The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd        

  7800 W. McCarthy Road

Palos Heights, IL  60463

708.448.4170

      At present, it is difficult to accurately list College and University graduates due to the changing of majors or extension of programs which frequently occurs.  While we list a few graduates, we ask that any not identified inform Pastor Basch, Ron Skoglund or the Church Office, so that we can properly salute them as well: 

   Allison Brett, University of Illinois, with a Masters in Accountancy

   Christie Gordon, University of Illinois, with a DVM Degree

   Lindsay Kammer, John A. Logan College, with a Associate in Applied Science, Major Administrative Assistant

   Karen Kasza, Harvard University, with a PhD in Applied Biophysics 

   Kathryn Konior, Benedictine University, with a B.A. in English Literature

   Ginny Paxson, Lewis University, with a Masters in Guidance and Counseling

   Mark Perry, University of Illinois, with a Juris Doctor Degree

   Steve Pries, DePaul University, with a B.A. in Journalism

   Mary Purrazzo, Knox College, with a B.A. in Psychology /Social Work

   Rachel Ralph, Washington University in St. Louis, with a B.A. in Anthropology

   Ashley Rauch, Western Illinois University, with a B.A. in Social Work

   Lindsey Reiser, DePaul University, with a Masters in Journalism/Communications

   Kirsten Swanson, Valparaiso University with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

  The Worth Food Pantry has had a large increase in the number of families requesting food.  The Good Shepherd family continues to help with much needed donations.  While any food items are ALWAYS appreciated, special requests for June include: tuna, canned meats, rice and noodle dinners, Jello, baby food and ketchup, mustard, relish, etc. and personal size toiletries are always welcome. Sincere thanks for your ongoing support.

Summer brings with it plans for vacations, family outings and moments of recreation.  It also means a change in office hours in the church office.  This summer the church office hours will be 8:00 AM until Noon, Monday through Friday.  Please remember that while this means you might have difficulty getting someone at the office on a summer afternoon, Pastor Basch will still be available throughout the day.  If no one is available to answer your call, please leave a message, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Pastor Basch will be leading a New Member orientation on Thursday, June 10^th. If you or anyone you know is interested in joining our church family please mention it to Pastor.  “Blest Be The Tie That  Binds”

The Deacon District Picnics are back!  Due to wonderful responses over the years, the Deacons will continue their tradition of fellowship picnics at the parsonage.  The dates which have been designated are June 23^rd, 24^th , 29^th and 30^th. You will be receiving a letter inviting you to your district gathering, but if you cannot attend on your designated date you are strongly encouraged to join us on another date.  Picnics are potluck, with us providing hamburgers and hot dogs and they begin at 6:30 PM.  Water balloon participation is optional!  Come, relax and have fun and friendship with your church family.

The Tuesday Groups wrap up another year of faithful growth and discussion with a closing service and luncheon on June 15^th at 11:00 AM.  All participants are encouraged to celebrate our call to grow in our understanding of God’s word as God’s family in this place.

Our Mission Team will be joining Peace Memorial Church on June 4^th and 5^th to build walls needed to build three homes for Habitat for Humanity.  Please call Linda Hubbard for more information.

A Mission Field Trip to “Sharing Connections”.  On Monday, June 14^th, Ruth Sava will lead us on a tour of this wonderful out-reach mission.  We will leave at 9:00 AM and return around noon. (Unless of course Pastor takes us out for lunch!)

The “OFF Club” will enjoy Midsommarfest at 11:00 AM June 16^th.   Representatives from the Nordic Dancers will tell us how the holiday is celebrated in Sweden and demon-strate dances of the country.  Lunch will be Beef Stew along with Scandinavian delicacies and dessert.  Cost will be $5 and guests are Valkommen!  Call Marilyn if you have not already signed up.

Congratulations to all of our High School Graduates.  We will be recognizing each of you at the 8:30 and 10:00 AM services on June 6^th and presenting you with a small gift.  Please plan on attending one of these services.  If you are unable to attend a service on this day, please stop by the church office to pick up your gift.

Attention all High School and College Students!  Nathan Klein will be leading a discussion group/bible study this summer.  It will concentrate on Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians.  This will be a very casual and open-minded environment to learn and share the Word.  Please join us for some fellowship over ice cream afterwards!  Please invite friends as well;  all are welcome!  This will take place on Tuesdays throughout the summer starting on June 1^st at 7:30 PM in the Galilean Room.  Hope to see you there!

Thank you to everyone who helped with the Garage Sale.  Whether you donated items, helped sort and price, helped with item pickups, or helped during the day of the sale, your participation was invaluable.  Many hands make light work and everyone that participated had a lot of fun. We raised $6,560 from the sale this year.  The proceeds will be used by our High School Missionaries who are going to Benton Harbor, Michigan from June 20^th - 25^th.

The annual Great America Trip for Confirmation and High School Stu-dents is scheduled for Wednesday, June 16^th.  We will meet at church at 8:00 AM.  Tickets will be $25.00 which includes your ticket and transportation.  Please sign-up on the bulletin board for this day of fun.  Adults are needed to drive our group to and from the park.  Please see Ron Skoglund if you are able to help out.  All drivers will get a free ticket to the park and have a day of fun with our young people.  Members of the Junior Choir are also invited to participate in this day of fun as a thank you for all of your hard work on the Junior Choir Musical.

The Mission Trip participants and their parents will have a meeting on Thursday, June 10^th at 7:00 PM for approximately one hour.  If you and your parents will be unable to attend this meeting, please let Ron know so he can schedule an individual meeting with you.

