Author: GoodShepherdBLM

Pastor’s Notes February 2015

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What a blessing it is that we are going to celebrate 20 years as a chartered congregation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  My family and I have been here for fifteen years of those twenty, and we are thankful for the Lord leading us to Good Shepherd.

One thing you know about our church’s short history is how God’s hand has led this congregation.  He has showered us with His love, grace, mercy, hope, and faithfulness.  We are the blessed recipients of His eternal work.  In our small groups, Bible studies, chatting over coffee and doughnuts or even when we are all together most of us are aware of the Lord and what He has done to get us to this place.  It is almost an unlimited list.  The actions of our Lord help to confirm what a small group of dedicated members envisioned years ago.  The signs are there and continue to be there.  Thanks be to God!

I would like to hear from you on this front.  During the months leading up to the Anniversary, which we will celebrate in July, I would like to include in the prayers on Sunday morning certain things you are thankful for from Good Shepherd’s history.  Please contact me through my e-mail:  revbci@yahoo.com or on my cell (838-0306).  As I compile a list we will lift them to the Lord for all His gracious work.

Another request:  We would like to invite former members of the congregation to this Anniversary Celebration.  We will be working on this in the church office, but we would like your help as well.  If you know the address of a former member or members who have moved away, please let the church office know.  As they come to me, I try to write them down, but if we work together, we have a better chance of not overlooking anyone.

“Great Is Thy Faithfulness” is our theme for the Anniversary.  The Lord has been faithful, and the gift of Christ our Savior gives us an eternal hope.  An Anniversary ties together the past, the present, and the future.  The one constant in all three is the love of Christ for each one of us.  Let’s celebrate that.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor

Elder/Usher Schedule February 2015

Date
8:30
Elder
10:30
Feb 1Charles Nottingham, Craig Culp, Joshua Parry, Paul GerikeMike FieldRyan Kleiboeker, Travis Henson
Feb 8Gerald Semelka, John HardyNathan KluenderGreg McNeely, Holden Lueck, Theron Noth
Feb 15Matthew Holland, Mike Field, Nathan Kluender, Steve DavisJohn HardyBud Kessler, Curt Kessler
Feb 18
Ash Wednesday 		7PMJohn HardyBryan Reichert, Gene Fuller, Jeff Piper, Richard Ross
Feb 22Daryle Schempp, Steve ParryBarry HamlinBrian Dirks, Karson Lueck, Mike Huth
Feb 25
Lenten Mid Week		7PMBarry HamlinNo Ushers

Celebrating this Month

Birthdays:

Carin Henson                  1/1

Jason Scott                     1/1

Nicholas Hitch                 1/2

Pat Orr                             1/3

Curt “Bud” Kessler, Jr      1/4

Donald Gronert                1/6

Mary McEleney               1/6

Cathy Cloyd                     1/9

Robert Hanner                 1/9

Jake Scott                       1/12

Heather Brown                1/17

Nancy Thomas                        1/19

Gregory McNeely            1/20

Beth Mosier                     1/20

Linda Dirks                      1/28

Jill Holland                       1/31

 

Baptismal Birthdays:

E. F. Bud Barnett             1/1

Lillian Barnett                  1/1

Charles Nottingham        1/1

Shirley Potter                   1/1

Chloe Hitch                      1/2

Jacqueline Kwasny         1/11

Curt “Bud” Kessler, Jr      1/21

Dec 14, 2014 Bulletin Announcements

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

 TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The children will study “An Angel Visits Joseph.”  Just as the angel proclaimed to Joseph that Mary would bear an infant who is the Son of God, the Savior, so God proclaimed to us in His Word that this same Jesus is our Savior from sin and death.  Parents could ask, “What important message did the angel give Joseph?  What important message do we hear in God’s Word?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”   Christians express their thanks to God in many ways: in prayer, in giving to the Lord word, in acts of service to others, in faithful living in their daily callings.  Everything we do to honor God in our lives is a means of returning thanks for the Lord’s many gifts to us.

