December 10, 2017

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.  He is the Provider.  And we can trust Him to always provide for us in every way.

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.

MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP:  The second our three Advent Services is this Wednesday, December 13^th at 7:00 p.m.  This year’s theme is: “The Word Becomes Flesh”, based on John 1:1-18.  This week’s message is: “A Man Named John”  Meals are served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement.  The food sign-up is in the narthex and this week’s free-will Offering will go to Lutherans For Life .

TODAY will be our second Sunday door Offering for our Seminary Student.

POINSETTIAS FOR THE ALTAR:   We have a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for poinsettias on the altar for Christmas.  They are $8.00 each and you may sign up until Wednesday, December 20th.  They will be available to be taken home after Epiphany on Sunday, January 7^th.  There will be an envelope with the sign-up sheet for your check or cash.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and list “Poinsettia” on memo line.  If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 or Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

“LOVE CAME DOWN”:  Advent Devotion Booklets are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

ARE YOU MISSING A JACKET from this past Wednesday evening service?  It is a winter jacket and light gray in color

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING:  The Elders at their November meeting made a worship change for Christmas Eve morning.  We will have one Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. with Sunday School and Adult Bible Class from 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.  The Christmas Eve Candlelight Evening Worship will be at 6:00 p.m.

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please bring them to church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

YOU ARE INVITED:  Take a free guided 20-minute walking tour and experience “The Journey” Mary and Joseph took so many years ago.  This tour features indoor and outdoor scenes with live drama, animals and singing.  “Journeys” begin inside every 10 minutes between 5-7:30 p.m. TODAY, December 10^th at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal.  Free cookies and hot chocolate will be available.  Meals are also available for purchase between 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.  For more information please call Christ Lutheran Church (309) 452-5609.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Life Narrows Down” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 1:6-8, 19-28. John the Baptist had a passion for the Lamb of God.  What’s your passion in life?  How far into the future will it take you?   Dr. Dale Meyer is the speaker.  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. 

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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December 3, 2017

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, to leave fear behind.  So when it comes to following the Lord’s commandments for our daily lives: we know His will is best for us because our God is faithful.

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.

MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP:  The first of our three Advent Services is this Wednesday, December 6^th at 7:00 p.m.  This year’s theme is: “The Word Becomes Flesh”, based on John 1:1-18.  This week’s message is: “You Have My Word!”  Meals are served at 5:30 p.m. in the basement.  The food sign-up is in the narthex and this week’s free-will Offering will go to the Prison Ministry in our district.

“LOVE CAME DOWN”:  Advent Devotion Booklets are available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

NEXT SUNDAY, December 10^th, will be our second Sunday door Offering for our Seminary Student.

POINSETTIAS FOR THE ALTAR:   We have a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex for poinsettias on the altar for Christmas.  They are $8.00 each and you may sign up until Wednesday, December 20th.  They will be available to be taken home after Epiphany on Sunday, January 7^th.  There will be an envelope with the sign-up sheet for your check or cash.  Please make checks payable to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and list “Poinsettia” on memo line.  If you have any questions, please contact Jackie Kwasny at (309) 662-4995 or Luanne Huth at (309) 829-6897.

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING:  The Elders at their November meeting made a worship change for Christmas Eve morning.  We will have one Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. with Sunday School and Adult Bible Class from 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.  The Christmas Eve Candlelight Evening Worship will be at 6:00 p.m.

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please bring them to church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

YOU ARE INVITED:  Join your neighbors at Luther Oaks, 601 Lutz Rd., Bloomington for “Holiday Trivia” this coming Saturday, December 9^th from 2-4:00 p.m.  Fun for all ages.  Complimentary snacks and beverages provided.  Any questions, please call Bev Voss at (309) 557-8048.

