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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
July 5, 2020
July 5, 2020
- We have completed the COVID–19 written policy for our worship service, ministry, and outside organizations that we have here at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. This policy is followed by the suggestions of CDC, Presbytery of Chicago, our members and session, our city and state officials, and of course the Holy Spirit.
- Our plan is to open for our first face to face worship service with 30 - 40 people on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The doors will be opening at 10:00 AM and the service will begin at 10:30 AM.
- In the months of July and August, if you would like to come to the building to worship, you will need to contact me for availability. You must wear a mask to come into the building.
- On Thursday, July 9th at 7 PM; we will have our Bible Study through Zoom. We are studying the letter of Paul to the Philippians.
- We have a link for On–line Giving/Donations on our website: goodshepherdpcchi.org, which you can also access through our Facebook page; Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
- FYI – The Midway Community Choir Concerts are canceled for the rest of this year. The annual Vacation Bible School, Community Picnic, Blessing of the Animals, and the Spirit of Love Youth Ministry bike-a-thon to bring awareness to the homeless youth population in our city are all canceled for this year.
- Prayer requests should be passed along to your deacons or to Pastor Julio. Anyone with a prayer request or a concern may contact me at 773-585-1094, email: spiritoflove22@gmail.com or on the Facebook page: Bueno Pastor Spirit.
- Anyone that wants to drop off vegetables from their garden for us to deliver to St. Blasé Food Pantry, please drop them off on Sunday mornings from 10 AM until 12 noon or Wednesday mornings from 9 AM until 11 AM.
- If you would like to get involved in this congregation in leadership, ministry, participation, and/or growth here at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church and also if you have questions, please contact me, Pastor Julio at 773-585-1094 or spiritoflove22@gmail.com.
- PERMISSION TO REPRINT, PODCASTS, AND/ OR STREAM THE MUSIC IN THIS SERVICE WAS OBTAINED FROM ONE LICENSE WITH LICENSE #A-704573. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED.
New Features on Our Website: goodshepherdpcchi.org
I want to welcome all of you to the new and improved website of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. We have some new features on this website.
Reopening Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
The question has been asked, "When will we reopen Good Shepherd for worship and ministry?" First, let me tell you that Presbyterians operate in a different way. The session is a council elected by the members of the congregation. The session makes the final decision if and when we will reopen the church building. Before we reopen, we will develop a written policy on “Reopening a Safe Space” for worship & ministry. We will also be following the suggestions of CDC, the Mayor of Chicago, the Governor of Illinois, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We will begin by having a planning meeting with session, members, and friends of the congregation in the month of June and finalize the written policy by the end of June 2020.
At this point, we will continue to have Live Stream Worship, Bible Study, and other meetings will be through Zoom. Meetings that involve less than 10 individuals will be face to face.
Sincerely,
Pastor Julio C. Peña
I want to welcome all of you to the new and improved website of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. We have some new features on this website.
- We have a link to our live streaming worship service on our Facebook page, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
- We have an email link in which you can contact me with questions, comments, or prayer requests.
- We have an on-line giving/donation link. Please scroll down on this page to find the link.
Reopening Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
The question has been asked, "When will we reopen Good Shepherd for worship and ministry?" First, let me tell you that Presbyterians operate in a different way. The session is a council elected by the members of the congregation. The session makes the final decision if and when we will reopen the church building. Before we reopen, we will develop a written policy on “Reopening a Safe Space” for worship & ministry. We will also be following the suggestions of CDC, the Mayor of Chicago, the Governor of Illinois, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
We will begin by having a planning meeting with session, members, and friends of the congregation in the month of June and finalize the written policy by the end of June 2020.
At this point, we will continue to have Live Stream Worship, Bible Study, and other meetings will be through Zoom. Meetings that involve less than 10 individuals will be face to face.