 TODAY is our 2nd Sunday door offering for Reverend Michael Kearney and Seminarian Chris Suggitt.

 POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the altar at Christmas, the cost is $6.00.  There is a sign-up sheet and envelope to put your money or check in available on the table in the narthex.  We need to have your order by TODAY, December 14th.  You may pick up your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve Worship Service.  If you have any questions, please contact Luanne Huth.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICE:  Our Choir will lead the Midweek Advent Worship this week.  This “Service of Lessons and Carols” will be Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m.  We have a meal served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The sign-up to prepare and bring food is in the narthex.  The free-will Offering this week will support the Hilbert Family with Lutheran Bible Translators.  They plan to return to Sierra Leone to continue their work once it is safe to do so.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Good Shepherd has received a recent correspondence from both the Suggitt Family (at the Seminary in Ft. Wayne) and the Hilbert Family (LBT Missionaries).  These have been posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2015 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Please pick up your free copy today.  Large print also available.

 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.

 ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN:  John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN.  Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex.  The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February.  Please see John or Paula if you have any questions.  Thank you.

 THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Surprised By Grace” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Luke 1:26-38.  God’s grace comes as a surprise and blessing to those who deserve none of it.  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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.

December 7, 2014 Bulletin Announcements

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS, led by Pastor Lueck, is studying “Luther’s Small Catechism”.  The class meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.

 TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  As we observe this Second Sunday in Advent, Sunday School students will study the story “An Angel Visits Mary.”  In the womb of Mary, Jesus, the Son of God, became a man so that we sinful people might become adopted children of God and share in the inheritance of heaven.  Parents might ask, “How does God make us His children?  What do we inherit as God’s children?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 1:7:  “…so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The Lord sees to it that we do not lack any gift – He has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ as well as every earthly need as well.  He is the Provider.  And we can trust Him to always provide for us in every way.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES continue this Wednesday, December  10th, with Worship at 7:00 p.m.  There is a meal served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement of the church.  The sign-up to bring food is located in the narthex.  The free-will Offering this week will go to Reverend Michael Kearney and family.  Also, next Sunday, December 14th, is our 2nd Sunday door Offering for both Reverend Kearney and Seminarian Chris Suggitt.

POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to contribute toward the purchase of a poinsettia for the altar at Christmas, the cost is $6.00.  There is a sign-up sheet and envelope to put your money or check in available on the table in the narthex.  We need to have your order by NEXT SUNDAY, December 14th.  You may pick up your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve Worship Service.  If you have any questions, please contact Luanne Huth.

THANK YOU notes were sent out to everyone but in case someone got missed, “Thank you” for all the wonderful cards, kind words, and gifts for Pastor Appreciation.  As I complete my 15th year as your Shepherd, I appreciate all the love and support for my family and I.  The Lord continues to bless us through you.  In Christ’s Love, Pastor

 ADVENT DEVOTIONS:  Pick up a copy of the “Advent Devotions” located on the table in the narthex.

 THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  It’s time again to order copies of the “Lutheran Annual”.  The cost is $25.00.  If you are interested in obtaining a copy, please contact Janet or Sandy in the church office by phone (309) 662-8905 or email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or even in person.

ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN:  John & Paula Hardy will be making their annual trip to Fort Wayne, IN.  Please bring to the church any slightly used adult and/or children’s clothing and any household items such as small appliances, kitchen items, etc. and place in the box located in the narthex.  The trip date has yet to be finalized but will take place in either January or February.  Please see John or Paula if you have any questions.  Thank you.

 FROM THE OFFICE:  We have a 2015 Large Print Scripture Text Calendar available for anyone who wants it.  See Pastor Lueck.

 THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  In Christ, Unbroken“” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11.  God’s grace restores those broken by sin and grief.  The speaker will be Reverend Gregory Seltz.  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.