WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello, Happy Halloween and Reformation Day!

I had the pleasure of attending the 3 year old Preschool class's Halloween celebration today, and fun was had by all.  There were tunes, treats and tattoos as well.  Check out our pictures on facebook!!  

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

Fri. Nov. 1-Friday Bible Study will meet at 7pm

Sat. Nov. 2-Holiday Vendor Fair from 10am to 2pm (see details below)

Daylight Savings time ends.  Set your clocks back an hour at bedtime Saturday night!

Sun. Nov. 3-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sun. Nov. 3-Sunday Book Study will meet from 4 to 6pm at the home of Pastor Suzanne.  A light supper will be provided.

Sun. Nov. 3-Turn in your Manna order forms and payment

Tue. Nov. 5-M & M's Women's Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez

Wed. Nov. 6- Wednesday study begins at 6:30pm with a potluck supper (bring a dish to share), the study on the book of Romans, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  Come join us!

Fri. Nov. 8-Friday Study meets at Laura Voruz' house at 7pm

Sat. Nov. 9-2nd Saturday Bible Study at 6:30pm at the Sanchez' home

Sun. Nov. 10-ONE SERVICE SUNDAY at 9am

Mon. Nov. 11-Veteran's Day Holiday—No School

Sunday Book Study – We're meeting this Sunday, November 3, at 4pm at Pastor Suzanne's home.  We are currently studying, "Life Together," by Dietrick Boenhoeffer.  It's led to some really good discussions...join us.  All are welcome!  A light super will be provided.

Wednesday Bible Study - Join us every Wednesday, as we continue our study on the New Testament book of Romans.  Come at 6:30pm for supper (this week we're having a potluck), followed by our study at 7.  We conclude with communion around 8:30pm.  Bring your Bible, a 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.

Our Holiday Vendor Fair is this Saturday from 10am to 2pm at Good Shepherd!  There will be concessions, hot dogs, chips and pop, drawings, prizes and specials.  The Preschool has some special "smelly" items they're going to be selling too.  Bring family and friends and get a jump start on your holiday shopping as well.  There is sure to be something fun for everyone.

Community happening to be aware of:

Monday, 11/4 - "Internet Safety and Cyber-bullying Seminar" - 7:00 p.m. at Jamie McGee Elementary School in Bolingbrook.

Manna order forms for November were passed out in church last Sunday.  Please consider ordering these convenient cards for your own everyday needs as well as for gifts.  Good Shepherd gets a percentage for each card you purchase.  Questions can be answered by Carrie Worthington or call the office.  Order forms and payments are due on November 3 and the cards ordered will be available by November 10.  Only one more ordering opportunity this year!

iGive Promotion Challenge - iGive is an internet shopping application that, when you use it, provides funds to Good Shepherd for each order placed online.  It doesn't cost you anything more to use it and has opportunities to save on orders as well as giving Good Shepherd a percentage of your online orders.  Carrie Worthington will have information sheets explaining this program in church on Sunday, or you can get one in the office as well. Please consider using this service when shopping.

Recap from last Sunday:  We joined with Lutherans throughout the world in commemorating Reformation Sunday, the day Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses onto the church door.  We talked about Romans 3:28, the basis for our Lutheran theology, along with the four "solas," three of which Pastor Suzanne showed us from her arm tattoo:-).  The "solas" are:  Sola Fide; Sola Gratia; Sola Scriptura; Solus Christus..faith alone; grace alone; Word alone; through Christ alone...or "we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ as revealed through God's Word."  Great conversations!

 Preview of this Sunday:  We will join with other Christians in commemorating All Saints' Sunday, a day in which we remember those who have died.  We will have a special time in the service to remember our loved ones and friends.  We will hear words of comfort from the Scriptures and sing songs that remind us of our faith journeys in Christ.  Join us!

Come to the Vendor Fair on Saturday from 10am to 2pm and get a jump on your holiday shopping!!  Also remember to set your clocks back an hour before you go to bed Saturday night as daylight savings time ends at 2am Sunday morning.  As always, I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy and health.  Just think, New Year's Eve is only two months away.

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Day to You!

The 3 year old Preschool class went on their fall walk today after weather cancelled it last week.  Miss Marilyn and Miss Judith had to hunt a bit finding colorful autumn leaf colors though.  How are the trees looking in your neighborhood?

