WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

 Whoa, isn’t it hard to believe that February is already here and the Preschool’s Annual Sweetheart Dance is a week from tomorrow?  I’m sure you’re all sick of cold and snow and would enjoy sharing an evening of fun for everyone!  The following week features another special “Commitment to Love” event that promises to warm us in a special way.  Look for more details on these February special events below.

 Here’s the latest information on What’s Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

             Fri. Jan 31-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 Sun. Feb 2-Worship at 9am today to be followed by the Connection Café

 Sun. Feb 2-Manna order forms and payment are due today

 Wed. Feb 5 - Wednesday Study - 6:30pm-Bring your own supper; 7pm-Bible Study (see below for more info)

 Fri. Feb 7-6:30-8pm Annual Preschool Sweetheart Dance

 

            Fri. Feb 7-Friday Study at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

 

Sun. Feb 9- One Worship Service at 9:30am - PLEASE NOTE CHANGE IN SERVICE TIME 

 

Tue. Feb 11-Ministry Night/All-Church Planning Session at 7pm (see below for more info)

 

Wed Feb 12 - Wednesday Study 6:30pm-Bring your own supper; 7pm-Bible Study (see below for more info)

 

Fri Feb 14-7pm - Friday Study at the home of Laura Voruz

 

Sat Feb 15-4pm - Commitment to Love event (see below for more info)

 

Wednesday Study - We'll meet for the four Wednesdays in February and finish our study on the book of Romans and then look at a couple of the apostle, Paul's shorter letters.  Join us at 6:30pm for a Bring-Your-Own-Supper, followed by Bible Study at 7pm.  We meet at church and all are welcome!

 

New Worship Time – After hearing from people gathered for our Annual Meeting where the general consensus was to move the one-service Sundays to a later time, the Worship Team has decided to oblige.  So, starting Sunday, 2/9, our one-service Sundays will be held at 9:30am.  The services will most likely be blended, meaning a blend of music and traditional liturgies, readings, etc.  We will always offer Holy Communion.  In addition, Lori Haack has offered to open the Connection Café at 8:30am and Pastor Suzanne is looking into the possibility of offering some kind of all-ages Sunday School program before the service, as well.  So, please help us spread the word about this time change so our whole family can worship together.

  

Ministry Night/All-Church Planning Session - Per our conversation at our Annual Meeting on 1/26, we need to take an "all hands on deck" approach to ministry, especially in the next 90 days.  We want to see what God can do through us when we all join in our mission together, looking forward with hope and moving forward with passion and planning.  So, join us on 2/11 at 7pm.  We'll have four areas in which to work; in order to ensure all areas are covered, we'll be asking you to sign up for one of the areas and then we'll gather in those groups that night at church.  Questions?  Please talk to Judy Jordan or Carrie Worthington.

 

Commitment to Love Event - You are cordially invited to join us for our "Commitment to Love" event on Saturday, February 15.  We'll begin with a special service at 4pm, followed by a family-style supper and an acoustic musical performance by Downtime.  Tickets for this event are $12 per person and include dinner, entertainment, and a special memento to take home.  This event is your opportunity to commit your love to your spouse/partner, child (children), family, friends, brothers and sisters in Christ, and God.  It will be an evening filled with stories, music, laughter, and, of course, love.  Join us!  Please note:  we want to make this event accessible to as many people as possible.  So, if money is an issue, please contact Pastor Suzanne and we'll make arrangements to make it affordable for you to come.  In addition, if you'd like to give a little extra to help assist those who can't afford to come, feel free to do so.  Tickets will be available for purchase starting Sunday, February 2.  We need to have a count for the catered meal by Wednesday, February 12.  Join us as we commit to and celebrate love!

Preschool Sweetheart Dance - The Preschool will be hosting their annual Sweetheart Dance on Friday, February 7^th from 6:30-8:00pm.  Our very own Pastor's "wife," Steve (with a little help from Courtney) will be our DJ; there will be plenty of opportunities for dancing, trivia, and lots of fun!  Start your Valentine's celebration early; bring your favorite Valentine(s) to our dance and make it a special night.  Tickets on sale now for $2.50 each, children under 2 free!

