The purpose of Women Ministries at Church of the Good Shepherd is to:

• Encourage all women to grow in a transformational relationship with Jesus Christ through group prayer, Bible Studies and retreats.
• Equip all women to discern their individual calling in the life of the church and encourage them to participate fully in God's kingdom work.
• Connect women by providing fellowship events that welcome and unite women while embracing the diversity within the church and community.
• Share information regarding the Women Ministries denominational and conference projects with the congregation and encourage them to financially support the church budget, which provides for these projects.

Opportunities for joining a Bible Study, supporting the church through service (meal ministry, serving teams or bandage rolling), getting to know other women in the church a little better and making new friends are available to you.  However you wish to become involved, we hope that there is something for you! 

Women Ministries Leadership Team:  Renae Bradley, Clara Johnson, Nancy Jonasen, Jan Lender and Martha Skoien.

"Claim Your Identity!"

The Annual Women's Retreat (i.e., Fall Fellowship) is to be held at Covenant Harbor, September 17th - 19th, and will feature Lisa Orris, ECC Director of Evangelism, as our special speaker.  This fun-filled getaway invites everyone      for a time to know, or grow in their relationship with the Lord and with each other.  Cost for the weekend is $90 - $170 depending upon your choice of accommodations.  Scholarships are available for a portion of the balance.        See Linda Palesh for more information.

Less us, more HIM....In the coming year, the WM leadership team would like to focus more on Spirit-led service projects and ways that we can touch the lives of those in our church and community.  We are looking for an ongoing service project that can begin next fall.  Some ideas are sewing lap quilts, knitting prayer shawls, and making baby items for a local pregnancy center.  Please pray about this effort and come to our kick-off meeting in September to share your ideas.  We also invite anyone who would like to serve on the leadership team or plan Women Ministry luncheons and dinners to let someone on the team know that they would like to help!

MORNING GLORIES BIBLE STUDY

The Morning Glories Bible Study group will be taking a break for the summer but plans to return in the fall with a new topic to study.  If you have a topic suggestion or would like to have an evening Women's Bible Study, please talk to a member of the WM leadership team.

How to deal with difficult times.

How to be encouraged in difficult times.

How to know what to do in any situation.

What to do when you're poor or rich and how to have the proper perspective in each situation.

How to handle anger.

How to have personal integrity.

How to think right.

How to be wise.

What really matters in spiritual life.

Dealing with favoritism within the church.

How to believe God with results.

How to be mature in your walk with God.

Dealing with conflicts and fights.

How to get in the right frame of mind to have God's help.

How to plan ahead and trust the Lord at the same time.

How to develop incredible patience.

What to do when you are sick, happy, or suffering.

How to be spiritually healed when you sin and how to have the proper perspective when others sin.

How to pray with results.

Donations Cabinet

Women Ministries purchased a (donations) cabinet to house all of the mission donations.  All Morningstar Mission donations can be placed in the large upper portion.  Eyeglasses and used hearing aids for the Lions Club go in the top drawer.  Campbell's labels and Box Tops for Education go in the middle drawer and ink cartridges and greeting cards for Betty Clower go in the bottom drawer.  Mmmmm...a place for everything and everything in its place!  Our moms will love this!

Good Shepherd WM Leadership Team 

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (chapter 12, verses 4 and 5):  “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.  There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.”  We encourage you to discover your gifts and step up boldly to serve Christ at Good Shepherd! 

Our planning team will hold its first meeting for the fall season on Tuesday, August 10^th.

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns about women’s ministry at Good Shepherd. Jan Coleman [(815) 436-1809]. 

Women Ministries encompasses the following areas:

Morning Glories Women's Bible Study (Clara Johnson)
(Each Tuesday at 10 AM, except the 2nd Tuesday of each month, September through May). 

Join us as we continue to meet on Tuesday mornings to view, read and discuss a pre-selected book of the Bible under the leadership of Clara Johnson.  Childcare is provided.

Bandage Rolling (Pauline Swanson and Nancy Jonasen). 

"Rip 'n' Roll" on the second Tuesday of each month (September through May) begins at 10:00 o'clock.  Many hands are needed to tear, trim, sew and roll bandages for the medical field in the Congo.  Join us for a short devotion, tasty treats, fellowship and this important mission work. 

Funeral  Luncheons (Jan Coleman and Jan Lender)

Jan Lender and I developed a plan for the funeral luncheon ministry that assists a family in planning a meal for their family and friends during a difficult time.  Instead of relying on a potluck lunch, we came up with a way to make sure that our families die not have to be concerned about the quantity and selection of food for this important meal. 

The four options are: 

(1)  A meal in the church fellowship hall with food provided by the family and their friends and served by women Ministries. 

(2)  A meal in the church fellowship hall with food and service provided by Women Ministries (the family is given a menu to select from at a cost of $5.00 - $6.00 per person). 

(3)  A catered meal in the church fellowship hall.  (A list of local catering services is provided to the family, $10.00 - $20.00 per person). 

(4)  A meal at a local restaurant.  (A list of local restaurants with private rooms is provided to the family, $10.00 - $20.00 per person). 

When the family meets with the pastor they will be given a binder with this information.  It is our hope and prayer that this plan makes it easier for the families, while allowing us the privilege of serving them.

Bake Sale Fundraiser (Easter).  Proceeds are used for Women Ministries activities, denominational projects and retreat scholarships.

Women Ministries Annual Spring Salad Luncheon

Lucia Fest (December) (Jan Lender).  Young ladies between the ages of 13 - 20 who regularly attend Church of the Good Shepherd are invited to sign up for the opportunity to become the 2009 Lucia Queen on Sunday, December 13th.  Girls aged 2 - 13 are invited to serve as attendants. 

Apple a Day Meal Ministry (Renae Bradley).  A need has been recognized within our church family to formally organize a meal ministry that provides short-term meals for those who are sick, could use some encouragement or find themselves in an emergency.  Providing a meal to someone in need is a wonderful way to say you care, I'm here for you, and most importantly, Christ loves you.  A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex.  Also, if you see a need, please let Renae know so she can make the arrangements.

Greeting Card Ministry (Nancy Jonasen).  Do you know someone who is hurting or discouraged?  We would love to send her a greeting to lift her spirits while sharing God's love for her and our concern.

Serving Teams (Martha Skoien).  There are four teams of about 20 women each that take turns serving at church dinners and special events.  Participating on a team is a wonderful way for you to serve alongside others while supporting our congregation.

Women Ministries Missions:  "Beds and Dressers" and
                                           "Breaking the Chains"

Miscellaneous Service Projects

Triennial Conference

Miscellaneous Women's Conferences (Moody, Willowcreek)