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A Special Message from Pastor Julio
Friends, due to COVID-19 we will be PROACTIVE in suspending worship and all our ministries, which includes NA meetings, until April 5th. However, the suspension may be longer. Our office will be open from 9am - 3pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for an individual visit or a group of 4 or less for prayer or conversation. Please call ahead to set up a time to meet with me. A phone prayer list will begin Wednesday, March 18th, if you wish we can share your prayer with others through email. We will also provide a small worship service that will be available on goodshepherdpcchi.org website and bueno pastor spirit page on Facebook.
These are unprecedented times that can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, but this is the time to rely on the love, comfort, peace, and the grace of Jesus.
Peace & Blessing,
Pastor Julio
Friends, due to COVID-19 we will be PROACTIVE in suspending worship and all our ministries, which includes NA meetings, until April 5th. However, the suspension may be longer. Our office will be open from 9am - 3pm Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday for an individual visit or a group of 4 or less for prayer or conversation. Please call ahead to set up a time to meet with me. A phone prayer list will begin Wednesday, March 18th, if you wish we can share your prayer with others through email. We will also provide a small worship service that will be available on goodshepherdpcchi.org website and bueno pastor spirit page on Facebook.
These are unprecedented times that can cause stress, anxiety, and depression, but this is the time to rely on the love, comfort, peace, and the grace of Jesus.
Peace & Blessing,
Pastor Julio
March 29th
March 29, 2020
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
5th Sunday of Lent
Pastor Julio C. Peña
Music Director; Julee Phillips
Clerk of Session; Elder Norma Rodriguez
Moderator of Deacons; Claudia Fuentes – Peña
Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church
5th Sunday of Lent
Pastor Julio C. Peña
Music Director; Julee Phillips
Clerk of Session; Elder Norma Rodriguez
Moderator of Deacons; Claudia Fuentes – Peña
GREETINGS
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
- We will remain closed for worship service and ministry until at least after April 5th .
- We will have worship service on April 5th through the same format on our web site, goodshepherdpcchi.org. At that point, we will be live-streaming only the Communion piece via Facebook at 11:30am. I ask that those who are listening or reading, please have your bread and juice/ wine ready in your home. We will share communion in a community spirit. I will officiate the communion and at the appropriate time we will share the bread and juice/ wine together. If you are unable to get into live-streaming, than share communion with each other or alone, but we will all be together with the Lord at about 11:45am. If we live-stream it in a different way then I will let you all know.
- We plan to have an Easter celebration when we return to worshipping together with the possibility of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services.
- 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.
- Lily orders, the Seder meal, and the Easter Breakfast have all been cancelled.
- Our on-line worship service will be found on our web page: goodshepherdpcchi.org or the Facebook page, Bueno Pastor Spirit.
CALL TO WORSHIP
Suggestions:
O mortal, can these bones live?
Only the Lord God knows.
O people, hope in the Lord.
With the Lord there is steadfast love and great power to redeem.
CALL TO CONFESSION
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Trusting in the Spirit of God, let us confess our sins.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Lord, if you held our sin against us, who could live, who could stand? We seem to have more faith in death than hope in your promise of life. We seek peace through war and find security in weapons. We abandon the hungry, sick, and dying, and pursue wealth by making others poor.
And even so, you love us; still there is forgiveness with you! Therefore we worship you; for you alone, O Lord, can save us from death and redeem us from our sin. Amen
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! If Jesus Christ dwells in you, the Spirit of God will be your life and the grace of God will be your righteousness. And if the Holy Spirit dwells in you, then God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will also give life to your mortal bodies. Friends, this is the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
Suggestions:
- If you are alone - read silently what is not bolded and aloud on what is bolded.
- If you are with others, one can read what is not bolded and others can read together what is bolded.
O mortal, can these bones live?
Only the Lord God knows.
O people, hope in the Lord.
With the Lord there is steadfast love and great power to redeem.
CALL TO CONFESSION
To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. Trusting in the Spirit of God, let us confess our sins.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
O Lord, if you held our sin against us, who could live, who could stand? We seem to have more faith in death than hope in your promise of life. We seek peace through war and find security in weapons. We abandon the hungry, sick, and dying, and pursue wealth by making others poor.
And even so, you love us; still there is forgiveness with you! Therefore we worship you; for you alone, O Lord, can save us from death and redeem us from our sin. Amen
DECLARATION OF FORGIVENESS
O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! If Jesus Christ dwells in you, the Spirit of God will be your life and the grace of God will be your righteousness. And if the Holy Spirit dwells in you, then God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will also give life to your mortal bodies. Friends, this is the good news of the gospel: In Jesus Christ we are forgiven.
Thanks be to God.
