February 25, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Mark 8:32 – “And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.”  Anytime we sin we are acting like Peter: thinking we know better than the Lord.  But as Jesus says, such acts stem from Satan.  So let us repent: let us trust our Lord Jesus and follow Him.  For certainly He has earned our trust with His gracious sacrifice for us.

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.

OUR MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP under the theme, “The Gospel In Seven Words”, continues at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday with the message “Captivity and Freedom”.  The extraordinary cooks who make up your Church Council will wow your taste buds with a meal at 5:30 p.m. in the basement.  The freewill Offering will go to Seminarian Michael Keller.

LENTEN DEVOTIONS:  The Lenten Devotional, “Silent Witness”, is available on the table in the narthex.

THE GOOD SHEPHERD FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES  will be on a SPECIAL FRIDAY NIGHT.  It will be on Friday, March 9^th, at 6:30 p.m.  “ALL SAINTS” is a movie based on the inspiring true story of a salesman-turned-pastor, the tiny church he was ordered to shut down, and a group of refugees from Southeast Asia.  Together, they risked everything to plant seeds for a future that might just save them all.  Join us for another fine movie, good food and wonderful fellowship.  Mark your calendars for the MARCH 9^th; MOVIE NIGHT.

THE MOVIE: “TORTURED FOR CHRIST”:  The congregation has another opportunity to attend a film like last summer’s Martin Luther movie.  This one is entitled “Tortured For Christ” and is the story of Pastor Richard Wurmbrand from Romania and his story under Communist rule following World War II.  (Pastor has read two books about both Pastor Wurrmbrand and his wife if you have any questions.)  The showing is Monday, March 19^th at 7:30 p.m. at the AMC Starplex in Normal.  Tickets can be purchased online at: www.torturedforchrist.com.

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:  “When God’s Darkness Surrounds You” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Exodus 20:1-17.  When times are darkest, God wants you to know how close He really is.  It’s in those threatening times that you can especially learn and live in His love. Reverend Dr. Dale A. Meyer is the speaker.  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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February 18, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Mark 9:6 – “For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.”  Soon enough, the disciples’ terror turned into joy for when Jesus is with us, there is no need to fear.  He loves us and cares for us and will never abandon us.  That assurance is the basis of all generosity – for only those who are set free from worry can learn the joy of giving.

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 MARCH 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.

LENTEN WORSHIP continues this week on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  Our theme for Lent 2018 is “The Gospel In Seven Words”.  This week’s message is “Preparing To Confess”.  Join us at 5:30 p.m. in the basement and be dazzled by the culinary creations from the men who make up your Board of Elders.  The freewill Offering will go to the Hilbert Family who do mission work for Lutheran Bible Translators.

LENTEN DEVOTIONS:  The Lenten Devotional, “Silent Witness”, is available on the table in the narthex.

THE BOARD OF ELDERS would like to remind the congregation of our winter weather protocol if worship needs to be cancelled.  We will send an e-mail to members and let WJBC Radio and TV Stations WEEK and WMBD know.  If we do not have your e-mail and you would like to be included please call the church office (309) 662-8905 or sign-up at: http://www.goodshepherdblm.org/about-us/contact-us/.

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:  “Living and Dying” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Romans 5:1-11.  Looking at sinful mankind, Jesus found what He was willing to die, and live for.  Are we willing to do the same?  Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus is the speaker.  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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February 11, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Mark 9:6 – “For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.”  Soon enough, the disciples’ terror turned into joy for when Jesus is with us, there is no need to fear.  He loves us and cares for us and will never abandon us.  That assurance is the basis of all generosity – for only those who are set free from worry can learn the joy of giving.

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 our door Offering for our Seminary student.

TODAY:  Stop by the display table in the narthex and choose a handful of Booklets to take with you.  Booklet Titles include: “Prayer/Contentment; “Grief”; “Depression”; “Stress”; “Hope and Healing” and many others.  Help support Lutheran Hour Ministries.

