September 17, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Romans 14:7 – “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.”  We just don’t belong to ourselves: we belong first of all to God and through Him we belong to our neighbors.  We are here to serve God in our service to one another.  God has called you to this service through your vocation: as a Christian you serve others in the church; as a neighbor you serve others in society; and as a son or daughter, husband or wife, father or mother, you serve your family.

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.

NEXT SUNDAY, September 24^th, we will have another collection for our new Church Sign.  The final collection will be on Reformation Sunday, October 29^th.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If you had your picture taken for our new Church Directory, please pick up your copy today at the table in the narathex.

THANK YOU:  The members of Good Shepherd, Pastor Lueck and the Office Staff would like to thank Mandy Kluender for her dedicated service these past seven years serving as the Newsletter Editor.  Janet Evans will now serve as our Newsletter Editor.  Beginning this month  any Newsletter Announcements or Activities you would like published in the OCTOBER NEWSLETTER should now be sent to the church’s email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or put a hard copy in Janet’s mailbox in the church office.  Thank you!  TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the OCTOBER NEWSLETTER.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The October—December 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

THE LADIES MORNING BIBLE STUDY will resume this Tuesday, September 19^th at 9:30 a.m. in the Church Conference Room.  We will begin with some fellowship and light refreshments. The study will be on Chapter 9 “The Parable of the Talents Matthew 25:14-30”.  Hope to see you all this Tuesday!

FROM THE OFFICE:  The AED (Automated External Defibrillator) has now been mounted on the south wall in the narthex.  Please take an opportunity to visually locate it.  Saying prayers that we never need to use it, but if we should: 1) Call 911; 2) Have someone grab the AED; 3) Turn the equipment on and the AED will walk you through what you need to do.  A CPR class will be scheduled at a later date.  Speak with Mary Anne Kirchner if you have any questions.

PORTALS OF PRAYER:  The October—December 2017 Portals of Prayer are available on the book rack in the narthex.  Pick up your free copy today.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

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.

COME ONE, COME ALL!  You are invited to Christ Lutheran Church at 311 N. Hershey Rd., in Normal next Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 3-5:00 p.m. for a Reformation Walk.  The 50 minute tours start at 3:00 p.m. and are free.  Complimentary refreshments will be provided.  For more information please call the church office at (309) 452-5609.

GOD GAVE YOU EACH OTHER….WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH HIS GIFT?  Make it special…say “yes” to a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next Weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on October 13-15, 2017.  Contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information. Preregistration is required – don’t miss out! Registration deadline is this coming Friday, September 22^nd.  Registrations after that date will be on a space available basis.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Latest Polls” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 21:8-11 and Luke 23:23-25.  Believing the latest public opinion poll is not the same thing as believing the truth.  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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September 10, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 18:4 – “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” What does it mean to have childlike faith?  Certainly Jesus does not want us to have a faith that is childish: we are not called to ignorance or silliness.  Rather, we are called to trust the way a child trusts: with complete confidence in the Father.  We show that confidence in our lives when we follow His directives for our life: Father knows best, so we’ll take His advice!

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 HIGH SCHOOL—COLLEGE—AND ADULT BIBLE STUDY will be led by Pastor Weseloh in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

THANK YOU to Reverend Mel Weseloh from Minier for conducting worship and Bible Class this morning.  Pastor Weseloh is celebrating this year 60 years in the ministry.  God’s blessings to you and your work in the Lord’s Kingdom.

TODAY:  Pastor, Toni, and Holden are at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Littlefield, Texas this morning.  This was the 1^st church that Pastor served from 1991—1995.  They are celebrating 100 years as a congregation and Pastor is privileged to be serving in their anniversary worship service.  Pastor will return to the office on Monday afternoon.

THANK YOU:  The members of Good Shepherd, Pastor Lueck and the Office Staff would like to thank Mandy Kluender for her dedicated service these past seven years serving as the Newsletter Editor.  Janet Evans will now serve as our Newsletter Editor.  Beginning this month, any Newsletter Announcements or Activities you would like published in the Newsletter should now be sent to the church’s email at: goodshepherdblm@frontier.com or put a hard copy in Janet’s mailbox in the office.  Thank you!  NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the OCTOBER NEWSLETTER.

OUR DOOR OFFERING LAST SUNDAY for Hurricane Harvey Relief was $1,586.20.

OUR RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE is scheduled for this coming Friday, September 15^th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  We are going to have a football tailgate theme – “Make The Right Play. Give Blood”.  The easiest way to sign-up is to go to redcrossblood.org, put in our zip code (61704) and follow the prompts.  We also have a sign-up at church and have materials to share with your workplace and friends.