Sincerely,
Pastor Julio C. Peña
A message from Pastor Julio
Friends, session had a zoom meeting Wednesday, June 10, 2020 to discuss the planning to reopen the church for worship and ministry. We also, discussed a possible date to reopen the church for worship. The date that the session has decided on is Sunday, September 6, 2020. (Date could change)
We have decided to cancel the Community Picnic and Blessing of the Animals this year. If any member would want their pets blessed, I will be available to bless the animals by appointment starting in August.
We have decided to cancel the rest of the Midway Community Choir Concerts this year.
We will have a written policy done by the end of the month and it will be sent through newsletter, posted on the website, on our board in the church, and it will be in a binder in the church office that will outline the guidelines of our church reopening.
We will continue to have Session and Deacon meetings, including Adult and Youth Bible study through Zoom for the remainder of this year.
We will continue to do live streaming for worship service throughout the year.
If you are having problems with the live streaming worship service, please let me know if you don’t feel comfortable talking to me about it, please speak to one of the elders or deacons and they will inform me. It is best that we know what the problem is before the following week.
All announcements of each week will also be posted on the website.
If you have the desire to worship at the church in the month of June, July, and August, please inform ME, so that I can make sure there is space. We can’t have more than 10 people in the building. If you don’t let me know and you come, you will be sent home. Also, you will need to wear a mask and keep social distance.
I’m going to schedule a Zoom meeting for the whole congregation to discuss the reopening and see how we are feeling as a church community on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 7 PM – 8:30 PM.
Friends, session had a zoom meeting Wednesday, June 10, 2020 to discuss the planning to reopen the church for worship and ministry. We also, discussed a possible date to reopen the church for worship. The date that the session has decided on is Sunday, September 6, 2020. (Date could change)
We have decided to cancel the Community Picnic and Blessing of the Animals this year. If any member would want their pets blessed, I will be available to bless the animals by appointment starting in August.
We have decided to cancel the rest of the Midway Community Choir Concerts this year.
We will have a written policy done by the end of the month and it will be sent through newsletter, posted on the website, on our board in the church, and it will be in a binder in the church office that will outline the guidelines of our church reopening.
We will continue to have Session and Deacon meetings, including Adult and Youth Bible study through Zoom for the remainder of this year.
We will continue to do live streaming for worship service throughout the year.
If you are having problems with the live streaming worship service, please let me know if you don’t feel comfortable talking to me about it, please speak to one of the elders or deacons and they will inform me. It is best that we know what the problem is before the following week.
All announcements of each week will also be posted on the website.
If you have the desire to worship at the church in the month of June, July, and August, please inform ME, so that I can make sure there is space. We can’t have more than 10 people in the building. If you don’t let me know and you come, you will be sent home. Also, you will need to wear a mask and keep social distance.
I’m going to schedule a Zoom meeting for the whole congregation to discuss the reopening and see how we are feeling as a church community on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 7 PM – 8:30 PM.
“Please let me stand.” George Floyd, May 25, 2020
As George Floyd spoke some of the last words of his life, his breath choked by a peace officer’s knee
pressed into his throat, he made a demand on all who have ears to hear. Like a stream finding its way to
the river, Mr. Floyd’s voice joins a cacophony of 400 years of reverberating Black voices that cry to our
nation and our world for a true justice that makes standing room and room to live and thrive for people
of color.
As Christ’s Church together in the Presbytery of Chicago, as a people who believe in the goodness and
love with which God created all human beings, we condemn the unnecessary and unjust killing of
George Floyd. Further, we seek to uncover and to confess the systemic sin that continues to marginalize,
oppress and kill people of color. We acknowledge that we are all complicit and deformed by the sin and
sentiment of white supremacy, though particularly whites resist this definition. White supremacy is an
ideology based on the belief that white people are superior to other races. It also grants unearned and
unequal privileges, protection, and power. It is not just an attitude or way of thinking by people on the
fringe; it is the air we breathe. It is a dominant paradigm that forms the foundation on which the norms,
laws and rules of our divided society have been created; but indeed, it is not a reflection of the world
that calls forward the Beloved Community.