Congratulations 8^th Graders on your Confirmation and First Communion.  One of your new roles as an adult members of the congregation is that you get to serve as acolytes.  This is an exciting and meaningful way for you to participate in the life of our church family.  There will be an acolyte training session on Sunday, June 13^th at 9:30 AM.

Thank You to: The 2009-2010 Sunday School Staff!  We appreciate all the dedication and hard work you put towards Sunday School this past year.  The children greatly reflect all of your efforts!

NurseryTeachers: Cheryl Morg and Wendy Kraiss; assistants: Kylie Kratz, Alexa Kruszynski, Allison Atkenson, Kayla Cody

Preschool Teachers: Edith Schmitt and Keri Altier; assistants: Emily Bronson, Danae Choquette, Ally Dowling, Melanie Behrman, Natalie Miller, Alyssa Rusco

Kindergarten Teachers: Trish Nelson and Emily Quinlan; assistants: Angela Price, Becky Dowling, Jimmy Brady, Jessica Webber, Hayden Smagacz, Eleri Miller

First Grade Teachers: Candy Lombardo and Lydia & Paul Faklis; assistants: Rich Lombardo, Tori Lombardo, Nicole Price, Kelsey Kretzer, Molly Traverso, Jessica Brady, Becca Thoss

Second Grade Teachers: Joanne Aurelio and Kristen Heinlein; assistants: Kaitlyn Heinlein, Megan Heinlein, Molly Buikema, Anthony Puttkammer, Jacob Lange

Third Grade Teachers: Yvonne Kratz and Michelle Fricke; assistants: Jason Manning, Leanne Manning, Luke Pappas, Alex Meyer,

Matt Ladewig

Fourth Grade Teachers: Natalie Light and Stephanie Smith; assistants: Katelyn Brazeal, Jordan Relyea

Fifth Grade Teachers: Vicki Ladewig and Tanya Scribano; assistants: Becky Hassel, Molly Ladewig

Support Staff: Colette DeWolf, Suzanne Meyer, Kelly Hennessy, Tiffany Hunt

Director of Sunday school Music: Michelle Podewell and assistant: Sarah Traverso

Good News Gang Puppeteers: Jan Nelson, Director; Angela Price, Nicole Price, Becky Hassel, Alyssa Rusco, Kyle Rusco, Randy Swanson, Rebecca Sweeney

Special Thanks to. . .

. . . Our fantastic Church Nursery volunteers: Jaime Ekhart, Christy Wright and Jaime Ogarek!! You are truly a blessing and we are grateful for the care that you give so faithfully to our littlest members of our church family.

. . . the members of the Youth and Education Committee for putting together such a wonderful appreciation brunch for the Sunday School staff.

. . . those that made a dessert or side dish for the appreciation brunch. We are grateful for your generosity.

Congratulations to Nursery, Fourth and Fifth Grade!!!  On May 2^nd, each of these classes recited their memory work in the Sanctuary.  They did a fine job! Many compliments to the teachers of these classes as well.

Calling every-one from east to west. . . . Baobab Blast is the Get-Together of the summer!  Baobab Blast Vacation Bible School  July 12^th – 16^th, 2010  9:00 AM – 12:00 Noon  All those age 3 (by July 11^th and  potty trained) through just “completed” 5^th - graders are wel- come to join us at God’s Great Get-Together! While at Baobab Blast, kids will learn great stories about Jesus, Abraham, Joseph and more. Kids will also make cool crafts, sing fun songs, play awesome games and eat yummy snacks. 

Registration is taking place now!  Sunday mornings between the services beginning with June 6^th and on Wednesday and Thurs-day morning’s begin-ning with June 2^nd from 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon.  Early registration is strongly re-commended.  VBS fee is $10 per student.

We are in need of many more volunteers to make VBS run smoothly. Leaders are needed for the following areas: 3, 4 and 5 year old Pre-school Teachers, classroom assistants, Day Care (care for the babies of those moms volunteering for VBS), and scenery/set up help.

VBS set up week is July 5^th -10^th. We need many volunteers!  Please, if you can

spare any time during that week, come over to the church and we will put your hands to work.  We will need help with coloring, basic painting, tracing, setting up tables and chairs, covering tables, counting, sorting, and constructing.  On Tuesday (July 6^th), we will serve pizza (4:00 PM) to those who are there to help. Scenery sign up sheet is on the bulletin board or call and let Lori know that you can help.

Vacation Bible School has a wish list of items that would help with décor, crafting, pretzel making and general use.  If you are able to donate any of the following items it would be greatly appreciated.  You can bring the items to Lori’s office as soon as possible.  Items needed are: washable glue sticks, tissue paper-green (any shade), brown paper lunch bags-larger size, white paper plates-dinner size, paper clips, tubs of baby wipes, rolls of brown mailing paper, rolls of masking tape, rolls of clear packaging tape, rolls of duct tape, empty gallon Water jugs with caps, baking parchment paper, cinnamon sugar and gift cards to Menards, Home Depot, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart and Target.

We have a wish list for snacks, too.  You are able to view that list and sign up for items to donate in Mrs. Lori’s office or at the VBS registration table on Sunday mornings.  Please feel free to stop by.

VBS Volunteers…please take note and mark your calendars for. . .IMPORTANT ALL STAFF meeting on June 22^nd at 7:00 PM.

Greeters Wanted!  The summer Greeter Schedule is on the bulletin board.  This is a wonderful opportunity to offer your fellow worshippers a smile and a warm handshake.  Sign up on Sunday, or call the church office (708)448-4170 during the week.

One last note:  The Good Shepherd Lay Weeders can always use more help.  For more information please call Hank Lang.

Send mail to ron@Good-Shepherd-Church.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 06/30/10