THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP: Matthew 3:1-2 – “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘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 – examining our lives, turning away from our sins, and turning toward Jesus in faith to receive His forgiveness and strength for a renewed life of godliness.
FAITH IN ACTION OF BLOOMINGTON/NORMAL: One ride, one visit, one Senior at a time. Need a ride? Want to volunteer? Need more information? Call (309) 827-7780; or email: office@bnfia.org or contact Barry Hamlin at (309) 750-9424.
THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.; is studying a DVD-based Study entitled: “Joseph: Carpenter of Steel!” Come learn about this important person in the Christmas Story.
OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2nd level (the west side).
MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES: Our 2nd Midweek Advent Service will commence at 7:00 p.m. this Wednesday, December 11th. Our Scripture messages for Advent center around the theme: “Advent Calendars”. This week you will hear: “Advent Calendars: ‘Theme’” A meal of fellowship and frivolity will begin in the basement of the church at 5:30 p.m. To sign-up to bring your delicious creations you may do so in the narthex. The free-will Offering this week will go to our Seminary Student, Aaron Wendorff. Today is also our door Offering for Aaron and his family.
OFFERING ENVELOPES: The 2020 Offering Envelopes are now available for you to pick-up. They are located in the narthex with your name on them. If you are not sure of your name, please check with the church office. Thank you.
THE ADVENT DEVOTIONS titled “Call His Name Jesus” are available on the table in the narthex. Pick up your free copy today.
POINSETTIAS SIGN-UP: There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for poinsettias that will be on the altar for Christmas. The cost is $10.00 each and you will need to sign-up by Wednesday, December 18th. There is an envelope on the table in the narthex for your check or cash. Please make your check payable to: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and write “Poinsettia” on the memo line. If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 ot Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.
FELLOWSHIP HOSTS: In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2019 we have two separate sign-ups: Donut Pick-up and Coffee Set-up. We would like to encourage you to sign-up for one or the other. You may also sign-up for both if you wish. The sign-up sheet is by the door by the north stairwell.
YOU ARE INVITED to “Journey To The Manger” at Christ Lutheran Church, 311 N. Hershey Rd. in Normal today from 5-7:00 p.m. Free “Tours” include: Live drama and animals; singing and music; indoor and outdoor scenes and hot chocolate and cookies. Meals are available for purchases from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. If you have any questions please call the church at (309) 452-5609.
THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “Love Is Enough” is the topic for next Sunday. The sermon text will be from Matthew 22:35-40. Loved and Sent Series – God shows us a different kind of love. It’s love for the world that is not of this world. Love that is focused outward, love that gives without requiring anything in return. The speaker will be, Dr. Michael Zeigler. 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.
INFORMATION REQUESTED: Please notify the church office if someone in the congregation or any family or friends are ill or hospitalized.
PRAYER CIRCLE: 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.