What we cannot do as the Presbytery of Chicago, a representative democracy of churches and people
who belong to Jesus Christ, is to simply stand by. We call upon the churches and people of the
Presbytery of Chicago to take action that helps to interrupt and dismantle white supremacy. We charge
Sessions and congregations to commit to tangible effort that pushes against racism in all its forms and
locations.
On account of God’s call to let the waters of justice roll down, let us enter now into prayerful self and
collective examination, choose a tangible action that changes the fabric of racism and white supremacy
as we come to discover it in our own system. Let us commit to reporting these actions and outcomes to
each other in an assembly of accountability and encouragement. Let us move forward to a world where
standing together we also bow to the God who now helps George Floyd stand.
A resource to promote reflection and action regarding white supremacy is found at this link:
6 Ways White People Can Dismantle White Supremacy
You can contact the Chicago Presbytery CARE Commission by emailing: CARE@chicagopresbytery.org
In Christ’s Service together,
The Presbytery of Chicago, as represented by:
The Rev. Sue Krummel, Executive Presbyter
Elder Ariel Gloor and The Rev. Debbie Paton, Co-Moderators, Commission on Anti-Racism and Equity
The Rev. Suzan Hawkinson, Moderator, Presbytery Coordinating Commission
The Rev. Barbara Wilson, Director, Collaboration & Community Partnerships
The Rev. Kenneth Hockenberry, Stated Clerk
Adopted by the Presbytery Coordinating Commission on June 2, 2020
Elder Lawrence Brown
Rev. Lauren Cochran
Elder Jodi Craiglow
Elder Lisa Dagher
Rev. Nancy Dolan
Elder Ariel Gloor
Rev. Barbara Gorsky
Rev. Suzan Hawkinson
Rev. Deborah Kapp
Rev. Erik Khoobyarian
Rev. José Muñiz-Agrón
Rev. Paige Stephan
Elder Mike Welf
Elder Jayne Wellman
Elder Roger Wilson
Elder Sandy Zeles
P: (312) 488-3000 | 815 W Van Buren Street, Suite 415, Chicago IL, 60607 | www.chicagopresbytery.org
Here are some Scriptures that I believe will encourage us during this difficult time.
Matthew 6:5–14; 25–34
John 3:1–16
Galatians 5:22 -26
Ephesians 6:10 -20
Philippians 4: 4-6
Psalms: Chapters 1/5/6/11/20/23/27/31/38
Matthew 6:5–14; 25–34
John 3:1–16
Galatians 5:22 -26
Ephesians 6:10 -20
Philippians 4: 4-6
Psalms: Chapters 1/5/6/11/20/23/27/31/38
Reverend Julio Pena
Reflection: It’s TIME to WAKE UP
l want to begin with my condolences to the family and loved ones of George Floyd and also to all the families of victims that have fallen into the violence of racism. Let us pray, Dear Lord, I ask for peace and comfort for all that have lost loved ones. I pray for justice to be upon this country for equality, understanding, and peace. I pray that this movement of justice does not slow down until real change happens. It’s Time to Wake Up. In Jesus name, I pray Amen.
Let, me start by saying who is writing this letter. I’m a Christian, a Puerto Rican American, a husband, a father, a son, a Presbyterian Pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, and this is my voice through the presence of the Holy Spirit; no one else.
Let me speak first on the issues that I don’t condone. The selfish acts of those who chose to hide under the protest to commit violent acts of crime, including killing and especially destroying their own community, for example businesses owned by people of color . We have “Christians” who instead of promoting love are promoting separation. This is not the time. We have a President who has shown his racism, insensitivity, and selfish card with his tweets, verbal messages, and photo op. We have seen acting individuals instead of a system or groups and we continue to see police brutality in our country.