 

For those of you who weren’t at the 2013 Annual Meeting last Sunday, we would like to extend a welcome and thanks to Dave Darguzis, Roy Jamason, George Sanchez and Bruce Texley for accepting their nomination to the church council, and a load of thanks to Ronn Young-Black as he leaves the council.  Also, thanks to Judy Jordan and Carrie Worthington for continuing their service on the council.  Those who attended the meeting heard, and all who read the meeting packet read, there are many decisions to be made about our ministries in the next few months.  Please pray for those making these decisions and be a part of the process in making them by attending our Planning Session on 2/11 and other opportunities put out by the Council.

 

Just in time for the big game on Sunday, we have two TV’s we’re offering for a donation.  One set a 20” Sanyo and the other is a Panasonic with a built-in DVD player.  Both are heavy, picture tube style sets, but are in good working condition.  If you are interested in either one, please call the church office (815-886-4354).  First come, first served!

 

Today and tomorrow are Pajama Party Days for the Preschool classes.  Because I bring the twins for their 3 year old class, Grandma Renea even wore sweats and slippers today.  A comfortable way to work the morning away! 

 

As always, I’m wishing you all peace, hope, faith, joy, love, grace and health. 

 

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

Yes, today is Friday!  Sorry we're late with your update.  We have been gearing up for our 2013 Annual Meeting in church on Sunday following Worship at 9am.  Please be sure to look over the reports in your packet, and bring it with you to the meeting on Sunday.  We look forward to your participation and input in the future of Good Shepherd Church.

Here's the latest information on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

TONIGHT-Fri. Jan 24-Crafter's Night beginning at 7pm at the church

Fri. Jan 24-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun. Jan 26-One Worship Service at 9am followed by the 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting.  Remember to bring your information packet.

Sun. Jan 26-Sunday Book Study-info below

Wed. Jan 29-Wednesday Study begins at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own supper, study of the book of Romans at 7pm with communion at 8:30pm

Fri. Jan 31-Wednesday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun. Feb 2-Manna order forms and payment are due today

Annual Congregational Meeting - Just a reminder that our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 26.  We will have worship service at 9am, followed by the meeting.  Please bring some kind of breakfast or brunch item to share as we gather together to discuss the future of our ministries, current financial status, elect new Council members, and more.  If you did not receive a packet and would like to look it over before the meeting, please contact Pastor Suzanne and she will make arrangements to try to drop one off for you.  Otherwise, we will have a few extras on Sunday morning.

Sunday Book Study - The next study is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, January 26, following the Annual Meeting.  It will be held at the Texley's house.  We are currently reading, "Life Together," by Dietrich Bonheoffer.  It's about being the church as a community and what that means to each of us as we "live" together.

Wednesday Study - Our next study will be this Wednesday, January 29 at the church when we'll be continuing our study on the New Testament book of Romans.  We'll gather at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own supper (or feel free to bring something to share) and then begin the study around 7pm.  We close our time together with communion around 8:30pm.  

LOOKING AHEAD—

 

Preschool Sweetheart Dance - The Preschool will be hosting their annual Sweetheart Dance on Friday, February 7th from 6:30-8:00pm.  Our very own Pastor's "wife," Steve (with a little help from Courtney) will be our DJ; there will be plenty of opportunities for dancing, games, and lots of fun!  Start your Valentine's celebration early; bring your favorite valentine to our dance and make it a special night.  Tickets on sale soon!

Commitment of Love - Pastor Suzanne will be hosting a special worship service on Saturday, February 15 at 4:00pm, followed by a family-style dinner, with musical entertainment, as well.  The service will offer the opportunity for those interested to commit to love - of spouse/partner, children, parents, friends, God, etc.  We encourage you to invite others to join us for this special time.  Because the dinner will be catered and we will also be having entertainment, there will be a nominal fee to attend.  The fee will be determined in the next few days and tickets will be available by next Sunday, February 2.  Please know that we want everyone to come who would like to so don't let ticket prices hold you back.  Be in touch with Pastor Suzanne and we'll get you there.  All are welcome...all means all!  Join us as we commit to and celebrate love!

Christmas Greenery – We still have a few poinsettias from our Christmas season.  If you'd like one, please contact Renea in the church office and she'll make arrangements to leave one for you or have you pick them up.  A donation is requested for the greenery.