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

Fri. Oct. 25-Friday Study begins at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun., Oct. 27-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sun. Oct. 27-Sunday Book Study at 2pm at Pastor Suzanne's house

Wed. Oct. 30- Wednesday study begins at 6:30pm with a light supper (bring a side dish to share), the study on the book of Romans, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome!

Sat. Nov. 2-Holiday Vendor Fair from 10am to 2pm (see details below)

Daylight Savings time ends.  Set your clocks back an hour at bedtime Saturday night!

Sun. Nov. 3-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Sun. Nov. 3-Sunday Book Study will meet from 4 to 6pm

Sun. Nov. 3-Turn in your Manna order forms and payment

Tue. Nov. 5-M & M's Women's Bible Study meets at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez

Wed. Nov. 6- Wednesday study begins at 6:30pm with a light supper (bring a side dish to share), the study on the book of Romans, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  Come join us!

Fri. Nov. 8-Friday Study meets at Laura Voruz' house at 7pm

Sat. Nov. 9-2nd Saturday Bible Study at 6:30pm at the Sanchez' home

Sunday Book Study – Will meet this Sunday, 10/27 at 2pm at Pastor Suzanne's house.  We are currently studying, "Life Together," by Dietrick Boenhoeffer.  It's led to some really good discussions...join us.  All are welcome!  We start with a light meal and then discussion.

Wednesday Bible Study - Join us every Wednesday, as we continue our 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.

A Holiday Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd!  Last year's fair was such a great experience we are once again planning another for Saturday, November 2 from 10am to 4pm.  Our list of vendors has grown, but we would welcome more!  If you know someone who might be interested in selling at the Fair, please get flyers from Carrie Worthington or the church office, and then make plans to shop for your holiday gift needs as well!  There will be concessions, hot dogs, chips and pop, drawings, prizes and specials.  I heard a rumor that the Preschool has some special items they're going to be selling too.  Mark your calendar now to come and bring others too.  There is sure to be something for everyone.

Manna order forms for November will be available in church this Sunday.  Please consider ordering these convenient cards for your own everyday needs as well as for gifts.  Good Shepherd gets a percentage for each card you purchase.  Questions can be answered by Carrie Worthington or call the office.  Order forms and payments are due on November 3 and the cards ordered will be available by November 10.  Only one more ordering opportunity this year!

Recap from last Sunday:  Last Sunday, our theme was, "Persistence."  We heard the story of the persistent widow and were reminded by Jesus of how important it is to be in constant prayer and to never give up.  Jesus challenged the disciples then, as he challenges us now, through his questions - "When I return, how many will I find who have faith?"  Do you allow your circumstances to determine your faith and trust in God?  As Dr. King said, "Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."  Are you taking that first step or still standing on the landing?

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, we'll be joining with Lutherans throughout the world in celebrating Reformation Sunday.  We'll hear about Martin Luther, the great Reformer, and share some of the Scriptures that changed his life and led him to a new relationship with and understanding of God.  Join us and bring a friend!

Look for the November calendar in church this Sunday, as well as the Manna order forms.  Also, the Preschool has some cookie dough available for purchase in case you didn't order or need more.  Our new Church Directory is available, too!  Please call the office (815-886-4354) to let me know if any corrections are needed in your listing.  As always, I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy and health.  

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning!

All of a sudden it is autumn, when days are shorter, it's time to turn on the heat for those cool, crispy mornings, and we start eating soup and drinking hot beverages routinely.  It's also a great time for baking cookies we've ordered from the Preschool.  M-m-m-m-m, talk about comfort food.  There are extras available for sale if you didn't order any—or need more!

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

TONIGHT-Thur. Oct 17-The Church Council meeting begins at 5:30pm

Fri. Oct. 18-Crafter's Night at church begins at 7pm.  Bring your projects and join the fun!

Fri. Oct. 18-Friday Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

Sun. Oct. 20-Worship at 8 and/or 10am today with Connection Café between services

Sun. Oct. 20-Crop Walk for Hunger kicks off from Friendship UMC, 305 E. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook at 1pm.

Tues. Oct. 22-Marriage Equality in Illinois March in Springfield

Wed. Oct. 23-Preschool Fundraiser at Fat Ricky's from 4 to 9pm

Wed. Oct. 23-Wednesday study begins at 6:30pm with a light supper (bring a side dish to share), the study on the book of Romans, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome!

