WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

Beginning this Sunday, our Worship time changes to 9:00am.  The new 9:00 am time will be in effect through the summer until August 31st.  Please help us inform others of this change that will allow us to enjoy summertime family activities half an hour earlier.

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

Fri. May 30-Crafter's Night at church starts at 7pm.  Bring your project and join the fun!

Sun. June 1-Connection Café begins at 8:30am and is followed by Worship at 9:00am

Sun. June 1-Reminder that June Manna orders and money are to be turned in today, and it is the last day for the Texas Roadhouse fundraiser as well.  Both will be delivered Sunday, June 8.

Tue. June 3-M & M's Women's Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Janice Sanchez

Wed. June 4-Bring-your-own light dinner at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Sun. June 8- Connection Café begins at 8:30am, with Worship at 9:00am, followed by a Special Congregation Meeting.  Make plans to join us!

Sun. June 8-Manna card orders and Texas Roadhouse tickets will be delivered today

Mon. June 9-Our Women's Care & Support Group is planning to meet at Lake Strini at 7pm (weather permitting)  Alternate location will be at Carrie's.  Come join us ladies!

Wed. June 11-Bring your light dinner at 6:30pm and it will be followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Thur. June 12-The 90 Day Challenge Group Part Two is meeting at 7pm at the church

Sun. June 15-Connection Café begins at 8:30am with Worship at 9:00am  

                      Happy Father's Day! We'll celebrate with a barbecue next Sunday

Need a gift for Father's Day?  A Graduation?  A Wedding?  Keep Manna cards in mind for your gift giving needs.  They don't wear out, won't be the wrong color, and allow the recipient to choose what they want as their gift!  These are also nice to keep on hand for unplanned gift occasions, or to use for yourself.  You don't have to use it all at once either.  Purchases can be deducted as you go.  There are no extra charges tacked on either.  You pay face value only.  It is a win-win for us and you!  There are also gift boxes available for the cards. 

Speaking of fundraisers, Sunday June 1 is also the LAST DAY to get in on the Texas Roadhouse fundraiser.  Cards will be delivered on June 8th. See Bob Kirkland for more information.  Yee Haw!!

A 90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two is addressing the following areas in an in-depth way:  -Outreach,  -In Reach (membership), -Finance (including research into establishing a line of credit), -Fundraising, and –Church/Office Space.  If any of these interest you, or you would you like further information, please contact a Council member.  Everyone's help is needed to secure and ensure the future of Good Shepherd Church. The meetings don't last long and your input would be most welcome.

At the April Congregational Meeting it was decided to keep our Preschool running for the 2014-2015 school year.  Please help us spread the word we'll be here and have anyone interested in enrolling their 3 year old and/or 4 year old child(ren) in our Preschool program call Marilyn at 815-885-4356.  Thanks!

The Preschool is having a Slammer's Ball Game fundraiser at 7pm on Friday, June 27th.  Tickets cost $10 each.  The game is on Harry Potter Night with a lot of extra happenings.  Get a group together and come out for this night of fun packed fun.  Flyers and tickets will be available in church beginning Sunday, or you can call the church office at 815-886-4354.

Wednesday Bible Study – Our Wednesday Bible Study is continuing their study of the Bible from the beginning, learning or relearning old stories of our ancestors, hearing new stories, etc.  We meet at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own light supper and start studying at 7pm.  All are welcome!  Join us!

A Special Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 8.  Please plan to attend this important meeting of the Good Shepherd family.  Also please consider working with the 90 Day Challenge Group:  Part Two to set us on the right path for the future of our church.  

I'm wishing peace, faith, hope, love, grace and health for you all.  Congratulations to all the graduates!  Enjoy the good weather and remember to use sunscreen.

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Good Afternoon!

What a beautiful day it was for the Preschool grand finale picnic!  As a Grandma, I walked along and enjoyed every minute of the children's chatter and excitement.  The children even got their picture taken next to a fire truck on the way to the park.   It is hard to believe that summer is upon us.  We'll all miss their busy, excited, smiling faces and hope to be able to reach out to even more students next year.