SHARING OF THE PEACE
Hi my name is Norma and today I am here to share the peace with you all. To be truthfully I don’t think there has been a time that I haven’t felt God. Even with 2019 being a rough year for me, I have felt Him. When my father passed away, I was hurt but I knew that the Lord was taking my dad to a better place. A place that I know I will eventfully join him. Then two months later The Lord decide to take my husband away. I was hurt, really hurt because my husband was my rock. He kept me stable. Yes, The Lord is also my rock but my husband was my partner here on earth. Then four months later I had to move out of the house we were renting. I felt like everything was falling apart, like I was been punished. I found a good place to live and I am doing good. Don’t get me wrong I still hurt for the loss of my father and my husband and at one point I asked the pastor if I could be angry at God but I couldn’t. I felt peace all around me. I felt like Job to a point that family members and thing were being taken away. That I had to go through this but I was at peace. So, my friends with everything going on through this COVID-19 when you believed in the Lord good things will come out and you will have peace. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen
Lord, I come before you ready to pour out my worries, anxieties, and fears at Your feet. I am claiming and declaring Your promises for blessings of peace and strength over my life. Bring peace into my soul that passes all worldly understanding and make me a light for others to see Your strength. Amen
Hi my name is Norma and today I am here to share the peace with you all. To be truthfully I don’t think there has been a time that I haven’t felt God. Even with 2019 being a rough year for me, I have felt Him. When my father passed away, I was hurt but I knew that the Lord was taking my dad to a better place. A place that I know I will eventfully join him. Then two months later The Lord decide to take my husband away. I was hurt, really hurt because my husband was my rock. He kept me stable. Yes, The Lord is also my rock but my husband was my partner here on earth. Then four months later I had to move out of the house we were renting. I felt like everything was falling apart, like I was been punished. I found a good place to live and I am doing good. Don’t get me wrong I still hurt for the loss of my father and my husband and at one point I asked the pastor if I could be angry at God but I couldn’t. I felt peace all around me. I felt like Job to a point that family members and thing were being taken away. That I had to go through this but I was at peace. So, my friends with everything going on through this COVID-19 when you believed in the Lord good things will come out and you will have peace. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen
Lord, I come before you ready to pour out my worries, anxieties, and fears at Your feet. I am claiming and declaring Your promises for blessings of peace and strength over my life. Bring peace into my soul that passes all worldly understanding and make me a light for others to see Your strength. Amen
ANTHEM
SCRIPTURES
Psalm 130 New International Version (NIV)
Psalm 130 A song of ascents.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Romans 8:6-11 New International Version (NIV)
6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God. 9 You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ. 10 But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life[a] because of righteousness. 11 And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of[b] his Spirit who lives in you.
Footnotes: Romans 8:10 Or you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive Romans 8:11 Some manuscripts bodies through
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
MESSAGE
HYMN
AFFIRMATION OF FAITH
This was sent out from the Congregation of St. Joseph. A reminder to all of us:
Love has not been cancelled.
Mercy has not been cancelled.
Prayer has not been cancelled.
Attentiveness has not been cancelled.
Goodness has not been cancelled.
Thanksgiving has not been cancelled.
Loving relationships have not been cancelled.
Kindness has not been cancelled.
Music has not been cancelled.
Conversations have not been cancelled.
Learning has not been cancelled.
Poetry and storytelling have not been cancelled.
Courage has not been cancelled.
Meditation and contemplation have not been cancelled.
Painting and dancing have not been cancelled.
Families have not been cancelled.
Community and solidarity have not been cancelled.
Faith has not been cancelled.
Hope has not been cancelled.
And God’s presence with us has not been cancelled.
- adapted from a writing by David Haas from the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer, and Ministry
Love has not been cancelled.
Mercy has not been cancelled.
Prayer has not been cancelled.
Attentiveness has not been cancelled.
Goodness has not been cancelled.
Thanksgiving has not been cancelled.
Loving relationships have not been cancelled.
Kindness has not been cancelled.
Music has not been cancelled.
Conversations have not been cancelled.
Learning has not been cancelled.
Poetry and storytelling have not been cancelled.
Courage has not been cancelled.
Meditation and contemplation have not been cancelled.
Painting and dancing have not been cancelled.
Families have not been cancelled.
Community and solidarity have not been cancelled.
Faith has not been cancelled.
Hope has not been cancelled.
And God’s presence with us has not been cancelled.
- adapted from a writing by David Haas from the Emmaus Center for Music, Prayer, and Ministry
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
As, we have read the prayers and joys of our congregation, are there any silent prayers being sent at this moment? Let us close our prayers.
- Dear God we pray for the ones that are sick in our country and in the world with COVID–19; we pray for healing.
- We pray for families that have lost loved ones during this time.
- We pray for individuals that can’t be with their loves ones at this time, even when they are in their last moments of this life.
- We pray for the nurses, doctors, staff, fire fighters, police officers, care workers, ministers, and others that must work in the public. We ask that you keep them safe.
- We pray for the leaders in this country and the world for wisdom.
