Mission Updates . . .

 

Many thanks to the Good Shepherd family for countless donations to the “Food Pantry Box” which are given to local food pantries and distributed to persons and families in need.

         While all donations are appreciated, the Missions Committee is sponsoring a program of “Foods of the Month” to help fill specific needs of the local pantries.  Each month’s special request will be listed in the parish paper and a sign will be posted on the “Food Pantry Box” in the narthex.

         September’s special request is for cereal, juice, canned meat, tuna, Hamburger Helper, baby food, diapers (sizes 4,5, & 6).  Once again, any donation is thankfully received. 

         REST Cooking is reaching out to those less fortunate!  The next date of REST cooking for the homeless is September 15^th at 9:30 AM.

 

 The Mission Team of Helping Hands is “Graciously” and “Gracefully” planning another “Oktoberfest”.  This year’s date is October 3^rd at 6:30 PM and will include a great menu of German food.  This year will not include a silent auction, but there will be a raffle.  If you have items that could be included please contact Linda Hubbard or the church office.  Tickets will be on sale beginning September 13^th and are limited to 200.               

 

Enjoy a delightful meal and make a donation to Good Shepherd.  Our friends at “Bon A Pit” Restaurant in Palos Heights have offered to give 10% of every bill paid by a Good Shepherd member to the Church.  If you are interested, cards for this purpose are available in the church office.  Thank you Amy Aneston for making this possible.     

 

Willowbrook, IL                                                                               

July 15, 2009 

To Old-time friends at Good Shepherd . . . To those whom we only recognize by sight and not by name . . . To the many more recent entries into the Church family. 

Greetings In faith and love!

         When Irene and I return each month to worship within this Church family, it is not only a walk in memory lane, but an enrichment of faith and love for our personal lives.

         We of course are also richly blessed in our Church home of Grace in River Forest where serving in several Interim Pastoral positions led to our membership in this Congregation for the past 14 years.

         Last Sunday was for us a special high-light as you shared with us an honor and joy in the celebration of 65 years of Pastoral ministry.  For us to have our son, Jim, in the pulpit was another plus in our festive day (even though we wonder about spilling a personal secret)..

         26 of the 65 years were spent at Good Shepherd.  It was considered a lengthy ministry, until Pastor Basch arrived – he is now in his 32^nd year with you (for which we are grateful – both for his presence, together with talented Marcy, Adam and Aaron).

         For the many kindnesses through the years, and for last Sunday—thanks to Wayne and all who shared in making for a memorable day.

                                                            + Grace and Peace be with you always!

                                                                        Victor and Irene Brandt

 

“Global Warming vs. Climate Change” – In response to a video produced by Dick Janzow and Ron and Sue Jankowski.  Interest has been expressed in a question and answer discussion with regard to the new energy bill which was passed by Congress.  If you are interested in engaging in meaningful discussion of this important topic please come and join Dick on Thursday, September 10^th at 7:30 PM in the Galilean Room.   The Video can be found on the internet at palosheights.org. Click on channel 4 then click on the link. 

            Adult Education . . .

 

Fall marks a return to school for adults as well as children!  Here at church that means the resumption of the Adult Studies.  This year, the Tuesday morning and afternoon studies will return at 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM.  These groups will begin on Tuesday, September 29^th.  They will be making plans for the new year and new participants are always welcome! 

 

“Body and Soul,” our men’s group, continues to meet at 8:00 PM every Monday evening.  Discussion follows an hour of basketball every other week.  Come and join this exciting group!  This group meets September 14^th and 28^th with basketball only on the 21^st .

 

“Spititual Fitness,” a friendly home study group which  meets on the 3^rd Monday of each month at 7:15.  The September 21^st meeting will be at the home of Cheryl Morg.  Please call her for more information.

 

                  Music Ministry . . .

 

*Come and Join the Adult Choir*

 

        A new season and a new chapter in the history of our Adult Choir begins on Wednesday, September 16^th at 7:00 PM, as Aaron Basch takes his place as the Director of our choir.

        Please join us this season, help us make a new beginning, and experience the joy of music ministry.

        The Adult Choir is looking for additional voices for this fall and Christmas season as we continue to provide a beautiful service to our congregation and share the joy of Gods love through music.  If you have any questions please see or call Aaron at 708/448-4170.

 

           The Junior Choir will begin rehearsals on Monday, September 14^th at 6:00 p.m. in Bethany Hall. The 2008-2009 Junior Choir had a great year putting on an exciting and fun Spring Musical. If you have a son or daughter who would like to join our choir, please come to our rehearsals! Any 3^rd through 8^th grader is welcome to join!  If you have any questions, please call BJ Quigley.