As always, I'm wishing you all peace, hope, faith, love, grace and health.  Hope to see you Sunday!

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

We have been working really hard to assemble 2013 Annual Meeting packets for you to get in church on Sunday.  If, for whatever reason, you don't get your packet on Sunday, please stop in the office during the week to pick one up.  You'll note that this has been an extremely active year in several different areas.  Please take the time to review the folders and make plans to attend the Annual Meeting on January 26 to provide your input in the future of Good Shepherd Church.

Here's the latest information on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

Fri. Jan 17-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun. Jan 19-One Worship Service will be held at 9am followed by Connection Café

Report folders for the 2013 Annual Meeting on January 26th will be distributed

Mon. Jan 20-Bible Study at 7pm at the Sanchez home

Mon. Jan 20-Reports for the Church Council Meeting are due in the office today

Wed. Jan 22-Brainstorming Session from 7 to 8:30pm at the church

Thur. Jan 23-Church Council Meeting at 6:30pm

Fri. Jan 24-Crafter's Night beginning at 7pm at the church

Fri. Jan 24-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun. Jan 26-One Worship Service at 9am followed by the 2013 Annual Congregational Meeting. Remember to bring your information packet.

Annual Congregational Meeting - Just a reminder that our Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 26.  We will have worship service at 9am, followed by the meeting.  Please bring some kind of breakfast or brunch item to share as we gather together to discuss the future of our ministries, current financial status, elect new Council members, and more.  Packets for the meeting will be available for pick up (one per family, please) this Sunday, January 19.

Sunday Book Study - The next study is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, January 26, following the Annual Meeting.  The location is yet to be determined so please contact Pastor Suzanne or Renea in the church office for more information.

Brainstorming Session - The Church Council and Pastor Suzanne invite you to join them on Wednesday, January 22 from 7-8:30pm for an evening of brainstorming; we'll be bouncing around ideas for increasing our income and decreasing our expenses as we look at our proposed 2014 budget.  The session will be held at church.  Bring a snack or dessert to share (food always makes us think better, right?) and your best ideas for ways we can grow our church - financially, spiritually, numerically, etc.

Wednesday Study - Our next study will be on Wednesday, January 29 at the church when we'll be continuing our study on the New Testament book of Romans.  We'll gather at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own supper (or feel free to bring something to share) and then begin the study around 7pm.  We close our time together with communion around 8:30pm.  

LOOKING AHEAD—

 

Preschool Sweetheart Dance - The Preschool will be hosting their annual Sweetheart Dance on Friday, February 7 from 6:30-8:00p

m

.  Our very own Pastor's "wife," Steve (with a little help from Courtney) will be our DJ; there will be plenty of opportunities for dancing, games, and lots of fun!  Start your Valentine's celebration early; bring your favorite valentine to our dance and make it a special night.  Tickets on sale soon!

Commitment of Love - Pastor Suzanne will be hosting a special worship service on Saturday, February 15 at 4:00pm, followed by a family-style dinner.  The service will offer the opportunity for those interested to commit to love - of spouse/partner, children, parents, friends, etc.  We encourage you to invite others to join us for this special time.  All are welcome...all means all!  Join us as we commit to and celebrate love!

Christmas Greenery - If you are interested in any of the live greenery used to beautify our worship space during the Advent and Christmas season, the Worship Team still has a few little trees available and invites you to "make an offer."  Questions?  Please talk to one of our team members:  Wendy Ploense, Jan Sanchez, or Pastor Suzanne.

Recap from last week:  Last Sunday, we heard the story of Jesus' baptism from the Gospel of Matthew.  We were reminded that we are "named and claimed," that we are marked with the cross of Christ forever and identified as God's own children, just as Jesus was in that moment.  How has your week gone, as you've carried that identity with you in your daily life?

Preview of this week:  This week, we'll continue to hear from the Gospel of Matthew, listening to John the Baptist proclaim Jesus as the "Lamb of God."  We'll also hear the apostle Paul's encouraging words to the church of Corinth, and to us, about all that they've been blessed with.  Finally, we'll hear special words of commissioning from the Old Testament book of Isaiah.  Have you lost your way?  Need to be reminded of your purpose?  Then come, join us, and hear what God has to say to you.

