May 27, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 3:6 – “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”  In Holy Baptism we receive a new birth: spirit from Spirit.  With that rebirth we receive new desires, new lives, new purposes. To the (fleshly) world, Christian generosity makes no sense: the total minus a percentage is less than the original total.  But Spirit-reborn Christians know that God’s math works differently (as we might expect from the Trinity!): a blessing received from God becomes more of a blessing when it is used in generosity to bless others.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

IN OUR PRAYERS TODAY:  Our graduates from both college and high school.  God’s blessings on your future endeavors and your faith walk in the Lord.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On behalf of Holden Lueck, 2018 Normal West graduate, the congregation is invited to his graduation party TODAY, May 27^th from 2-5:00 p.m. at the GE Clubhouse located at 1750 GE Road in Bloomington.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP GIFT:  If you would like to donate you can pick up an envelope located on the table in the narthex.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. 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:  The weekend of July 14^th and 15^th this summer will be a big weekend at Good Shepherd.  On Saturday the 14^th, Good Shepherd is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  A breakfast will be served in the canteen after your donation.  Then on Sunday the 15^th, the Lord’s Day begins with a congregational breakfast in the basement (start time not yet set).  We will have one worship service with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. on the north lawn under a tent as we give thanks to our gracious Lord for blessing us with having half our mortgage paid off.  Bible Class and Sunday School will follow back inside.  We give the gift of life as the Lord has given us life!  

MARK YOU CALENDAR:  The date for our Annual Church Picnic has been set!  It will be held on Sunday, August 19^th.  More information to follow.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 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 is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Battleground of Time” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Deuteronomy 5:12-15; Mark 2:23-3:6.  Military personnel know what it means to be on the front line in combat.  Next Sunday’s message is about a battleground where we’re between opposing forces and could easily lose our life, the Battleground of Time. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale 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.

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May 20, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Acts 2:1 – “When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.”  Pentecost was the Old Testament harvest festival: a time of thanksgiving, bounty, and the giving of gifts.  How appropriate that in the New Testament it takes on the meaning of a new harvest: the ripe fields of the nations, bringing in the elect of every tribe and tongue to sing the Lord’s praise.  Every farmer knows that it is God who gives the increase and that the harvest calls for thanksgiving.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the JUNE NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On behalf of Holden Lueck, 2018 Normal West graduate, the congregation is invited to his graduation party NEXT SUNDAY, May 27^th from 2-5:00 p.m. at the GE Clubhouse located at 1750 GE Road in Bloomington.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP GIFT:  If you would like to donate you can pick up an envelope located on the table in the narthex.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. 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.  On Saturday, July 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  On Sunday, July 15^th, 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 19^th.  More information to follow.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Impossible” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 2:22-24.  Can death hold us?  Experience says, “Yes”!  The Apostle Peter says, “No”.  Next Sunday’s sermon talks about making possible that which can’t happen. The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  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.

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May 13, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 John 5:12 – “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”  Jesus is the foundation, the bedrock, the beginning and the end.  To have Him is to have it all. In Him we have life.  And we are called to live in Him, to live this new life He has given us, to grow up into His image.  This is a struggle in this sinful world.  But His grace is sufficient as He refreshes us through Word and Sacrament.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS begins tomorrow, May 14^th, 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.

NEXT SUNDAY, May 20^th, is Pentecost Sunday and we will have Holy Communion in both worship services.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the JUNE NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

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 this coming Friday, May 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for a great movie, good food and fine fellowship.

YOU ARE INVITED:  On behalf of Holden Lueck, 2018 Normal West graduate, the congregation is invited to his graduation party on Sunday, May 27^th from 2-5:00 p.m. at the GE Clubhouse located at 1750 GE Road in Bloomington.

