. Sept. 15-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

  

Manna order forms, which are green for the month of September, need to be turned in by this Sunday, September 8th.  Cards that are ordered will be delivered by September 15th.  Look over the extensive list to see if there isn't something you would like to give, or even use yourself.  NOTE that the Darden Restaurants card includes Red Lobster, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, or any other Darden restaurant.  Call the office with any questions you may have about the Manna program.

Our Preschool is kicking off their annual cookie dough fundraising event on Sunday, Sept. 9th, so get ready to choose from their many popular, delectable, flavorful varieties of Cookie Dough, Popcorn, Fudge Cakes and Bundt Cakes!!  Brochures are available on the Information Table.  Orders and money are due back to church on Sunday, September 22nd; delivery is Wednesday, October 23rd.  If you are unable to pick up your order that day, please tell Pat Hurdle.  If you have any questions, talk to Pat or Chris Arellano.

"Bands and Bags for Breezy" Pre-fundraising event - Tuesday, 9/10 – at Buona Beef  in Bolingbrook from 3pm until closing.  Join us for supper and help support a good cause as we continue to promote our 9/27 "Bands and Bags for Breezy" event and raise a little money too.  For more info on times for this event, please check out the website: www.acommunitytogether.com or the Facebook page.  Thanks to everyone who came out to Culver's to support the event last Tuesday.

Sermon Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, our theme was, "Love, Strangers, Angels, and Being Satisfied."  Using Hebrews 13 as our focus, we talked about loving each other about being hospitable to strangers and all God's children, and being satisfied with what we have.  We heard the warning about the love of money and were reminded by Jesus of the importance of being humble.  So many things to talk about and think about…how's that going for you this week?

Sermon Preview for this Sunday:  This Sunday, our theme will be, "The Cost of Discipleship."  We'll have plenty more to talk about as we hear Jesus' words about the cost of being his disciple, carrying our crosses, and giving up everything for Him.  There is sure to be much discussion.  Join us and invite a friend to join us too!

Looking ahead:

Special Congregational Meeting – This is notice that the Church Council has called a Special Congregational Meeting for Sunday, September 29.  The meeting will take place following our one service at 9a that day.  We will be discussing a number of items including the food pantry, financial status, and we will be voting on an insurance package for Pastor Suzanne and Marilyn Pierce, our Preschool Director.  If you have any questions about the meeting, please talk to a Council member – Judy Jordan, Ronn Young-Black, or Carrie Worthington.  Thank you.

Did you notice the September calendar on the back of What's Happening in church on Sunday?  If you missed it, be sure to take one this week.  I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, grace and health always.    

 

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church