 

As always, I'm wishing you all peace, hope, faith, love, grace and health. 

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH SCHEDULE CHANGES

We just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know that tomorrow night's Ministry Night and Wednesday's Bible Study have been canceled so we can work on Annual Meeting report preparations.

Also, we need all reports for inclusion in the Annual Meeting folders to be submitted to me by 9am Wednesday at the latest.  Please be sure to send them to me in Word format.

Thanks for your help on this. 

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

service and budget meeting tomorrow

Just a reminder - one service tomorrow at 9a, followed by a forum on the proposed 2014 budget. Please bring a breakfast item to share. See you in the morning!

Thanks, everyone!

Good Shepherd Church Council

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon and Happy New Year!

Since I was out of town last week, this is my first What's Happening report for 2014.  What a year it has started out to be, too!  With all of the weather related cancellations, you have probably been averaging an email a day from church.  Personally, I cannot wait for winter to be history!

Here's the latest information on What's Happening at Good Shepherd Church. . .

TONIGHT-Thur. Jan 9-FLY Lady at Lydia Faber's begins at 7pm

TOMORROW, Fri. Jan 10-Crafter's Night at church begins at 7pm

TOMORROW, Fri. Jan 10-Friday Study meets at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun. Jan 12-One Worship Service will be held at 9am followed by the Budget Forum which was postponed from last Sunday.  

Sat. Jan 12-Open House at the Romeoville Rec Center following the Budget Forum.  Come help Pastor represent Good Shepherd at this annual neighborhood event.

Tue. Jan 14-Ministry Night will be at church beginning at 7pm

Wed. Jan 15-Wednesday Study will meet at 6:30pm to have a bring-your-own supper and followed by the study on the book of Romans and finishing with communion.

Fri. Jan 17-Friday Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Laura Voruz

Sun. Jan 19-One Worship Service will be held at 9am followed by Connection Café

Reports for the 2013 Annual Meeting on January 26th will be distributed

Cottage Meetings - The Church Council has made the decision to postpone the scheduled Cottage Meetings.  With the weather cancellation of worship and the budget meeting last week and other needs being tended to, they felt it would be better to hold off on these meetings.  As soon as they can be rescheduled, we will let everyone know.  Thank you for your patience.

Budget Forum - This Sunday, the Church Council will host a budget forum to discuss the proposed 2014 budget.  They will present what the Finance Team worked on and answer any questions related to the budget.  There will be handouts available on Sunday.  Please feel free to bring a light breakfast item to share as we gather between church and the forum.

Wednesday Study - The Wednesday Study will meet this Wednesday, January 15.  We'll gather at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own supper and then begin the study at 7pm.  We'll finish our time together with communion around 8:30pm and be on our way no later than 9pm.  All are welcome as we continue our study on the book of Romans.

Christmas Greenery - If you are interested in any of the live greenery used to beautify our worship space during the Advent and Christmas season, the Worship Team invites you to "make an offer" and one or more of the little trees can be yours.  Questions?  Please talk to one of our team members:  Wendy Ploense, Jan Sanchez, or Pastor Suzanne.

Well, this report is pretty much split between What's Happening and What's Not, isn't it?!  We appreciate your being flexible and want to assure you we are doing our best to keep to a schedule and keep you informed as well.  However, your safety is most important and we prefer not to take chances in extreme weather conditions like those we've been experiencing.  If you ever have a question or want the most up-to-date information, feel free to call the church office.  Please leave a message if there is no answer and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

As always, I'm wishing you all peace, hope, faith, love, grace and health.  Happy 2014!  

--
Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

Cottage Meetings Postponed

Apologies for not getting this out sooner.  The Cottage Meetings originally scheduled for tonight, this Saturday, and this Sunday have been postponed.  New dates will be set up sometime in the future and we will let you know then.

Thank you.

Good Shepherd Church Council

In lieu of Sunday worship...

Our Pastor, Pastor Suzanne, recorded a video in lieu of Sunday worship.  For those who aren't on Facebook and didn't see the link, we thought we'd send this to you so you are able to watch it if you'd like.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdbjZ_6NNp8&feature=youtu.be

Happy Day of Epiphany!