Wed. Oct. 23-Yay!!  It's cookie delivery day between 2 and 6pm!

Fri. Oct. 25-Friday Study begins at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun., Oct. 27-Worship at 8 and/or 10am with Connection Café between services

Wed. Oct. 30- Wednesday study begins at 6:30pm with a light supper (bring a side dish to share), the study on the book of Romans, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome!

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- The walk is just over a week away.  Even if you didn't get sponsors for the Walk, come out and support those walking and join in as we lift up the "least among us."  Need more information?  Contact Art Arellano for details.

Equality March News - Tuesday, 10/22, supporters of Marriage Equality in Illinois will gather in Springfield for an Equality March.  Festivities begin at noon.  Buses are being provided by many organizations for those who don't want to drive.  Check out www.marchonSpringfield.org for info.

A Preschool Spaghetti Dinner is planned for Wednesday, October 23 at Fat Ricky's.  This fundraiser will be held from 4 to 9pm and costs $8.50 per person with a portion of each sale going to our Good Shepherd Preschool.  Come one, come all, for a tossed salad and spaghetti at its' finest!  

 A Holiday Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd!  Last year's fair was such a great experience we are once again planning another for Saturday, November 2 from 10am to 4pm.  We're currently looking for vendors to participate.  If you know someone who might be interested in selling at the Fair, please get flyers from Carrie Worthington or the church office, and then make plans to shop for your holiday gift needs as well!  There will be something for everyone.

The Good Shepherd Church Directory is now available for you!  We are asking that you only take one per family giving unit and sign that you have received yours.  Please keep the directory information confidential and within the Good Shepherd family.

Recap of last Sunday:  Last Sunday was about faith and healing.  We heard the Old Testament story of the healing of Naaman and the Gospel story of the healing of the 10 lepers from Luke 17.  We talked about the difference between being healed and being made well.  Jesus' words to the leper, who returned to him after being healed, "Your faith has made you well," led us to think about how we can be physically healed but emotionally and spiritually unwell and, how we can be spiritually well but physically ailing.  We also thought about the characters in each of the stories - the young, servant girl, the underlings of Naaman, etc. - and how they helped lead others to healing.  Pastor encouraged us to think about ourselves as characters in the stories of other's lives and how we might help lead them to a place of healing - in Jesus.

Preview of this Sunday:  This Sunday, our theme is "Persistence."  We'll hear the story of a persistent widow, along with advice from Paul to Timothy about being faithful to what he's been taught and being persistent in preaching the word.  We'll think about what persistence really means and how it fits into our stories of faith and our journeys with Jesus.

As always, I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy and health.  Enjoy the sunshine that's heading our way, and pray for good weather for the CROP Walk Sunday!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Morning to you on 10/10,

We finally got our street paved yesterday and our parking lot is open today!  Many, many thanks to our neighbors, Dairy Queen and Anderson's Chapel, for their patience and being so gracious in providing us with access and parking!

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

TONIGHT-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

Mon. Oct. 14-Columbus Day Holiday.  No school.  Reports for the Church Council meeting are due in the office today.

Wed. Oct. 16- Wednesday Bible Study starts at 6:30pm with a light dinner (stew), followed by study, then Holy Communion at 8:30pm.  All are welcome.

Thur. Oct 17-The Church Council meeting begins at 5:30pm

Fri. Oct. 18-Crafter's Night at church begins at 7pm.  Bring your projects and join the fun!

Fri. Oct. 18-Friday Study meets at the home of Laura Voruz at 7pm

Sun. Oct. 20-Worship at 8 and/or 10am today with Connection Café between services

Sun. Oct. 20-Crop Walk for Hunger kicks off from Friendship UMC, 305 E. Boughton Road in Bolingbrook at 1pm.  

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- The walk is just over a week away.  Even if you didn't get sponsors for the Walk, come out and support those walking and join in as we lift up the "least among us."  Need more information?  Contact Art Arellano for details.

Equality March News - Tuesday, 10/22, supporters of Marriage Equality in Illinois will gather in Springfield for an Equality March.  Festivities begin at noon.  Buses are being provided by many organizations for those who don't want to drive.  Check out www.marchonSpringfield.org for info.