YOU ARE INVITED:  Take a free quided 20-minute walking tour and experience “The Journey” Mary and Joseph took so many years ago.  This tour features indoor and outdoor scenes with live drama, animals and singing.  “Journeys” begin inside every 10 minutes between 5-7:30 p.m. NEXT SUNDAY, December 10^th at Christ Lutheran Church in Normal.  Free cookies and hot chocolate will be available.  Meals are also available for purchase between 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.  For more information please call Christ Lutheran Church (309) 452-5609.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please mark your calendar for 2018 – Saturday, February 10^th.  Wittenberg Lutheran is hosting a Speaker’s Forum with the theme, “Cultural and Governmental Influence On God’s Design For the Family”.  The speakers are Tim Goeglein an LCMS Laymen who worked in the Bush White House and now is employed by “Focus On The Family”; and John Rosemond a family psychologist whose syndicated newspaper column appears in The Pantagraph on Saturdays.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Prep Time” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 1:1-3  Preparing for Christmas is quite different than preparing for Christ.  Reverend Dr.Ken Klaus is the speaker.  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.

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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November 26, 2017

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!

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 following the 10:30 worship the Board of Evangelism/Stewardship will be hosting a Christmas Decorating Gathering.  Come and help decorate the church and enjoy pizza, snacks, drink, and dessert.

OUR ADVENT SERVICES this year will be on Wednesdays, December 6^th, December 13^th and December 20^th beginning at 7:00 p.m.  There are meals served at 5:30 p.m.  The food sign-up and where the Freewill Offering is going each night is on the table in the narthex.

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING:  The Elders at their November meeting made a worship change for Christmas Eve morning.  We will have one Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. with Sunday School and Adult Bible Class from 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.  The Christmas Eve Candlelight Evening Worship will be at 6:00 p.m.

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

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.

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please bring them to church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

SHARING TREE:  We know that it is early in the process, but wanted to let you know we will have a Sharing Tree this year.  We are getting a name from the Baby Fold and will have tags on the tree with specific requests.  We also will be collecting money to purchase items not received, any additional money collected will be used to purchase gift cards.  These gift cards will be given to the Baby Fold to supplement other needs in the system.  Last year we were able to give a handful of cards because of the generosity of our church family.  The look on the faces of the staff said it all….  It was priceless.  Thank you very much for helping to share the love this coming holiday season.  Please contact Toni Lueck (309) 530-8666 or Paula Hardy (309) 829-8432 with questions.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please mark your calendar for 2018 – Saturday, February 10^th.  Wittenberg Lutheran is hosting a Speaker’s Forum with the theme, “Cultural and Governmental Influence On God’s Design For the Family”.  The speakers are Tim Goeglein an LCMS Laymen who worked in the Bush White House and now is employed by “Focus On The Family”; and John Rosemond a family psychologist whose syndicated newspaper column appears in The Pantagraph on Saturdays.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Advent Adventure” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Mark 13:24-37.  Sometimes our faith gets weaker, sometimes it grows stronger.  Let’s tae this Advent to heart, and live by faith, and not by sight Dr. Dale Meyer is the speaker.  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.

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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November 19, 2017

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 THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE is this coming Wednesday, November 22^nd, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  We will have a special Order of Worship and the message “Taken For Granted?”

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.

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the DECEMBER 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) 838-9868.

NEXT SUNDAY, November 26th, following the 10:30 worship the Board of Evangelism/Stewardship will be hosting a Christmas Decorating Gathering.  Come and help decorate the church and enjoy pizza, snacks, drink, and dessert.

OUR ADVENT SERVICES this year will be on Wednesdays, December 6^th, December 13^th and December 20^th beginning at 7:00 p.m.  There are meals served at 5:30 p.m.  The food sign-up and where the Freewill Offering is going each night is on the table in the narthex.

CHRISTMAS EVE MORNING  The Elders at their November meeting made a worship change for Christmas Eve morning.  We will have one Worship Service at 9:00 a.m. with Sunday School and Adult Bible Class from 10:15 – 11:00 a.m.