Please note that the preschool and church office will be closed again tomorrow, Tuesday, January 7, due to the extreme cold and inclement weather.

Thanks.

Good Shepherd Church Council

P.S....

We encourage you tomorrow morning to pray with your family; sing your favorite Christmas songs - yes, it's still Christmas until Epiphany on Monday:-) - watch a worship service on TV; or just sit quietly in God's presence as you watch the snow coming down, giving thanks for the blessings of the New Year.

Peace, everyone.
Good Shepherd Church Council and Pastor Suzanne

WORSHIP SERVICE CANCELLED - 1/5/14

DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, WE HAVE TO CANCEL WORSHIP FOR TOMORROW MORNING.

Welcome to New Year, everyone:-(

Please stay home; stay warm; take care of yourselves and remember to check in on your friends, family, neighbors, etc.

If there is anything we can do to help you, please contact one of us or Pastor Suzanne on her cell at 815-355-2397.

The church office and preschool will be closed on Monday, as well.

Prayers for those who must work, or God forbid live, in these conditions.

Peace.

Good Shepherd Church Council and Pastor Suzanne

worship and Budget meeting

The Budget meeting scheduled for tomorrow has been rescheduled to next Sunday, January 12, immediately following our one 9a service. We will have a decision on whether or not we are holding worship tomorrow morning by 7p tonight and will contact everyone via email, Facebook, text, and/or home phone. Please stay safe and warm and check on family, neighbors, etc.

What's Happening - January 2, 2014

Here's a quick look at What's Happening in the coming week or so at Good Shepherd:

Friday, 1/3 - 7p - Friday Study - at the home of Laura Voruz

Sunday, 1/5 - 9a - ONE service, followed by our Budget Forum - feel free to bring a breakfast item to share

Monday, 1/6 - Annual Ministry Reports Due for Annual Congregational Meeting

Tuesday, 1/7 - 7p - M&Ms Women's Bible Study - at the home of Jan Sanchez

Wednesday, 1/8 - 7-8:30p - Cottage Meeting (see info below)

Friday, 1/10 - 7p - Crafter's Night - at church - bring your crafts you're working on and join us

Friday, 1/10 - 7p - Friday Study - at the home of Laura Voruz

Saturday, 1/11 - 1-2:30p - Cottage Meeting - at church

Sunday, 1/12 - 9a - ONE service; 11a-12:30p - Cottage Meeting - at church

Looking ahead:

Sunday, 1/26 - 9a - ONE service, followed by our Annual Congregational Meeting - packets for the meeting will be handed out on Sunday, 1/19.  We hope you'll make it a priority to be at the Annual Meeting, as there is much to discuss.

Cottage Meetings – The Church Council is hosting three cottage meetings to offer a smaller, more informal setting for discussions on the embezzlement case, as well as other issues facing the church.  These meetings will be held on Wednesday, January 8 from 7-8:30pm; Saturday, January 11 from 1-2:30pm; and on Sunday, January 12 from 11am-12:30pm.  We invite you to attend one of these meetings and ask that you please sign up starting this Sunday.  We would like to keep the groups under 15 people for each session.  Questions?  Please contact a Church Council member: Judy Jordan, Ronn Young-Black, Carrie Worthington, or Pastor Suzanne.  We hope you will make every effort to attend one of these meetings.  Thank you!

Renea will be back in the office on Monday.  Pastor Suzanne now has a new cell phone up and running.  And all of our Council members are available for questions you have regarding upcoming events.  Please feel free to contact any of us.

Happy New Year!  Have a great week.  Hope to see you all Sunday!

Contact info for Pastor Suzanne

I have secured a new cell phone and thank you for your patience.  Because I have a new phone, however, I need to rebuild my contact list.  So, please bear with me as I do this over the next few days.

My cell phone number has not changed - 815-355-2397.

If you need to reach me, please call or text me at that number.

Thanks!

P.S.  I , along with my family, would like to thank you all for the generous Christmas gift.  It was an unexpected blessing and will be used to benefit our family in some way.  Thanks, again, for thinking of us at this special time of year.

Peace.

Pastor Suzanne