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Reverend Julio Pena |
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SEEKING PEACE
As I ponder on this short article for this month’s newsletter, I can’t help but think of the injustice done this week by a Chicago priest and parish that held an exorcism and burned a rainbow flag in an evil act of hatred against LGBTQIA1 people. As a pastor I say that we are not called to bring hatred to a community, to the world, to a certain group or individual; more importantly we are not to judge, except for what is evil. We are called to love all people. Now I know that this can be a difficult task, which is why we can’t do it alone. We need the “agape” love of Jesus Christ. We, the church, are called to be welcoming to all people, no matter what. Now, we might not always get it right, but we are to make a strong effort to be welcoming.
We, the church, need to welcome the homeless, the addict, the alcoholic, the children with their family, the single, the couple, the elderly, the mentally ill, all cultures, all races, all LGBTQIA, the youth and everyone that comes to mind. Now, with that said, it doesn’t mean that an individual should be welcome to tear apart what is beautiful and made by Christ.
How do we respond to this evil act from a Pastor? By letting the community and the city know that we welcome LGBTQIA into our church community. How do we let others know that we will not stand for such hatred? By standing with our sisters and brothers in the LGBTQIA community and by praying for them as well as the individuals who do such hateful acts.
Our mission statement here at Good Shepherd says the following, “Where all are welcome to Worship, to Serve, to Seek peace and to Be.” We are a church that welcomes all God’s children. Please read the scriptures I’ve included on peace.
Hebrews 12:14 “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”
James 3:18 “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Pastor Julio
“Seeking Peace” Footnote: 1. lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning), intersex, and asexual (or allies)
Stewardship
The theme of this year’s Stewardship Campaign is Giving To God. One Sunday in October and two in November, a portion of our worship service will be devoted to celebrating the many gifts and blessings received from God. Our congregation has the ability to use our gifts to worship and glorify God, to bring others to know the love of Jesus Christ, and to serve the Lord through service to others. Please look for a letter from the Mission, Stewardship, and Care Committee and Pastor Julio in the coming weeks that will explain more about our church's Stewardship Program. This letter will also contain a pledge card and a time and talent form.
November 18th has been designated as “Consecration Sunday”; a time to respond to God’s love and acknowledge the many gifts that we have been given, individually and collectively. We will be given the opportunity to pledge our own gifts, in the form of our time, talent, and treasure. The gifts pledged that day will be used to expand our worship, Christian Education, member care, and outreach ministry in 2019. All of our pledged gifts will be dedicated to God during worship that morning. Please bring your 2019 pledge card and your time and talent sheet.
Consecration Sunday will conclude with a luncheon in Fellowship Hall, immediately following the 10:30 worship service. Please plan on taking part in our celebration of God’s abundant gifts, love, and grace along with our renewed commitment to sharing those gifts.
The theme of this year’s Stewardship Campaign is Giving To God. One Sunday in October and two in November, a portion of our worship service will be devoted to celebrating the many gifts and blessings received from God. Our congregation has the ability to use our gifts to worship and glorify God, to bring others to know the love of Jesus Christ, and to serve the Lord through service to others. Please look for a letter from the Mission, Stewardship, and Care Committee and Pastor Julio in the coming weeks that will explain more about our church's Stewardship Program. This letter will also contain a pledge card and a time and talent form.
November 18th has been designated as “Consecration Sunday”; a time to respond to God’s love and acknowledge the many gifts that we have been given, individually and collectively. We will be given the opportunity to pledge our own gifts, in the form of our time, talent, and treasure. The gifts pledged that day will be used to expand our worship, Christian Education, member care, and outreach ministry in 2019. All of our pledged gifts will be dedicated to God during worship that morning. Please bring your 2019 pledge card and your time and talent sheet.
Consecration Sunday will conclude with a luncheon in Fellowship Hall, immediately following the 10:30 worship service. Please plan on taking part in our celebration of God’s abundant gifts, love, and grace along with our renewed commitment to sharing those gifts.
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
Sunday, November 4th Sunday school at 9 A.M. Sunday, November 11th Sunday school at 9 A.M. Sunday, November 25th Sunday school at 9 A.M. 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 Minstry 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,November 14th from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. Friday, November 23rd Group Lock–in at Camp Lake Bullfrog Saturday, November 24th Group Lock–in at Camp Lake Bullfrog 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 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.
November 1st
November 8th
November 15th
November 29th
Time is from 7 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.
Thursdays from 7 P.M. until 8:30 P.M.
November 1st
November 8th
November 15th
November 29th
Time is from 7 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.
Feed the Starving Children
December 28th
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 by November 16th. 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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