The protests are about Black Live Matters, Police Brutality, and Systematic Racism. These are the three things we need to focus on. I had the privilege to walk in a peaceful walk in my community of unity with people of different cultures, races, ages, social economic statuses, and yes with police officers.
I’m 57 years old and blacks have been victims of racism violence and injustice before my time. We need to look and learn from our past leaders like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Bryan Stevenson, Harriet Tubman, Amanda Smith, George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Ben Carson, and many more heroes that fought for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter, especially from the police brutality and racism from White Supremacy folks, but we also need to realize that we need to stop destroying each other, including Black vs. Brown lives.
The issue I believe is Systematic Racism and all you need to do is look at the evidence. When other officers do nothing, but stand by, when people just take a video through the phone, but say nothing. When some politicians and leaders say nothing until it’s in their front door. Systematic Racism is fueled by power and control from the political system, religion, and taught individuals. Let me explain briefly, a political system where our politicians do not represent the interests of all people they are elected to serve, police departments who allow unacceptable behavior, and the judicial system. Religion that condones separation and not unity. This allows evil to lurk in our churches and causes separation.Racism is taught and allowed in our homes; such as the KKK and White Supremacy.
We need to be at the table with Jesus in the center without judgment, in conversation and listening to each other. Next, is to learn from each other and the reality of systematic racism. Then real action of change can occur within ourselves. We also cannot condone racism from anyone. Each of us needs to change for the better and not let evil control us. We also need to be educated when we vote to get the best person to support the movement of justice.
I know that I need to be better and not let anger of racism control me. I need to be coming from the heart of love and not hate. I need to follow what God requires of me.
Micah 6:8b “TO DO JUSTICE, AND TO LOVE KINDNESS, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD”
Peace & Blessings;
From Pastor Julio
l want to begin with my condolences to the family and loved ones of George Floyd and also to all the families of victims that have fallen into the violence of racism. Let us pray, Dear Lord, I ask for peace and comfort for all that have lost loved ones. I pray for justice to be upon this country for equality, understanding, and peace. I pray that this movement of justice does not slow down until real change happens. It’s Time to Wake Up. In Jesus name, I pray Amen.
Let, me start by saying who is writing this letter. I’m a Christian, a Puerto Rican American, a husband, a father, a son, a Presbyterian Pastor of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church, and this is my voice through the presence of the Holy Spirit; no one else.
Let me speak first on the issues that I don’t condone. The selfish acts of those who chose to hide under the protest to commit violent acts of crime, including killing and especially destroying their own community, for example businesses owned by people of color . We have “Christians” who instead of promoting love are promoting separation. This is not the time. We have a President who has shown his racism, insensitivity, and selfish card with his tweets, verbal messages, and photo op. We have seen acting individuals instead of a system or groups and we continue to see police brutality in our country.
The protests are about Black Live Matters, Police Brutality, and Systematic Racism. These are the three things we need to focus on. I had the privilege to walk in a peaceful walk in my community of unity with people of different cultures, races, ages, social economic statuses, and yes with police officers.
I’m 57 years old and blacks have been victims of racism violence and injustice before my time. We need to look and learn from our past leaders like Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Bryan Stevenson, Harriet Tubman, Amanda Smith, George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Ben Carson, and many more heroes that fought for justice and equality. Black Lives Matter, especially from the police brutality and racism from White Supremacy folks, but we also need to realize that we need to stop destroying each other, including Black vs. Brown lives.
The issue I believe is Systematic Racism and all you need to do is look at the evidence. When other officers do nothing, but stand by, when people just take a video through the phone, but say nothing. When some politicians and leaders say nothing until it’s in their front door. Systematic Racism is fueled by power and control from the political system, religion, and taught individuals. Let me explain briefly, a political system where our politicians do not represent the interests of all people they are elected to serve, police departments who allow unacceptable behavior, and the judicial system. Religion that condones separation and not unity. This allows evil to lurk in our churches and causes separation.Racism is taught and allowed in our homes; such as the KKK and White Supremacy.
