Love in Action

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1300 Belt Line Road Collinsville Illinois 62234

618-344-3151 (Church) 618-344-3153 (School) 618-344-3378 (Fax)
Pastors M. Walther & P. Hemenway  Vol. 33  No. 9   September  2010

 National Youth Gathering

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Revelation 7:9

Maybe we weren’t wearing white robes (green backpacks were more like it) and maybe we were waving tuned drum sticks instead of palm branches, but this Scripture verse is the one that kept running in my head between July 16th and July 21^st of this year as I and three other adult members of our church (Shari Brunton, Michelle Fiudo and our school’s new P.E. instructor, Jason Batty) accompanied 19 of our young people to the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. It was an amazing time where we were able to experience the wonderful gift of Lutheran Christian fellowship with 25,000 other people. I had heard others talk about the awe-inspiring experience of being in one place with that many other LCMS Lutherans, but I never truly appreciated that concept until I was able to be a part of it myself. We live in a world where our faith is under constant attack from the secular world. Even within Christian circles the LCMS takes a number of hits because we still hold the belief that the Bible is the Word of God and we still confess that what the Word testifies to, that is, salvation through Jesus Christ, is the only way to eternal life. It was affirming to be in a place with that many other people who confessed the same beliefs that we do.

I was glad that the event was held in New Orleans (as were the people of NOLA. We couldn’t have been treated with more kindness and hospitality. Maybe they were excited about the fact that the NYG brings tens of millions of dollars to their economy, but I think these were nice people in general). The reality and practical application of our faith was brought home every morning and evening as we went to our Bible studies (where we sat with 5,000 others to study the Word) or the Mass Events in the Superdome (where all 25,000 of the participants were gathered together). After hearing about God’s love for us and the salvation we possess through faith in His Son Jesus Christ, we poured out onto the streets of a city that is still reeling from the effects of Hurricane Katrina. It was a nice reminder that we live in a world that is destroyed by the effects of sin and the only cure for a sinful world is our Savior Jesus Christ. It was a nice reminder that there are people out there who need to hear the message of eternal life that we often take for granted. As we gathered together each night as a group it was very special for me to hear the ways that the others had been touched and grown in their faith via the experience, the Bible studies, the breakout sessions or the concerts and skits/comedy presentations/illusionists, etc that we experienced each day. It was a wonderful way that God reminded all of us through the presence of other believers that He is always there for us and will never leave us.

It really is a shame that I don’t have more space to talk about this wonderful experience. There is so much to go over and talk about. However, I would like to invite all of you to join us for our National Youth Gathering follow up presentation which will take place during the church picnic on September 12. We would love to have you join us as we discuss what we experienced during this amazing time. Pastor Hemenway

This class will be taught by Pastor Walther and will focus on one of the greatest books of the Old Testament. Isaiah lived 800 years before Jesus, but God guided him to prepare the world for His coming. He is known for hisprophecies as well as his beautiful and poetic words of comfort and consolation.

Many people saw the movie "Avatar" but they may not be familiar with some of the "Green" ideology that influenced the story. Still others see similarities between the rescue of Pandora and the rescue of this world through Christ. What did you see in the movie? This study will be led by Pastor Hemenway.

 Church Picnic

Our annual church picnic is September 12 from 3-7 p.m. Please invite your friends and neighbors to join you for food, games (including a giant Redneck Water Slide, and Paintball Shooting Gallery) and entertainment. In addition to the usual fare of hamburgers, hotdogs, popcorn, nachos, and pies we are also having a homemade ice cream contest! Dust off that ice cream freezer and begin trying out your recipes! Everything is free!

Each board and organization is encouraged to have a booth with information as well as food or an activity. Please talk to Carol Walther with any questions!

It takes many hands for a successful picnic. Please call the church office (344-3151) or talk to Carol (ex 302) if you are available to help before, during, or after the picnic. Organizations and groups can begin their set up any time after noon.

Ms. Loomis grew up at Orlando Florida. She graduated from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska in 2007 as Director of Christian Education. From 2000-2004 she served as preschool teacher, interim secretary and sign language interpreter at Hope Lutheran Church in Orlando, Florida. She also served as High School Youth Director at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Lake Mary, Florida from 2003-2004. Megan did her DCE internship at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Phoenix, Arizona. From 2007-2010 she served as Youth Director at Prince of Peace in Fremont, California. In June she accepted the call to serve as Director of Youth Ministry here at Good Shepherd.

Megan’s service here at Good Shepherd will be to assist in 8^th grade confirmation instruction and to direct youth ministry for junior high, high school and college-age youth.