 

       ATTENTION all Good Shepherd children ages 3 through 2^nd grade!!!  Wouldn’t you love to be part of a “heavenly” choir that sings lots of cool songs, learns fun actions and has an awesome time putting it all together?  If so, Mrs. Donna would love for you to come join Cherub Choir.  Cherub Choir meets each Sunday morning at 10:30 AM starting on Rally Day at 10:15 in the 2^nd grade Sunday School classroom.  Cherub Choir sings at services every 2 - 3 weeks.  She hopes to see all her “angelic” friends then.

 

      The Good Shepherd Flute Choir is always looking for new members, Jr High school age - adult.  Come play with this unique group of "Faithful Flutists" every Wednesday at 6:30 PM.  If you are interested in playing or have any questions, please contact Joy Ausec.

 

    The Carillon Bell Choir is looking forward to a great new season. Rehearsals begin on Thursday, September 10^th at 7:00 PM and we are always looking for new members.  Kyle Gansel, the director of this bell choir, expresses his appreciation to the congregation for their support last year.

 

     The Joy Ringers under the direction of Sue Hennessy continues to meet on Wednesdays at 7:00 PM starting September 16^th.  This first rehearsal is open to 3^rd- 8^th grades.  All youth are invited!

 

         Other Church Activities. . .

 

        The Chancel Guild begins its year with an orientation meeting on Tuesday, September 8^th at 7:30 PM.  Hostesses are:  Joyce Nanesta, Barbara Marasovich and Donna Wilkerson.  This group of very dedicated workers is always in need of additional individuals willing to help prepare the chancel for worship services.  A great service of love is provided with a limited commitment of time.  If you would be able to help, please come to this meeting or call the church office.  Now is an exciting time to join.

 

The Macular Degeneration Support Group. . . will resume meetings September 15^th at 1:00 PM and every third Tuesday of the month.  This is open also to relatives and friends of church members who could benefit, please tell them about our meetings.  We have a wonderful group who share and support each other.   We always have coffee, cookies  and great discussions.  Call me with any questions or ideas.  Carole Peterson.

 

The “Off Club” meeting this month will be Wednesday, September 16^th and will feature Hunter’s Soup, bread, beverage and pie for dessert.  We will be entertained by Eric Lucky, singer and musician.  Bring a friend for a relaxing and fun afternoon.  We meet at 11:00 AM and the cost is only $1.00 this month. . . . We are pleased to announce that another eight-week session of Tai Chi will begin on September 24^th.  We will meet on Thursdays at 1:00 PM in Bethany Hall.  Cost of the 8 sessions is $30.  This will be a refresher and continuation of the previous sessions.  Newcomers are welcome and will learn the movements easily.  Our Tai Chi Master will again be Bill Nielsen.  Call Marilyn Herrndobler for information or just join us on the 24^th. 

  

The Good Shepherd Bowling League will begin rolling September 19^th. If you would like to join this recreational, once-a-month league that meets on Saturdays at 4:00 PM, please call the church office or sign up on the bulletin board.  A few spots remain open for this year and we especially need subs.  The schedule will be mailed to all participants in the coming weeks.  The league officers are Jan Kolar and Sandy Bartolotta. 

 

The Palos Heights Classic Car Event was held on July 16^th.  Good Shepherd ran the cotton candy machine which raised $173 for our Military Service Personnel.  Thank you to Shawn Erickson, Judy Fricke, Mark Hanrahan, Tori Lombardo, Cheryl Morg, Ron Nelson, Ronald Nelson, and Sherry Tellefsen.

 

There is a new sign up sheet for greeters on the bulletin board.  Please sign up today or call the church office during the week.  Hospitality is the hallmark of a friendly church.

 

  Youth Activities  and Education. . .

 

Confirmation – 6^th and 7^th grade will meet on September 14^th, 21^st and 28^th.  The sixth grade will be at 7:00 PM while the 7^th grade will be at 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM.  Eighth Graders will begin their classes with orientation, which includes parents, on Sunday, September 20^th at 10:10 AM and class on the 27^th at 10:10 AM.  Confirmation is an important step in the development of faith, as this three-year program is designed to provide our young people with an important framework for Christian growth and faithful living.  If you know of any Sixth through Eighth graders not presently enrolled in our Confirmation program, please contact Pastor Basch or Ron Skoglund. 

 

Thanks to Donna Choquette, Laura Dowling, Bruce Fierke, Katie Gansel, Kelsey Hennessy, Brittany Lee, and Julie Westlund for driving and enjoying a fun day at Six Flags with our High School and Confirmation students and Junior Choir members.  Forty of us enjoyed a beautiful day of fun and fellowship.

