December 4, 2016
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Matthew 3:1-2: “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, {2} “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”” John prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. Then, when Jesus’ ministry was complete and He was raised from the dead, He sent out his disciples to preach “repentance and the forgiveness of sins.” We never outgrow the need for repentance – for examining our lives, turning away from our pet sins, and turning toward Jesus in faith to receive his forgiveness and strength for a renewed life of godliness.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, meeting in the basement at 9:15 a.m. continues a DVD based study: “Jesus – Legend or 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, the children learn the story of “Jesus Changes Water into Wine” at the wedding in Cana. Through His first miracle, Jesus revealed Himself to be true God. God uses His Word and physical means—water, bread, and wine—to reveal to us that Jesus is our Savior. Discuss the story with your children: “How we are like the disciples, not sure just who Jesus is? How do we sometimes doubt Him and His Word?”
TODAY: Advent Devotion Booklets are available on the table in the narthex. Pick up your copy today. Reflect on your own Christmas memories while you take an Advent journey with the Gospel writer Luke as he shares the story of the Savior’s birth.
TODAY: Your 2017 Offering Envelopes are available on the cart that is located in the narthex. We encourage everyone to pick up your envelopes!
MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP: The second of our three Advent Worship Services is this Wednesday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. The theme for our Advent/Christmas messages is “Family Life”. This week’s sermon is “Our Way”. A meal is served at 5:30 p.m. and you may sign-up in the narthex to bring food. The free-will Offering will go to the Hilbert’s and their work for Lutheran Bible Translators.
SPECIAL WORSHIP AND BIBLE CLASS: Please join us for worship and Bible Class on Sunday, December 18th, as we have two special things planned for that day. Both the 8:00 and 10:30 worship will be “A Service of Lessons and Carols” led by our Choir. There will be no Holy Communion in either service. Because of this, we will have Holy Communion in both worship services on Sunday, December 11th. Also that morning Karson Lueck will lead the Bible Class. Karson will present part two of his topic, “The Church and Millenials”. We encourage all adults and young people to be part of this timely and interesting study.
THE LADIES MORNING BIBLE STUDY will be meeting at the home of Diane Benjamin on Tuesday, December 13th at 9:30 a.m.
IT’S TIME TO ORDER POINSETTIAS: We have a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for poinsettias on the altar for Christmas. The cost is $8.00 each and you may sign up until Sunday, December 18th. The poinsettias will be available to be taken home after Epiphany which is on Sunday, January 8th. An envelope is also available with the sign-up sheet for your check or cash. Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and list “Poinsettia” on memo line. If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 or Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.
THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL: It’s time again to order your copy of “The Lutheran Annual”, this being the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. The cost is $25.00. If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Janet in the church office or by phone (309) 662-8905 or email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com. Or even in person.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Please be sure to mark your calendars that Good Shepherd will just have one Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. on Christmas Day. The Sunday School and Adult Bible Class will not meet that morning.
CHRISTMAS LETTER: The congregation received a Christmas letter from Reverend Tim Lorenz and family. Pastor Lorenz is one of the many seminarians we have supported over the years. The letter is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.
YOU ARE INVITED: Christ Lutheran Church in Normal invites you to take a free guided 20 minute walking tour and experience “The Journey” that Mary and Joseph took so many years ago. This tour features indoor and outdoor scenes with live drama, animals and singing. “Journeys begin inside every 10 minutes between 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. next Sunday, December 11th. Free cookies and hot chocolate will be available. Meals are also available for purchase between 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. For more information please call the church at (309) 452-5609.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Let the Adventure Begin” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Isaiah 35:1-10. In Christ, all of life is an adventure, one that is full of His promise and hope. 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.