Author: GoodShepherdBLM

Newsletter Announcements

GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH  TO CELEBRATE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

Time flies! Did you know that our congregation is celebrating our 20th anniversary in 2015? Please keep July 18 and 19th, 2015 open for our celebration – including a dinner, special activities, and worship services!

 

 

Due to the harsh winter, Good Shepherd is facing a budget shortfall for energy needs – this includes heat and gas. “Energy Needs” offering envelopes will be available for giving above and beyond your regular offering to help cover these important expenses.

 

December Baptismal Birthdays

Theron Noth                          12/1

Caleb Evans                          12/4

Curtis Kessler, Jr                 12/5

Sierra Parker                          12/12

Gordon Schroeder                12/18

Jeanette McNeely                 12/20

Lawrence Nord                      12/22

Samantha Logue                   12/23

Jacob Piper                           12/23

John Campbell                      12/25

Aaron Scott                            12/27

Maria Kirchner                       12/28

Heidi Bliese                            12/29

Karson Lueck                         12/29

December Birthdays

Matthew Culp                         12/3

Jacob Piper                           12/3

Eli McNeely                            12/6

Kaitlin Culp                            12/7

Brian Hitch                              12/7

Kimberly King                         12/10

Johanna Kirchner                 12/14

Pauline Hanner                      12/17

Karson Lueck                         12/17

Matthew Holland                 12/19

Heidi Bliese                            12/20

Lawrence Nord                      12/21

Devin Kemp-Golden             12/24

Tanner Hitch                          12/28

Audrie King                            12/30

Richard Olson                        12/31

December Pastor’s Notes

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

 

During this month of December, we think a lot about gifts.  Giving gifts.   Receiving gifts.  Having to shop for gifts.  How elaborate do you get?  Over the years, what gifts do you most remember? 

 

Interestingly, it is not always the large purchases that bring back the best memories.  Oh sure, I remember the one Christmas where my whole Christmas from my mom and dad was a VCR.  Yes, kids, a VCR.  My parents were always very generous at Christmas, and they almost felt guilty that I only was getting the one gift.  But the gift was expensive and what I really wanted.  So that does stand out.  But many other years, it was the least expensive gifts that I got the most use out of.  I played a hand-held football game for years.  Books that were just stocking stuffers brought me great joy.  Our boys have enjoyed many great gifts over the years, but the one thing that we still have and use is 13-year-old Fisher-Price basketball hoop in our basement.  It was probably about $29.95 when purchased, but it has gotten a lot of play for the price. 

 

What gifts do you remember?  For many of us, it is the simple ones.  The ones that didn’t stand out while unwrapping but provided the most usefulness over the years.  You ever watch kids?  We think we need to shower them with the latest and the greatest.  Give them a cardboard box and they can have great fun.  I saved the box from our fridge when we moved 15 years ago.  The kids loved it.  When it would no longer stand up, we folded it down and used it for a sliding baseball game in our basement.  The boys are great sliders on the baseball field even today because of that simple piece of cardboard. 

 

The wonderful gift that we celebrate at this time of year is also very simple.  The wrapping was not glitter or gold but swaddling clothes.  While Jesus came inexpensively – no labor or hospital charges – what He brought was the most expensive gift the world has ever seen.  He laid down His life for the sins of the world.  That same baby in the swaddling clothes would someday be wrapped in linens and placed in a tomb.  The resurrection would signify an eternal gift that awaits all who believe in Jesus as Savior. 

 

This gift will be remembered for all time.  This gift lives on.  This gift is your gift.  Cherish it as you worship Him this month. 

 

In Christ,  

Pastor 

November 30, 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:  Our children will study “Jacob’s Dream”, a story that shows God renewing His promise to bless all people through Jacob’s family.  God kept His promise by giving Jesus to be our Savior.  Your family could discuss, “What reminders does God give us of His promises to us?”

 THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 1:9:  “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  The faithfulness of God is our great comfort. He has made promises to us and He will keep them.  He is kind and loving toward us and will not break faith with us. This gives us the confidence to step out in faith, not fear, when it comes to following the Lord’s commandments for our daily lives: we know His will is best; God is faithful.

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

 TODAY:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  TODAY following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you today.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by TODAY, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES begin this Wednesday, December 3rd and will also be held on Wednesday, December 10th and the 17th.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. with a soup and sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m.  We have a sign-up in the narthex for the meal.  There will be a free-will offering for Seminarian Chris Suggitt.  Almost every Board in the congregation will not meet in December so that families can worship together and spend time with one another during this busy month.

 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 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

 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.

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

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.

 THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “We Need Something Stronger” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 1:1-8.  Jesus exchanges our weakness for His strength.  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.

November 23, 2014 Bulletin Announcements

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The account of “Jacob and Esau” that our children will study in Sunday School today is a story of competition and bad feelings between brothers, parental favoritism, and family squabbling. Amidst this chaos,  God acted with grace toward all of them—and to us.  Parents might ask, “How do these sins afflict every family?  Why is forgiveness important in families?”

 

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 25:44:  “Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’”  With this parable Jesus once again emphasizes that our good works come from who we are, not the other way around.  Sheep do sheep works, and goats do goat works. So first things first: if we want to live more faithfully, let us come to Jesus, receive His gifts, and ask him to increase our faith!

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

 THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP:  Before Thanksgiving Thursday and Black Friday join us for Worship Wednesday under the theme: “The Good Life” as we praise our Lord and Savior for His many blessings.  This Thanksgiving Eve Communion Service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on November 26th.

 “THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD TO COME”:  The Evangelism/Stewardship Committee invites everyone to be a part of decorating the church for Advent/Christmas.  We will gather in peace and joy to prepare for “the Light of the world to come”.  On Sunday, November 30th, following the 10:30 worship will be the time for this festive fellowship event.  We will enjoy that time honored Christmas traditional meal – pizza – provided by the congregation.  Do not be “asleep on the hay” but “let every heart prepare Him room” as we look forward to seeing you on the 30th.

CHRISTMAS 2014 ADOPT A FAMILY:  This year we have adopted a family of 4 for Christmas.  We have placed their requests on the tree in the narthex.  Choose an item or items to purchase and return these purchases, unwrapped, by NEXT SUNDAY, November 30th.  We have put a box next to the tree for those who would like to make a monetary donation.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and put “Adopt a Family” in the memo line.  Katie Kleiboeker and Toni Lueck will purchase items with these funds.  Please take this opportunity to share your blessings with a family in need.

 THE MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SERVICES begin on Wednesday, December 3rd and will also be held on Wednesday, December 10th and the 17th.  Worship begins at 7:00 p.m. with a soup and sandwich supper at 5:30 p.m.  We have a sign-up in the narthex for the meal.  Almost every Board in the congregation will not meet in December so that families can worship together and spend time with one another during this busy month.

 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

 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.

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

 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:  If you would like a copy of your 2014 Financial Statement please see or call Joyce Schneider.