                                                     Fayla Dufford,               Jason Batty,              Sarah Wildauer,         Tana Dehning

Fayla Dufford is from Collinsville and will serve as the new Early Childhood Director. Fayla is a member at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Jason Batty, GSLC member, is originally from Schaumburg, Illinois. He is a 2008 graduate of SIUE and will be teaching physical education. He is married to GSLS teacher Jen Batty. He has also served at coach at MELHS and has assisted with youth ministry at Good Shepherd. Sarah Wildauer is a graduate of Lutheran High School South in St. Louis and of Concordia University in River Forest. She taught for five years at St. John’s Lutheran in LaGrange, IL. She is married to Weston who just began his coursework at Concordia Seminary. She will be teaching 8^th grade. Tana Dehning grew up in the Midwest. Her father is an LC-MS pastor, and her family moved around a lot. Tana attended Concordia University Wisconsin and graduated May 2010 with a BA in Elementary Education/English. She will be teaching 6^th grade.

Braille Workers: September 2 @ 8:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Screening: September 5 in the connecting hallway between services

Church Picnic: September 12 from 3-7 p.m.

Congregational Life: No meeting in September

Flu shot/H1N1 shots will be offered by Walgreen’s between 2:00-4:00 p.m. in the Church fellowship Hall on September 14. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex.

Good Shepherd Lutheran church will again be sponsoring the Red Cross Blood Drive on Monday, November 15, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

All women of the church are invited to join in our September activities. Regular Meeting: Thursday, September 2 at 6:45 pm in Fellowship Hall.

We will all participate in hands-on Mission Projects, i.e., assembling Layettes and dress kits for Lutheran World Relief.

For layettes, the following items are needed: Lightweight cotton undershirts or Onesies, Long or Short-sleeved gowns or sleepers, Receiving blankets, Sweaters/sweatshirts (up to size 3), Bath-size bar of gentle soap in original wrapper, Diaper pins or large metal safety pins.

For dress kits: Cotton or cotton-blend material (2-1/4 yards of 60" wide; 3 yards of 44" wide or 4 yards of 36" wide fabric), & Buttons to match fabric.

In addition, if you have any men’s old ties that can be cut and sewn to make cases to protect eye glasses, please bring these along.

Church Picnic: Sunday, September 12. from 3:00-7:00 p.m. Those willing to make their favorite pies to share may bring them to the Fellowship Hall (marked Church Picnic) anytime before 3:00 pm on Sunday. Members and friends of the congregation attending the picnic will be most appreciative.

SID Convention: September 24th and 25th.

Friday evening, Sept. 24 at 7PM at Messiah Lutheran Church, 1091 13th Street, Carlyle, IL, for devotions and hands-on mission projects. In-gathering are items listed above for layettes.

Saturday, Sept. 25 at Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School in Centralia, IL. The theme of the convention this year is "Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ" (2Pet 3:18)

Registration deadline for the convention is September 1st – sign up sheet is on the LWML Bulletin Board on the Lower Level. Cost is $25.00 and checks may be given to Evelyn Koeltzow. Cost includes all convention materials, continental breakfast and catered lunch.

The mission of the LWML is to assist each woman of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in affirming her relationship with the Triune God so that she is enabled to use her gifts in ministry to the people of the world. Won’t you join us in this mission?....and along the way, meet new people, serve the Lord through participation in mission projects, and truly enjoy the fellowship of other Christian women!

Griefshare Support Group Begins September 9^th.

GriefShare is a weekly video seminar featuring some of the nation’s foremost experts on grief recovery topics. Each seminar is combined with a grief support group discussion time to allow group participants to talk about the content of the seminar and about how they are dealing with the death of their loved one.

No matter what the circumstances, grief recovery is a painful process. Kathy Bohnet, Lynn Cook and Mary Pruess, facilitators for the weekly sessions, invite you to join the GriefShare group beginning on Thursday, September 9, from 6pm to 7:30pm. It is held in the fellowship room in the lower level.

For more information or to register contact the church office at 618-344-3151.

Lunch Bunch-On Sept 21 we will meet at 11:30 a. m. on the church parking lot and go to Pizza Man in Troy. Please call Mary Preuss (288-9525) by Sept. 19 so we can make a reservation for you. Everyone is welcome to join in the fellowship as we support each other in our faith.

Please join the Good Shepherd CROSSroads group at our upcoming events. CROSSroads is a fellowship group for singles, couples and families with the goal
of creating and strengthening friendships within our church. Sunday potlucks take place on the second Sunday of each month after late service (11:45am) in the Fellowship Hall. A main dish and drinks are provided; feel free to bring a side dish to share.

