Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Then the King will say to those on his right,
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance,
the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.” Matthew 25:34
GOOD SHEPHERD EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH, SCHOOL, AND PRESCHOOL
Downers Grove, Illinois
A member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS)
NOVEMBER 11TH AND 12TH, 2017
2
Welcome to Good Shepherd!
We are glad to have you with us in worship today! We exist to “grow in the grace and
knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18) and to “go into all the
world and preach the good news to all creation.” (Mark 16:15)
We love to have children in worship with us! The pews in the back of the church are
reserved especially for families with young children. At times we understand that
children can become overly restless or start crying loudly. For times like these, we offer a
special room called “The Shepherd’s Nook” where you will find comfortable furniture
and a closed-circuit television monitor so that you can still follow our worship service.
It’s a great place for children to regain their composure and then rejoin us for worship.
“The Shepherd’s Nook” is located just to the left of the picture at the end of the hallway.
If you need directions, please ask an usher. There is also a restroom with a changing
table in the hallway near the church lobby. Additional restrooms and a drinking
fountain are at the end of the hallway. Our Restroom off of the Narthex does provide
parents with a changing table and nursing Mothers privacy if desired.
For your comfort and convenience we have Large Print Bulletins, Hearing Devices,
Crutches, and Wheelchairs. If the previously mentioned items would be helpful to you
or if you desire any other assistance please contact an usher, they will be happy to help
you.
For those unable to join us in person, our Sunday morning worship services are
streamed live at www.gsdg.org. We also make audio recordings of our worship for our
shut-ins and anyone else who might wish to make use of them or pass them along to
others. Please ask an usher for details. So that we may have a record of your visit, we ask
you to sign the Friendship Register which is a small maroon book located at the end of
each pew.
Our Practice of Holy Communion
Believing that Holy Scripture teaches that Holy Communion is intended for those who
are truly one in faith, this congregation practices Close Communion. This means that
Holy Communion is reserved for those who are members of Good Shepherd Lutheran
Church or other WELS and ELS churches. If you wish to join us in the future, please
speak with one of our pastors after worship.
3
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF END TIME – LAST JUDGMENT The Savior’s Message:
How would your life change today if you knew Jesus was coming tomorrow?
Scripture makes it very clear that the day is coming soon when Jesus will return
to judge the living and the dead. When Jesus comes again, may he find us ready,
standing in the faith, growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ!
Altar Flowers – The Altar flowers have been placed by Osha & Valerie
Adegunleye in thankfulness to God for their 11th Wedding Anniversary, and all
of their many blessings.
PRESERVICE MUSIC - Jan Henriksen
PERSONAL PRAYER UPON ENTERING GOD’S HOUSE Hymn 306, Verse 1
Before you, God, the Judge of all, With grief and shame I humbly fall.
I see my sins against you, Lord, My sins of thought and deed and word.
They press me sore; to you I flee: O God, be merciful to me! Amen.
4
ORDER OF SERVICE
We worship our Savior God by expressing humble repentance for our sins, hearing his Word, singing our
thankful praise, and offering our fervent prayers.
OPENING ANTHEM (SUNDAY) – Sung by our Pre-K – 2nd Graders
“Jesus Loves Me, Jesus Loves Me” By Charlotte A. Barnard © 1999 by Northwestern Publishing House Words: Public Domain
Accompanist: Heidi Rusch
“Jesus loves me, Jesus loves me; He is always, always near. If I do but trust and love
him, there is nothing I need fear.”
“Jesus loves me; night and morning Jesus hears the prayers I pray, and he never,
never leaves me when I work or when I play.”
“Jesus loves me, and he watches over me with loving eye, and he sends his holy
angels safe to keep me till I die.”
OPENING HYMN In Christ Alone | 752
INVOCATION
Please stand.
M: In the name of the Father and of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (spoken) Amen.
5
CONFESSION
We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standard of his law and we ask for his mercy.
M: Beloved in the Lord: let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to
God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us
forgiveness.
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I
have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is
evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both
now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my
Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF FORGIVENESS
The pastor announces the message of forgiveness won for us by the perfect life and innocent
suffering and death of our Savior, Jesus.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son
to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ
and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and
of the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
C: (spoken) Amen.
6
PRAYER AND PRAISE
M: In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.
7
8
PRAYER OF THE DAY
M: The Lord be with you.
