Myrna: How long have you been a part of Good Shepherd?
Thirty-five years.
Finish the sentence: Discipleship is……. Or Following Jesus means……
Loving our friends and acquaintances. Showing our love by giving our time, efforts, and presence.
What are you passionate about? How did you discover that passion?
I'm very strong on supporting others who are hurting--either physically or mentally. I have no formal training in health care, but a lot of life experience in dealing with pain and loss. I lend a helpful ear, showing the sufferer that they are not alone.
You were recommended by a member of GSLC. Does that surprise you? What should people know about the community service work/work that you do?
It does surprise me that I was nominated for this recognition.
Many people have known me as the yard-work lady at Good Shepherd or St. Andrews. That was due to my volunteering in that capacity for over 30 years. Since I am now mostly unable to keep up the yard work, that has become a thing of the past. I do miss it.
What is one thing you’re deeply grateful for right now?
I am deeply grateful that right now, my lord has blessed me with relief from heart issues for which I've suffered for 27 plus years. This blessing can be temporary, but still, I am deeply grateful.
What about your work (volunteer or paid) is the most fulfilling to you?
Fulfilling things from my past work at Good Shepherd were serving on Church Council (recording secretary) and serving several years as WELCA treasurer. Both were very educational and gave me great opportunities to serve. Singing in the choir (with at least four directors), was so rewarding and fun.
Why are you a part of this congregation?
I am a Good Shepherd member because I met a long-term Good Shepherd member, attended services with him, learned about Lutheranism, and changed my church membership from a Baptist church in Olney to Good Shepherd.
What is a favorite memory you have here at GSLC?
A favorite memory at Good Shepherd is our wedding in 1992. Our pastor was Edward Schneider.

GSLC MeetUp
Where: The Yard in Urbana (an indoor food court with games and a relaxing vibe)
When: Sunday, January 11 @ 11:30am
After Sunday School, let’s meet up in Urbana at the Yard. There’s a variety of food and beverages for purchase with common tables to sit and socialize. Grab coffee, lunch, or just come hang out!
#ChampaignUrbana #SavoyIL #elca

Jesus Is Presented in the Temple
When the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male shall be designated as holy to the Lord”), and they offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in the law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.”

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; this man was righteous and devout, looking forward to the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit rested on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying,

“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace,
according to your word,
for my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
a light for revelation to the gentiles
and for glory to your people Israel.”

And the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to his mother Mary, “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed—and a sword will pierce your own soul, too.”

There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At that moment she came and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

#champaignurbana #SavoyIL #elca

JOB POSTING - CHOIR DIRECTOR
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA, gslc-cu.org) in Champaign, Illinois, is seeking a Choir Director for a small volunteer choir that rehearses on Wednesday evenings and sings Sunday mornings September-May at the 9 AM worship service. Successful candidates will have directing and vocal music experience and basic familiarity with the Christian liturgical calendar. Email pastor@ the above email address or the church office with your resume or for a full job description. $7500/year negotiable based on experience and additional proficiencies which could include leading a children’s choir and/or guitar playing.

This Sunday, January 4, at Good Shepherd: We celebrate the Epiphany! The magi follow the star to discover the new king and bring their gifts, paying "homage" to Jesus. To whom do we pay "homage"? How do we honor Jesus and our siblings in whom Jesus appears to us? Worship begins at 9 AM and includes Christmas favorites like We Three Kings and There's a Star in the East! See you in church! #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois

These are photos sent to us by our sister church in El Salvador, Iglesia Luterana Cristo Rey. They want to thank us for our support saying "We made food purchases today for our church's food distribution program. We thank God for His goodness and love in helping us at Christ the King Church. Our brothers and sisters are grateful for your gifts." #elca #ChampaignUrbana #SavoyIL

Please join us for "Family Board Game Night" from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd at GSLC! Join us for gaming, fun and fellowship! #ChampaignUrbana #SavoyIL #elca

Luke 2: Jesus Is Named
When the eighth day came, it was time to circumcise the child, and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.
#champaignurbana #SavoyIL #elca

We hope that you had a blessed Christmas. We had two beautiful services on Christmas Eve! #Champaign Urbana#SavoyIL #elca

Please join us for "Family Board Game Night" from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, January 2nd at GSLC! Join us for gaming, fun and fellowship! #ChampaignUrbana #SavoyIL #elca