We need to be at the table with Jesus in the center without judgment, in conversation and listening to each other. Next, is to learn from each other and the reality of systematic racism. Then real action of change can occur within ourselves. We also cannot condone racism from anyone. Each of us needs to change for the better and not let evil control us. We also need to be educated when we vote to get the best person to support the movement of justice.
I know that I need to be better and not let anger of racism control me. I need to be coming from the heart of love and not hate. I need to follow what God requires of me.
Micah 6:8b “TO DO JUSTICE, AND TO LOVE KINDNESS, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH YOUR GOD”
Peace & Blessings;
From Pastor Julio
HOW WE BECOME A BELOVED COMMUNITY IN A DIFFICULT TIME SUCH IS THIS
In a time like this God continues to ask us to be a beloved community. And we at Good Shepherd are that kind of community. But now we have to be creative in "doing community" in a very different way. The following are some suggestions that I would like to share with you:
1st Take care of yourself because if you don’t then you will not be able to care for others.
2nd At times it’s okay to shut off the phones/ computers/ TV (especially on hearing COVID-19 so much).
3rd Go outside, even if it’s just the front porch, backyard, or taking a short walk in your neighborhood; just remember social distancing.
4th Be understanding with yourself and others in your home; when it comes to emotions.
5th Pray about your feelings and concerns to Jesus Christ.
6th Make social contacts, through phone calls, texts, social media, and even at home.
7th Read the Word of God daily.
8th Do things that bring you joy and make sure that you change it up a little.
9th Stay away from things that bring negative emotions.
10th Forgive yourself and love yourself.
11th Please reach out to someone if you are struggling with whatever it may be.
12th Be aware of scams that are out there.
I know that this is not easy, but we will get through this. Let us continue to have faith in our Lord.
Pastor Julio C. Pena
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Sunday School Class
Sundays at 9:00 AM Canceled until further notice We have enjoyed working with the children in our Sunday school this past year and anticipate a growth in this ministry. While the students will be taking a break from classes during the summer months, Pastor Julio and the other Sunday school team members will be planning and training other teachers to work with children ages 3–5 years old, grades 1st–5th, 6th–8th and high school students. By the end of August, a class will be held for anyone who has not been able to attend the prior Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Training that was offered. Christian Education Superintendent & Elder, Norma Rodriguez. |
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SPIRIT OF LOVE YOUTH GROUP
Christian Leadership Youth Ministry At Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church 5550 S. Merrimac Ave. Be a part of being a Christian Leader in our community and in the world. Monday evenings at 7 PM June 8th June 15th June 22nd *All meetings will be via Zoom* However, this doesn’t mean that the youth group won’t be keeping in touch. During the months of July and August they will be getting together for a field trip, fundraiser, community work, movie night, camp, game night and other fun activities. Watch for more information in the upcoming newsletters and listen for announcements during worship services. Youth Director & Deacon, Claudia Fuentes-Peña For more information and sign up, please contact Pastor Julio by email: spiritoflove22@gmail.com or contact the church at 773-585-1094 or visit at worship which is at 10:30 a.m. Sunday morning. |
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Adult Bible Study
Thursdays from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM
June 11th
June 18th
June 25th
*All Bible Study meetings will be via Zoom*
Bible Study is from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM All are welcome to learn the Word of God together by having lively discussions from the scripture and current lessons from church services. We will continue to work on the Book of Revelation. For more information, please see Pastor Julio.
Thursdays from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM
June 11th
June 18th
June 25th
*All Bible Study meetings will be via Zoom*
Bible Study is from 7:00 PM until 8:30 PM All are welcome to learn the Word of God together by having lively discussions from the scripture and current lessons from church services. We will continue to work on the Book of Revelation. For more information, please see Pastor Julio.