The following events are planned for this fall and winter:

September:  Sunday 9/12 – Potluck, pizza will be served; Friday 9/24 – Villa Marie Winery (in Maryville)

October:  Sunday 10/10 – Potluck, ham will be served;  Saturday 10/16 – Pumpkin Patch, Relleke Farms

November:   Saturday 11/13 – Leak Raking;  Sunday 11/14 – Potluck, Fried chicken will be served

December:  Friday 12/3 – Card/Game Night;  Sunday 12/12 – Potluck, Soup or chili will be served

Youth
Newsletter

Hard to believe that School has begun all ready. I asked the students what they were most excited about school starting and the echoes began about seeing friends, having lunch with people, and so forth. I started to laugh because those are the same things people have been saying for years; being with people. God created us to be in fellowship with each other and grow together through life struggles, great times, and those that are the same old same.

In Youth Ministry we are set to build up Christian Fellowship with other people and to grow together. This year we are doing that through service projects, mission trips, retreats, bible studies, and even fun events. Who knew you could play giant Jell-O twister and learn how God can take a big mess and turn it into an amazing master piece.

In the mail you will get information about upcoming events, schedules, and forms that you will need in order to go to events. Also, we have a bulletin board down stairs that will have all this information on it, and check out Facebook we have a group page too.

Purpose of Junior High Ministry

Junior High is an extremely significant time of life. It is our hope, by the grace of God, to partner with parents and students of 7th and 8th graders to make the Jr. High years eternally significant. Our purpose is to bring junior high students into a life-changing and growing relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and be a place of wonder and discovery as they learn Bible truths. Our goals are to help Jr. High students honor God in all they do, connect with other believers, grow in their relationship with God, serve God as He has called each of us to do, and share their story with others. We strive to do this through our weekend programs, our various activities and events for Junior High School.

Activities for September:

September 5: Labor Day- No Youth Group (Enjoy Family time)

September 19: Theme: Who Am I? Games, snack, and fellowship

Purpose of High School Ministry

High School Ministry exists to move students Godward by passionately pursuing teens in their world to know God, challenging them to become real followers of Jesus, and equipping them to reach their world for Him. Our goal is to reach the lost through witnessing and fellowship, grow stronger in faith through worship and training, and live out our lives in service to God and others.

3G is designed to be a midweek opportunity to grow in your faith with others and in your relationship with Christ. 3G is a night where we will have snacks, bible study or service event in community, pray and have fellowship. 3G meets every other Wednesday night at Megan Loomis’s house. We start at 7:00 p.m. and end around 8:30 p.m. Anyone is welcome to come to this event.

Refuge is our Sunday Night High School Youth Ministry night where we come together as a large group to build relationships and grow in our faith through real life issues that high school students are facing. We meet on the second and fourth Sunday of each month at 6:00pm and end at 8:00pm. We have large group games, small group discussions, and time to hang out and eat. These events are great ways to invite new friends to know Christ. We also do 3 to 4 retreats/mission trips during the year, as well as, a lot of other stuff.

September: 3G Night: September 8^th and 22^nd at Megan’s House

Refuge: September 12^th and 26^th at Good Shepherd

The 5^th & 6^th grade youth meet every 1^st & 3^rd Sunday of the month from 6-7:30. If you were not able to make it to the event in August, I would appreciate a parent coming in with their child to fill out a registration form. Registration forms can also be found on the table in the narthex. On September 5 we have games in the gym. On September 19, we have our annual scavenger hunt! Please dress for the weather. We are thankful that the people in our neighborhood are always so generous when we knock on their door!

Wednesday Woman is a Bible study for women of all ages that meets every Wednesday morning from 8:45-10:45 in the church basement. We begin our new year of study with a welcome brunch on September 8. All ladies are invited to come to brunch and learn more about our study for the year. Babysitting is provided.

This month we are reading "Just Jane" by Nancy Moser. "Just Jane" is a fictional account of the life of Jane Austen. Our next meeting is September 20 at 7 p.m. at St. Louis Bread Co.

Rally Day for the new Sunday School year is August 29. All the students will meet in the gym for a special program. Parents are invited to join their children that day.

The new classes begin September 5. New students can register and meet their leader in the school lobby. All students begin each Sunday with cookies in the school lobby. We ask that no cookies be taken out of the school lobby. After finishing their snack, preschoolers are taken to the basement by their parents. Older students meet their leader in the lobby.

For the security of the children, we ask that all students through 6^th grade be picked up by a parent. 1^st-6^th grade students can be met in the school lobby. Preschool and Kindergarten get picked up in the school basement.

