July 30, 2017
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Matthew 13:45-46: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” Indeed, Jesus redeemed us, purchased us back from sin and death, with all that He had. We belong to Him now. And this is foundation for our own generosity: imitating the outsized generosity of Jesus.
NEED A RIDE? If you are unable to drive to church, we have an option that is available. Please speak with Pastor who has the details. Thank you.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).
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”.
NEW CHURCH SIGN: In celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation and with inspiration from Martin Luther, Good Shepherd will be “posting” a new church sign on the south side near the lower parking lot. Parts will be interchangeable and can be used for Outreach to our community. Congregation involvement will include creative ideas for the signage and gifts toward the purchase. The second collection of monies is TODAY, Sunday, July 30, 2017. We will then collect on the last Sunday of each month through September with a final collection scheduled for some time in October. If you do not have a jar and want to participate you may pick one up in the narthex.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS: It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits. We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag: 4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag. If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205. Thank you for your help!
QUILTING: We will start meeting again for Quilt Sewing in August. Due to the McLean County Fair being held the first week in August; we will meet on Thursday, August 10th from 1-4:00 p.m. Any questions please see or call Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.
CAN YOU HELP? We have a sign-up on the table in the narthex for Summer Sunday School. The dates and lessons are listed. We would like to have someone covering and to give Sarah Lange a break for the summer. Once you sign-up, please speak with Sarah who will have the lesson for you. Thank you for helping in this way.
FROM THE OFFICE: If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex. As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter. Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed. We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: The sign-up for help with coffee/doughnuts is posted on the wall by the north stairwell. We need an individual/family to sign-up each week to pick up the donuts and make the coffee. If no one is signed up by Friday of each week, the order will be cancelled. We thank everybody who continues to help with this part of our church fellowship.
LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES: Reminder: Don’t forget to stop by the Lutheran Hour Ministries Tent at the Illinois State Fair. This also is sponsored by the Central Illinois District Lutheran Laymen’s League. We give away Bibles, LHM Booklets on all topics, Children’s Bible Story Books; Coloring Books and free ice water. There is also a free craft to make. If you would like to volunteer, please call Deloris Blessman at (309) 361-1461 or email her at: delorisblessman@yahoo.com. The State Fair starts Friday, August 11th – Sunday, August 20th.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “On Thee the High and Lowly” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Exodus 20:10. It’s “Archives August” and we present a classic message from former speaker, Dr. Dale Meyer. 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.