March 12, 2017
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is perhaps the most well-known and well-beloved verse in the New Testament – and for good reason. This simple Gospel message is the foundation for our whole life – our new life in Christ. This new life is characterized by thankfulness and devotion to our Father who has provided for us so lavishly in Christ.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. In conjunction with the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).
MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP: Our Lenten Worship this week under the theme: “Ironies Of the Passion” begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The sermon: “Not During The Feast”. Your brothers and sisters on the Evangelism/Stewardship Boards will present a gourmet meal (soup, sandwich, sides, dessert and stimulating conversation!) beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the ambience of your church basement. The free-will Offering will go towards a new sign we are planning for our lower parking lot. This will be an outreach as the Lord blesses. Watch for more details coming soon.
OUR MARCH DOOR OFFERING for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will be pushed back a week. He will be here with his family next Sunday, March 19th.
NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the APRIL NEWSLETTER. Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex. Pick up your copy today!
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: Join us for another great movie this coming Friday, March 17th at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement. The movie is “MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN”; based on a true story. “When Christy discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution. After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.” There are plenty of comfortable seats and plenty of food. See you Friday night!
GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN will be Saturday, April 1st –Sunday, April 2nd. Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th and place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2nd floor. We will need to do the packing that week. Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432. Thank you!
CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP: It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp. On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp. There is a discount if Registration is done by Friday, March 31st. (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.) Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship! Volunteers are needed. The brochure details the needs and requirements. Camp CILCA is near Springfield IL, northwest of the city, west of Sherman, IL, about 5 to 6 miles. Camps start Sunday, June 4th.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: Please get these dates on your calendar: Tuesday, May 23rd, 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24th, 2-9:00 p.m. This is when we will be doing our Picture Directory through Lifetouch.
YOU ARE INVTED: Kammerchor, Concordia University Wisconsin’s select touring choir, will be singing during the worship services at Christ Lutheran Church of Normal, this coming Saturday, March 18th, at 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 19th, at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m., as part of their 2017 spring tour. Admission is free, but a freewill Offering will be collected. The choir will be singing a program consisting of both accompanied and unaccompanied choral pieces in a variety of musical styles from the 1500s to the present. For more information please call Patty Downey at (309) 452-5609.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “A Well That Runs Deep Because You Need It” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 4:5-26. Jesus is determined to meet you today with the water of grace only He can give. 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 cell phone# is (309) 532-2582. The Prayer Request box is on the table in the narthex for any written requests.