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January 2021




​Sunday Themes
 “Living the Light of Christ”

January 3rd "The Light that was Revealed, Rejected & Received"  John1:1 - 18

January 10th "Come As You Are" Mark 1:1 -11

January 17th "Being that Spiritual Light" John 1:43 -51

January 24th "Imagine Living In A Radical Ministry" Mark 1:14 - 20

January 31st "The Authority of Christ" Mark 1:21 - 28
ANNOUCEMENTS: As of January 17, 2021.

  • Job Posting – Church Office Executive Assistant - Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church is looking for an energetic, highly organized, self - starter to work 20+ hours a week in a 3 to 4 day period. Salary is $18/hour. Position requires working with pastor, staff and officers of the church.  Duties include: answering phones, ordering supplies, weekly bulletin, annual report, monthly newsletter. Computer knowledge a must, including functional knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, and the Microsoft Windows operating system file structure. Three references required. Contact Pastor Julio C. Peña at 773-585-1094; send resume to gspc5550@aol.com. NOTE: The last day to submit an application is February 20, 2021 or if a candidate is selected. The interview process will begin the week of January 25th.

  • PLEASE NOTE: Good Shepherd  Presbyterian Church will resume in person worship services on Sunday, January 31st with service starting at 10:30am. Per the COVID policy of Good Shepherd, a maximum of 25 people will be allowed in the sanctuary.
 
  • Live streaming of our Sunday morning worship services will continue via the link at www.goodshepherdpcchi.org.

  • Session Meeting  - Monday, January 25th  -  6pm via Zoom 

  • A Special Spirit of Love Youth Group Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 27th at 6:30pm.

  • Adult Bible Study Dates in January:  Thursday, January 28th at 7pm via Zoom.

  • For live streaming worship service, on line giving, detailed information on More Light, Black Lives Matter, Bread of the World, and Matthew 25, or to leave a message or prayer request, please follow the live links on our website: www.goodshepherdpcchi.org

  • Please check this space regularly for changes or cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic. Good Shepherd PCUSA follows the guidelines of the CDC, City of Chicago and Sate of Illinois for appropriate actions.

  • The labyrinth in our yard behind the church is available for use by church family and the community for reflection and prayer. Monday through Saturday, from 8am until 6pm during the Fall and Winter season. It is closed on Sunday’s.

  •  Per our Insurance, until further notice of changes to this policy, during 2021 everyone who enters the church building proper must read and sign a Covid-19 waiver to be allowed entry.

  • PERMISSION TO REPRINT, PODCAST, AND/ OR STREAM THE MUSIC IN THIS SERVICE OBTAINED FORM ONE LICENSE WITH LICENSE #A-704573. ALL RIGHT RESERVED.
A message from Pastor Julio
​
Written Policy Concerning COVID - 19
Guidelines for Reopening the Church for Worship Service & Ministry
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
June 16, 2020
 
SAFETY
  1. Everyone entering into and exiting out of the building must wear a mask. Without a Mask, you will Not Be Allowed to enter the building.
  2. As you are moving around the building, you must wear a mask.
  3. Once you are seated in your chair, you will be asked to continue to wear your mask.
  4. You must be at least six feet apart while standing and/or seated.
  5. We will not check your temperature so if you feel feverish stay home.
  6. Wash Your Hands Often!
  7. If an individual does not comply with this policy, they will be asked to leave; if they become resistant then we will call the police.
 
LOGISTICS
  1. We will enter through the double doors and exit through the single door through the hallway by the bathroom.
  2. No more than two people can be in the main office at any time, and they will be required to wear masks.
  3. No more than three people can be in the pastor’s office at any time and they will be required to wear masks.
  4. If you need to go downstairs, you will need to go down from the Narthex area stairwell and come back up from the bathroom area stairwell.
  5. The counting / children’s room is closed indefinitely. It is only to be used by counters. Counters will are to clean all surfaces area and door knobs after each use.
 
