September 25, 2016
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Amos 6:1: “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion. . . .” The Book of Amos is a warning to God’s people who have been given great material wealth. As Jesus Himself mentions, material blessings can turn into temptations – chiefly the temptation to think of ourselves as self-sufficient and independent. What does Amos suggest as a way to combat this temptation? First off: faith in the Lord and dependence upon Him! And if our faith is right we will want to follow the rest of Amos’s instructions: to bless the poor with our alms and to make sure the Lord’s House is properly cared for. In other words: to align our actions with God’s priorities and put others ahead of ourselves.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend of Lord?” The class features LC-MS Author and Scholar Dr. Paul Maier discussing History and Archaeology and how it all fits with the Holy Scriptures.
TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students study Deborah, one of the Old Testament judges. Through Deborah, Barak, and Jael, God brought about victory for His people and freed them from cruel oppression; through Christ’s death on the cross, God brought about our victory and freed us from sin, death, and the devil. Parents could ask, “How did God use Deborah to help His people? How does God help His people today?”
THE ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS for this week is being moved to Tuesday, September 27th at 7:00 p.m. The class meets in the Conference Room next to the church office.
PASTOR APPRECIATION SUNDAY: On Sunday, October 9th, we will celebrate Pastor Appreciation Sunday. This year is the 25th Anniversary of Pastor Lueck’s Ordination. A potluck dinner is scheduled following the 10:30 worship service. There are sign-up sheets on the table in the narthex. Please put your name, how many will be attending and what you will be bringing to share.
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The October – December 2016 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today!
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS: It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief Health Kits. We need your help in filling the Health Kits with the following items: 36 Bars of Soap; 6 Toothbrushes; 36 Fingernail Clippers; and 18 Combs (No picks please). Any questions please see or call Joann Hart (309) 310-9205. Thank you for your help!
YOU ARE INVITED: Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Eureka is having their Annual Hog Roast this coming Saturday, October 1st, from 4-7:00 p.m. Pastor Lueck has two complimentary tickets to hand out if you are interested.
A WOMEN’S RETREAT, sponsored by LWML CID, will held at the Camp CILCA Christian Growth Center on Friday, October 7th and Saturday, October 8th. More Information and Registration Forms are available on the table in the narthex. Reservation deadline is this coming Friday, September 30th.
YOU ARE INVITED: On Saturday, October 15th, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church of Normal is hosting Dr. Paul Maier, Lutheran author, theologian and college professor. Our Sunday Adult Bible Class is currently studying one of Dr. Maier’s presentations. On the 15th, he will speak on “Defending the Faith” and “Christianity and The Competition”. The cost is $15.00 and includes lunch. Please call (309) 452-5609 or email: clcms@frontier.com to make your reservation. The deadline to sign-up is Friday, October 7th.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “The Only Way To Live: By Faith!” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4. God cares about you, listens to you, and answers your difficult questions with grace and compassion. Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz is the speaker. 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.
PRAYER CHAIN: If you have a prayer request please submit them by email to Mary Anne Kirchner at makirchner@yahoo.com or you may phone a Prayer Request to Mary Anne; her home # is (309) 661-6522; her cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.