March 12, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”  This is perhaps the most well-known and well-beloved verse in the New Testament – and for good reason.  This simple Gospel message is the foundation for our whole life – our new life in Christ.  This new life is characterized by thankfulness and devotion to our Father who has provided for us so lavishly in Christ.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

MIDWEEK LENTEN WORSHIP:  Our Lenten Worship this week under the theme: “Ironies Of the Passion” begins at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday.  The sermon: “Not During The Feast”.  Your brothers and sisters on the Evangelism/Stewardship Boards will present a gourmet meal (soup, sandwich, sides, dessert and stimulating conversation!) beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the ambience of your church basement.  The free-will Offering will go towards a new sign we are planning for our lower parking lot.  This will be an outreach as the Lord blesses.  Watch for more details coming soon.

OUR MARCH DOOR OFFERING for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will be pushed back a week.  He will be here with his family next Sunday, March 19^th.

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

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your copy today!

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT:  Join us for another great movie this coming Friday, March 17^th at 6:30 p.m. in the church basement.  The movie is “MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN”; based on a true story.  “When Christy discovers her 10-year-old daughter Anna has a rare, incurable disease, she becomes a ferocious advocate for her daughter’s healing as she searches for a solution.  After Anna has a freak accident, an extraordinary miracle unfolds in the wake of her dramatic rescue that leaves medical specialists mystified, her family restored and their community inspired.”  There are plenty of comfortable seats and plenty of food.  See you Friday night!

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN will be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th and place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP:  It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp.  On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp.  There is a discount if Registration is done by Friday, March 31^st.  (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.)  Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship!  Volunteers are needed.  The brochure details the needs and requirements.  Camp CILCA is near Springfield IL, northwest of the city, west of Sherman, IL, about 5 to 6 miles.  Camps start Sunday, June 4^th.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please get these dates on your calendar: Tuesday, May 23^rd, 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  This is when we will be doing our Picture Directory through Lifetouch.

YOU ARE INVTED:  Kammerchor, Concordia University Wisconsin’s select touring choir, will be singing during the worship services at Christ Lutheran Church of Normal, this coming Saturday, March 18^th, at 5:30 p.m., and on Sunday, March 19^th, at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m., as part of their 2017 spring tour.  Admission is free, but a freewill Offering will be collected.  The choir will be singing a program consisting of both accompanied and unaccompanied choral pieces in a variety of musical styles from the 1500s to the present.  For more information please call Patty Downey at (309) 452-5609.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “A Well That Runs Deep Because You Need It” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 4:5-26.  Jesus is determined to meet you today with the water of grace only He can give.  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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March 5, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 4:7:  Jesus said to him, “Again it is written. . .”  Jesus defeats Satan in our place – not by using His power as God, but by His perfect obedience in His perfect humanity.  Jesus defeats Satan not by miracles, but by quoting the Scriptures and living according to it.  This should cause us great joy for two reasons. First, because we see Jesus win the victory for us.  Second, because here Jesus shows us how to stand in that victory: on the Word of God alone.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your copy today!

LENT CONTINUES THIS WEEK with worship on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  “The Ironies of the Passion” message this week is: “It Is Better That One Man Die for the People”.  The restaurant style cuisine will be served by your Board of Elders beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the intimate surroundings of the church basement.  The free-will Offering will be sent to “Lutherans For Life”.

LWML LADIES:  Our next LWML Meeting is this coming Tuesday, March 7^th at 9:00 a.m.

DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME BEGINS:  Next Saturday before those pleasant dreams begin, be dreaming that you have to get up an hour earlier.  That’s right, it is time to “spring forward” with your clocks so that your on-time performance on Sunday mornings continues.

OUR MARCH DOOR OFFERING for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will be pushed back a week.  He will be here with his family on Sunday, March 19^th.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN will be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th an place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

CAMP CILCA SUMMER CAMP:  It is time to register for Camp CILCA Outdoor Ministries Summer Camp.  On the table in the narthex are brochures that detail the schedule; the ages for the different camps and the fee for that camp.  There is a discount if Registration is done by Friday, March 31^st.  (The discount is $25.00 for a full week camp and $10.00 for a partial week.)  Some of you may want to consider sending a granddaughter or grandson to this week of fun, fellowship and worship!  Volunteers are needed.  The brochure details the needs and requirements.  Camp CILCA is near Springfield IL, northwest of the city, west of Sherman, IL, about 5 to 6 miles.  Camps start Sunday, June 4^th.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please get these dates on your calendar: Tuesday, May 23^rd, 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  This is when we will be doing our Picture Directory through Lifetouch.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “The Power of a New Beginning” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from John 3:1-17.  Real help comes to us from the outside.  In Christ, new beginnings and greater endings are still possible  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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February 26, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 17:8:  “And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.”  Jesus is enough.  Moses and Elijah point to Jesus and are happy to fade into the background.  With our eyes focused on Him and Him alone the rest of our lives come into focus.  He is primary, all else secondary.  When that order is right in our lives, things truly fall into place.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Choir Room which is located on the 2^nd level (the west side).

