From Ryan Hammer, Contemporary Worship Director, and Craig Parsons, Traditional Worship Director

What a year it’s been!

As we turn the page on another holiday season, it’s important to look back and see the ways in which God has moved in and through the people of Good Shepherd. Through a year of transition and change, God’s leading and provision has remained constant, and we believe the best is yet to come, in Jesus’ name. This past Christmas Eve, we welcomed over 2,200 people throughout our 6 worship service opportunities (and many hundreds more tuning in online). This more than doubles last year’s attendance, but we know that God’s faithfulness goes way beyond any numbers we can list.

From the fun and engaging Family Service led by our Student Leaders and Family Life Ministry, to our passionate and uplifting Contemporary Services, the beautiful heavenly sounds of the Orchestra at the Traditional Services, to the intimate and peaceful Acoustic Candlelight Service… God was supremely glorified, and the Christmas story was front and center, given all the prayer, attention, detail, and reverence that it deserves.

From the first service of the day at noon, until the last service at midnight ushering in Christmas Morning, the Sanctuary was beaming and the church building was buzzing. Through countless hours by serving teams setting up trees, to a completely unique tech set up, to hanging wreaths, to stringing lights, to providing food, to building visuals, to rehearsing music, to cleanup… this community is full of vibrant and sacrificial hearts, and we could not possibly be more thankful for each of you.

All of this was on top of the amazing 13^th year of Encounter Christmas, which included a passionate teaching by Stephen Poremba, as well as the very first ever fully immersive sound experience for a music event in the entire Chicagoland area, let alone a worship service! With additional speakers hung in the room, those in attendance were enveloped with the voices and instruments. This was cutting edge technology incorporated by our amazing Tech and Creative Team who continue to push the boundaries of artistic expression all for the glory of Jesus.

We cannot wait to see the ways in which our faith and worship is deepened through the leading of the Holy Spirit! May we all continue to “prepare Him room” this year and beyond.