Shepherd's Heart 6/12/26
Good Shepherd Family,
For nearly five decades, Good Shepherd has refused to keep its faith contained within its walls. Instead, we have lived it—in kitchens and classrooms, shelters and food pantries, prayer circles and packing lines. We have embraced God's call to serve our neighbors near and far, and time and again we have witnessed what happens when ordinary people offer their time, gifts, and compassion to God: He multiplies them in ways we could never imagine.
For nearly five decades, Good Shepherd has refused to keep its faith contained within its walls. Instead, we have lived it—in kitchens and classrooms, shelters and food pantries, prayer circles and packing lines. We have embraced God's call to serve our neighbors near and far, and time and again we have witnessed what happens when ordinary people offer their time, gifts, and compassion to God: He multiplies them in ways we could never imagine.
Mission Never Takes a Summer Break
As our schedules shift and routines change, God's invitation remains the same: to love and serve our neighbors near and far. Whether serving families in DuPage County or supporting vulnerable children across the globe, every act of generosity becomes part of the story God is writing through our congregation.
At Cherish Watoto in Kenya, students recently participated in a county-wide music festival during their second school term. What a beautiful reminder that because of your generosity, children who have faced tremendous obstacles are not only receiving an education, nutritious meals, and loving care—they are also discovering their God-given gifts and finding new ways to dream and shine. Thank you for helping create opportunities for our global neighbors to flourish and share their talents with confidence and joy.
Closer to home, opportunities to serve continue each month through partnerships like Loaves & Fishes, Hesed House, DuPage Care Center, Prison Ministry, and our faithful quilting ministry. These ministries remind us that missional living is not reserved for a select few—it is an invitation extended to all of us to love and serve our neighbors right here in our own community.
This Sunday, 47 of our high school students and 9 adult leaders will travel to Mt. Gilead, Ohio, for a week of home repair projects in a low-income community. They will serve with hammers, paint, and, most importantly, their presence. These experiences are often life-changing not only for the residents they serve, but also for the students themselves as they discover what it means to live out their faith through service. Please join me in praying for safe travels, meaningful relationships, and an impactful week as they share the love of Christ through both their work and their witness.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host Mission Trip Interest Lunch & Learns later this summer as part of our Sent to Serve sermon series. Whether you have traveled before or are simply curious about what God might be stirring in your heart, these gatherings will offer a chance to explore how and where you might participate in God's work around the world.
We are also grateful to welcome Karen Lindflott as our new Missions Coordinator. Karen is already helping strengthen our ministry by implementing a new child sponsorship software platform for Cherish Watoto and enhancing communication with our sponsors and supporters. Her gifts will help us deepen connections between our congregation and the mission partners we serve alongside, both locally and globally.
Thank you for being a congregation that continues to say "yes" to God's call. Together, we are serving our neighbors near and far, sharing the love of Christ, strengthening communities, and helping transform lives—one act of faithfulness at a time.
So grateful to be on this journey alongside you!
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister
At Cherish Watoto in Kenya, students recently participated in a county-wide music festival during their second school term. What a beautiful reminder that because of your generosity, children who have faced tremendous obstacles are not only receiving an education, nutritious meals, and loving care—they are also discovering their God-given gifts and finding new ways to dream and shine. Thank you for helping create opportunities for our global neighbors to flourish and share their talents with confidence and joy.
Closer to home, opportunities to serve continue each month through partnerships like Loaves & Fishes, Hesed House, DuPage Care Center, Prison Ministry, and our faithful quilting ministry. These ministries remind us that missional living is not reserved for a select few—it is an invitation extended to all of us to love and serve our neighbors right here in our own community.
This Sunday, 47 of our high school students and 9 adult leaders will travel to Mt. Gilead, Ohio, for a week of home repair projects in a low-income community. They will serve with hammers, paint, and, most importantly, their presence. These experiences are often life-changing not only for the residents they serve, but also for the students themselves as they discover what it means to live out their faith through service. Please join me in praying for safe travels, meaningful relationships, and an impactful week as they share the love of Christ through both their work and their witness.
Looking ahead, we are excited to host Mission Trip Interest Lunch & Learns later this summer as part of our Sent to Serve sermon series. Whether you have traveled before or are simply curious about what God might be stirring in your heart, these gatherings will offer a chance to explore how and where you might participate in God's work around the world.
We are also grateful to welcome Karen Lindflott as our new Missions Coordinator. Karen is already helping strengthen our ministry by implementing a new child sponsorship software platform for Cherish Watoto and enhancing communication with our sponsors and supporters. Her gifts will help us deepen connections between our congregation and the mission partners we serve alongside, both locally and globally.
Thank you for being a congregation that continues to say "yes" to God's call. Together, we are serving our neighbors near and far, sharing the love of Christ, strengthening communities, and helping transform lives—one act of faithfulness at a time.
So grateful to be on this journey alongside you!
Jeannine Allen
Missional Engagement Executive Minister