† March 6, 2016 †
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Luke 15:12: “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them.” This prodigal son only sees the father as a source of wealth: give me my inheritance now! Which is to say: you are better off dead in my eyes. This is the sin at the heart of all greed: valuing things over people. This parable calls us to “come to our senses” as well: to see God as the loving Giver of all good, the true Father to be valued above and beyond all the things of this world.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck and meeting in the church basement at 9:15 a.m. is studying “Lutheran Doctrine and Practice Today”.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL: “Jesus Preaches on the Mount” is today’s Sunday School lesson. Jesus explains in His Word that He was poor, hungry, sorrowful, hated, and rejected for our sake so that God would grant us His gifts and blessings. Discuss with your children, “How does our sin blinds us? What does Jesus offers us through faith in Him?”
MIDWEEK LENTEN SERVICES: The Lenten message this week as we continue our sermon series and worship theme from the Book of Job is: “It Is Enough”. Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. Please come sample the kitchen creations of your Church Council as they serve a meal at 5:30 p.m. in the church basement. The Offering given of your own free will is helping the ministry of Wittenberg Lutheran Center at Illinois State University.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS: Before hitting the pillow next Saturday evening, please “spring forward” with your alarm clock. Along with Pastor we look forward to you being wide-eyed and awake next Sunday (even with the hour of shuteye you lost!).
NEXT SUNDAY, March 13th, will be our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Brad Ferch and family. They will be with us on Sunday, April 3rd. Mark your calendars so you can be here to support Brad as he preaches and leads Bible Class.
LUTHERAN WITNESS: It’s time again to renew our subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness. This year’s cost is $15.96. If you are not receiving this and would like to do so, please contact Janet in the church office at (309) 662-8905; email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.
EASTER LILIES may be purchased for $9.00. They will be placed on the altar on Easter Sunday and may be picked up following the late service on Easter. The sign-up sheet is on the table in the narthex. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and also indicate on the memo line on your check: Easter Lily. Any questions contact Jackie Kwasny (309) 662-4995.
COMPLIMENTARY TICKETS for the American Passion Play are available for the following times: this coming Saturday, March 12th; Sunday March 20th and Saturday April 2nd. Please contact Fern and Theron Noth at (309)473-3222; email: tfnoth@gmail.com or Carol Schroeder at (309)452-2872; email: Gordoncarol304@gmail.com. Performances are at the Bloomington Center for Performing Arts and begin at 1:00 pm.
THE CID LLL will have their Annual Convention this coming Saturday, March 12, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway IL. Lunch is at 12:00 p.m. The speakers are Dr. Nash Naam of Effingham, an advocate for his adopted country; and Polly Gregali from Int’l LHM. Everyone may register by Monday, March 7th, by sending your name and $10.00 per person to Lloyd Foster, 8978 E. St., Hwy 33, Shumway, IL 62461. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.
INGATHERING FOR BABIES BORN IN PRISON: Please consider bringing the following items to the LLL Convention. Due to the State Budget Crisis Macon County Social Services does not have the funds to purchase these items for women who are imprisoned at Decatur Correctional Center. These women are pregnant when they are incarcerated and their babies are allowed to stay a short time with their mothers in a special prison wing. Items in need are: disposable diapers (newborn size); crib sheets, and diaper bags. Thank you for your generosity. Cheryl Garlisch. If you have any questions please see or call Herb Renken at (309) 454-2986.
YOU ARE INVITED: Wittenberg Lutheran Center, 201 S. Main St. in Normal will host a traditional Seder (Hebrew for “order”) Meal at the chapel on Tuesday, March 22nd beginning at 7:00 p.m. A representative from Apple of His Eye Ministry will lead this instructional meal. Tickets are $5.00 to reserve a seat. All proceeds going to Apple of His Eye Ministry. A free-will donation will also be taken on the night of the meal. Contact Pastor Bill on his cell phone: (217) 836-9305, or at Wittenberg (309) 452-597 to reserve a seat for this event, and/or if you would like to help with the groceries and preparations for the meal.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Reconciled Reconcilers” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Through forgiveness, God gives us another way to deal with people who have hurt us. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz. Hear this Sunday’s message on the Lutheran Hour on WGN (720) at 6:00 a.m.; WJWR (104.7 FM) and WJWR (90.3 FM) both on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Also, if you can receive Lincoln, IL radio station WLLM (1370 AM) the program is broadcast two times on Sunday at 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tune in! You can also listen to The Lutheran Hour on your personal computer at RealAudio, www.lhm.org.