LENT BEGINS on February 14^th with our Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.  There is no meal that evening.  The meals will be on the following five Wednesdays: February 21^st and 28^th; March 7^th, 14th and 21^st.  We will once again do the Imposition of Ashes in our Ash Wednesday Service.  If you have any questions about this practice, please speak with Pastor.

LENTEN DEVOTIONS:  The Lenten Devotional, “Silent Witness”, will be available to pick up on Ash Wednesday.

THIS TUESDAY, February 13^th, Good Shepherd and Pastor Lueck will be hosting the Bloomington North Circuit Pastor’s Meeting.  It will run fro 8:30 a.m. to noon.  We use the Sanctuary, narthex, and Conference Room.  Thank you.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MARCH 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.

WE NEED YOUR IDEAS for our new church sign.  Sheets are available on the table in the narthex.  We will take submissions until TODAY,, February 11, 2018.  You may drop them in the box in the narthex.  Thank you!

THE BOARD OF ELDERS would like to remind the congregation of our winter weather protocol if worship needs to be cancelled.  We will send an e-mail to members and let WJBC Radio and TV Stations WEEK and WMBD know.  If we do not have your e-mail and you would like to be included please call the church office (309) 662-8905 or sign-up at: http://www.goodshepherd blm. org/about-us/contact-us/.

FEBRUARY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT is this coming Friday, February 16^th, at 6:30 p.m. The movie is “MOUNTAIN TOP  – A JOURNEY OF FAITH”.  Sometimes, the best place to see the future is on a mountain top.  That’s where lawyer turned preacher Mike Andrews life changed, and he has no intention of going back.  The last thing he wants to do is return to the courtroom and represent an eccentric old man whose mind is filled with obscure visions and confusing dreams.  But when Sam Miller’s visions get personal, Mike discovers there are paths that lead higher than earthly mountains. And roads, more dangerous than an icy hairpin turn on a moonless night.  Join us for another great movie, wonderful fellowship and good food!

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:  “Pay Attention to What You Hear” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 4:24.  Lent calls us to look deep into our being the life-changing words of God.  The result?  Obedience, changes in desires, and blessings. Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer is the speaker.  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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February 4, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   1 Corinthians 9:25 – “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”  Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit – for the desires of the flesh are at war with the desires of the Spirit. Having received the new life in Christ by his grace, he now calls us to follow him deliberately, with self-control, with intention.

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:  Stop by the display table in the narthex and choose a handful of Booklets to take with you.  Booklet Titles include: “Prayer/Contentment; “Grief”; “Depression”; “Stress”; “Hope and Healing” and many others.  Help support Lutheran Hour Ministries.

NEXT SUNDAY, February 11^th, will be our door Offering for our Seminary student.

LENT BEGINS on February 14^th with our Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.  There is no meal that evening.  The meals will be on the following five Wednesdays: February 21^st and 28^th; March 7^th, 14th and 21^st.  We will once again do the Imposition of Ashes in our Ash Wednesday Service.  If you have any questions about this practice, please speak with Pastor.

WE NEED YOUR IDEAS for our new church sign.  Sheets are available on the table in the narthex.  We will take submissions until NEXT SUNDAY, February 11, 2018.  You may drop them in the box in the narthex.  Thank you!

THE BOARD OF ELDERS would like to remind the congregation of our winter weather protocol if worship needs to be cancelled.  We will send an e-mail to members and let WJBC Radio and TV Stations WEEK and WMBD know.  If we do not have your e-mail and you would like to be included please call the church office (309) 662-8905 or sign-up at: http://www.goodshepherd blm.org/about-us/contact-us/.