C: And also with you.
M: Let us pray.
The minister says the Prayer of the Day.
Lord God Almighty, so rule and govern our hearts and minds by your Holy Spirit
that we may always look forward to the end of this present evil age and to the day of
your righteous judgment. Keep us steadfast in the true and living faith and present
us at last holy and blameless before you; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (spoken) Amen.
Be seated.
The Word
FIRST LESSON Daniel 7: 9,10
Living in the light of Judgment Day, we rejoice that our names are written in God’s book of
life!
As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His
clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne
was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him. Thousands upon thousands attended him; ten
thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The court was seated, and the books
were opened.
9
PSALM OF THE DAY Psalm 90
Lord, you have been our dwelling place*
throughout all generations.
Before the mountains were born
or you brought forth the earth and the world,*
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
For a thousand years in your sight are like a day
that has just gone by,*
or like a watch in the night.
Refrain
You have set our iniquities before you,*
our secret sins in the light of your presence.
You turn mortals back to dust.*
You sweep them away in the sleep of death.
The length of our days is seventy years—
or eighty, if we have the strength;*
yet their span is but trouble and sorrow.
Teach us to number our days aright,*
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Refrain
10
Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love,*
that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son*
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning,*
is now, and will be forever. Amen.
Refrain
Refrain Tune: Eugene Englert. © 1986 GIA Publications, Inc., Chicago, IL, www.giamusic.com. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
SECOND LESSON I Thessalonians 5: 1 – 11
Living in the light of Judgment Day, we stand firm in the faith and encourage others in
the faith!
Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you
know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While
people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly,
as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers,
are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all
sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the
darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and
self-controlled. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get
drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled, putting
on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. For God
did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord
Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live
together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up,
just as in fact you are doing.
11
VERSE OF THE DAY If God Himself Be for Me | 419 (Verses 1 and 4)
If God himself be for me, I may a host defy;
For when I pray, before me My foes, confounded, fly. If Christ, my head and master, Befriend me from above, What foe or what disaster Can drive me from his love?
He canceled my offenses, Delivered me from death;
He is the Lord who cleanses My soul from sin through faith. In him I can be cheerful, Courageous on my way;
In him I am not fearful Of God’s great Judgment Day.
After the announcement of the Gospel, the congregation sings:
GOSPEL Matthew 25:31-46
Living in the light of Judgment Day, we look forward to Jesus taking us to be with him in
heaven!
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on
his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will
separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the
goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the King will
say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your
inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was
hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something
to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed
me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed
you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger
12
and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in
prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you
did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ Then he will say to
those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared
for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was
thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me
in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did
not look after me.’ They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or
thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’
He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of
these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the
righteous to eternal life.”
M: This is the Gospel of the Lord.
13
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
maker of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
Children’s Message – Jesus tells us to, “let the little children come to me and do
not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14).
This weekend’s Children’s Message will focus on living thankful lives in the light
of Jesus’ return!
HYMN OF THE DAY Day of Wrath, Oh, Day of Mourning | 209
Sermon Text – Matthew 25: 31 – 46
Sermon Theme – Servant Appreciation Day Is Coming Soon! Please stand.
14
Be seated.
OFFERING
OFFERATORY MUSIC (SUNDAY 10:30 AM)
Isabel Bowditch - Flute – “When Peace, Like a River” by Bliss and Stults. Accompanist: Heidi Rusch
15
Responsive Prayer for the Second Sunday of End Time – Last Judgment
M: Out of the depths we cry to you, O Lord; O Lord, hear our voices.
C: Let your ears be attentive to our cries for mercy.
M: Heavenly Father, we confess with sorrow that we have sinned and
deserve only your wrath and punishment.
C: If you kept a record of our sins, we would surely be lost.
M: We confess with joy that your unfailing love has redeemed us.
C: Our hope is in you and in your full redemption.
M: Around us we see the birth pangs of the last day: war, famine,
earthquakes, false prophets, and spiritual apathy.
C: Use these signs to remind us that we do not know the day or the hour
when Christ will come again.
M: Keep us faithful to your Word; send your Spirit to strengthen our faith so
that we are always prepared for your Son’s return as Judge.
C: Make us faithful in sharing your Word, and cause many more to put
their hope in you before the end comes.
M: Build our fellowship of love as brothers and sisters in Christ.
