GLC - - - Connects!
April 15, 2021
Vicar Amber's Message
Starting this Sunday, we move out of the Gospel of Luke and into the Book of Acts, where we hear about the birth and spread of the church. New disciples are made almost daily, sometimes with thousands at a time. But it is not all love and generosity, neither within the church nor within the places and peoples the gospel reaches. Just like Jesus encountered in his earthly ministry, there is opposition and division that takes place. When difficulties arise, how does our faith guide us through?

Holy God, fill Your church with Your spirit of courage and wisdom, so that when the road becomes challenging, we may proclaim even louder the good news of Your salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Sunday in-person worship

We are welcoming up to 30 people for our 9:00 am Sunday worship service. Please arrive for worship by 8:55 am. There is no pre-registration, but masks, health self-certification, and physical distancing are still required. 
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We will also celebrate communion outdoors each week at 10:00 and at 10:15 am, in a brief, but full communion service. Remember, you can always arrange a communion visit with Pastor Trudy or Vicar Amber!

April 18 worship:
Worship Materials: Worship Folder
Kid's Bulletins: Ages 3+ & Ages 7+
After worship:
10:00 am & 10:15 am Outdoor Communion
(on the front lawn or under the canopy)
10:15 am Stuff You Missed in Sunday School, Adult Education in Fellowship Hall
GLC Kids!
In-person Sunday School
April 18 @ 8:45 am

We invite families to attend in-person worship while their children head off to Sunday School in Fellowship Hall! Miss Christy will host a multi-age Sunday School class for kids 3 years-5th grade. Please email Christy if your child plans to attend! Thank you!

WONDERING...
Real questions from real people to learn more about faith
Is it ok to use non-masculine pronouns and titles for God?

Usually in talking about God, the scriptures and the church have the habit of defaulting to masculine pronouns and titles (he, him, his, king, father, etc.). This may be how we traditionally talk about God, but that does not mean that we need to restrict ourselves to masculine pronouns and titles only. All names that we use for God are partial – attempts at naming the divine one who is greater than any word can capture. The Bible is full of different names for God and metaphors to describe God’s work. Perhaps this is why the divine name of God utilized by the Israelites translates simply to “I am.” Human beings, both male and female, are made in the image of God. We call God father, but Jesus describes himself as being like a mother hen. As we decide what pronouns or titles to use, we may ask ourselves, “How does this word shape my understanding of God? How does my experience of God offer new names to consider?”
We lift up in prayer
  • Bob and Betty Zimmerman
  • Tom Podjasek
  • All those with COVID-19
  • For comfort and strength for those continuing to struggle with loss and grief
  • Continued patience during this time
  • Gratitude for those able to reunite with loved ones
  • Thanksgiving for signs of new life
Prayer List
Please email Amy Steenson or call
(630) 232-0165 to add a name to the prayer list. Submitted names will remain on the list for two weeks.
GLC Prayer Chain
A confidential phone network ministry that intercedes on behalf of those in need by lifting up specific requests, concerns, and emergency situations. Please call Sally Harmon (630) 377-0021 to request prayer.
Notes from the GLC Community
What a nice surprise to have delicious soup and a pie (Alan's favorite) delivered yesterday. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. I guess it sometimes pays to be old.
God's blessings to all of you, Louise & Alan

Thank you for the delicious "Split Pea Soup" with ham and apple pie. Both were wonderful. What a treat! Delivery by Karen D. was special, too. You ladies are doing a great job.
God Bless, Shirley Zars

Thank you for the beautiful hand made prayer shawl. My family and I are grateful to know that we are surrounded by prayer. Special thanks to Darla for this gift.
Peace, Kara Baylor
In-Person Worship for 65 and Older
Thursday, April 15 & 29, 1:00 pm
We welcome all those who are 65 years and older to a small group worship with Holy Communion. We will continue to practice physical distancing and mask wearing. Registration is not required.
Parent's Day Out Summer Program
Registration Begins Monday, April 19 @ 9 am
PDO offers a loving environment for children 2-5 years of age to play, learn, and grow while providing parents three hours to use as they like! PDO is open to all in the community, regardless of church membership or attendance.

Summer PDO registration opens online: Monday, April 19 at 9 am. See the summer class schedule and registration information. For more information contact Kim McKenna, Director of PDO.
St. Andrew Diaper Drive
Once again we're collecting baby wipes and diapers (sizes 1-6) for the St. Andrew Lutheran Church distributions.

Donations can be dropped off at GLC Monday-Friday, 9 am - 3 pm until Thursday, April 22.

Thank you for your continued generosity! Contact Julie Slifka for more information.
FINANCE UPDATE
Giving continues to track better than budgeted for the fiscal year (remember that we passed a deficit budget). Thank you!
 
PPP- Payroll Protection Program
PPP1- We received a PPP loan last year for just over $80,000 and have applied for forgiveness.
PPP2- We qualified for, applied for, and received a PPP2 loan for $74,890. This loan is also expected to be forgiven.  

The PPP loans must be used for salaries, utilities and mortgage interest. Continued strong congregational giving opens up possibilities to extend our mission in our community. Watch for more information!

Questions? Contact our Finance team: finance@genevalutheran.org
ON THE CALENDAR
Northern Illinois Food Bank
Wednesday, April 21 @ 9 am

Weekly Bible Study on ZOOM
Thursdays @ 9:30 am
Discussion on the Gospel of Luke.
Contact: Pastor Trudy or Vicar Amber 
Challenging Questions, Challenging Answers
on ZOOM
Thursdays @ 7 pm
Contact: Pastor Trudy or Vicar Amber

Worship for 65 and older
Thursdays, April 15 & 29 @ 1 pm
Contact: Pastor Trudy
GLC Life in Pictures
So. many. carrots! Donations received at St. Andrew Lutheran Church for distribution to help feed our neighbors in need!
Winner Winner Chicken Dinner! Mike Fay delivering part of the meal for GLC's serve day at Lazarus House. #generouslifeinChrist
Sandwiches made & lunches packed! Confirmation students Cailin Noonan and Hannah Janis on their way to Lazarus House. #generouslifeinChrist
Signs of new life all around the building! #joyisnotcancelled
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Send pictures of how you are living your #generouslifeinChrist to Margo. Thank you!