FEBRUARY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  Friday night at the movies will be on February 16^th at 6:30 p.m. The movie is “MOUNTAIN TOP  – A JOURNEY OF FAITH”.  Sometimes, the best place to see the future is on a mountain top.  That’s where lawyer turned preacher Mike Andrews life changed, and he has no intention of going back.  The last thing he wants to do is return to the courtroom and represent an eccentric old man whose mind is filled with obscure visions and confusing dreams.  But when Sam Miller’s visions get personal, Mike discovers there are paths that lead higher than earthly mountains. And roads, more dangerous than an icy hairpin turn on a moonless night.  Join us for another great movie, wonderful fellowship and good food!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center’s Speakers Forum is THIS COMING SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Schroeder Hall, Room 130 on the Illinois State University Campus.  This is a FREE event with lunch served.  Speaking will be Tim Goeglein an LCMS Laymen who worked in the Bush White House.  His topic will be “Faith In The Halls Of Power”.  The other speaker is family psychologist John Rosemond who will discuss “50 Years Of Parenting Babble (With No End In Sight”).

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:  “Was Blind, But Now I See” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 2 Corinthians 4:3.  Would you rather be blind or visioned?  That’s an easy one.  But, how does a spiritually blind person become seeing? Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer is the speaker.  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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January 28, 2018

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Mark 1:22 – “And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.”  Authority is a word we are sometimes afraid of and don’t like to hear.  But that’s just our sinful flesh talking.  Jesus’ authority is something we need.  We need him to show us what to believe and how to live – for Jesus’ authority is always connected to his love.

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.

POINSETTIA PICK UP:  You may pick up your poinsettias TODAY after the 8:00 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. services.  There are plastic covers in the narthex on top of the coat racks at the north end which you may use to protect them.  Thank you for your participation in decorating our Church for the Christmas season.

NEXT SUNDAY IS LUTHERAN MINISTRIES SUNDAY:  “Bringing Christ to the Nations and The Nations to the Church”.  Visit the Tract Tower TODAY, which is located in the narthex.  Select and take with you several relevant topics.  Read them and pass them on.

THE BOARD OF ELDERS would like to remind the congregation of our winter weather protocol if worship needs to be cancelled.  We will send an e-mail to members and let WJBC Radio and TV Stations WEEK and WMBD know.  If we do not have your e-mail and you would like to be included please call the church office (309) 662-8905 or sign-up at: http://www.goodshepherdblm.org/about-us/contact-us/.

WE NEED YOUR IDEAS for our new church sign.  Sheets are available on the table in the narthex.  We will take submissions until Sunday, February 11, 2018.  You may drop them in the box in the narthex.  Thank you!

FEBRUARY FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  Friday night at the movies will be on February 16^th at 6:30 p.m. The movie is “MOUNTAIN TOP  – A JOURNEY FAITH”.  Sometimes, the best place to see the future is on a mountain top.  That’s where lawyer turned preacher Mike Andrews life changed, and he has no intention of going back.  The last thing he wants to do is return to the courtroom and represent an eccentric old man whose mind is filled with obscure visions and confusing dreams.  But when Sam Miller’s visions get personal, Mike discovers there are paths that lead higher than earthly mountains. And roads, more dangerous than an icy hairpin turn on a moonless night.  Join us for another great movie, wonderful fellowship and good food!

THANK YOU:  We have received a “Thank you” note from The Baby Fold for our recent support of the Annual Christmas Wish List.  It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The January – March 2018 are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Please pick up your free copy today.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Wittenberg Lutheran Center’s Speakers Forum is scheduled for Saturday, February 10^th from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Schroeder Hall, Room 130 on the Illinois State University Campus.  This is a FREE event with lunch served.  Speaking will be Tim Goeglein an LCMS Laymen who worked in the Bush White House.  His topic will be “Faith In The Halls Of Power”.  The other speaker is family psychologist John Rosemond who will discuss “50 Years Of Parenting Babble (With No End In Sight”).

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.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED to Camp CILCA’S first Annual Banquet TODAY, January 28, 2018 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield, IL.  Tickets are $40.00 each, and must be purchased before January 20^th.  Purchase tickets by calling the Camp Office at (217) 487-7497, or by email at: camp@cilca.org.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Lift Up Your Eyes On High and See: Who Created These?” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Isaiah 40:21-31.  There’s much in science that witnesses to God.  Telescopes and microscopes can further evangelism more than soap boxes.  Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer is the speaker.  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.

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.

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