C: Help us support one another when trials and troubles come our way.
Special prayers and intercessions may follow.
M: Heavenly Father, we eagerly wait for Jesus to come again and make all
things new. May he find us, whose names are written in the Lamb’s book
of life, faithfully enduring to the end, through the power of your Holy
Spirit.
C: Come, Lord Jesus. May your grace be with us. Amen.
16
LORD’S PRAYER
C: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
HYMN O Fount of Good, for All Your Love | 524
M: Almighty God, grant to your Church the Holy Spirit and the wisdom that
comes from above. Let nothing hinder your Word from being freely
proclaimed to the joy and edifying of Christ’s holy people, so that we may
serve you in steadfast faith and confess your name as long as we live,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy
Spirit, one God, now and forever.
C: (spoken) Amen.
M: The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.
The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.
C: (spoken) Amen.
CLOSING HYMN O God, Our Help in Ages Past | 441
SILENT PRAYER AS THE CANDLES ARE EXTINGUISHED
Hymn 207, Verse 6
O Jesus Christ, do not delay, But hasten our salvation;
We often tremble on our way In fear and tribulation.
Your saints are waiting patiently; Come soon, Redeemer; make us free
From ev’ry evil. Amen.
17
ORDER OF HOLY BAPTISM
(SATURDAY 5:30 PM SERVICE)
Holy Baptism – Marcellus Jerry Cooper, the son of Alycia Copper, will become a
child of God through Holy Baptism in our Saturday evening service. Marcellus
was born on September 9th, 2017. His sponsors are Erich Neumann, Micah
Neumann, Patricia Kinsch, Emily Neumann. His witnesses are Charles Vinopal,
Kenneth Gatta, Morgan West, Sarah Govoni. God’s richest blessings to
Marcellus!
M: The grace of our Lord (+) Jesus Christ and the love of God and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.
C: And also with you.
CONFESSION OF SINS
M: Our Savior Jesus Christ commanded baptism when he said: “Go and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit.” All of us are born into this world with a deep need for
baptism. From our parents we inherit a sinful nature; we are without true fear
of God and true faith in God and are condemned to eternal death. But Jesus
took away our sin by giving his life on the cross. At our baptism he clothes us
with the robe of his righteousness and gives us a new life. Our sinful nature
need not control us any longer. We recall what baptism means for our daily
lives as we speak these words:
C: Baptism means that the sinful nature in us should be drowned by daily
sorrow and repentance, and that all its evil deeds and desires be put to death.
It also means that a new person should daily arise to live before God in
righteousness and purity forever.
M: As baptized children of God we confess our sins:
18
C: Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful, and that I
have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words, and actions. I have done what is
evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both
now and in eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my
Savior Jesus Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
M: God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son
to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ
and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of
the Son (+) and of the Holy Spirit.
C: Amen.
CONGREGATION SINGS:
Jesus’ words and living water
On a forehead gently laid –
For God’s twice-born son or daughter
Then our prayer of peace is made.
You are welcome in this place,
Bought by blood and called by grace.
May the circle that surrounds you
Praise the One whose love has found you.
The Rite of Baptism continues at the font.
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM
M: In obedience to the command of our Lord and trusting in his promise, you have
brought Marcellus to be baptized. Jesus told us: “Let the little children come to me
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” It is in
baptism that God grants the new life of forgiveness, joy, and peace to little
children. By the power of God’s Word, this gracious water of life washes away sin,
delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe.
19
Receive the sign of the cross on the head and heart (+) to mark you as a
redeemed child of Christ.
Marcellus Jerry Cooper, I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Almighty God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has forgiven all your sins.
By your baptism, you are born again and made a dear child of your Father in
heaven. May God strengthen you to live in your baptismal grace all the days of
your life. Peace be with you. Amen.
EXHORTATION
M: Brothers and sisters in Christ:
Our Lord commands that we teach his precious truths to all who are
baptized. Christian love therefore urges all of us, especially parents
and sponsors, to assist in whatever manner possible so that Marcellus
may remain a child of God until death. If you are willing to carry out
this responsibility, then answer: Yes, as God gives me strength.
C: Yes, as God gives me strength.