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

Sun. May 25-Connection Café beginning at 8:30am followed by Worship at 9:30am

Wed. May 28-Light bring-your-own dinner at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Sun. June 1-Connection Café begins at 8:30am and is followed by Worship at 9:30am

Tue. June 3-M & M's Women's Bible Study at 7pm at the home of Janice Sanchez

Wed. June 4-Bring-your-own light dinner at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Sun. June 8- Café begins at 8:30am, with Worship at 9:30am, followed by a Special Congregation Meeting.  Make plans to join us!

A new 90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two is addressing the following areas in an in-depth way:  -Outreach,  -In Reach (membership), -Finance (including research into establishing a line of credit), -Fundraising, and –Church/Office Space.  If any of these interest you, or would you like further information, please contact a Council member.  Everyone's help is needed to secure and ensure the future of Good Shepherd Church. The meetings don't last long and your input would be most welcome.

It was decided at the April Congregational Meeting to keep our Preschool running for the 2014-2015 school year.  Please help us spread the word we'll be here and have anyone interested in enrolling their 3 year old or 4 year old child(ren) in our Preschool program call Marilyn at 815-885-4356.  Thanks!

Wednesday Bible Study – Our Wednesday Bible Study is studying the Bible from the beginning, learning or relearning old stories of our ancestors, hearing new stories, etc.  We meet at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own-supper and start studying at 7pm.  All are welcome!  Join us!

Thanks to those who donated money for cookies at the Preschool's Stepping Up reception last Sunday.  It was sincerely enjoyed and appreciated.

A Special Congregational Meeting has been called for Sunday, June 8.  You should have received the notification letter earlier this week.  Please plan to attend this important meeting of the Good Shepherd family.  Also please consider working with the 90 Day Challenge Group:  Part Two to set us on the right path for the future of our church.  If you did not receive a letter, please call the office (815-886-4354) and we'll make arrangements for you to get any information you may need.

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26th, Pastor Suzanne will be doing the opening and closing prayers at the Romeoville Memorial Day Ceremony being held at 10 am at the Edward "Doc" McCartan Veterans Memorial on Montrose Drive.  

I'm wishing peace, faith, hope, love, grace and health for you all.  Enjoy the weekend and be sure to pray for those who have fought or are fighting for our country.  

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Hello and welcome back to winter!

At least we enjoyed good weather for Mother's Day weekend.  Hopefully we'll share the same good weather for Father's Day next month.  

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

Fri. May 16-Everyone is encouraged to pause at 9:30am and say a prayer for the future of Good Shepherd Church

Sunday, May 18-Connection Café is open at 8:30am with Worship at 9:30am

Sunday, May 18-Preschool Stepping Up Ceremony at 2pm at the Rec Center

Sunday, May 18-Church Council will meet at 5:30pm in the church office (rescheduled from Thursday evening)

Mon. May 19-3rd Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the home of George and Jan Sanchez

Tue. May 20-90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two will meet at 7pm at the church-see below for more info and come join us.

Wed. May 21- We'll have a bring your own light supper tonight at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Sun. May 25-Connection Café beginning at 8:30am followed by Worship at 9:30am

As a result of the Congregational Meeting, a new 90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two is being developed to address the following areas in a more in-depth way:  -Outreach,  -In Reach (membership), -Finance (including research into establishing a line of credit), -Fundraising, and –Church/Office Space.  See anything that would interest you, or would you like further information?  Please contact a Council member, or come to the next 90 Day Challenge Group Part Two meeting on May 20 at 7pm at the church.  Everyone's help is needed to secure and ensure the future of Good Shepherd Church. 

It was also decided at the Congregational Meeting to keep our Preschool running for the 2014-2015 school year.  Please help to spread the word that we'll be here and have anyone interested in enrolling their 3 year old or 4 year old child(ren) in our Preschool program call Marilyn at 815-885-4356.  Thanks!

Wednesday Bible Study – Our Wednesday Bible Study is studying the Bible from the beginning, learning or relearning old stories of our ancestors, hearing new stories, etc.  We meet at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own-supper and start studying at 7pm.  All are welcome!  Join us!