A Preschool Spaghetti Dinner is planned for Wednesday, October 23 at Fat Ricky's.  This fundraiser will be held from 4 to 9pm and costs $8.50 per person with a portion of each sale going to our Good Shepherd Preschool.  Come one, come all, for a fantastic feast of spaghetti at its' finest!  

 A Holiday Vendor Fair is coming to Good Shepherd!  Last year's fair was such a great experience we are once again planning another for Saturday, November 2 from 10am to 4pm.  We're currently looking for vendors to participate.  If you know someone who might be interested in selling at the Fair, please get flyers from Carrie Worthington or the church office, and then make plans to shop for your holiday gift needs as well!  There will be something for everyone.

The Good Shepherd Church Directory is now available for you!  We are asking that you only take one per family giving unit and sign that you have received yours.  Please keep the directory information confidential and within the Good Shepherd family.

Have you ever considered being on the Church Council?  We have temporary openings that need to be filled until the Annual Meeting the end of January.  Please prayerfully consider stepping up, then let Judy Jordan, Ronn Young-Black, or Carrie Worthington know if you are willing to fill the need.

Sermon Recap: Our theme was "The Power of Love and Forgiveness."  We talked about forgiving one another and how difficult this can sometimes be.  We talked about how, as servants of Jesus, love and forgiving others is part of our "duty."  Hearing Jesus' words in Luke reminded us of this and challenged us beyond ourselves.  Pastor shared some quotes about forgiveness from the Amish Grace book and encouraged us to be praying about those places in our lives where we most need forgiveness. 

Sermon Preview: Our theme this week is, "Faith and Healing."  We'll hear several stories of healing, including the Gospel story of the healing of the 10 lepers.  We'll think about how our faith is connected to our healing, if it is at all.  And we'll talk about what healing looks like and feels like, as it is not always what we think of.  Need some healing in your life?  Know someone who does?  Join us and be sure to bring them too. 

As always, I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy and health.  Enjoy the sunshine!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

URGENT NEWS!!! PARKING FOR THIS SUNDAY - 10/6!!!

Due to the continued construction by church, we are asking, if you attend the 8a service, to please park at Dairy Queen and, if you attend the 10a service, please park in the Southeast corner of the lot at Anderson Memorial Chapel.  Please keep "close" spots for those who need them the most.  You will be entering the building via the Dairy Queen parking lot, at our west door.  We will try to have someone outside directing you.  Thanks for your cooperation and understanding during this time.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello!

Latest construction alert!  New curbs have been poured on Alexander and Townhall Drive.  As a result, we haven't been able to get into our parking lot for the past two days and we have been bringing the preschoolers in through the back door by the Dairy Queen parking lot.  Wednesday Study was cancelled last night because Anderson's Chapel wasn't able to share their lot as they have been graciously doing for us.  Hopefully the rain doesn't delay our getting access by Sunday.

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

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 (Mexican lasagna), 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

Manna card order forms for October are due on Sunday.  Look over the list and see if there isn't something you'd like to purchase for gifting or even any every day purchases you currently make with cash.  The possibilities are endless and you get full face value without any service fees added.  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 a great experience we've decided to do it again this year!  So far there are 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 shop for your holiday gift needs there!

Sermon Recap:  Our theme from last Sunday was "You've Been Warned."  We heard the story of the the Rich Man and Lazarus from Luke and were reminded by all of our readings of how many times we have been warned about doing the right thing, by God's standards.  We also talked again about how we use our money – our intent – and why we should trust in God, not our "wealth."  Good discussions.

Sermon Preview:  This week, our theme is, "The Power of Love and Forgiveness" and, using Jesus' words from the Gospel of Luke and Paul's words from 2 Timothy, we'll talk about love and forgiveness; how these two ideas relate to one another and how they play a very important role in the lives of believers like us.  We'll also be challenged to think about the places of unforgiveness in our own lives and how we can, with Jesus' help, become more forgiving despite all circumstances.  This is a tough subject for many people so we're sure to have lots of conversation.  Join us!

It is hard to believe that Tuesday was October 1st.  The October calendar is ready for you to get in church on Sunday, so be sure to get yours!

Remember to call the office whenever there is anything you have questions about or if you need help with anything.  We're here for you, or will get back to you if you leave a message.  As always, I'm wishing you peace, faith, hope, love, joy and health.

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church