M: Let us pray:
Merciful Father in heaven, we thank you for the blessing of baptism
By which you offer and grant the forgiveness of sins, life, and
salvation. Help us to regard our baptism as the robe of righteousness
we are to wear all the days of our life. Look with special favor on
Marcellus and grant him a rich measure of your Spirit that he may
grow in faith and godly living. Make us willing to carry out our
responsibilities to those who have been baptized, so that all of us may
finally come to the blessed joys of heaven, through Jesus our Lord.
C: Amen.
20
Acknowledgements
Scripture quotations are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by
Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
The worship service, Service of Word and Sacrament is from Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House.
Reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net #A-717189.
SERVING THE LORD AND US
PRESIDING MINISTER Rev. Matthew Schwartz
ORGANIST Jan Henriksen
USHER/S
11/11 5:30 pm Ken Hull
11/12 8:00 am Dan & Ryan Schindler
10:30 am Dale Graefnitz & John Roland
11/18 5:30 pm Daniel John
11/19 8:00 am Paul Schoenbeck & Dean Gerdes
10:30 am Bob Vicker
GREETERS
11/12 8:00 am Debi Vose 10:30 am Mark Warner
11/19 8:00 am Michelle Rush 10:30 am Joan Richmond
ALTAR CARE
11/18 Karen Basler & Inge Wegner
12/2 Kathy Oedzes & Marie Buetow
COFFEE SCHEDULE
11/12 Kathy Paradis & Vicki Smith
11/19 Barb Koch & Doris Holcomb
WATERING SCHEDULE
21
Caring and Sharing “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24)
November Open Forum/Voters’ Meeting –
Open Forum
Open Forum is scheduled for Sunday, November 12th between services. There will be no Adult
Bible Study this day as all are invited and encouraged to attend. We will be discussing the
agenda items that will be presented at the November Voters' Meeting and answering your
questions.
November Voters' Meeting
The Voters' Meeting will be held on Monday, November 20st at 7 pm.
Leadership Task Force Forming
As part of the 3-year Ministry Plan, a Leadership Task Force is being created to look at the
governance structure of our congregation. This evaluation is a key part of the Leadership Goal to
become an effective, efficient and empowered leadership team. This Leadership Task Force will
work on four specific objectives surrounding this goal.
1) Evaluate the structure and responsibilities in MCC and Servae Christi, reviewing efficiency,
redundancy, functionality, authority, and accountability
2) Review the governing documents such as current by-laws
3) Complete a biblical and WELS review of men and women's roles in leadership
4) Identify improvements, leadership training needs, and operating solutions
If you are interested in participating on the Leadership Task Force or want to learn more, please
click the invitation link below.
If you can answer yes to some or most of the questions included in the invitation, please reach
out to either Bill Merchantz or Cindy Oard and let them know of your interest, no later
than December 1st. Call, email or text.
Bill Merchantz Cindy Oard
[email protected] [email protected]
Phone: 630-235-5164 Phone: 630-201-3266
Thank you for considering this opportunity in supporting and moving the work of the Lord
forward.
Thank You – Home Run Inn Fundraiser Update
Thank you to all who were able to participate in the fundraiser at Home Run Inn on October 24th.
We are happy to share that we received a check in the amount of $821.13 for the new water
fountain with water bottle filling station. Whether you enjoyed the convenience of carry-out or
22
enjoyed the fellowship of your family and friends while dining out, we thank you! Praise God
from whom all blessings flow!
Servae Christi Election Results
Vice President - Paula Danekas
Treasurer - Sarah Rardin
Property - Laurie Bowen and Karen Bassler
School - Valerie Adegunleye
Outreach - Diane Buchholz
Shepherding - Renita Kennedy
Thank you for your willingness to serve! To our outgoing coordinators, thank you for your
service!
Warm their “Soles” Collection
Help BLAST kids warm seniors hearts and feet. We are collecting new socks to deliver to the
elderly in a local nursing home. We are collecting 11/6 through 11/27. Interested in
donating? Find the box near the church/school office. Sizes are adult socks, new only
please. BLAST kids are delivering the socks on 12/10 and will be singing Christmas
carols. You're welcome to join us. For more information email: [email protected] We hope we
can warm some hearts and "soles."
The Spirit and Word of God Are Working Mightily!
The bag weighed almost as much he did.
But that didn't stop a pastor from South Asia from hoisting the almost 100-pound bag of Multi-
Language Publication booklets onto his back and walking for hours back to his hometown.
