Shepherd's Staff Weekend
Holy Shepherd's Staff
Pastor: Mark Vance
Associate Pastor: Mike Zurek
Worship and Arts Director: Ruthann Russel
Missions, Children's Ministry, & Fellowship Director: Jim Winiecki
Administrative Assistant: Kate Knoerzer
Clerical Assistant : Sue Neilson
Custodian: Janet Bates
Current News & Events
Candlelight Bowling benefits Mission
Join the fun supporting Su Casa Worker House, our major mission project, by participating in Candlelight Bowling! Sign up in the lobby to play beginning at 7 p.m. on Saturday, July 31 at Stardust lanes in Dyer. The cost is $15 and a snack to share. Shoes extra. For additional information, contact Jim Winiecki.
Fellowship at the Ballpark
Holy Shepherd has 20 tickets to the Gary Railcats Baseball game on Friday, August 20 at 7 p.m. The seats are four rows behind the home dugout. The evening includes fireworks and each attendee receives a "rally towel." The group will meet at the front gate of the ballpark at 6 p.m. Sign up in the church lobby to reserve your ticket!
"Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes!"
The SWIFT Group meets Tuesday, August 3 at 7 p.m. to discuss the book “Eat the Cookie, Buy the Shoes: Giving Yourself Permission to Lighten Up” by Joyce Meyer. The women’s group meets the first Tuesday of each month and newcomers are always welcome. Questions? Contact Sue Neilson or Nancy Winiecki.
Blessing of the Animals during Worship
Saturday worship on August 7 will include a special Blessing of Animals. Bring your pet (on a leash or in a cage, please) for this unique outdoor service. If the weather is uncooperative, the service will be held in the Fellowship Hall.
Youth Groups meeting in July
Junior BASIC (Brothers and Sisters in Christ), the middle school youth group, meets at 6 p.m. every-other Monday at church this summer. Upcoming dates are July 12 and 26, and August 9. The group is open to youth entering grades 6-8. Evenings will include dinner and games before dividing into separate groups for frank discussions. Pastor Mike will lead the guys group and Jill Fox will lead the girls.
"Tempting Stuff" is the topic this summer for all who will be in high school this fall. The group meets at 6 p.m. every-other Monday in various homes. On July 19, the group will meet at Southlake Mall in the food court (look for Pastor Mike).
Youth: feel free to bring a friend! Contact Pastor Mike with any questions or concerns about the youth groups.
Hope in Crown Point
Hope Lutheran Community, a ministry of Holy Shepherd Church, is a new worshipping community in Crown Point. Pastor Freda Scales is leading worship each Sunday at 11:00 a.m. in the Free Spirit Interfaith Church building. Questions about how to help with or participate in this new ministry should be addressed to Pastor Scales or Pastor Vance.
Puppet Team News
Thanks to the Hands to Heaven Puppeteers for another fabulous season! Rehearsals will resume in September, 2010. Watch for the HTH Puppeteers in worship the first weekend of October and December, 2010 and in February and April of 2011.
There will be re-organizational meeting on Tuesday, July 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. Anyone interested in helping plan for the fall is encouraged to participate and newcomers are always welcome.
The Hands to Heaven Puppeteers meet from 6:00-8:00 p.m. every Tuesday evening at Holy Shepherd September through May. We are a dedicated team of volunteers who share our time and talents in proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ through Christian puppetry.
Stop by the Opportunity Center in the Lobby and pick up a copy of our needs list to help support our ministry. Please place all donations in the collection box under the table. Also, be sure to check out the back of the Opportunity Slips from time to time for our current team needs.
Click to see photographs of the Hands to Heaven Puppeteers participating during worship services. For additional information about this vibrant ministry, contact Lisa Gabe.
Mission Projects
Varied collections to assist with Mission Projects are featured every week at the Mission Center in the Lobby. Stop by and look. See how we can make a difference!
For additional information, visit the Mission Page on our web site.
Mission Trip to Guatemala Planned
Members and friends of Holy Shepherd Church will be participating in a Mission Trip to Guatemala July 9 - 18, 2010. The group will be traveling with Hearts in Motion to provide assistance to the people if Guatemala through medical clinics, offering Vacation Bible School, construction projects (including the playground for the Orphanage) and many other ways. Contact Jim or Nancy Winiecki for information. To read the "blog" from the 2008 Mission Trip, click here.