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Reverend Julio Pena |
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Mental Health Awareness Month
A few of us from Good Shepherd attended a “Mental Health First Aid – Adults” training on a Saturday, March 23rd at Orland Park Presbyterian Church in Orland Park, IL. It was a training that would help us better understand Mental Health and how we can help an individual who might be having a hard time with their Mental Health. We are excited that we will be hosting, here at Good Shepherd a “Mental Health Aid – Youth” on Saturday, June 8, 2019.
As you all may know mental disorder is common in the United States. A national survey of Americans found that 18.5 percent of adults experienced a mental illness in any one year; this will come out to be about 43.8 million people. The top two mental illnesses are depression and anxiety.
Mental illness usually begins between the ages 14 and 24 years old. Mental illness can cause problems in education, relationships, church, health and work. When these problems occur, it can lead to suicide, withdrawal from others, joining up with negative groups or individuals, being mislabeled by schools, at work, society and other areas, in addition to drug and alcohol abuse.
We need to understand that Mental Health problems are common, but many people are not well informed. There is a stigma that all the violence that is occurring is committed by mentally ill people, when actually only 4% of the violence is committed by people with mental illness. Also, many people dealing with mental health illness such as individuals, family, friends, and even systems such as schools, churches, law enforcement and other entities are not well equipped to help them. Moreover, they may not know about the various resources that can help them.
These are some helpful resources for you. I invite you to visit the websites and to educate yourself about mental illness, the resources available and how you can help yourself or others who are struggling with the disease.
Please consider visiting these sites:
National Council for Behavioral Health; www.TheNationalCouncil.org
NAMI FaithNet National Alliance on Mental Illness; www.nami.org/faithnet
Illinois Mental Health Collaborative 1-866-359-7953 / TTY: 1-866-880-4459
Also, the following “lifelines” are available
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
24 hrs./ 7 days a week
The Warm Line: Peer and Family Support (support to individuals & their families.)
For Illinois residents.
1-866-359-7953 (select option #2 then option #5)
Mon-Fri. 8 am – 5 pm
Let me end with statements about the last two words of our mission statement: “To Be”.
We accept all whom God calls “To Be.” All who deal with Mental Illness are welcome here at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. We are not only to respect them, and love them, but to encourage the gifts and talents that they bring. And we also want to urge people –ALWAYS - to be empowered and work to overcome their struggles, to persevere with the help of our Lord, our prayers and the help of professionals.
Let us not only learn more about Mental Illness this month, but also celebrate life together. May the peace of God be with you, may the love of Jesus be upon you, and may the power of Holy Spirit by in you.
Pastor Julio
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YOUTH SUNDAY June 30th 10:30 service On Youth Service Sunday, June 30th, one of the youth group leaders, Mr. Israel Peña, will deliver the message, “Overcome.” Come join and support our Spirit of Love Youth Ministry. |
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The Presbyterian Youth Triennium
July 16-20, 2019 at Purdue University Presbyterian Youth Triennium is a gathering for high school age youth from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church that occurs every three years. The 2019 event is July 16-20, 2019 at Purdue University. The theme for the 2019 event is “Here’s My Heart”. We are excited for 3 of our youth to participate in this week long spiritual retreat. |
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Vacation Bible School
August 12th-August 16th 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Monday, August 12th to Friday, August 16th, 3rd Annual Vacation Bible School (VBS) from 6pm – 8pm. Our theme for this year is, “ IN THE WILD.” For more information or if you would love to help, please see Claudia Fuentes-Peña. |
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
October 26 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
A continental breakfast and lunch are provided at this free event, hosted by the Presbytery of Chicago. Youth group leaders, parents, camp counselors, teachers - ANYONE who works with youth is encouraged to attend. Continuing education hours will be provided for teachers and other professions. Click on the link below for more information, or go directly to bit.ly/YouthMentalFirstAid to register.
October 26 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.
A continental breakfast and lunch are provided at this free event, hosted by the Presbytery of Chicago. Youth group leaders, parents, camp counselors, teachers - ANYONE who works with youth is encouraged to attend. Continuing education hours will be provided for teachers and other professions. Click on the link below for more information, or go directly to bit.ly/YouthMentalFirstAid to register.
Art Class (Basic Drawing)
Art classes are held every other Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Please see Jessica Meyer for more details and to have your name added to the email list. Beginners welcome!
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Sunday School Class
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Sunday School will end for the season on Sunday, June 9th and resume, Sunday, September 8th 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. Wednesday, June 12th 6:30 p.m- 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 26th 6:30 p.m- 8:30 p.m. We will resume in September 2019 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 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
June 6th
We will resume in September 12th.
Bible Study is from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to learn the Word of God together by having lively discussions from the scripture and current lessons from church services.
Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
June 6th
We will resume in September 12th.
Bible Study is from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to learn the Word of God together by having lively discussions from the scripture and current lessons from church services.
Recent Events
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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