FROM THE OFFICE  Sandy will be out of the office on Thursday, November 23^rd and Friday November 24^th.  Any Bulletin Announcements you would like published in the bulletin for Sunday, November 26^th need to be to her by tomorrow morning, November 20^th as she will be running the bulletin for November 26th.  Thank you!

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

CAN YOU HELP  John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please bring them to church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

SHARING TREE   We know that it is early in the process, but wanted to let you know we will have a Sharing Tree this year.  We are getting a name from the Baby Fold and will have tags on the tree with specific requests.  We also will be collecting money to purchase items not received, any additional money collected will be used to purchase gift cards.  These gift cards will be given to the Baby Fold to supplement other needs in the system.  Last year we were able to give a handful of cards because of the generosity of our church family.  The look on the faces of the staff said it all….  It was priceless.  Thank you very much for helping to share the love this coming holiday season.  Please contact Toni Lueck (309) 530-8666 or Paula Hardy (309) 829-8432 with questions.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR   Please mark your calendar for 2018 – Saturday, February 10^th.  Wittenberg Lutheran is hosting a Speaker’s Forum with the theme, “Cultural and Governmental Influence On God’s Design For the Family”.  The speakers are Tim Goeglein an LCMS Laymen who worked in the Bush White House and now is employed by “Focus On The Family”; and John Rosemond a family psychologist whose syndicated newspaper column appears in The Pantagraph on Saturdays.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR   “Show ME” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 25:31-46.  In Lerner and Loewe’s musical, “My Fair Lady”, Elza is being wooed with words by weak and winpy suitor.  She comments: “Don’t talk of stars, burning above.  If you’re in love, show me, Tell me not dreams, filled with desire.  If you’re on fire, show me.” In Jesus’ description of Judgment Day, the Savior goes on record: true love needs to show itself in action.  Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus is the speaker.  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.

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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November 12, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Matthew 25:4 “… but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.”  Why did they take flasks of oil with them?  Because they listened to the Bridegroom’s words and believed them.  Our actions always start with and flow from our beliefs.  What do your actions in the realm of stewardship say about what you believe?

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.

ANNUAL VOTER’S MEETING:  Our Annual Voter’s Meeting is TODAY following the 10:30 worship service.  We will precede the meeting with a church potluck.  The 2018 Budget and Slate of Candidates are on the table in the narthex.

TODAY we will have our monthly door Offering for our Seminarian.  We were finally sent some information about our Seminary Student and he also wrote the congregation a letter, which is posted outside the church office on the bulletin board.  Mr. Brent Keller is from Sanger, TX and a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in (get this), Keller, TX.  He is married to Hanne and they have a one-year old daughter, Annalise.  He is in his fourth year of study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the DECEMBER 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) 838-9868.

OUR THANKSGIVING WORSHIP SERVICE will be on Wednesday, November 22^nd, beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Holy Communion will be celebrated.  We will have a special Order of Worship and the message “Taken For Granted?”

THANKS BE TO GOD!  The final total for our Church Sign is $8001.16.  Start formulating those pithy Outreach messages as we involve the membership in the next few months with ideas for the sign.

FOOD COLLECTION:  The food box collection for Home Sweet Home is in the narthex.  We will collect until Saturday, November 18^th when we will be serving a meal at the Mission.

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

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please bring them to church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

SHARING TREE:  We know that it is early in the process, but wanted to let you know we will have a Sharing Tree this year.  We are getting a name from the Baby Fold and will have tags on the tree with specific requests.  We also will be collecting money to purchase items not received, any additional money collected will be used to purchase gift cards.  These gift cards will be given to the Baby Fold to supplement other needs in the system.  Last year we were able to give a handful of cards because of the generosity of our church family.  The look on the faces of the staff said it all….  It was priceless.  Thank you very much for helping to share the love this coming holiday season.  Please contact Toni Lueck (309) 530-8666 or Paula Hardy (309) 829-8432 with questions.  Thank you!