WORSHIP
  1. We will continue to do Live Streaming Worship Service through 2020.
  2. We will be using Power Point Presentation instead of hymnals, Bibles, and bulletins until further notice.
  3. Each week announcements will be posted on the website and on the bulletin board in the Narthex.
  4. We will have pre- packaged individual communion cups for everyone, who chooses to participate in the communion.
  5. We will have one person collecting the offering and that person will need to wear a mask and gloves.  
  6. There will be no choir, however, we will have hymns, if you chose to sing the hymns, please have your mask on.
  7. We will have seating arrangements by individuals, couples, and families.
  8. We will be doing children’s time & sharing the peace differently while maintaining social distance.
 
 
 
MINISTRY
  1. All food events, such as social gatherings will be canceled until further notice.
  2. Youth Group & Sunday school will reopen in September 2020.
  3. All Session Meetings, Deacon Meetings, and Bible Study will meet through Zoom
  4. Midway Community Concerts and Choir Rehearsal are canceled for 2020
  5. Blessing of the Animals, Vacation Bible School (VBS), Community Picnic are canceled for 2020
 
CLEANING
  1. The major cleaning of the building will be done on Friday and/ or Saturday.
  2.  After worship, meetings, or ministry door knobs / handles, chairs, microphones, and all other touch surfaces of all accessed rooms must be wiped down.
  3. After each use, wipe down computer, copying machine, phones, printers, all touch surfaces in the office and office door knobs.
 
OTHERS
  1. Funerals and Memorial services will be discussed case by case with Session and Deacons.
  2. No Weddings, Baptism for this year
  3. No events at all in the building for 2020
 
Other Ministry
NA Meeting:
  1. Narcotics Anonymous coordinators must restrict facility access for their members to the fellowship hall and downstairs washrooms only.
  2. Everyone entering into and exiting out of the building must wear a mask. No Mask, you will not be allowed to enter the building.
  3. As you are moving around the building, you must wear a mask.
  4. Once you are seated in your chair, continue to wear your mask.
  5. You must be at least six feet apart while standing and/or seated.
  6. We will not check your temperature so if you feel feverish stay home.
  7. Wash Your Hands Often!
  8. If an individual does not comply by this policy, they will be asked to leave; if they become resistant then we will call the police.
  9.  N.A. will clean all areas of the Fellowship Hall and bathrooms after each meeting.
  10. They will have a maximum of only 25 people only attending each meeting.
  11. There will be no food or coffee served, each person has to bring their own refreshment.
  12. The children’s room is closed.
  13. Smoking allowed only in the parking lot.
  14. No meeting outside in the lawn or parking lot.
 
CAPS Meeting
  1. Everyone entering into and exiting out of the building must wear a mask. No Mask, you will not be Allow to enter the building.
  2. As you are moving around the building, you must wear a mask.
  3. Once you are seated in your chair, if you are speaking and maintain a social distance of six feet minimum, you may take off your mask, WHILE SPEAKING..
  4. Attendees must be at least six feet apart while standing and/or seated.
  5. We will not check for temperature so if you feel feverish stay home.
  6. Wash Your Hands Often!
  7. CAPS will clean the door knobs and handles in all accessed areas and all chair touch points after each meeting.
 
Final Note:
 
This Policy is subject to change by the session of Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. The session has the authority per the PCUSA Book of Order to deny access to any outside program, ministry, and/or worship organization for any violation of this policy. We will continue to follow the guidelines of the CDC, City, and / or State.  Also, if anyone, get’s COVID - !9 we would possibly need to terminate facility use by the program, ministry, or worship service organization.
 
 
 
We are asking everyone to respect our policy; I’m trusting and have faith that people would show kindness, respect, and humility to each other as well as yourselves. If anyone gets the virus, please let the church pastor know immediately. The individual’s identity will be maintained confidential, unless you want to share for prayer.
 
Let us continue to care for ourselves, each other, and continue to be prayerful in this changing time.
 