You're invited to the Preschool's Stepping Up Program at the Rec Center on Sunday, at 2pm.  Come see the four year old class as they cross over the bridge to kindergarten.  This is one of the first big steps they take in their life journey, and a very special time for sharing.  Thank you to those who donated money for cookies at the Step Up reception.  It is sincerely appreciated.

Legal Case info – As was lifted up at our Special Congregational Meeting in April, please pause tomorrow morning (Friday) at 9:30am to pray for Pastor Suzanne, the Assistant State's Attorney, and all involved in our legal case as it moves to the next phase.  In addition, if you would like to provide a victim impact letter, please do so as soon as possible, preferably before June 1st.  It can be submitted to Pastor Suzanne via email (revhurdle@sbcglobal.net) or dropped off in the church office.  These will be collected and given to the Assistant State's Attorney.

I'm wishing peace, faith, hope, love, grace and health for you all.  Keep warm and dry!

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Happy Thursday!

And what a beautiful day it is!  When I picked up my twin grandchildren at the Preschool, they were so excited to show me their Mother's Day gifts, and tell me about being at the park (aka as playground).  Almost all the students had shorts on today—finally!  Let's hope this great weather lasts.

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

TONIGHT-Thur. May 8-90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two will meet at 7pm at the church-see below for more info and come help us plan for Good Shepherd's future.

Sunday, May 11-Worship at 9:30am will be followed by our Mother's Day Brunch

Sunday, May 11-Manna orders will be delivered today

Mon. May 12-The Care and Support Group will meet at 7:30pm at Carrie's house.

Mon. May 12-Reports are due in the office this afternoon for the Church Council Meeting on Thursday.

Wed. May 14-We'll have a bring your own light supper at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Thur. May 15-The Church Council will meet at church tonight at 7pm.  Please pass along any of your questions or concerns to a Council member before tonight's meeting.

Fri. May 16-Everyone is encouraged to pause at 9:30am and say a prayer for Good Shepherd Church

Sunday, May 18-Connection Café is open at 8:30am with Worship at 9:30am

Sunday, May 18-Preschool Stepping Up Ceremony at 2pm at the Rec Center

Mon. May 19-3rd Monday Bible Study at 7pm at the home of George and Jan Sanchez

Tue. May 20-90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two will meet at 7pm at the church-see below for more info and come join us.

Wed. May 21- We'll have a bring your own light supper tonight at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Sun. May 25-Connection Café beginning at 8:30am followed by Worship at 9:30am

As a result of the Congregational Meeting, a new 90 Day Challenge  Group: Part Two is being developed to address the following areas in a more in-depth way:  -Outreach,  -In Reach (membership), -Finance (including research into establishing a line of credit), -Fundraising, and –Church/Office Space.  See anything that would interest you, or would you like further information?  Please contact a Council member, or come to the first 90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two meeting tonight at 7pm at the church.  Everyone's help is needed to secure and ensure the future of Good Shepherd Church. 

It was also decided at the Congregational Meeting to keep our Preschool running for the 2014-2015 school year.  Please help to spread the word that we'll be here and have anyone interested in enrolling their 3 year old or 4 year old child(ren) in our Preschool program call Marilyn at 815-885-4356.  Thanks!

Wednesday Bible Study – Our Wednesday Bible Study is meeting again and has decided to study the Bible from the beginning, learning or relearning old stories of our ancestors, hearing new stories, etc.  We meet at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own-supper and start studying at 7pm.  All are welcome!  Join us!

For Mother's Day on Sunday, we've planned a brunch following worship.  Please come and share this special day with your Good Shepherd family.  Lori Haack would appreciate knowing what you'll bring to ensure we don't have too much of one good thing.  We're all looking forward to gathering together to honor our mothers' and sharing stories of bygone days!

You're invited to the Preschool's Stepping Up Program at the Rec Center on Sunday, May 18th at 2pm.  Come see the four year old class as they cross over the bridge to kindergarten.  This is one of the first big steps they take in their life journey, and a very special time for sharing.  If you would like to help provide  big cookies for the reception afterward by donating or baking, please see Pat Hurdle.