MARK YOU CALENDAR:  Please mark your calendar for 2018 – Saturday, February 10^th.  Wittenberg Lutheran is hosting a Speaker’s Forum with the theme, “Cultural and Governmental Influence On God’s Design For the Family”.  The speakers are Tim Goeglein an LCMS Laymen who worked in the Bush White House and now is employed by “Focus On The Family”; and John Rosemond a family psychologist whose syndicated newspaper column appears in The Pantagraph on Saturdays.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Reckoning” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 25:14-30.  You hear little talk about the “Fear of God” anymore, but it you don’t in some way fear your Creator who judges you down to your most being, why would you love your only Savior whom He sends You?  A message about fearing and loving God. Dr. Dale Meyer is the speaker.  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.

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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November 5, 2017

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.

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:   Matthew 5:7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”  This is one of many Bible passages that remind us that we reap what we sow.  Likewise, what God puts into us (His own love, mercy, kindness, and generosity) – flows back out of us. For it all starts with His self-giving!

TODAY:  In our 10:30 worship service we celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism for Gracie Aurora Mosier daughter of Randy & Beth Mosier.  Sponsors are Kelly Whitkanack and Jackson Whitkanack.

TODAY:  You may pick up your Commitment Envelope from last year located on the table in the narthex.  Today we will hand out the New Commitment Cards and we will collect them in the worship service next Sunday, November 12^th.

TOMORROW:  The Funeral Service for Joan Renken will be tomorrow, November 6^th, here at Good Shepherd beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Visitation is one hour before the service and today at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Funeral Home from 3-5:00 p.m.

ANNUAL VOTER’S MEETING:  Our Annual Voter’s Meeting is next Sunday, November 12^th, following the 10:30 worship service.  We will precede the meeting with a church potluck.  The 2018 Budget and Slate of Candidates are on the table in the narthex.

NEXT SUNDAY, November 12^th, will be our monthly door Offering for our Seminarian.  We were finally sent some information about our Seminary Student and he also wrote the congregation a letter, which is posted outside the church office on the bulletin board.  Mr. Brent Keller is from Sanger, TX and a member of Messiah Lutheran Church in (get this), Keller, TX.  He is married to Hanne and they have a one-year old daughter, Annalise.  He is in his fourth year of study at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.

THANKS BE TO GOD!  We met our goal and even surpassed it with $7,850.00 for our new Church Sign.  Start formulating those pithy Outreach messages as we involve the membership in the next few months with ideas for the sign.

FOOD COLLECTION:  The food box collection for Home Sweet Home is in the narthex.  We will collect until Saturday, November 18^th when we will be serving a meal at the Mission.

CAN YOU HELP: John and Paula Hardy are planning their annual trip to Ft Wayne, IN.  It will be sometime after the holidays, hopefully mid-January. The Seminary needs clean usable clothes for men, women, and children. They also accept shoes, coats, and kitchen supplies.  Please bring them to church.  There is a closet located in the hall upstairs where items are collected, and packed for our trip.  If you need help finding it just contact John (309) 310-7917.  Thank you!

SHARING TREE:  We know that it is early in the process, but wanted to let you know we will have a Sharing Tree this year.  We are getting a name from the Baby Fold and will have tags on the tree with specific requests.  We also will be collecting money to purchase items not received, any additional money collected will be used to purchase gift cards.  These gift cards will be given to the Baby Fold to supplement other needs in the system.  Last year we were able to give a handful of cards because of the generosity of our church family.  The look on the faces of the staff said it all….  It was priceless.  Thank you very much for helping to share the love this coming holiday season.  Please contact Toni Lueck (309) 530-8666 or Paula Hardy (309) 829-8432 with questions.  Thank you!

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “More Than a Wish” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14.  Not so long ago over 370 million tickets were sold for a Powerball drawing.  Each person who made a purchase had hope that they might become rich.  Most were disappointed.  In 1 Thessalonians 4, St Paul explains how the resurrection hope of Christmas is better than the hopelessness of the world and far more solid than groundless wishful thinking..  Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus is the speaker.  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.

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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