What's even more amazing is that in the past his church had been destroyed and he had been
beaten and imprisoned for worshiping his Savior and sharing his faith with others. "It is a
privilege and a great honor to help [people like this]," says Rev. Nathan Seiltz, director of WELS
Multi-Language Publications (MLP). "Printed publications are a wonderful tool for them to reach
out and do some discipleship among the people there."
Seiltz conducted his first field visit of the area in September. While there, he was able to help
conduct a leadership workshop in which 75 men and women learned more about the prison
epistles Philippians and Colossians, discussed the Lutheran Reformation, and went home with
self-study booklets explaining Lutheran doctrine to distribute in their communities.
Blood Drive Thank You
Our sincere appreciation to the blood donors who took the time on Sunday, November 9, 2017 to offer
a pint to those in need of surgery or transfusion. Sixteen pints were collected and will provide medical
assistance to many people. On behalf of those you aid, thank you.
Thank you for your enthusiastic response. Laurie Bowen
23
Reformation 500 Thank You
Dear Friends in Christ, If you were among the 4,500 people who gathered at the Miller High Life
Theatre on Sunday for our Reformation 500 festival worship service, I pray that it was a
meaningful experience for you. Through Word and song we were built up and encouraged as we
praised God for his unfathomable mercy in nailing our sins to the cross. Thank you to everyone
who helped behind the scenes and at the service to make this a very memorable event. Special
thanks to all the instrumentalists, the three hundred adult choir members and the nearly two
hundred children’s choir members for all their preparation and participation. Much of that
preparation was provided by choir directors in our churches and schools. Please pass on our
thanks.
Another thank you goes to all the congregations which made financial contributions to make it
possible to rent the theatre and to appoint the “chancel” for worship. As we stated previously,
those contributions and district funds designated for this service will cover the entire cost – a true
blessing. The offering itself, which was gathered at the service or submitted beforehand, will be
given in total to our District Mission Board to enhance mission projects in our Southeastern
Wisconsin District. At this point, the offering is approximately $21,500. For this we praise
God! Contributions toward the cost of the service, as well as mission offerings, are still
welcomed.
God bless you as you continue to rejoice that you are an heir of the Lutheran Reformation, and
God give you joy as you continue to pass on that heritage of faith to the people of God in our
churches and schools. It is because of the all-sufficient work of our Lord Jesus that we stand
before our holy God as his holy children, destined for the eternal glory of heaven. Let’s continue
to live to his glory until we get there.
In Christ Our Lord,
Pastor David P Kolander
President, Southeastern Wisconsin District WELS
[email protected] 262-782-3040
Netiquette Class Offered
We have arranged for "Etiquette for Everybody" to teach a Netiquette class (including phone
manners) in the fellowship hall of Good Shepherd Downers Grove on Tuesday 11/28/17 3:15-
4:15 for 6-10 yr olds & 4:30-5:30 for ages 11 & up. Fee for the class is $10/hr per student. Kindly
advise of your interest with names and ages prior to 11/10/17 –
email Renita Kennedy: [email protected]
Netiquette - Proper etiquette for online communications, including text messages is taught in this
class. We stress the need for correct spelling, proper grammar, appropriate forwarding of
messages, along with avoiding all caps and disrespectful comments. Includes proper use of
telephone. Role playing and group excercises help reinforce concepts presented to children.
24
Feel free to invite others interested outside of our church. The address is:
Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church
525 63rd Street Downers Grove, Illinois. 60516
Prior to registering, kindly ensure students (the younger ones in particular) have some
affiliation with the Internet; e.g., regularly visit kids' sites/blogs; play games. If not, the class
will have less relevance for them.
Thank you
On behalf of the 5th and 6th graders and myself.
Thank you all for your generous donations for Operation Support Our Troops! These donations
will help to make Christmas a little more special for our troops serving abroad. Your generosity
shows God’s love to our servicemen and women as well as putting your faith into action as an
example to the students of Good Shepherd. Thanks again! Mrs. Smith
Christmas Nativity Scene – Giving Board
Good Shepherd would like to purchase a nativity to be placed outside and visible from the road
to add Christmas spirit to our property. We have a stable already that will be used and works
well with the pieces we've selected. The striking Christmas Nativity Scene includes the Holy
Family, and can include the Three Kings, an angel, a shepherd with a lamb, a donkey, an ox, a
baby lamb and a camel. The set's tallest figure is Joseph, standing at 39-inches high. The figures
are made of a heavyweight resin stone mixture and are carefully hand painted for a realistic
appearance and may be used indoors or out. We will be accepting donations until November
30th, with hopes to purchase the Nativity in time for Christmas.