THE MOVIE, “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World” which many of us enjoyed in the theater is now coming to television.  It will be shown on PBS this coming Tuesday, Sept. 12^th at 7:00 p.m.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  Our next movie night will be Friday, SEPTEMBER 15^th!  The feature presentation will be the hilarious cowboy comedy “SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF”.  The movie is open to all members of Good Shepherd and the community.  Invite your neighbors to come and enjoy the movie, food and fellowship!  Come early and give blood at the Red Cross Blood Drive and stay for the movie.  On his way to Australia, frontier opportunist, Jason McCullough (Garner) stumbles into a small gold-rush town and decides to earn a little extra pocket money by accepting a temporary assignment as their sheriff.  Happily applying himself to his new position, McCullough manages to turn the town derelict (Elam) into his deputy, outsmart the dreaded Danby clan (led by Brennan in a hilarious comic performance), and fend off the lusty advances of the mayor’s daughter (Hackett) – all without breaking a sweat or dirtying his shiny black boots!  Take a break from the hustle and bustle, come and relax and enjoy a funny Cowboy Comedy Movie!

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

COME ONE, COME ALL!  You are invited to Christ Lutheran Church at 311 N. Hershey Rd., in Normal on Sunday, September 24, 2017 from 3-5:00 p.m. for a Reformation Walk.  The 50 minute tours start at 3:00 p.m. and are free.  Complimentary refreshments will be provided.  For more information please call the church office at (309) 452-5609.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Unleash the Power of Forgiveness In Your Life” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 18:21-35.  Life with God is not about keeping score; it’s about living for others in the grace Jesus earned for us.  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz 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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September 3, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 16:26 – “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his life?”  He who dies with the most toys….is dead.  But the one who trusts in the Lord, even though he dies, yet shall he live.  We live out our trust in the Lord by faithfully fulfilling the roles God has given us to play in home, church, and society as loving, generous people.  Those who don’t know the Lord are afraid to be generous because they think that what they give away is lost to them.  But we who know the Lord know that the things of this world become true blessings when they are used for God’s Kingdom.

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:  In conjunction with our brothers and sisters in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) we will have a Special Door Offering today to support those affected by Hurricane Harvey.  Our gifts will go to the Synod as they work in that area.  I know we are all praying and we ask the Lord to guide.

OUR RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE is now scheduled for Friday, September 15^th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  We are going to have a football tailgate theme – “Make The Right Play. Give Blood”.  The easiest way to sign-up is to go to redcrossblood.org, put in our zip code (61704) and follow the prompts.  We also have a sign-up at church and will have materials to share with your workplace and friends.

THE MOVIE, “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World” which many of us enjoyed in the theater is now coming to television.  It will be shown on PBS on Tuesday, Sept. 12^th at 7:00 p.m.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  Our next movie night will be Friday, SEPTEMBER 15^th!  The feature presentation will be the hilarious cowboy comedy “SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL SHERIFF”.  The movie is open to all members of Good Shepherd and the community.  Invite your neighbors to come and enjoy the movie, food and fellowship!  Come early and give blood at the Red Cross Blood Drive and stay for the movie.  On his way to Australia, frontier opportunist, Jason McCullough (Garner) stumbles into a small gold-rush town and decides to earn a little extra pocket money by accepting a temporary assignment as their sheriff.  Happily applying himself to his new position, McCullough manages to turn the town derelict (Elam) into his deputy, outsmart the dreaded Danby clan (led by Brennan in a hilarious comic performance), and fend off the lusty advances of the mayor’s daughter (Hackett) – all without breaking a sweat or dirtying his shiny black boots!  Take a break from the hustle and bustle, come and relax and enjoy a funny Cowboy Comedy Movie!

FROM THE OFFICE:  We received a letter from former Seminarian and now Pastor Jeremy Hercamp and family.  It updates his first call into the ministry and the birth of their second child.  It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help! 

REFORMATION REVERATIONS: THE LASTING IMPACT OF MARTIN LUTHER’S REFORMS is the topic of the CID LLL Annual Retreat.  The speaker is Dr. Erik Herrmann who is Director of the Center for Reformation Research, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, and Chairman of the Department of Historical Theology.  He was also one of the Commentators for the movie “Luther: The Idea That Changed the World”.  It will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Camp CILCA, Cantrall, IL in the Christian Growth Center starting at 9:00 a.m.  Registration cost is $20.00 which includes lunch.  You will need to register by TOMORROW, Monday, September 4^th by sending your information to Deloris Blessman, 24204 CR 1850N, Topeka, IL 61567 or email her at: delorisblessman@yahoo.com or call her at (309) 361-1461.  Dr. Erik Herrmann will examine the long term effects of Luther’s influence in three areas: religion, politics and society.  Don’t miss this institute!

