We miss you Church family! As our state enters Phase Four of Restore Illinois, Good Shepherd will continue to offer online-only church services, in both traditional and contemporary styles every weekend.

For now, the building will remain closed as our staff and leaders continue to work hard to update processes and install new live streaming equipment, allowing our church family to worship safely and at their own comfort levels. Building re-opening information will be on our website as it becomes available. 

We put the safety and health of our congregation first. We commit to abide by the best orders of our municipal and state leaders and the Center for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health. As we do so, we seek to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to honor our governing authorities. As the Apostle Paul says, “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God“.  

However, please remember that church is not “closed.” While the situation we all face has been difficult, God is just as present as always! 

God continues to work through our staff and congregation. We have been able to invest in new equipment, digital capabilities and resources to offer both traditional and contemporary church services online. Plus, we have enhanced other ministries through many digital experiences including Student Ministries, Young Adults, Growth Groups, Small Groups and Hope for Mental Health. 

Our mission teams have served many local organizations including Hesed House (homeless resource center) and Loaves and Fishes food pantry. Many have also made face masks for our community and global partners (Honduras and Pine Ridge Indian Reservation). 

Amazingly, giving is up by 3% for the fiscal year, and is at 111% of budget since the federal sheltering order was put in place. We also celebrate our 160 new online givers, 30 of whom are regular, recurring givers. Thank you for your faithful generosity!

Though we are physically apart, God is using this time to challenge, shape and connect us in new ways, as well as to reach even more people with the Gospel. Thank you for your partnership and prayers as we adjust to the new normal.