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Sunday Themes
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Reverend Julio Pena |
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THANK YOU, Good Shepherd!
Wow, how times flies when you love what you’re doing in life and when you have love, joy, peace, and hope. I’m a blessed man to have such a wonderful wife Claudia, and such amazing, wacky, fun wonderful children. I am in awe of the amazing young adults Jessica, Israel and Emilio are becoming. I’m also honored and blessed to be the Pastor of a wonderful, dedicated and passionate congregation that is Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. I’m very thankful for a wonderful year in which we welcomed to our church four new members. In addition, we saw five youths confirmed and four individuals baptized into our family. We have seen many prayers answered in our church family for those dealing with health issues and other difficult areas in their lives.
We have an amazing Music Director who leads our choir with fresh energy and love for music and people, so thank you Julee Phillips. I’m so blessed to have Joanne McGriff, my solid rock working beside me; she has been so very helpful with getting things done. I want to thank Janet Landek who stepped up to be our main cleaning person in this church. I’m blessed to have such hard working and dedicated elders in my session; Joan, Norma R., Alice, Barbara, Lexie, Nadeene, Janet and our commissioner for the Presbytery, Dale. This year we appointed Deacons after many years of not having any at GSPC. These ladies have done such an amazing job of going beyond what is required of them; thank you on behalf of the congregation to Claudia, Jessica, Sandy and our Honoree Deacon, Jeanette.
I want to thank Reverend Linda Wygant for Grace Seeds Ministry and the work she has done for us. A special shout out for Dale for being the lead in producing such a wonderful garden of vegetables that help feed countless individuals in our community and city. Also, thanks for Janet and Claudia for keeping the garden beautiful.
We continue to do various ministry that have been such a blessing to the individuals in this congregation and the community. The Midway Community Choir (MCC) with their wonderful concerts that they provide three times a year. The Blessing of the Animals event in which we bless the pets we love and care for. The Community Picnic where we have great times with each other and some of our neighbors. Also, Vacation Bible School, a spiritual week long event for children of all ages and their parents.
We continue to have Adult Bible Study on Thursday night. Our “Spirit of Love Youth Group” is in their second year and growing; they meet twice a month on Wednesday. We have ongoing Sunday school and Confirmation classes.
I want to thank our elders who are not able to come, due to their health, but have become and will continue to be our strong prayer warriors. So, thank you so much. I want to thank all of you members, friends of Good Shepherd, who have given their time to God, given their talent to God and given their treasure to God through this ministry here at Good Shepherd.
I’m very humbled that you have trusted me to be your permanent Pastor here at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church to lead you into the future of this congregation. I have high hopes that together we will be a blessing to each other and to others in this community, city, and in this world. I’m looking forward to 2019 as we continue to grow spiritually in our fellowship, and believe we will see tremendous blessing in the coming years.
Finally, I give thanks to my God, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to the Holy Spirit for the tremendous blessings I have received and will continue to receive.
Blessings and Peace from your Pastor,
Julio C. Peña
“We’re Christmasing With You”
Midway Community Christmas Choir
December 16th at 3:00 p.m.
Do you often have the feeling that you can’t get enough Christmas music? Do you wish we sang more carols? Of course, you do. So plan to come to this year’s MCC Holiday Choir Concert. Please join us for our holiday Midway Community Concert on Sunday, December 16th at 3:00 p.m. There is no admission charge, although a free will offering supports the Midway Community Choir. So join us for the holiday songs, cheerful smiles and toasty treats. As always, we will conclude with a bountiful feast in Fellowship Hall.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service
December 24th at 6:30 p.m.
This simple and beautiful service focuses our attention on the real meaning of the season. We read from the Scriptures, sing favorite carols of Christmas, and reflect on Jesus’ entry into the world. Consider inviting your friends and family to join us for this wonderful evening. Service will begin with caroling at 6:30 P.M. followed by worship service at 7 pm.
December 24th at 6:30 p.m.
This simple and beautiful service focuses our attention on the real meaning of the season. We read from the Scriptures, sing favorite carols of Christmas, and reflect on Jesus’ entry into the world. Consider inviting your friends and family to join us for this wonderful evening. Service will begin with caroling at 6:30 P.M. followed by worship service at 7 pm.
Warming Tree
One of Good Shepherd Church’s Advent-Christmas trees is the one that we decorate with socks, scarves, hats, gloves and winter underwear. As another Chicago winter is now upon us, we are grateful to be able to curl up in the warmth of our homes. But what about the homeless? How are they to survive the frigid temperatures, the howling wind, and the snow and ice of the Midwest? The Warming Tree is one way of offering some additional warmth for the women and men who are served by Southwest Chicago Homeless Service, formally known as PADS.
One of Good Shepherd Church’s Advent-Christmas trees is the one that we decorate with socks, scarves, hats, gloves and winter underwear. As another Chicago winter is now upon us, we are grateful to be able to curl up in the warmth of our homes. But what about the homeless? How are they to survive the frigid temperatures, the howling wind, and the snow and ice of the Midwest? The Warming Tree is one way of offering some additional warmth for the women and men who are served by Southwest Chicago Homeless Service, formally known as PADS.
Prayer and Blessings Service
Monday, December 31st at 11:00 a.m.
On Monday, December 31st at 11 a.m., we will gather for a special prayer and blessing service to mark the closing of 2018 and to welcome 2019. Please join us.
Monday, December 31st at 11:00 a.m.
On Monday, December 31st at 11 a.m., we will gather for a special prayer and blessing service to mark the closing of 2018 and to welcome 2019. Please join us.
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!
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. December 3rd December 10th December 17th 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, December 12th for a talk on “Dealing with Stress.” Wednesday, December 26th “End of the Year Celebration.” 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.
December 6th
December 13th
December 20th
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.
December 6th
December 13th
December 20th
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.
Feed the Starving Children
December 28th at 7:45 p.m.
WE need YOU!! Would you like to volunteer with Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church at Feed My Starving Children? We would love to have you come along.
Kids and adults of all ages hand-pack nutritious MannaPack™ mealsspecifically designed to assist in reversing and preventing undernutrition. Volunteering occurs at our permanent sites and hundreds of MobilePack™ events nationwide.
If you are interested please contact the church office. We need to have a count of who is coming so they can maximize the number of volunteers on site at one time. 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.
Recent Events
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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