 

The ELCA National Youth Gathering in New Orleans was a wonderful experience for the 28 members of the Good Shepherd family who attended.  During the week, we joined with 38,000 other ELCA Lutherans to worship, strengthen our relationship with God and each other, and serve the people of New Orleans.  Thank you to all of you for supporting and loving our young people by making this opportunity possible.

 

A group from American Lutheran Church in Long Prairie, Minnesota stayed in homes of Good Shepherd families on their way to a week-long mission trip in West Virginia.  Thank you to the Behrman, Bennett, Foytik, and Hennessy families for hosting this wonderful group of High School students.  On their return trip, they stayed in Bethany Hall and worshipped with us before returning home.  We were glad to be a part of their mission week as they shared God’s love with our world.

 

All Confirmation students are invited to participate in a scavenger hunt on Sunday, September 27^th.  This will be our first activity of the year.  We will have lunch in the Family Life Center at 12:15 PM.  At approximately 12:45 PM, we will break into groups and begin the scavenger hunt.  Adults will be needed to assist the groups.  All groups will return back to church by 1:45 PM where we will count our items and have dessert.  Please sign up on the bulletin board if you will be able to participate in this event.  Please see Ron if you have any questions.

 

Our Summer Sunday School Teachers were wonderful!!!  Those that volunteered this year were: Michelle Podewell and David, Tanya Scribano and Adam, Julie Maty, Laura Dowling and Ally, April Strand and Lindsey, Lynn Yazbec and Jessie, Amy Slaninka and Julie Westlund.  Thanks to each and every one of you, your time/talents were greatly appreciated!

 

 

Discovery Canyon: Explore the Wonders of the Word, Vacation Bible School 2009, was a WONDERful success!!!  All those that participated this summer were encouraged to share what they have learned about God’s Word with others.  Each of the five daily themes; rejoice, pray, ask, tell, and seek equipped the children to help spread the Word of God.  Our Canyon was filled with 261 explorers.  A huge THANK YOU to…110 volunteers that helped make this year go so well, those that donated money, gift cards, food or craft supplies, and to all who brought in non-perishable food for the Worth Food Pantry.  We collected over 1000 food items for the pantry.  Great job everyone!

 

Welcome Back to Sunday School!!  We will kick off our new Sunday School year on Rally Day, September 13^th at the 11:00 AM service.  We are excited to start the new year!  Our wonderful and talented teachers this year include: Cheryl Morg, Wendy Kraiss, Edith Schmitt, Keri Altier, Emily Quinlan, Candy Lombardo, Lydia & Paul Faklis, Kristen Heinlein, Joanne Aurelio, Yvonne Kratz, Michelle Fricke, Stephanie Smith, Natalie Light, Vicki Ladewig, and Tanya Scribano.  We also have great classroom assistants, music and support staff! They are: Ally Dowling, Becky Dowling, Danae Choquette, Angela Price, Nicole Price, Kaitlyn Heinlein, Megan Heinlein, Kelsey Kretzer, Anthony Puttkammer, Jacob Lange, Becky Hassel, Jason Manning, Leanne Manning, Molly Traverso, Michelle Podewell, Colette DeWolf, and Kelly Hennessy.

 

HELP… our Sunday School needs more classroom assistants, and a music assistant or two.  If you are interested in helping our children grow spiritually, please contact Lori Puttkammer.

 

As we begin the new year, please remember the following tips for all our Sunday School children:  Parents of children in the Nursery ages 3 thru First grade will have to pick up their children from their classrooms.  The teachers will not release them to anyone but you (sorry, no brothers or sisters).  When your child is celebrating a birthday, they can bring pennies (one for each year old) for the church bank.  If at all possible, please wait until church is over before picking up your child.  They are often finishing lessons or projects, and it is helpful for the teacher if you could wait.  Also, it would be greatly appreciated if parents and adults with toddlers would please stay upstairs.  Our littlest members are easily distracted by adults walking around and waiting by the drinking fountains or peeking in the classrooms.  In the event of a fire, please do not go downstairs/ upstairs to get your child.  Your child will be waiting for you by either the trees, the retention pond area or the high tension wires in the back parking lot. Our Sunday School group participates in a fire drill once every October.  Thank you for your attention to these tips.  It will help our Sunday School run smoothly during the year.

 

Family Fun Events are back!!!  We will begin our year together on Sunday, October 4^th at 12 noon (following 11:00 AM service).  These events have become a Good Shepherd tradition of good fun and great fellowship.  Stay tuned for details about the October event.  The sign up sheets will appear on the bulletin board (across from Mrs. Lori’s office) soon.  Please be sure to sign up so that we can be properly prepared.