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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August 27, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of Man is going to come with His angels in the glory of His Father, and then He will repay each person according to what he has done.”  St Paul talks about rewards on the Last Day in I Cor. 3, and Jesus says more about this “repaying” in Matt 19:27-30.  Bottom line: your good works can’t buy you heaven, but in Christ your good works do matter, they’re pleasing your Heavenly Father, and they will be rewarded.  In other words: your sacrifices for the Lord’s Kingdom are not in vain, they are not unnoticed by your Father.  This should encourage you in your faithfulness.

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 we will have another collection for our New Church Sign which will be placed on the south entrance by the trail.

TODAY is Good Shepherd’s Annual Church Picnic at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington.  The eating and festivities will commence around noon.  If you need directions, please speak with Pastor.  Lord Bless our day together.

OUR RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE is now scheduled for Friday, September 15^th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  We are going to have a football tailgate theme – “Make The Right Play. Give Blood”.  The easiest way to sign-up is to go to redcrossblood.org, put in our zip code (61704) and follow the prompts.  We also have a sign-up at church and will have materials to share with your workplace and friends.

THE MOVIE, “Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World” which many of us enjoyed in the theater is now coming to television.  It will be shown on PBS on Tuesday, Sept. 12^th at 7:00 p.m.

FROM THE OFFICE:  We received a letter from former Seminarian and now Pastor Jeremy Hercamp and family.  It updates his first call into the ministry and the birth of their second child.  It is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

100^th ANNIVERSARY OF LLL/LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES CHURCH SERVICE: Yes, the Lutheran Layman’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries is 100 years old.  We will celebrate this Anniversary with a Church Service NEXT SUNDAY, September 3, 2017 at Camp CILCA, Cantrall, IL in the indoor Chapel at 10:30 a.m.  Reverend Ken Schurb will be the speaker and the Offering will go to Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries.  Please stay after the service for Camp CILCA’s Annual Chicken Dinner and Auction.

REFORMATION REVERATIONS: THE LASTING IMPACT OF MARTIN LUTHER’S REFORMS is the topic of the CID LLL Annual Retreat.  The speaker is Dr. Erik Herrmann who is Director of the Center for Reformation Research, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, and Chairman of the Department of Historical Theology.  He was also one of the Commentators for the movie “Luther: The Idea That Changed the World”.  It will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Camp CILCA, Cantrall, IL in the Christian Growth Center starting at 9:00 a.m.  Registration cost is $20.00 which includes lunch.  You will need to register by Monday, September 4^th by sending your information to Deloris Blessman, 24204 CR 1850N, Topeka, IL 61567 or email her at: delorisblessman@yahoo.com or call her at (309) 361-1461.  Dr. Erik Herrmann will examine the long term effects of Luther’s influence in three areas: religion, politics and society.  Don’t miss this institute!

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Finding Life In Jesus’ Steps” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 16:24-25.  Tape joy in the gift of being a follower of Christ who is willing to take His lead and be ordered by His steps.  Reverend Dr. Gregory Seltz 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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August 20, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 15:27:  “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” These are the words of faith, for faith means receiving what God gives.  And God has given us so much more than just the crumbs that fall from the table – He has given us life, salvation, body and soul, eyes and ears, possessions and income.  That’s where our stewardship starts: with faith in the God who is the greatest Giver.

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 SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER.  Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES:  There is a special Board of Trustees Meeting this coming Wednesday, August 23^rd, at 6:30 p.m. to prepare a preliminary Budget for 2018.

NEXT SUNDAY, August 27^th, we will have another collection for our New Church Sign which will be placed on the south entrance by the trail.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC is NEXT SUNDAY, August 27^th at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington.  Start time at approximately 12:00 p.m.  Please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex and on another sheet to let the Board know what you are bringing.  Thank you.

OUR RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE is now scheduled for Friday, September 15^th from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.  We are going to have a football tailgate theme – “Make The Right Play. Give Blood”.  The easiest way to sign-up is to go to redcrossblood.org, put in our zip code (61704) and follow the prompts.  We also have a sign-up at church and will have materials to share with your workplace and friends.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

100^th ANNIVERSARY OF LLL/LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES CHURCH SERVICE: Yes, the Lutheran Layman’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries is 100 years old.  We will celebrate this anniversary with a Church Service on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Camp CILCA, Cantrall, IL in the indoor Chapel at 10:30 a.m.  Reverend Ken Schurb will be the speaker and the Offering will go to Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries.  Please stay after the service for Camp CILCA’s Annual Chicken Dinner and Auction.