In the narthex you will find a giving board, with stars. Pull a star to make a donation. Stars
coordinate with dollar amounts or the cost of one of the individual figures. Directions are on the
board on where and how to make a donation. Thank you for considering.
Amazon Smiles
Send "smiles" of support to Good Shepherd! Good Shepherd is now part of the Amazon Smiles
program! Any purchases made through smile.amazon.com will result in 0.5% of your purchase
price being donated to Good Shepherd! For more information, terms, and conditions go
to smile.amazon.com. Type "Good Shepherd Downers Grove" into the search block to find us!
Please note that all purchases must be made through "smile.amazon.com" instead of simply
"amazon.com" in order to qualify. Thank you for your continued support of Good Shepherd!
25
Scholastic Book Fair – Fellowship Hall
Visit the Scholastic Book Fair 11/8 - 11/16 in Fellowship Hall before and after school.
Questions? Contact Maggie DeStefano at [email protected].
Boy Pioneers Program Begins
All boys in grades 1st-8th are invited to join Boy Pioneers! The first meeting date will be
on Sunday, November 12th from 12:00-2:00 p.m. in the 7th and 8th grade classroom. We will be
making ornaments to decorate a tree at Brookfield Zoo on Sunday, November 19th. Information
about the tree decorating will be given at the first meeting.
If you can't make it to the Nov. 12th meeting but would like to attend the tree decorating event,
please contact either Bill or Cathy Jaeger.
Cathy: [email protected] or Bill cell (630) 212-3811.
OWLS Meeting
The next meeting of the Good Shepherd Chapter of OWLS (Organization of WELS Lutheran
Seniors) will be held on Sunday November 12 at noon in the church. The purpose of this
meeting is to set the direction of our chapter. Committees were appointed to bring ideas for
service projects we can do in the congregation and school as well as social activities for our
group. We invite all members over 55 to join us. If you have any questions about OWLS, please
direct them to Pastor Rutschow or our OWLS chairman Doug Semenske
([email protected] - 708-899-9059).
Vendor Night & Paint Night Fundraiser – 11/17
Grab your friends (or come for some 'alone' mommy time!) and join us in a fun evening at Good
Shepherd on Friday, November 17th! Kick the evening off at 5:30p with an open house
style Ladies Night Out Vendor Night! Many wonderful ladies (all connected with the church or
school!) with home-based businesses will have great displays with various products available for
purchase. Continue the fun with a pine wood board Painting Class with full instructions
beginning at 7:00p!! Registration is required for the painting class and space is limited. Register
at http://bit.ly/GSLutheran.
Proceeds from the Vendor Night will go towards the tuition assistance program and the Paint
Night Fundraiser will go towards the new water fountain with bottle filling station. Join in the
fun! All are welcome!
Vendor Night Questions: Contact Marlena Spurbeck at 630-991-8100 or [email protected].
Paint Night Fundraiser Questions? Contact Maggie DeStefano at [email protected].
See you there!
26
Questions About our Recent Fundraising Efforts?
Some of you have had questions about why we are fundraising. The recent restaurant benefit
nights and the upcoming sign paint night will help raise funds for a new drinking fountain with
water bottle filling station to replace the unit across from fellowship hall. Questions? E-
mail [email protected].
Netiquette Class Offered
We have arranged for "Etiquette for Everybody" to teach a Netiquette class (including phone
manners) in the fellowship hall of Good Shepherd Downers Grove on Tuesday 11/28/17 3:15-
4:15 for 6-10 yr olds & 4:30-5:30 for ages 11 & up. Fee for the class is $10/hr per student. Kindly
advise of your interest with names and ages prior to 11/10/17 - email Renita
Kennedy: [email protected]
Netiquette - Proper etiquette for online communications, including text messages is taught in this
class. We stress the need for correct spelling, proper grammar, appropriate forwarding of
messages, along with avoiding all caps and disrespectful comments. Includes proper use of
telephone. Role playing and group exercises help reinforce concepts presented to children.
