March 19, 2017
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Exodus 17:3: But the people thirsted there for water, and the people grumbled against Moses and said, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?” Even the Israelites who saw miracles with their own eyes fall into unbelief and fear. From this distance we can see how foolish their worry is. How foolish will our worries appear from the distance of eternity? The Lord cared for them, and He will care for us.
TODAY: We welcome to our congregation this morning Jacob, Emily, Jacob Ryan and baby Hercamp. Jacob is a Master of Divinity graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN. He is currently studying for his S.T.M. (which he can explain in Bible Class). Jacob will receive his call into the pastoral ministry of the LC-MS in April. We will have our monthly door Offering for the Hercamp’s this morning and pray the Lord’s Blessings on their future in Christ’s church.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will speak.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).
TODAY 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.
MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP: Lenten worship this week is on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. We will gather under the theme: “He Had Been Wanting To See Jesus”, from Luke 23:6-12. This is part of the “Ironies Of the Passion” Lenten Services. Your duly elected Church Council members known for their leadership and culinary skills will dazzle you with their meal preparation set to begin at 5:30 p.m. in the well lit and cheery church basement. The free-will Offering will be sent to the Hilbert’s and their work in Botswana for Lutheran Bible Translators.
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!
PORTALS OF PRAYER: The April-June 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack located in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today!
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 an 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 INVITED: The internationally renowned Christus Chorus of Concordia University of St. Paul, Minnesota, will be performing at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1822 E. Lincoln, Bloomington on Saturday, April 8th at 7:00 p.m. The choir’s concert: “A More Excellent Way”, proclaims the richness of God’s love through a wide variety of musical styles, from classical to spirituals, gospel to contemporary, hymns to film scores. This concert is a unique opportunity to enjoy a time of uplifting music. The performance is open to the public. Feel free to invite friends! A freewill Offering will be gathered to support the choir’s music ministry.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “God’s Got It In For Me” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from John 9:1-41. God can use our troubles and crosses for a higher purpose that we may not understand until we reach heaven Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus 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.