Pastor away on retreat – Pastor Suzanne is away for some much-needed retreat time until Saturday, May 10.  During this time, if you have an urgent church matter, please contact our Council President, Carrie Worthington at 815-483-6904 or Vice-President, Judy Jordan at 815-210-9967.  You can also contact them if you are in need of a pastor and they will make arrangements to get someone to you.  Thank you. 

I'm wishing peace, faith, hope, love, grace and health for you all.  I will be out of the office until Monday.  Have a great weekend, and Happy Mother's Day!

-- 

Renea Horn Johnson
Pastoral Assistant
Good Shepherd Church

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH

Happy May Day!

We hope that your week has been going better than ours has!  Our computer has been failing to compute properly and has really been causing grief in more ways than you can imagine.  We are certainly learning how much information is at our fingertips that we take for granted in our daily operations.

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

Sunday, May 4-Worship at 9:30am with Connection Café beginning at 8:45am

Sunday, May 4-Manna order forms and money are due today for delivery next Sunday, May 11

Sunday, May 4-Pet Blessing in our parking lot at 2pm 

Tue. May 6-M&M's Women's Bible Study will meet at 7pm at the home of Jan Sanchez

Thur. May 8-90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two will meet at 7pm at the church-see below for more info

Wed. May 7-We'll have a bring your own light supper at 6:30pm followed by Bible Study at 7pm

Sunday, May 11-Worship at 9:30am will be followed by our Mother's Day Brunch

Sunday, May 11-Manna orders will be delivered today

As a result of the Congregational Meeting held on Sunday, a new 90 Day Challenge  Group: Part Two is being developed to address the following areas in a more in-depth way:  -Outreach,  -In Reach (membership), -Finance (including research into establishing a line of credit), -Fundraising, and –Church/Office Space.  See anything that would interest you, or would you like further information?  Please contact a Council member, or come to the first 90 Day Challenge Group: Part Two meeting on Thursday, May 8 at 7pm at the church.  Everyone's help is needed to secure and ensure the future of Good Shepherd Church.

It was also decided at the Congregational Meeting to keep our Preschool running for the 2014-2015 school year.  Please help to spread the word that we'll be here and have anyone interested in enrolling their 3 year old or 4 year old child(ren) in our Preschool program call Marilyn at 815-885-4356.  Thanks!

Pet Blessing – The new Athletic and Event Center is hosting a Pet Expo this Saturday and Sunday.  So, in order to connect with pet lovers, we're going to offer a special Pet Blessing on Sunday at 2pm.  We have been given the opportunity to have a table promoting the Pet Blessing at the expo and are in need of people to "man" the table on Saturday from 10am-4pm.  If you are willing and able to help, please contact Pastor Suzanne ASAP via email, cell phone, or Facebook.  Thanks, in advance, for helping us promote our church and our ministries!

Wednesday Bible Study – Our Wednesday Bible Study is meeting again and has decided to study the Bible from the beginning, learning or relearning old stories of our ancestors, hearing new stories, etc.  We meet at 6:30pm with a bring-your-own-supper and start studying at 7pm.  All are welcome!  Join us!

For Mother's Day Sunday, May 11th, we've planned a brunch following worship.  Please come and share this special day with your Good Shepherd family.  Lori Haack would appreciate knowing what you'll bring, or call the church office to ensure we don't have too much of one good thing.  We're all looking forward to gathering together to honor our mothers' and sharing stories of bygone days!

You're invited to the Preschool's Stepping Up Program at the Rec Center on Sunday, May 18th at 2pm.  Come see the four year old class as they cross over the bridge to kindergarten.  This is one of the first big steps they take in their life journey, and a very special time for sharing.

Pastor away on retreat – Pastor Suzanne will be away for some much-needed retreat time from Wednesday, May 7-Saturday, May 10.  During this time, if you have an urgent church matter, please contact our Council President, Carrie Worthington or Vice-President, Judy Jordan.  You can also contact them if you are in need of a pastor and they will make arrangements to get someone to you.  Thank you. 

I'm wishing peace, faith, hope, love, grace and health for you all.  Have a great weekend, and please pray for our church's future.

Renea Horn Johnson

Pastoral Assistant

Good Shepherd Church