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! 

Bead a little...chat a little...have a little coffee...bead a a little...chat a little...have a cookie...bead a little...chat a little...ooops, now where did that bead go?

That's how it went at our February Girls Night Out.  With over 30 ladies attending, we enjoyed getting creative with a wide variety of jewelry making supplies while making necklaces, earrings and bracelets for ourselves or to donate to Some Little Things.  In addition, many ladies purchased jewelry already made and brought here from Zaire and Sudan.  All in all, it was a fun night for all who attended and it was a financially successful night for Some Little Things, a non-profit organization that raises funds to help girls in the Congo attend school.

Central Conference Spring Celebration

April 9th - 10th in Rockford, IL

You are invited to join us overnight, or come up on Saturday morning.  Either way, you are sure to find out more about what other women's groups at Covenant churches are doing, enjoy a lunch with friends, and hear Rachel Mohn, a comedian from California, give her version of Women Ministries.  Cost is $25 for both days or $20 for Saturday only.  Hotel is extra.  Please pick up a brochure at the Welcome center and talk to me or a Women Ministries leader today!

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! 

Please call me if you have any questions or concerns about women’s ministry at Good Shepherd. Jan Coleman [(815) 436-1809].  Our next planning meeting will be held at noon on Tuesday, January 12th.

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. 

Ladies Night Out (September through May). We are especially excited to announce that all of the ladies are invited to a Women's Fellowship on the last Monday of each month to enjoy connecting with each other. It's kind of a meeting, but not really.  It's kind of like a girl's night out, but not really. Each month, something different will be offered...speakers, craft demonstrations, gardening tips, cooking ideas, game night, etc.  Be sure to take this wonderful opportunity to invite your friends and neighbors to your church for an evening of fun and fellowship. 

Funeral  Luncheons (Jan Coleman and Jan Lender)

Last year, 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 (May)

Lucia Fest (December 13th) (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)