REFORMATION REVERATIONS: THE LASTING IMPACT OF MARTIN LUTHER’S REFORMS is the topic of the CID LLL Annual Retreat.  The speaker is Dr. Erik Herrmann who is Director of the Center for Reformation Research, Associate Professor of Historical Theology, and Chairman of the Department of Historical Theology.  He was also one of the Commentators for the movie “Luther: The Idea That Changed the World”.  It will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 at Camp CILCA, Cantrall, IL in the Christian Growth Center starting at 9:00 a.m.  Registration cost is $20.00 which includes lunch.  You will need to register by Monday, September 4^th by sending your information to Deloris Blessman, 24204 CR 1850N, Topeka, IL 61567 or email her at: delorisblessman@yahoo.com or call her at (309) 361-1461.  Dr. Erik Herrmann will examine the long term effects of Luther’s influence in three areas: religion, politics and society.  Don’t miss this institute!

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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August 13, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 14:30: “But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”  The world, really, is a scary place – natural disasters, disease, terrorism, and a hundred other things.  But where do we place our hope, our trust – our vision?  Where do we look for aid and comfort?  When Peter’s eyes were on the Lord, he had confidence.  When he turned to look at his problems and took his eyes off the Lord, he fell apart.  Sometimes God’s call to support the work of His Church with our offerings makes us nervous.  But put your eyes back on your Lord, trust Him, follow His Word, and all, really, will be well.

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.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  “THE MUSIC MAN”, the joyful film of the 1,375-performance Broadway smash, remains an irresistible skyburst of Americana.  Robert Preston recreates his Tony-winning Broadway triumph as con artist, Harold Hill, arriving in River City, Iowa, to form a boys band, much to the disapproval…and later delight of town librarian Marian Paroo (Academy Award winner Shirley Jones).  Buddy Hackett, Hermione Gingold, Paul Ford and 7-year old Ron Howard co-star.  Meredith Willson’s sassy, brassy score, is orchestrated to Oscar-winning effect by Ray Heindorf.  SHEER ENTERTAINMENT.  HOLLYWOOD’S SHOW MAGIC AT ITS BEST.   Join us for a fun evening with a great movie, good food and fellowship this coming Friday, August 18^th at 6:30pm.

NEXT SUNDAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER.  Mandy Kluender is our Editor for the church newsletter and any announcements you want to be published in the Newsletter should be submitted to her at mgkluender@hotmail.com or you may call her at (309) 838-9868.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL CHURCH PICNIC is Sunday, August 27^th at Tipton Trails Park in Bloomington.  Start time at approximately 12:00 p.m.  Please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex and on another sheet to let the Board know what you are bringing.  Thank you.

THE BLOOD DRIVE for Saturday, September 2^nd, had to be cancelled by the American Red Cross.  We are looking to reschedule a date in the next month or two.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF SCHOOL KITS:  It’s that time again for the LWML’s Project Lutheran World Relief School Kits.  We need your help filling the School Kits with the following items for each School Bag:  4 Notebooks; 1 Ruler; 1 Pencil Sharpener; 1 Scissor; 5 Pencils; 5 Pens; 1 Box of Crayons; 1 Eraser; 1 Book Bag.  If you have any questions, please see or contact Joann Hart (309) 310-9205.  Thank you for your help!

DID YOU NOTICE SOMETHING NEW IN THE NORTH STAIRWELL?  The Banner hanging in the north stairwell is a gift from the Don Gronert Family.  His daughter Marsha made it while in college.  It previously hung in the Gronert’s home entry.

FROM THE OFFICE:  If your son or daughter is going away to college or they no longer live at home, please fill out an Information Sheet located on the table in the narthex.  As their church home, we like to stay in contact during these important years by sending them Pastor’s Sermon and the monthly Church Newsletter.  Please return the form to Sandy in the church office when completed.  We lift our young people up in prayer as their spiritual journey continues.

100^th ANNIVERSARY OF LLL/LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES CHURCH SERVICE: Yes, the Lutheran Layman’s League and Lutheran Hour Ministries is 100 years old.  We will celebrate this anniversary with a Church Service on Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Camp CILCA, Cantrall, IL in the indoor Chapel at 10:30 a.m.  Reverend Ken Schurb will be the speaker and the Offering will go to Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries.  Please stay after the service for Camp CILCA’s Annual Chicken Dinner and Auction.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “God’s Dog” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 15:21-28.  Was Jesus being politically correct—or worse—when He compared a Canaanite woman to a canine?  Guest speaker is Reverend Dr. Ken Klaus.  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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