This policy will be placed on the website, newsletter, power point, and our bulletin board in the Narthex and Fellowship Hall.
 
We plan to open for full worship service on Sunday, September 6th
 
NA plans to open on the week of July 6th
 
CAPS to be open in September 2020
 
Signed by Pastor Julio C. Peña
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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   

​
Reverend Julio Pena

​
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A Season of Peace

Every year PCUSA promotes the Season of Peace. This year it will be from September 1st until World Communion Sunday, October 4th. PCUSA usually will focus on global peace, world peace, nation peace or even community peace, all of which is important to focus on and pray upon. However, I want to focus on Individual Inner Peace.
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With all that has been going on for the past six month with COVID – 19, police brutality, peaceful and violent protests, racism, people losing jobs, school system and teaching changes in family, changes in worship and changes in how we shop, go to restaurants, to the beaches, to parks, and how we socialize with one another. The idea of even leaving our homes has caused anxiety, fear, doubt, and depression. In other words, the way of life has changed. It’s effecting people physically, emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually.

We are struggling with our inner spirit, especially those who have an anxiety disorder like me. Even when we get a sniffle, we start worrying if we have COVID. As we listen to the news, read articles on the website or on our computer, listen to others we have become fearful, hopeless, and doubtful in what to believe or do. We have lost the balance of life.

We have begun to stay home at all cost. We have gained or even lost weight. We have become isolated from society that we don’t even make or receive calls. We are watching more TV, drinking alcohol more, using illegal drugs, getting angrier, or more short tempered. We are searching for peace from the world, but the world is not even at peace. So, where do we go? Well my friends I go to Jesus and I begin with the Bible.
In scripture, John 14:27 it describes the end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives that is a deep and lasting peace. Unlike worldly peace, which is usually defined as the absence of conflict, this peace is a confident assurance in any circumstance with Christ’s peace. And we have no need to fear the present or the future. If you life is full of stress, anxiety, doubt, or depression allow the Holy Spirit to fill you with Christ’s peace.
Let us look at John 14:27 (NIV) “Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  
                            
 Also in Philippians 4:6 – 7 (NIV) it siads; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
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Friends, we need to begin with scriptures as we work on our inner peace. We need to continue with prayer(conversation), quiet time (with no distraction), mediation (in our minds, and / or peaceful place), eating right, sleeping right, having fun with family, close friend or pets. Be creative. Get out of the house and walk, ride a bike, work on a hobby such as puzzle, read a book, dancing, or spend time away from the house. In other words, live a balanced life while still staying safe, as we always have. Our trust and hope needs to be at the center of our lives, our creator, our Lord and Savior and with the Holy Spirit.
The time is now to put your whole self into the hands of Jesus Christ. May you find the peace of Jesus Christ.
 
       From Pastor Julio
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​“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
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      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
​​​
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.
​ 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 evenings at 7 PM 
​
September 16th
September 30th

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

September 10th
September 17th
September 24th 
​

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.
                                                                        
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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).
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 For more information, please contact Julee Phillips, Music Director, 773-585-1094 or gspc5550@att.net. Anyone who loves to sing is welcome! 
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Art Class (Basic Drawing)


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​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

Labyrinth
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Palm Sunday

Midway Community Choir Fall Concert
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
​October 26th ​
Different Drummers 
presented by Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries
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Feed My Starving Children
November 1st 
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.
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Holy Week
Walk-a-thon for Mental Health
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Garden Bed Prep
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Feed the Starving Children March 2019
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Confirmation 2018
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Easter
Midway Community Choir Christmas Concert
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Tree Decorating
Feeding the Starving Children program
GSPC youth planting with Rev. Linda

​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.
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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.  
Welcome New Members!!!!
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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.  

Thank you to

everyone who

helped and

attended VBS

this year!!!! WE

hope to see you

again next

​ year!
​

Vacation Bible School

Church Picnic