LENTEN DEVOTIONAL BOOKLETS AVAILABLE: “From The Cradle To The Empty Grave” is the title of the Lenten Devotional Booklets from Lutheran Hour Ministries is now available on the table in the narthex.  Pick up your copy today!

LENT BEGINS THIS WEEK with our Ash Wednesday Worship with Holy Communion beginning at 7:00 p.m.  Good Shepherd will do for the first time in her short history “The Imposition of Ashes”.  This is voluntary and if you have questions about this please speak with Pastor.  The theme for our Lenten messages is “Ironies of the Passion”.  This week’s sermon: “This Man Went Home Justified”.

IN OUR MARCH DOOR OFFERING for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp will be pushed back a week.  He will be here with his family on Sunday, March 19^th.

 GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN wil be Saturday, April 1^st – Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to church by Sunday, March 26th an place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please get these dates on your calendar: Tuesday, May 23^rd, 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  This is when we will be doing our Picture Directory through Lifetouch.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “A Savior Who Fights for You!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 4:1-11.  Satan is a bully, but Jesus is the Savior who fights for you.  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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February 19, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Leviticus 19:2:  “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.”  By God’s grace we are His children – and we are called to be spitting images of our Father who is in heaven.  Growing in holiness is not some abstract concept – it is growing into the image of God: in love, in generosity, in kindness, in humility.  Where Jesus goes, we follow. How Jesus is, thus are we called to be.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets in the basement at 9:15 a.m.  In conjunction with the 500^th Anniversary of the Reformation we are studying about that time period with “The Word Endures: Lessons From the Lives of Powerful Politicians”.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL, we study the account “Jesus Walks on Water.”  Jesus was gracious to Peter when he feared drowning. Jesus is gracious to us and is ready to catch us as we sink in sin and unbelief; His hand is always strong to save us.  Consider asking, “How did Jesus rescue Peter?  How does Jesus rescue us?”

TODAY is the deadline for items to be submitted for the MARCH 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.

LENT BEGINS:  The start of Lent will soon be upon us.  March 1^st is Ash Wednesday.  We will have worship with Holy Communion that night beginning at 7:00 p.m.  The theme for Lent 2017 is “Ironies of the Passion”.

GOOD SHEPHERD’S ANNUAL TRIP TO FORT WAYNE, IN wil be Saturday, April 1^st –Sunday, April 2^nd.  Please have all donated items to the church by Sunday, March 26th and  place the donated items in the hall closet area on the 2^nd floor.  We will need to do the packing that week.  Acceptable items are clothing for all sizes, ages and genders; kitchen items of all kinds; some household items would be acceptable.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call Paula Hardy at (309) 829-8432.  Thank you!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:  Please get these dates on your calendar: Tuesday, May 23^rd, 2-9:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 24^th, 2-9:00 p.m.  This is when we will be doing our Picture Directory through Lifetouch.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND:  “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.  For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  Likewise the husband, does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)  Come learn more about the Biblical lessons for your marriage by attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on March 31, 2017 – April 2, 2017.  Apply now at: www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Guilt’s Gone” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.  A guilty conscience accuses; a forgiving Savior brings peace to troubled hearts.  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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February 12, 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  1 Corinthians 3:7:  “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.”  Isn’t that the truth!  And it’s not just true about preachers like Paul, but about all of us in all of the Christian life.  God can do such wonderful things with our feeble efforts.  This is so very true of our gifts to the Lord’s work in the Church.  From His generous giving to us, we learn to give generously; and then the Lord blesses this response to His grace in turn and uses our very giving to continue to bless us in the Church where we hear of His gracious generosity to us. And the cycle repeats, and the Lord gives growth!