Feel free to invite others interested outside of our church. The address is:
Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church 525 63rd Street Downers Grove, IL 60516
PS: Prior to registering, kindly ensure students (the younger ones in particular) have some
affiliation with the Internet; e.g., regularly visit kids' sites/blogs; play games. If not, the class will
have less relevance for them.
Meal Sign-up for Mary Mittag - One of our members, Mary Mittag, is in need of some
meals. She has been in rehab and will be coming home soon. Mary is in need for meals 1 day a
week on Thursdays. A website has been set up for her and all that needs to be done is to go on
the website, choose a date, and deliver the meal to the church/school kitchen on
Wednesday by 3:00pm. It can be labeled "Mittag Meal" and her husband Doug Mittag will bring
it home so she can warm it up herself on Thursday. Click on the link below and thank you for
helping our sister in Christ as she recovers. If there are any questions, please contact Michelle
Rush via email at [email protected] or call or text at 630-336-8035.
https://mealtrain.com/k9v7yr God's Blessings, Michelle Rush Shepherding Coordinator Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church
Homeless Veteran Coat Drive - Our congregation Lutheran Military Support Group (LMSG) is
sponsoring a Homeless Veteran Coat Drive from now until Wednesday, November 15th. If you
have any used winter coats to donate, men or women's, please place them in the large cardboard
box in the Narthex. Bob Reichert, our LMSG liaison will deliver them to the National Guard
Amory, 1515 N. Kedzie Avenue on Thursday, November 16th for a Homeless Veteran Stand
27
Down sponsored by the Veterans Administration (VA). Contact Bob
at [email protected] with any questions.
College Ministry Help Needed - I am looking for student names, volunteers and donations for
the college ministry. The college ministry is for all college students in our congregation whether
they are away, staying home for a local college, trade school or in grad school. What we do is
send them cards of encouragement and care packages throughout the school year to let them
know that their church home is thinking of them. It's an important ministry to make our young
college students know we are thinking of them and support them. First, we would like your
students name and address. After the service I will hand out an information form about the
student and it can be filled out and emailed back to Michelle Rush. We are also in need of
volunteers to be on a committee for sending out cards and care packages to the
students. Donations are also in need. We could use gift cards in $10 increments to Starbuck's or
Dunkin Donuts as well as cash donations to cover postage and care package items. Any gift card
or cash donation could be put in the lock box in the narthex and labeled "college
ministry". Please contact Michelle Rush to find out how you can volunteer to be on a committee
for the college ministry. Her information will be on the form being handed out. Most of the tasks
can be done from home and all supplies, names and addresses will be given to make it easy as
possible. Thank you.
Don’t Forget About These
SCRIP (SUBSTITUTE CASH REBATE INCENTIVE PROGRAM)
Look for a SCRIP announcement from the School Committee in the coming weeks announcing
an exciting opportunity to earn rebates for tuition accounts, the general fund, and the special
needs accounts.
What is SCRIP?
With SCRIP, families can easily earn rebates for our church and schools while they shop.
Are you interested in joining us? Questions? E-mail our SCRIP Coordinator, Carlene Derickson,
at [email protected] for more information.
SCRIP is safe and secure! Many retailers participate in the SCRIP Program.
Visit www.shopwithscrip.com to learn more and see "What's New" with SCRIP and view
"Specials" (increased rebates for a limited time).
Order Schedule: Orders and payments due by 12pm
Monday, November 6th; delivered by November 10th
28
ON THE WEB
Check it out: www.gsdg.org. You can also find us at “Good Shepherd Evangelical
Lutheran Church and School (WELS)” on Facebook.
A MEASURE OF OUR LOVE
The true treasure of our church is Jesus Christ our Savior, growing in our knowledge of him, and
making him known to all people. The cheerful and generous freewill offerings of God’s people
not only support the work God has given us as a church, school, and preschool, but also provides
for the training of future pastors and teachers and supports world mission work being carried
out through our synod, the WELS.
The information below is a summary of how the Holy Spirit has moved the hearts of God’s
people to make use of their time in attending worship and make use of their treasures to support
the work God has given us as a congregation.
