Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Vacation Bible School: Power Lab - Discovering Jesus' Miraculous Power

VBS registration began May 4 2008 and continues through June 13. Children aged 3 through 5th grade are welcome. Invite neighbors and relatives to enroll and to help.

Key facts:

• VBS is July 7th - 11th from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

• Dinner is at 5:00 pm and the evening's activities begin at 5:30 pm.
• Activities include crafts, music, story time, games and a snack.

Opportunities for volunteers include:

• Shepherd a group of children to the different activities

• Lead an activity
• Participate in the activities with the children
• Evening set up
• Make a meal
• Clean up
• Pray for the volunteers and children

The Green Steward

The Quarterly Newsletter of the
Environmental Concerns Working Group
Metro Chicago Synod, ELCA

TO GET YOUR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS NEW GREEN E-LETTER
People can add themselves to the future distribution list by sending a note with their e-mail address to Jim Schwab, chair of the Working Group, at jimjeanschwab@att.net .
They will be happy to add to their recipients list. They will also be happy to receive news or ideas from contributors.

Good Shepherd Green Team exchanged ideas with other congregations on how to be more green in our ministries and events. After the event, the Synod invited our team to lunch, brainstorming and consulting with us for ideas to improve their efforts synod-wide and also, how to create a working Synodical Green Team. What follows is the May 2008 Shepherd Staff Article to read about our exciting day.

Green Article: Living Green

Five Good Shepherd members attended the Green Fair and Green Discussion that the Synod sponsored at Ashburn Lutheran Church in Chicago. We enjoyed a worship service that included our own Kate King’s rendition of ‘It’s God’s World’ (a song that she wrote to raise environmental awareness).

At the synod's Green Event on Earth Day many congregations wanted to know how we created our Prairie Garden. The following are the directions. Contact kappyann@gmail.com for more information.

HOW TO REPLACE LAWN WITH PRAIRIE GARDEN

1. Choose a space of sun-filled lawn that measures 3 X 5 feet.
2. Remove the sod.
3. Purchase/request donation for the following prairie plants.
   • Crimson Butterfly Weed

   • Blue Globe Thistle
   • Little Blue Stem Grass
   • Wild Petunia--

   ALL AVAILABLE ONLINE FROM WWW.PRAIRIENURSERY.COM

   
   

Ride the Wave on the "Outreach Ministry Board"!

First, why the change from "Evangelism" to "Outreach"? ALL committees are to evangelize; all believers are to evangelize. Titles of committees should be, for example, Parish Life and Evangelism or Worship, Music and the Arts and Evangelism. Every person is called by God to evangelize or what is known as "the great commission." Using Outreach as our name helps people to understand what we do more clearly than just using Evangelism. Please join us! Our committee is looking for people to ride the wave that is already here at Good Shepherd; you just have to catch it and get on board!

Also, what is our mission?
To develop and maintain methods to help people become called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and closer to Jesus Christ in their daily lives and in the community of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Ministering within the congregation, but with an emphasis on reaching out to people in our neighborhood and community.

At our last meeting on April 13th, we discussed many new and exciting changes, events and ideas that will be shared with the congregation. If you are interested in joining the Outreach Committee, please contact Kate King, kappyann@gmail.com.

More updates to follow......

To develop and maintain methods to help people become called by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and closer.

After the first Service of Healing for 2008 in January was well-received by those members, former members, friends and visitors attending, the Worship, Music and The Arts Committee decided to host another Service of Healing on Sunday evening, April 27, at 7:00p.m. This service combines readings, contemplative and meditative music, and opportunities for silent reflection. Those attending are given the opportunity to light a candle, pray alone or with a prayer partner, and receive anointing and laying on of hands for healing by Pastor Stone. Come join us for an evening worship experience which will serve as a welcome finish to a weekend of rest and a helpful spiritual jumpstart for the work week ahead. Information: Carl Fisher (708-383-2971) or Twila Schock (708-704-7755)

70 Years Banner
This banner was located above our main entrance on East Avenue and was created for the 70th Anniversary worship. This initial celebration took place in October of 2006 and continued through 2007.

"Growing in Faith" comes from our joy and hope for revitalizing our spiritual journey through worship and personal experiences, every year, not just on our anniversary. Also, Good Shepherd has a unique and passionate ministry to be good stewards of our planet. Our Green Team is but one example of a group of people that foster awareness and education about how we could live our lives in purposeful action to protect our Creator's earth.

The banner was designed and made by Laurie Freeman of Minuteman Press in Oak Park and a Good Shepherd member. We are grateful for her energy and ideas and ability to give so generously to Good Shepherd.

Come see about us... Enjoy the banner.... Remember that growth comes from Life with Christ.

Do I have to join to be involved?

You are welcome to attend worship, take communion, and engage in ministry with us at Good Shepherd even without official membership, except for things such as serving on the board or in certain other elected positions or voting at officially called congregation-wide meetings.

How do I join?

If after visiting for a while you would like to become a member, just let the pastor know. We usually hold membership classes in the fall and in the spring. The main goals of our new member gatherings are to build a stronger sense of community with others interested in Good Shepherd, to help you know more about this church and some of its members, to answer any questions you might have, and to help you find a satisfying place to plug in.

The precise content varies a little from group to group. Generally, in four or five sessions, you will connect with others interested in joining; experiment with a variety of ways to pray; experience different ways to read, study or meditate on the Bible; consider a variety of faith questions; maybe learn more about your spirituality type; and discover a little about your gifts and talents and where you might plug in at Good Shepherd to make a difference in something you care about and in ways you enjoy.

There's usually a good deal of laughter in these groups as well as substantive conversation. And the beverages and munchies are pretty good, too. Childcare can be provided.