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS meets this morning in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL:  The story “Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter” serves as the focus of Sunday School today.  Just as Jesus by word and touch raised the dead girl to life, so by His Word and Sacraments, He kills and buries death and raises us to eternal life.  Questions for discussion include, “How did Jesus heal this little girl?  How does Jesus heal us from the sickness of sin?”

TODAY is our monthly door Offering for Seminarian Jacob Hercamp who is a student at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN.  We look forward to having Jacob and his family with us in March as he will preach and lead the Adult Bible Class.

TODAY:  The Church Council will meet after the 8:00 worship this morning in the church office to discuss the revised bid on the work that was recently approved by the voters.

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

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT:  The February Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “War Room”.  It will be shown this coming Friday, February 17^th, at 6:30 p.m.  “War Room” is a compelling faith drama filled with humor and heart.  Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house.  But appearances can be deceiving.  Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage.  While Tony basks in his professional success, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client,  Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light.  Tony must decide if he will make amends with his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.   Join us for a great movie and a good meal in the warmth of the church basement.  There is plenty of room and plenty of food.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND:  “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.  For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  Likewise the husband, does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)  Come learn more about the Biblical lessons for your marriage by attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on March 31, 2017 – April 2, 2017.  Apply now at: www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information.

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Love Your Enemies—Jesus Does!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Matthew 5:38-48.  God calls us to love and forgive our enemies the way He loves and forgives 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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February 5 2017

THOUGHTS ON STEWARDSHIP:  Matthew 5:17: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”  We cannot keep the Law of God perfectly.  We are sinners.  For us to be saved, Jesus had to fill up the Law in our place.  Now the threat of the Law is abolished – and the Law itself is upheld.  For in Christ now we do desire to fulfill the Law, to live out a godly Christian life – precisely because we are so full of thanksgiving toward God for His salvation in Christ.

THE ADULT BIBLE CLASS will be studying “Here We Stand: A Lutherans For Life Bible Study” this morning in the basement of the church at 9:15 a.m.

TODAY IN SUNDAY SCHOOL students study the account “Jesus Calms a Storm.” Just as Jesus calmed the storm with His Word for the frightened disciples, so He calms and ends the storm of sin and death by taking our sin upon Himself and dying in our place so we may live eternally.  Consider discussing, “What did Jesus do to calm the storm?  How does Jesus calm the storms in our life?”

TODAY:  Please visit the Lutheran Hour Ministries Display in the narthex.  Pick up any and all material.  Featured are the new booklets: “Hope and Healing–Surviving Breast Cancer”; and also, “Grief: Where Sadness and Hope Meet”.  There also are packets of Prayer Outreach Cards.  Pick up a packet and pass them around.

ADULT INSTRUCTION CLASS will begin tomorrow, Monday, February 6^th, at 7:00 p.m.  The class runs eight weeks and lasts about an hour.  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 email him at revbci@yahoo.com.

FRIDAY MOVIE NIGHT:  The February Good Shepherd Lutheran Friday Night Movie is “War Room”.  It will be shown on Friday, February 17^th, at 6:30 p.m.  “War Room” is a compelling faith drama filled with humor and heart.  Tony and Elizabeth Jordan have it all – great jobs, a beautiful daughter, and their dream house.  But appearances can be deceiving.  Their world is actually crumbling under the strain of a failing marriage.  While Tony basks in his professional success, Elizabeth resigns herself to increasing bitterness. But their lives take an unexpected turn when Elizabeth meets her newest client,  Miss Clara, and is challenged to establish a “war room” and a battle plan of prayer for her family. As Elizabeth tries to fight for her family, Tony’s hidden struggles come to light.  Tony must decide if he will make amends with his family and prove Miss Clara’s wisdom that victories don’t come by accident.   Join us for a great movie and a good meal in the warmth of the church basement.  There is plenty of room and plenty of food.

LUTHERAN MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER WEEKEND:  “The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband.  For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does.  Likewise the husband, does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does”. (1 Corinthians 7:3-4)  Come learn more about the Biblical lessons for your marriage by attending a Lutheran Marriage Encounter Weekend.  The next weekend is scheduled in Peoria, IL on March 31, 2017 – April 2, 2017.  Apply now at: www.GodLovesMarriage.org or contact Norm and Deb Lopez at peorialmereg@gmail.com for more information.

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

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.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR:  “Here’s To Life!” is the topic for next Sunday.  The sermon text will be from Deuteronomy 30:15-20.  Even as the world becomes a meaner, angrier place, God calls us to share His life with others.  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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