Worship Attendance in God’s House (11/4 and 11/5)
Saturday (5:30) - 51
Sunday (8:00) – 79
Sunday (10:30) – 98
Weekend Total – 228
WEEKLY OFFERINGS FOR GOD’S WORK
Week
Ending
Weekly
Offering
YTD
Offering
YTD
Budget
% of
Budget
Week 18 10/29/17 $9,130.01 $230,060.60 $228,800 100.6%
STEWARDSHIP ENCOURAGEMENT FROM GOD’S WORD
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the
heavenly lights.” (James 1:17)
525 63rd St. Downers Grove, IL 60516| (630)852-1519 | [email protected]
CALENDAR TODAY 8:00 am Worship Service
PreK-2nd Sings in Church
9:20 am Open Forum and Sunday School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 pm Boy Pioneers Gr 1 – 8
OWLS Meeting
MONDAY 11/13
TUESDAY 11/14 8:10 am Chapel
6:00 pm Catechism
7:15 pm Choir
WEDNESDAY 11/15 10:00 am Bible Study
6 & 8 pm Interactive Faith Online Study
Scholastic Book Fair Fellowship Hall
Last Day for Veteran’s Coat Drive
THURSDAY 11/16
FRIDAY 11/17 10:00 am Grandparents Morning
5:30 pm Vendor Night Fundraiser
7:00 pm Paint Night Fundraiser
SATURDAY 11/18 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast Bible Study
5:30 pm Worship Service
SUNDAY 11/19 8:00 am Worship Service
9:20 am Adult Bible Study / Children’s Sunday School
10:30 am Worship Service
12:00 pm Outreach Committee Meeting
Pioneers Tree Decorating @ Brookfield Zoo
SAVE THE DATE Monday 11/20 3:30 pm Faculty Curriculum Meeting
7:00 pm Voters’ Meeting
Wednesday 11/22 PreK-8th Grade Thanksgiving Break 11/22-11/24
7:00 pm Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Thursday 11/23 9:00 am Thanksgiving Day Worship
Saturday 11/25 No Worship
Monday 12/4 3:15 pm PreK-2nd Gr Holly Jolly Cookie Party
Friday 12/8 7:00 pm Advent by Candlelight – Fellowship Hall
Saturday 12/9 9:00 am Christmas for Kids – Fellowship Hall
525 63rd St. Downers Grove, IL 60516| (630)852-1519 | [email protected]
If you are new to our area or looking for a church to call your own, please accept our
invitation to meet with one of our pastors. Please feel free to return to worship with us
again!
Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church is part of a group of more than 1200
churches called the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, or WELS. The WELS is a
world-wide church body with congregations across the United States as well as in
Mexico and Canada. The WELS also serves over 26 foreign countries through world
mission work. We are united in faith and teaching with the other churches of the
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod as well as churches of the Evangelical Lutheran
Synod, or ELS.
Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, School, and Preschool
525 63rd Street – Downers Grove, IL 60516
Check us out on the web at www.gsdg.org
Welcome!
The mission of Good Shepherd Evangelical
Lutheran Church is to sustain each of our
members in the faith by working together in
harmony for the spiritual growth and health of
the congregation and reaching out to bring the
gospel of Christ to others
Seek the Lost + Feed the Flock + Serve our Savior
525 63rd St. Downers Grove, IL 60516| (630)852-1519 | [email protected]
Contact Information (Pastors, Full-Time Teachers, and Secretaries)
Pastor Matthew E. Schwartz Home office – 630.783.9495
Full-time Pastor, Acting Principal Cell phone – 331.318.9769
Email – [email protected]
Pastor David N. Rutschow Home office – 630.852.7914
(Part-time Pastor) Cell phone – 630.251.0184
Email – [email protected]
Principal Apprentice David Roekle Cell phone – 507.217.3492
7th and 8th Grade Teacher Email – [email protected]
Preschool Director Kathryn Blumer Cell phone – 262.617.6924
Preschool Teacher and Director Email – [email protected]
Dean of Academics Barb Koch Cell phone – 630.209.2242
3rd and 4th Grade Teacher Email – [email protected]
Church Secretaries Church office – 630.852.1519
Jennifer Reynolds and Carlene Derickson School office – 630.852.5081
Office Email – [email protected]
Kindergarten Teacher Mrs. Katie Schwartz Cell phone – 708.955.7940
Email – [email protected]
1st and 2nd Grade Teacher Miss Ellen Zank Cell phone – 630.271.9838
Email – [email protected]
5th and 6th Grade Teacher Mrs. Vicki Smith Home phone – 630.739.7469
Email – [email protected]
