Shepherd's Heart 9/4/25
Good Shepherd Family,
What a weekend to remember! From welcoming our neighbors at the Last Fling gates, to worshiping outdoors with nearly 600 gathered at the Main Stage on Sunday morning, to singing and dancing for thousands of parade watchers on Monday—it was a radiant outpouring of God’s presence.
By Monday evening, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated. I love that Good Shepherd boldly said YES when this opportunity opened. Out of more than 90 churches in Naperville, God invited us to join in this unique way—and then took our yes and said, “Just watch what I will do!”
Friends, what a privilege to proclaim God’s Word in the heart of our city, to lift His praises through the streets, and to share His love and joy with so many. My heart is still smiling—what a gift it all was!
We lived out our mission this weekend: for our neighbors, for families, for Jesus!
SERVING IMPACT
STORIES OF IMPACT
Church, thank you. Thank you for saying YES to what God was doing. Thank you for showing up, smiling, serving, and worshiping with all your hearts. You gave your time, your energy, and your love—and God multiplied it. This was never about us, but what God was doing in and through us, for His Glory!
This is just the beginning—God has more doors for us to walk through together. Let’s boldly keep saying YES, trusting that He will continue to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
With gratitude and joy,
Jeannine Allen
What a weekend to remember! From welcoming our neighbors at the Last Fling gates, to worshiping outdoors with nearly 600 gathered at the Main Stage on Sunday morning, to singing and dancing for thousands of parade watchers on Monday—it was a radiant outpouring of God’s presence.
By Monday evening, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated. I love that Good Shepherd boldly said YES when this opportunity opened. Out of more than 90 churches in Naperville, God invited us to join in this unique way—and then took our yes and said, “Just watch what I will do!”
Friends, what a privilege to proclaim God’s Word in the heart of our city, to lift His praises through the streets, and to share His love and joy with so many. My heart is still smiling—what a gift it all was!
We lived out our mission this weekend: for our neighbors, for families, for Jesus!
SERVING IMPACT
- 228 volunteers served in some capacity: Entrance Gates, Vocalists, Musicians, Welcome, Tech & Worship Teams, Cleanup, Bus Coordinators, Parade Participants, Drivers, and so much more!
- Contributing more than 612 hours of service, ministry, and hospitality
- Touching the lives of thousands who walked through the gates, joined worship, or watched the parade
- All for His Glory!
STORIES OF IMPACT
- At the entrance gates, volunteers partnered with the Naperville Jaycees, security, and police. Officers later said our teams made their jobs easier and expressed gratitude for our partnership. Many festival attendees thanked us for the warm welcome and helpful information. It was a simple act of service that built trust and reflected Christ’s love in action to our community.
- On the Main Stage Sunday morning, lives were touched in powerful ways. One person shared: “I haven’t been to church in years, but today I felt God tugging on my heart again.” Local college students came for the first time, hotel guests worshiped from their balconies, and even those working the festival and security team sought prayer. Online, an additional 500 people joined in worship. The reach was wide, the impact was deep, and the stories are still unfolding.
- The parade was more fun than we could have imagined! Families laughed, waved, and experienced the love of Christ flowing joyfully through the streets of our community. Along the route, we were delighted to see many of our preschool families—an unexpected and beautiful blessing that reminded us God’s reach goes further than we can imagine.
Church, thank you. Thank you for saying YES to what God was doing. Thank you for showing up, smiling, serving, and worshiping with all your hearts. You gave your time, your energy, and your love—and God multiplied it. This was never about us, but what God was doing in and through us, for His Glory!
This is just the beginning—God has more doors for us to walk through together. Let’s boldly keep saying YES, trusting that He will continue to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).
With gratitude and joy,
Jeannine Allen
Posted in Shepherds Heart