The fenced-in playground outside the church nursery was originally constructed as an Eagle Scout project. Over the years the boy scouts have helped maintain the area. This year the scouts have answered a request and generously donated a bench for the playground. Thank you to all the scouts!

Some of the playground equipment needs to be replaced. If you have discovered that your children have outgrown their "little" play equipment, would you consider donating it to the playground? Please call the church office for more information.

Each fall the Women’s Day of Renewal Committee hosts a vendor fair. The money raised at this event helps fund scholarships for the Women’s Day of Renewal. At the vendor fair we would like to showcase Good Shepherd Lutheran members who also have a home business such as Avon or Tupperware. If you have a home business and would be interested in participating, please contact Carol Walther for more information.

Are you a mother of a child between the ages of birth to Kindergarten? Come to our MOPS barbeque on September 10^th from 5-8 p.m. at the Lower Level parking lot at Good Shepherd. Bring your family for some good food and fun activities! Hope to see you there.

The first MOPS meeting for the year will be on September 17^th from 9-11 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Come and enjoy some food and fellowship with other moms while your children play and do activities with the "moppets."

This will be just a short article to let you know some of the things I have purchased with so many of your donated coupons.  In July, I was able to donate 200 items to Concordia Seminary.  These items included health and beauty items, such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, women's products, baby wipes, bar soap, body wash, razors, shave gel, aspirin and other kinds of medicine.  The donated food items included cereal, salad dressings, marinades, gelatin, and canned pasta.  Lots of pet items have been purchased and will be delivered in August to the Collinsville Humane Society.  KMart doubled up to only $1.00 in early August and I was able to get free deodorant and very cheap laundry detergent, but definitely not as many free items as I had been able to purchase in the past when they doubled up to $2.00. 

I will continue collecting your coupons and using as many of them as I possibly can.  Thanks so much to those of you who take the time to cut them out for me.  Also, I really appreciate all of the extra restaurant, magazine and mail coupons you include with all of your other coupons.  Your generous donation of coupons make this project possible. 

Since I don't have an article in the newsletter every month, I will try to post a more detailed article on the bulletin board near the front doors of the church as I collect and deliver more items.  Those of you who are interested in what I have found could check out those postings.  If anyone would like to learn more about couponing or this project, please call me at 344-5305.  God's blessings! Debbie Jones

 Board of Elders - Chairman Paul Lauber; Pastors

*Working on nominations *Scholarships disbursed $62,000 ($60,000 budgeted). *Working on starting a divorce recovery ministry similar to our Grief Support Ministry *We will have some Adult Choir changes to make it easier for people to participate with less rehearsals while providing other helps (audio CDs, music classes) *Pastor Hemenway led the youth to the Youth Gathering in New Orleans. *We are also planning to participate in the Higher Things youth ministry.

Board of Christian Outreach - Chairman Bruce Cross

*Church Picnic coming up September 12th *Working through the book "Sharing Jesus without Fear."

Metro East Lutheran High School - MELHS Reps Tony Fuhrmann and Mike Schneider

Work will begin soon on the new front entrance. *Have raised $218,000, and that will be matched. *Total enrollment is 208 at this time.

Board of Christian Dayschool - Chairman Eric Robinson & Principal Bob Mayhew

Enrollment stands at 340. There are now seven parochial schools in the area, and this draws away a few students. The economy is a factor as well. *Working on additional funding programs.

Board of Congregational Life - Chairman Kathy Bohnet; Parish Nurse Lynn Cook; Pastor Hemenway

*Teacher reception August 22 *Working on Voter Registration for this fall.

Board of Stewardship - Chairman Doug Ruckman

*$36K to distribute this year *Getting ready to look at requests for disbursements

Board of Church Property - Chairman Bob Jones; Parish Administrator Marty Hoffman

*Thrivent has a new matching funds program that is much less. However, you can give matching funds to churches. The Church Council determined in past years for these funds to go to the building program.

Youth Ministry - Youth Director Megan Loomis

National Youth Gathering students presented a report to the LWML *Pool party for the high school with 15 participating *7th and 8th and 5th and 6th are meeting on the first and third Sundays. High School meets on the second and fourth Sundays.

Board of Finance - Chairman Doug Ruckman

*Expenses are below budget year to date *Reviewed giving trends and noted a consistent, gradual increase *Reviewed the seasonal giving trends

Church Council - President Jeff Baker; Secretary Mary Jane Wade; Personnel Cindy Pulvirenti

*Nominating Committee needs to meet before the next Council meeting.