THANK YOU to everybody who supported Pastor and Toni in the Pregnancy Center’s “Walk For Life” on April 21^st.  The “walk” raised $54,580.00 for the work at the Center.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP GIFT:  If you would like to donate you can pick up an envelope located on the table in the narthex.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. 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 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, 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 19^th.  More information to follow.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Functional Atheist No More” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Acts 2:1-21; John 15:26-27.  Christians like to think of themselves as flollowing the first disciples.  That’s uncomfortably true.  The first disciples had trouble believing the promises of Jesus for their daily lives.  Too often we do too.  On Pentecost the Spirit of the Risen Lord Jesus gave the first disciples faith like they had never had before.  Today the same Spirit is ready to do the same for us.  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Dale 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.

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.

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May 6, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 John 5:3 – “For this is the love of God, that we keep His Commandments.  And His Commandments are not burdensome.”  God’s commandments are not burdensome, but that’s only true for Christians precisely because we know that we are not saved by our keeping of the Law.  We are saved by grace. Therefore we are set free by grace to walk in newness of life, to grow in faithfulness, and rejoice in the Law of the Lord: for the love of God is that we keep His Commandments.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

ASCENSION DAY WORSHIP with Holy Communion is this coming Thursday, May 10^th, at 7:00 p.m.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on Monday, May 14^th, 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.

THANK YOU to everybody who supported Pastor and Toni in the Pregnancy Center’s “Walk For Life” on April 21^st.  The “walk” raised $54,580.00 for the work at the Center.

FROM THE OFFICE:  Please note that the address for Jack & Ruth Gooding has changed to: Evergreen Place, 801 Gregory, Apt. 210, Normal, IL 61761.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 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 is by the door by the north stairwell.

CENTRAL ILLINOIS DISTRICT SCHOLARSHIP GIFT:  If you would like to donate you can pick up an envelope located on the table in the narthex.

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. 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 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, 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 19^th.  More information to follow.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Keep Them” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 17:14-17.  There are times Christians might readily wish the Lord would airlift them out of this world.  Because we have some work to do, the Lord Jesus prays we be kept safe.  So, how’s that working for you?  The speaker will be Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  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.

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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 2^nd 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 30^th, 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 10^th at 7:00 p.m.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin on May 14^th, 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 10^th. 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 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, 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 19^th.  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.

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April 22, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 10:14 – “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me.”  What does it mean to know the Lord?  It starts with being known by the Lord: He claims us as His own and calls us by name. Then, once we are His, we learn to know Him…and in knowing Him we learn to imitate Him. And that is how the Christian life of good works and generosity grows from the Lord’s grace.

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 2^nd level (the west side).

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m. As we celebrate the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we continue studies on that time period.  We are studying “A Man Named Martin”, a video-based study on the reformer Martin Luther.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MAY NEWSLETTER.  Janet Evans is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or you may call her at (309) 838-1552.

NEXT SUNDAY: Next Sunday, April 29^th, we are privileged to have with us the seminary student we have been supporting this school year.  Brent Keller will be here with his family to preach and conduct Bible Class.  Because of his presence we will have our May door offering next Sunday instead.  Keep Brent in your prayers as he receives his call this week.  Also, be reminded that this is  the 5^th Sunday so Holy Communion will be celebrated in both worship services.

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

FROM THE OFFICE:     The new Church Directory is available on the table in the narthex.  Please pick up your copy today.

FROM OUR BOARD OF TRUSTEES:  Because we no longer have the Soccer Club our lawn mowing budgeted for 2018 is $500.00 short of the bid the Board of Trustees have been working on.  If you would like to contribute to this, mark your contribution accordingly and thank you!

GROUP OUTING FOR BASEBALL GAME:  Good Shepherd is planning a group outing at a Normal CornBelters game on Sunday, June 10^th. 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 14^th, we will host a Red Cross Blood Drive from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with breakfast served.  Sunday, July 15^th, 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.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The April – June Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

FELLOWSHIP HOSTS:  In order to get more people involved in our Coffee/Donut Fellowship for 2018 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 is by the door by the north stairwell.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR: “The Answer to Unhappiness” What do you really want? What does your heart yearn for most? A blogger recently asked her readers the question: “If you could say in one word what you want more of in life, what would that be?” Can you guess the number one answer? It was happiness. (Acts 8:26-40)  The speaker is Rev. Michael Newman.  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.

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