Nancy McCowen, How long have you been a part of Good Shepherd?
I joined Good Shepherd in 1964 along with my parents Bill and Sybil Hartz. My husband, Tom, and I were married at Good Shepherd, our children were baptized and confirmed at Good Shepherd.
Finish the sentence: Discipleship is……. Or Following Jesus means……
Discipleship means to me to be a lifelong follower of Jesus Christ and endeavor to personally serve God especially as a part of a living community with other followers. Personally, it has been a growing process through service and attending Bible Study, church service, and prayer.
What are you passionate about? How did you discover that passion?
Through the years my passion has taken on different goals. At Good Shepherd it has changed as life has changed. In the beginning my passion focused on bringing youth into the fold through teaching Sunday School, being a youth leader, and Sunday School Superintendent. Later my passion turned to serving as a part of the leadership and I began service as a Council member several times, The passion turned to the various aspects of growth of Good Shepherd and its mission. I have always been passionate about making “things” better.
What should people know about the community service work/work that you do?
Although I have served in many capacities at GSLC, in these later years I have felt it is time for me to leave leadership to new and younger members. Thus, my involvement has lessened, and my attention has focused more on my personal relationship with God. GSLC is in such good hands with Pastor and the involvement of younger and even newer members.
What is one thing you’re deeply grateful for right now?
I am deeply grateful for my health. Beating cancer three times and undergoing successful treatment and surgery. God has truly blessed me, especially with good friends at GSLC.
What about your work (volunteer or paid) is the most fulfilling to you?
Results of improving processes and physical facilities while I served on the property committee. Earlier volunteering as one of the youth leaders.
#elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois

To begin Holy Week we celebrated Palm Sunday with a procession of palms, a wonderful service and a lovely brunch! #champaignurbana #SavoyIL #elca

Celebrating Palm Sunday with a beautiful performance by our choir! #elca #SavoyIL #champaignurbana

Easter at Good Shepherd! Celebrate the Resurrection with joy-full worship at 9 AM on Sunday, April 5th. Our traditional yet accessible Easter service will be filled with color and energy, glorious Easter hymns, surprises for children, and, of course, Holy Communion. Our Bell Choir and Choir will participate alongside guest musicians. Following worship, there will be an Egg Hunt on the front lawn (weather permitting) for children. All are welcome to celebrate Jesus' rising with us! #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois #easter2026

The shadows deepen on a Friday we call Good because of Jesus' gift to the whole world. Watch, sing, and pray, with us at Good Shepherd for Tenebrae (the service of shadows) 7-8 PM, Friday, April 3. This is a quiet service filled with reflection and silences. All are welcome, but very young children might find the silence and growing darkness difficult. #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois

Please bring in and donate wrapped candy and plastic eggs for our Annual Easter Egg Hunt by Palm Sunday!

This week at GSLC: Holy Week begins Sunday, March 29, with a parade of hosannas followed by the re-telling of the story of Jesus' last week before his crucifixion. Join us for worship at 9 AM as we walk and pray together, read the story together, and share the Meal together. Palm Sunday Brunch and activities follow worship. All are welcome. #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois

Next Thursday, April 2, we gather to hear Christ's reminder to share the meal and love one another as we have been loved. Join us for Maundy Thursday worship and Holy Communion at 7 PM. All are welcome. #elca #champaignurbana #maundythursday #savoyillinois

We need your help to hand our water to the runners of the Illinois Marathon. We will meet kitty corner to the church on the corner of Prospect & Ayrshire on Saturday, April 25th. Please sign up by April 1st in the Narthex! Contact Michelle if you have any questions! #champaignurbana #SavoyIL #elca

Walk Holy Week with us at Good Shepherd. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday with a palm processional (outdoors, weather permitting) at 9 AM on March 29th. Our observance continues on Maundy Thursday, April 2, at 7 PM as we gather to remember the Last Supper and the command to love one another. Good Friday brings us a 7 PM Tenebrae service of shadows and the story of Jesus' suffering and death, surrounded by solemn song, adoration of the cross, and prayer. But the joy of resurrection appears on Easter morning, April 5, at 9 AM as we declare "Christ is risen! Alleluia!" Join us for any or all of these times of worship. All are welcome. #elca #champaignurbana #savoyillinois