- We pray for those who are not taking this pandemic serious. Give them wisdom to use common sense at this time.
- We pray for peace and joy for the families that are home together.
- We pray for those that are alone, that someone will reach out to them, even if it’s just to say hello.
- We pray for all those individuals that are homeless.
- We pray for all that have financial struggles that they may find some relief.
- Also, Lord, hear the unspoken prayers and the prayers that are said out loud.
Now, Lord, we come together to pray the prayer you taught us:
“Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is on heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever". Amen
OFFERING
INVITATION TO THE OFFERING
Without the breath of God, we are dry bones, and without the Word of God, we are dust. With gratitude, let us offer our lives to the Lord of all life.
- Please continue your tithes and offerings if you are able. You can mail these to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church; 5550 S. Merrimac Ave. Chicago, IL 60638. Checks are payable to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church or you may drop them off in the mailbox slot on our church building. At this point, we do not have on–line offering.
PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Holy God, giver of life, we thank you for raising us up and joining us together as one people, your people, flesh and bone in the body of Christ. As you have delivered us from death, use our lives to proclaim the good news of new life in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
BLESSING
May the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the resurrection and the life, bless and keep you in this life and the life to come. Amen
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Reverend Julio Pena In our mission statement here at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church it states: Where ALL are welcome! So, what does that mean? Here is what we mean by ALL: un-churched, de-churched, families of all kinds, individuals, and families dealing with addiction, mental health, or physical challenges. This also includes the homeless, youth, elderly, all cultures, all nations, and the LGBTQX community. Everyone is welcome who is searching and in need of a place to worship…to serve…to seek peace… to Be.
Pastor Julio C. Pena |
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BECOMING A BELOVED COMMUNITY
A Matthew 25 Journey to the Cross
This title comes from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Presbyterian Mission /PresbyterianToday 2020 Lenten Devotional. We at Good Shepherd will be using devotionals during Lent season this year to connect with the movement of Matthew 25 that the PUSA is making an effort for all the churches to work in the same movement as one. I will be introducing various elements of Matthew 25 with: devotionals, sermons, Bible study, and worship liturgist throughout 2020. I would like for all of you to read the letter that Donna Frischknecht Jackson the editor of Presbyterians Today.
The season of lent has often been a time to give up a vice or an indulgence (did someone say chocolate?) or take on a spiritual discipline such as fasting or meditation. What if this Lenten season, though, we looked beyond personal disciplines and committed to creating beloved communities in our own backyards –communities reflecting the inclusive and healing love that Jesus modeled as he made his way to the cross? “Beloved Community was first coined by 20th century American philosopher Josiah Royce. However, it was the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who popularized it, using “beloved community” often in speeches to illustrate God’s kingdom as truly a kin-dom. Kings’ beloved community was not a far-fetched utopia, though, but rather an attainable society based on justice for all and selfless love for one another. For King, a community became “beloved” when every person had their basic needs met.
As production of this devotional approached, I kept thinking about the commitment many of our PC(USA) congregations are making to become Matthew 25 churches. By doing so, they are building beloved communities that are dismantling racism, eradicating poverty and revitalizing ministries by serving others boldly. I wanted to capture the many ways Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 are being lived out and, thus, creating beloved communities. This devotional itself is a reflection of a beloved community, featuring the voices of 19 ordained ministers, chaplains, lay pastors and ruling elders. These men and women, from different walks of life, belong to the Presbytery of the Pacific – a place where “Matthew 25 work has been going on for years,” says the Rev. Heidi Worthen Gamble, mission catalyst. Their stories–and writing styles differ, but they all have this in common: They are passionate in wanting to see God’s love reign among them. As you journey with these writers, it is my prayer that a vision for how to become a beloved community where God has placed you dawn this Easter.
I will have the 2020 Lent devotionals on hand, and if you are interested in one please let me know. Now, I will end with this, I truly believe that we at Good Shepherd are a “Beloved Community,” but at this time like a car needing a tune up it’s time for ours. Our tune up is becoming a stronger and faithful “beloved community.” I know this congregation is not afraid to grow and that is why I’m so proud to be your Pastor. Let us have a blessed Lent Season and eagerly await for the resurrection celebration of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Pastor Julio C. Pena
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Sunday School Class
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Cancelled 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. Cancelled until further notice 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.
Cancelled until
further notice
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. We will continue to work on the Book of Revelation. For more information, please see Pastor Julio.
Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Cancelled until
further notice
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. 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)
Cancelled 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).
The first rehearsal for the Midway Community Choir's spring concert named, Imagine, is Monday, February 3, 2020, 7:15 PM, at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
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)
Cancelled 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).
The first rehearsal for the Midway Community Choir's spring concert named, Imagine, is Monday, February 3, 2020, 7:15 PM, at Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church.
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 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! Dates will be announced at a later day.
Cancelled until further notice
Recent Events
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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