April 29, 2018
THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: John 15:2 – “Every branch of mine that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” God is interested in the fruit that we bear in good works, and He even prunes us so that we may bring forth more fruit. Trusting in our Lord’s work for us, being grafted by grace into His vine, we desire to be more like Him, to grow into His image. That’s growth in fruit bearing…and it always comes with some pruning.
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 will be led by Seminarian Brent Keller at 9:15 a.m. in the church basement.
TODAY, we welcome the Seminary Student, Brent Keller, who we have been supporting this school year. He is here with his wife, Hannelore, and daughter, Annalise. Mr. Keller just received his call this past week to Peace Lutheran Church in Alcester, South Dakota. The Lord’s Blessings to the whole Keller family.
THE CONGREGATION IS INVITED to Holden Lueck’s National Signing Day Ceremony tomorrow, Monday, April 30th, at 6:00 p.m. in the cafeteria at Normal West High School. Holden is continuing his academic and football career at Olivet Nazarene University. Cake and refreshments will follow.
ASCENSION DAY WORSHIP with Holy Communion will be on Thursday, May 10th at 7:00 p.m.
ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on May 14th, at 7:00 p.m. The class will run on Mondays through the end of June (taking off on Memorial Day) and lasts about an hour each evening. This class is designed for non-members who would like to learn more about the Lutheran Church and its teachings. It is also a good refresher course for members. If you know of someone you would like Pastor to invite please call him at (309) 838-0306 or e-mail him at: revbci@yahoo.com.
GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: World-famous atheist Dr. Sol Harkens (Kevin Sorbo) delights in debating and defeating Christians, but is emotionally empty. Isolated from Katy (Sam Sorbo), the wife he divorced following the harrowing loss of their first son, and a lousy part-time dad to their two younger boys, his self-destruction culminates in a car crash that leaves him clinically dead for four minutes. The four-word message from that experience challenges his convictions, sending him into a panicked tailspin. Reluctantly leaning on his family’s forgiveness, love and faith, Sol struggles to find meaning and purpose in the words “LET THERE BE LIGHT”. Join us Friday, May 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for a great movie, good food and fine fellowship.
FROM THE OFFICE: If you would like to send a card to our Custodian, Roman Lenart, following his knee replacement surgery, his address is: 305 Carl Dr., Bloomington IL 61704.
FROM THE OFFICE: Please note that the address for Jack & Ruth Gooding has changed to: Evergreen Place, 801 Gregory, Apt. 210, Normal, IL 61761.
GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME: Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10th. Game time is 6:05 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 per person and will include a reserved box seat and a concession voucher that can be used for a hot dog, small drink and bag of chips. Good Shepherd’s own Katey Parry will sing the national anthem and Pastor Lueck will throw out a first pitch. For more information or to buy tickets, contact Randy Reinhardt at (309) 826-0448 or randyreinhardt1@gmail.com
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: We have a big weekend planned this summer so please get these dates on your calendar. Saturday, July 14th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served. Sunday, July 15th, we will have one worship service outside under a tent at 9:00 a.m. to celebrate and thank God for having paid half of the cost of our building. Sunday School and Bible Class will convene inside at 10:15 a.m.
MARK YOU CALENDAR: The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set! It will be held on Sunday, August 19th. More information to follow.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Love One Another as I Have Loved You”. The sermon text will be from John 15:9-17. Jesus calls His followers to be different as they deal with difficult people. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale A. Meyer. Hear his 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.
FROM THE CHURCH OFFICE: If you miss church, please be reminded that copies of the previous week’s sermon are available on the table in the narthex. Also, the sermon will be available on our web site at www.goodshepherdblm.org. Thank you.
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.