Midway Community Choir
Concert Sunday May 17th,2020
(please check back for possible changes in this date)
Canceled until further notice
The Midway Community Choir (MCC) is a performing arts and cultural project initiated by Good Shepherd Church in 2001. MCC provides an opportunity for residents of the Midway Airport area to sing together in an affirmative, non-sectarian setting while also raising funds for area charitable organizations. Since its first concert in the spring of 2002 approximately $67,500 has been raised for these groups by MCC. The choir meets nine months of the year with rehearsals geared for three different repertory periods: Spring Concerts, Fall Concerts, and Holiday Concerts. New members are welcome during any rehearsal period, (the ability to read music is not required).
For more information, please contact Julee Phillips, Music Director, 773-585-1094 or gspc5550@att.net. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome!
Concert Sunday May 17th,2020
(please check back for possible changes in this date)
Canceled until further notice
The Midway Community Choir (MCC) is a performing arts and cultural project initiated by Good Shepherd Church in 2001. MCC provides an opportunity for residents of the Midway Airport area to sing together in an affirmative, non-sectarian setting while also raising funds for area charitable organizations. Since its first concert in the spring of 2002 approximately $67,500 has been raised for these groups by MCC. The choir meets nine months of the year with rehearsals geared for three different repertory periods: Spring Concerts, Fall Concerts, and Holiday Concerts. New members are welcome during any rehearsal period, (the ability to read music is not required).
For more information, please contact Julee Phillips, Music Director, 773-585-1094 or gspc5550@att.net. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome!
Art Class (Basic Drawing)
Art classes are held every other Saturday from 11 AM to 1:00 PM at the church. Please see Jessica Meyer for more details and to have your name added to the email list. Beginners welcome! Dates will be announced at a later day.
Cancelled until further notice
Recent Events
Palm Sunday
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Midway Community Choir Fall Concert
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
October 26th 
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Different Drummers
presented by Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries
presented by Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries
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Feed My Starving Children
November 1st 
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VBS 2019
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Chicago Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Take Steps Walk
Horner Park on June 8th.
The picture is of the members of the University of Chicago IBD Team, the team that we supported with our donations.
Good Shepherd made a total donation of $523 to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation on behalf of the University of Chicago IBD Team. Eighteen members, friends, and family of Good Shepherd made donations. In all, there were 33 teams at the Chicago walk. At the time of the step off those teams had collected $66,000 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Horner Park on June 8th.
The picture is of the members of the University of Chicago IBD Team, the team that we supported with our donations.
Good Shepherd made a total donation of $523 to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation on behalf of the University of Chicago IBD Team. Eighteen members, friends, and family of Good Shepherd made donations. In all, there were 33 teams at the Chicago walk. At the time of the step off those teams had collected $66,000 for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.
Holy Week
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Walk-a-thon for Mental Health
Garden Bed Prep
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Feed the Starving Children March 2019
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Confirmation 2018
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Easter
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Midway Community Choir Christmas Concert
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Tree Decorating
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Feeding the Starving Children program
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GSPC youth planting with Rev. Linda
from Grace Seeds
from Grace Seeds
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Thanks Gardeners
We appreciate all donations from your gardens!!! Donations for Grace Seeds Ministry can be brought to the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
Thank you to all of those gardeners out there who have been bringing in all kinds of vegetables from their gardens including: cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes zucchini, peppers, green beans and more. All vegetables are taken to Saint Blase Pantry in Summit, Illinois.
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Welcome New Members!!!!
Blessing of the Animals
Our blessing of the Animals was a huge success. It was a beautiful day. We had several dogs, one kitten and one turtle. We raised $110.00, which will go to the Anti-Cruelty Society. We would like to thank the Girl Scouts for lugging water, passing out tags and collecting the offering.
Our blessing of the Animals was a huge success. It was a beautiful day. We had several dogs, one kitten and one turtle. We raised $110.00, which will go to the Anti-Cruelty Society. We would like to thank the Girl Scouts for lugging water, passing out tags and collecting the offering.
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Thank you to
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Vacation Bible School
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Church Picnic
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